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POGOs funded reward system
By Nidz Godino
“I know that there was reward of 20,000 pesos per kill in drug war… funding came from operators of small-town lotteries or jueteng lords who give money to police regional commanders, provincial commanders, down the line,” Lt. Col. Jovie Espenido said.one of the former “poster boys” of Duterte administration’s drug war on Wednesday said cash rewards for cops who kill drug suspects came from Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) and government intelligence funds.
This was bared during House quadcom’s third inquiry, where for the first time, active-duty officer admitted cops benefited from controversial reward and quota system under former President Rodrigo Duterte.
In his seven-page affidavit, Espenido alleged P20,000 reward “per kill” dangled in drug war. Cash was allegedly funneled “downward from the level of Bong Go” and sourced from POGOs, government intelligence funds and small-town lotteries and “jueteng lords.”
“Group or individuals who make the kill receive money,” the cop added.
Sen. Bong Go said in statement categorically denies Espenido’s allegations. He said he has never transacted or had any ties with any POGO firm and “never handled any funds related to drug war.”
When they were assigned quota of 50 to 100 a day, Espenido said he and other cops “only took it to mean had to knock on doors of 50 to 100 households suspected of drug use or trafficking.”
Espenido shared he tried to ensure rewards his “stations” received were “legitimate.”
“For example, some local government units would award P100,000 for successful arrests involving big-time drug pushers…we accepted these to fund further operations, I personally know some of ‘bagmen…many PNCO ,non-commissione officers who were my classmates were murdered… bagmen acting at the beck and call of regional and provincial directors ,” he said.
Acknowledging that cops abused their power in the implementation of administration’s anti-illegal drugs campaign, Espenido ended his affidavit by affirming what human rights groups have been saying about Duterte’s drug war for years:
“I was not able to tell these things in previous hearings held by House of Representatives…all I was able to say is that there was violation of human rights in implementation of drug war,” he said.
Espenido was previously touted as “poster boy” or “favorite” of former president for “cleansing” or purging town of Albuera of illegal drugs.
But it was different Espenido that entered Batasang Pambansa on Wednesday, ready to renounce his former superiors. He is currently on floating status at Philippine National Police (PNP) while waiting for retirement.
“From my experience, I can say PNP is biggest crime group in this country,” he said.
In a statement on Thursday, PNP cried foul against Espenido’s characterization of police force, saying it acknowledges that only few have been led astray.
“We encourage anyone with credible information regarding misconduct within our ranks to come forward,” PNP said.
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CPNP to review of past drug campaign
By J.Lo
“We need to take hard look at our past and present strategies in fight against illegal drugs…by understanding what worked and what did not, we can refine our approach and ensure more effective and humane campaign moving forward,” Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil ordered comprehensive review of bloody war on drugs during administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
In ordering review, Marbil wanted to evaluate effectiveness as well as identify both strengths and weaknesses of Oplans Tokhang and Double Barrel, code names for Duterte’s war on drugs.
Initiative , according to Marbil, aims to enhance PNP’s recalibrated anti-drug campaign under Marcos administration, focusing on dismantling drug supply chains instead of street-level pushers and users as well as putting emphasis on preservation of human life.
Marbil formed review panel headed by PNP deputy chief for operations Lt. Gen. Michael Dubria, with representatives from quad staffs comprising operations, investigation, intelligence and police community relations as members.
To ensure comprehensive and balanced evaluation, representatives from Internal Affairs Service and PNP Human Rights Office are also part of review panel.
“We want to make sure that all perspectives are considered, especially those that relate to upholding human rights and maintaining strong community relations,” Marbil said.
PNP will issue memorandum after panel submits its findings and recommendations.
War on drugs was launched in 2016 and implemented by Duterte’s first PNP chief, Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, whom International Criminal Court (ICC)’s Office of the Prosecutor tagged as one of the “suspects” in its ongoing drug war investigation.
Marbil said review is about continuous improvement and accountability in law enforcement operations.
“Insights we gain from this review will directly inform our recalibrated strategy, ensuring that our anti-drug campaign is not only effective but also aligned with principles of justice and human rights,” he said.
