21 Agosto 2024, Miyerkules

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Cut in premiums still under study

By Nidz Godino

“This is how I recall in the last hearing  I mentioned we will thoroughly study  possibility of recommending whether premium contributions will be brought down… decrease in premium contributions,” Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) chief Emmanuel Rufino Ledesma after saying  he would “immediately” recommend to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. monthly premium contribution of its members be reduced by three percent.

Ledesma seems to have backpedaled on that promise, saying instead that they are still studying  proposal.

During  hearing of  Senate committee on health and demography on transfer of PhilHealth’s excess fund to  Bureau of  Treasury, its chairman, Sen. Bong Go, asked Ledesma about his recommendation to the President.

Go anchored his inquiry on Ledesma’s statement at previous hearing, that he would recommend to the President  reduction of  monthly premium contribution of its members, as PhilHealth agreed to transfer P89.9 billion of its unused funds to  national treasury.

Apparently not satisfied with  PhilHealth chief’s answer, Go pressed, “Are you really not answering my question earlier…when you said that you would recommend decrease of  premium contribution to our dear President Ferdinand  Marcos Jr., have you done it yet…you promised at the last hearing that you would recommend it…did you avoid my question?”

Ledesma then revealed that they are still studying  proposal and have not yet recommended  reduction of PhilHealth premium contributions to the President.

“We are still in the process of reviewing and studying. ..so, we have nothing to recommend to President Marcos yet…because PhilHealth is still studying it,” he stressed.

But Go pointed out that  PhilHealth chief previously promised to recommend  reduction.

“In fact, what you said was… ‘we at PhilHealth our management  will recommend to President Marcos that we bring down  premium rates…’ that’s on the record…that clear…do you want to review the records?” he said.

Ledesma  is supportive of reduction of premium contribution, as part of  proposal to amend  Universal Health Care (UHC) Law.

“We fully support  reduction of  premium contribution…as  amendment to  UHC law  3.25 percent premium rate for 2025 PhilHealth supports it 110 percent…at the same time, we are internally reviewing from our end,” he said.

Go advised PhilHealth chief, “Make good on your promise.”

Previously, during  Senate hearing on July 30, Ledesma said PhilHealth is eyeing to recommend to Marcos  reduction in  contributions of PhilHealth members, after getting rapped for having unused funds  government has impounded.

“When will you recommend to the President to lower PhilHealth fee or premium…would you recommend it?” Go asked during  July hearing.

Ledesma replied: “actually, yes, we will, especially after this very nice hearing that just happened, we will do it immediately….as early as this afternoon July 30 I will convene our team and we will recommend  reduction in  premium rates and contribution rates to President Marcos…immediately, to answer your question.”

Labor coalition NAGKAISA  lawyers are finalizing  petition for certiorari and prohibition against  PhilHealth fund transfer.

Coalition  further urged Marcos and Finance Secretary Ralph Recto to hold in abeyance  transfer of  second tranche of P10 billion from PhilHealth to  national treasury.

It asserted that PhilHealth fund transfer “is highly illegal and unconstitutional,” as it represents  executive usurpation of Congress’s exclusive power to legislate appropriations.

“This is madness, and  P10-billion sin, in addition to initial P20 billion government will freely squander,” NAGKAISA said in  statement.

Coalition  explained  illegal to reallocate funds from programmed appropriations,  already legislatively approved, to unprogrammed appropriations without  required legislative process.

“This undermines  constitutional authority of Congress over budgetary matters and sets  dangerous precedent for executive overreach,” NAGKAISA stressed.

Coalition  previously sent Marcos  letter requesting him to return  initial P20 billion that was remitted to  national treasury from PhilHealth.

“These funds should remain with PhilHealth, where they are crucial for addressing  health care needs of ordinary Filipinos, especially amid  ongoing challenges in  health care sector, we are prepared to take legal action if necessary, either by intervening in  existing petition or by filing separate petition for certiorari and prohibition before  Supreme Court,” NAGKAISA chairman Sonny Matula said.

