happy Birthday Andrea Mae Sebugan, more birthdays to come
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DENR works with ombudsman after Bohol execs’ suspension
By J.Lo
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES SECRETARY MARIA ANTONIA LOYZAGA
“Upholding integrity and accountability in environmental governance is paramount to our mission of protecting, conserving and regenerating our natural heritage…we take these matters seriously and are committed to ensuring those responsible for any violation, whether intentionally or inadvertently, are held accountable,” Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said DENR will work closely with Office of the Ombudsman following preventive suspension of Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado and 68 other local officials for six months without pay in connection with investigation into construction of Captain’s Peak Resort at the foot of Chocolate Hills.
In its complaint, ombudsman field investigation office (FIO) charged public respondents with “grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to best interest of service relative to construction, operation and expansion of Captain’s Peak Resort in Canmano, Sagbayan, Bohol, establishment nestled in middle of iconic Chocolate Hills National Monument (CHNM), declared protected in Bohol.”
“Likewise, DENR is actively supporting and advocating for policy and legislative reforms that strike balance between conservation efforts, need for sustainable livelihoods and promotion of responsible ecotourism in protected areas,” Loyzaga added.
Aside from Aumentado, also ordered preventively suspended were chief executives of several towns in Bohol, namely: Sagbayan mayor Restituto Suarez III, Batuan mayor Antonino Jumawid, Catigbian mayor Elizabeth Pace, Clarin mayor Eugenio Ibarra, Bilar mayor Norman Palacio, former Bilar mayor Manuel Jayectin, Bilar vice mayor Ranulfo Maligmat, Sierra Bullones mayor Michael Doria, Sierra Bullones vice-mayor Simplico Maestrado Jr., Valencia mayor Dionisio Neil Balite, Carmen mayor Conchita Delos Reyes and former Carmen mayor Ricardo Toribio.
Also ordered suspended were DENR-Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) regional director Ma. Victoria Abrera and DENR Region 7 Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) regional director Gilbert Gonzales.
Likewise ordered suspended were several barangay officials as well as regional officials of Office of Civil Defense, Department of Science and Technology and Department of Agriculture.
Office of Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. was tasked to implement suspension order.
Chocolate Hills Natural Monument in Bohol is legislated protected area, while entire Bohol Island is also declared UNESCO Global Geopark, only tourism area in the country.
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
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Lower tariffs to slash rice prices by P5
By Nidz Godino
“If we are going to lower tariffs to 17.5 percent, there would be huge reduction in retail prices of rice…our estimate is about P4 to P5 per kilo reduction,” Agriculture Assistant Secretary and spokesman Arnel de Mesa said at forum rice prices could go down by as much as P5 per kilo if tariffs on rice imports would be further reduced.
Reducing rice tariffs below 35 percent would result in retail prices of staple decreasing by P4 to P5 per kilo, De Mesa said.
Finance Undersecretary Domini Velasquez said government is looking at further reducing rice tariffs to around 15 to 20 percent compared to already lowered present rate of 35 percent.
De Mesa was referring to tariff rate earlier floated by Finance Secretary Ralph Recto. Earlier this week, Recto disclosed government wants to cut rice tariffs further to pull down retail prices of staple faster.
Government already extended lower tariff rates of 35 percent on rice imports until end of the year as part of its counter-inflation measures.
Department of Finance is willing to forego estimated revenue losses of “less than P10 billion” arising from rice tariff reduction in exchange for slowing down country’s inflation, Velasquez pointed out.
“Foregone revenues would not matter much if we are able to bring down prices of rice by P4 to P5,” she said.
De Mesa, meanwhile, said prevailing farmgate prices of palay would not be impacted much by tariff reduction because of higher buying price being offered by National Food Authority (NFA).
Rice imports account for about 20 percent of country’s total staple supply.
Rice inflation softened to 23.9 percent inflation in April from 24.4 percent in March, based on PSA data.
Raul Montemayor of the Federation of Free Farmers said reducing rice tariffs further could be “ill timed” since rice competitiveness enhancement fund (RCEF), depends on tariff collections, is being amended and improved.
Lawmakers and officials are keen on raising guaranteed earmark budget of RCEF to P15 billion from present P10 billion since annual tariff collections have been more than P20 billion in recent years.
All rice tariffs collected are used by government to bankroll various programs aimed at making local rice farmers more competitive since RTL law was passed in 2019.
“Let private sector service non-poor consumers at market prices…no need to touch tariffs…if we reduce tariffs, we lose revenues and funds for farmers, depress palay prices with no guarantee that retail prices will go down,” he said.
Palay procurement has tripled, totaling to 2.8 million bags equivalent 126,000 metric tons of rice, but still short of NFA target of nine-day consumption of 300,000 MT, NFA Administrator Larry Lacson said.
NFA has started buying palay for as high as P30 per kilo in latter part of April 2024 after NFA council has approved higher procurement in bid to boost government’s rice buffer stock.
Dry and clean palay ranged between P23 and P30 per kilo, depending on prevailing market price in given province.
Previously, NFA bought dry and clean palay for P19 to P23 per kilo.
For wet and fresh palay, NFA’s buying price ranged from P17 to P23 per kilo from previous P16 to P19 price level.
Meanwhile, Lacson said NFA is ready to supply rice to concerned government agencies and local government units amid threat of La Niña in the country.
According to Lacson, bulk of rice stocks is in hands of private sector and household.