“That’s their game plan…their game plan is to use in ICC whatever comes out of that hearing,” Sen. Ronald dela Rosa said referring to Lt. Col. Jovie Espenido s testimony on Wednesday before House quad committee some ranking officials have “recruited” Espenido as part of their “game plan” to make him discredit drug war in the previous administration and convince him to testify against former president Rodrigo Duterte before International Criminal Court (ICC).
Congressmen, however, denied Dela Rosa’s accusation, saying they would not allow credibility of probe panel to be compromised.
Quad committee comprises four panels jointly hearing possible connection among Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO), extrajudicial killings and human trafficking. Rep. Robert Ace Barbers of Surigao del Norte is overall committee chair.
In his testimony, Espenido confirmed reward and quota system in Duterte administration’s war on drugs explained rampant abuses by policemen in enforcement of drug war. Dela Rosa was one of those indicted by ICC for thousands of drug-related killings during Duterte administration.
“There were people who recruited them ,Espenido and others to make statements, affidavits like this…we know it…he could not have said those things if nobody had recruited him, he could not have come without being invited,” Dela Rosa said.
Dela Rosa noted Speaker Martin Romualdez had tried but failed to recruit Maj. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., chief of Philippine National Police (PNP) in Northern Luzon.
The senator said Caramat was even offered top PNP post if he would agree to testify against Duterte.
After refusing to testify against Duterte, Caramat was removed as chief of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, major position in PNP, Dela Rosa said.
Aside from Romualdez, former senator Antonio Trillanes IV, House appropriation committee chairman Rep. Zaldy Co and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency chief Ricardo de Leon had also tried to convince Caramat to speak against former president, according to Dela Rosa.
“Caramat didn’t budge, he got removed from CIDG…so I know how this would unfold,” Dela Rosa said.
“Problem with Quad committee is, I know what you want…your objective is to establish something, to establish something you want…but I can see your grand design…now who’s behind this Quad committee if not the Speaker of the House…so they can use this, and whatever comes out of Quad committee, they will use in ICC… I respect that, ok do it,” Dela Rosa said.
Dela Rosa said there were efforts to connect drug war to extrajudicial killings, POGO and ICC.
Earlier, Dela Rosa claimed there were efforts to “erase Dutertes and their allies from face of the earth” as some government officials were trying to convince police officers to testify against him and Duterte before ICC.
He also vowed not to attend quad committee hearings saying he does not need special panel to clear his name.
“I am very consistent… I said I will not attend their hearing,I don’t want to become precedent in violating Inter-Parliamentary Code of the State… I hope they understand,” Dela Rosa claimed.
Dela Rosa recalled first knowing about Espenido in 2016. He said former or incumbent mayor approached then president-elect Duterte to seek his assistance in eliminating illegal drugs in Albuera, Leyte. The mayor recommended Espenido be appointed chief of police.
He said positive outcome of drug war in Albuera prompted other local government officials including those from Misamis Occidental to request PNP to take similar action in their jurisdictions. In response, Dela Rosa said Espenido was transferred to Misamis Occidental.
After his retirement and appointment to Bureau of Corrections, Dela Rosa learned his successor PNP chief Oscar Albayalde ordered relief of Espenido for abuse of authority. The senator, however was able to dissuade Albayalde against enforcing Espenido’s relief.
Dela Rosa swore that he never gave instructions to kill anyone or reward police officers who killed alleged drug offenders in the course of legitimate police operations.
“Honest to God, I never gave him instructions to kill or who should be killed… I never gave such instructions…there were very clear instructions to him smash those drug syndicates, clear Albuera of drugs,” he said.
But he admitted “in the course of implementation of your duty, life was threatened, enemy is fighting, then by all means, you have to defend yourself, protect yourself… I don’t need to tell him that because he is police officer.”
“But Espenido’s assumption was that when I said to end drug problem there, that there would be killings, that was his assumption…but I never gave instructions to kill whoever was on the list and be rewarded…cross my heart,” he stressed.
Dela Rosa said that as then PNP chief, he could not have been protector of drug syndicates that Duterte administration had vowed to stamp out.
PNP has also raised howl over Espenido’s testimony, particularly his allegation that national police is largest organized crime group in the country.
“He has to answer for his claims, that is for sure, meaning we have to ask him about his accusations…accusation is one thing but proof is another thing, quite unfair for him to say that about whole organization because definitely PNP was not established to commit crimes, ” Col. Jean Fajardo, PNP public information officer, said at briefing at Camp Crame.
