TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Philippians 1:21

²¹ For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

l7 Agosto 2024, Sabado

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Old age won’t stop ICC from issuing arrest warrant’

By Nidz Godino

“Age is not  basis to go lightly on someone… even if you are already old, you will still have to face  court,” International Criminal Court (ICC) Assistant to Counsel Kristina Conti said although there may be some humanitarian considerations, former president Rodrigo Duterte’s age will not preclude ICC from issuing arrest warrant against him.

“ Humanitarian consideration would be in  handling of  prisoner…maybe he will not be handcuffed, he will be given comfortable seats, those kinds of consideration… but age does not excuse you from any accountability,” she stressed.

Reports are currently circulating that arrest warrant may soon be issued against Duterte, 79, over  alleged crimes against humanity committed in his administration’s campaign against illegal drugs.

Conti said issuance of  arrest warrant is often confidential in nature, with recent arrests only announced after  individual was already brought to The Hague in the Netherlands, where  international tribunal is located.

On the matter of implementing  possible arrest warrants, she underscored  importance of political will from authorities, such as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, and Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Marbil.

Two of  five who were recently tagged by  ICC prosecutor as suspects are still active members of  police force, namely PNP Northern Luzon Command chief Maj. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr. and PNP Drug Enforcement Group chief Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta.

The other three are Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, former PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde and National Police Commission Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo.

Conti also challenged Dela Rosa, who called on his colleagues to pass  bill that will prohibit cooperation with  ICC, to acknowledge human rights violations committed in the drug war and agree to  investigation of  killings.

“It’s difficult to look at it from  simple legislative point of view…when you create  law, it should be for  good of everyone…however,  objective of this proposal is for his protection… too selfish of  reason to pursue this kind of bill… just  waste of what is being paid to him as a legislator,” she said.

Duterte insists  will not heed any arrest warrant from  ICC as it has no jurisdiction over the country since cutting off ties with them five years ago.

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Ninoy Aquino Day  August 23 illegal – Lagman

By Nidz Godino

“No holiday economics or domestic tourism boost can hold  candle to Ninoy’s heroism,” Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman said  opposition member of  House of Representatives  questioned  motives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in moving  celebration of Ninoy Aquino Day from Aug. 21 to Aug. 23, saying this is  violation of  law.

Lagman said Aquino’s death must be commemorated on the day he was assassinated on Aug. 21, 1983, during  regime of Marcos’ father and namesake, former president Ferdinand Marcos.

Lawmaker  cited Republic Act 9492 or “An Act Rationalizing the Celebration of National Holidays,” which sets Ninoy Aquino Day on  Monday nearest Aug. 21, falls on Aug. 19 this year.

“In the event  holiday falls on  Wednesday, holiday will be observed on Monday of the week…if  holiday falls on  Sunday,  holiday will be observed on the Monday,”  law stated.

This is provided that for “movable holidays, the President shall issue  proclamation at least six months prior to the holiday concerned,  specific date that shall be declared as  non-working day.”

“Change of date in Ninoy Aquino’s death celebration this year is obviously in violation of  law as it should have been proclaimed by the President six months ago,” Lagman said.

Lawmaker  underscored  “ dates of national memorials must not be changed to dilute its significance and accommodate revisionism.”

“It is in the same manner that we cannot change  dates of Christmas Day on Dec. 25, New Year’s Day on Jan. 1,  culmination of  four-day EDSA revolution on Feb. 25, Labor Day on May 1 and  Feast of the Immaculate Conception on Dec. 8,” he stressed.

Militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) also criticized Marcos for moving  commemoration of Aquino’s assassination.

“There is  reason why we commemorate historical dates like Aug. 21, especially since it holds deep meaning in our struggle against dictatorship… seems having extended vacation is more important for Marcos than commemorating  important event in the country’s history Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes said.

