Commission on Audit (COA) revealed Office of the President (OP), under shared terms of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former president Rodrigo Duterte, spent P4.5 billion in confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) in 2022.
OP accounted for almost half of P9.34-billion total CIF spending of national government for the year, based on “2022 Annual Financial Report for National Government” uploaded on COA’s website last Oct. 9,2023.
OP’s CIF spending included P2.25 billion in confidential expenses and another P2.25 billion in intelligence expenses.
Audit breakdown showed OP’s confidential expenses accounted for 61.28 percent of P3.67-billion total confidential fund (CF) spending of government for the year.
OP’s intelligence expenses represented 39.69 percent of P5.67-billion total intelligence fund (IF) spending of government.
In 2021, OP under Duterte incurred P4.5 billion in CIF expenses.
Overall, national government’s CIF spending decreased by P445.95 million, from P9.79 billion in 2021 to P9.34 billion in 2022.
Senate finance committee approved in less than half an hour OP’s proposed 2024 budget, including its request for P4.56 billion in CIF.
After around 20 minutes of deliberation, Senate finance committee chair Sonny Angara moved for OP’s proposed P10.7-billion budget to be approved at committee level and up for plenary debate.
No other senator was present to grill officials from Malacañang, led by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.
OP has requested P2.25 billion in confidential funds and another P2.31 billion in intelligence funds, according to 2024 National Expenditure Program.
In his opening remarks, Bersamin said OP’s 2024 budget request is “modest increase” from its approved 2023 budget of P9.092 billion.
OP has biggest increase in capital outlay budget up by 183.72 percent from its 2023 allocation of P590.794 million to P1.676 billion requested for next year.
This was mostly for retrofitting of government buildings to be earthquake-proof, reconstruction of Mabini Hall Building and rehabilitation of OP properties in Metro Manila and Baguio.
In interview after hearing, Angara did not have issue with OP’s hefty secret fund allocation next year, despite Congress realigning CIF allocations from civilian to national and security agencies.
FMJ vows ‘utmost support’ to relatives of Pinoy fatalities
By Nidz Godino
“Nation is one in grieving with families of Filipinos who were killed in attacks on Israel,” Chief Executive, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.said in Facebook post described as his “most difficult phone call” assured families of Filipinos killed in attacks in Israel by Hamas militants his “utmost support,” as different government agencies also expressed their sympathies and offered help.
“We will provide utmost support to families they were taken from… tragedy will not deter our spirit…we will continue to stand for peace,” he stressed.
Philippine embassy in Israel revealed one of the fatalities was 33-year-old newly married female from Pangasinan who had worked in Israel for six years while other victim was 42-year-old male from Pampanga.
“You are going through difficult time… government will provide you all assistance you need, including retrieving of remains… if there is chance…for now, situation is still chaotic and there are bombings,” FMJ told grieving relative of Filipino fatality.
FMJ advised relatives to be in constant contact with Philippine embassy in Tel Aviv for updates. He also directed Philippine Ambassador to Israel Pedro Laylo Jr. to closely coordinate with families of two fatalities and provide them with all necessary assistance, including financial aid.
Officials of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) visited family of one Filipino fatalities Paul Vincent Castelvi in San Fernando City, Pampanga to condole with them and extend assistance.
DSWD officer-in-charge assistant regional director for operations Armont Pecina led regional personnel and community-based social workers during visit.
“They expressed sympathy to bereaved family… team has provided, through Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program, financial assistance amounting to P10,000, family members were also informed they will be referred to projects under DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program to help them in their livelihood since Paul Vincent is breadwinner of family” Regional Director Venus Rebuldela said in report to DSWD Undersecretary for operations group Pinky Romualdez.
Department of Health (DOH), for its part, is ready to extend psychosocial support to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the war in Israel and Gaza.
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said they are committed to giving such support, during launch of “Philippine Council for Mental Health Strategic Framework” at Rizal Park Hotel in Manila.
“I just saw OWWA ,Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) Administrator Arnell Ignacio recently, and I spoke to him. I told him, you have my support, DOH support…there are Filipinos affected who need mental health support or care so I committed that to our fellow Filipinos affected by war in Gaza, we will repatriate them, we will support them and we will help them locate mental health facilities if needed,” Herbosa said.