In separate statement, PNP expressed deep concern and sadness over Espenido’s allegations.
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‘Many nations’ ask USCG rescue
By Nidz Godino
“Many nations have reached out to United States Coast Guard, and we look forward to working with each and every one of them…we have shifted some resources to Pacific, specifically to be able to meet those commitments,” USCG Pacific Area deputy commander Rear Admiral Andrew Sugimoto said at virtual press briefing several countries have been reaching out to United States Coast Guard for support, including training, as China pursues its sweeping South China Sea claims more aggressively.
Sugimoto said USCG is deploying Indo-Pacific support cutter, going around Pacific island nations providing training and assistance.
US ships have been conducting exercises with Philippines, Japan and South Korea.
USCG Cutter Waesche recently returned from patrol in Western Pacific. It recently hosted observers from Coast Guards of Philippines, Japan and Vietnam for 13 days on board, according to Sugimoto.
“We were able to highlight how we do operations, show how we want to reinforce rules-based order out there, safely conduct certain operations, help and show them what and how we do maintenance on our ships, always very important, right?” he said.
“It was very nice having them on board to be able to show and do that,” Sugimoto stressed.
Sugimoto said USCG looks forward to doing future shiprider events or having observers on board in future deployments.
“And we very much look forward to working with Japan, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and others that ask to do so,” he added.
China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels rammed and fired water cannons at Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) ship near Escoda (Sabina) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on Sunday afternoon.
Sugimoto emphasized deliberate ramming of and firing of water cannons at Philippine vessels by China ships are “clear act of bullying by one individual that wants to exert its influences over another nation with complete disregard for rules and international law that exists.”
He noted that interoperability and ability to have effective communications to have effective maritime domain awareness could be as effective as possible and continue to push back against nations that want to exert their influences solely for their purposes at expense of other law-abiding nations.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. is asking international community for more support as Philippines continues to promote rules-based international order in West Philippine Sea.
Speaking before representatives of 29 nations at ongoing 35th Military Law Operations (MILOPS) annual conference hosted by United States Indo-Pacific Command in Manila, Teodoro asserted that country needs backing to stop China’s acts of violating and ignoring international law.
“Please help Philippines be, as US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said, ‘ global leader in enforcing and upholding rules-based international order, norms of international law’ and do not let Philippines be victim for standing up to international law,” he said.
He emphasized Philippines is not merely upholding its own sovereignty and sovereign rights, but is a test case for agreed-upon interpretations of civilized world of what international law is, particularly law of the sea.
“I’d like to carry on from statement of Ambassador Carlson, that venue of this conference was both deliberate and significant…indeed, Philippines is at forefront of upholding international law in this side of the world,” the defense chief stressed, reiterating US envoy’s statement Philippines plays central role in Indo-Pacific region.
Teodoro noted nations should adhere to tenets of international law, especially United Nations Charter, amid regional security challenges.
“Let’s go back to foundation that is Article 4 of UN Charter, does not allow any state to use force or threaten, even word ‘threaten to use force,’ in asserting its territorial claims… foundational in charter made post World War II, repeated transgressions and I’m not afraid to name them by China to test how body of law freely agreed upon, signed by even them, can be shaped or remolded into what they think is their version of international law…and surely, nexus is shaping version for their own insular interests, means it’s zero-sum game…their game, world’s loss” he stressed.
Attended by representatives from about 29 countries, 35th MILOPS is four-day conference provides opportunity for participants to discuss important aspects of international law, military cooperation and importance of rules-based international order to free and open Indo-Pacific.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said event, held at Rigodon Hall of Manila Hotel, brings together senior military leaders, government officials, legal advisors and leading academics from various nations across Indo-Pacific region.
Conference serves as vital platform for discussing key aspects of international law, military cooperation and significance of rules-based international order.
AFP said conference is part of Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board meeting activities, underscoring ongoing commitment of Philippines and US to strengthen defense ties and uphold principles of international law in Indo-Pacific region.
“It is important to highlight significance of our mutual engagements in regional and multilateral fora, amplify voices of both large and small nations alike. ..by uniting and working together under common principles of equity, justice and rule of law, we can ensure peace and prosperity for future generations,” AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said.
