Happy third birthday with father God Cynthia Lopez
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Quadcom hearings could be used for ICC case
By Nidz Godino
“Yung mga committee chairman, wala akong pagdududa, pero kung sinong nasa likod nitong mga committee na ito, ay yung Speaker of the House, ‘di ba…alam ko, is the same person na nagkumbinsi sa mga opisyal na gustong bumaliktad, mag-execute ng affidavit laban sa amin ni President Rodrido Duterte para sa ICC, so I am expecting na itong ginagawa ng quadcomm na imbestigasyon ay pwede na itong gamitin laban sa amin doon sa ICC,” Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said House of Representatives’ mega-panel probe may be used in International Criminal Court’s (ICC) investigation into alleged human rights violations in the country during time of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
Despite not being asked about ICC, Dela Resa told reporters that there is likely connection.
Dela Rosa held no grudges against the chairpersons leading four-panel strong inquiry into Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), extrajudicial killings and illegal drug trade. Former police chief said they were merely doing their jobs.
However, he was suspicious of the person who was allegedly behind these hearings, none other than House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Dela Rosa is one of the persons of interest in the ICC probe. As former chief of Philippine National Police, Dela Rosa was instrumental in Duterte’s crackdown on illegal drugs during his term.
Former drug war poster boy Lt. Col. Jovie Espenido recently testified in the House’s quadcomm hearing, accusing Dela Rosa and Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go of rewarding money to police officers who helped eradicate illegal drugs, even if it meant killing suspects.
Espenido testified money used to reward cops came from different sources, including Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO).
Police chief-turned senator denied such accusations, calling it part of script. Dela Rosa questioned why all of these problems were suddenly being connected, as POGOs were not even that prevalent at the time.
“Hindi pa man yan sikat noon, ako mismo ignorante kung ano ‘yang POGO, at that time, so bakit ngayon iko-connect niya yan doon?” Dela Rosa said.
Duterte began regulation of POGOs in 2016, when Dela Rosa was still police chief.
Happy third birthday with father God Cynthia Lopez
Register now and vote in midterm polls
supports Agosto 2024, Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance
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Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
No to SOGIE bill
PM for any hospital discharge problem
watch for the coming “Gamefowl Quest”
903K liters of oil siphoned out of sunken tanker in Bataan waters
By J.Lo
“Contracted salvor, Harbor Star, reported over 903,000 liters of collected oily waste from 19 to 29 August 2024,” at least 903,000 liters out of 1.4 million liters of oil have been siphoned out of MTKR Terranova, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.
MTKR Terranova sank in Bataan waters on July 25 after onslaught of Super Typhoon “Carina” and southwest monsoon. PCG has been overseeing efforts to remove oil from sunken oil tanker, but actual siphoning is up to contracted salvor.
Here is the volume of oil Harbor Star has been able to siphon per day:
August 19 – 2,350 liters
August 20 – 36,100 liters
August 21 – 42,026 liters
August 22 – 81,136 liters
August 23 – 17,103 liters
August 24 – 121,724 liters
August 25 – 101,603 liters
August 26 – 104,202 liters
August 27 – 67,871 liters
August 28 – 232,187 liters
August 29 – 97, 011.58 liters
However, PCG said siphoning operations were temporarily halted to change tanks. It added average rate of oily waste flow is 12,437 liters per hour.
Meanwhile, there are two other vessels that have leaked fuel into Bataan waters: MTKR Jason Bradley and MV Mirola Uno.
Oil from MTRK Terranova is believed to have reached shores of Cavite, Batangas, Metro Manila and more. Several towns have already declared state of calamity and imposed fishing bans due to oil spill.
Happy third birthday with father God Cynthia Lopez
Register now and vote in midterm polls
supports Agosto 2024, Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance
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Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
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watch for the coming “Gamefowl Quest”
Ph, Australia to strengthen cyber defense ties
By Nidz Godino
IN cybersecurity and cyber defense capabilities, Philippines and Australia are exploring ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Top officials of Department of National Defense (DND) met with delegation from Australia to discuss shared challenges and ways to boost collaboration in cyber defense.
Meeting was chaired by DND Undersecretary for capability assessment and development Angelito de Leon, while Australian delegation was led by Ambassador for cyber affairs and critical technology Brendan Dowling.
During discussions, De Leon underscored importance of deepening cooperation and convergence in cyber defense between two countries.
DND said both sides highlighted areas of cooperation such as information sharing on policies and best practices, innovations in information and communication technology and organizing joint cyber drills and tabletop exercises.
Discussions also covered possible defense technological cooperation such as building skilled cyber defense workforce through exchange programs and workshops, research and development, among others.
DND Office for Cyber and Information System Management director Christine June Cariño provided overview of Philippines’ cybersecurity efforts, including crafting of department’s cyber strategy and policy.