Sen. Cynthia Villar said Senate will pass amendments to Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) or Republic Act 11203 in August after House of Representatives approved similar measure on third and final reading.
Villar, chairs Senate committee on agriculture and food, maintained she is against version of lower chamber aims to bring back power of NFA to import as well as sell staple in the market.
“Department of Agriculture will be given power to import rice… they can import free of tariff which can be used to help poor and victims of calamities,” Villar said.
Rep. Mark Enverga, chairman of House committee on agriculture and food security, earlier assured senators and public that they definitely have “safeguards” in restoring power of NFA in helping stabilize price of rice.
Meanwhile, Villar said proceeds from RTL will be based on percentage collection instead of present fixed amount.
She said under amendments of RTL, allocation from tariff collections to farmers will be based on percentage of collection.
According to Villar, aside from budget allocation for mechanization, inbred seed production, loan for farmers and training, funding for water impounding facilities with solar power, composting machine and emergency fund for rice importation will be added.
Agricultural Sector Alliance of the Philippines lauded passage of Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act imposing severe penalties, including life imprisonment on smugglers, hoarders, profiteers and cartels of agricultural and fishery products.
AGAP party-list Rep. Nicanor Briones said measure aims to protect farmers’ livelihood as well as state from manipulative scheme of economic saboteurs.
Measure imposes penalty of life imprisonment, three times recommended fine and will be non-bailable.
Private citizen can also file case.
Under bill, tipster or whistle blower will receive at least P1 million to P20 million or 20 percent as reward.
Briones said measure protects agricultural producers and welfare of consumers and economy as whole and plugs leakages in tax and duty collection.
He said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order to pursue and hold accountable those involved in smuggling of agricultural products in the country is meaningless if Bureau of Customs is still in council of new law and no case has been filed against smugglers and economic saboteurs.
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance
supports May, Cardiac Illness Prevention Month
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
PM for any hospital discharge problem
China’s fishing ban, a history – Marcos
By Nidz Godino
“There are fishing bans … because it’s season…and this is something that we have actually agreed upon before,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in media interview after Philippine Business Forum in Singapore China’s four-month fishing ban in South China Sea (SCS) is not new and is just extension of country’s maritime claim.
Marcos, described China’s new rule on detaining those who trespassed what it claims to be its borders as “very worrisome.”
“But new policy of threatening to detain our own citizens, that is different. .. escalation of situation…so, yes, it is now very worrisome,” he added as he expressed readiness to exhaust all means to resolve issue peacefully.
China’s maritime claim, covers virtually entire SCS, was voided by Hague-based international arbitral court in 2016.
Chinese government refuses to recognize tribunal’s ruling, also affirmed Philippines’ sovereign rights over its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Philippines and China have had numerous tense encounters in West Philippine Sea (WPS), area in SCS within Philippines’ EEZ and continental shelf.
Manila has assailed Beijing for resorting to aggressive actions to assert its claim in strategic sealane, including use of water cannons and laser pointers on patrolling coast guard vessels.
Earlier this month, China has allowed its coast guard to detain violators of its exit-entry regulations for up to 30 days. For more complicated cases, detention period may be extended to 60 days.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has criticized policy, saying it is inconsistent with United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Philippines has also protested China’s imposition of fishing moratorium in South China Sea from May 1 to Sept. 16 this year, noting it covers Philippine maritime zones.
Asked if there are meetings or backchannel efforts to resolve dispute or at least forge some sort of middle ground with China, Marcos replied: “Yes, of course, there are… I’ve said it many times. ..you should try everything….you don’t know what effort is going to be successful.”
“So, as any point of contact that I can establish, I will use it, and at every level, at leaders’ level, at ministerial, sub-ministerial, private, as long as it gives us, brings us progress in terms of resolving these,” he added.
The Chief Executive asserted such efforts should seek to stop aggressive actions, like use of water cannons and laser pointers and placing of barriers, and allow Filipinos to fish in WPS.
“Let’s start with that… and if we can get to that, then we can move to next step and to see if there is way to resolve all these claims and so that we can all go about our business in peaceful way and continue to try and develop our countries…there are always, always efforts at every level,” he said.
WPS dispute is expected to take centerstage during Marcos’ keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue 2024 in Singapore.
He will be the first Philippine leader to deliver address in annual forum, organized by think tank International Institute for Strategic Studies.
“Fact that they asked Philippine President to come and speak on that very subject is significant in the sense it is recognition that there are challenges that are facing Philippines, specifically, stakeholders are no longer limited to ASEAN ,Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Asia, Indo-Pacific…it really involves global economy already, and so that is why I think Philippines’ position is going to be important in decision-making of many of policymakers around the world,” FMJ said.
Stressing that China’s fishing ban in SCS, includes parts of WPS, has been illegal since it was first implemented in February 2021, Philippine Navy maintained such rules violate international law.
“China is out tune, out of step, out of their minds,” Philippine Navy spokesman for WPS Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad told reporters at press briefing.
Trinidad noted Marcos himself, commander-in-chief, has described fishing ban as unacceptable, with Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. tagging the same as provocative.
“I would like to say that all actions of China that will threaten our national sovereignty, our territorial integrity and welfare of Filipino people will only serve to strengthen Philippine Navy’s and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)’s resolve to perform its mandate…. will further serve as unifying call not only for entire armed forces, but to all Filipinos as well, not only Philippine Navy, but also AFP will fully support actions of other maritime law enforcement agencies, especially Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). Rest assured that we have sufficient contingency plans in place in the event situations will escalate,” Trinidad said.