He said returning OFWs would be made to undergo stress debriefing.
“Stress debriefing is done by professionals to identify if patient needs medication or continued psychosocial therapy, very important…psychosocial support is very important especially for OFWs in crisis,” he said.
In grief and anguish, loved ones of Filipina caregiver killed in Hamas attacks in Israel recalled her last moments of terror, which she narrated in their online chat group as murder and mayhem unfolded before her eyes.
In her final group chat with her family, 32-year-old Angelyn Aguirre of Barangay Balagan spoke about her feeling of terror as armed men began to arrive at the residence where she was staying near Gaza Strip last Saturday.
“Sa last message niya, ang sabi niya andun na daw sa kanila, natatakot na daw siya,” Wilma Bandong, Aguirre’s eldest sister, told media.
Aguirre, who had been married for just over a year, was one of the two Filipinos confirmed to have died in attacks launched by Hamas in many parts of Israel, particularly near border with Gaza.
Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, deputy mayor of Jerusalem, said on X Angelyn showed “unbelievable humanity and loyalty” by remaining by side of elderly patient, Nira on Kibbutz Kfar Gaza “despite having chance to flee Hamas terror attacks.” That her sister had died a hero gave her little consolation, said Bandong.
“Sobrang sakit po ang nangyari sa kapatid ko,” Bandong said. She was survived by her husband, parents William and Erlinda, and siblings. Angelyn was fourth among eight siblings.
Bandong said Angelyn opened conversation in their group chat last Saturday to tell them that she could hear gunshots nearby.
Bandong said her sister came home to the Philippines in July last year and returned to Israel two month later in September, just days after her wedding.
She said another sister living in Israel was staying some 30 minutes away by land travel from Angelyn’s place.
Bandong said Angelyn was known for her kindness, and as such her previous employer had treated her like family member.
She said her sister had planned to visit Malta or Canada with her husband. She was also planning to stay for good in the Philippines to raise family. Angelyn’s grieving widower also former overseas worker from Bulacan was set to arrive in his late wife’s hometown to await repatriation of her remains.
She said they were in close coordination with authorities for repatriation of her remains.
Pangasinan Gov. Ramon Guico III said provincial government is ready to extend all necessary help to Angelyn’s family, according to provincial information officer Dhobie de Guzman.
“It pains me to hear this horrible news… I sympathize with the family,” Guico said.
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FMJ ordered explore all exit points for Pinoys in Gaza
By Nidz Godino
“What we understand is she was one of the attendees and lot of people died there,” Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said at press briefing at Malacañang number of Filipinos confirmed killed in Hamas attacks in Israel has risen to three, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), as President Ferdinand Marcos Marcos ordered concerned government agencies to explore all exit options for Filipinos willing to be repatriated from blockaded Gaza Strip.
De Vega identified latest confirmed fatality as 49-year-old woman from Negros Occidental.
He said victim, who was also caregiver, died in attack at music festival in Kibbutz on Oct. 7,223. Department of Migrant Workers identified her as Loreta Villarin Alacre.
More than 200 people were killed at music festival, usually held during Sukkot, an Israeli holiday.
De Vega said family of victim and the President were already informed about latest Filipino casualty in raging war between Israeli forces and Palestinian militant group Hamas.
“Her family is aware, the President is aware and Philippine government of course is working with family. .. embassy in Israel is in touch with sisters who are in Kuwait actually for repatriation of remains, we join the nation in extending our deepest sympathies to relatives of the latest casualty who was also caregiver…of course, we thank also Israelis for their assistance for our kababayans who need protection in Israel right now,” De Vega said.
Two other Filipino casualties were 36-year-old Angelyn Aguirre of Pangasinan and 42-year-old Paul Vincent Castelvi from Pampanga.
Quoting reports from embassy, De Vega said three Filipinos remain missing.
“However, it doesn’t mean that there is no hope because as we said before, there were lot more missing week ago now missing persons are getting fewer…so possibly, these three will still show up, we hope,” he said.
During meeting with DFA officials at Malacañang earlier, FMJ ordered concerned government agencies to exhaust all remedies available to start repatriation of Filipinos in Gaza.
“And in FMJ’s words, what is critical now is Gaza and let’s keep exploring all possible exit options,” De Vega said.
