“I still stand by issue that there are indeed problems in agency concerned that required immediate investigation by authorities concerned and those responsible be held accountable,” former Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board employee who bared corruption in the agency has recanted his claims two days after suspension of Teofilo Guadiz III as LTFRB chairman.
Jeff Tumbado, former head executive assistant of Guadiz, said allegations he made during Oct. 9,w2023 press conference were “all unintentional and misguided.”
Tumbado had claimed Guadiz and some officials were being paid P5 million in exchange for approval of franchises or securing routes and special permits.
Tumbado said his claims were “borne out of impulse, irrational thinking, misjudgment and poor decision making,” and that his affidavit was form of public apology to Guadiz, as well as Department of Transportation and Office of the President.
Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista will file charges against individuals claiming he is involved in bribery scheme within Department of Transportation and LTFRB.
“Allow me to categorically say I never accepted any money or favor since assuming post of transportation secretary,” Bautista said in video message.
Bautista is also facing allegations of threatening Mar Valbuena, transport group Manibela’s national president.
Valbuena did not provide additional information on complaint he filed before Criminal Investigation and Detection Group at Camp Crame.
“But of course, other neighboring countries in Middle East led by Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar, where we traditionally get crude oil… only issue there is if there will be problem in supply in these countries,” Department of Energy (DOE) Oil Industry Management Bureau director Rino Abad said DOE does not expect attacks on Israel to have long-term effects on oil and gas prices, unless conflict escalates.
Abad, in interview said based on DOE’s assessment, ongoing conflict in Israel poses very low chance of resulting in actual supply disruption.
“However, it appears there is very low chance that these countries will encounter problems since they are not active participants in the conflict,” he said.
Michael Ricafort, chief economist treasury group of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said situation is still uncertain if other Middle Eastern countries that are major oil producers, especially Iran, would be dragged into conflict.
“If dragged directly into conflict amid proxy war, Iran could potentially use as threat blockage of Strait of Hormuz, important passage for international oil tankers, in retaliation to any action against it,” he said.
But so far, Ricafort said none of that risk is happening yet.
Abad said based on first two trading days of the week, global oil prices have actually gone down.
“If this continues for rest of the week, then we might even see rollback next week,” he said.
In terms of world supply and demand balance, there is an expected deficit up to the end of the year, according to OIMB assistant director Rodela Romero.
Just yesterday, local oil firms slashed prices by P3.05 per liter for gasoline, P2.45 per liter for diesel and P3 per liter for kerosene. This marks third consecutive week of reductions in gasoline and kerosene prices.
Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is also keeping close eye on developments in ongoing conflict in Israel, as further escalation could also affect energy prices.
“Usually, if there are periods of uncertainty that may threaten supply of fuel, especially in that area where much of LNG,liquefied natural gas and crude oil prices of the world is sourced, threatened or is in danger of being cut, then there might be increase in fuel prices,” Meralco vice president and head of utility economics Lawrence Fernandez said.
As for power sector, Fernandez said rise in crude oil prices could somehow impact Meralco rates through its suppliers using Malampaya natural gas.
“We don’t use crude oil itself for power generation…but crude oil price is benchmark for Malampaya price…so if crude oil prices increase, then Malampaya price will follow…like before, when it went down, Malampaya price also went down,” he said.
Fernandez said in case of Meralco, about 30 to 40 percent of its supply comes from power plants that make use of Malampaya natural gas.
“So if fuel of that one-third goes up, then there’s large pressure on generation charge to also go up,” he said.
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2 Pinoys succumed in Hamas raids – DFA
By Nidz Godino
“Philippines condemns killing of two Filipino nationals and all other acts of terrorism and violence as result of Hamas actions against Israel,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo wrote in post on X, confirming two Filipino casualties but without giving further details.
Two Filipinos have been killed in Israel as Israeli-Palestinian conflict intensifies.
He said Philippines is ready to work with other countries toward long-lasting resolution to conflict, in accordance with pertinent United Nations Security Council resolutions and general principles of international law.
“Philippine government will continue to provide all possible assistance to distressed Filipino nationals in Israel and Palestine,” he stressed.
Israel likewise condemned killing of two Filipino caregivers and expressed sympathies to families of casualties.