PN official assured Filipino fishermen, particularly those in Panatag Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc, that Philippine Navy and entire AFP are fully supportive of their actions and their livelihood, which has been traditional source of their income.
“Don’t be afraid, just go on with what you do, and AFP and entire government are behind you,” Trinidad said in message to Filipino fishermen.
For PCG official, China could not be serious in enforcing its so-called regulations that include fishing ban in entire SCS and detaining foreign “trespassers.”
Recently, PCG monitored only two China Coast Guard (CCG) patrol vessels and nine Chinese maritime militia ships surrounding Panatag Shoal, according to Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesman of National Task Force-West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) for PCG.
Tarriela noted figures were fewer than “more than 50” Chinese ships guarded area when massive fleet of fishing boats made up humanitarian mission of Atin Ito Coalition sailed in mid-May.
“We can argue that if China is really serious in enforcing fishing ban at its upcoming regulation, it should have beefed up or boosted additional coast guard vessels deployed,” Tarriela said during interview over state-run Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon media forum.
“Average number of China Coast Guard deployed in Bajo de Masinloc are four vessels; now, it’s just two… doesn’t add up to explain this enforcement will be actualized by China,” he added.
Additionally, Tarriela said Filipino fishermen, particularly those from Zambales and Pangasinan likely to be affected by China’s fishing ban, might probably “ignore” China’s impending policies.
“There are fishermen from Zambales who said they’re just going to ignore this, they will continue to fish Bajo de Masinloc…they know that in the past years, they were able to fish despite China’s fishing ban,” he added.
Tarriela maintained Panatag Shoal is part of Philippine sovereignty in accordance with international law and with 2016 arbitral ruling invalidated China’s nine-dash line theory over entire SCS.
Previously, DFA protested “unilateral” four-month fishing ban by China that will last until mid-September.
Tarriela also called as an “empty threat” and “illegal” regulation for CCG to arrest detain foreign “trespassers” without trial for up to 60 days starting mid-June.
He vowed PCG would “intensify its presence” in WPS by deploying more patrol vessels to ensure safety and security of Filipino fishermen.
Former defense secretary and national security adviser Norberto Gonzales said China wants to be known as another superpower nation in the world, thus one of its ultimate goals is to bully other nations, especially in territorial disputes.
“We should bear in mind ongoing issue in West Philippine Sea is not only territorial problem, but also domestic concern of China,” Gonzales said.
He added one of the reasons China is bullying Philippines is that China knows Philippines is under control of United States.
“China knows that we are under American control that’s why China is that furious on Philippines,” Gonzales said.
Defying China’s fishing ban in areas in WPS, group of Filipino fishermen will embark on collective fishing expedition at country’s territorial waters of Masinloc, Zambales today.
Activity will be conducted by members of Panatag Fisherfolk Association, local affiliate of Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya), who will venture 20 to 30 nautical miles off Masinloc.
Pamalakaya national vice chairman Ronnel Arambulo said more than 20 small fishing boats will join in fishing expedition that will start at around 4 in the afternoon and will end tomorrow at around 8 in the morning.
“There is no better way to assert fishing rights in our exclusive economic zone than to conduct collective economic activity,” Arambulo said in statement.
Pamalakaya Zambales coordinator Joey Marabe said expedition is in response to Beijing’s four-month fishing moratorium in WPS, he said has no basis.
“This is show of fishermen’s objection to China’s baseless fishing ban China that will encroach our territory,” Marabe added.
Meanwhile, BFAR assured public there would be no shortage in fish supply amid China’s unilateral four-month-long fishing ban in SCS.
BFAR spokesman Nasser Briguera vowed BFAR would continue to provide protection to fisherfolk to ensure they can still fish despite ban.
He added that in the last months, BFAR provided assistance to areas where fishermen are located.
“We establish presence of government by ensuring BFAR boats are visible where there are Pinoy fishermen,” Briguera said.
He added that in the last months, BFAR provided assistance to areas where the fishermen are located.
It is already considered provocation once China starts to arrest Filipino fisherfolk, he noted.
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance
supports May, Cardiac Illness Prevention Month
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
PM for any hospital discharge problem
STAR Lifestyle’s Barbara Gonzalez, 79
By Cynthia Montojo
Barbara “Tweetums” Gonzalez-Ventura ,writer and former advertising executive died on May 28 at the age of 79 due to complications from breast cancer.
Her column “From the Heart” was popular fixture in The Philippine STAR’s Sunday Lifestyle Section.
In it she wrote about her daily trials and triumphs, her vocation of making rosaries from beads she would collect and life with her late husband, Loy Ventura, whom she met and married when she was 73 and he was 79.
Gonzalez formerly worked in advertising most notably for Coca-Cola Philippines and was author of books How Do You Know Your Pearls are Real?, On Single Parenthood and Other Ms. Adventures and We’re History!, a collection of her columns on ordinary life.
In 1991 she was National Book Awardee and lauded by Manila Critics Circle. She also conducted writing workshops at Sunshine Place for seniors.