DND officials also mentioned proposed activation of cyber command under Armed Forces of the Philippines, emphasizing need for adaptive and responsive cyber defense posture in face of evolving threats.
Dowling, for his part, shared Australia’s approach to cybersecurity, adopts “whole-of-nation” strategy includes private sector, especially in safeguarding critical infrastructure.
DND said meeting concluded with both countries reaffirming significance of Philippines-Australia alliance and their shared commitment to enhancing cyber defense and ensuring security and stability of the region.
Happy third birthday with father God Cynthia Lopez
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supports Agosto 2024, Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
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Daylight saving time in 2025
By Nidz Godino
“Currently, both labor sector and educational sector are suffering from interruptions in productive hours brought about by torrential rains and consequent floodings during rainy season due to climate change,” House committee on economic affairs has approved measure that will allow the president to advance Philippine Standard Time (PST) by one hour in the first six months of the year to maximize productivity.
House Bill 7750, or proposed Daylight Saving Time Act, is primarily authored by Parañaque Rep. Edwin Olivarez.
These institutions, bill stated, “not only substantially lessen school days and hours spent by children within academic year, they likewise adversely affect productivity of our workforce due to difficulty in going to and from work.”
“Hence, essential state take preventive measures in this decline in productivity by adjusting PST by one hour during dry season” it said.
“Following circumstances would show grand conspiracy between and among incorporators, officers and other individuals involved in commission of unlawful activities, such as qualified trafficking in persons, violation of Securities Regulations Code and swindling or estafa and, in turn, money laundering,” complaints for 87 counts of money laundering amounting to P7 billion were filed against dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo, her purported sister Shiela, business partner Cassandra Li Ong and 33 others.
Complaint was filed by Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission and National Bureau of Investigation before Department of Justice (DOJ) .
Other respondents include sisters’ father Jian Zhong Guo, also known as Angelito Guo and Angelito dela Cruz; their mother Lin Wenyi, also known as Wen Yi Lin; Seimen Guo, Amelia Leal and former Technology and Livelihood Resource Center deputy director general Dennis Cunanan.
According to AMLC deputy director Adrian Arpon, they found Alice Guo to be “ principal in money laundering committed,” using several entities in transferring money.
Ultimately, money ended up with real estate company Baofu Land Corp., where Guo was shareholder and leased property to Hongsheng/Zun Yuan Technology, Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) raided in Bamban over human trafficking and other alleged crimes.
In 105-page complaint, agencies alleged respondents collaborated in committing various crimes and other illegal activities and each of them played significant role in illegal POGO operations.
It also said dozen businesses under Guo’s name were aimed to hide true nature of their businesses and make it appear they are engaged in legitimate activities.
“Alice Guo and her cohorts intended to create layers and layers of corporations to make it appear they were engaged in profitable and legitimate businesses, but in fact, they are not,” complaint read.
Complainants also said Guo never divested all of her shares in Baofu. She did not declare 12 vehicles in her statement of assets, liabilities and net worth.
Guo, as representative of Hongsheng, also allegedly facilitated issuance of Sangguniang Bayan Resolution , did not object to Hongsheng’s application to operate.
Moreover, she paid bills of Baofu, Hongsheng and Zun Yuan despite lease contracts stipulating that lessees should shoulder bills.
Meanwhile, Ong was included in money laundering complaint as “silent partner” in Bamban POGO as she was allegedly contributed construction of Baofu compound.
Ong is one of the incorporators of Whirlwind Corp. leased property to POGO in Porac, Pampanga.
Company was also raided for various illicit activities, including human trafficking, forced labor and scams.
She has also been identified as liaison between former presidential spokesman Harry Roque and Lucky South 99, where she served as legal officer.
“Circumstances indicate respondent Cassandra Li Ong employs same scheme or pattern of illegal corporate layering as that used by Alice Guo and her family,” complaint read.
Meanwhile, Shiela Guo was named as one of the respondents for allegedly being incorporator in many corporations of the Guo family.
According to PAOCC spokesman Winston Casio, scamming proceeds from Lucky South 99, POGO in Porac, were used to build POGO hub in Bamban.
In complaint, complainants said “overly impossible” for Baofu to afford construction of buildings it leased to Zun Yuan and Hongsheng, worth hundreds of millions or even billions.
Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres said they believe they have “very strong and airtight case.”
“Of course, there will be due process afforded for all of these respondents for them to be given their opportunity to explain their side,” he said.
AMLC’s investigation showed Guo and her accomplices amassed over P101 million in illicit proceeds between June 2020 and January 2024. Funds , initially intended for Baofu’s electricity bills, were systematically laundered through illegal means.
“Money laundering case is part of series of cases to be filed by AMLC, in coordination with partner agencies, to ensure Philippines shall not be used as money laundering site for proceeds of any unlawful activities,” AMLC said.
