Archdiocese of Manila confirmed retired Manila Auxilliary Bishop Teodoro Buhain died on Wednesday, November 13.
In statement Archdiocese of Manila on Wednesday afternoon, the retired bishop passed away at 11 in the morning at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City.
Buhain was ordained priest on Dec. 21, 1960, and went on to serve as Catholic pastor for 63 years.
He was first ordained as bishop by Saint Pope John Paul II in 1983 where he was appointed as auxiliary bishop of Manila.
Buhain was one of the two auxiliary bishops of Manila during tenure of the late Jaime Cardinal Sin. He served alongside former Bishop Socrates Villegas, who was Sin’s spokesperson and is now Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan.
Buhain resigned as Manila’s auxiliary bishop in 2003 because his term as auxiliary bishop was co-terminus with Sin, who had appointed him to the post.
Late bishop was also hounded by different controversies during his tenure he all denied.
Details of Buhain’s wake and funeral have yet to be announced.
“Transparency in budget deliberations is crucial in enabling citizen participation in governance, ensuring public funds are appropriated in accordance with people’s needs and interests,” Minority lawmakers filed House Resolution on Monday, November 11, calling for transparent and publicly accessible deliberations on national budget, beginning with proposed 2025 budget.
House Resolution 2067, introduced by Makabayan bloc lawmakers, urges House of Representatives to make all bicameral conference committee hearings and documents, including transcripts, on national budget open to the public and media.
Each year, national budget is finalized by bicameral conference committee, composed of members from Senate and House of Representatives, after both houses have approved their respective versions of General Appropriations Bill (GAB).
This committee is responsible for aligning differing versions of proposed national budget from both chambers, engaging in debates over final allocation of funds to various programs and agencies.
Bicameral conference committee’s hearings have typically been held behind closed doors, leaving public unaware of final revisions to annual budget.
It is only when General Appropriations Act is passed that public becomes aware of changes made.
Citing Article VI, Section 16(3) of 1987 Constitution, resolution justified its call by asserting Congress has authority to set rules governing its proceedings.
While it is not unconstitutional for bicameral conference committee to hold closed-door hearings, resolution emphasized hearings must adhere to “principles of transparency and accountability” as reflected in the Constitution.
Makabayan lawmakers argued private nature of these hearings has allowed final budget proceedings to “circumvent proper legislative scrutiny,” resulting in insertion of new provisions or items.
Resolution referenced Special Provision No. 1 of the 2024 GAB’s Unprogrammed Appropriations, amended by bicameral conference committee. It was not originally included in either House or Senate’s version of the bill.
This provision authorizes government to source unprogrammed funds from government-owned and controlled corporations, such as Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), under specific conditions.
“Insertion, despite being absent in both chambers’ versions, led to PhilHealth being required to remit P89.9 billion in excess subsidies to National Treasury,” the resolution read.
After three petitions were filed against transfer, Supreme Court issued temporary restraining order to halt transfer of remaining P29.9 billion in unused PhilHealth funds.
Supreme Court blocks transfer of Philhealth funds to nat’l treasuryWith the issuance of the restraining order, the remaining P29.9 billion, expected to be transferred in November,…
According to Department of Budget and Management, unprogrammed funds serve as standby funds government can use for priority programs or projects not yet allocated in General Appropriations Act (GAA).
These funds may be accessed only if certain conditions are met, such as generating excess revenue from identified non-tax sources, new tax or non-tax collections, approved loans for foreign-assisted projects, or fund balances of GOCCs.
Under Marcos administration, unprogrammed funds allocated in GAA were significantly larger than those recommended in National Expenditure Program.
In 2024, standby funds more than doubled from P281.9 billion in NEP to P731.4 billion in 2024 GAA.
For 2025, executive branch proposed P158.67 billion in unprogrammed appropriations.
“In effect, closed-door ‘Third House’ overrules decision of Lower House and Senate, are public as mandated by Constitution,” lawmakers stated.
House Resolution was filed by Rep. France Castro (ACT Teachers Party-List), Rep. Arlene Brosas (Gabriela Women’s Party) and Rep. Raoul Manuel (Kabataan Party-list).
Senate is currently holding plenary debates on its version of 2025 GAB, aiming for approval by November 19.
Senate President Chiz Escudero previously said Congress eyes final approval of P6.352-trillion budget by second week of December at the latest, through bicameral conference committee.
Duterte as he refrains from swearing at House drug war probe
By Nidz Godino
“Please do not answer queries or talk otherwise you are being recognized by the chairman,” Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano (Abang Lingkod Party) reiterated as he was unyielding to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s constant attempts to interrupt lawmakers House of Representatives saw quite toned-down but more gutsy version as he refrained from swearing at House probe into his bloody anti-narcotics campaign.