21 Agosto 2024, Miyerkules

Happy third birthday with father God Cynthia Lopez

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Ph allows temporary stay of Afghans in transit

By Nidz Godino

“Philippines and  United States have agreed on allowing  limited number of Afghan nationals to transit to Philippines to complete their visa processing for Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) and resettlement to  United States,” Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in  statement Philippines has agreed to  United States’ request to temporarily host  limited number of Afghan nationals while their special immigration visas to the US are being processed.

Under Philippines-US SIV agreement, DFA said all Afghan SIV applicants “will be subject to full security vetting by Philippine authorities and should secure appropriate entry visa prior to arrival, in accordance with Philippine laws and regulations.”

Bureau of Immigration, however, retains full authority to exclude any applicant from entry into  Philippines as  result of  standard immigration examination upon arrival in the country.

According to  DFA, each applicant shall be authorized to stay in Philippines for no more than 59 days.

All costs for  sustainment of  Afghans while in the Philippines will be shouldered by  US government. This includes expenses for food, housing, security, medical and transportation to complete visa processing.

Afghan nationals will be confined to their billet facility for  duration of  processing of their SIV applications by  US embassy in Manila.

US government, with International Organization for Migration as facility manager, will ensure  applicants, especially children, will have adequate social, educational, religious and emotional support during their stay in the billet facility.

US embassy said Afghan SIV applicants will temporarily reside at CARE (Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts) operated facility in the Philippines.

Afghans with visas approved by  Philippine embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan will have been medically screened in Afghanistan before entering  Philippines.

They need to leave their billet facility only once for their consular interview at  US embassy.

“Agreement is currently undergoing final domestic procedures required for effectivity,”  DFA said.

The embassy did not disclose some details like  number of SIV applicants or  place outside Manila where they will be billeted.

“For operational security purposes, we will not comment on  capacity of  platform or how many guests are in the Philippines at any given time, we are still discussing timelines and operational specifics with  government of Philippines,” said US embassy spokesperson Kanishka Gangopadhyay.

Afghan nationals being considered for resettlement had worked for  US government but were left behind when US forces withdrew from the country in August 2021, allowing  Taliban to return to power.

21 Agosto 2024, Miyerkules

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Admin “Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas” finalizes Senate 2025 bets

By Nidz Godino

“We are not just allies in name…we are united by  shared purpose  to serve our nation with integrity, strength and unwavering resolve,” Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, president of  ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) party whose membership in  House of Representatives reached 103, said leaders of  country’s largest political parties gathered on Monday at  Aguado Residence at Malacañang to finalize  administration coalition’s 12-person senatorial lineup and formulate strategy for  2025 midterm elections.

Gathering  brought together leaders from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), Nacionalista Party (NP) and National Unity Party (NUP).

Discussed at the talks was  formation of administration’s Senate slate for 2025.

Former Senate president Tito Sotto III leads  four-person bloc from  NPC. He is joined by former senator Panfilo Lacson, reelectionist Sen. Lito Lapid and Makati City Mayor Abby Binay.

Three from  NP bloc are reelectionist Senators Imee Marcos and Pia Cayetano, and Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar, who will be swapping posts with her mother, Sen. Cynthia Villar who is reportedly eyeing  mayor’s post in their home city.

Three candidates from Marcos’ PFP have also been named: reelectionist Sen. Francis Tolentino, returning senator Manny Pacquiao and Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos.

There will also be two from ruling Lakas-CMD party,  country’s most dominant party, re-electionist Senator Bong Revilla and Rep. Erwin Tulfo of party-list ACT-CIS,  former broadcast journalist and DSWD chief.

“Our unity is our strength, and today, we solidify that bond to ensure that our vision for  better Philippines will continue to be realized…we are here not only to support  programs and projects of President Marcos but also to help realize his vision of unity towards lasting peace and prosperity for all… challenges we face require  coalition that is not only strong but also harmonious,” Romauldez, first cousin of President Marcos who had already forged  alliance with the latter’s Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), stressed.

House leader, along with PFP executive vice president Antonio Lagdameo Jr., also Special Assistant to the President, met  nation’s top political leaders and convened  meeting last Monday evening at  Aguado residence in Malacañang to unify and strengthen  administration party.

