28 Nobyembre,2024 Huwebes

Happy 21st anniversary, Servants of God in Jesus Christ Christian Ministries Incorporated, Rev. Nestor Sadim, Rev. Manuel Soliman, Director Jorge Lopez

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come

Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come

Family  of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas appreciates every moments shared by friends and relatives in their bereavement

VP security to be replaced

By Nidz Godino

“There were rumors that  security for the Vice President will be pulled out by  AFP. ..that is not true. ..so,  story here is that we received  subpoena from  PNP calling  members of  VPSPG for investigation,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)  chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said. government is replacing  head and members of  Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG) with  new contingent from  AFP and Philippine National Police (PNP).

In  speech during  leadership summit at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Brawner said they received  subpoena from  PNP  called for members of  VPSPG to be investigated due to commotion at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in Quezon City over the weekend.

Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, claims there are threats to her life, said she would refuse the new security contingent and would instead rely on her own team, being put together by friends.

Brawner clarified  he is not taking over  VPSPG but is replacing personnel including its commander, Col. Raymund Dante Lachica, because of ongoing police and legislative investigations.

“There is investigation..so we followed  subpoena and what we will do is we are just going to temporarily replace them with  contingent from  PNP and from  AFP,” he explained.

Brawner told reporters  not yet clear if all VPSPG personnel will be replaced, since all are still under study.

Brawner also gave assurance that military will continue to protect and will not allow any harm to come to Vice President Sara Duterte.

“We will not leave her because  security of  Vice President is still of primary concern to us…because if there’s  untoward incident, let’s say something happens to the Vice President, this may be  start of disorder….because according to what she said, she will take actions against the President, the First Lady and the Speaker of the House, we don’t want that to happen…what if there are some groups there that may do something to the Vice President just to blame it on another and then that could cause chaos…so we will not allow that, we will not allow that….so we will still protect  our Vice President” ,Brawner said.

PNP public information officer Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said  25 officers from Police Security and Protection Group were assigned to Duterte’s security detail on Tuesday.

Fajardo said  reassignment of  police officers to  VPSPG was upon  request of AFP in anticipation of  possible recall of military personnel from Duterte’s security detail.

PNP earlier recalled 75 police officers from Duterte’s security detail. Thirty-one other PNP personnel were retained but they were under-utilized, Fajardo said.

“This is again  prerogative of our Vice President, that’s why they were recalled since they are under-utilized,” she said.

On Duterte’s claim  she has been receiving threats to her security, Fajardo said they have no information of any threat to the Vice President’s life.

Vice President Duterte’s alleged assassination plot against President Marcos, First Lady Liza Marcos and Speaker Martin Romualdez may be considered as terrorism under  Anti-Terror Law, according to Department of Justice (DOJ).

Citing Section 4 of Republic Act 11479 or Anti-Terror law, Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres said  punishable acts include engaging in acts intended to cause death or serious bodily injury to any person or endangers  person’s life.

“If you engage in acts intended to harm or cause  death of other individuals, that’s part of terrorism. Especially if the purpose is to intimidate and create an atmosphere of fear,” Andres said.

He pointed out that  threat to the President’s life is  national security matter, considering that the one accused of plotting against him is the Vice President.

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) earlier served  subpoena to Duterte to explain her declaration of allegedly hiring hitman to kill Marcos if  alleged plot against her succeeds.

In  subpoena, NBI noted Duterte’s “possible violation” of Republic Act 11479 or “Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020,”  enacted when her father Rodrigo Duterte was president.

Meanwhile, Brawner is confident that despite what is currently happening in the country, he “is not worried at all” because he is sure that “ whole Armed Forces of the Philippines will remain professional and competent.”

“So there is no need for loyalty check because our soldiers and officers are loyal to their oath…when we entered service, we took vow, we took an oath and, in that oath, we said  we will always defend Constitution of the Philippines, defend our country and defend the duly constituted authorities. ..so, in that aspect, I am not worried,” he said.

The AFP chief also stressed that  military will not heed calls for it to intervene in what former president Duterte described as “ fractured government that only  military can fix.”

