20 Agosto 2024, Martes

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Bato clears VP Sara’s husband, Polong in drug smuggling

By Nidz Godino

“Especially Mans Carpio,  exercises every day…you can’t see signs of drugs there… Polong wants to do  hair follicle test…let’s test him,” Sen. Ronald dela Rosa told reporters while planning to conduct  investigation into allegations of  former Bureau of Customs intelligence officer implicating Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte’s husband, lawyer Manases Carpio, in drug smuggling, he  virtually cleared them.

In  interview with Senate reporters Dela Rosa said there were no indications  Carpio was involved in illegal drug activities, while Paolo could undergo hair follicle drug testing to detect evidence of drug use or misuse.

The senator,  from Davao, was first chief of  Philippine National Police (PNP) under  Duterte administration. He ran and won  Senate seat in 2019.

During  House quad committee hearing, former Customs intelligence officer Jimmy Guban linked Paolo, Carpio and Chinese businessman Michael Yang, served as economic adviser of former president Rodrigo Duterte, to smuggling of illegal drugs, including P11 billion worth of shabu confiscated in 2018.

Dela Rosa disclosed he would file  resolution to conduct investigation parallel to House quad committee probe.

“Only thing I wonder about Guban’s statement is that he claimed  Duterte administration forced him to include  name of former senator Antonio Trillanes IV,  involved in  magnetic lifter, clear that it was  new script, that it was  scripted statement, even if I, myself, hate Trillanes, I don’t believe that he is involved in drugs…accusation is that Trillanes is involved in  coup against Duterte, it is still possible…but with drugs, no one will believe that,” he said.

Carpio  denied his involvement in  smuggling of illegal drugs, saying allegations are “entirely baseless and maliciously false.”

Carpio dismissed allegations of Guban and expressed confidence in the ability of members of  House of Representatives to “distinguish between fact and fiction.”

“Public and esteemed members of  House of Representatives are, I trust, perceptive enough to recognize that Mr. Guban’s claims, implicating Congressman Polong and myself, are unmistakably politically motivated,” Carpio was quoted as saying.

The Vice President earlier considers allegations against her husband and brother as “political harassment.”

Last Aug. 16, Guban, has been incarcerated for six years after he was convicted for his role in drug smuggling operations, appeared during  second joint hearing of  House quad committee.

Guban  was tasked to release  narcotics shipment allegedly owned by Paolo, Carpio and Yang.

Guban also alleged  former first family tried to exert their influence over  shipment.

“It has always been my personal policy and guiding principle to remain entirely separate from politics or any government-related matters…as  private citizen and  practicing lawyer, my sole concern is  welfare of my family and diligent protection of my clients’ rights and interests, indeed, Mr. Guban himself unequivocally admitted before  quad com  he had fabricated  statements in  affidavits he submitted during  Senate inquiry and court proceedings,” Carpio said.

Guban’s allegations mirror previous ones, including  drug smuggling charges and graft against Paolo, Carpio and former Bureau of Customs commissioner Nicanor Faeldon in connection with  shipment of P6.4 billion worth of shabu in 2017.

Political  bickering between Dela Rosa and other House members continues to heat up, as the senator vowed to continue his tirades against those he described as “opportunists” who changed their tune on war on drugs.

Dela Rosa, apologized to Antipolo Rep. 2nd District Romeo Acop, he clarified was not  subject of his tirades for being opportunists.

Dela Rosa graduated from  Philippine Military Academy in 1986 while Acop belonged to PMA Class of 1970.

“Let me clarify, Gen. Acop, sir, you were not one I criticized…you were never sipsip to  Duterte administration… I never heard you sing praises to  war on drugs of  Duterte administration, so I’m wondering why you reacted…you’re not the one I’m hitting,” Dela Rosa said.

“Sipsip” is  Filipino vernacular for someone who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain  advantage.

“I’m very sorry if you reacted that way… I have high respect to Cong. Acop, that’s one of  PMAer who became national politician that I admire…there are two of them, including senator Panfilo Lacson; they are my idols…sorry if you were offended by what I said,” Dela Rosa stressed.

The senator earlier described some House members as opportunists, who used to praise  previous administration’s war on drugs, but now that  elder Duterte is no longer in power, are strongly criticizing it.