Earlier  Malacañang announced  the President moved  date of celebrating Ninoy Aquino Day to allow for  four-day weekend intended “to boost local tourism.”Aquino was assassinated at Manila airport tarmac after disembarking from  plane from  United States.  Marcoses were widely suspected to be responsible for the murder

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l7 Agosto 202,4 Sabado

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Ex-PNP brass get 8 yrs for helicopter deal

By J.Lo

Allegedly  anomalous PNP helicopter procurement in 2009, Sandiganbayan has sentenced four former officials of  Philippine National Police to eight years in prison for graft.

In  346-page decision,  court’s Seventh Division found former PNP bids and awards committee vice chairman Director Luizo Ticman and BAC members Directors Ronald Roderos, Romeo Hilomen and Leocadio Santiago Jr. as well as private defendant Hilario de Vera guilty of violating Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

They were sentenced to  minimum of six years and one month to  maximum of eight years of imprisonment with accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

They were also ordered to jointly or individually pay  government P11.377 million for each of  two secondhand helicopters found to have been illegally procured, or total of P22.754 million for  two units.

Roderos was also found guilty of falsification of public documents under Article 171 of  Revised Penal Code. He was sentenced to four years and two months to up to eight years of imprisonment for the offense. He was also ordered to pay  fine of P5,000.

Meanwhile,  primary accused in the case, former PNP chief Jesus Verzosa, 11 other former ranking officials and one non-uniformed personnel were acquitted “due to reasonable doubt.”

They are Deputy Director General Jefferson Soriano, Director George Piano, Senior Superintendents Luis Saligumba, Job Nolan Antonio and Edgar Paatan, Superintendents Ermilando Villafuerte, Roman Loreto and Claudio Gaspar Jr., Chief Inspector Maria Josefina Recometa, Senior Police Officer 3 Ma. Linda Padojinog, PO3 Avensuel Go Dy and Ruben Gongona.

With their acquittal,  Seventh Division ordered release of  bail bond that each of them had earlier posted for their provisional liberty.  Court  also ordered the lifting of  hold departure order it earlier issued against them.

Cases  stemmed from  PNP’s purchase of three helicopters from Manila Aerospace Products Trading Corp. in 2009, included two standard Robinson R44 Raven I light police operational helicopters worth P62.672 million and one fully equipped Robinson R44 Raven II LPOH worth P42.313 million.

Ombudsman  said  resolution issued by  National Police Commission in 2008 required that the three helicopters to be purchased by the PNP should be brand new.

In its investigation, ombudsman revealed  only  Robinson R44 Raven II was brand new while  two Robinson R44 Raven I were pre-owned by former first gentleman Mike Arroyo, resulting in  overpayment of about P34 million.

Seventh Division dismissed the case against Arroyo on Sept. 21, 2022, but ruled to proceed with the trial of the case against the other accused in compliance with Supreme Court’s ruling.

l7 Agosto 2024, Sabado

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Guo, politically harassed

By J.Lo

“I have yet to see  case where  mere electric bill could be validly used to support  claim  person is involved in human trafficking,”  counter-affidavit read,  camp of dismissed mayor Alice Guo of Bamban, Tarlac is asking  Department of Justice (DOJ) to junk  human trafficking complaint lodged against her, saying it was  “politically motivated smear campaign” aimed to tarnish her reputation.

The former mayor likewise claimed that  basis for her implication in human trafficking were “mere electric bills and documents” of Baofu Land Development Inc., which leased its property to an offshore gaming hub.

Guo asked  DOJ investigating panel  to reopen  case and admit her attached sworn statement.

In  counter-affidavit submitted through her lawyers to  DOJ, Guo said  electric bill is simply  record of electricity usage and “does not state with certainty who is actually present at the property or if there are illegal activities taking place.”

Electricity  bills of  Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO)  authorities raided for alleged human trafficking were allegedly under Guo’s name.

She also argued  being  former stockholder of Baofu,  real estate firm leased its land to  POGO raided in Bamban, does not translate to culpability in  corporation’s actions.