“But that is not our job…our job is to protect Republic of the Philippines, protect its people, defend our territory and defend our sovereignty and our sovereign rights,” he emphasized.

He said past cases of military adventurism will no longer succeed today and  AFP “will not take  law into our own hands. We will remain professional. If they want change, we have  process for that under our democracy. So, let’s allow that to happen.”

Brawner added that while each and everyone may have their own political beliefs that are respected, for soldiers such beliefs and opinions cannot be openly declared or discussed.

28 Nobyembre,2024 Huwebes

Happy 21st anniversary, Servants of God in Jesus Christ Christian Ministries Incorporated, Rev. Nestor Sadim, Rev. Manuel Soliman, Director Jorge Lopez

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come

Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come

Family  of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas appreciates every moments shared by friends and relatives in their bereavement

Reunion Mary Jane, family seen

By Nidz Godino

“Thought of having her home fills me with hope,” Veloso Mary Jane  Veloso’s mother Celia  said during their meeting, noting that her daughter remained in good spirit despite her ordeal.

Veloso Mary Jane,  overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who was convicted and imprisoned in 2010 in Indonesia for drug trafficking, is expected to be reunited with her family in December.

OFW party-list Rep. Marissa Magsino visited Veloso’s mother, Celia, to relay  good news.

Celia also expressed gratitude for Indonesia’s humane treatment of her daughter over the years.

“Mary Jane calls us every month to share updates, though we cannot call her…she is  youngest of my five children and has two kids of her own, aged 22 and 16, who live with me…while I had accepted  possibility of her staying in Indonesia, this news brings renewed hope,” she said.

Magsino highlighted  OFW party-list’s reintegration program in partnership with Department of Migrant Workers  provides livelihood support, scholarships, medical assistance and insurance.

“We will stand by Mary Jane and her family every step of the way,” Magsino said.

Veloso’s case has become symbol of resilience in the fight against human trafficking.

President  Ferdinand Marcos Jr.has confirmed  Veloso will be returning to the country after years of “long and difficult” negotiations with Indonesia.

On the other hand, casino junket operator Hector Aldwin Pantollana is expected to arrive in the Philippines today, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said.

Pantollana, who allegedly took P4 billion worth of investments in an investment scam, was arrested at  Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali on Nov. 9 while attempting to board flight to Hong Kong.

Wanted in the Philippines for multiple cases of syndicated estafa and swindling, Pantollana is included in the International Criminal Police Organization’s red notice list.

Philippine government secured custody of Pantollana through  prisoner swap with Indonesia.

In return for Pantollana’s custody, Torre said they turned over Handoyo Salman,  Indonesian national who allegedly amassed 900 billion rupees or about P3.3 billion in online scams, to their counterparts in Indonesia.

Salman was apprehended at Central One Bataan PH Inc.,  business process outsourcing firm  raided on Oct. 31 following reports that it was an illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator hub. 

28 Nobyembre,2024 Huwebes

Happy 21st anniversary, Servants of God in Jesus Christ Christian Ministries Incorporated, Rev. Nestor Sadim, Rev. Manuel Soliman, Director Jorge Lopez

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come

Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come

Family  of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas appreciates every moments shared by friends and relatives in their bereavement

‘Michael Yang key actor in Ch intel opns in Philippines’

By Nidz Godino

“Michael Yang is  key actor in Chinese intelligence operations here,” Sen. Risa Hontiveros said, referring to Duterte’s economic adviser  went into hiding after his alleged criminal links were exposed said economic adviser of former president Rodrigo Duterte was directly involved in Chinese intelligence operations in the Philippines and possibly in other illegal activities as well like  drug trade.

Hontiveros said as her committee concluded its investigation on Philippine offshore and gaming operators (POGO) being used as fronts by criminal syndicates.

“He was  economic adviser of the former president…they’ve exploited us and betrayed us,” she said during  16th and last hearing of  Senate committee on women, children and family relations,  she chairs.

The senator also linked Yang to Pharmally,  under-capitalized firm bagged  billion-peso contract to supply the country with face masks and other protective health kits at the height of pandemic.

