Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
No to SOGIE bill
Best wishes Mr. and Mrs. Seth Elyon San Pedro
happy 10th Anniversary Binang City, Laguna Chapter Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries Inc., Dr. Enrico San Pedro, Pastor
PM for any hospital discharge problem
PNP mum on FMJ veto of police reform bill
By Nidz Godino
Silence is Philippine National Police response on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to veto bill seeking to reform PNP.
Marcos had vetoed bill, saying it ran counter to government’s objective of rightsizing bureaucracy and would also result in salary discrepancies in civil service.
Reporters attended news briefing at Camp Crame announcing arrest of Paulene Canada, co-accused in Kingdom of Jesus Christ case, were supposed to ask Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos and PNP chief Rommel Francisco Marbil for their thoughts about Marcos’ move thumbing down Senate Bill No. 2449 /House Bill No. 8327 or Act Providing for Organizational Reforms in Philippine National Police.
Journalists were barred from asking questions about issues outside of topic of Canada’s arrest.
Abalos and Marbil left after news conference.
Col. Jean Fajardo, PNP’s chief information officer, said Abalos and Marbil were rushing to Chinese General Hospital to commend four police officers who were wounded in an armed encounter with suspected criminals in Manila.
Fajardo will answer queries on other topics after activity in Manila.
Staff of the spokesperson later told reporters she could no longer hold another news briefing as she was instructed to do other tasks.
Reporters asked Fajardo for official statement on issue but she has yet to reply.
House of Representatives will discuss next step it will take following vetoing of chamber-sponsored bill on reorganization of PNP.
According to Sta. Rosa, Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez, chairs House committee on public order and safety, Speaker Martin Romualdez called his attention to the matter and they will discuss this “thoroughly” after Marcos delivers his State of the Nation Address on July 22.
“Nothing is lost yet, we will act accordingly with provisions vetoed by the President,” he said in text message.
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
No to SOGIE bill
Best wishes Mr. and Mrs. Seth Elyon San Pedro
happy 10th Anniversary Binang City, Laguna Chapter Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries Inc., Dr. Enrico San Pedro, Pastor
PM for any hospital discharge problem
Ph eyes ‘Taylor Swift concert-ready’ stadium in Clark completed by 2028
By Cynthia Montojo
“When we host big events, ang nakikita palagi Philippine arena…so, you have something like 55,000-seater but problem is it causes lot of traffic.. major gateway… NLEX ,North Luzon Expressway,and apart from that, Clark really needs also more attractions so that we can really attract more passengers, more airlines to the airport,” Clark International Airport and Corp (CIAC) President and chief executive officer Arrey Perez said on sidelines of “Build Better More” Infrastructure Forum at New Clark City planning to build stadium to host concerts of mega artists like Taylor Swift.
CIAC President and chief executive officer Arrey Perez proposed entertainment and events center will be constructed within “walking distance” from Clark International Airport (CRK) in Pampanga to help boost traffic in CRK.
He said complex, eyed to be completed by 2028, estimated to measure close to 40 hectares and will cost around P32 billion.
Perez said CIAC has started conceptualizing stadium project in October last year and has began speaking with local and international developers in November 2023.
He said plan was made due to need to have more attractions in Clark.
“Our mandate is to make sure airport will grow kasi Clark International Airport Corporation kami so our business is not entertainment but really, all these developments are meant to support growth of CRK,” he stressed .
CIAC is the developer of 2,367-hectares and oversees functions of CRK.
So far, Perez said mix of local and international companies from Singapore, United States and the Philippines expressed interest in proposed Clark arena project.
“Some are planning to join forces together…going to be PPP ,public-private partnership…. huge undertaking 40 hectares and over P30 billion…we will really need partnership with private sector to build this project,” he said.
Earlier officials and members of the Clark Technical Working Group led by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Undersecretary Shereen Gail Yu-Pamintuan, Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, with Civil Aeronautics Board Executive Director Carmello Arcilla, Manila International Airport Authority Assistant General Manager Rafael Regular, Luzon International Premier Airport Development Corp. president Noel Manankil and Perez also convened “to discuss strategies and foster greater collaboration among government agencies and private stakeholders to push for greater awareness and promotion” of CRK as major gateway for international and domestic tourism.
Meeting included planned stadium which sparked speculations that Philippines will host Swift in 2028.
Perez and CIAC, said it is only the standard they will use to design and build Clark arena to attract major popstars.
“Design and build plans for Clark Entertainment Center must attract musical events of world-renowned artists, including likes of Taylor Swift,” Augusto Sanchez Chief Strategic Communications and Events Officer of CIAC, said in an email exchange.
Asked if Clark stadium will host Swift for its inaugural concert, Perez said they will try to court artist. He cited Swift’s current restriction to holding her only concert in Southeast Asia in Singapore. Singapore made exclusive deal to host Southeast Asian leg of American singer-songwriter’s “The Eras Tour, making it concert tour’s sole SEA stop.