“Embassy of the State of Israel in Manila expresses its deepest sympathies to families of two overseas Filipino workers ,OFW who were confirmed dead due to Hamas terror attacks in Israel,” Israel embassy said in statement. “We offer prayers as well to those who are still missing.”
Israel has full right to respond and protect itself following deadly attacks by militant Hamas early Saturday morning.
“We strongly condemn acts of terrorism by Hamas towards innocent Israeli citizens and other nationalities in Israel… Israel will continue to defend itself against Hamas,” embassy said.
Philippines on Monday reiterated country recognizes Israel’s right to self-defense.
Two fatalities who were working in Gaza envelope were among six Filipinos unaccounted for.
DNA test on body found by Israeli authorities would be made to determine if it is of female caregiver who, according to her sister also working in Israel, has been missing since outbreak of violence.
Bodies of two OFWs were in police custody when embassy was notified of their deaths.
Body of female OFW was found first, but it took time to confirm and needed collection of DNA samples from relatives for comparison.
Male OFW was identified through biometric data.
Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad launched Saturday morning attack on Israel, including thousands of indiscriminate rockets, prompting intensive strikes by Israel and complete siege of Gaza Strip.
International community condemned in strongest terms attack by Hamas against Israeli towns.
UN said hundreds of Israelis have been killed and thousands injured. Scores are also being held captive facing appalling threats to their lives.
Hundreds of Palestinians have also been killed and thousands injured in intense bombing in Gaza.
Israeli authorities ordered shutting off of electricity, water, food and fuel supplies.
UN urged all parties to stop targeting civilians and spare civilian lives.
UN rights chief Volker Türk demanded Hamas and other armed groups immediately release their hostages.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. condemned killing of two Filipinos in Israel as Philippine government is bracing for possible evacuation efforts in areas affected by hostilities by Israeli forces and Islamist Hamas militants.
“My heart is heavy upon hearing confirmation of deaths of two Filipinos in Israel… Philippines condemns these killings and stands firmly against ongoing terror and violence,” FMJ said in statement.
Philippine embassy in Israel declined to identify fatalities, but revealed that one of them was 33-year-old newly married female from Pangasinan who worked in Israel for six years, while other was 42-year-old married male from Pampanga.
Labor Attaché Rudy Gabasan said one of the Filipinos, caregiver, was gunned down by Hamas militants who were trying to enter house. Other Filipino fatality was reportedly seized by Hamas members during Saturday’s attack.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega, claimed that it was not likely that Filipino victim was held hostage and then taken to Gaza Strip to be executed.
“But out of respect, wishes of family, as ambassador has indicated, we are not going to give details…perhaps, President will speak about it…but for now, no, we are not going to give more details other than that they died on Saturday,” De Vega said.
Philippine Ambassador to Israel Pedro Laylo Jr. talked to wife of one of Filipino victims last Tuesday night, describing it as “ most difficult phone call” in his career.
“I spoke to the wife of one of the victims to inform her of this sad news and to convey our sympathies. I promised her that the embassy will provide all the necessary assistance she needs, the President will also speak to her today to convey his personal condolences and offer additional assistance” Laylo said.
Vice Consul Patricia Narajos said another Filipino was reportedly killed during attack, but information is still being confirmed through DNA testing.
Narajos added three Filipinos are still missing while 26 others have been rescued.
FMJ said Philippine government would remain “resolute” in pursuit of lasting peace in line with UN resolutions and international laws.
“Philippine government would not cease sending support to Filipinos affected by ongoing conflict between Israeli troops and Hamas,” he added.
FMJ has instructed agencies and Filipino community to work closely with Philippine embassy in Tel Aviv and migrant workers office in Israel to ensure their safety.
Laylo said Philippine embassy is not yet recommending mandatory repatriation in Israel, noting Israeli Defense Forces have already regained areas attacked by Hamas.
DFA, however, has placed Israel under Alert Level 2 or restricted deployment.
Under Alert Level 2, Filipinos are instructed to restrict non-essential movements, avoid public places and prepare for evacuation, if needed.
“We’re not going to deploy new workers, actually status quo, anyway, because we still have to negotiate agreement about caregivers and about hotel workers by government-to-government agreement and right now, there is no deployment,” De Vega said.