She also cited  activities of “web of people who used POGOs for their personal gains, for their selfish interest at the expense of  Filipino people.”

“POGO is  monster, this photo was given to us by one of our key informants and it further deepens what we already know,” she said as she presented images of 20 individuals, including Duterte, Alice Guo and Yang.

Hontiveros said  Senate probe has exposed  real nature of POGO as nothing more than  Trojan horse.

“POGOs brought us nothing but nightmares,” she said.

Despite many heinous crimes unearthed by the committee, including large-scale scamming, corruption, kidnapping, torture, prostitution and human trafficking, Hontiveros clarified that their objective has never been to prove any single individual guilty.

“Guo Hua Ping, this committee has unmasked you as  Chinese national mocking our Filipino identity to amass wealth and commit crimes against true Filipinos,” said Hontiveros, referring to former mayor Alice Guo’s real identity as  Chinese.

Addressing Guo, Hontiveros  is “looking forward to the day you face justice.”

The senator said  Senate panel’s investigation, while establishing POGOs as fronts for scamming and human trafficking, has also set into motion legislative reforms to prevent another Alice Guo.

“This may be  end of our hearings on POGO, but this is only  beginning of legislative reforms that we will strive to push, to ensure to every Filipino that there will never be another Alice Guo, Guo Hua Ping, I’ll make sure you can’t do this again…and everyone will learn from what you do, for five long years, counting our pastillas investigation,  committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality tried to leave no stone unturned to unravel many evils brought to our shores by POGOs,  welcomed with open arms by  administration of former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte,”  Hontiveros added in her closing statement.

Guo was absent during yesterday’s Senate hearing as she had to attend  proceeding at  Pasig Regional Trial Court Branch 167 for qualified trafficking.

Hontiveros lamented irregularities in Guo’s birth certificate registration, immigration procedures, passport and visa applications, bank secrecy laws and in election rules.

She said Senate President has committed to prioritizing enactment of Anti-POGO Bill to ensure  POGOs, in whatever form or name, would forever be banned in the country.

Hontiveros said committee would hold on to  Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) commitment to reach out to She Zhejiang for information in his possession on Guo Hua Ping, Yang brothers and other possible foreign agents.

“We will also seek to obtain these documents preparatory to  committee report…even post adjournment, committee retains its jurisdiction insofar as seeking access to She Zhejiang is concerned,” he stressed.

Hontiveros further questioned National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) about Alice Guo’s alleged status as  Chinese spy.

NICA deputy director general Ashley Acedillo confirmed  Guo could be classified as  “agent of influence,” using her position to shape public opinion and decisions favorable to foreign power.

“What is applicable is she uses her influence, using her stature of position, to influence public opinion or decision helping to produce results beneficial to  country whose services they benefit from…to that effect that is applicable to her… she may be classified as such,” Acedillo said.

He noted that at present, there is no law that defines it as such.

On POGOs’ possible hosting of troll farms, Acedillo said, “we cannot discount  possibility that these POGO hubs are also operating as dual-use entities.”

Hale Oliver Labayo, chief counsel of  SEC Company Registration and Monitoring Department, said legitimate POGOs could not be prevented from applying for  new article of incorporation.

Asked if  SEC would approve  application of  POGO to amend articles of incorporation to become business process outsourcing firm, Labayo responded, “Those who are legitimate POGOs, those that are not revoked and without violations can apply for an amendment and become BPO, provided there is clause that they will obey the law.”

He said “there will be consequences” if they violate the law.

“There will be revocation proceedings because they did not fulfill their primary purpose,” Labayo said.“I hope  SEC will be vigilant. ..guard against these POGOs whose licenses are revoked and who are guilty of other illegal activities from rebranding as BPOs,” Hontiveros said.