Born on Aug. 8, 1944, Gonzalez-Ventura is survived by her children and their spouses: Risa and Brayton, Sarri and Richard, Panjee, Gino and Faye; her grandchildren and their spouses Paolo and Claudine, Niccolo, Natalia, Mikel, Julian, Santiago and Gabby, Andres, Maxine and Bailey; and great grandson Tristan.
happy Birthday Andrea Mae Sebugan, more birthdays to come
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance
supports May, Cardiac Illness Prevention Month
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
PM for any hospital discharge problem
Comelec eyes ban on AI, deepfakes
By J.Lo
“I will convince our commission en banc to prohibit during campaign period use of AI and deepfakes, because many are confused and misrepresented, and untruths abound when these are used,” Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia is eyeing to ban use of artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfakes during campaign for May 2025 midterm elections.
Garcia said poll body would tackle issue next week.
“We know modern technology…why don’t we use it…however, when campaigning, you should be one that is seen by the people,” he added.
Use of AI can be considered threat to democracy and proper campaigning by candidates, according to the Comelec chief.
In letter sent to the Comelec en banc, Garcia emphasized there is growing concern on threat of AI and deepfakes that could be used to sow deceit and misinformation among voters.
He noted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself, as well as other heads of states, have become victims of deepfake videos.
Deepfakes are synthetic media that have been digitally manipulated to replace person’s likeness.
“Abuse of AI technology and deepfake videos undermine integrity of elections and credibility of public officials, candidates and election management authorities,” Garcia said.
He added deepfakes defeat purpose of campaigning that is meant to truthfully inform voting public about elections and candidates.
Garcia stressed his letter to poll body was general request concerning possible ban on use of AI and deepfakes, but he said commission gets feedback from its law department and its education and information department on what aspects of AI should be restricted during campaign.
What is important at this time, he explained, is that Comelec is taking measures to control wrongdoings during elections.
After banning substitution of candidates in national and local elections, Comelec intends to impose similar prohibition on party-list nominees who will participate in next year’s elections.
Garcia said poll body intends to require party-list groups to submit 10 nominees instead of previous requirement of five.
He added that Comelec would impose requirement to prevent instances of substitution long after party-list elections.
“It’s impossible that five original nominees will all resign… seems to have semblance that is unrealistic, if there are 10 nominees at onset and five will withdraw, there will be five remaining; if seven will withdraw, there will be three remaining,” he pointed out.
For the Comelec chief, highly unlikely for all 10 nominees to withdraw which will prompt party-list group to submit list of substitute nominees.
“There ought to be no substitution when we talk about party-list to be fair to all, that’s why we will require to submit 10 nominees so that there will always remain,” he added.
At this time, Comelec is deliberating on list of party-list groups that will be allowed to participate in next year’s elections, according to Garcia.
Meanwhile, number of aspiring new voters seeking to vote in next year’s elections has reached over 3.2 million, Comelec reported.
Data showed since resumption of voter registration last Feb. 12, total of 3,210,523 aspiring voters have submitted their applications for registration.
Biggest number of applicants came from Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) with 568,411, followed by National Capital Region with 463,364.
Total of 5,443 aspiring voters filed their applications before Comelec main office in Intramuros, Manila.
Central Luzon ranked third with 372,090 applicants, followed by Central Visayas with 218,329 and Davao Region with 184,141.
Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) recorded lowest number of applicants with 41,607, followed by Mimaropa (Mindoro Provinces, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) with 80,621 and Caraga with 81,789.
Of total number of applicants, 1,654,842 are females while 1,555,681 are males.
Garcia said Comelec had already exceeded its target of 3 million new voters.
Poll body, will continue to encourage all eligible voters to register until last day of registration on Sept. 30.
In another development, Comelec has awarded contract for procurement of online voting and counting system (OVCS) to be used in overseas voting for next year’s polls.
After thorough deliberation, Comelec en banc ordered issuance of notice of award to joint venture SMS Global Technologies and Sequent Tech Inc., which has offered lowest calculated bid (LCB) of P112 million.
“After careful review and consideration of foregoing and noting that in this procurement project, where approved budget for contract is P465,810,926.56, bid of LCB joint venture SMS Global Technologies and Sequent Tech in the amount of P112,000,000 will result in a P353,810,926.57 total savings, if awarded, is advantageous to the government,” poll body said in resolution approved.
Comelec approved resolution after its special bids and awards committee (SBAC) junked motion for reconsideration filed by joint venture of Voatz Inc.-ePLDT Inc. and EBizolution Inc. for lack of merit.
SBAC found no reason to reverse decision declaring joint venture led by SMS Global as bidder with lowest calculated and responsive bid.
Joint venture of Voatz Inc.-ePLDT Inc. and EBizolution Inc. sought disqualification of winning bidder for allegedly not possessing qualification required under bid.
With resolution, Garcia said poll body could proceed with preparations for next year’s elections.
He added that after signing of t= contract, Comelec would issue notice to proceed and then customization of automated counting machines (ACMs) could continue.
OVCS will be used by Filipinos who will cast their votes abroad.
Comelec released last night official calendar of activities for next year’s midterm elections.
Based on calendar, election period will begin on Jan 12, 2025 and end on June 11, 2025.
Gun ban shall be in effect during five-month period.
From Oct. 1 to 8, those running for polls may file their certificates of candidacy while party-list groups will file their certificates of nomination and acceptance.
Campaign period for senatorial candidates and party-list groups will be from Feb. 11, 2025 to May 10, 2025.
Candidates for House of Representatives, parliamentary, provincial, city and municipal offices will allowed to campaign from March 28, 2025 to May 10, 2025.