Zun Yuan Technology,  POGO entity raided in March, is located inside  Baofu compound behind  Bamban Municipal Hall.

She said she was not in  position to influence  operations of Baofu, including alleged illegal activities that might have been conducted by the company.

“My lawyers informed me that merely being  incorporator does not in itself imply malice,” Guo said.

She also said that her alleged participation in being mayor of Bamban did not amount to human trafficking, saying she only performed one of her duties and functions of issuing licenses and business permits.

She said Zun Yuan applied for  business permit with complete requirements, therefore she had no grounds to deny their application.

“To say that I issued  business permit in favor of Zun Yuan to aid them in committing  alleged human trafficking inside  POGO compound is simply too far-fetched and baseless just to implicate me in committing the crime,” she said.

DOJ had already submitted  case for resolution after conducting three preliminary hearings, none of which were personally attended by Guo.

She also failed to file her counter-affidavit in time and was no longer given extension by  panel of prosecutors.

In her motion to reopen and admit her counter-affidavit, Guo explained  delay was because she needed more time to verify  accuracy of voluminous records while dealing with security, medical and mental health concerns.

Human  trafficking complaint was filed by  Philippine National Police and  Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission in connection to  raided POGO hub in Guo’s municipality, where over 800 foreign nationals were rescued.

l7 Agosto 2024, Sabado

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Craft own anti-bullying policy-Angara

By Creselda Canda-Lopez

“We already have  Anti-Bullying Act and that law requires all schools to have their policy against bullying…so, we will be strict with  implementation of that…we will issue  order to remind  schools to adopt  anti-bullying policy,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara reminded all schools, public or private, to craft their own anti-bullying policy in compliance with Republic Act 10627 or Anti-Bullying Act of 2013.

He said each school’s anti-bullying policy should ideally include disciplinary action against  bullies and pychosocial interventions for  victims.

“We respect schools’ freedom to craft their own policy, but there should be sanctions   bullies … and they should establish their own Child Disciplinary Committee, which will handle bullying cases, there should be designated school officers who will handle these cases, aside from bullying cases, there should really be  guidance counselor for each school who will handle cases of mental health, depression,” Angara said.

Angara made  statement as  Philippines as labeled  “bullying capital of the world” by  Program for International Student Assessment.

Recent  Singapore study, Meta-Gallup Report, also showed  Philippines’ Generation Z – born between 1997 and 2012  are  world’s second loneliest and the most lonesome in Southeast Asia.

Report  identified Gen Z as  first generation to have fully grown up in the world of smartphones and social media.

l7 Agosto 2024, Sabado

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More Pinoys unfavored divorce – OCTA poll

By Nidz Godino

PARTY-LIST group Citizens Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) continues its campaign against Divorce bill. In its Ulat sa Bayan with battle cry Dios at Bayan, CIBAC managing director Dexter Nevar reiterated second priority in its legislative war. OCTA Research group recent survey showed more Filipinos are not in favor of legalizing divorce.

Results of June 28 to July 1 survey  found  57 percent of respondents are against legalizing divorce, while 39 percent are in favor and four percent are undecided.

Compared to  similar survey conducted by OCTA in December, support for divorce was almost similar with 40 percent, while those who were against it increased from 51 percent.

Meanwhile,  separate Social Weather Stations (SWS) poll conducted in March found  50 percent of respondents support  legalization of divorce for irreconcilably separated couples.

Test statement in  SWS survey was: “Married couples who have already separated and cannot reconcile anymore should be allowed to divorce so that they can get legally married again.”

Only 31 percent disagreed with  statement.

OCTA, in its latest poll, asked respondents how they view candidates based on their position on divorce.

Some 55 percent said they will not vote for candidates who promote divorce in the Philippines.

Thirty-nine percent said they will vote for candidates who support divorce, while seven percent either refused to answer or said they do not know.