Brawner also underscored importance of building awareness, harnessing support and reinforcing commitment of Filipinos on matters of Philippine territory, sovereignty and sovereign rights.
Meanwhile, Japan highlighted Philippines for consistent compliance with Arbitral Tribunal’s award as to South China Sea dispute with China and commitment shown for peaceful settlement of disputes.
In statement, Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said arbitral award is final and legally binding on parties to dispute under provisions of United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and Japan strongly hopes parties’ compliance with award will lead to peaceful settlement of disputes in South China Sea.
Ministry called for de-escalation in tensions amid China’s increasingly aggressive attacks on Philippine vessels.
Although CCG was not named, ministry said Japan “steadfastly opposes” dangerous and coercive use of Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels as well as aircraft.
“Japan expresses serious concern over repeated actions in recent days that increase regional tensions in South China Sea and urges de-escalation of tensions,” Japanese foreign ministry said.
China’s top diplomat Wang Yi warned visiting US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan over supporting Philippines in disputed South China Sea, state media reported.
“United States must not use bilateral treaties as excuse to undermine China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, nor should it support or condone Philippines’ actions of infringement,” Wang told Sullivan.
Sullivan landed in Chinese capital for three-day trip, saying on arrival that he looked forward to “very productive round of conversations” with Wang.
Washington’s allies Japan and the Philippines have blamed China in the past week for raising regional tensions, with Tokyo accusing Beijing of violating its airspace and Manila calling it “biggest disrupter” of peace in Southeast Asia.
Wang emphasized to Sullivan “China is firmly committed to safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights over South China Sea islands,” according to CCTV.
In another development, PCG has confirmed swarm of 40 ships from Chinese forces blocked resupply mission for BRP Teresa Magbanua.
PCG’s two 44-meter patrol vessels BRP Cabra and BRP Cape Engaño were supposed to “deliver vital food and supplies” to personnel onboard their 97-meter counterpart Teresa Magbanua, “on extended patrol” in Escoda Shoal since April, according to post by PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela on X .
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Wang warns visiting Sullivan over support for Philippines
By Nidz Godino
“United States must not use bilateral treaties as excuse to undermine China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, nor should it support or condone Philippines’s actions of infringement,” China’s top diplomat Wang Yi warned visiting US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, according to state broadcaster CCTV over supporting Philippines in disputed South China Sea.
Sullivan landed in Chinese capital on Tuesday for three-day trip, saying on arrival he looked forward to ” very productive round of conversations” with foreign minister Wang.
Washington’s allies Japan and Philippines have blamed China in the past week for raising regional tensions, with Tokyo accusing Beijing of violating its airspace and Manila calling it “biggest disrupter” of peace in Southeast Asia.
According to CCTV, Wang emphasized to Sullivan “China is firmly committed to safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights over South China Sea islands”.
Tensions between Manila and Beijing over disputed reefs and waters in South China Sea have escalated in recent days.
Beijing had taken “control measures” against two Philippine Coast Guard ships it said “illegally” entered waters near shoal.
Manila said Chinese vessels had prevented Philippine ships from resupplying their own coast guard vessels in the area, blasting move as “aggressive” and calling Beijing “biggest disrupter” of peace in Southeast Asia.
Sullivan and Wang have met five times over past year-and-a-half in Washington, Vienna, Malta and Bangkok, as well as alongside US President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping at November 2023 summit in California.
Wang also stressed that Taiwan belonged to Beijing and that China will “certainly be unified”.
He told Sullivan that US should “put into practice its commitment not to support Taiwan independence”, according to CCTV.
US should “abide by one-China principle and three joint communiques of China and United States, stop arming Taiwan, and support China’s peaceful reunification”, Wang said.
China has kept up its sabre-rattling since inauguration this year of President Lai Ching-te, whose party emphasizes Taiwan’s separate identity.
Wang and Sullivan also discussed issues including Ukraine, Middle East and Korean Peninsula, CCTV said.
“China has always been committed to advocating for peace and promoting dialogue, and working towards political solution to the Ukraine crisis, US should not shift responsibility onto China, nor should it impose illegal unilateral sanctions, ” he said.