Unlike Senate’s parallel inquiry, Duterte first attended, House Quad Committee was firm in its word that they would not tolerate profanity-laced responses from the former president.
Mega panel’s chairmen gave him stern warning as early as their opening remarks, saying that lawmakers will make point of order should he disrespect committee.
Rep. Bienvenido Abante (Manila, 6th District) and Paduano consistently held Duterte down at every turn he made to violate House rules.
During most interpellations, Duterte engaged in heated exchanges with lawmakers as he attempted to indirectly answer questions, divert discussion and interrupt them mid-sentence.
Overall chair, Rep. Robert Ace Barbers (Surigao Del Norte, 2nd District), had also listened to every point of order made by his committee members.
Duterte even apologized to Rep. Dan Fernandez (Santa Rosa, Lone District), saying that he respects committee and actually fears them.
This stood in stark contrast to Senate, had been lenient with Duterte, allowing him to speak freely and go off on tangents as much as he pleased.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros, however, urged Senate Blue Ribbon Subcommittee Chair Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III to end Duterte’s ongoing profanity.
Pimentel, however, denied request, believing it was necessary to allow Duterte to explain himself in the manner he was most comfortable with.
But it appears that Duterte is able to speak in calm demeanor, as seen at House probe. No lawmakers at the hearing also defended him or invalidated testimonies of other resource persons.
At the Senate inquiry, Sen. Bato dela Rosa and Sen. Bong Go among individuals facing allegations of implementing war on drugs’ reward system spent most of their time defending their name and Duterte’s.
Whenever resource person made statements damaging to their reputation at the Senate probe, Dela Rosa was quick to interrupt and fire back, even against family members of EJK victims and organizers of projects aimed at assisting victims in their healing.
This was the case with priest Flavie Villanueva, founder of Program Paghilom, who was accused by Dela Rosa of turning his advocacy into propaganda.
Dela Rosa even questioned why families had not filed charges against police responsible for arbitrary killings, despite fact several EJK cases were not investigated by the police.
House probe has obtained some confessions from Duterte on allegations made against him, and not just his admission of “full legal responsibility” over results of the war on drugs.
Among admissions he made were incentivizing anti-illegal drug operations, personally killing suspects, having police plant evidence on suspected criminals and previously searching for Iglesia Ni Cristo member to employ in the drug war.
Nonetheless, Quad Comm has not cited Duterte in contempt, despite many instances he failed to wait for the chair to address him before responding during interpellations.
Only multiple points of order were made.
While Duterte barely swore at hearing, he made gestures of harming other resource persons such as attempts to punch former Sen. Leila de Lima and hit former Sen. Antonio Trillanes with microphone.
This came after De Lima had pointed out how Duterte was lying about not knowing her when he had insulted her several times previously amid his accusations of her involvement in illegal drug trade, even saying that she should “rot in jail.”
As for Trillanes, Duterte would slap him in the face if he were allowed to after former senator bared unofficial documents of the alleged “drug proceeds” that were deposited into Duterte’s account.
The House Quad Comm swiftly stopped his attempt to hit Trillanes and reminded resource persons to maintain proper decorum as they have strictly enforced since beginning of the Wednesday hearing.
Eleventh hearing saw presence of Duterte’s daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio as well. This is also first appearance the former president has made at the House probe after skipping past two hearings.
18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.
“For all we know, she could be somebody posing for somebody, and committee cannot act on mere presentation without proper representation to said committee,” Deputy Speaker David Suarez was willing to extend “little bit more understanding” and accepted Lopez’s excuse as stated in her letter, “but only until our next hearing.” Excuses other OVP officials gave were “unacceptable.”
Four officials of the Office of the Vice President under Sara Duterte-Carpio have been cited in contempt by panel of House of Representatives for again failing to personally appear at hearing on questionable disbursement of her intelligence and confidential funds.
Rep. Joel Chua, chairman of House committee on good government and public accountability, approved at yesterday’s hearing motion of Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop to cite OVP officials in contempt.
OVP officials, all trusted aides of Duterte, were ordered detained for repeatedly defying summonses to attend inquiry into alleged mishandling of government funds, specifically confidential and intelligence funds, by Duterte.
Officials are assistant chief of staff Lemuel Ortonio, special disbursement officer (SDO) Gina Acosta, and spouses Edward and Sunshine Charry Fajarda, SDO and assistant secretary of the Department of Education when Duterte was still education secretary.
Lawyer Zuleika Lopez, Duterte’s chief of staff, was spared from contempt charges after she informed lawmakers in letter that she is in Los Angeles caring for her sick aunt.