Meanwhile, freeze order issued by Court of Appeals against Guo and two others has been extended until January 2025, according to Arpon.
In July, appellate court ordered freezing of bank accounts and personal assets of Guo, Zhiyang Huang and Baoying Lin for alleged involvement in illegal activities.
AMLC said freeze order covered 90 bank accounts in 14 financial institutions, several real estate properties and high-value personal properties like luxury vehicles and helicopter.
Lawyer of Guo belied allegations he made “untruthful statements” regarding embattled official’s whereabouts.
Guo’s legal counsel Stephen David was only relying on what Guo told him: that she was still in the country, even as Sen. Risa Hontiveros earlier revealed beleaguered mayor had fled as early as July.
“I was merely echoing her declaration that she is still in the country,” he said.
David, however, admitted that he could not confirm information and had no idea where she was exactly.
He also explained that when he made pronouncements, Guo had no travel records such as stamps of entry in another country, fingerprints or CCTV footage, giving him no reason to doubt dismissed mayor’s statements.
He added notarization of Guo’s counter-affidavit further bolstered his belief that his client was still in the country, expressing confidence in integrity of Elmer Galicia, notary public who notarized counter-affidavit.
David issued statement after officials said cases might be filed against him because of his statements.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has said DOJ will look into possible involvement of Guo’s legal counsel in her exit from the country.
DOJ is also seeking to investigate Galicia for notarizing Guo’s counter-affidavit even though she did not personally appear to swear before him.
6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; 7 for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.
Happy third birthday with father God Cynthia Lopez
Register now and vote in midterm polls
supports Agosto 2024, Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
No to SOGIE bill
PM for any hospital discharge problem
watch for the coming “Gamefowl Quest”
De Lima’s final acquittal appeal junked
By J.Lo
“Prosecution, in its Motion for Reconsideration, did not even ascribe grave abuse of discretion on the part of Court…it did not cite any instance in Court’s Order that, in reaching such conclusion, Court encroached into area of grave abuse of discretion,” read court’s decision, penned by Presiding Judge Gener Gito Muntinlupa court has denied appeal of prosecution which opposed acquittal of former senator Leila De Lima from drug charges.
In decision dated August 7, Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 206 denied prosecution’s motion for reconsideration, sought to reverse De Lima’s acquittal.
Prosecution argued court had committed grave abuse of discretion in its ruling.
“Having failed to cite any instance of grave abuse of discretion on the part of Court, only thoroughfare to vacating judgment of acquittal, there is therefore no reason for this Court to reconsider its Order dated July 19, 2024,” decision styressed.
In June, RTC cleared De Lima of third and final drug charge filed against her during administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Court granted De Lima’s motion for demurrer to evidence, effectively acquitting her.
Motion was granted due to lack of sufficient evidence against De Lima, as well as recantation of several witnesses who claimed they were coerced by former government officials.
This was similar to motion De Lima filed in 2021 regarding another drug charge in separate Muntinlupa court, which was also granted.
In May 2023, Muntinlupa RTC Branch 204 acquitted De Lima and her aide, Ronnie Dayan, of conspiracy to commit illegal drug trade within National Bilibid Prison in separate case.
Happy third birthday with father God Cynthia Lopez
Register now and vote in midterm polls
supports Agosto 2024, Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
No to SOGIE bill
PM for any hospital discharge problem
watch for the coming “Gamefowl Quest”
Cassandra Li Ong cited in contempt
By Nidz Godino
“What we’re trying to offer to you is something that you have really to think over…because we talked about this earlier, you are really young to be jailed. ..this will have no bail…once they filed it, then you cannot go out of jail… I hope you take this chance,” quad committee of House of Representatives is eyeing Katherine Cassandra Li Ong, incorporator of Whirlwind Corp., as state witness in panel’s ongoing probe on Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) activities in Porac, Pampanga.
Whirlwind Corp. had leased land to Lucky South 99, where Ong is consultant. Police raided POGO in June for various violations.
According to committee co-chair and dangerous drugs panel head Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, panel discussed and agreed involvement of Ong in Lucky South 99 is “deep.”
Ong testified in Wednesday’s hearing of quad committee on POGO but she refused to answer most questions raised by lawmakers.
She told panel her involvement was mostly on real estate business of Whirlwind which rents out office spaces for POGO hubs, including Lucky South 99.
Ong admitted she is in relationship with Wesley Guo, brother of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo and Shiela Guo.
Ong went to Singapore and then to Malaysia to meet her boyfriend and his siblings. She joined Guo siblings then traveled to Batam, Indonesia, where she and Shiela were accosted by authorities and deported to Philippines.
Committee chair and public safety and order panel head Rep. Dan Fernandez tried to offer Ong to speak in executive session but she said she would consult her lawyers.
Fernandez also offered “immunity” to Ong but she again said she would seek legal counsel.