He said 92 of 131 Filipinos in Gaza wanted to return back to Philippines… “that’s over 70 percent and not one has been repatriated yet because of fact that Gaza is under blockade but we are working on it,we are working with our partners, diplomatic partners, to see if humanitarian corridor can be opened to allow people to exit through… obviously if not border with Israel, through Rafah border with Egypt,” De Vega said.
De Vega said once humanitarian corridor opens, Philippine embassy in Cairo would send team to border to fly all 92 Filipinos from Egypt to Philippines.
“So we are also talking with our friends from Egypt about that so that our kababayans who want to be repatriated could be brought there,” he said.
De Vega said 22 Filipinos in Israel have also expressed their intention to go home, and eight of them are set to leave next week.
“There are at least 22 Filipinos in Israel who have indicated they want to go home… first batch at government’s expense will be leaving on Oct. 16 , eight of them,” De Vega said.
He said Indonesia has offered assistance to help Filipinos who want to leave West Bank, which is on east of Israel and borders Jordan.
De Vega said DMW and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) would shoulder Filipinos’ travel expenses and extend them proper assistance.
“Once they arrive, they’ll be given proper assistance… usual reintegration and other assistance packages provided by DMW and OWWA, and, of course, that includes receipt of ayuda, financial assistance,” De Vega said.
Foreign affairs official clarified there are still flights going in and out of Israel, but it is not yet advisable for Filipinos to travel to the country. De Vega said situation in Israel is more stable than in Gaza.
“The situation in Israel is not big problem if it refers to evacuation of nationals because situation there is more stable and we’re ready to repatriate them and we don’t expect big numbers,” he said.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said Armed Forces of the Philippines is ready to repatriate Filipinos in Israel, and that he is awaiting guidance from FMJ on how to implement voluntary repatriation.
He said he could not tell yet level of danger in Israel, but stressed DFA is on top of the situation.
Speaker Martin Romualdez and his wife, Tingog party-list Rep. Yedda Romualdez, have extended personal donation of P500,000 for each of the families of the Filipinos killed by Hamas.
“These tragic events remind us of dangers our fellow Filipinos face even as they seek opportunities abroad…our thoughts and prayers are with families of victims during this difficult time, I am deeply saddened by loss of our countrymen…in these trying times, it’s crucial for us as nation to come together and support one another. .. donation is just small token of our shared grief and our commitment to help,” Speaker said.
Meanwhile, Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has expressed its condolences to families of five humanitarian workers killed in Israel and Gaza.
PRC chairman Richard Gordon said humanitarian workers from International Red Cross and Red Crescent have sacrificed their lives in line of duty , one from Magen David Adom in Israel and four paramedics from Palestinian Red Crescent Society.
Gordon urged both sides of conflict to respect principles of international humanitarian law “to utmost,” mandates protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure during armed conflict.
Israel gave Palestinians 24 hours to leave Gaza City ahead of expected ground offensive in retaliation against Hamas for deadliest attack in Israeli history.
United Nations had been informed of evacuation order shortly before midnight Thursday, six days after hundreds of Hamas gunmen broke through militarized border barrier around Gaza enclave and killed more than 1,200 people in Israel, drawing comparisons to 9/11 attacks on United States.
UN said mass relocation, affecting 1.1 million or about half entire population of Gaza Strip, to territory’s south was “impossible” and urgently appealed for order to be rescinded.
It also warned so many people fleeing en masse would be calamitous.
“Forget about food, forget about electricity, forget about fuel… only concern now is just if you’ll make it, if you’re going to live,” said Nebal Farsakh, spokesperson for Palestinian Red Crescent in Gaza City, as she broke into heaving sobs.
Israeli army confirmed it had called on Gaza City residents to move “to area south of Wadi Gaza,” which is just below Gaza City in 40-kilometer-long territory.
“In following days, IDF will continue to operate significantly in Gaza City and make extensive efforts to avoid harming civilians, Hamas terrorists are hiding in Gaza City inside tunnels underneath houses and inside buildings populated with innocent civilians,” army said.
UN officials working in Gaza said earlier they were informed by Israeli military that evacuation should be carried out “within next 24 hours.”
Media said there were “heavy strikes” in northern Gaza Strip, including Al-Shati refugee camp and Gaza City, primarily targeting residential buildings.