Overseas voting will be from April 13, 2025 to May 12, 2025 while voting for local absentee voters is from April 28 to 30, 2025.
Liquor consumption and campaigning shall be prohibited from eve of elections until election day.
Former Caloocan representative Edgar Erice dared Comelec to demonstrate and prove to Supreme Court and legislators that ACMs manufactured by joint venture led by Korean firm Miru Systems Co. Ltd. will work.
“ Comelec must prove to Supreme Court its contract with Miru is not illegal,” Erice said during Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum.
“But I can also prove that Comelec-Miru deal is not only illegal, but also dangerous,” he added.
Former lawmaker maintained hybrid election system by Miru is illegal and unnecessary to be rolled out for next year’s elections.
He insisted Comelec could still scrap deal with Miru and just use old ACMs.
happy Birthday Andrea Mae Sebugan, more birthdays to come
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance
supports May, Cardiac Illness Prevention Month
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
PM for any hospital discharge problem
Lawmakers back filing of case vs Guo
By Nidz Godino
“This is blatant already, this Bamban Mayor Alice Guo…based on her answers, we must look if she is really Filipino…she should not be mayor if she cannot prove her Filipino citizenship… only proper that she be removed as mayor,” Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. of Manila said plan of Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) to file quo warranto case against Mayor Alice Guo of Bamban town in Tarlac got backing of two members of House of Representatives.
Quo warranto is legal remedy that is used to challenge person’s rights to hold public or corporate office.
At briefing, Reps. Abante and Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur declared imperative to ensure public servants fulfill all requirements for holding public office.
According to Abante, Guo should be stripped of mayorship if it is proven that she is not Filipino.
Guo is facing investigation at Senate for her alleged involvement in illegal operation of POGOs in the province.
Her identity as Filipino is being questioned as her responses concerning her birth and family background were vague.
Abante noted important to verify Guo’s Filipino citizenship as he expressed concerns over her “potential foreign influence.”
“China does not only want to control West Philippine Sea, but entire Philippines and even universities,” he maintained, apparently referring to influx of Chinese students near Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in Cagayan province.
For his part, Adiong underscored importance of preserving integrity of electoral process and protecting rights of natural-born Filipinos. “OSG just wanted to protect our electoral processes which should be for … Filipinos,” he said.
Adiong raised personal concerns regarding citizenship acquisition process, particularly its apparent inconsistencies and inefficiencies. He sought comprehensive review of local registry procedures.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has been conducting probe on Guo in connection with both issue on her citizenship, as well as controversial POGO hub in her town.
Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos said as early as April 5, he had ordered creation of task force to probe any possible administrative misconduct or neglect by LGU officials in connection with illegal POGO hub in Bamban, Tarlac.
Benjamin Zaballa, chief operations audit division of Internal Audit Service, was tasked to lead task force.
Task force was ordered last May 10 to also conduct fact-finding on concerns regarding citizenship and eligibility for public office of Guo.
“We already created task force way back in April.;;anytime, everything will come out…this is recommendatory for ombudsman…all actions, very comprehensive what happened…on permits and second on citizenship,” he said.
He said all findings are recommendatory and will be forwarded to Office of the President and Office of the Ombudsman as soon as they are available.
Abalos said they do not have any power to suspend or dismiss Guo as only two offices have that authority.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.backed further investigation on Guo, citing ongoing Senate probe, as he added that Tarlac politicians do not know her.
Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said they are also gathering information to determine if Guo is illegally “holding or exercising public office.”
Guo need her mother to come out.to finally settle questions on her nationality, camp of embattled mayor is appealing for her biological mother to step forward.
“If you are the mother… if you really love your daughter, come out…your daughter is going through this…you’re the only one who can say that she is your daughter,” Guo’s lawyer Stephen David said.
Guo, in an earlier interview claimed she was born out of wedlock. Her biological mother, she said, was kasambahay or helper of her Chinese father. She also claimed that her mother left her after she was born.
The mayor’s claim regarding her mother’s identity was contrary to contents of her birth certificate, registered late with Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
It identified her parents as Angelito Guo and Amelia Leal, who were supposedly married and had two other children.
PSA official earlier told senators that Leal does not have existing records with PSA.
Asked about possible falsification of documents, David said Bamban mayor cannot be held criminally liable as she was not the one who registered her birth at PSA.
“What she knows is that she is daughter of her father’s helper… but birth certificate in question, who submitted that… she did not submit it, she has no participation in that regard, so how can she have any criminal liability?” added lawyer.
Guo’s father, whom the mayor confirmed to be Chinese national, reportedly was the one who registered mayor’s birth when she was 17 years old. He will be invited to the next Senate hearing.
During interview, David support for Senate’s plan to summon others involved in the matter, as well as to hold executive session in next hearing.
Guo’s lawyer have not received any formal communication regarding possible cases against mayor.
He also confirmed plans to file charges against those who are making “below the belt” claims, such as those claiming to be Guo’s father or siblings.
“When you malign reputation of someone, even if she is being accused of something, that is not fair because she is not yet charged before court,” said David.
Guo will run for reelection in 2025, stressing that her constituents should have say on the issue regarding their mayor.
Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) stalwart Senator Sherwin Gatchalian wants Mayor Guo expelled from party over her alleged ties to money laundering and syndicates.
“Personally based on what I am seeking my take is that she should be expelled from NPC because of her ties to illegal POGO,” Gatchalian said during Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum referring to Philippine offshore gaming operators.