Lawmakers tried to dig deeper, but Ong clammed up.
This prompted committee co-head and human rights panel chair Rep. Benny Abante to move for Ong to be cited in contempt again. Ong will be held at House detention facility until her contempt citation is lifted.
Barbers said lawmakers are open to possibility of tapping Ong as state witness in ongoing probe into illegal POGOs.
“We offered to her possibility of becoming state witness but we need to assess first value of what she will reveal during executive session…she has not revealed anything so far because we need to call for an executive session first,”Barbers said.
Barbers offered Ong possibility of becoming state witness following indications that she is willing to cooperate with their probe.
“We can see that she is willing to talk, but she appears hesitant… that’s why we offered to conduct executive session and told her, ‘if what you tell us is helpful in our investigation, then we will recommend you to become state witness so you can have immunity from prosecution,’” he said.
House has yet to schedule executive session with Ong.
Dismissed mayor Alice Guo and her family members appeared to be professional liars and professional swindlers, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said yesterday after Shiela Guo testified before Senate committee investigating their escape.
“We have to be very careful with Guo family as they seem to be professional liars and professional swindlers… Guo Hua Ping said she was home-schooled, simple, and innocent, but according to documents and evidence, she is not like that…she is much more sophisticated…Shiela Guo demeanor tells us one part but look at the evidence… shows she is not innocent because she is signing document, narrative is same in this family… Shiela’s narrative is like that of Guo Hua Ping, but we cannot take it hook, line and sinker,” Gatchalian said during Kapihan sa Maynila forum.
The senator pointed out that Shiela Guo’s story was inconsistent with her life as simple and she only knows embroidery.
But based on documents obtained by Gatchalian’s office, Guo family has 10 corporations and Shiela Guo signed as corporate secretary in nine of them while she was finance officer and treasurer in other companies, signing 93 times in various documents.
“So how can Shiela Guo claim she doesn’t know anything and that her life is simple if she holds high position in their companies?” he said.
Meanwhile, Senators Bong Go and Ronald dela Rosa described as “malicious and defamatory” allegations of police colonel Jovie Espenido of their involvement in Duterte administration’s drug war.
Espenido told House of Representatives quad committee money from POGOs, small town lottery and intelligence funds were allegedly used as reward for police officers involved in the drug war.
Go denied that reward money was coursed through him. He said such misinformation was part of conspiracy that some lawmakers are cooking up.
“This is another part of zarzuela some people are cooking up to politicize and malign trying to invent story that will line up with their narrative to paint us black and them white! I can categorically say, I have never had anything to do with any POGO and what he says is reward system in the drug war,” he noted.
Go insisted that when he was special assistant to former president Rodrigo Duterte until he became senator, he did not receive or handle any funds from POGO or any gambling. The senator maintained that fight against drugs was done to protect Filipinos.
He added he would not hesitate to file case against anyone who accuses him and malign his name without evidence.
Happy third birthday with father God Cynthia Lopez
Register now and vote in midterm polls
supports Agosto 2024, Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
No to SOGIE bill
PM for any hospital discharge problem
watch for the coming “Gamefowl Quest”
Guidelines on COCs
By J.Lo
“When there are two or more aspirants for an office with same name and surname, each aspirant shall need to state paternal and maternal surname, except in incumbent who may continue to use the name and surname stated in COC when last elected,” Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued guidelines for filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) for those intending to run in May 2025 midterm elections.
In 38-page resolution, Comelec stressed that no person can run for senator, member of House of Representatives or any local position unless sworn COC has been submitted.
COC may be filed personally by aspirant or through authorized representative from Oct. 1 to Oct. 8, including Saturday and Sunday from 8 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon.
Aspirants who file COC will be considered candidate only at the start of campaign period.
Poll body also said unlawful acts of omission applicable to candidates would only apply upon start of campaign period.
During filing of COC, aspirant shall be allowed to have maximum of three companions. Those running for senatorial race can have maximum of four.
Poll body also said that any COC filed with incorrect office shall be deemed as “not filed” and that substitution due to withdrawal of original aspirant is allowed only until the last day of filing of COC. No substitute shall be allowed for independent candidate.
“No substitution shall be valid unless substitutes file COC and Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance,” it stressed.
Substitutions beyond Oct. 8 are only allowed in case of death and disqualification of original aspirant. Aspirant of duly registered political party who died or is disqualified may be substituted by candidate belonging to and nominated by same political party or coalition.
Any person holding appointive position, including members of Armed Forces of the Philippines shall be deemed resigned from office upon filing of COC.
Certificate of nomination and certificate of acceptance of nomination of party-list groups shall also be filed from Oct. 1 to 8. Each sectoral party, organization or coalition shall submit 10 nominees from which party-list representative shall be chosen.
Nomination of less than 10 nominees shall not be accepted and not given due course by commission.
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