He added mandatory repatriation or Alert Level 4 is called when peace and order and rule of law in a country has broken down.
Consul General Anton Mandap reported situation “has considerably improved since Oct. 7.”
De Vega reiterated government’s appeal for Filipinos to postpone their visits to Holy Land until conflict has subsided.
While Marcos administration does not see need to repatriate Filipinos in Israel for now, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is ready to conduct evacuation efforts for Filipinos affected by hostilities.
AFP spokesman Col. Medel Aguilar said at least two C-130 and one C-295 military planes could be used for evacuation operations.
Aguilar stressed Adana Airport in Turkey has been identified as temporary safe haven for Filipinos in case conflict escalates.
As Philippines monitors situation in Israel, FMJ met with Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss at Malacañang.
In Facebook post, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Fluss briefed FMJ on latest information from Israel and “brutal attacks” being made against his country.
“During their discussion, the President expressed concern for three Filipinos remain unaccounted for in Israel, and ambassador assured President Israel is doing all it can to ensure safety of our nationals,” the PCO said.
During briefing of House committee on workers’ affairs on situation of OFWs in Israel, DFA and Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) also reported almost 100 Filipinos in Israel and in disputed Gaza Strip in Palestinian territories have requested to be repatriated in wake of escalating tension there.
Of 100 Filipinos, 70 are women married to Palestinians or their children who already want to return to the Philippines.
70 Filipinos are among 137 Filipinos living near Gaza Strip, according to De Vega.
DFA official, however, stressed that this could not easily be done because there is blockade in Gaza and there is no way in or out.
DMW officer-in-charge Hans Leo Cacdac said 23 Filipinos in Israel are currently lined up for repatriation, of whom 14 are caregivers, one is hotel worker while rest are permanent residents and non-OFWs.
In related development, family of missing Negrense caregiver Loreta Villarin Alacre, 49, who was among party revelers attending Supernova Music Festival outside Kibbutz Re’im near Gaza Strip, is pleading to government to exert more efforts in locating her.
In phone interview, victim’s elder sister Annabella Alacre said her younger sister, who has been working as caregiver for 15 years in Haifa and Tel Aviv, remains unreachable as of yesterday, after Hamas fighters attacked music festival site on Saturday, she and her fellow caregivers were attending while on their day off.
Day before she went missing, Annabella said they were able to contact her.
While there were reports that she had been taken among captives of Hamas militants, Annabella disclosed it remains unconfirmed.
Noam Solomon, Loreta’s employer, has already posted on her social media account about missing caregiver, resident of Sitio Camayan, Brgy. Cadiz Viejo in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental.
8 Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. 9 They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.
“May your efforts inspire positive change in every corner of this city… I promise you that your city will do its part to make sure your endeavors resonate far and wide…be proud that you stand tall as part of global movement to make sure our children inherit healthy world,” Quezon City Mayor Ma. Josefina “Joy” Belmonte-Alimurung told winners government has recognized 13 barangays, organizations and businesses for implementing initiatives related to climate action and disaster risk reduction and management.
Belmonte led awarding ceremony for first-ever Quezon City Green Awards held at Novotel Manila in Cubao.
Awards recognized barangays, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), youth-based organizations and businesses for “innovative and inclusive programs and project proposals.”
For Green Award, winners were Barangay Talipapa (May Buhay sa Basura ng Barangay Project: Barangay Talipapa’s Circular Economy Practices), SK Barangay Novaliches Proper (Gulaynihan: Gulayan at Bayanihan 2.0) and Unit 4 Youth Organization (Greenyard Urban Home Garden).
Receiving Green Business Award were THRGH HBT Marketplace (Plastic Waste Transformed: Recycled Plastic Tiles for Living Design), SM Prime Holdings Inc.-SM City Sta. Mesa (SM Sta Mesa Food Waste Management Project), SM Prime Holdings Inc.-SM City North EDSA (Smart Humps) and Robinsons Land Corp.-Robinsons Magnolia (Green Residuals Waste Management Program at Robinsons Magnolia).
Meanwhile, Resilient Award went to Barangay Culiat (Fire Safety Horizontal Pipe System), SK Barangay Batasan Hills (FYI: Oras na! Handa ka na ba) and Halamanan Youth Association (Padyak Young Aiders).