Acop, turned  tables on Dela Rosa, saying the senator was  opportunist and  lapdog of  Duterte administration.

Dela Rosa  would not respond to Acop’s tirades.

20 Agosto 2024, Martes

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Ch ships ram PCG vessels near Escoda Shoal

By J.Lo

“Despite these incidents, both PCG vessels remain committed to and shall proceed with their mission of delivering essential supplies to personnel stationed on Patag and Lawak Islands,” Jonathan Malaya, spokesman of  National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea said Philippines has accused  Chinese Coast Guard of performing “unlawful and aggressive maneuvers” after its ships rammed two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels in West Philippine Sea early Monday.

Two PCG vessels sustained structural damages from colliding with Chinese Coast Guard ships during its supply mission to Patag and Lawak Islands in  waters near Escoda Shoal, according to  statement by Malaya.

First  collision took place at 3:24 in the morning. Monday when BRP Cape Engaño was rammed by  Chinese Coast Guard vessel, creating  5-inch hole on its deck.

Minutes later, at 3:40 in the morning  BRP Bagacay was hit twice by another Chinese vessel causing minor structural damage to both sides of the ship.

This incident is  latest in  series of confrontations between Filipino and Chinese vessels occurring away from Ayungin Shoal,  submerged reef that is the focus of  deal reached by  Philippines with China in July to de-escalate tensions during resupply missions to  grounded warship stationed there.  

Both collisions took place some 20 nautical miles from Escoda Shoal,  coral reef formation located 140 kilometers west of Palawan that falls within  Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

“PCG stands firm in its responsibility to ensure safety and security of our maritime domain while addressing any threats to our national interests,” he stressed.

Malaya also called for “restraint and adherence to  United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other relevant international laws” to deter another series of escalations and to ensure  safety of all vessels in the region.

Chinese state media earlier reported  Philippine vessels “deliberately collided” with Chinese Coast Guard Vessels “despite multiple warnings from  Chinese side.”

Chinese Coast Guard spokesperson Gan Yu said  Philippine vessels “illegally intruded” into the waters adjacent Escoda Shoal, which it calls Sabina Shoal.

“The Philippines has repeatedly provoked and caused trouble, violated the temporary arrangements between China and the Philippines,” Gan said, referring to the provisional agreement struck between both countries in July concerning  Philippines’ resupply missions to BRP Sierra Madre. 

This flare-up of tensions comes days after Beijing filed  diplomatic protest against  presence of  BRP Teresa Magbanua near Escoda Shoal,  China claims as part of its Nansha Islands.

Maritime experts believe  temporary deal between  Philippines and China in July,  full text remains unpublicized, is limited only to avoiding further clashes in the waters near Ayungin Shoal. 

Ray Powell, Sealight director and defense and maritime expert said Philippines should note that China has not given up on the rest of its ambitions in South China Sea and will likely “take  opportunity to apply pressure in different area.”

China considers almost  entire South China Sea, including waters referred to by  Philippines as  West Philippine Sea, to be its territorial waters.

Philippines filed  case against China in 2013, and three years later, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of Manila, declaring China’s extensive claims had no legal basis.

20 Agosto 2024, Martes

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Headlines

Calabarzon, MM classes suspended due to Taal vog

By Nidz Godino

“Meanwhile,  decision to lift  suspension will depend on whether it is safe for learners and teachers to return…concerned personnel are advised to stay updated through news and announcements from  Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology,” Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara said, referring to Phivolcs schools in over 40 areas in Calabarzon and Metro Manila suspended on-site classes due to volcanic smog or vog  covered many areas in Batangas and Cavite as Taal Volcano emitted at least 3,335 tons of sulfur dioxide.

According to the Department of Education, classes were suspended in schools located in Balete, Balayan, Malvar, Laurel, San Jose, Mataas na kahoy, Agoncillo, San Nicolas, Nasugbu, Lemery, Lian, Talisay, San Luis, Alitagtag, Calaca City, San Pascual, Calatagan, Tuy, Cuenca, Sta. Teresita, Bauan, San Juan, Taal, Padre Garcia and Ibaan  all in Batangas province.