Lawmakers expressed doubt on Lopez’s excuse and re-issued another subpoena.
Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan advised Lopez to grab opportunity to defend herself and appear before congressional hearings at soonest time possible, as the Chua committee continues to investigate alleged misuse of public funds of OVP.
“Normally, individuals who are blameless, when asked to explain, would seize first available occasion to clear themselves of any wrongdoing,” Libanan, who represents party-list 4Ps, said in statement.
Acop, retired police general also lawyer by profession, moved to detain officials at House premises until inquiry concludes and committee report is submitted for plenary approval.
Four other OVP officials attended yesterday’s hearing: administrative and financial services director Rosalynne Sanchez, chief accountant Julieta Villadelrey, budget division chief Edelyn Rabago and chief administrative officer Kelvin Gerome Teñido.
Santa Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez questioned Lopez’s explanation, calling it “clear evasion” and sought validation of her excuse to skip hearing. “Testimony of Ms. Zuleika Lopez is crucial…if we allow her excuse, other resource persons might follow…they can run, but they cannot hide anymore,” he said.
Also at yesterday’s hearing, “uninvited” OVP official showed up but refused to speak under oath when asked to say her piece.
Committee chairman Chua sought to dismiss from hearing Emily Torrentira, purportedly chief of OVP legal affairs department, for failing to show authorization to represent OVP, as reported by committee secretary Sheryl Cristine Lagrosas.
During Sept. 18 hearing of committee, the Vice President herself refused to take oath.
“Number one, she was not invited to attend today’s hearing…number two, she did not take her oath, so we don’t even know personalities and circumstances as to why she is here, and no communication was forwarded to committee as to her attendance,” he stressed.
Torrentira, meanwhile, explained her reason for not taking oath. “No, your Honor, I am not refusing to take oath…prior to being asked to take oath, I was trying to explain that I am not invited resource person,” she said.
“I’ve only been asked now to explain why there was no receipt of subpoena for persons who are not present here…that is what I have been trying to say,” she said, adding that based on Rules of Court, “personal service must be made to resource persons who are being issued subpoena.”
“They being not present in the office at that time, no person can receive on their behalf and hence there will be no proper service,” she said.
Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano (Abang Lingkod party-list), chairman of House committee on public accounts, said Torrentira’s refusal to take oath was show of disrespect.
“May I ask the good attorney, what is your role in this, you were not invited but you are present in today’s hearing but you never take your oath…why…what is your presence here for?” he asked, to which she replied: “I am the chief of legal affairs of OVP… I am here to represent institution.”
“So you are here to represent the institution…you should, before talking, you should take your oath…because that is on record…you’re lawyer, you know that, you cannot speak unless until you take your oath…that’s rule, internal rules of this House and of this committee,” Paduano insisted.
“You can’t speak unless you take your oath, or else I will move to excuse you from this room.
Deepest sympathy to the family of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas
Fadullon new DOJ prosecutor general
By Nidz Godino
Department of Justice (DOJ) has new prosecutor general as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.has appointed Richard Fadullon.
In letter dated Oct. 30 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Marcos officially named then officer-in-charge Prosecutor General Fadullon as chief of the National Prosecution Service.
Fadullon replaced Benedicto Malcontento, who resigned to “pursue other endeavors.”
Fadullon has served DOJ for 30 years, starting his career as state prosecutor in April 1994.
He also served as senior deputy state prosecutor for several years and was named acting prosecutor general in 2018.
Before joining DOJ, Fadullon first worked as clerk at Quezon City Regional Trial Court.
He handled high-profile cases such as plunder trial of former president Joseph Estrada before Sandiganbayan, as deputized by Office of the Ombudsman.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Fadullon “has what it takes to bring justice system to greater heights.”
Deepest sympathy to the family of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas
Comelec has 300 cases of nuisance candidates
By J.Lo
“We will be coming out with decision on remaining cases of 117 senatorial aspirants…after that, we will take up local candidates,” Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia said starting this week, poll body will resolve petitions for declaration of some 300 local candidates in 2025 midterm polls as nuisance.
Garcia said as soon as resolutions for remaining nuisance cases of senatorial aspirants are completed, poll body will tackle local bets.
On Sunday, Comelec declared 47 senatorial candidates as nuisance.
Comelec vowed to resolve all pending petitions against nuisance aspirants as soon as possible.
“We hope that by end of November, Comelec should have resolved nuisance cases, not just in division but at en banc level, all petitions so that list of candidates will be cleansed come December,” Garcia said.
Comelec received 183 certificates of candidacy for senator during filing period from Oct. 1 to 8.