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PCEC urges Quiboloy to surrender, ‘No one is above the law’
By J.Lo
PCEC BISHOP NOEL PANTOJA
“In light of ongoing situation involving Apollo Quiboloy and co-accused members of KOJC, we urge him to consider surrendering to authorities…it is essential to recognize that no one is above the law, and facing accusers and investigations peacefully is fundamental principle of justice,” Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC National Director Bishop Noel Pantoja wrote in statemen PCEC called on doomsday preacher and wanted sex trafficker Apollo Quiboloy to surrender to authorities after Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) members clashed with police forces in Davao City.
Around 2,000 cops are on manhunt for Quiboloy in KOJC compound. Prayer rally with Quiboloy’s defenders turned violent, leaving at least seven police officers injured.
Pantoja also urged Philippine National Police to practice restraint and uphold human rights in serving arrest warrant.
“We also appeal to our government leaders to act as peacemakers and not leverage issue for political gain… pursuit of justice should not be marred by divisions of politics,” Pantoja said.
Pantoja urged everyone to be instrument of peace.
“Together, let us work towards resolution that honors justice, upholds human dignity, and fosters spirit of peace within our nation,” he said.
In separate statement, Roman CatholicArchbishop of Davao Romulo Valles appealed for peace and calm in Davao.
“I am morally impelled to speak out, for and in behalf of peace, and to make appeal for calmness and sobriety among people of Davao City, especially those involved in ongoing situation at KOJC Compound here,” Valles said in statement.
Valles said many people within and outside Davao want rule of law to be respected. He found number of police officers in the area to be overwhelming.
“I appeal for immediate peaceful resolution to situation, and mutual respect and introspection of all…let us respect humanity of everyone, and their inherent rights…let sobriety take upper hand in our judgment and action!,” Valles added.
Quiboloy has long evaded authorities despite multiple warrants issued against him.
Doomsday preacher is wanted for complaints of human trafficking and sexual abuse. On top of local arrest warrants, Quiboloy is also on United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation’s most wanted list for human trafficking.
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DBM chief hit budget mishandling claims of Sara
By J.Lo
“We always respect wisdom of Congress if they want to make adjustments in budget,” Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman told reporters at Malacañang when asked to comment on Duterte’s allegation disputed Vice President Sara Duterte’s claim that 2024 General Approriations Act (GAA) was “mishandled,” saying adjustments in budget proposals depend on Congress.
Duterte said “mishandling” of budget for 2024 was among her “long list of reasons” for resigning as chief of Department of Education (DepEd).
“And these reasons are in various categories personal, I would keep between me and the President… reason involving DepEd, there’s about budget and there’s also something about the nation in general,” Duterte said.
Duterte had issues with how 2024 national budget was appropriated by Congress.
But Pangandaman said DepEd under Duterte received “huge increase” in budget in 2024.
“In fact, from P711 billion in National Expenditure Program (NEP) it became P715 billion in GAA. ..what I can say is, DepEd budget was quite huge increase from its previous level in 2023,” budget chief said.
Pangandaman said government increased DepEd’s appropriation for this year to support department’s MATATAG Agenda. DepEd received P633.3 billion in 2022 and P676.1 billion in 2023.
Duterte claimed exerting efforts to correct “mishandling” of funds, but that her efforts were all for naught as no changes were made in the budget.
“Government might want to fund these infrastructure projects which are in accordance with master plan…or they are hesitating because a Duterte is sitting mayor and they would rather tear down what was already started?” Duterte added, referring to her brother, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte.
Rep. Jil Bongalon of Ako Bicol party-list, meanwhile, chided Duterte for being “silent” on problems of DepEd when she was still at the helm of the department.
“Did she even help our overburdened and overworked public school teachers…at one point, I can still vividly recall that she suggested holding Saturday classes only to catch up with targeted June school calendar opening, President Marcos politely declined, show some humility, Ms. VP…your complaints could have been addressed, and they could have resulted in more productive endeavors if you had raised them early on… don’t make government your punching bag,” Bongalon said.
La Union Rep. Francisco Paolo Ortega also lambasted Vice President for criticizing administration even if she herself had been remiss in her duty on many occasions.
“Last time we heard from her was when she left with her entourage at the height of Super Typhoon Carina, while the President and all of us were preparing for storm’s onslaught…stop complaining ma’am…let’s work and help each other to develop the country,” Ortega said on his social media accounts.