In Cavite, face-to-face classes were also suspended in Silang, Mendez, Indang, Alfonso, GMA, Carmona, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, Amadeo, Maragondon, Naic and Carmona.

 Schools in Calamba, Biñan and Los Baños in Laguna province as well as Metro Manila schools in Las Piñas and Muntinlupa also suspended classes.

Angara issued  memorandum authorizing all affected schools in Calabarzon and Metro Manila to suspend classes if there are no announcements from local government units. He also ordered schools to implement modular or online learning.

He urged schools to report any displacements, injuries or other incidents involving students and teachers connected to  volcanic smog.

Teresito Bacolcol, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) director, said  smog was experienced in  towns of Laurel, Tuy, San Luis, Balayan, Lemery, Talisay, Agoncillo, San Nicolas, Balete, Santa Teresita, Malvar and Alitagtag as well as in cities of Calaca, Batangas and Santo Tomas  all in Batangas province.

Volcanic  smog, he stressed, was also reported in Silang town and Tagaytay city in Cavite.

“Volcanic smog is  mixture of water vapor, water particulate and sulfur dioxide…if hot volcanic material comes in contact with water, steaming or degassing occurs…this is  emission of white smoke that we see at Taal Volcano,” Bacolcol explained.

Based on the latest bulletin from Phivolcs, there was  upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in  main crater lake of Taal, causing vog.  Bulletin  also said steaming reached 2,400 meters high, drifting in  north-northwest direction.

“Lately  steaming activity of Taal Volcano is high…we observed voluminous sulfur dioxide emission…together with  emission of white smoke is voluminous sulfur dioxide,” Bacolcol said.

He stressed  slow movement of wind at Taal caused  steaming to stay in one place and form  vog and “surrounding areas become hazy, especially in crowded communities.”

Volcanic  smog is expected to dissipate once rains and strong winds occur.

“We are hoping it will rain so that it will dissipate fast,” Bacolcol said.

He recalled  degassing activity of Taal Volcano started in 2020 “right after it erupted.”

“This is a natural occurrence since  steaming is strong and, in some cases, causing vog…so, basically it will take years before  emission of sulfur dioxide stops, we have been implementing Alert Level 1 since July 2022…we don’t see any reason to increase  alert level because aside from  voluminous sulfur dioxide emission, other parameters are almost normal,” Bacolcol explained as he noted Alert Level 1 remains in effect at Taal Volcano.

Citing data, Bacolcol said no volcanic earthquake was recorded at Taal for the past 11 days, although at least 31 phreatic eruptions were recorded since April.

He advised affected residents to wear N95 masks to protect themselves and to drink  lot of water once they inhale sulfur dioxide.

“If we cannot prevent going in  affected areas, they should protect themselves and wear masks, preferably N95,” he said.

Residents in Quezon City, especially those with respiratory ailments, have been advised to stay home as some areas were monitored to have “unhealthy” or “very unhealthy” air quality,  city government said.

City’s air quality monitoring showed at least two areas  Cubao Arayat and Commonwealth Ave. near St. Peter Church  to have “very unhealthy” air quality between Aug. 18 and 19.

Nine other areas have “unhealthy” air quality  Susano Road, Payatas Controlled Disposal Facility, Commonwealth Ave. (near Pearl Drive), Jose Rizal High School, Batasan Hills Barangay Hall, Tandang Sora Barangay Hall, Tomas Morato Ave., EDSA-Timog Ave. and Libis Barangay Hall.

City  government previously installed air quality monitors across the city to regularly monitor air quality. It issues regular advisories and recommendations based on  monitoring.

“QCitizens, especially those with respiratory illnesses like asthma, please avoid going out of your homes…if this is not possible and you need to go out, please wear  mask,”  city government said. 

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Psalm 16:8

⁸ I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
    With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

19 Agosto 2024, Lunes

Happy third birthday with father God Cynthia Lopez

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‘Waste segregation in DepEd curriculum’

By J.Lo

“We started with three schools, but we will expand to reach most of these LGUs ,local government units in all  public schools…we are now expanding it to  other public elementary and high schools,” Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) director Francis Macatulad pushed for  inclusion of waste segregation and use of environment-friendly products to be part of  curriculum of  Department of Education (DepEd).

Three schools in Manila, Parañaque and Pasay City are  pilot areas in  teaching on importance of preserving  environment, according to Macatulad.

