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NFA brass corruption probe over cheap rice sale

By J.Lo

“We do not brush aside reports of impropriety against officials of the Department of Agriculture, regardless of the source. We also welcome any government agency who may wish to conduct their own probe to ferret out the truth,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.said

 National Food Authority (NFA) is facing an investigation for corruption after it allegedly sold rice to some traders at lower prices.

Some NFA officials allegedly authorized the sale of milled rice stored in the agency’s warehouse at P25 per kilo without bidding even after purchasing grains in palay form at P23 per kilo.

A panel has been formed to probe the allegations, according to Laurel.

 “We are custodians of government funds – monies to be spent for the benefit of Filipinos, especially farmers and fisherfolk. Taxpayers’ money shouldn’t be squandered to line anybody’s pockets,” he added.

Laurel vowed stiff penalties and sanctions against corrupt officials.

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PAO chief to fine P180 k for contempt

By J.Lo

“Atty. Acosta’s actions violated Sections 2 and 14, Canon II of the CPRA which enjoin lawyers to respect the courts, to submit grievances against court officers only through the appropriate remedy and before the proper authorities and to refrain from making unfounded statements insinuating improper motive on the part of court officers,”  

Supreme Court (SC) has slapped a fine of P180,000 on Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) chief Persida Acosta over her statements against the “conflict of interest” provision in the new lawyers’ code of conduct, citing her for indirect contempt and grossly undignified conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.

According to the SC Public Information Office (PIO), the High Court found Acosta’s statements and innuendos on her Facebook page “attributed ill intent and malice to the Court.”

The SC also found that Acosta “tried to sway public opinion to pressure the SC” against the said provision of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA) when the PAO chief launched a public campaign against the provision and publicizing the contents of the PAO’s letters to Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo requesting the deletion of the same rule.

Under Section 22 of the CPRA, conflict of interest is only limited to any of the PAO lawyers and the lawyer’s direct supervisor, allowing PAO lawyers to represent opposing parties.

The CPRA, which was launched last April, replaced the 34-year-old Code of Professional Responsibility that governs lawyers.

In July last year, the SC denied the request and reminded PAO of its mandate to provide free legal services to marginalized parties.

The high tribunal also ordered Acosta to explain why she should not be charged administratively for issuing an office order that gave public attorneys the “discretion and disposition” to comply with the provision of the CPRA.

The SC called Acosta’s sentiments, which she aired on social media, as “unabated public tirades.”

Acosta has since issued an apology for her statements.

The SC ordered Acosta to pay a P30,000 fine for indirect contempt and P150,000 for grossly undignified conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.

Aside from Acosta, also found guilty of indirect contempt was Erwin Erfe, who also wrote a Facebook post accusing the SC of judicial tyranny over the conflict of interest provision.

He was ordered to pay a fine of P10,000 after submitting his Most Humble Apology, explaining that his now-deleted Facebook post was spurred by his emotions.

He added that he already saw the rationale behind the conflict of interest provision and expressed willingness to fully comply.

The SC warned Acosta and Erfe that a repetition of the same or similar offense will be dealt with more severely.

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Skills trng integration into K-12 curriculum

By Nidz Godino

“We should provide additional skills for both the academic and TVL track programs. Not because they are in remote areas, they should automatically take the TVL track,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said to increase the employability of senior high school (SHS) graduates, ordered the integration of skills training into the K-12 curriculum.

Marcos gave the directive during a meeting with the education sector, led by Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio, at Malacañang.

The President reiterated his order to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Education (DepEd) and Department of Labor and Employment to work closely with industries so that skills and education are aligned with the demand of companies.

At a Palace press briefing, TESDA director general Suharto Mangudadatu stressed that the proposal would not change the K-12 curriculum, but would strengthen the program by adding a practicum component.

Mangudadatu noted the technical-vocational-livelihood or TVL was separated from the academic track under the K-12 program.