28 Nobyembre,2024 Huwebes

Happy 21st anniversary, Servants of God in Jesus Christ Christian Ministries Incorporated, Rev. Nestor Sadim, Rev. Manuel Soliman, Director Jorge Lopez

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Family  of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas appreciates every moments shared by friends and relatives in their bereavement

RD’s challenge to military ‘borders sedition’ — DOJ

By J.Lo

“I do not know where the president is getting his notion, we have  strong and functioning republic…civil governance is for civilians, and  military has no role whatsoever,” Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres said Department of Justice announced  it will investigate former President Rodrigo Duterte over his remarks about military intervention in  governance of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Andres said  Duterte’s remark is “bordering on sedition.”

“For him to invite  military to have  part in seeking remedy is bordering on sedition and is legally actionable,” he said.

This stemmed from  early morning conference on Tuesday, where Duterte described  Philippines as having “fractured governance” and accused Marcos of being drug addict.

“There is  fractured governance in the Philippines today…nobody can correct Marcos, nobody can correct Romualdez…there is no urgent remedy… only military  can correct it,” Duterte said  at  press conference.

The former president also asked military: “until when will you support  addict president… I challenge the whole military because they’re supposed to be  protectors of  Constitution.”

However, the former president did not mention calling  coup d’etat against Marcos.

Duterte has repeatedly accused Marcos of drug use, allegations that Marcos has consistently dismissed.

In response, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin condemned Duterte’s statements, saying that the former president has gone to “great and evil lengths” to see his daughter Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio ascend to  presidency.

“No motive is more selfish than calling for  sitting president to be overthrown so that your daughter can take over…and he will go to great and evil lengths, such as insulting our professional armed forces by asking them to betray their oath, for his plan to succeed, the former president should respect the Constitution, not disobey it…he should desist from being as irresponsible as he has become,” Bersamin said. 

.Andres addressed Duterte’s common tactic of retracting contentious statements as jokes or hyperbole, saying that such remarks would be taken in their proper context.

“In legal contemplation, we have to place it in its proper context and ordinary meaning…we must also consider other contemporaneous acts ,what you are saying, what you are expressing, and what you are doing,” he said. 

Andres also highlighted  gravity of Sara Duterte’s admission of hiring someone to target the president, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, emphasizing that it constitutes  direct threat rather than  conditional one. 

He stressed that such  statement, coming from  highly influential figure, is  matter of national security, particularly as it involves  country’s elected leader. 

“We will not take this lightly and we will address this very seriously,” Andres said. 

The former president’s press conference was held  few days after Sara Duterte’s virtual press conference, where she threatened to kill  Marcoses if she were killed.

This prompted  National Bureau of Investigation to issue subpoena against the vice president, asking her to shed light on the incident.

26 Nobyembre,2024 Martes

Happy 21st anniversary, Servants of God in Jesus Christ Christian Ministries Incorporated, Rev. Nestor Sadim, Rev. Manuel Soliman, Director Jorge Lopez

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come

Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come

Family  of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas appreciates every moments shared by friends and relatives in their bereavement

Mary Jane’s family getting aid

By Nidz Godino

“We are here to provide all  welfare assistance  government can offer to Mary Jane’s family as directed by the President,” Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac said family of Mary Jane Veloso is receiving welfare and other necessary assistance.

Cacdac personally visited the mother and children of Veloso on Friday to assure them  government’s full support.

According to Cacdac, government is extending psychosocial counseling skills training through  Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and allowances to Veloso’s eldest son, Daniel.

DMW also extended financial assistance and grocery pack for the family.

Cacdac said  DMW would continue working closely with  Veloso family and ensure that they have access to government programs such as medical assistance and other support programs that can improve their welfare and future prospects.

Local  government of General Natividad, Nueva Ecija, committed to providing employment assistance and skills training from TESDA to  Veloso family.

Cacdac also spoke to Veloso’s sister, who expressed her concerns about her Arab employer and wanted to return home from Riyadh.

“Hopefully, we can bring her home before Christmas,” Cacdac said while noting that they would arrange her safe repatriation.

Cacdac also promised to refer  medical concerns of some members of the Veloso family to  Department of Health.