He stressed  memorandum of agreement (MOA) has been signed with Manila, Parañaque and Pasay LGUs to incorporate  conservation of natural resources and proper waste disposal in the curriculum.

“Modules are designed to simplify  concept of circularity for schoolchildren and highlight  importance of preserving  environment… learning materials emphasize simple acts such as properly segregating waste and choosing environment-friendly products go  long way toward sustainability,” Macatulad said.

He added that under  MOA, ASSIST would provide training and teaching materials to  teachers in  three schools.

“We want  sustainability of  project where we provide training to teachers and they can continue teaching  next batch of students until end of the year and most importantly, we also monitor  cascading of learnings from teachers to students…we want to reach as many as possible…we actually have partnerships with various schools around Manila Bay…we will work with  DepEd and representatives of  LGUs,” Macatulad said.

Meanwhile, Circular Explorer project manager Christine Bellen  targets at least 10 schools this year to be covered by project.

“We will provide  resources and  teachers can work within their pace how they will roll it out,” she stressed.

University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UPMSI) is working with  groups in  effort to rehabilitate Manila Bay.

Circular Explorer,  solar-powered operated vessel, had collected at least 40,000 kilos of marine litter as of  end of last month, about 40 percent plastic, as part of joint rehabilitation efforts by government and private sector, according to Bellen.

She noted  UPMSI scientists gather information about marine pollution in Manila Bay using oceanographic sensors and  microplastic collector.

She added  Circular Explorer serves not only as  trash boat, but also as  research vessel.

“Every Monday and Wednesday are dedicated for our scientists,” Bellen said. 

19 Agosto 2024, Lunes

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GMA probe formal complaint fr Sandro Muhlach vs 2 contractors

By Cynthia Montojo

“GMA Network has  received  formal complaint from Sparkle artist Sandro Muhlach against two GMA independent contractors, Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz,” GMA said. 

GMA Network received  formal complaint from Sparkle actor Sandro Muhlach regarding  incident involving two of its independent contractors.

In  statement released earlier,  network  had already initiated its own investigation prior to receiving  formal complaint. 

“Recognizing  seriousness of the alleged incident, GMA Network had already initiated its own investigation event before receiving  formal complaint, Network assures  public and all stakeholders of its commitment to conducting this investigation with  highest standards of fairness and impartiality, ” it stressed. 

GMA  will investigate the case with “fairness and impartiality.” 

“Respecting Sandro’s request for request for confidentiality,  investigating body will withhold all details of  formal investigation until its conclusion,” it said. 

Niño Muhlach recently penned  cryptic post amid  issue surrounding  GMA-7 artist and independent contractors. 

In his Facebook account, Niño wrote: “INUMPISAHAN NYO, TATAPUSIN KO!”

Niño is the father of Sandro.  

19 Agosto 2024, Lunes

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Darren Espanto rushed recovery of appendicitis

By Cynthia Montojo

“From airport to  hospital, sabi sa inyo grabeng plot twist ang nangyari sa akin e,” Darren Espanto shared on his Instagram Stories  saddened to cancel his upcoming shows, but he had to because he had to undergo surgery for appendicitis. 

The singer shared his scary health update on his Instagram Stories. 

“Appendicitis suddenly hit during my flight back to Manila,” he stressed. 

Darren revealed that he was supposed to do his hosting duties for Saturday airing of noontime show “It’s Showtime.” 

He was not able to join his co-hosts because of his medical emergency. “To the producers of the shows I was supposed to be part of in the next few days, I am so sad to have to cancel so last minute,” he said. 

Darren hopes to work with them in another project and thanked them for understanding. 

Among  events he was supposed to attend were  Tandaya Festival for  Samar Day Celebration, August 11. 

Darren’s agency, Star Magic, released  statement that informs  public about his non-attendance to the event due to his condition.

19 Agosto 2024, Lunes

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US court favored Pacquiao in case vs sports management firm

By J.Lo

“Mr. Attar did not believe anyone at Paradigm had  manager’s license in 2019… Mr. Attar testified that he did not personally have and that no one at Paradigm had  promoter’s license in 2019, 2020 and 2021,” California court has ruled  “void”  contract entered by Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao and  sports management company, ending three-year legal battle between  two sides. 