Gatchalian made this call as he detailed Guo’s alleged dealings with fugitives in setting up offshore gaming hub in her town.
Her ties to criminal syndicates should be enough reason to kick her out of NPC, which she only joined as mayor because it was ruling party in Tarlac, said Gatchalian, member of NPC advisory council.
Guo ran as an independent in 2022.
“I will air my views as member of advisory council and stress importance of maintaining integrity as members of NPC…keeping her would set bad precedent because she is not the type of member we want for our party,” Gatchalian said.
“It is important for members to have high level of integrity and good moral conduct, by not being involved in this kind of criminality,” he added.
The senator also sounded alarm about possibility that Guo’s family of companies could have been used for money laundering, citing Guo family farm and embroidery business which have good cash flow despite not making income.
“We did lot of research in expanding our investigation to look into money laundering…we estimate that it took P6.1 billion to invest in 10-hectare property with 37 buildings…where did that money come from?” Gatchalian said.
Guo’s alleged involvement in other crimes would be tackled in Senate’s next executive session hearing, Gatchalian said.
POGO businesses of Chinese businessmen in the Philippines may have other agenda, according to former national defense chief Norberto Gonzales.
“We don’t know, there may be another hidden agenda behind POGO operations in the Philippines… Chinese are known to be good at strategy,” Gonzales said.
His statements came as Senate is also investigating Mayor Guo for her alleged involvement in POGO operations of Chinese nationals in her hometown.
Reported POGO in Bamban, Tarlac has turned into hub for those involved in online love scam, crypto scam and all other scamming, based on reports received by government authorities, prompting Presidential Anti-Organized Crime to conduct raid into so-called “mini BGC” in Bamban town.
happy Birthday Andrea Mae Sebugan, more birthdays to come
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance
supports May, Cardiac Illness Prevention Month
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
PM for any hospital discharge problem
Komedya o Komida
Ni Derek Jorge
Binang Elementary School Ika-54 na pagtatapos, mabuhay!!!
“HINDI nabibili ang magulang”, ang mensahe ni Barangay Binang 1st Administrator Ricardo Sta. Ana nang katawanin niya si Chairman Alfredo Quiambao sa ika-54 na pagtatapos ng Binang Elementary School. Shout out muna kina Binang 1st Barangay Chairman Alfredo Quiambao, secretary Michelle Santos at treasurer Con-con Adatu,admin Ricardo Sta. Ana, konsehal Aru Cando, Pepito Nicandro, Gerry Noel. Dahil nga hindi nabibili ang magulang kaya iisa lamang ang nagluwal sa iyo sa daigdig ang pangaral ni Carding sa kulang sa 70 estudyanteng nagsipagtapos sa grade 6. Malaki na ang isinulong ng paaralang ito mula nang ako ay magtapos rin ditto noong 1975. Noo’y kanya-kanya pa kami ng dalang silya at sa mismong paaralan ginanap ang pagtatapos. Sa graduation 2024, sa auditorium na ng Dr. Yanga’s Colleges ginanap, ditto rin ako nagtapos ng sekundarya noong 1979 at sa taong ito ay ipinagdiriwang naming ang ika-60 taon mula nang lisanin ng batch ang eskuwelahang ito. Kaya lamang ay nakalulungkot na hindi maasikaso ng kinauukulan ang papeles ng paaralang Binang Elementary School at walang matinong makausap hinggil ditto. Magdaraos ang batch 75 ng reunion at harinawang matalakay ang kapakanan ng paaralan. Sinariwa rin ni Carding na noong panahon niya ay hanggang grade 4 lamang ang klase rito na kapag grade 5 na ay sa Bocaue Central Scool na mag-aaral kaya hindi karamihan ang nakatatapos ng elementarya. Komida itong kapana-panabik na sorpresang handog ng embahada ng Pransya sa Pilipinas, magpapatikim sila ng pagkaing lutong Pranses sa lansangan ng Makati City. . Sa mga mahihilig sa event, antabayanan ninyo ito. Magpapatikim ang mga Pranses ng putahe, alak, lutong Pinoy na itatampok sa French Food Market sa mga lansangan ng lungsod Makati sa Hunyo 1 at 2, 2024. “French street food, crêpes, pastries and other delights with wines, liqueurs, coffees and beverages will be presented by Goût de France (Good France) Street Market on tree-lined Paseo Avenue along Ayala Triangle on June 1 to 2.” “Goût de France” ay ipinakilala kasambahay noong taong 2015 ng French Ministry of Foreign Affairs kapartner si chef Alain Ducasse. Nasa 20 French restaurant at pangunahing otel ang kalahok sa Goût de France hatid ang “special Goût de France menu” sa buong lingo hanggang June 9. Komedyante itong ospital sa kabayanan ng Bocaue, Bulacan, hindi nga ho ito kasambahay naniningil ng deposito agad at palilipasin muna ang 24 oras pero bawal ang promisorry letter. . Pagkuha mo Kiwal, bulati kong kikiwal-kiwal ng kwarto sa ipaaadmit mong pasyente, walang charity ward doon, P1,900 at P2,200 lang