They emphasized  need to prevent internal conflicts among politicians and maintain  incumbents’ equity, ensuring that each party’s interests are protected as they work together in pursuit of this shared vision.

Romualdez led discussions with  clear focus on fostering unity, preventing internal conflicts and ensuring that  coalition’s strategy for  May 2025 midterm polls is both cohesive and effective.

“This is more than just  strategic planning session; it is  declaration of our shared commitment to  Filipino people,”  Speaker declared.

Formidable  alliance is between and among Lakas-CMD of Romualdez, Nationalist People’s Coalition of the late tycoon Eduardo Cojuangco Jr., Nacionalista Party of former Senate president Manny Villar and  National Unity Party.

Under Marcos’ leadership and guidance,  meeting marked  first gathering of key leaders from  country’s major political parties, now united under  banner of “Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas.”

Representing PFP were Lagdameo and its president, South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo; NP, Sen. Mark Villar and Reps. Ferjenel Biron (Iloilo’s fourth district) and Yevgeny Emano (Misamis Oriental’s second district);  NPC, its chairman, former Senate president Vicente Sotto III and its secretary-general, Presidential Legislative Liaison Office head Secretary Mark Llandro Mendoza, himself  former congressman from Batangas; NUP, its president and Camarines Sur 2nd District Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte and its secretary-general and Bataan 2nd District Rep. Albert Raymond Garcia.

As  meeting concluded,  leaders reiterated their commitment to alliance, recognizing that their unity is essential in navigating  challenges ahead and realizing  administration’s vision.

“This is just the beginning, as we move forward, we will continue to strengthen our coalition, refine our strategies and ensure that our vision for  new Philippines is realized in every corner of the nation,” Romualdez declared.

21 Agosto 2024, Miyerkules

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Headlines

Palace orders passport canceled

By J.Lo

“Given foregoing and in the interest of justice,  Office hereby directs  appropriate action be taken for cancellation of  Philippine passports of Guo, her family and Ong,” Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said Malacañang on Tuesday ordered  Department of Foreign Affairs and  Department of Justice to cancel  Philippine passports of dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo and those of her siblings.

In  memorandum dated Aug. 20 addressed to Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla,  Bersamin directed the two agencies to take “appropriate action” to cancel  passports of Guo and her siblings Wesley Leal Guo and Sheila Leal Guo.

Memo  also covers Katherine Cassandra Li Ong,  authorized representative of  Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) raided in Porac, Pampanga.

Bersamin also chairs  Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

His order came after Sen. Risa Hontiveros bared on Monday  Guo, also identified as Chinese national Guo Hua Ping, had already left the country using her Philippine passport.

According to reports,  33-year-old Guo left  Philippines and entered Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on July 18. She then flew, along with her siblings Sheila and Wesley, to Singapore on July 21 and transferred to Indonesia last Aug. 18.

She reportedly met up with her parents Lin Wen Yi and Guo Jian Zhong in Singapore.

“It is worthy to note that currently,  Senate issued arrest warrants against Guo and her family for unduly refusing to appear, despite due notices, its probe into  illegal activities of POGOs,” Bersamin said.

Bersamin said  criminal complaint was filed against  dismissed mayor for qualified trafficking, adding that “other cases” are also being prepared for her alleged involvement in POGO operations.

Bersamin said Ong, one of the individuals whom Guo met in Singapore, was also cited in contempt by  House of Representatives for her failure to attend hearings.

Republic Act 11983 or “New Philippine Passport Act” gives  DFA secretary power to cancel  passport “in the interest of national security,” according to Bersamin.

“Under the same law, one of the grounds for  cancellation of  Philippine passport is when  court issues  order for its cancellation as  holder is  fugitive from justice,” Bersamin,  former chief justice, said.

Guo’s legal counsel Stephen David said Guo had assured him she was still in the Philippines, but admitted he cannot confirm  information and has no idea on her exact location.

Bureau of Immigration (BI) spokesperson Dana Sandoval on Tuesday confirmed Guo is currently in Indonesia.

“Based on  intelligence information shared by our counterparts from other countries, we know that she is in Indonesia…from Singapore, she went to Indonesia the other day, Aug. 18,” Sandoval said.