Wining Resilient Business Award were Megaworld Corp. (Eastwood City, My Home, My Place, My Responsibility), SM City Fairview-SCMC (Disaster Education at SM City Fairview: Whole society approach in Disaster Risk Reduction and Resiliency) and SM Prime Holdings Inc.-SM Novaliches (Smart Collapsible Flood Gate Barrier System for SM City Novaliches).
Winners were selected by technical working group composed of evaluators from local government, who conducted assessment and field validation of entries.
Each winner received trophy and P100,000 cash grant, local government said may be used in their current and upcoming climate action and disaster risk reduction and management projects.
Local government also gave special citations to Barangays Culiat, Novaliches Proper and West Kamias; SKs Barangay Commonwealth and Barangay Payatas; Saint Mary Youth Organization; Batang Del Monte Organization; Sun Properties Development Corp.; Robinsons Novaliches; SM Prime Holdings Inc.-SM City Novaliches; Destileria Limtuaco & Co. Inc. and UP North Property Holdings Inc. for the green category.
Receiving special citations in resilient category were Barangays Batasan Hills and Bagong Silangan; SM Prime Holdings-SM Sta. Mesa; SMDC Sun Mall; Sun Properties Development Corp.; First Analytical Services & Technical Cooperative; ACI Inc.; Maynilad Water Services and Ayala Malls Trinoma.
POLICE authorities are looking into businessman arrested for falsely claiming armed men barged into his office in Quezon City on Saturday and made off with at least P45 million in cash and valuables.
Bernard Chua, 40, will be charged with perjury before city prosecutor’s office following his arrest by Quezon City Police District (QCPD).
Chua initially reported six unidentified men carrying long firearms barged into BC Cars Trading and Auto Services office in Project 8 at around 4 in the morning. on Saturday, according to QCPD’s Project 6 station.
Businessman claimed robbers took P22.5 million in cash, five watches valued at P12.8 million, diamonds worth P10 million, a Glock 19 9mm pistol worth P50,000, a Glock 17 9mm pistol worth P50,000, a Rock Island revolver worth P20,000, a Bushmaster caliber-5.56 rifle worth P125,000, a Glock 43 9mm pistol worth P50,000 and a Sig Sauer P238 caliber-.380 pistol worth P48,000.
Robbers then fled scene in silver Lexus sport utility vehicle, black Toyota Innova with plate number 16, green Yamaha Aerox and black Honda Click motorcycle, Chua said.
At around 5:30 in the morning on same day, Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU) initiated investigation into reported robbery.
However, CIDU’s findings contradicted Chua’s claims, as security camera footage from vicinity showed no record of alleged incident.
Further inquiry revealed that Chua had reportedly coerced his employees to act as witnesses and provide false statements, CIDU stated.
OTS screener guilty of stealing $300 charged of criminal and admin complaints
By J.Lo
“OTS must improve its system at the point of hiring, review its recruitment policies and enforce ethics training…employees must undergo extensive background checks,” Sen. Grace Poe, chairs Senate committee on public services noted in long-term, we should also look at providing better compensation and benefits to these employees so they would not resort to stealing.”
Screener of Office for Transportation Security (OTS) has been found liable for stealing $300 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), according to the Department of Transportation.
Female sceener was recorded on closed-circuit television footage swallowing dollar bills reportedly stolen from departing Chinese tourist at NAIA.
“Investigation showed employee swallowed cash…she claims in her affidavit she was eating chocolate, but probers found her guilty,” Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista told reporters after Senate hearing.
OTS screener and her three accomplices are facing administrative and criminal complaints, Bautista said.
Poe said OTS needs to be overhauled following resignation of administrator Ma. O Aplasca.
Speaker Martin Romualdez had called for Aplasca’s resignation amid reported cases of theft at country’s main gateway.
“Resignation at the top does not clean up OTS ranks…more than ever, agency needs steady leadership to implement much-needed reforms,” Poe said.
As to date, more than half of OTS manpower are contractual personnel, with only 475 with permanent status.
Poe said permanent solution to stop illegal activities involving OTS personnel is security of tenure and salary increase.