According to Israel’s government, any Israeli ground operation is complicated by Hamas’ holding of around 150 Israeli, foreign and dual-national hostages.
Hamas, listed as terrorist organization by US and Europe, claimed 13 hostages, including foreigners, had been killed at “five locations targeted by Israeli fighter jets.”
Health ministry in Gaza reported Israel’s retaliation has claimed more than 1,530 lives, 500 of them children.
Israel’s army “fighter jets struck 750 military targets in northern Gaza Strip overnight,” including “residences of senior terrorist operatives used as military command centers.”
Israel seeks to eliminate capability of Hamas, itself wants Israel’s destruction and said its attack Saturday sought to end Israel’s “rampaging without being held accountable.”
Carrying plastic bags of belongings, with suitcases on their shoulders and children in their arms, Gazans were, however, moving to safer areas.
More than 423,000 people have already fled their homes in the territory, according to UN.
Such an evacuation order could transform “what is already tragedy into calamitous situation,” UN spokesman said.
UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees later had moved its central operations center and international staff to south of Gaza.
Gaza’s 2.4 million residents are enduring fifth war in 15 years. Israeli fighter jets and drones have leveled entire blocks and destroyed thousands of buildings. Territory had already been under land, air and sea blockade since 2006.
Israel has cut off water, food and power supplies to Gaza in total siege it has vowed will not end until all hostages are freed.
Hamas has threatened to kill captives if Israel bombs Gaza civilian targets without advance warning.
United States has vowed unwavering support for Israel in its war on Hamas.
“You may be strong enough on your own to defend yourself, but as long as America exists, you will never, ever have to…we will always be there by your side,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at joint press conference in Tel Aviv with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu voiced appreciation for US support, which includes additional military aid, and said Hamas, which rules Gaza Strip, should be “crushed” like Islamic State group.
Blinken stressed Hamas did not represent Palestinian people. Blinken then traveled to Jordan, where he was to meet King Abdullah II and Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas.
He will also go to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE and Qatar to put pressure on Hamas and secure release of hostages.
International Committee of the Red Cross Middle East chief Fabrizio Carboni warned Gaza’s hospitals “risk turning into morgues.”
Uninterrupted stream of ambulances arrived at Gaza’s biggest hospital, Al-Shifa, where relatives of dead wailed in anguish and others sought news of loved ones.
Media team saw dozens of bodies wrapped in white shrouds in cold storage units and covering floor of mortuary.
UN humanitarian agency has launched urgent appeal for nearly $300 million to address most urgent needs in Gaza and occupied West Bank.
Israel has called up 300,000 reservists and rushed forces, tanks and heavy armor to southern desert areas around Gaza from where Hamas fighters launched their attack on Saturday.
Israeli soldiers have since then swept southern towns and kibbutz communities and found bodies of 1,500 militants, while making ever more shocking discoveries of large numbers of dead civilians.
War in south is further complicated by threat from north Iran-backed Hezbollah group based in Lebanon.
Army has massed tanks on t border after repeated clashes with Hezbollah in recent days, including cross-border rockets and shelling.
United States has sent additional munitions to Israel and deployed aircraft carrier battle group to eastern Mediterranean in show of support, while warning Israel’s other enemies not to enter war.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived in Israel on visit also aimed at showing solidarity, after Blinken’s stop.
In London, UK was sending two Royal Navy ships and surveillance aircraft to eastern Mediterranean to support Israel, as well as “ensure regional stability and prevent further escalation.”
Israel’s arch foe Iran has long financially and militarily backed Hamas and praised its attack, but insists it was not involved.
US and Qatari officials have agreed to prevent Iran from using $6-billion humanitarian assistance fund, following Hamas attack.
“US government knows that it can NOT renege on agreement,” Ali Karimi Magham, spokesperson of Iran’s permanent mission to UN, said in post on X.