“I hope by that time when we build our complex ay reading ready na tayo i-host Taylor because Philippines has always been music-loving industry…whenever there are international concerts laging pumapatok especially with Clark, very easy…nandiyan lang ‘yung airport,” he said.
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
No to SOGIE bill
Best wishes Mr. and Mrs. Seth Elyon San Pedro
happy 10th Anniversary Binang City, Laguna Chapter Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries Inc., Dr. Enrico San Pedro, Pastor
PM for any hospital discharge problem
Blacklisted alien nabbed in Tawi-Tawi
By J.Lo
IMMIGRATION authorities are looking into five foreign nationals blacklisted arrested in Tawi-Tawi, Bureau of Immigration (BI) said agents arrested four Indian nationals and Malaysian national on June 28 who did not have necessary travel documents and requirements.
According to BI, personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Tawi-Tawi reported monitoring four Indian nationals aboard vessel.
Upon arrival of the said vessel in Bongao in Tawi-Tawi, PCG discovered Malaysian national allegedly traveling with Filipina girlfriend.
According to BI, initial interview revealed Indian nationals lacked immigration stamps, while Malaysian national was unable to present passport.
It was later found that the four Indian nationals are on Philippines’ blacklist and were trying to enter illegally to evade immigration checks.
Malaysian national, on the other hand, is suspected to be involved in human trafficking.
BI recommended five foreign nationals be charged for illegal entry, citing violation of Philippine Immigration Act of 1940.
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
No to SOGIE bill
Best wishes Mr. and Mrs. Seth Elyon San Pedro
happy 10th Anniversary Binang City, Laguna Chapter Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries Inc., Dr. Enrico San Pedro, Pastor
PM for any hospital discharge problem
Guo bank accounts, assets on hold
By Nidz Godino
“These individuals are suspected of orchestrating human trafficking and fraudulent activities through entities such as Zun Yuan Technology Inc., BAOFU Land Development Inc. and Hongsheng Gaming Technology Inc.,” Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has ordered financial institutions and government agencies to freeze bank accounts and assets of Bamban Mayor Alice Guo as well as those of two other persons for their alleged involvement in illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) firms.
In statement, AMLC said Court of Appeals has approved council’s petition for issuance of order effectively freezing assets of persons and entities allegedly involved in human trafficking, money laundering and illicit POGO activities.
Those identified in AMLC’s petition are Guo, Zhiyang Huang and Baoying Lin.
Freeze order covers wide range of assets, including 90 bank accounts across 14 financial institutions, several real properties and high-value personal properties, including luxury vehicles and helicopter.
“Decisive action aims to prevent dissipation of assets while investigation and legal proceedings continue,” AMLC said.
Camp of Mayor Guo said suspended official has no plan of seeking reelection in 2025 polls after she was removed from Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC)’s roster amid her alleged links to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).
Guo’s legal counsel Stephen David personally wants mayor to run again and let people of Bamban decide whether to vote for her.
“She was not contemplating to seek reelection, but for me, if she would ask me, I want her to run as eventually at the end of the day, people of Bamban will decide whether they want her… we should not preempt voters of Bamban on what they want,” he said.
Guo won as independent candidate during 2022 elections, later joining NPC, recently entered into alliance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Partido Federal.
Guo is under preventive suspension ordered by ombudsman due to complaints for graft and qualified human trafficking, linking her to conspiracy to commit labor trafficking of around 500 foreign POGO workers.
“She is not inclined to run again amid repercussions of being mayor…going back, she asked why she entered politics but of course out of her love for her constituents… I told her, let people decide or speak,” David said.
Meanwhile, David has advised Guo to place herself under Senate custody amid
bullying and death threats against her.
“We talked and my advice to her is that it is not right to hide from processes of law…we should face it…if I were to decide, she is safer while in custody of Senate, safe from bashers and threats,” David said.
David maintained Guo will decide if she will heed his advice.
He said Guo was suffering from trauma despite her failure to secure medical certificate that she is unfit to appear before Senate.
“We don’t have to convince Senate or public… what we are saying is up to them to believe…we consulted medical practitioners…who would not believe that she experienced traumatic situation amid cyberbullying against her?” he said.
David stressed Guo is not fugitive despite decision of Senate to issue warrant of arrest against her.
“This is just warrant to compel her to testify before honorable Senate investigation,” David noted.
On the other hand, David said camp of Guo will question authenticity of documents against suspended mayor after Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said she was not homeschooled, contradicting her previous testimony.
“As of now, presumption of innocence is still there…there is process…it will be court who will determine if it is true or not,” he said.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Gatchalian presented various school records of Guo or Guo Hua Ping from Grade 1 to Grade 3 at Grace Christian High School in Quezon City.