ang halaga ng room, palalagdaan sa iyo ang kasulatang bawal ang promisorry letter. Sige lang pirma, pero alam naman ng mga abogado nitong ospital na may “Anti-hospital hostage law” na hindi dahilan ang kakapusan mon ang pananalapi upang hindi ka pauwiin kung galling ka na at ang unang hakbang para magamit mo ang batas ayh PM. PM lang din ho sa akin kung may problema kayo sa discharge ng inyong pasyente. Pagbati sa mga kongresistang nagsisikap pagmalasakitan ang kapakanan naming mga nakatatanda-pagpapanatili sa 20% diskwento sa mga pangunahing pangangailangan. . Pero bakit kaya hanggang 20% lang Kiwal, bulati kong kikiwal-kiwal, dahil ba tinatanggal lang ang tubo sa puhunan at hindi ito kailangang galawin? Sa panukala nitong ilang deputado, ipinasasaklaw sa diskwento kahit mga produktong ipinakikilala pa lamang sa pamamagitan ng “promo”. Ipinaggigiitan ho ng mga hotel na ang mga ratang nasa promo gaya ng P500 ang sampung oras na pamamalagi na hindi saklaw ng 20% discount. Yun ho kasing promo ng kumpanya ay para sa kapakanan nito, paano naman ang batas na nilalabag na, dapat pang idiskwento ang nasa promo. Gusto ko ring tingkiin ang petrolyo, gasoline at krudo ng nagpapakargang senior citizen, dapat ikonsidera rin. Komedya na naman ang magaganap sa mga lansangan sa pagtataguang pung at girian ng mga “unconsolidated traditional jeepney” at magsisiga-sigaang enforcer. Tapos na kasi kasambahay ang grace period ng mga uncon at simul ana ng tugisan ng mga kulorum. Tyak magtatago ang mga kulorum hanggang manghinawa ang mga tugis boys. Alam nyo naman ang ugaling ningas-kugon, di pa rin nawawala at alam ng mga kulorum yun, pahinga muna, payagay-tagay muna. Pagkatapos ng sigwada, muling mamamayagpag ang mga kulorum, “happy days are here again”. Dyan nga Kiwal, bulati kong kikiwal-kiwal sa Imus City, Cavite, marami sa mga traditional jeepney ang ni walang ruta sa gilid, byaheng Dasmarinas City bayan-Imus City proper, kinunsinte ng mga awtoridad at pamahalaang lokal. Inutil rin dyan ang bantay-kulorum. Mababawasan kasambahay ang komedya sa munisipyo, city hall at barangay hall dahil mauudlot ang pamumulitika sa pamamahagi ng ayuda ng mga pulitiko. . Hindi na ho kasi kasambahay idaraan sa opisina ng mga ehekutibo lokal ang ayuda ni Social Welfare secretary Rex Gatchalian. Ito ho bang Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program o AKAP. Ang konswelo na lang ni Mayor at barangay chairman ay makapagmasid sa pamimigay, iniiwasan na ho kasi Kiwal, bulati kong kikiwal-kiwal na akalain ninyong mula sa pulitiko iyon kaya muling maiboboto sa nalalapit na naming halalan. Komedya naman talaga itong nagaganap sa ating hudikatura, makaraan kasambahay ng mahigit isang dekadang paglilitis, katarungan nang tinatawag ang pagkakakulong ng tigagalawang taon ng dalawang saragateng tsuper na kahit tinawag ng korteng maingat naman sa pagmamaneho ay nakamatay pa rin ng beteranang mamamahayag at edukador. Makukulong nga kasambahay itong dalawang tsuper Daniel Espinosa at Victor Ancheta makaraang mapatunayan ni Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 83 Judge Ralph Lee na nagkasala ng reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property with homicide sa pagkamatay ng journalist at UP Professor Chit Estella. Pinagbabayad naman kapwa ang Universal Guiding Star Bus Line Corp. at Nova Auto Transport Bus Corporation ng P7.46 milyong “moral and exemplary damage” sa pamilya ni Estella o Lourdes Estella-Simbulan. Masasabing nasa “wrong place at wrong time” si Chit nang mga panahong iyon. Itong tsuper ng traditional jeepney byaheng Sto. Nino -Meycauayan City, mas pinili pang libre pamasahe kaysa tanggapin ang perang papel na P20, baka raw kasi hindi tanggapin mula sa kanya. Kasambahay, hangga’t hindi pinawawalang-bisa ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas ang pinalaganap nitong salapi sa bansa, kung nababasa pa naman ang serial number, hindi ito pwedeng hindi tanggapin. Isinukli din naman sa akin ang P20, at tinanggap ko naman kaya kailangang tanggapin mo rin driver, ang katangahan, hindi ipinag-aaraw-araw yan. Kung walang tatanggap, ang bangko, kahit anong bangko tatanggapin yan. Kasama yan sa hanap-buhay mo driver, kung wala pala akong alam, ibang salapi pa ang ibabayad mo, nungka. Consolidated na ba yang jeep mo, kung hindi magtago ka na. Tinutugis ho ngayon ng mga pulis ang kabaro nilang babae dahil nahuling nakikipagniig sa kapwa pulis at huli rin ng maybahay ang katalik. Hindi kinilala ni Col. Fajardo ang pasaway sa matinding kahihiyan, sino kaya ang life coach niyan? Nananawagan kasambahay ang obispong katoliko sa mga panatikong magdasal para ulanin. Noong araw ipinagpuprusisyon pa ng mga panatiko ang paghingi ng ulan kaya lang galit ang itaas sa pagkikilik ng imahen sa prusisyon dahil iyon ay dinidiyos pa kaysa Kanya. Paano diringgin kung mali ang pamamaraan. Lalo lamang lalala ang sitwasyon kung hindi matututuhan ng tao ang tamang pagtawag sa nasa Itaas.