26 Nobyembre,2024 Martes

Happy 21st anniversary, Servants of God in Jesus Christ Christian Ministries Incorporated, Rev. Nestor Sadim, Rev. Manuel Soliman, Director Jorge Lopez

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come

Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come

Family  of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas appreciates every moments shared by friends and relatives in their bereavement

Headlines

NBI to subpoena VP Sara

By Nidz Godino

“Immediate investigation is necessary and we have  legal recourse for NBI to issue  subpoena against Vice President to, let her explain her remarks,” Justice Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes Andres said  National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will summon Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio to explain her public declaration that she had contracted  hitman to assassinate President  Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife Liza and cousin Speaker Martin Romualdez should  alleged plot on her life succeed.

Andres said  government is taking Duterte’s remark as  “serious and active threat,” considering that it emanated from  second highest ranking official in the country, “influential and powerful.”

He stressed NBI will undertake all processes necessary to identify supposed hitman hired by the Vice President.  Department of Justice has jurisdiction over  NBI.

“We are not leaving any stone unturned, we will take every effort to protect the President and to investigate everyone that could possibly be involved in this assassination plot of the three high-ranking officials of government,” Andres told Palace reporters. The First Lady is not  government official.

Asked if Duterte’s pronouncement can serve as grounds for her impeachment, Andres replied: “Impeachment is  constitutional option that is vested in the House of Representatives to initiate and eventually elevated into  Senate. It is not within  ambit of our authority to determine whether this should be  ground for impeachment.”

“But I will only say that there are serious violations of law in these acts. ..so we will leave it up to Congress to make that determination,” he said.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago said out of courtesy and due process, agency is giving Duterte five days to appear before  NBI and give her explanation and answer questions. NBI is set to issue  subpoena today.

Santiago said they have no leads yet on identity of  supposed hitman but this would be cleared up if Duterte follows subpoena and gives  explanation on her remarks.

Should Duterte snub summons, NBI will proceed with whatever evidence it has in its possession and file corresponding cases if warranted.

“Prosecution office will determine whether there is prima facie evidence and certainty of conviction before  case is filed in court,” Santiago explained.

For his part, Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon explained purpose of subpoena is to ensure  due process is observed and Duterte is given  opportunity to present her side. If Duterte refuses to comply, government will not wait until she is “good and ready.”

“Whatever evidence is in  possession of or will be in  possession of  NBI based on its investigation outside of any statement or any cooperation coming from them is something that we can work on already…if they refuse to answer, we cannot do anything but to comply with  law and adhere to it based on  evidence that we have,” he said.

Andres explained there is “nothing personal” about  proceedings against Duterte and  government is just showing that no one is above the law and accountability can be exacted from anybody.

“We will do what is necessary under the Constitution and in accordance with  Constitution,” he said.

Fadullon said  investigation would also look into  motivation of Duterte for making  threat and to put it in context of current circumstances.

“We will be careful in going over  events leading to  statements that were pronounced by the Vice President,” he said.

While law enforcement agencies earlier dismissed as mere “metaphor”  previous statements of Duterte of wanting to behead the President, Andres said her latest remarks can no longer be dismissed when she herself said it was “no joke.”

“It is not for anyone to speak in that manner, to disrupt public order, by making threats especially on the life of anyone, more so life of the Chief Executive… so we have to put our foot down on this matter,” Andres said.

Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) is also set to investigate Vice President, according to its chief Maj. Gen. Nicholas Torre III.

He clarified though that investigation would focus on the incident of Duterte making such pronouncements and not on the Vice President herself.

“The instruction is to investigate  incidents…we are determining  facts, establishing what transpired and creating  chronological record…from there, we will analyze and compare these facts with applicable laws,” Torre explained.

Torre said  CIDG also aims to determine veracity of Duterte’s “hitman” claim, which he acknowledged could be  “figure of speech.”

“We will determine if there is indeed  hitman or if this is something else entirely,” he said.

Torre noted that investigation is still in its early stages and that  timeline will depend on information gathered.

“Criminal investigation cannot be rushed. It may take a day, a week or longer, depending on  complexity of  case,” he said.

Torre said  CIDG will submit  report on its investigation along with recommendations  to appropriate authorities.

He also reiterated that  probe seeks to uncover truth and determine if laws were violated.

“CIDG is committed to impartiality and thoroughness in this case,” Torre said.