Pangandaman said state workers are expected to receive their pay hike as early as this month as government moved to implement latest tranche of salary standardization law (SSL).
She said DBM had already issued national and local circulars to start release process.
“These circulars will serve as guidelines on how to compute adjustments in salary, agencies can start adjusting immediately,” Pangandaman said.
Budget chief explained existing personnel services funds can be utilized for required salary changes, with any shortfall to be covered by Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund (MPBF).
“But it all depends on how fast agencies will be able to process this,” Pangandaman said.
For 2024, DBM allotted P36 billion for MPBF for implementation of first tranche of SSL VI this year, and P70 billion under 2025 NEP.
Two more salary hikes are expected by 2026 and 2027.
SSL VI is designed to make public personnel’s salaries more competitive with those in private sector, and in effect boost productivity, enhance service delivery and improve overall government effectiveness.
Updated salary schedule applies to all civilian government personnel in executive, legislative and judicial branches, state-run corporations not covered by GOCC Governance Act, constitutional commissions and other constitutional offices and local government units.
Salary increase is not applicable to military and uniformed personnel and to individuals engaged without employer-employee relationship and funded from non-personnel services budget.
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ICC must ask Ph courts to enforce warrant – Remulla
By Nidz Godino
“When it comes to them ,ICC and Interpol going to the country, if they want to execute warrant ICC has come up with… they have to go through Philippine court system…they have to take action to enforce warrant and judgment in our court system,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said if International Criminal Court (ICC) issues arrest warrant and International Criminal Police Organization is tasked with enforcing it in Philippines, Interpol must consult with Philippine courts before taking any action.
During budget hearing of Senate committee on finance on Department of Justice (DOJ) for 2025, chairperson Sen. Grace Poe asked Remulla whether ICC can investigate under radar and authorities may monitor it.
He stressed Supreme Court (SC) is supposed to determine whether Philippines is still under ICC’s jurisdiction even after country withdrew in 2019.
DOJ will also not interfere with international bodies’ operations if they want to chase accused person but reiterated they need to consult Philippine court first before doing so, according to Remulla.
He noted Philippine authorities cannot prevent ICC from interviewing witnesses in the Philippines, can be done through video call.
“It is so easy for them to go on Zoom video call with all of these witnesses in this country…we cannot stop them from doing that because freedom of communication is paramount,” Remulla said.
Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, one of the respondents of ICC’s investigation on former president Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war, is happy to know international court’s warrant will still be sent to local courts.
“It’s very good great development if that’s what he says… I am happy that they are defending our turf and our sovereignty and jurisdiction,” he said.
Remulla also said if United Nations Human Rights Commission could provide evidence of extrajudicial killings, DOJ itself could investigate it.
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Hse panel extends franchise for Meralco, Bicol electric coops
By Nidz Godino
“For the past few months, we have held meetings to discuss franchise application of Meralco…since then, we have received various letters of support,” panel chairman Rep. Gus Tambunting said after his committee consolidated House Bills 9793, 9813, 10317 and its amended version proposals to extend franchise of Manny Pangilinan-run Manila Electric Company (Meralco) by another 25 years has been approved and endorsed by committee on legislative franchises of House of Representatives.
Its existing franchise, which will expire in 2028, will eventually be valid for another 25 years, or until 2053.
Under its existing franchise, Meralco is authorized to construct, operate and keep distribution system for conveyance of electric power to consumers in cities, municipalities and barangays of Metro Manila, Cavite, Rizal, Batangas, Laguna, Quezon and Pampanga.
Three measures were authored by Reps. Joey Salceda (House ways and means committee chairman), Rufus Rodriguez (House committee on constitutional amendments chairman) and Lord Allan Jay Velasco (House committee on energy chairman).
“Franchise is possibly single most important private bill for industrial policy in this country… Meralco services an area responsible for about half country’s entire GDP and about 26 percent of population, Meralco is exemplar of how service reliability can create economic growth and development… Meralco has also fully complied with Energy Regulatory Commission’s rules and issuances…some P48.3 billion in consumer refunds have also been delivered in full,” Salceda said.
“Practically everything has been discussed, has been ventilated and have been answered in previous marathon hearings,” said Rodriguez.
Velasco, who served as Speaker during former president Duterte’s term, made same endorsement. “Everything has been fully discussed…no other issue has been put forward. Meralco has long been serving our country well and they deserve to be granted new franchise.”