Sandoval had told media that authorities also received information that turned out to be  “false lead.” They waited for Guo’s return to the Philippines last Thursday because she reportedly had  Cebu Pacific ticket for  flight from Singapore to  Philippines.

She was expected to return along with her siblings Sheila and Wesley and Ong, “but it ended up as  ‘false alarm’ because they did not embark  airplane going to  Philippines.”

Sandoval admitted it was only last Thursday when  bureau came to know that Guo left  country, but the information was still “vague.”

She said  BI is coordinating with other agencies to “backtrack her itinerary and movements, including verifying with our counterparts abroad.”

BI confirmed from their counterparts that she has reportedly been using her name “Alice Guo” and her Philippine passport. Sandoval believes Guo is using her Philippine passport because she has no other passport.

At the moment,  BI is still checking if Guo used  chartered flight or informal port to travel to Malaysia. But they are not discounting  possibility that she left via  “southern backdoor” or Mindanao.

Guo fled the country through  backdoor to avoid being detected by immigration and law enforcement authorities, PAOCC spokesman Winston John Casio said.

“It was through  backdoor. ..we are looking at two possibilities, one in Mindanao and another in Luzon that she might have used to leave the country,” Casio said.

Based on  information they received from their foreign counterparts, Casio said Guo arrived in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from Denpasar, Indonesia via Batik Air 177.

On July 21, she flew to Singapore from Kuala Lumpur via  Jetstar Asia flight. She arrived in Batham, Indonesia from Singapore on  ferry boat. The last time Guo was monitored in the country was last July 14, Casio said.

On July 20,  PAOCC received information Guo was staying in  private resort. When authorities went to check, Guo was nowhere to be found.

Justice Secretary Remulla  ordered  investigation into  alleged escape of Guo from the country, warning those who facilitated her “slippery exit” would be held accountable.

Remulla ordered  BI and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate how Guo managed to leave the country despite being listed in  immigration lookout bulletin order (ILBO) and facing arrest order issued by  Senate.

“I am issuing this final warning against erring BI personnel who may have had  participation in the escape of Guo despite strict restrictions imposed by our government, it’s either you come out and unveil the truth or wait until I personally get to the bottom of this where heads will roll and all hell will break loose,” Remulla said.

He also ordered authorities to look into  possible involvement of Guo’s legal counsels in her departure from the country.

Lawyer  who notarized  counter-affidavit of Guo personally met with her on Aug. 14, according to Bulacan Provincial Prosecutor Ramoncito Ocampo.

According to Ocampo, Elmer Galicia told them that he personally saw Guo when he notarized her counter-affidavit that was filed before  DOJ in connection with  human trafficking complaint.

Quoting Galicia, Ocampo said Guo arrived on  Land Cruiser at the office of the lawyer in San Jose Del Monte City in Bulacan.

“He and Alice Guo talked outside his office and he saw her and Guo presented  driver’s license… Galicia then notarized  counter-affidavit  was due to be submitted to  DOJ for  preliminary investigation,” Ocampo said.

Ocampo accompanied Galicia,  former legal officer of San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan, to  DOJ yesterday to shed light on notarization of Guo’s counter-affidavit.

Ocampo said Galicia volunteered to go to  DOJ, where he also met with  investigators of  NBI.

The lawyer will also submit an affidavit to recount  Aug. 14 incident.

With revelations that Guo has left the country,  Hontiveros yesterday called on DFA to cancel her Philippine passport.

“Face of this fake Filipino is also really thick… Philippine passport was even used to escape…her passport should be made null and void immediately,” Hontiveros said.

“Canceling her passport will limit her travels… easier to track her down when she’s not wandering around…and besides, she does not have  right to use Philippine passport in the first place,” the senator stressed.

“When it was confirmed that her Filipino identity was forged, her passport should have been canceled immediately… I hope our agencies have done this…. failure to apprehend Alice Guo only shows  lack of better interagency coordination,” the senator said.

Despite reports that Guo has already sneaked out of the country,  Commission on Elections (Comelec) will proceed with its investigation and allow her to file her counter-affidavit.

“We will proceed with  investigation and we will not stop,” Comelec Chairman George Garcia said.

