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
Platform for reporting corruption
By Creselda Canda-Lopez
“DepEd appeals to public for support and encourages reporting of any information pertaining to any possible illegal or corrupt activities in its procurement processes,” through Memorandum 61 Series of 2024 issued on Oct. 30 Department of Education (DepEd) has launched platform where schools and public can report corruption or irregularities in agency’s bidding and procurement activities.
It stressed public may submit their report to its new email portal walangkorapsyon@deped.gov.ph.
“DepEd assures public information provided shall be treated with utmost confidentiality,” agency said.
It added that public may also directly report any nefarious activities in the agency to law enforcement authorities such as Philippine National Police and National Bureau of Investigation “for entrapment, investigation and filing of formal criminal charges.”
In the same memorandum, Education Secretary Sonny Angara reminded all DepEd officials, including schools division superintendents, to ensure that “all bidding activities… shall be conducted in strict adherence to principles of transparency, competitiveness and accountability in accordance with Republic Act 9184, otherwise known as Government Procurement Reform Act.”
The education chief, however, warned erring bidders, suppliers, contractors and consultants that “department will not hesitate to institute blacklisting proceedings when warranted, which will result in disqualifying their participation in any bidding in the government.”
In a press statement DepEd said launch of walangkorapsyon@deped.gov.ph and issuance of Memorandum 61 were part of its reaffirmation of its commitment to ensure “transparency and accountability in all procurement and bidding processes within agency.”
Some of the procurement activities and supply contracts entered into by DepEd under the past leaderships were flagged by Commission on Audit (COA).
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
Elections festival of democracy
By J.Lo
“As friends, partners and allies, we hold each other accountable to live up to our highest democratic ideals, including maybe especially during elections,” US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said as results of America’s vote came in, called elections on Tuesday festival of American democratic process where voting is privilege, but also comes with obligations.
“Our systems of government, though far from perfect, strive to enshrine rule of law and protect equality and dignity of all people one person, one vote at a time…as Abraham Lincoln said, ‘Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, for the people,’ ” she said.
She noted that when political parties compete freely on level playing field, when voters’ rights are respected and when election outcomes are upheld with peaceful transition of power, “societies are more prosperous and secure.”
“And if governments fall short, voters can vote the other way next time… that’s power of democratic elections,” she stressed.
With relations on very strong footing, Philippines and United States will remain “steadfast” friends and “ironclad” allies whoever wins presidential elections, Carlson said.
“In my 39 years in State Department, I have witnessed transitions from Republican to Democrat to Republican and back and forth… we will remain steadfast friends and ironclad allies as well as partners in prosperity no matter who wins election in the United States today,” Carlson told reporters at presidential election watch party organized by US embassy in Manila.
Relationship between two countries, she said, has “stood test of time for decades.”
“I’m highly confident that whoever wins presidential elections, US-Philippine relations are on very strong footing,” she added.
Carlson said both Democrats and Republicans in US Congress enthusiastically support US-Philippine alliances and military financing for Philippines, noting that the country has very strong bipartisan support in US.
US announced in July $500-million military aid for the Philippines, highlighting support for enhancing capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard to effectively fulfill their territorial defense mission.
Military funding was announced by US Department of Defense to bolster defenses of its oldest treaty ally in Asia.
Philippines has ramped up its military ties with US and allowed greater US access to local military bases, which angered China.
Defense Department said expanding US rotational access by designating four new Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites at strategic locations across the Philippines is one of the historic achievements alongside its ally to make US force posture in Indo-Pacific more mobile, distributed and resilient.
Meanwhile, projected win of Donald Trump as next US president should concern Filipinos, militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said.
“Filipinos must be wary of the fact that unequal agreements with the US will likely remain and our country will continue to be used for US hegemonic interests and war provocations,” Bayan president Renato Reyes said in a statement.
Reyes fears Trump win will not mean end to US wars and conflicts overseas, noting his impending presidency will be met with new wave of protests to end genocide in Gaza.
“Our militant solidarity goes out to the working class and progressive movements in the US who will now contend with return of fascist Trump regime,” he added.
Reyes said Trump harped on anti-immigrant and racist rhetoric while giving people populist sound bites throughout his campaign.
Straight out of the fascist playbook, group leader added Trump capitalized on people’s fear in period of economic crisis and uncertainty.