Meralco bill will now be sent to House plenary for final approval of all House members before it can be sent to Senate for concurrence.
At the same time, Tambunting committee also approved House Bill 9696 granting franchise to operate distribution systems to Sorsogon I Electric Cooperative Inc. (Soreco I) and House Bills 9775 and 9838, granting same to Sorsogon Electric Cooperative II (Soreco II).
HB 9696, authored by Sorsogon District 2 Rep. Wowo Fortes, would grant Soreco I franchise to operate in areas of Bulan, Bulusan, Casiguran, Irosin, Juban, Magallanes, Matnog and Sta. Magdalena in Sorsogon.
HBs 9775 and 9838, authored by Reps. Marie Bernadette Escudero (District 1) and Fortes respectively, grants Soreco II franchise to operate in the areas of Donsol, Pilar, Castilla, Gubat, Prieto Diaz and Barcelona in Sorsogon.
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5 active mpox cases confirmed – DOH
By Nidz Godino
“Nine cases have long recovered and five are active cases waiting for symptoms to resolve,” Department of Health (DOH) said active mpox cases in the Philippines are now at five after DOH two more cases of infectious disease added.
Confirmed mpox cases since July 2022 are now 14.
Two new cases are in Metro Manila and Calabarzon. Both have milder form of mpox virus, MPXV clade II.
Patient in Metro Manila is female, 26, whose rashes and fever started on Aug. 20. She developed sore throat and swollen neck lymph nodes.
“She continues to recover at home, under close and continuing monitoring by local health authorities,” DOH noted.
Female patient had no travel history three weeks before symptoms started and two of her close contacts do not exhibit symptoms.
In Calabarzon, 12-year-old male patient’s symptoms began on Aug. 10. He had fever and later developed rashes, cough and swollen lymph nodes in groin.
Male patient also has no travel history. Other circumstances are still being verified.
More mpox cases are being detected due to heightened surveillance, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said.
“Situation strengthens our health system we can find, test and treat mpox…we will be ready should clade Ib get here,” Herbosa said, referring to new strain of mpox virus.
Four suspected mpox cases being monitored in hospital in Eastern Visayas have not been confirmed yet, DOH-Region 8 said.
Specimens collected from patients in isolation were sent to Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Manila.
One of the patients is male, 24, who suffered two-week fever, physical weakness and vesicular rashes. He is confined in hospital in Catarman, Northern Samar.
Male patient had no travel history.
Two thousand doses of Jynneos vaccine will be availed of by DOH to prevent spread of mpox in the Philippines.
Jynneos vaccine is slightly different from smallpox vaccine, DOH noted.
“Smallpox vaccine is made from vaccinia virus. This one for mpox Jynneos is modified vaccinia Ankara. Vaccinia and MVA belong to same Orthopoxvirus family where mpox also is,” Health Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said.
DOH has signified to World Health Organization its intent to get access to smallpox vaccines.
“As to the current vaccine, Africa needs it badly compared to us… since there are not that many available vaccines right now, it will be used there to contain mpox outbreak, but I already made request… I have about 2,000 doses coming from our share in ASEAN-World Health Organization…it will undergo process for it to be made available in the country,” Herbosa said.
DOH reported detection of two more mpox cases in Metro Manila, bringing total case count to 12 since July 2022.
Of 12 mpox cases, nine have recovered while remaining three are “active cases waiting for symptoms to resolve.”
Filipinos are advised to avoid close,intimate, skin-to-skin contact and to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Mpox is viral disease that can be transmitted to humans through close, intimate contact with someone who is infectious or through contaminated materials.
Common mpox symptoms are skin rashes or mucosal lesions, which can last up to four weeks.
Rashes are accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes.
Meanwhile, with onset of rainy season and threat of mpox, health advocates urged DOH to expedite procurement of influenza vaccines for senior citizens.
“Our seniors cannot afford to be left exposed and vulnerable,” said Philippine Foundation for Vaccination executive director Lulu Bravo.
“Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 mandates protection of our elderly and it’s imperative that they receive flu vaccines they are entitled to,” said Bayan Bakuna lead convenor Roderick Alapar.
He noted 67.1 percent of influenza-associated mortality in the country occurs annually in adults aged 60 and above.
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