Comelec, he said, will observe  10 days given to Guo to submit her counter-affidavit.

“We are looking if there is  lawyer who will surface or she herself will appear to dispute accusations of misrepresentation,” Garcia said.

After 10 days, Garcia said  Comelec legal department will submit  case for resolution whether or not Guo submits her answer to complaint.

Comelec is conducting  preliminary investigation into  possible criminal liability of Guo for declaring Filipino citizenship in her COC when she ran for mayor in 2022.

She faces one to six years imprisonment, among other penalties, if proven guilty of misrepresentation charges. 

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Psalm 42:8

⁸ By day the Lord directs his love,
    at night his song is with me—
    a prayer to the God of my life.

20 Agosto 2024, Martes

Happy third birthday with father God Cynthia Lopez

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JG’s rumored gf reacts to ‘JoshLia’ reunion movie

By Cynthia Montojo

“I didn’t really get to watch a lot of Filipino films growing up, so to be honest, I’ve never really seen any of your films together Joshua and Julia… until now and I can’t wait to watch more because of this movie,” Filipina-French athlete Emilienne Vigier, rumored girlfriend of Kapamilya actor Joshua Garcia, reacted to  latter’s movie “Un/Happy For You” with ex-girlfriend Julia Barretto.

In her Instagram story, Emilienne praised Joshua and Julia for their performance in the film.

“You all have my utmost respect for  craft you all have…making so many Filipinos happy and comforted with your undeniable talent all around the world….salamat,” Emilienne stressed.

Filipina-French golfer said  Joshua deserves  award for his performance in the movie.

“I couldn’t feel prouder of you… I am beyond moved, this deserves an award…period,” she said.

Now showing in over 250 cinemas nationwide, “Un/Happy For You” quickly became one of the trending topics on X during its premiere night on August 13.

Social media users have also started sharing their positive feedback about movie online.

During  premiere night, Joshua and Julia expressed their gratitude to their fans, family, friends, and  people behind “Un/Happy For You.”

“Gusto ko lang magpasalamat sa lahat, sa fans, sa family namin na andito, sa friends namin, sa bosses thank you, sa Star Cinema salamat sa pagtitiwala sa amin ni Julia…sa Viva Films of course at sa buong team ng Un/happy For You,” Joshua said before  film’s screening.

Meanwhile, Julia is overwhelmed with  love and support from their fans.

“Sobrang nakaka-overwhelm ‘yung suporta na pinapakita niyo…sobrang nagpapasalamat kami sa lahat ng efforts niyo….sana po magustuhan niyo siya ,Un/Happy For You,” she said.

20 Agosto 2024 Martes

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Duterte, Hontiveros trade barbs vs children’s book

By Nidz Godino

“Another example of politicizing  budget of government…itong sinabi ni Senator Risa Hontiveros na at proper time, she’ll make  motion to lodge  requested budget of  OVP to other agencies,” Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio and Sen. Risa Hontiveros butted heads over P10 million worth of item:  children’s book. 

Office of the Vice President (OVP) has  budget proposal of P2.037 billion for 2025. During  budget hearing on OVP’s proposed budget,  exchange between Hontiveros and Duterte began amicably. 

Hontiveros asked Duterte about  OVP’s programs  appeared to be similar to functions of other government agencies.  OVP had programs such as medical and burial assistance, as well as livelihood support. 

Opposition  senator said  Duterte’s programs were similar to existing programs of  Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health and  Department of Labor and Employment. 

Duterte replied  these were merely programs requested by  public from her office. To which Hontiveros thanked the vice president and suggested for budget  allocated for  OVP’s projects to be put into line agencies that are aligned with these programs instead. 

However, things soured when Hontiveros said she will make  motion to lodge OVP’s proposed program budgets into  line agencies.  OVP could then request  allocation from them.  

Before Duterte could reply to this, Hontiveros went on to ask about  “Pagbabago Campaign”.  Campaign  involves distributing bags to one million students,  contains  children’s book authored by the vice president called “Isang Kaibigan” or “A Friend”. Hontiveros asked Duterte what the book was about. In response, the vice president said she would like to rebut what Hontiveros earlier said. 