He added that this would not be an additional task for teachers as schools would decide on the training or skills that would be added in the subjects based on the available resources in particular areas.

“For instance, the school offers ABM (accountancy, business and management) strands, the teacher underwent training from TESDA will allocate the practicum side, bookkeeping,” Mangudadatu explained.

“If you are in far-flung areas in the countryside … you can’t teach megatronic programs there because there’s no electricity, but you can teach bookkeeping because you have ballpen, calculator and ledger, so it depends,” he added.

Marcos ordered the creation of a technical working group that will study the proposed embedding of skills development into the DepEd curriculum, according to TESDA deputy director general Rossana Urdaneta.

Urdaneta, who was also at the Palace briefing, cited a study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, which showed that only 20 percent of the country’s SHS graduates have landed employment.

Under the proposal, Urdaneta said K-12 graduates would receive both a diploma and a National Competency Skills Certification from TESDA.

The DepEd launched last year the MATATAG curriculum, a revised basic education curriculum under the K-12 program that covers kindergarten up to Grade 10.

The revised curriculum for SHS or Grades 11 and 12 will have a pilot run in School Year  2025-2026, according to Duterte.

The DepEd’s “failure” to assess the learning recovery program and curriculum changes based on evidence, not poorly trained teachers, is what clogs learning recovery measures for Filipino students, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) said.

In a statement, the ACT scored the initial assessment of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) that the lack of in-depth training that teachers receive to help struggling readers weakens the DepEd’s measures for learning recovery.

The ACT said that had the DepEd conducted a comprehensive, evidence-based learning assessment and a genuine consultation with teachers and other stakeholders, the agency could better address the diverse learning needs of Filipino students amid the learning crisis.

“Teachers are now again frowned at for the ineffectiveness of the DepEd’s reading intervention program despite bearing the burden of its abrupt implementation. EDCOM 2 fails to critically identify where the clog in learning recovery is coming from,” ACT chairman Vladimer Quetua said.

“We have long called for a comprehensive evidence-based assessment of our learners to objectively determine the learning gaps and from where a program of intervention and curriculum revision can be drawn up. It is also crucial that teachers and other education stakeholders are actively involved in the entire process of drafting intervention programs and curricular changes,” Quetua added.

The ACT stressed that the responsibility to deal with declining education quality should not rest solely on teachers, adding that accountability and leadership from the Marcos administration and the DepEd are also needed.

Aside from these, the ACT said the government needs to address the poor working conditions of teachers and the shortage of teachers, school workers, classrooms, desks and other learning facilities and equipment.

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Komedya o Komida

Ni Derek Jorge

Komedyanteng Puloy

Komedyante rin talaga itong  “hirang na anak ng dios” Apollo Quiboloy, may banta raw sa kanyang buhay. Shout out muna sa mga may “hang over” pang bagong Marked Men for Christ”. Nagsipagtapos ng phase 1 seminar sa Asia Pacific Theological Seminary, Baguio City. Itakda na agad-agad ang phase 2 Bishops Dante Agustin, Oliver Mutuc, Daniel Osorio. Hinihintay kasambahay ni  Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla ang hirit ekstradisyon ni Uncle Sam laban kay Puloy. Mayroon kasing usapang ekstradisyon kapwa ang Pinas at Tate na ibibiyahe sa mga ito ang kanikanilang tugis-kriminal. Sandal Kiwal, bulati kong kikiwal-kiwal, ‘di pa naman sentensyado si Puloy kaya ‘di pa kriminal. Ang hiling sa ulo ni Puloy ay tatanggapin muna ng DFA at ipapasa sa DOJ, aarestuhin ang nagtatagong Puloy at ibibigay sa kano. Sikat itong si Puloy, nasa US wanted list, saan ka pa. ‘Di ba anak ka ng dios Puloy, bakit kerbiyos ka sa takot, ‘di ba gwardyado ka ng anghel? Pati katawagang pastor, sini…,ayoko-ayoko Kiwal, high blood na naman ako. Puloy, kung gusto ni kano na itumba ka, matagal n asana. Wala hong  Bureau of Immigration Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO),lalo na hold departure order si Puloy. Si puloy ay nahaharap sa mga kasong panggagahasa at cyberlibel sa Pinas. Magbibigay galang Kiwal ang Values Bocaue Advocates kay hepe Manuel De Vera bukas, Pebrero 28, 2024. May seminar din tayo ng One Hope sa Sabado, magkita-kita tayo. Get well soon Maria Luisa Soriano ng Bagong Bansang Maharlika. Jonathan Fernandez, nagkakalimutan na yata a.