Of the number, 66 aspirants are included in the partial list of Senate bets for 2025 elections.
Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come
Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come
Deepest sympathy to the family of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas
Probe links Pharmally with POGOs
By Nidz Godino
“Lin Wei Xiong is drug personality…he was caught in shabu laboratory in Tagaytay in 2004,” personal appearance of Rose Nono Lin , Filipino wife of Allan Lim establishes links between Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp., engaged in overpricing of medical supplies during Duterte administration, and illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators or POGO.
Upon interpellation, Lin told leaders and members of quad committee of House of Representatives last Nov. 7 that she is spouse of Lim for the last 11 years and that she knows nothing of his alleged other Chinese names, like Lin Wei Xiong.
She denied that her husband, Hong Kong national, had since been in hiding in Dubai, revealing to House members they just met each other last Nov. 1 in the island city-state, where he supervises several of their companies, while she stays in the country.
Lin confirmed and acknowledged to panel chairman Rep. Robert Ace Barbers that Lim was indeed her husband based on the pictures that Surigao del Norte congressman showed, but denied allegations foreigner is drug trafficker.
Barbers, presiding officer of quad comm, heads House committee on dangerous drugs.
Lin related that she met her husband in early 2009 when she was still working with hotel, adding Allan Lim has been entrepreneur and has been here in the country since 2005. Record of birth certificate of Lin and Lim’s child indicated their son was born on Dec. 6, 2004.
In the course of the hearing, Lin also admitted that POGO is just one of her businesses.
One of them is Xionwei Technology, dubbed as “mother of all POGOs” on the basis that it lent its license to several POGO companies across the country, including one headed by dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo as well as Lucky South 99 in Porac, Pampanga.
Lin likewise acknowledged she designated her niece as stockholder and incorporator of holding firms she formed, to which Michael Yang economic adviser to former president Rodrigo Duterte has also been partner.
She admitted before quad comm that she and her husband control most of these companies, like Paili Holdings, Xionwei Technology and Full Win Group of Companies.
Rep. Dan Fernandez, co-chairman of the quad comm and chairman of the House committee on public order and safety, also showed screenshots of Lin’s conversation with their employees Ted Lazaro and Alvin Constantino.
Exchange of communication indicated that Lin directed Constantino to pull out their equipment in Porac, Pampanga after authorities conducted raid and ordered its closure, in compliance with directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr..
In a related development, Moro Lazo, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency director-general, confirmed at the same hearing Lin Wei Xiong of Pharmally and Allan Lim – who has since been on their drug list is one and same person.
“We were able to talk to confidential informant…he is reliable informant…when he talked to us, he hadn’t even seen presentation of Colonel Acierto before committee on dangerous drugs, when we took down details of what he was telling us, it confirms some of the statements of Colonel Acierto,” PDEA chief told quad committee.
Quoting PDEA informant, Lazo said Lin and Allan Lim also went by names Allan Lin, Jeffrey Lin, Jeff Lin, Ayong, Lin Wei Xiong and Wen Li Chen. “These names all are confirmed by the different statements being heard before quad comm.”
Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come
Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come
Deepest sympathy to the family of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas
Quiboloy admiotted due to ‘irregular heartbeat’
By J.Lo
“Based on court order from Pasig Regional Trial Court, Quiboloy was transported to Philippine Heart Center on Friday night,” PNP public information office chief Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said at briefing in Camp Crame detained religious leader Apollo Quiboloy has been granted medical furlough due to “irregular heartbeat, may be considered life-threatening.”
Quiboloy, was transferred to Philippine Heart Center on Nov. 8 following chest discomfort, had initial medical examination at PNP General Hospital.
Results indicated irregular heartbeat, prompting PNP’s Health Service to recommend further evaluation at specialized facility.
“Today, we received an order extending his medical furlough until Nov. 16 at 5 in the afternoon, allowing him to complete necessary tests,” Fajardo stressed.
PNP stated 72-year-old Quiboloy is undergoing several heart-related examinations, including 2D echo, stress and blood chemistry tests.
These tests were recommended due to his medical history, includes prior heart procedures in 2009 and 2022.
Quiboloy, arrested in September, has regularly exercised within detention center and is closely monitored by nurses, according to Fajardo.
She added Quiboloy’s legal and spiritual advisors visit weekly.
Fajardo noted that Quiboloy has had no prior health complaints since his detention until his recent discomfort.
She said court might consider further medical recommendations based on findings of Philippine Heart Center’s specialists.
PNP confirmed they would follow court’s directive to return Quiboloy to the PNP Custodial Center by Nov. 16.
9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,[a]
Footnotes
Colossians 1:9 Or all spiritual wisdom and understanding
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