The vice president brought up  old statement from Hontiveros criticizing her and her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte. Hontiveros previously said that while vice president is in power,  threat of the Dutertes’ return to full power remains. 

“Walang kinalaman sa kasasabi lang ng VP ngayon…alam nating lahat na miyembro ng iba’t-ibang partido… ‘yung speeches natin sa ating mga ka-miyembro, sa party Congresses, ay hiwalay na event dito sa budget debates,” Hontiveros said. 

Hontiveros further pressed about  children’s book, asking what it was about, how much it was and how many will be distributed. Duterte replied that  book was not for sale and only  publication will be paid. She said copy of the book will be sent to Hontiveros. 

However, the vice president still did not state what the book was about, its cost and total distribution. Hontiveros repeated her question. 

“Madame Chair, this is an example of politicizing  budget hearing through  questions of  senator,” Duterte said. 

Duterte accused Hontiveros of having  problem with the book, since it will have Duterte’s name on it and  children’s parents would be potential voters. She said  she will send  copy of the book to everyone in the room. 

“Hindi ko maintindihan ang ugali ng ating resource person…it is  simple question: paulit-ulit na ‘this is politicizing’…ang VP ang nagbanggit ng salitang ‘boboto’, wala akong sinabing ‘boboto’,” Duterte said. 

“We’re making so much trouble, so much fuss about  P10 million item,” Hontiveros stressed. 

Duterte also said she does not understand Hontiveros’ attitude. She alleged that Hontiveros went to Davao and asked for  vice president’s help during  2022 elections by securing several barangays for her. 

At this point, Sen. Grace Poe, as  chairperson of  Committee on Finance, stepped in. She said that while she understood there was history between Hontiveros and Duterte, she wanted to stick to budget. She asked Duterte to simply summarize what  book was about. 

“Explanation is in the title, ‘Isang Kaibigan’.” It’s about friendship,” Duterte said. 

Hontiveros said that Duterte should have simply answered right away instead of spinning  tale. 

“Budget hearing po ito…hindi po lahat about you,” Hontiveros said.

After  heated exchange between Duterte and Hontiveros,  OVP’s budget has been submitted to plenary. 

For the first time since Duterte’s term,  OVP did not pursue confidential funds. In 2022,  OVP spent its P125 million confidential funds in just 11 days. 

OVP attempted to request for confidential funds but failed to secure  requested allocation amounting to P500 million in 2023. 

20 Agosto 2024, Martes

Happy third birthday with father God Cynthia Lopez

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NBI, Immigration Guo’s escape probe

By Nidz Godino

“I am issuing this final warning against erring BI personnel who may have had  participation in  escape of Guo despite strict restrictions imposed by our government, it’s either you come out and unveil the truth or wait until I personally get to the bottom of this where heads will roll and all hell will break loose,”  Department of Justice (DOJ) has ordered  investigation into  escape of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo after she was reported to have slipped out of the country undetected.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla ordered  National Bureau of Investigation and  Bureau of Immigration (BI) to conduct  “thorough investigation” into  embattled mayor’s escape.

Last month,  Justice department ordered  immigration lookout bulletin on Guo, days after her reported escape to Malaysia on July 17.

Guo’s escape was first revealed by Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Monday, saying that  former official traveled to Singapore to meet her parents Lin Wen Yi and Guo JianZhong.  

On Tuesday afternoon,  Immigration bureau confirmed  Guo is now in Indonesia. 

Stephen David, one of Guo’s lawyers,  is confident that  dismissed official is still in the country. 

“We, as her counsel, have always relied on  assurances provided by our client that she is still in the Philippines…thus, without further evidence to prove that she has indeed left the country, our reliance in good faith on assurances by our client remains,” David said in  message to reporters. 

On Monday, DOJ spokesman Mico Clavano said  there were reported sightings of Guo on July 18.

He also mentioned that  embattled mayor submitted  motion, along with  counter-affidavit to  DOJ on Friday, which had been notarized on August 14 in San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan. 

Counter-affidavit was in response to non-bailable qualified human trafficking charge filed against her, related to  Philippine offshore gaming operation (POGO) hub raid in her locality.