Meanwhile, PNP public information office chief Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo noted that  investigation would cover other people.

“CIDG is collating evidence, including words and actions of all involved,” Fajardo said.

She confirmed that  PNP is also reviewing its personnel’s actions during  transfer of Office of the Vice President chief of staff Zuleika Lopez from St. Luke’s Medical Center to Veterans Memorial Medical Center. Transfer, ordered by Congress, was marred by tension.

Fajardo said  National Security Council (NSC) has deemed  safety and security of President Marcos and his family  national security concern, requiring adjustments in security protocols.

“PNP is prepared to provide additional personnel for Malacañang’s security upon request,” Fajardo said.

Lawmakers, meanwhile, have called on authorities to investigate Duterte’s threat thoroughly.

“Threats to  lives of high government officials and their families must be thoroughly investigated, especially by  NBI,” Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III said.

“We need to identify  person VP Duterte spoke to, the one who allegedly assured her that he could carry out such an act…who is this person?” Pimentel said.

Additionally, Pimentel warned that this latest development could have political consequences, particularly for budget allocation of  OVP.

“We may have to reconsider  OVP’s funding. Given her behavior, perhaps she and her office do not deserve  increased budget,” Pimentel added.

Sen. Joel Villanueva is sticking to his position that  OVP’s budget should be augmented.

“I will remain consistent with what I said to increase OVP budget… we don’t think about personalities. I only consider  office, the office itself…so, that’s all I can say but of course, other members have their different opinions about what just transpired recently,” Villanueva told reporters in  chance interview.

Like Villanueva, Sen. Grace Poe, chair of the Senate finance committee, said  budget allocations should not be personality-based.

“It should never have affected that. It’s not personality… just see tomorrow… I’m signing the committee report,” Poe added.

Senate President Pro-Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said  adjustments in OVP budget depend on  decision of majority.

At the House, Bukidnon Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores called Duterte’s pronouncements “deeply alarming and raises serious national security concerns.”

“We must ascertain who this ‘mystery assassin’ is…is  this individual part of  Vice President’s trusted security detail,  member of  notorious syndicate or  hired gun… fact that Vice President Duterte claims to have personally communicated with this person,  allegedly agreed to her directive, indicates close and trusted relationship,” he added.

He also urged Marcos to consider disbanding  Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group organized just days before former president Rodrigo Duterte left office. 

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Hebrews 12:28

²⁸ Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,

25 Nobyembre,2024 Lunes

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Family  of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas appreciates every moments shared by friends and relatives in their bereavement

SCS Code of Conduct pushed in ASEAN

By Nidz Godino

“Defense leaders underscored their shared commitment to advance vision for  free, open, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific, where international law and sovereignty are respected,” Department of National Defense (DND) said in  joint readout of  meeting defense chiefs of all 10 member-states of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have renewed their commitment to work together “in  constructive and peaceful manner to maintain South China Sea (SCS) as  sea of peace, stability and prosperity.”

At this year’s 18th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) in Laos,  defense ministers said preserving peace and promoting prosperity in the region should be done “through  full and effective implementation of  2002 Declaration on nduct of Parties in  South China Sea (DOC) and  early conclusion of effective and substantive Code of Conduct in  South China Sea (COC) in accordance with international law, including  1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), within a mutually-agreed timeline.”

Vientiane Joint Declaration said ASEAN member-countries, through their defense chiefs, “are committed to promoting maritime security, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight and creating conducive environment for peaceful settlement of disputes in  South China Sea.”

In  statement,  ASEAN defense ministers emphasized “ need for early conclusion of  effective and substantive COC in accordance with international law, including  1982 UNCLOS while underlining  full and effective implementation of DOC in South China Sea in its entirety.”

ASEAN groups  Philippines, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Defense  chiefs said such development would complement “existing confidence-building measures such as Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea, Guidelines for Air Military Encounters, Guidelines for Maritime Interaction, ASEAN Direct Communications Infrastructure and other related activities under DOC framework to promote communication, mutual trust and confidence and to reduce tensions and  risk of accidents, misunderstandings and miscalculation in the air and at sea.”