In  decision dated August 12, 2024, Superior Court of  State of California judge Walter Schwarm said contracts entered by Pacquiao and Paradigm Sports Management are “illegal,” a year after attorneys of  eight-division champion filed  motion stating that Paradigm was not properly licensed as manager under California law. 

Decision  said  Paradigm chief executive officer Audie Attar “testified he did not believe he had  manager’s license for boxers in  State of California in 2019, and he did not recall if he had such  license in 2020 and 2021.” 

Citing  certificate of non-licensure dated April 18, 2023,  decision also stated California State Athletic Commission certified  Attar was licensed as  manager from April 14, 2016 to April 30, 2017, but his “license expired after he did not complete  required annual renewal.” 

“Court finds for Mr. Pacquiao on declaratory relief cause of action and declares  contract void due to illegality,” decision read. 

Pacquiao’s lawyer, Atty. Jason Aniel, said  their camp is “pleased” with the decision.

“After hearing Paradigm Sports Management’s objections to  tentative decision,  court decided  contract that Paradigm sought to enforce Mr. Pacquiao was illegal as Paradigm was not properly licensed,” he said in  statement. 

“This decision negates jury’s findings back in May of 2023…we thank  court’s time and effort in this matter… Mr. Pacquiao thanks his fans for their patience while  court fully resolved all  legal issues,” he added.

MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons, for his part, also lauded  decision. 

“Manny Pacquiao has finally proven innocent…he did nothing wrong as  Superior Court of California has already announced its final statement of decision declaring contract offered by Paradigm was void due to illegality.” 

Last year,  US jury ordered Pacquiao to pay $5.1 million to Paradigm , $3.3 million for Pacquiao’s alleged breach of contract and $1.8 million for breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.

But after  couple of weeks, camp of the boxer filed  motion stating that PSM was not properly licensed as  manager under California law.

19 Agosto 2024, Lunes

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‘Hidilyn Diaz law’ revived at Hse after Carlos Yulo’s Olympic victory

By J.Lo

“A 12-year-old Carlos Yulo once gave  interview where he said his dream was to win  gold medal for Philippines in  Olympics…took him more than  decade to reach that goal in  grandest manner possible,” Rep. Joey Salceda (Albay, 2nd District) said as millions in pledges pour in for Carlos Yulo’s double-gold victory at  2024 Paris Olympics,  House ways and means committee  swiftly passed  bill seeking to exempt his and other athletes’ financial rewards from taxes and other fees. 

Still-unnumbered substitute bill amends Republic Act 10699 or National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act to grant tax exemptions for all incentives, rewards and other forms of donations to national athletes “who compete or win” in select international sports competitions.

Measure  consolidates several House bills, including House Bill 421, refiled by committee chairman  Salceda  in  19th Congress. 

Earlier  version of  bill dubbed  “Hidilyn Diaz Law” was approved by  lower chamber in  18th Congress in 2021 but failed to clear  Senate. 

Bill  was filed after Filipina weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz snagged  gold medal at 2020 Tokyo Olympics , first athlete from  Philippines to win gold at  Olympics.

In his sponsorship speech, Salceda pushed for  bill to exempt not just  cash prize handed out to winning athletes but also  donations that go to their training one year before  competition.

“What that teaches us is that  prize is never won on the day of  competition itself, but years before,” Salceda stressed.

Proposed  law also makes  tax exemption for athletes’ cash incentives retroactive to January 1 of this year. 

Prior to approving  provision, Salceda sought Department of Finance’s official position on the matter, quipping: “Please accept  retroactivity…nakahihiya kay Yulo kung babawasan mo yung ibibigay ni Manuel . Pangilinan] and Ramon Ang (It’s embarassing to Yulo if you will deduct the rewards from Manuel  Pangilinan and Ramon Ang.”

Representative from DOF  will accept  provision making  tax exemptions retroactive to January 1.

Both  DOF and Salceda also agreed to keep  taxes in place for donations with  commercial aspect.

Besides exempting donations one year before  athletes join  competition, House ways and means chairperson also proposed to make donations through  Philippine Sports Commission or  Philippine Olympic Committee tax-free regardless of the time that has passed.

