Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come
Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come
Deepest sympathy to the family of Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas
18,756 kid’s rights violations recorded in 2023
By J.Lo
“Since 2016, these are top violations committed against children,” Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) executive director Angelo Tapales said Over 18,000 reports of child violations have been documented in the country for 2023, majority of cases of rape and acts of lasciviousness.
Based on records of Philippine National Police-Women and Children Protection Center, total of 18,756 reports of child violation were logged for the year 2023. Of this number, 17,304 were “rape and acts of lasciviousness.”
According to him, this month’s 32nd celebration of National Children’s Month (NCM) is focused on advocating end to all forms of violence against children.
He also encouraged public to help cause by reporting child abuse cases and other forms of violations against minors to Makabata helpline 1383.
As attached agency of Department of Social Welfare and Development, CWC performs function of formulating policies and monitoring and evaluating implementation of laws and programs for children below 18 years old.
CWC will launch 4th National Plan of Action for Children, will contain government’s comprehensive policy on advancing children’s rights to survival, development, protection and participation across Philippines.
Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come
Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come
Deepest sympathy to the family of Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas
Uphold arbitral ruling on South China Sea-EU
By Nidz Godino
“Such activities also include those which damage seabed and marine environment, interfere with livelihoods of fishing communities and undermine Philippines’ food security,” European Union (EU) has reiterated its call for upholding international law and 2016 Arbitral Award in South China Sea.
Bloc issued call during second Sub-Committee on Maritime Cooperation (SCM) dialogue in Manila on Oct. 29.
In joint statement, EU and Philippines “underscored importance of respecting sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction of coastal States, and their maritime entitlements in accordance with international law, particularly “UNCLOS” or UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
They also called for support for “dispute settlement mechanisms” as well as for “full and faithful compliance with final and binding 2016 South China Sea Arbitration Award rendered by arbitral tribunal constituted in accordance with UNCLOS.”
Statement did not mention China, aggressively asserting its unlawful claims in West Philippine Sea.
EU also said it is one with Philippines in reaffirming “their commitment to multilateralism and international law.”
During dialogue held under European Union-Philippines Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, EU and Philippines further emphasized their unwavering commitment to promoting and upholding rights and freedoms under UNCLOS.
EU and Philippines, in their statement, likewise reiterated their “strong opposition against illegal, coercive, aggressive and dangerous actions in South China Sea, and welcomed frank and sincere diplomatic engagements in this regard.”
Philippines also underscored its appreciation for EU’s “timely, consistent and decisive statements” on international law and on its support for rules-based international order.
Philippines and EU also expressed “serious concern over unilateral actions endanger peace, security and stability and rules-based international order, including recent incidents in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.”
EU and Philippines also “urged parties to refrain from threat or use of force and from adding uncertainty to region through unilateral acts,” stressing “maritime disputes must be resolved through peaceful means and in accordance with dispute settlement mechanisms under UNCLOS.”
This year’s SCM was co-chaired by head of Philippine delegation Louis Alferez, Assistant Secretary for the Maritime and Oceans Affairs Office of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and by Paola Pampaloni, Acting Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service.
Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come
Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come
Deepest sympathy to the family of Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas
Quiboloy denials ‘unbelievable’
By Nidz Godino
“He called it sham Senate investigation, and yet when he was given chance to confront our brave victim survivors, he only invoked his right to remain silent,” Sen. Risa Hontiveros, “blanket denials” by detained alleged sex offender Apollo Quiboloy that he raped women and children for their spiritual salvation were plainly unbelievable.
Hontiveros said Quiboloy merely invoked his right against self-incrimination, when confronted by his victims and former followers with allegations that he took advantage of them to satisfy his lust and raise funds for his lavish lifestyle as head of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) that he founded.
After months in hiding, Quiboloy was arrested and made to attend hearing of Senate committee on women and children last Oct. 23, where he denied forcing members into servitude.
“He did not grab chance to answer allegations of pattern of sexual abuse inflicted on victim survivors…with sheer number of witnesses, it is difficult to believe Quiboloy’s blanket denials,” Hontiveros stressed.
At hearing, former KOJC logistics officer Teresita Valdehueza and Ukrainian woman Yulya Voronina came out saying they were raped by Quiboloy, who told them they should sacrifice their bodies to the “appointed Son of God.”
Hontiveros’ Senate committee investigation had exposed Quiboloy’s alleged abuse of “pastoral” women, some minors he lured with assurances of spiritual salvation so he could have sex with them.
Hontiveros said Senate hearings could be used to strengthen child protection laws in the country, known as hotspot for trafficking and online sexual abuse and exploitation of children.