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Cop to serve 6 yrs for homicide

By  J.Lo

“Police staff seargeant Maliban cannot be said to have employed means, methods or forms in the execution of the crime,” Anne Diaz, Clerk of Court at Navotas RTC, as she read portion of court’s conviction said court found one police officer guilty of homicide in the case involving death of 17-year-old Jehrode “Jemboy” Baltazar which happened on Aug. 2, 2023.

PSSg. Gerry Maliban, among six officers initially charged with murder in the shooting incident involving Baltazar, has been convicted of homicide by Navotas Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 286.

“This is because of urge to shoot victim materialized only when victim attempted to escape,” she stressed. 

Maliban has been sentenced to serve four to six years in prison.

Other police officers, namely PEMS. Roberto Balais Jr., PSSg. Nikko Esquilon, PCpl. Edmard Jade Blanco and Patrolman Benedict Mangada only received four-month imprisonment each for illegal discharge of firearms.

Only one cop named PSSG. Antonio Bugayong has been acquitted.

In August 2023, Department of Justice charged all police officers with crime of murder in connection with killing of Baltazar.

The six individuals were part of eight police officers involved in the operation on August 2 in Barangay North Bay Boulevard South Kaunlaran, resulting in Baltazar’s death.

The police mistakenly identified Baltazar as Reynaldo Bolivar, a murder suspect they were pursuing.

The cops shot Baltazar while he and his friend were boarding boat. His friend survived, but Baltazar died and remained submerged in the river until his remains were recovered hours later. 

Forensic pathologist Dr. Raquel Fortun reported in August last year that Baltazar’s cause of death was gunshot wound to the head, and drowning from his submerged body was noted as contributory factor.

A total of 22 Navotas police officers have been sacked over killing of Baltazar.

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Deleted  EDSA anniversary statement was posted mistakenly

By J.Lo

“The only reason Sara Duterte would recount EDSA I positively is if it was to remind public of bloody Marcos dictatorship’s reputation, now that their alliance is breaking up, despite her own role in rehabilitating Marcos name,” Kabataan Partylist (KPL)  said office of Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio mistakenly uploaded statement urging public to “uphold” spirit of EDSA People Power uprising, deleted hours after it was posted on Sunday.

The OVP confirmed to reporters it had taken down  message by Duterte on 38th anniversary of 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution that was mistakenly posted by their social media team. They also asked reporters not to be quoted on official reason why. 

No explanation for takedown has been posted on OVP’s social media pages.

Now-deleted statement said “as we celebrate this momentous occasion, let us remember the lessons of EDSA , power of unity, strength of Filipino spirit, and importance of standing up for what is right.”

Posting  and subsequent removal of OVP’s statement honoring “brave souls who stood united on the streets of EDSA, fighting for democracy and freedom” triggered a few hyperpartisan vloggers to use this as content speculating deepening rifts between vice president and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. 

Some content creators pounced both on contents of OVP’s statement and its removal to fuel speculation that Duterte had been hinting at openly antagonizing Marcoses.

Duterte said her relationship with the president is “okay” and that they “had no problem with each other”. 

On Sunday, human rights groups and members of civil society commemorated the 38th anniversary of the series of mass demonstrations that unseated the late dictator and former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. 