“At the proper time, that can be introduced in plenary, but let me emphasize this once again: it is mere tokenism, it is mere public relations, to ride  bandwagon when victory has already been achieved…what we need to incentivize is  investments being made on athletes who are still working on winning medals for the country,” Salceda said.

Current  National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act provides  default 20% discount for national athletes in transportation services, hotels and restaurants, and  purchase of medicine and sports equipment, among others, regardless of winning any international competition.

Lower  chamber is set to award Yulo with P3 million in cash incentives for winning  gold medal in  floor exercise finals, and then another P3 million for topping vault exercise finals. 

Riding on high of Yulo’s historic back-to-back win in men’s gymnastics, House Speaker Martin Romualdez  vowed to study  possibility of increasing government benefits to medalists in  Olympics, including granting them monthly pensions for life.

Romualdez said  lifetime monthly pension would honor Filipino athletes’ contributions to the country even after retirement.  

In March, House youth and sports committee began its deliberations on House bill that provides retired Filipino Olympians with lifetime monthly pension of at least P15,000.

International Olympic Committee,  governing body of  Olympic Games, has long been concerned about  career transition prospects of competing athletes. 

In  white paper published on its website,  Olympic committee described how all athletes must eventually prepare to transition away from their elite sports career, especially as “athletes will have little to no experience of  full-time job,” and some may have “missed out on college or university due to your sporting commitments.”

l9 Agosto 2024, Lunes

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Headlines

No to e-sabong revival – solons

By Nidz Godino

“We have just defeated  enemy with  POGO ban, and now some are considering resurrecting e-sabong, far worse because it directly targets our kababayans from all walks of life,while we badly need revenues,  choice should not be between devil and  deep blue sea…we want our revenues coming from legitimate, legal, and sustainable sources,” Sen. Joel Villanueva saying e-sabong is worse than Philippine offshore gaming operators, senators are opposing proposals to revive online cockfighting to make up for  forgone revenues due to ban on POGOs.

Villanueva  said e-sabong is far worse than POGOs, as it directly targets all kinds of Filipinos, and with 34 online cockfighting aficionados missing since 2022 and believed to have been murdered.

Villanueva earlier filed Senate Bill 1281, seeking to prohibit all forms of online gambling in the country, as Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) officials raised  possibility of implementing better e-sabong or online sabong operations.

“No matter how you look at it,  social costs of gambling overshadow  intended benefits,” he said.

Sen. Imee Marcos has opposed .. proposed revival of online cockfighting. “I was really surprised. E-sabong is gone. Pogo is gone, and suddenly there’s remote sabong again…we need to stop this.”

During  public hearing at House of Representatives, PAGCOR chairperson Al Tengco believes  agency can implement better e-sabong operations,initiative generated over P6 billion in revenues a year before it was banned during  Duterte administration.

Tengco made  response after Agusan del Sur Rep. Alfelito Bascug asked him in  hearing if , PAGCOR is still considering reviving e-sabong after it was stopped, until  better set of framework and regulations are formulated.

Senate committee on public order investigated case of 34 missing sabungeros in 2022, but failed to establish their whereabouts.

Villanueva also called on law enforcement agencies, including  Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, to apply the same rigorous measures against e-sabong as they have with POGOs to prevent its resurgence.

Even during  height of their operations, senator said POGOs did not prove to be  viable solution to  government’s revenue needs, as collections accounted for only  small portion of taxes.

Similarly, prior to e-sabong ban in May 2022,  Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) reminded operators to pay their tax obligations after  Senate inquiry found them earning billions from online “talpak” or betting.

BIR and PAGCOR also failed to withhold 20 percent tax from winnings of online sabong operators since virtual cockfighting began in 2020.

In  separate Senate hearing in February 2024, PAGCOR admitted  e-sabong continues despite  prohibition. It was also found during  hearing that 789 e-sabong operations are still active, defying  ban.

“Similar to POGOs, e-sabong has brought social costs – worse, it destroys Filipino families, plunges individuals into severe debt, and even forces some to commit theft and crimes to fund their gambling habits,we cannot simply turn  blind eye to  suffering of our people who have become victims of  pitfalls of gambling….money should not be our only consideration;  welfare of our people must come first,” Villanueva said.