Senator had wanted to craft bill that would penalize sexual abuses in guise of religious freedom, such as in the case of accused Surigao cult leader Jey Rence “Senyor Aguila” Quilario, whose alleged rape and forced marriages of children were investigated by Senate last year.
“Our investigations are in aid of legislation…in the case of religious cults, this should not be seen as violation of religious freedom in the same way label ‘appointed Son of God’ should not be used to sexually abuse hundreds of women and children,” Hontiveros said.
“Our laws should tackle religious freedom with concepts of consent, agency and protection from rape…there are gray areas that still need to be clarified,” she added.
According to Philippine National Police, Quiboloy allegedly abused at least 200 women using as excuse to justify crime Biblical story of King Solomon who had 700 wives and 300 concubines.
More witnesses have come out and reported to the police, now also investigating Quiboloy’s alleged private army called “Angels of Death,” sent out to kill his opponents and intimidate his victims against speaking out.
He is detained on nonbailable charges of qualified human trafficking before Pasig regional trial court. He also faces separate child sexual abuse case in Quezon City court for alleged rape of 17-year-old.
In the United States, he was included in Federal Bureau of Investigation’s most wanted list for allegedly running sex ring.
“There is no truth to allegations… Senate hearing is unfair and should not decide whether I am guilty or not… should be court of law, where I can defend myself,” Quiboloy said as he was being led out of Senate premises after hearing. “This is a trial by publicity,” he added.
Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come
Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come
Deepest sympathy to the family of Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas
Demons disguised as ghosts’
By J.Lo
“When devil manifests himself and you have not discerned it, you’d believe it’s ghost…but you wouldn’t think that it’s actually demon moving or lurking in your place,” chief exorcist of Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila Fr. Jose Francisco Syquia warned against mistaking demons and other diabolical forces as ghosts believed to be awaiting closure before moving on to afterlife.
Catholics should be able to “discern” so they can differentiate ghosts from demons, according to Syquia.
“If we don’t have any discernment, you’d always think that these are simply ghosts…you would then try to communicate with them by consulting psychic or spiritualist,” he stressed.
Talking to these demons that disguise as ghosts or souls of departed loved ones face-to-face would “open up doorway where they can enter your life,” said Syquia.
He also said these forces of evil could influence decisions by living such as what to do with inheritance left behind by the dead.
He noted God banned conjuring spirits as written in the Bible, particularly Old Testament.
However, Syquia said God “allows soul to communicate with living” for two reasons.
“First of all, for consolation of the living…for example, in death anniversary of your father and suddenly you start to smell his perfume, that can occur…the Lord can allow that in order to console person left behind,” he explained.
God would also allow souls to make their presence felt by their living loved ones “to seek for prayers so we do not forget them,” he added.
He said souls would appear “not usually through full-blown apparitions but in dreams. It comes in many ways.”
Syquia also debunked superstition among Filipinos that souls remain on earth until the ninth or 40th day after their death.
He explained the belief, he described as “symbolism,” could have been inspired by events in Jesus’ resurrection from the dead until his ascension to heaven on 40th day.
“It is important to remember that in these 40 days, we remember in a very special way our loved ones who died by offering prayers, sacrifices and masses,” he pointed out.
Meanwhile, Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Santos emphasized importance of praying for the dead, especially on All Souls’ Day.
“Prayer is powerful act of love and remembrance…through prayers, we offer our intentions to God, asking for His mercy and grace…we pray for their souls that they may find rest and peace in the presence of our Lord,” he said in statement.
Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come
Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come
POGO hub hit in Bataan
By J.Lo
“Based on our information, that’s POGO operation,” Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) executive director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz said fifty-seven foreigners and 358 Filipinos were rounded up during raid on Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Bagac, Bataan that is suspected to be involved in criminal activities.
Armed with search warrant issued by court in Malolos City, Bulacan, teams from Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines, swooped down on Centro Park, vast compound in Barangay Parang.
Soldiers on board military trucks were seen entering compound as part of security measures.
Probers of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group were initially stationed outside as they mapped out their operation targeting Central One, hub occupies buildings within compound.
Cruz said raid was carried out after they received reports Central One was actually POGO.
At least 900 people, including over 300 foreigners, are working in the compound. Among them are Chinese, Vietnamese and Malaysian nationals. Other 600, meanwhile, are Filipinos.
Malolos Regional Trial Court Branch 81 issued search warrant after finding probable cause that violations of Republic Act 9208, also known as Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act as amended by RA 10364, were committed inside compound.