OCTA said its non-commissioned Tugon ng Masa survey had 1,200 adult respondents and  margin of error of plus, minus three percent.

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Headlines

Polong linked to drug smuggling

By Nidz Godino

JIMMY GUBAN

“In the said meeting, Small told me  he is the business partner and trusted man of Michael Yang, Polong Duterte,  son of then president Rodrigo Duterte, and Atty. Mans Carpio, husband of then Davao City mayor Sara Duterte,” former intelligence officer of  Bureau of Customs Jimmy Guban linked Davao City Rep. Paolo “Polong” Duterte to  smuggling of illegal drugs, including P11 billion worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu confiscated in 2018.

Also implicated by  Guban during  second joint hearing of  House of Representatives’ so-called quad committee were lawyer Manases Carpio,  husband of Vice President Sara Duterte, and Chinese businessman Michael Yang,  economic adviser of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

Quad  committee is composed of  House panels on dangerous drugs, public order and safety, public accounts and human rights. Among other things, it is pursuing reports that funds from illegal activities of Philippine offshore gaming operators might have been used to reward law enforcers who executed drug suspects in  Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

Guban arrived at the hearing wearing  bulletproof vest and  prisoner’s orange t-shirt as he has been incarcerated for six years now after he was convicted for his role in the drug smuggling operations.

In his affidavit submitted to the committee, he recalled that in 2017, he was introduced by  Chinese businessman whom he knew only as “Henry” to Davao City Councilor Nilo Abellera Jr., who is also known as “Small.”

Guban claimed  Small told him he was tasked to facilitate  release of shipments.

He said in various incidents, he was requested by Small to relax processing of  shipments because those were Yang’s, Polong’s and Mans’.

Citing intelligence reports, he said his team was able to seize magnetic lifters used to conceal billions worth of smuggled shabu at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).

PDEA officials earlier estimated lifters at MICP and  warehouse in General Mariano Alvarez in Cavite  all were found empty , may have contained shabu valued at P11 billion.

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

Guban lamented he was just doing his job but he was the one being pinned over  illegal drugs he confiscated.

“There is  grand conspiracy to clean  names of the first family and Michael Yang’s and to include in the information  name of their political rival, and I did not agree… I said  person does not know anything,” he told  committee.

Guban also mentioned journalists Benny Antiporda and Paul Gutierrez, whom he said were working with  Dutertes.

He recounted  phone call from BOC official Lourdes Mangaoang, who inquired about  Vecaba Trading shipment  shabu in Pampanga was consigned.

According to Guban, Mangaoang told him, “What can we do about that shipment, pareng Benny Antiporda owns that.”

Shipment  from Vecaba Trading was eventually intercepted, and two magnetic lifters containing shabu were discovered.

Antiporda became  undersecretary of  Department of Environment and Natural Resources during  Duterte administration, while Gutierrez has been appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.as executive director of  Presidential Task Force on Media Security.

He also recalled that when he was facing Senate probe, Gutierrez, accompanied by  Senate Blue Ribbon committee staff member, visited him and warned him against mentioning  names of Polong Duterte, Carpio and Yang in his testimony.

Guban told  joint committee that  Dutertes lobbied for  magnetic lifters  they apprehended containing shabu at Manila Container Port.

“It was wrong to apprehend illegal drugs inside  Bureau of Customs… I was only following orders from  authorities,” he stressed.

Toward  end of  hearing,  quad committee ordered  invitations be sent to all individuals mentioned by Guban in his affidavit and testimony.

On the other hand, without categorically denying his involvement in illegal drugs, congressman Duterte  denied knowing Guban.

“I do not know Jimmy Guban and I am sure that he does not know me either..we did not have any transactions or connections so there is no reason to threaten him if he ever says my name,” he said in  statement.

He reminded public that for  person to become  “star witness” he must be truthful in his words and must have credibility.

“That person is not Jimmy Guban because he has been cited in contempt by  Senate Blue Ribbon committee because he was telling lies,” he noted.