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
ILBO issued vs 7 OVP, DepEd execs
By Nidz Godino
“ILBO is not restriction to their right to travel, but merely monitoring mechanism by which we can see if they left or enter the country,” Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesman Mico Clavano said six officials of Office of the Vice President (OVP) and former education official have been placed under immigration lookout bulletin (ILBO).
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla signed on Nov. 6 ILBO against OVP chief of staff Zuleika Lopez, assistant chief of staff and bids and awards committee chairman Lemuel Ortonio, administrative and financial services director Rosalynne Sanchez, special disbursing officers Gina Acosta and Edward Fajarda, chief accountant Julieta Villadelrey and former Department of Education (DepEd) assistant secretary Sunshine Charry Fajarda.
Seven have ignored subpoenas from House committee on good government and public accountability investigating alleged misuse of funds of OVP and DepEd under Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio.
ILBO instructs immigration officers to alert authorities should subjects attempt to leave the country. But it does not prevent them from leaving.
Only hold-departure order and warrant of arrest issued by courts can prevent accused from leaving the country.
ILBO has been forwarded to Bureau of Immigration (BI) for implementation.
However, BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said bureau had not yet received copy of ILBO as of past 5 in the afternoon. yesterday.
OVP said chief of staff Lopez left the country for “personal trip” that was approved by the Vice President. Lopez is expected to return on Nov. 16.
“OVP chief of staff’s travel was personal and unrelated to her employment with OVP,” OVP said in statement. “Usec. Lopez appropriately submitted documents required of traveling government officials, approved by the Vice President.”
“Speculations about the purpose of this travel are unfounded and unnecessary…we request to respect privacy of the family on this difficult time,” the OVP stressed.
Lopez left the country on the eve of scheduled resumption of House panel looking into Vice President’s alleged misuse of public funds, particularly confidential funds, worth total of P612.5 million in both OVP and Department of Education (DepEd).
Immigration records indicate Lopez left the country at 7 in the evening on Monday via Philippine Airlines flight to Los Angeles, California.
Five of the six others subpoenaed OVP officials are still in the country based on their latest travel records. Only Acosta’s status remains unclear due to multiple individuals with same name.
Staff members of Vice President do not have to leave the country if they indeed have nothing to hide regarding records of how hundreds of millions in confidential funds were spent, Manila 3rd district Rep. Joel Chua said.
“Their continued defiance and refusal to attend our hearings indicate evasion from accountability…if they really have clear intentions, they should explain to the people where they spent all these funds,” he said.
Chua committee’s investigation centers on P500 million in confidential funds allocated to OVP and additional P112.5 million allocated to DepEd during Duterte’s tenure as secretary, from mid-2022 until July 19 this year.
Liquidation reports submitted by OVP for P23.8-million confidential funds in 2022 proved to be “belatedly prepared,” after Commission on Audit (COA) records show acknowledgment receipts were either “bogus or spurious.”
Rep. Rodge Gutierrez of 1Rider party-list made this revelation during Tuesday’s hearing, where he disclosed 158 questionable acknowledgment receipts, some dated 2023 but submitted to justify 2022 expenses.
“So what you’re saying is OVP exceeded in their liquidation reports…am I correct in my interpretation…your guess is as good as ours… could also be that these ARs, acknowledgment receipts were belatedly prepared,” Chua asked Gutierrez.
Gutierrez observed, noting liquidation papers bore December 2023 date when “no confidential fund” was disbursed during this period.
COA lawyer Gloria Camora admitted before committee that there may have been “inadvertence and typographical mistakes” committed by OVP personnel. She also confirmed there was “no intelligence funds” released in the third quarter of 2023, negating need for ARs.
“One of the findings under COA notice of suspension is that some ARs were dated December 2023, and some were even undated…OVP said they inadvertently contained clerical or typographical errors indicating 2023 instead of 2022,” she conceded.
There were also ARs bearing not just “similar handwritings, same color of ballpens in common pattern,” but also having same set of signatories like certain “AAS” and “JOV” who received total of P280,000 and P920,000 for “purchase of information,” respectively, allegedly in December 2022.
There were also 776 ARs, 302 of which bore “unreadable names” with five “repeated names.”
“More likely, this was same mistake committed by perhaps few persons…are these ARs spurious…are they bogus…are they false …we want to make sure that this doesn’t happen again… accountability should be had on this,” Gutierrez asked.
Meanwhile, Sen. Imee Marcos would rather move on instead of commenting on rift between her brother President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.and her friend, the Vice President.