Philippine National Police (PNP) has expressed its readiness to assist Senate in arresting Guo, who was cited in contempt after snubbing chamber’s investigation on her alleged links to illegal POGOs.
PNP public information officer Col. Jean Fajardo clarified their assistance is limited to providing security to Senate sergeant-at-arms who will serve arrest order against Guo.
“There were calls received by hotlines after we announced reward, many were giving information,” Philippine National Police (PNP) chief publicist Col. Jean Fajardo said several people have started calling hotlines at Davao region police, claiming they have information on location of fugitive in Camp Crame news briefing.
One of the five co-accused of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy was arrested in Davao City.
Paulene Canada was arrested at Emily Homes Subdivision in Barangay Buhangin at around 2 in the afternoon.
Joint teams from Davao region police, Intelligence Group, Special Action Force and Criminal Investigation Group were responsible for Canada’s arrest.
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos and PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil are set to hold press conference at Camp Crame this morning, although topic was not disclosed.
Canada is among Quiboloy’s co-accused in cases of qualified human trafficking and child abuse cases. She is also listed at No. 6 most wanted fugitives of Police Regional Office 11, has jurisdiction over police forces in Davao.
Bounty of P1 million from unnamed private individuals was put up for her capture.
Four other respondents in Quiboloy’s cases are Cresente Canada, Ingrid Canada, Jackielyn Roy and Sylvia Cemanes, each have bounty of P1 million for their arrest.
Quiboloy, meanwhile, has P10 million reward for any information that would lead to his arrest.
Canada was brought to Buhangin police station for documentation.
After government put up reward of P10 million for his arrest PNP has started receiving information from tipsters on possible whereabouts of Quiboloy.
Abalos earlier announced certain private individuals have put up P10-million bounty against Quiboloy, wanted for qualified human trafficking and child abuse cases.
Fajardo said Davao police director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III has ordered policemen to validate information relayed by alleged tipsters.
She said they are not discounting possibility that some of the callers are giving wrong information to mislead policemen hunting Quiboloy and other suspects.
With information they have been receiving, Fajardo said PNP is also studying possibility of also putting up its own reward for Quiboloy’s capture to entice more tipsters.
“PNP is thinking about offering its own reward with respect to this case but it needs to go through process in terms of auditing, budgetary rules and guidelines,” she said.
If he wants to prove his innocence, Fajardo renewed their call for Quiboloy to surrender and face cases against him in court.
She said Quiboloy should also consider plight of thousands of his supporters who are agitated due to efforts of law enforcement authorities to arrest him.
On rumors that Quiboloy has already fled to China, Fajardo said Bureau of Immigration said KOJC leader has no record that he left the country.
Quiboloy has “no recent travel in our records,” BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said.
BI explained that does not guarantee Quiboloy is still in the country, since Philippines has porous borders, and he could have left the country without passing through formal ports.
Quiboloy’s legal counsel Israelito Torreon had said there were rumors circulating that his client might have already fled to China, but he could not confirm this information.
“I just heard,” Torreon had said.
Meanwhile, Fajardo said people should not make jokes of issues hounding Quiboloy, as it is facing cases for serious offenses.
“Let us not forget that other parties are crying for justice…there are children that were allegedly molested and were subject for trafficking,” she said.
PNP earlier said studying whether to file obstruction of justice cases against former president Rodrigo Duterte, who claimed to know where Quiboloy is hiding.
Later, former presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo said Duterte was just joking.
Face the accusations
Meanwhile, Abalos has echoed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call to Quiboloy to come out and face accusations against him.
Abalos said Quiboloy should man up and prove his innocence in court.
“If you are indeed innocent, face these allegations head-on in court of law…hiding behind influence or legal maneuvers does nothing to clear your name,” he said in statement.
Marcos said there is no issue if private citizens offer reward for Quiboloy’s arrest to help bring self-styled preacher to justice.
Moreover, Abalos gave assurance that they will support victims and ensure that justice is served.
“Accusations against Quiboloy are grave, encompassing various forms of abuse… imperative that we, as parents, acknowledge courage it takes for victims to come forward,” he stressed.
Quiboloy is on the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s most wanted list for allegedly orchestrating sex trafficking operation.
According to aviation expert, Quiboloy is still in the country, hiding by using unregistered or “colorum” single engine aircraft that may land and take-off in small private airstrips.
“They are just moving around, from one island to another using smaller aircraft that can land and take off in private airstrip… just bit bumpy,” according to the theory of expert.
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) have no reports regarding “illegal aircraft movements” especially at Davao International Airport, In the city where Quiboloy resides.
All aircraft movement in airports under CAAP management are accounted for, it said.