Among alleged leaders and incorporators of POGO firm are 10 Chinese, four Malaysians and two Thai nationals. Among them was Chinese man identified as Chen Hao, said to be one of the bosses.
PAOCC spokesman Winston John Casio said Central One has no permit from Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., making their operation illegal.
Casio said Central One is supposedly business process outsourcing company. However, they got word from informants firm is involved in illegal activities.
Police are scouring buildings for computers, laptops, cellular phones and computer servers could be vital in investigation on POGO hub’s activities.
Seventy-five foreign nationals were taken into custody following raid on POGO hub at Century Peak Tower in Adriatico Street, Manila.
National Capital Region Police Office and Anti-Cybercrime Group conducted raid on Oct. 29, following warrant to search, seize and examine computer data issued by Manila Regional Trial Court.
Authorities discovered entire building was occupied by foreign nationals who were reportedly working without necessary permits.
During operation, agents confiscated mobile phones, desktop computers, laptops, SIM cards, digital video recorder, and facial recognition attendance machine used in POGO operations.
Detained POGO workers are currently undergoing identity and immigration status verification with Bureau of Immigration.
Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come
Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come
Ph ranks 9th in journalist killings Impunity Index
By J.Lo
“Full justice remains elusive for 32 reporters and media workers killed in Maguindanao massacre 15 years ago, one of the deadliest attacks on press as well as journalists like Gerry Ortega, a radio broadcaster killed in 2011,” New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said justice remains elusive for many journalists killed in the Philippines and elsewhere in the world.
For 17 consecutive year, Philippines is again on the list of countries where killers of journalists will likely go unpunished.
Global Impunity Index, first launched by CPJ in 2008, ranks countries based on unsolved murders of journalists in the past decade in proportion to population.
Philippines is among six that have consistently appeared on the list year after year. Others were Somalia, Iraq, Mexico, Pakistan and India.
From eighth last year, Philippines ranked ninth out of 13 countries in this year’s index.
But the movement is not necessarily seen as improvement as it was due to entry of Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territory, entered list for first time at number two.
Latest index took into account deliberate killings of journalists in retaliation for their work that occurred from Sept. 1, 2014 to Aug. 31, 2024.
In the Philippines, this included 18 unsolved murders, down from 20 last year.
National Union of Journalists of the Philippines monitored killings of at least 23 media workers during Duterte administration, with another four reported during current Marcos administration.
In 2019, Philippines improved its rank from fifth to seventh after cases related to Maguindanao massacre were removed as it was no longer within 10-year timeframe for calculating index.
CPJ said partial convictions in 2019 also adjusted status of Ampatuan cases from full to partial immunity.
Country’s subsequent downward movements in 2023 and this year were due to entries of new countries.
Haiti ranked first this year with seven unsolved murders in the past decade, followed by Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory (eight), Somalia (nine), Syria (11), South Sudan (five), Afghanistan (18), Iraq (11) and Mexico (21).
Following Philippines were Myanmar (eight), Brazil (10), Pakistan (eight) and India (19). Rankings take into account countries’ population in proportion to number of unsolved murders.
“Commission also extends its gratitude to officer-in-charge Jesse Hermogenes Andres, whose brief stint helped steer agency through critical period,” Office of the Ombudsman has lifted six-month preventive suspension order it issued against Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta in connection with administrative charges filed against her by consumer group National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms Inc. (NASECORE).
In order dated Oct. 22, ombudsman lifted its order dated Aug. 20, placing Dimalanta under preventive suspension for not more than six months in connection with its ongoing investigation on administrative charges against her for grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority, gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Following lifting of suspension order, Office of the President, through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, issued memorandum dated Oct. 30, ordering reinstatement of Dimalanta to her post.
Ombudsman had placed Dimalanta under preventive suspension as it earlier found strong initial evidence against her to “prevent her in committing further acts of malfeasance might prejudice ongoing investigation.”
Dimalanta already back at ERC yesterday to receive copy of order when it was served.
In statement, ERC welcomed decision of ombudsman, saying this would ensure “stability within agency and energy industry as whole.”
Andres returned gratitude to ERC for granting him opportunity to serve Filipino people through the commission.
“I thank the President for the opportunity to serve Filipino people through Energy Regulatory Commission. I thank ERC Commissioners, officials and staff for their support,” Andres said.
“We have approved and released more than 846 permits, certificates and various approvals in record time in the last six weeks…these approvals include fifth RP regulatory period for Meralco ,Manila Electric Co. that will provide at least P16-B refund to consumers,” he added.
He also highlighted achievements made under his leadership in ERC.