Malacañang excluded EDSA People Power Revolution anniversary from the list of holidays in 2024.

Had OVP not removed the statement, it would have been first time that Duterte issued statement commemorating EDSA People Power — widely regarded as a turning point in the Philippines’ political history and the trigger for similar democratic movements in the world.

Kabataan Partylist (KPL) said that the EDSA uprising should not be used as “ammo” by the Marcos and Duterte political camps.

 “EDSA I is about the uprising of a people for justice against abusive and corrupt tyrants, which includes both Marcos Sr., her father Rodrigo Duterte, and even herself as a named operator of the drug war,” they added.

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Mariel’s apology: It’s vitamin C drip, not glutathione

By Cynthia Montojo

“I was at the Senate to show support for my husband’s bill. Despite my busy schedule as a wife, mother and online seller, I wanted to be there with him since his work is very important to him,”

Sen. Robinhood Padilla’s actress-wife Mariel Rodriguez has apologized for turning the senator’s office into a health clinic, but clarified that she received a vitamin C drip and not whitening glutathione, as earlier reported.

Mariel released a statement through the senator asking for understanding from “all concerned, including members and staff of the Senate and the public.”

She clarified that it was never her intention to “malign nor undermine the integrity and dignity of the Senate.”

The host-actress drew criticism online after conducting an IV drip at Padilla’s Senate office.

In a now-deleted post on Instagram, Mariel shared photos of herself conducting intravenous infusion at the senator’s office while waiting for session to begin.

“To clarify, I received a vitamin C drip, not glutathione, under the medical supervision of a professional nurse. Having mentioned this, my intent was just to inspire others that even amidst various activities or wherever they are, they can still prioritize their health by taking vitamins,” Mariel said.

“I want to extend my sincerest apologies… We uphold the Senate’s dignity and integrity. Thank you for your understanding,” she added.

Gluta drips are said to help avoid chronic illnesses, slow down aging, improve athletic ability and clean one’s liver by having nutrients and hydration delivered directly into the bloodstream.

The Department of Health (DOH), however, recently noted some of its harmful effects.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only approved it as a treatment for advanced cancer patients – and even these patients need a doctor’s prescription.

Sen. Nancy Binay, who chairs the Senate ethics committee, said there is a need to look into the matter.

“I’m not sure if the ethics committee can extend its jurisdiction over this incident, since Ms. Mariel is not a member of the Senate. But we also need to closely look into it because it involves issues of conduct, integrity and reputation of the institution and matters that concern health and safety,” Binay said.

Earlier this week, Rodriguez was present to witness the Senate passing on third reading the Eddie Garcia Bill, co-authored by her husband, which calls for improved safety measures in the film, television and radio industry.

Meanwhile, the DOH has advised those who were prescribed to use injectable glutathione for the wrong purpose to take legal action against the doctors.

“For the next steps to take should you think that injectable glutathione was wrongly prescribed for you by a physician, please consult a practicing lawyer or the Public Attorney’s Office for legal advice on matters such as medical negligence and what may be done in the interest of justice,” the DOH said in a statement issued Saturday evening, after television personality Mariel drew flak from netizens for receiving her IV drip inside Padilla’s Senate office.

The agency stressed that it does not support the use of glutathione for skin whitening.

Citing an FDA circular, the DOH said that no published clinical trials have evaluated the use of injectable glutathione for skin lightening.

It further noted that there are also no published guidelines for appropriate dosing regimens and duration of treatment.

The FDA only approved the use of injectable glutathione as an “adjunct treatment in cisplatin chemotherapy,” according to the DOH.

The health department stressed that the FDA has not approved any injectable products for skin lightening.

“Once the FDA approves a prescription drug for entry into the Philippine market, neither the DOH itself nor the FDA can regulate the practice of doctors who will be prescribing those drugs for their patients,” the DOH explained