2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
BALAK na sana ni Angielyn na manatili na sa piling ng kanyang butihing ginoo at bumuo na nang sariling pamilya makaraan ang kanilang kasal nguni’t dumating ang trahedyang kumitil sa kanyang buhay. Shout out muna kay Bishop Oliver Mutuc, wala pa ba tayong schedule ng phase 2 para sa phase 1 missioner kamakailan, agarin natin. Tama naman ang kasabihang “kung oras mo na, oras mo na, kahit nasaan ka pero kung dumating iyong nasa piling ka ng iyong mga mahal sa buhay, hindi gaanong masakit. Sa mga nahihirapang mangibang bansa, baka hindi kayo para doon sa abroad. Hindi naman komo nasa Pinas ka lang e napakahina mo nang tao. Ibang konteksto naman iyong sinasabi kong “hindi mo kasalanang ipinanganak na dukha, pero ang mamatay na salat, malaki nang kahibangan. Anong ginawa mo sa buhay mo? Malamang na kanselahin agad ang pisong provisional fare hike dahil bagsak ang presyo ng langis sa pamilihang pandaigdig, harinawa. Pastor Saturnino Abraham, agarin mo naman ang dokumento ng lupa para sa pabahay ng mga Badjao sa Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat. Jonathan Fernandez, muzta na, nagkakalimutan na tayo a. Problem aba, pag-usapan natin, ndgodino@yahoo.co
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“In Gaza, there’s no way out and no way in,” Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said in interview as Israel continues its bombardment of Gaza Strip and as prospect of ground invasion mounts, dozens of Filipinos trapped in besieged Palestinian enclave have “no way in and no way out,” complicating calls for their voluntary repatriation.
Israeli authorities ordered shutting off of electricity, water, food and fuel supplies in Gaza as Israel soldiers prepare for ground campaign to flush out leaders and members of Islamist group Hamas, earlier launched deadly attacks on Jewish state, particularly in areas near border with Gaza.
According to De Vega, Philippine government is appealing to diplomatic contacts to allow or help 70 Filipinos leave Gaza. Many of them are spouses of Palestinians.
De Vega said crisis alert in Gaza has been raised to Level 3, which allows voluntary repatriation.
Philippine embassy in Jordan, has jurisdiction over Gaza, recommended placing Gaza under Alert Level 3 recently.
Esty Buzgan, deputy chief of mission of Israeli embassy in Manila, said Israel has no plan of lifting blockade on Gaza.
“If we open, with what’s happening, we’re going to have more terrorists in Israel and we can’t allow that, we have to make sure we don’t have any more breachers and we don’t have more terror attacks in our country,” Buzgan said in online media briefing.
Two Filipinos were confirmed died in the violence in Israel.
Philippines has condemned killings and other acts of terrorism and violence sparked by Hamas attacks on Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed to “wipe out” Hamas and said there is “no contradiction” between launching ground offensive and rescuing hostages.
Israeli military had hit more than 2,300 “Hamas targets” to date in response to Saturday’s deadly incursion by militant group, while more than 4,500 rockets had been fired from Gaza.
Israeli media reported more than 1,000 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and at least 2,806 people injured since beginning of attacks.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in his phone conversation with families of the two confirmed Filipino dead, said his administration is working closely with Israel to ensure safety of overseas Filipino workers and Filipino community in Israel.
He stressed Philippine government would immediately conduct necessary repatriation efforts for affected Filipinos if and when Israeli government agrees to open its “humanitarian corridors.”
“Tel Aviv is still open, maybe, just in case, we can do something in Tel Aviv airport…maybe we can send plane there…you may join, But we are waiting for the permission from the Israeli (government), because the Israeli government will tell when we can repatriate the Filipinos. We are fixing that now. ..you can be sure, we will do everything as soon as possible,” FMJ said in phone call.
Armed Forces of the Philippinest is ready to conduct evacuation when necessary. Military is planning to dispatch two C-130 and C-295 military planes if ordered to join humanitarian mission.
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said financial and other necessary assistance would be provided to Filipinos in Israel who would opt for repatriation.
“We are preparing for flight and there will be repatriation among those who requested repatriation,” DMW officer-in-charge Hans Cacdac said at press conference.
Aside from cash aid, DMW will also facilitate new employment for repatriated Filipinos who may choose to work abroad again.
So far, Cacdac said 22 OFWs,19 caregivers and three hotel workers have expressed readiness to get repatriated. OFWs, he said, have either already completed their employment or given permission by their employers to leave.
Cacdac said number of OFWs wanting to be repatriated is expected to increase.
DMW will take charge of repatriation of OFWs from Israel while Department of Foreign Affairs would take charge of repatriation of those staying in Gaza.