“We have likewise approved the Green Energy Auction-3 methodology for bidding of much-needed renewable energy projects…we have likewise strengthened our partnership with industry groups and associations through stakeholders engagement and dialogues,” he said.
With Dimalanta’s reinstatement, NASECORE president Pete Ilagan said in a Viber message hopeful that integrity of ERC records “can be preserved and protected, pending resolution of NASECORE’s complaint.”
Administrative investigation stemmed from complaint filed by NASECORE in November 2023 over Dimalanta’s alleged act of permitting Meralco to regularly purchase electricity from Wholesale Electricity Spot Market or WESM at higher prices.
NASECORE said Meralco, in turn, passed on charges to consumers without required prior approval of ERC, in violation of Electric Power Industry Reform Act.
In its complaint, NASECORE said Meralco’s application for performance-based adjustment of its power distribution rate remained pending with ERC, thus passing charges to consumers is unlawful.
Meanwhile, distribution utilities (DUs) in storm-hit areas cannot disconnect power for consumers that use up to 200 kilowatt-hours (kWh) despite non-payment of electricity bills from October to December.
Pursuant to directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., ERC ordered DUs to “suspend” electricity line disconnections for consumers in areas placed under state of calamity due to Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.
“DUs in the affected areas are directed to provide flexible payment options to help ease financial burden on consumers as they work toward recovery from effects of STS Kristine,” the energy regulator said.
As such, DUs are expected to allow staggered collection of payments for period of at least six months from issuance of statement of account for each bill.
For those with a monthly consumption exceeding 200 kWh, ERC said DU may offer alternative payment terms mutually agreed upon by both parties.
“Consumers are encouraged to contact their respective DUs to inquire about available alternative payment options or to request special terms to settle outstanding bills,” the commission said.
Likewise, ERC also directed power generators and transmission operators to implement same payment scheme for affected DUs.
Meralco would comply with ERC’s directive to provide relief to typhoon victims.
“Meralco immediately suspended disconnection activities in areas under state of calamity and will offer flexible payment arrangements to customers whose consumption does not exceed 200 kWh,” Meralco spokesman Joe Zaldarriaga said.
“How very rude,” Sen. Risa Hontiveros said of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s demeanor during hearing, wherein the former president spewed out expletives and pointed his fingers at senators who questioned his alleged policy of exterminating drug suspects.
If the former president again uses foul language during next Senate hearing on his bloody crackdown on drugs, Hontiveros will not hesitate to cite him in contempt.
“He is visitor to our house, Senate, but visitor should not throw garbage there… our rules state that there should be observance of parliamentary behavior or decorum… Duterte’s rudeness and shamelessness are the worst I’ve seen from resource person,” Hontiveros claimed.
Asked if Senate would hold Duterte in contempt if he uses foul language again at his next attendance, Hontiveros said: “If push comes to shove, that is always among broad powers of the committee cite resource person for unruly behavior.”
Being cited in contempt could mean getting detained.
“In our investigation on extrajudicial killings in his war on drugs, no one not even former president is above the law,” Hontiveros said.
But there is chance Duterte may no longer be invited to next scheduled hearing, because his admission under oath of having organized Davao death squad (DDS) composed of gangsters and rich people may be more than enough for the committee, according to Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III, presided over last Monday’s hearing by sub-committee of Blue Ribbon committee.
“As of the moment, I see no need…if some other senators see the need, then if they manifest it, I will entertain the idea…but as of the moment, no one has, we have lot of material to work with…let material stay…let criminal law experts study very well material with the committee,” Pimentel said.
Nine-hour hearing on Monday was marred by Duterte’s profanities, often greeted with applause by his supporters in the gallery.
This irked Pimentel who warned them they would be asked to leave if they persisted in their rowdy behavior.
Duterte, Hontiveros said, tried to “hijack” Senate investigation with his expletive-laden defense of his crackdown and rambling about how he managed to stamp out crime in Davao City through violence.
“Like how he hypnotized public during his six years as president, he tried to hijack hearing by instilling fear, spell he also cast on communities affected by drug war, light that dispelled that darkness came from families and allies of drug war victims who attended Monday hearing to confront their ‘Punisher, they are source of magic to break spell that Duterte thought he could cast again to spread doom,’” Hontiveros stressed.
Duterte’s six-year iron fist rule showed segment of Philippine society preferring quick justice over due process, Hontiveros said.
“While there are remnants of that culture, slowly, we are waking up from that nightmare and breaking from strongman myth, perpetrated by Duterte so he could do terrible things, like his bloody war against poor, justice is slow in our country, but instead of shortcuts, we should strive for alternatives, such as harm reduction and public health approach… war on drugs will not solve problem of drug supply and problematic drug use,” the senator said.