“That’s old news…let’s just continue with our work,” Sen. Marcos said on sidelines of her visit in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan….she denied having ill feelings for Duterte, after the latter questioned her brother’s ability to govern and even imagined beheading the President out of anger at him.
Senator Marcos added that her friendship with Duterte remains intact. “What is important for me is to enter into any alliance… I want to talk to everyone… I don’t want to pick fights, they say I have too strong personality… true, I admit…but I don’t want to get into fights… I just want to work,” said Marcos, who is seeking reelection next year.
Marcos would campaign independently for next year’s midterm elections. While she is part of her brother’s administration alliance senatorial slate, Marcos said she would campaign alone under Nacionalista Party.
“It is better that I run independent and have solo flight,” Marcos said.
House lawmakers thanked their colleagues in Senate for their decision to keep P733-million budget allocation for OVP for 2025, which congressmen slashed by P1.3 billion.
“We’re grateful that Senate has shown commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency…this move underscores our shared commitment to eliminate redundant roles and ensure government spending prioritizes efficient public service,” Rep. Zaldy Co said.
The chairman of the House appropriations committee lauded Senate for aligning with its position that significant portion of OVP’s budget is allocated to overlapping functions with other government agencies. Also slashed were OVP’s rental expenses for 10 satellite offices and two extensions.
“Senate’s support of OVP budget cuts is significant step toward ensuring that each peso serves public effectively,” he said, adding streamlined government spending paves way for more transparent fiscal administration.
SUV with senate protocol ‘7’ plate linked to Gatchalians
By J.Lo
“I want to assure Filipino people that appropriate sanctions will be meted out to those who violate law, regardless of who is violator… law is law,” Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Vigor Mendoza said luxury vehicle bearing Senate protocol plate “7” was flagged down along EDSA bus lane is vehicle registered with Gatchalians.
LTO records show that white Cadillac Escalade is owned by Orient Pacific Corp., being managed by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian’s father, William, and his brother Kenneth.
LTO did not disclose individual owner of the sport utility vehicle.
Two Orient Pacific firms appear in Securities and Exchange Commission records and both owned by William, so-called plastics king.
Company’s director, Omar Guinomla, also said vehicle is registered under the corporation.
Vehicle’s driver Angelo Edpan and Guinomla surrendered to LTO and apologized.
LTO has already issued traffic violation ticket to Edpan. His driver’s license has also been confiscated.
Mendoza said they will issue show cause order to further investigate possible administrative liabilities against owner and driver.
On company’s part, Guinomla said they will be investigating why fake protocol plate was used by their company vehicle.
Meanwhile, Sen. Raffy Tulfo vowed to investigate illegal use of Senate protocol plate on luxury vehicle allegedly ferrying Sherwin’s father.
Tulfo said he, as Senate public services committee chairman, wanted to investigate unauthorized use of protocol plate, LTO initially ruled out as fake.
“To the passenger: if I were you, just admit your fault, surrender your driver and apologize to public…because what is happening is all of 24 senators are getting blame even though we are not involved,” Tulfo said at a press briefing in Senate.
Tulfo confirmed Cadillac was instead carrying senator’s relative who had arrived from Japan.
Senator’s relative was on his way to casino in Quezon City when Cadillac was flagged by Department of Transportation’s Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation for using EDSA northbound bus lane near Guadalupe MRT station.
“My intelligence source tells me they are on their way to Solaire North, Quezon City… security is said to be former Armed Forces of the Philippines member…we will coordinate with AFP to identify VIP,” Tulfo said.
Pressed to confirm identity of senator’s kin, Tulfo said vehicle was carrying relative of his colleague, Sherwin.
Vehicle’s passenger was seen on surveillance camera rolling down window to record video with his phone of apprehending traffic enforcers. Netizens allege passenger was William, as they noted uncanny resemblance of top half of passenger’s face to him.
Sherwin’s name was dragged in the controversy after netizens dug up news story that his father is allegedly using Senate protocol plate to ply EDSA bus lane as early as 2023.
However, Tulfo stopped short of confirming if it was indeed William, citing data privacy.
“I was dared by netizens on my Facebook page to name the passenger… I promise not to spare anyone,” he said.
Senator’s father has denied he was the passenger of flagged luxury vehicle.
“This is not accurate, pure tsismis… owner and driver asked for apologies already and paid fine to rightful government agency, LTO,” William said in a text message.