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and his counterparts in  US, Australia, Japan and South Korea issued  separate joint statement reaffirming their “shared commitment” to stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, after their ADDM meetings.

Department of National Defense (DND) also announced  Australia, Japan,  Philippines,  Republic of Korea and  United States issued  joint statement on CS issue after engaging in meetings during  ADDM-Plus meeting in Lao PDR.

“Ministers and secretaries emphasized importance of close multilateral cooperation in support of regional security and stability, and underscored  importance of ASEAN centrality and ASEAN-led regional architecture,” they said.

“Leaders highlighted  progress made in strengthening their defense cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to working together moving forward,”  readout stated.

DND likewise announced that Teodoro met with Japanese Minister of Defense Nakatani Gen on sidelines of 18th ASEAN ADMM and 11th ADMM-Plus  “to discuss ways to further strengthen defense partnership between  two nations.”

“Both leaders underscored importance of deepening Phl-Japan relations, particularly in addressing shared security challenges in the region,” DND spokesman Director Arsenio Andolong said.

Discussions also focused on advancing mutual defense initiatives, including logistics, maritime security and humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

Leaders emphasized their collaboration within ASEAN frameworks, reflecting shared support for regional stability and peace,” he said.

25 Nobyembre,2024 Lunes

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Family  of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas appreciates every moments shared by friends and relatives in their bereavement

AQ medical furlough prolonged

By J.Lo

“It was approved until Wednesday…discussions were high, but request was approved anyway,” controversial preacher Apollo Quiboloy told reporters after a hearing on  religious leader’s cases at Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 159.he is back in the hospital today after court granted his request for  extension of his medical furlough.

Israelito Torreon, Quiboloy’s counsel, said  leader of  Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) will be brought back to  Philippine Heart Center (PHC) in Quezon City today at around 8 in the morning and will stay in the hospital until Wednesday.

Torreon refused to disclose in detail  medical procedure Quiboloy will undergo, but before hearing yesterday, he said medical furlough is for  infection from AQ dental implants, as well as for other medical tests.

Quiboloy is facing  qualified human trafficking case before  Pasig RTC,  non-bailable offense. He is also charged with child abuse at  Quezon City court.

Philippine National Police (PNP), for its part, has yet to issue  statement on Quiboloy’s latest medical furlough.

The religious leader has been staying at  PNP Custodial Center at Camp Crame since September after he was arrested inside  KOJC compound in Davao City.

Quiboloy was previously granted  medical furlough due to  irregular heartbeat and underwent several tests at the PHC.

Meanwhile, former interior and local government secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. has filed  counter-affidavit seeking dismissal of charges brought against him by former president Rodrigo Duterte over  controversial raid on  KOJC compound in Davao City.

Operation, conducted from Aug. 24 to Sept. 8, led to Quiboloy’s arrest.  Long-time Duterte ally, AQ also faces criminal charges in US, including sex trafficking, fraud, cash smuggling and conspiracy.

In his sworn statement submitted to  Department of Justice (DOJ), Abalos refuted Duterte’s complaints  include allegations of grave abuse of authority and misconduct – as baseless and politically motivated.

“Filing of  complaint-affidavit is clearly politically motivated and brought in bad faith, intended to harass me and besmirch my good name,” Abalos said.

He emphasized that his role as secretary of  Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) did not automatically make him liable for alleged actions committed by  police.

“Complainant failed to substantiate his claims that I was aware of  circumstances allegedly inflicted upon KOJC members…being the DILG secretary during the police operation does not make me criminally liable under the doctrine of command responsibility,” he stressed.

Raid , involved over 2,000 police officers, included  search of  sprawling KOJC compound and led to  discovery of  underground tunnel in  basement of Jose Maria College, one of the compound’s facilities.

Duterte, acting as  administrator of KOJC properties, filed  malicious mischief complaint regarding  alleged damage caused by  operation. He and supporters of Quiboloy have since argued that  raid infringed on religious freedoms and violated property laws.