Although they waived their right to respond to  charges by failing to appear at  preliminary investigation on June 3, Clavano said  Guo’s counter-affidavit filed in Bulacan is an appeal for its acceptance.

“Meaning  motion in effect is begging for us to accept her defense,” Clavano said in message to media.

In  resolution dated August 12,  Ombudsman removed Guo from office as it was found  “remained to be  real, true and actual President of Baofu Land Development Inc., and stands to benefit from  continued operations Hongsheng Gaming and Zun Yuan Technology Inc.”

In speech on Tuesday, Hontiveros called for cancellation of Guo’s Philippine passport after it was revealed that dismissed mayor was using it during her escape. 

“It cannot be denied that this is indeed her because it matches exactly with her Philippine passport,” Hontiveros said in  speech.

If Guo’s passport is canceled, she cannot exit or enter any other country.

In a message to media, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said DFA will cancel  dismissed mayor’s passport through a court order.

Meanwhile, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said petition for cancelation of Guo’s certificate of live birth filed by  Office of the Solicitor General last month will be  “key factor in  cancellation of her passport.”

It should be noted that  birth certificate issued by  Philippine Statistics Authority is one of  requirements for individuals who apply for  Philippine passport. 

In addition to  trafficking case, Guo is also facing tax evasion charges filed by  Bureau of Internal Revenue on August 14.

Charges  stem from her failure to pay or file  capital gains tax and documentary stamp tax amounting to P500,000 related to  transfer of her shares in Baofu.

20 Agosto 2024, Martes

Happy third birthday with father God Cynthia Lopez

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Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024

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Gabby Padilla remembers Pa after Cinemalaya Best Actress win

By Cynthia Montojo

“Personal siya sa akin because ‘Kono Basho’ speaks about losing  father, something that I struggled with as well,” Gabby told  media, after awards ceremony ended.

For Gabby Padilla, winning  Best Actress award at  2024 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival for “Kono Basho” was  personal victory.

Gabby was  joint winner for Cinemalaya 2024 Best Actress with Marian Rivera of “Balota” at  closing ceremony held last August 11 in Ayala Malls Manila Bay.

In “Kono Basho,” two half-sisters grieve their father’s death in Rikuzentakata, city still recovering from  tsunami years ago.

Film  also won Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, and Best Director for Jaime Pacena II in his feature directorial debut.

Given the nature of the movie’s story, Gabby found  deep connection with “Kono Basho” as she, too, has lost her father.

On Instagram, Gabby mentioned her father, her “#1 fan who’s got  best seat in the house”  in her list of dedications.

Gabby said it was amusing and equally special to share  Best Actress award with Marian, “Ang bongga ‘di ba!”

20 Agosto 2024, Martes

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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Cinemalaya 2024 film inners

By Cynthia Montojo

Recently  concluded Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival chose Kapuso actress Marian Rivera Best Performance of an Actress award for film “Balota” .

Marian shared  award with Gabby Padilla from film “Kono Bosho.”

Marian was praised for “her spirited portrayal of  public school teacher risking life and limb to protect  sanctity of  ballot,” while Gabby received nod for “her sensitive and very moving portrayal of  young woman navigating  cultural complexities of  foreign funeral while coming to terms with personal loss and family grief.”

Docufiction  film on plight of  Ati community in Sitio Karabankalan brought home  prestigious Balanghai trophy for Best Film at 20th edition of  film festival.

Directed by Iloilo-based filmmakers Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay and Richard Jeroui Salvadico, “Tumandok: was cited for “its focus on  marginalized sector of Philippine society, its nearly epic sweep of  life and landscape of  people disempowered by  wealthy and  powerful and victimized by government neglect and corruption, its highly convincing characters and effective ensemble acting by  cast of non-professional actors, and for its highly effective filmmaking in defense of  rights of indigenous people to their ancestral domain.”

Film  also bagged  Best Supporting Actor for Felipe Ganancial; as well as Best Screenplay, Best Original Score, and NETPAC Award for Best Film in Full-Length Category. 