Sherwin told reporters he does not own white Cadillac Escalade vehicle.
2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
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
Megaworld president Lourdes Gutierez-Alfonso cited by Forbes
By Nidz Godino
“Forbes Asia’s Power Businesswomen list this year spotlights 20 executives, entrepreneurs and family business members steering their companies through industry challenges and economic uncertainties,” list editor Rana Wehbe Watson said Megaworld president Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso has been named as one of 20 exceptional female leaders in Asia by Forbes.
Gutierrez-Alfonso, Megaworld’s former chief operating officer who became president back in June, is only Filipina in 2024 Asia’s Power Businesswomen list of Forbes.
List honoring 20 outstanding female leaders also includes Vicki Brady and Michelle Jablko from Australia; Bonnie Chan, Clara Chan and Stephanie Lo from Hong Kong; Maggi Chen from Taiwan; Shina Chung from South Korea; Miwako Date and Mitsuko Tottori from Japan; Nyrika Holkar, Rishma Kaur and Vishakha Mulye from India; Carrie Hurihanganui and Jo Townsend from New Zealand; Stella Li from China; Shania Manoj Punjabi and Feny Djoko Susanto from Indonesia and Tan Su Shan and Serena Teo Joo Ling from Singapore.
Forbes said women leaders in this year’s list were selected for their achievements and proven track records.
They also represent new generation of business leaders who are ready to face any difficulties head-on, Forbes said.
“From leading property developers and financial institutions to innovating in EVs and manufacturing, they are instilling bold strategies and renewed sense of optimism in industries across the region,” she said.
Certified public accountant, Gutierrez-Alfonso took over post from tycoon Andrew Tan as Megaworld president in June.
The 61-year-old Gutierrez-Alfonso has been with property giant since 1990, holding various positions.
Gutierrez-Alfonso has extensive experience in real estate and has strong background in finance and marketing.
As Megaworld president, she has been given task of handling major expansion move of the company. Forbes said Gutierrez-Alfonso’s new role would definitely be challenge.
“Although central bank has started to ease interest rates, borrowing costs remain high while rival builders are aggressively constructing hotels in anticipation tourism will rally as government and private sector invest heavily in infrastructure, including airports,” it said.
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
Miss U announces 2024 judges, selection committee
By Cynthia Montojo
Names of men and women comprises judging panel during Miss Universe 2024 final show in Mexico City, Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has announced:
Dubai-based Filipino designer Michael Cinco
women empowerment advocate Gabriela Gonzalez
art collector Gary Nader
Austrian entrepreneur Eva Cavalli
star builder Emilio Estefan
Miss Universe Canada 2020 Nova Stevens
Colombian actress Fariana, and
celebrity dentist Camila Guiribitey
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray will return as commentator, while actor Mario Lopez will reprise his role as pageant host. Miss Universe 2022 American-Filipino R’bonney Gabriel, on the other hand, will join Voice for Change project judging panel.
The 73rd Miss Universe competition will unfold on November 16 (November 17, Manila time) in Arena CDMX in Mexico City.
Outgoing queen Sheynnis Palacios Cornejo of Nicaragua will crown her successor. Catch nationwide broadcast of coronation night over A2Z Kapamilya channel. Stay tuned!
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
US decides in knife-edge polls
By Nidz Godino
Make Kamala Harris first woman president in US history or deliver Donald Trump comeback that sends shockwaves around the world ,American voters deliver their verdict today after extraordinarily turbulent election.
As polling stations open nationwide on Election Day, Democratic Vice President Harris, 60, and Republican former president Trump, 78, are dead-even in tightest and most volatile White House race of modern times. Bitter rivals spent their final day of campaign frenziedly working to get their supporters out to polls and trying to win over any last undecided voters in swing states expected to decide outcome.
Despite series of head-spinning twists in unprecedented campaign from Harris’ dramatic entrance when President Joe Biden dropped out in July, to Trump riding out two assassination attempts and criminal conviction nothing has broken deadlock in the opinion polls. Polling stations open at 6 in the morning (1100 GMT) on US east coast and tens of millions of voters are expected to cast their ballots, on top of more than 82 million people who have already voted early in preceding weeks.
Final outcome may not be known for several days if results are as close as polls suggest, adding to tension in deeply divided nation. And there are fears of turmoil and even violence if Trump loses, then contests result as he did in 2020, with barriers erected around White House and businesses boarded up in Washington.