DMW, Cacdac said, has already received from their hotline around 120 requests for assistance. “Most of them have already been provided assistance and have been accounted for,” he said.
Migrant consultant and recruitment expert Manny Geslani, meanwhile, said at least 70 Filipina caregivers who lost their employers and houses during attacks have sought help to get repatriated. He said workers suffered extreme trauma after their experience.
Based on survey done by DMW, 500 OFWs in conflicted-affected areas have marked themselves safe. He also said two wounded Filipino workers have been discharged from hospital and are now staying in Tel Aviv.
DMW chief also said they are working on repatriation of remains of two OFWs killed as result of Hamas attack in Gaza.
Furthermore, DMW and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration have provided assistance to handful of Israel-bound OFWs left stranded in another Middle East country.
Cacdac said DMW has yet to determine number of OFWs who were unable to leave for Israel as result of the conflict.
Meanwhile, Pangasinan Rep. Maria Rachel Arenas, chairperson of the House committee on foreign affairs, condemned killing of two Filipinos due to Israel-Hamas conflict.
“I strongly condemn pointless killing of two innocent Filipinos caught in fierce fighting between Israel and Hamas… senseless violence must immediately stop to avoid further bloodshed and loss of life, to families, one of which was my very own kababayan from Pangasinan, I express my most heartfelt sympathies. I know that you feel so much pain especially that your loved ones were tragically taken away from you while trying to find safety and escape combat zone,..this is especially heartbreaking since they have nothing to do with this wretched conflict…know that your government is here and ready to assist and reach out to you in every possible way, finally, to instigators of hostilities, I have nothing but contempt for your actions and I pray that you will be soon held accountable and be brought to justice… world has no place for people like you,” Arenas, a senior administration legislator” said in statement.
“Erring officials must be held accountable for bungling very critical program of transport sector,” Sen. Grace Poe said Department of Transportation (DOTr) should suspend implementation of public utility vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program until alleged corruption issues in PUVMP are resolved.
As chairman of Senate committee on public services, Poe said DOTr and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) should ensure proper preparations are being made for PUVMP.
“We hope while investigating those involved, at same time, modernization program is also being prepared to improve livelihood of drivers and provide proper service to commuters,” Poe said.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. relieved LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III from his post due to alleged corruption under his leadership.
Guadiz was accused by Jeff Gallos Tumbado, former LTFRB information team head and Guadiz’s former head executive assistant (HEA), of misconduct regarding PUV modernization program.
Tumbado claimed LTFRB asked for P5 million to process certain requests, such as franchise, special permit or modification of route.
Without naming names, Tumbado said corruption could have even reached Malacañang.
He had acted as conduit and that he had evidence of corruption, being former HEA of Guadiz.
“We want to modernize our PUVs, but it should be one progressive, just and humane, PUVMP couldn’t move forward because of various issues, it was also tainted by corruption, if allegation is true, it is not fair to our drivers who lost their livelihood in favor of those who placed bribes,” Poe noted.
Following Guadiz’s suspension, Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista designated Board Member Mercy Paras Leynes as officer-in-charge of LTFRB effective immediately.
Temporary designation will be until October 2024, during time Leynes will perform and discharge all functions and responsibilities as chairperson of LTFRB.
“Individuals affected may file complaint to NPC and if proven, they can claim damages,” National Privacy Commission Public Information and Assistance Division chief Roren Marie Chin said individuals who had their personal data stolen in Medusa ransomware attack on Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) can file complaint before NPC.
Chin said people who think their personal data had been compromised in successful ransomware attack on PhilHealth can file their individual complaint before commission.
She stressed their investigation of complaint would determine damage claims that can be awarded.
NPC warned against resharing of leaked data from PhilHealth ransomware attack.
“It has come to our attention personal data exfiltrated from PhilHealth is being shared illicitly…we want to emphasize gravity of this situation and severe consequences await anyone involved in processing, downloading or sharing this data without legitimate purpose or without authorization, In unequivocal terms, NPC issues stern warning to public…any individual or organization found to process, download or share exfiltrated data from PhilHealth will be held accountable for unauthorized processing of personal information and may face criminal charges,” NPC said in statement.