Lawmaker  underscored  clear that Guban’s testimonies do not have basis right from the start, so he wonders why  quad committee took him as  “star witness.”

“I would also want to see his sworn statement so that my lawyer and I can study it,” he added.

Meanwhile, Gutierrez called Guban  “inveterate liar” as he denied  allegations made against him by the former customs official.

“At quad comm hearing of Congress early today, my name was repeatedly mentioned by Mr. Jimmy Guban, former customs intelligence officer who has been convicted for  drug trafficking incident in 2018…his statements against me are all falsehoods and clearly fed to him by someone else, as my conscience is clear, I am not bothered at all by all the lies Guban has been making nowadays,” Gutierrez said in  statement.

Gutierrez said he does not personally know nor have met “any of the Dutertes,” Carpio or Yang.

“I also never had any personal or professional dealings with Mr. Guban while I was covering  customs beat, although  things I’ve been hearing about him at the waterfront are all unsavory,” he said.

Gutierrez said at the time Guban claimed he confronted him at the detention center of  Senate, he was not assistant of Benny Antiporda but  reporter and columnist for People’s Tonight covering  customs and Senate beat.

“As  Senate and customs beats are my area of coverage, I need to be there to cover drug smuggling probe and all hearings at the Senate,as  lowly reporter, I am not in any position to make any threats to him, and according to him, in front of  Senate Blue Ribbon committee staff…as  matter of rule, visits to any Senate detainee had to be approved by the chair and  result reported to him,” Gutierrez said.

“How can I threaten him on behalf of people that I don’t know and who also do not know me also, if indeed I did that, would this not be reported to  Senate Blue Ribbon committee leading to my being banned from further covering  Senate? Gutierrez added.

Gutierrez, however, admitted visiting Guban at Senate once only to check on his health.

“I also want to confirm from him if  former National Press Club officer is his ‘PR’ as this former officer is seen attending  Senate hearings although he no longer represents any newspaper…he did not answer me,” he added.

He also disputed Guban’s claim that Yang is  member of  National Press Club (NPC).

“We have never met Mr. Yang nor has Mr. Yang ever set foot at  NPC,” Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez questioned Guban’s motive for linking him to the issue.

“Time and again, Guban has been proven to be inveterate liar…our lawmakers should therefore be forewarned in believing anything he says…truth must always fit with evidence,” he said.

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

2 Corinthians 10:17-18

¹⁷ But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”^[a] 18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

Footnotes

1. 2 Corinthians 10:17 Jer. 9:24

l5 Agosto 2024, Huwebes

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Payments delayed, DOH doctors  turned away poor patients

By Nidz Godino

“Hindi pwede ang sistemang mabagal ang pagbayad sa mga doktor…kailangan nating tiyaking ating mga doktor ay tumatanggap ng bayad sa tamang oras,”  House lawmaker has urged  Department of Health to ensure its timely payment of doctors serving indigent persons, pointing to delays in compensation as  reason why they turn away poor patients.

Rep. Elizaldy Co (Ako Bicol), House appropriations committee chairman,  has met with DOH officials to address indigent patients’ difficulty requesting treatment under Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients Program due to  delayed payments of doctors’ fees. 

Co believes more medical professionals would join  program if payments were made immediately, but stressed doctors should not “excuse themselves from treating patients covered by MAIPP payments.”

To fast-track release of payments to doctors,  lawmaker proposed  DOH to use corporate credit cards to reduce  waiting time for doctor’s fees.

Lawmaker  also suggested  conversion of unpaid professional fees into tax credits, but noted this would require legislative action.

Co also proposed conducting  survey among physicians to identify those who are willing to accept payments under indigent program. He said this would allow patients to select healthcare providers who agree with  payment terms of  program.

According to Co’s news release, DOH officials vowed to create clearer guidelines for  program to address  delayed provision of doctor’s fees.