Duterte’s testimony made under oath that there were death squad killings in Davao City could be used against him both by Department of Justice (DOJ) and International Criminal Court (ICC) based in The Hague.
“The basis exists in truth and fact…his statements under oath are put on record…these are now official evidence which can be used by DOJ and ICC for case build-up, there is now fighting chance to convict and sentence him, full, moral, and legal responsibility for his nationwide antidrug campaign that killed over 6,200 drug suspects, death toll based on government estimates but human rights groups said could reach up to 30,000 dead,” Hontiveros said.
Hontiveros said there is glimmer of hope for victims with forwarding of Senate transcriptions of Duterte’s admission to ICC, as announced by former senator Antonio Trillanes IV.
Duterte’s Senate ally Ronald dela Rosa, his former police chief downplayed admission as “joke” meant to scare criminals.
“Former senator Trillanes has announced that ICC has received transcript of our hearing for its consideration to hold Duterte accountable,” Hontiveros said.
Hontiveros renewed her call for Malacañang to amend Duterte’s freedom of information executive order that hampered access to Commission on Human Rights to drug war documents held by police.
Hontiveros had earned praises online for her calm but firm demeanor in countering Duterte’s gaslighting tactics during Senate Blue Ribbon hearing.
Office of the Prosecutor of ICC (ICC-OTP) is “closely following” developments in the Philippines where Senate and House of Representatives are conducting separate investigations.
ICC-OTP said its investigations are built from wide range of sources, and may include inputs from government and private institutions.
“They can encompass Article 15 communications, information from States, international partners and civil society, open-source information and direct collection of evidence by the Office, including interviews with witnesses, in this light, Office follows developments in the Philippines closely, as to their relevance for its ongoing investigation,” it said in statement.
Article 15 communications refer to information sent to ICC prosecutor in relation to alleged crimes fall within tribunal’s jurisdiction. It was provided for under Article 15 of Rome Statute, treaty that created ICC.
According to the ICC-OTP, its investigation focuses on crimes allegedly committed in the Philippines from Nov. 1, 2011 to March 16, 2019, period when country was officially signatory to Rome Statute.
Aside from Duterte administration’s drug war, investigation is also looking at supposed crimes committed by so-called Davao Death Squad.
During Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee hearing last Monday, Duterte admitted having organized death squad and even tagged Senator Dela Rosa, former police chief, as part of group.
Hontiveros earlier urged ICC prosecutor to use Duterte’s statements in its investigation.
In its statement, ICC-OTP said it “does not comment on operational matters with respect to ongoing investigations.”
“Confidentiality is crucial aspect of OTP’s activities… essential not only to protect integrity of investigations but also to ensure safety and security of victims, witnesses and all those with whom Office interacts,” it added.
Days after Duterte’s controversial Senate appearance, senior House member reminded public against being enraptured with Duterte as he is neither hero nor God who could just flagrantly commit crimes like ordering policemen to kill drug suspects at will.
“He is not hero…he is not God…he is not the law…he is not above the law…he is plague,” Rep. Rolando Valeriano of Manila’s second district asserted, noting former president does not have power to exonerate rogue policemen or hired guns who committed extrajudicial killings in his drug war.
“It’s not up to him to determine who are criminally, civilly, and administratively liable for crimes committed during his brutal war on drugs…his acceptance of legal responsibility for criminal and inhumane war on drugs does not absolve others of liability,” he added.
According to the legislator, Duterte was just being “true to form” when he owned up to EJKs during his term. But he said former president was merely “grandstanding, in feeble attempt to project strength to those hoodlum cops who committed crimes in his name, upon his orders and with monetary rewards.”
Valeriano said House quad committee is looking forward to Duterte’s promise to attend its inquiry. “House has its own sets of questions intended to unearth truth and facts…our findings and recommendations will be based on evidence…we will forward our findings to DOJ,” he said.
In a statement, meanwhile, family members of activists killed during Duterte administration have urged lawmakers not to shield former president from prosecution.
“For you, as senators, to now shield such an individual undercuts not only our legal system but the very trust Filipino people placed in you,” lawyer VJ Topacio and Lean Porquia said in joint statement.
“Protecting a former leader who has openly admitted to orchestrating and enabling mass killings is direct betrayal of that oath,” they said.
Topacio’s parents, peace consultants Agaton Topacio and Eugenia Magpantay, were killed in alleged shootout with police officers in November 2020.
Porquia’s father, Jose Reynaldo Porquia, was gunned down in Iloilo in May of the same year.
18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,
ISKUP! 