World is meanwhile anxiously watching as outcome will have major implications for conflicts in Middle East, for Russia’s war in Ukraine and for tackling climate change Trump calls hoax.
Harris and Trump are effectively tied in seven main swing states Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin.
On the eve of vote, Harris went all-in on must-win state of Pennsylvania, rallying on Philadelphia steps made famous in “Rocky” movie and declaring: “momentum is on our side.”
“This could be one of the closest races in history every single vote matters,” cautioned Harris, who was joined by celebrities including Lady Gaga and Oprah Winfrey.
Trump would become first convicted felon and oldest person to win presidency cast himself as the only solution to an apocalyptic vision of the country in terminal decline and overrun by “savage” migrants. “With your vote tomorrow, we can fix every single problem our country faces and lead America indeed, world to new heights of glory,” Trump told his closing rally in Grand Rapids in key swing state of Michigan, after touring North Carolina and Pennsylvania.
Harris meanwhile hammered home her opposition to Trump-backed abortion bans across United States one of her key vote-winning positions with crucial women voters. But she also struck upbeat note and notably avoided mentioning Trump, after weeks of targeting him directly as threat to democracy for his dark rhetoric and repeated threats to exact retribution on his political opponents.
Trump comeback would be historic first non-consecutive second term for US president since Grover Cleveland in 1893 and just second ever.
Trump’s return would instantly fuel international instability, with US allies in Europe and NATO alarmed by his isolationist “America First”policies. Trading partners are nervously watching his vow to impose sweeping import tariffs.
Harris victory meanwhile would give US its first Black woman and South Asian president and signal an end to the Trump era which has dominated US politics for nearly a decade.Trump has said he would not seek election again in 2028.
However, Republican still refuses to admit he fairly lost 2020 election to Biden and trauma over his supporters’ violent attack on US Capitol to stop certification of result remains heavy.
Trump has hinted that he would refuse to accept another loss, and in final days of campaign brought up baseless claims of election fraud while saying he should “never have left” White House.
“Multiple registrations won’t be removed; registration is retained even for double or multiple registrant… initial registration remains,” Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia said while facing investigation and possible criminal suit, estimated one million double or multiple registrants still have chance to vote in May 2025 midterm elections.
Garcia said only “subsequent registrations” of multiple registrants will be removed from official list of voters.
“Person cannot be deprived of his right to vote, as stated in our Constitution,” he stressed.
According to Garcia, Comelec has identified around million double and multiple registrants following hearings conducted by Election Registration Board (ERB) from February until September.
He said those people, whether deliberately or not, decided to register as voters in another place instead of just transferring their registration. It’s suspicious that number of registrants in certain areas would unusually increase, prompting Comelec to investigate.
Garcia said double and multiple registrants are common in National Capital Region and various parts of Mindanao. Comelec will post list of double and multiple registrants nationwide on its website.
Poll chief stressed need for Comelec to purge voters’ list from double and multiple registrants to prevent those people from voting more than once.
ERB will also call double and multiple registrants to explain their side. Criminal charges will be filed against those found guilty of committing such election offense.
Garcia said Comelec would be able to identify all double and multiple registrants through Automated Fingerprint Identification System.
Meanwhile, Comelec has given assurance of enhanced benefits and protection for teachers who will serve in 2025 elections, ACT Teachers party-list said.
Former ACT Teachers party-list representative Antonio Tinio said they secured commitment directly from Garcia during dialogue at Comelec office.
Tinio said Garcia agreed to double the service credits for teachers from five to 10 days and extend five days of service credits to other government employees serving in elections.
Tinio said Garcia also committed to implement previously announced P2,000 increase in honorarium and work towards providing P1,000 transportation allowance for election day. Additionally, Comelec will streamline process for reimbursing legal and medical expenses of teachers.
He said dialog was attended by himself, Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) national chairman Vladimer Quetua, ACT-NCR union president Ruby Bernardo and other education sector leaders.
“We welcome these concrete steps to protect our teachers… removal of digital signature requirement and assignment of two additional support staff per precinct will significantly ease their election day duties,” Tinio said.
Tinio said establishment of partnership between ACT election hotline and Comelec will further strengthen support system for teachers during elections.
9 he[a] made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
Footnotes
Ephesians 1:9 Or us with all wisdom and understanding. 9 And he
ISKUP! 