Privacy Commission emphasized under Section 25 of Data Privacy Act of 2012 (DPA), those found guilty of unauthorized processing of personal information will face penalties that include imprisonment for one to three years and fine ranging from P500,000 to P2 million.
In addition, unauthorized processing of sensitive personal information carries even more substantial penalties, particularly imprisonment for three to six years and fine ranging from P500,000 to P4 million.
“Sharing such leaked data exposes affected individuals to range of risks, including identity theft, fraud, extortion, blackmail and other malicious activities…we urge you, as responsible citizens, to refrain from resharing this data and to promptly report its presence to relevant authorities, including NPC and law enforcement agencies, we also call upon personal information controllers and processors to strengthen their data protection measures…compliance with DPA and other relevant laws and regulations is not just essential; it is collective responsibility to protect rights and privacy of every Filipino,” NPC said.
“CHR has duty to investigate any suspected case of enforced or involuntary disappearance as part of our mandate to protect individuals from grave violations, especially when such persons are allegedly put into circumstances that place them outside protection of law,” Commission on Human Rights announced it is currently looking into alleged abduction of three advocates for indigenous peoples’ rights by military.
In statement, CHR said its office in MIMAROPA has deployed team to conduct investigation into reported abduction of Alia Encela (19), Job Abednego David (29) and Jimby del Monte (29).
According to rights groups Karapatan and Katribu, three advocates were taken by 4th Infantry Battalion and 203rd Infantry Battalion of Philippine military. They were last seen on September 19 in Barangay Lisap in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro.
Encela, David and del Monte were investigating human rights violations related to increased militarization and bombings in indigenous communities in the province when they were allegedly abducted.
It stressed need to strongly implement Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act of 2012, which punishes arbitrary or unlawful deprivation of liberty, such as illegal arrest, detention, or abduction.
Karapatan documented eight cases of enforced disappearances during first year of Marcos Jr. administration.
Three advocates were found to be in custody of 203rd Infantry Battalion.
Philippine Army denied no enforced disappearance, and said Encela, David and Del Monte were arrested during operation.
Brigadier Gen Randolph Cabangbang, commander of 203rd Infantry Battalion, accused them of being members of New People’s Army. He also alleged improvised landmines and grenades were found in bags of activists.
“At the same time, CHR reiterates its consistent objection and condemnation on use of illegal weapons or any improvised explosive device…we maintain no ideology, cause or advocacy can justify carrying and usage of illegal weapons, as we conduct our objective probe on this case, CHR calls for transparency and cooperation from all parties involved,” CHR said.
Last month, environmental activists Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano accused military of abduction, countering government’s claim that they voluntarily surrendered to authorities.
HINDI isyu ng fixer ang komedya sa Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board ngayon kundi lagayan blues. Sa mga kasambahay na nagmamarites na nangiintriga kay Transportation Sect. Jaime Bautista sa anomalya may pagkakalagyan daw kayo. Shout out muna kay Bishop Florante Rola. Nasuspinde ho si Teofilo Guadiz sa isyu ng P5 M linya, at special permit na inihihingi naman ng diskargo ni whistle blower Jeff Tumbado ngayon. Hindi raw naman makahaharang sa pagbagsak ng presyo ng petrolyo sa pandaigdigang pamilihan ang gyera sa Gaza City kahit pa suportado ng Iran, kabilang sa pangunahing tagaluwas ng langis ang hamas dahil hindi nga naman sila derektang kalahok sa digma. Habang binubusisi ang hacking sa Philhealth, binulabog naman ngayon ang Philippine Statistics Authority, kasambahay baka hindi na kailangang ipagawa sa University of Recto ang birth certificate, print na lang mula sa hacker. 18 diaz na lang long weekend na naman, holiday ho kasi ang Oktubre 30, halalan. Shout out sa Press Photographers of the Philippines, hindi kaya opisyal din nito si gambling lord Rogelio Mistica Jr., sa hilig ho nitong pumapel hindi ako magtataka kung kumpare nito si US president Joseph Biden, ha Kiwal, bulati kong kikiwalkiwal? Pastor Saturnino Abraham, agarin mo naman ang dokumento ng lupa para sa pabahay ng mga Badjao sa Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat. Jonathan Fernandez, muzta na, nagkakalimutan na tayo a. Problem aba, pag-usapan natin, ndgodino@yahoo.com.
ISKUP! 