Shout out muna sa Values Bocaue Advocates, Wilfredo Jimenez Jr., Alex Driodoco, Gemma Daseco, Delfin Lawa at Alex Castro. Shout out muna sa mga may “hang over” pang bagong Marked Men for Christ”. Nagsipagtapos ng phase 2 at 3 seminar sa Plaridel,Bulacan staff na kayo kung saka-sakali, unang staffing nyo ang Phase 1 sa San Carlos City, Pangasinan sa HUlyo 3-5,2024. Jonathan Fernandez, nagkakalimutan na yata a.. Salamat JO1 Adrian Montojo, magkatulungan tayo sa ikarereporma ng mga detenido.
“Average number of daily reported cases for the week of May 14 to 20 is 202, less than half compared to around 500 per day at the start of this year and also compared to around 1,750 per day in the middle of May 2023,” Department of Health (DOH) said cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines remain mild and manageable amid flagged Omicron subvariants like KP.2 and KP.3 that have likely entered the country.
All regions remain at low risk for COVID-19.
As of May 18, average daily reported severe, critical and intensive care unit COVID-19 admissions were much fewer compared to the same period last year, DOH noted.
Of the new cases reported for the said week, 16 were severe or critical.
There were 12 deaths, with five recorded from May 7 to 20.
Only 12 percent of dedicated COVID-19 ICU beds and 14 percent of total COVID-19 beds were occupied.
Severe and critical cases admitted to hospitals account for nine percent of total admissions.
There is still no scientific basis for travel restrictions, DOH said.
Bureau of Quarantine is closely watching points of entry nationwide.
Health care workers, senior citizens and immunocompromised persons should be vaccinated against flu and pneumonia to combat COVID-19 “FLiRT” variant, according to Rep. Janette Garin.
Omicron subvariants KP.2 and KP.3 are part of FLiRT variant, novel virus that is spreading globally.
They came from JN.1 subvariant that was reported in late 2023 and responsible for this year’s earlier increase in infections.
Garin, served as late president Benigno Simeon Aquino III’s health secretary, also advised Filipinos to wash their hands frequently, practice proper hygiene and have adequate rest and nutritious balanced diet.
FLiRT variants have reportedly been detected in Singapore, Thailand, India, China, Hong Kong, Nepal, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, United States and 14 European countries.
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance
supports May, Cardiac Illness Prevention Month
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
PM for any hospital discharge problem
Ph, Brunei forge pact on maritime coop
By Nidz Godino
“We hope to expand partnerships that we have begun and we feel that there is much potential that we can examine,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his first trip to Brunei as head of state, witnessed along with his host Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah signing of maritime cooperation agreement covering information and research sharing, pollution control and skills training, among others.
Memorandum of understanding on maritime cooperation was one of four deals whose signing was witnessed by Marcos and Bolkiah. Other MOUs were on tourism, seafarers’ training and food security.
It was not clear if signing of MOU on maritime cooperation had anything to do with Marcos’ pre-departure statement that he would discuss with Bolkiah “ways for further cooperation with Brunei in ensuring defense of our countries and of our region.”
Philippines is embroiled in dispute with China over maritime claims in South China Sea.
Two Southeast Asian countries also forged MOUs on mutual recognition of Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) certificates and on boosting tourism.
Also signed was letter of intent to renew MOU on food security and agricultural cooperation.
Two leaders witnessed signing of deals at Istana Nurul Iman, Brunei leader’s official residence. It was one of the first events during Marcos’ two-day visit here.
“I think MOUs that are being signed today that we shall witness, Your Majesty, will be very good start to once again re-energize, and I think areas that we have talked about that we have paid attention to for these MOUs are certainly rich with potential,” he added.
Sultan cited two countries’ stronger people-to-people exchanges and economic ties.
“I’m looking forward to further enhancing our friendship in areas of future interest, I believe will greatly benefit our countries and people,” Bolkiah said.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said MOU on maritime cooperation is “crucial for maritime nations like Philippines and Brunei.”
MOU on recognition of certificates issued under provisions of International Convention on STCW for seafarers permits two countries to recognize national certificates issued by each other’s agencies. It replaces and updates prior MOU inked by two countries in 2001.
MOU on tourism cooperation, meanwhile, was signed between Philippines’ Department of Tourism and Brunei’s Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism. It seeks to generate cooperative tourism projects, boost tourist arrivals between two countries, support niche tourism development, particularly in area of Islamic tourism, and promote Muslim-friendly destinations.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said agreement sets stage for “dynamic” partnership between Philippines and Brunei.
She noted deal includes collaborations to expand Halal and Muslim-friendly tourism, medical and wellness tourism, meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibition tourism and to increase tourism investments.
“Collaboration is expected to enhance overall tourist experience, strengthen economic ties and contribute to sustainable development of tourism industry in both countries,” Frasco said in statement.
Philippines’ Department of Agriculture and Brunei’s Agriculture and Agrifood Department also inked an LOI to pursue further cooperation aimed at achieving food security by increasing production of agricultural products and further modernizing farming technologies.
Letter is product of third Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation between two countries convened in Manila on Aug. 15 last year.
“It underscores interest of both Philippines and Brunei to explore further cooperation and collaboration on field of agriculture for food security and sustainable agriculture between two countries,” PCO said.
ISKUP! 