Abalos firmly stood by the raid, calling it  lawful and necessary action to apprehend Quiboloy. “If we did not do what we should have done,  Quibuloy would not have been arrested…so, whatever their demands are, they have right to do so,” he said during  interview at  DOJ.

He urged law enforcers to remain steadfast when acting within  bounds of law, stating, “Don’t be afraid, as long as you know that what you’re doing is right, don’t be afraid.”

Despite  controversy, Abalos expressed confidence in his defense, reiterating operation was conducted in  interest of justice and protection of victims. 

25 Nobyembre,2024 Lunes

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come

Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come

Family  of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas appreciates every moments shared by friends and relatives in their bereavement

Hse leaders rally behind Martin Romualdez

By Nidz Godino

“She seems to be hallucinating…that is why our advice to her is consult  doctor,” leaders of  House of Representatives rallied  behind Speaker Martin Romualdez, dismissing Vice President Sara Duterte Carpio’s latest statement as  “desperate attempt” to shift public attention from her alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential and intelligence funds (CIFs) of  Office of the Vice President (OVP) and Department of Education when she was the DepEd secretary.

Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr., Deputy Speaker David Suarez and Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe asked Duterte to “stop the drama, hallucination and deception.”

Three House leaders said Romualdez and  chamber have consistently adhered to transparency and good governance.

 “Report of the Commission on Audit (COA) on how  House of Representatives used  people’s money is clean, unlike  OVP under VP Duterte,” Gonzales added.

Lawmaker  stressed  House would not be investigating illegal activities like drug trafficking, money laundering and hoarding and price manipulation of consumer products if it is benefiting from illicit practices as claimed by the Vice President.

“Why would we investigate if one of us are benefiting from illegal activities..we would have kept our silence,” Gonzales asked.

Meanwhile, Suarez said Duterte’s accusations are mere “stories, drama and deception.”

“They are used to that…that is their expertise deception, that is only  diversion from her misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds that was received by OVP and DepEd when she was still its secretary” he said.

He also slammed the Vice President for consistently refusing to explain her use of CIFs despite repeated invitations by House to do so and instead resorting to theatrics and unfounded accusations in evading accountability for  missing funds.

“There is only one reason for her refusal to appear before committee…she has no explanation to  misuse of  P612.5 million confidential funds of  OVP and DepEd…she cannot explain  receipts without signatures, no names, unreadable names,  names of  bakeshop and one popular snack  received hundreds of thousands of rewards,” Suarez said, referring to  certain “Mary Grace Piattos” who allegedly received CIFs.

For his part, Dalipe said  Duterte’s allegation that Romualdez’s supposed plan to run for president motivated  House to look into  Vice President’s alleged misuse of  CIFs “has no basis at all.”

“House wanted to protect public funds and acted on COA report questioning hundreds of millions of pesos in confidential funds expenses by Madame Sara Duterte as Vice President and as DepEd secretary,” he said.

He reiterated that COA has disallowed P73 million of  P125 million in CIF spent by  OVP in December 2022 and has flagged more than P160 million of P325 million disbursed in  first three quarters of 2023.

Tingog Rep. Jude Acidre echoed his colleagues’ sentiments, stressing  Duterte needs to answer how she used  taxpayers’ money instead of displaying her “toxic behavior” that reflects poorly on her position as vice president.

House Majority Leader and La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega V  urged the Vice President to get herself checked by  doctor as her fiery remarks on her press conference “warrants  psychological evaluation.”

House committee on good government and public accountability chairman Joel Chua and House quad comm lead chairman Robert Ace Barbers described Duterte’s remarks as “desperate lies” aimed at evading accountability over her alleged misuse of  CIF.

House Minority Leader and 4Ps party[1]list Rep. Marcelino Libanan advised Duterte  to heed her father’s advice to get out of politics “before it’s too late.”

Bukidnon Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores said  Duterte’s death threat against Marcos should be investigated for criminal liability.

Assistant Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said  implied admission of Duterte that she has access to  hitman has sent shockwaves across the country.

Following Duterte’s revelation of access to  hitman, Manila 2nd district Rep. Rolando Valeriano said  parliamentary courtesy for Duterte is “over.”