Ganancial got  award for “his very impressive performance as elder and chieftain trying to keep his people together in their steadfast but non-violent fight to keep their ancestral land despite violence and intimidation by  wealthy and  powerful.”

“Tumandok’s” script, co-written by Arden Rod Condez with Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay, was cited for “taking as its subject matter  sector that’s relegated to  margins of society, and its powerful tale of  indigenous people’s resolve to keep their ancestral land in the face of corruption and violence.”

Paulo Almaden and The Ati People of Kabarankalan and Nagpana won Best Original Score for “their highly effective use of ancient songs and ethnic instrumentation to complement its powerful depiction of indigenous people’s fight for its ancestral domain.”

“Tumandok” was praised by  NETPAC jury for “its strong inner community voice of loving their land, and admirable representation of  strong young woman character who becomes leader behind  men.” 

Meanwhile, Sam Manacsa’s “Cross My Heart and Hope To Die” won Best Film in  Short Film Category for “its heartbreaking portrait of overworked and underpaid women-workers, and its subtle but mordant critique of their abuse and exploitation.”

Best Director Balanghai trophies went to filmmakers Jaime Pacena II and Sam Manacsa. For his film “Kono Bosho,” director Pacena has shown “his utter craftsmanship and expert summoning of  resources of  cinema to tell  poignant story of personal loss and family grief amid  trauma of disaster, his powerful exploration of themes of diaspora, self-discovery, and sisterhood, and his humanist vision that inspires reconciliation, renewal, and rebuilding.”

Director Manacsa, on the other hand, took home her second Balanghai trophy for “Cross My Heart and Hope To Die” for “effectively orchestrating  resources of cinema in its depiction of  hard-up and lonely unpaid worker and her dashed hopes for romance.”

Sonny Calvento’s “Primetime Mother” received  Best Screenplay award for “its savage take on Philippine television and how poor Filipinos willingly subject themselves to public humiliation for cheap fame and paltry fortune.”

NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asia Pacific Cinema) Award for Best Film in  Short Film Category went to “Abogbaybay” by P.R. Monencillo Patindol. Citation for  film mentioned its “deepest feelings of death and life and very delicate way of resurrection from grief.”

Enzo Osorio from “The Hearing” won Best Performance of An Actor for “his sensitive and very convincing portrayal of  boy who refuses to be silent and to be silenced about his abuse.”

Sue Prado for “Kantil” was recognized as Best Performance of  Supporting Actress for “her effective portrayal as community leader of  coastal village of informal settlers trying to keep their unity while fighting off eviction.”

Technical awards include:

• Best Editing – Dominic Bekaert “An Errand” for “its masterful montage of the sights and scenes of road travel as captured in the mind of a driver coping with questions of time, class, and identity.”
• Best Cinematography – Dan Villegas “Kono Bosho” for “its highly poetic employment of light and shadow and other photographic resources in its profound exploration of themes of loss and grief, of estrangement and reconciliation, and of ruin and renewal.”
• Best Production Design – Eero Yves Francisco “Kono Bosho” for “its highly effective melding of the resources of art direction to tell a poignant tale of personal loss, shared grief, and self-discovery amid the backdrop of a Japanese city recovering from the ravages of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.”
• Best Sound  – Jedd Dumaguina and Mario Consuji “An Errand” for “creatively evoking the din and blare of highway traffic, of silence and its interstices, as they are captured in the mind of a personal driver, as he journeys from Baguio to Manila and back, contemplating questions of destiny, fantasy, and identity.”

Special Jury Prize winners were “Alipato at Muog” by J.L. Burgos, cited for “its effective use of  resources of documentary cinema to shed light on  actual case of enforced disappearance and reveal dark truths about human rights in the Philippines;” and “Pamalandong Sa Danow” by Breech Asher Harani, cited for “its compelling evocation of  glories of nature as seen through  eyes of two Lumad youngsters and their struggle to protect and preserve Agusan Marsh of Mindanao.”

“Gulay Lang, Manong” by BC Amparado and “Primetime Mother” by Sonny Calvento won  hearts of  Cinemalaya theater-goers and audiences, receiving Audience Choice Award for Full-Length and Short Film categories, respectively.