“In view of foregoing, those individuals who intend to use airsoft/airgun, and other imitation firearms as theatrical property during performance or production must seek authority from CBFSC by filing application for Certificate of Authority-Transport,” Philippine National Police (PNP) advisory read individuals who will use airsoft guns and gun props are required to secure permits.
In advisory PNP Firearms and Explosives Office reminded public imitation firearms used in theatrical plays or entertainment purposes shall require Certificate of Authority-Transport.
Airsoft guns are replica toy guns used for “airsoft sports” and are often used as props in film productions. They are chambered by non-metallic spherical projectiles often made out of plastic.
Airgun , on other hand, uses compressed air instead of gunpowder.
Firearms replicas are also covered by 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections gun ban.
Brig. Gen. Roger Quesada said those who will fail to comply may face charges and have their props seized as it does not have proper permits from PNP and Commission on Elections.
Comelec Committee on Ban on Firearms or gun and Safety Concerns last August 28 led ceremonial kick-off for election period and gun ban.
Election gun ban took effect at 12:01 in the morning of August 28 and will be in place until November 29.
“Election Period and Period of Prohibited Acts, foremost of which is Ban on Bearing, Carrying or Transporting Firearms and Other Deadly Weapons (Gun Ban), shall commence on 28 August 2023 and shall remain until 29 November 2023, pursuant to COMELEC Resolution No. 10905 in relation to COMELEC Resolution No. 10924,” poll body said.
Individuals must go through application process and acquire certificate of authority from Comelec to be allowed to carry firearms during election season.
HINDI nga naman kasambahay papayag ang ating hukbong dagat lalo na ang pwersang armadong palayasin ang barkong navy sa karagatang sakop ng Pilipinas, maghahalo ang balat sa tinalupan, fake news yung minarites nang kung sino. Nanggalaiti tuloy itong si heneral Romeo Brawner Jr. Shout out muna kay Lady Pastor Myrna Yuson, pagbati sa pasinaya bukas sa interfaith dyan sa north Caloocan City. Harinawang matauhan ang mga pasaway na pulis sa moral values na ituturong muli. Sa mga negosyante nating taga-subaybay, nilinaw ng rentas internas na yung kumikita ng milyong piso sa isang taong pangangalakal ang obligadong magresibo. Hindi binanggit ang mga bus na walang tiket a, di lumalaban nang parehas sa mga de-tiket. Kinukumpirma pa rin kung may Pinoy na hawak ang mga rebeldeng hamas sa Israel at kung Pinoy ang labing nahalungkat sa talaksan ng mga guho sa pagpapasabog ng mga terorista. Ipinapapaliban muna ni sen. Grace Poe ang pagbasurang lubusan sa sinaunang mga jeepney. Tumaas daw ang presyo ng bulaklak, magpapasko pa naman. Tumataas na naman ang bilang ng nahawa sa covid, magmaskara kasi. Pagbati rin kina Nadine Lustre at Kim Chiu, kapwa nominado sa Eddys 2023. 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.
“It is feasible given nature of proceedings as well as focus of Comelec to go after these erring candidates,” Legal Network for Truthful Elections (Lente) executive director Ona Caritos said just like Commission on Elections (Comelec), poll watchdogs believe erring barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) post aspirants can be removed from list of candidates before election day.
National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) secretary general Eric Alvia agreed with Caritos.
“It’s doable as long as caseload isn’t a lot,” Alvia said.
Both Caritos and Alvia commended Comelec’s intensified efforts to run after barangay and SK elections (BSKE) candidates who engage in premature campaigning.
For Caritos, it is right for Comelec to show BSKE candidates no one is above the law, thus, they should abide by rules.
Comelec’s timid and nonchalant stance toward premature campaigning in past, Alvia said, had led to normalization of such an illegal act.
“It’s about time Comelec takes firmer approach toward these offenses,” he stressed.
Comelec’s Task Force Anti-Epal has so far filed 82 petitions for disqualification against candidates who engage in premature campaigning.
Based on initial assessment, Comelec expects to file disqualification cases against 203 candidates.
Comelec has issued 5,169 show-cause orders to BSKE candidates for premature campaigning, of which 1,132 have submitted explanations to poll body.
Total of 347 complaints against BSKE bets have also been dropped for lack of “factual basis.”
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