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
No to SOGIE bill
Best wishes Mr. and Mrs. Seth Elyon San Pedro
happy 10th Anniversary Binang City, Laguna Chapter Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries Inc., Dr. Enrico San Pedro, Pastor
PM for any hospital discharge problem
Comedian Dinky Doo 66
By Cynthia Montojo
“See you in 1000 years po Daddy Dinky Doo…mananatili pong naka ukit sa aking puso at isipan ang lahat ng itinanim mo pong kabutihan at aral sa akin,” Dinky Doo’s son Jeremiah said comedian Dinky Doo has passed away at the age of 66.
In his Facebook account, his daughter announced he died at 7 in the morning.
“Family, Friends, Brethrens… this is his daughter speaking po… I’m here to inform po na wala na po si daddy,” she said.
Family, however, didn’t mention cause of death of the comedian.
Dinky Doo started his career in 1986 with movie “Inday Inday sa Balitaw.” He then became sidekick of main character in different films such as “Small and Terrible” (1990), “Bala at Lipstik” (1994), and “Sayo Lamang” (1995).
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
No to SOGIE bill
Best wishes Mr. and Mrs. Seth Elyon San Pedro
happy 10th Anniversary Binang City, Laguna Chapter Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries Inc., Dr. Enrico San Pedro, Pastor
PM for any hospital discharge problem
20th Cinemalaya 2024 lineup
By Cynthia Montojo
The 20th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival runs from August 2 to 11,2024.
Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival is marking its 20th edition this 2024 with strong lineup of entries touching on various stories about Filipinos.
With Cultural Center of the Philippines main building, Cinemalaya’s longtime home, still under renovation, this year’s film festival will plant its home base in Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque as opposed to last year’s main venue, Philippine International Convention Center.
Opening the festival is Sheron Dayoc’s “The Gospel of the Beast,” nominated for Best Picture in two different international film festivals, winning in Bali. Closing film, meanwhile, will be restored version of Lino Brocka’s “Bona,” recently ran at the Cannes Film Festival.
Total of 200 titles will be running at Cinemalaya 2024, including 10 feature films, 10 short films, and 10 Philippine premieres out of main competition.
Among the latter are Joel Lamangan’s “Lola Magdalena” and “Ghostlight” starring Dolly de Leon, had its world premiere at Sundance Film Festival earlier this year.
Probably most anticipated of the feature-length films is Kip Oebanda’s “Balota” which he called “unfortunate sequel” to his Cinemalaya 2018 entry “Liway” starring Marian Rivera, Donna Cariaga, and Sassa Gurl.
Making grand return to festival is Lawrence Fajardo with “The Hearing” starring Mylene Dizon, Ruby Ruiz, and Ina Feleo.
Real-life couple Jane Oineza and RK Bagatsing star in Jonathan Jurilla’s alternative romantic-comedy “Love Child” about parents of autistic child.
Jaime Pecana II makes his feature directorial debut in Japan-set “Kono Basho” starring Gabby Padilla and Arisa Nakano, latter recently starring in Oscar-nominated film “Perfect Days.”
Also making their feature directorial debut are Richard Salvadico and Arlie Sumagaysay in “Tumandok,” features no professional actors, and all proceeds from its screenings will go to Ati community who are central figures of film.
Sole documentary in competition is “Alipato at Muog” by JL Burgos who began shooting back in 2007 two days after his brother Jonas was abducted.
Remaining entries are BC Amparado’s “Gulay Lang, Manong” starring Cedrick Juan, Sarge Lacuesta’s “An Errand” starring Sid Lucero, Joshua Medroso’s “Kantil,” and Julius Lumiqued’s “The Wedding Dance.”
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
No to SOGIE bill
Best wishes Mr. and Mrs. Seth Elyon San Pedro
happy 10th Anniversary Binang City, Laguna Chapter Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries Inc., Dr. Enrico San Pedro, Pastor
PM for any hospital discharge problem
Palay farmgate price downs by P5/kilo
By J.Lo
“Unless government suspends or repeals EO 62, it will be very difficult because right now, we have been receiving reports that farmgate prices of palay have already dropped by at least P5 per kilo, and that will be expected to drop further, especially when we have main harvest toward last quarter of this year,” former agriculture secretary Leonardo Montemayor said farmgate price of palay has gone down by P5 per kilo amid issuance of Executive Order 62, lowers tariff on imported rice, as he projected further slump in buying price of staple during main harvest season in the last quarter of the year.
Farmers’ groups have asked Supreme Court to issue temporary restraining order (TRO) against EO 62 allowing reduced tariff of 15 percent on imported rice, as they asked that order be declared null and void and unconstitutional.
“Farmgate price of palay has been going down and collection of Bureau of Customs (BOC) has been decreasing, brought by EO 62…in the end, aside from difficulty of farmers to cope with lower prices of palay, lower tariff rates will not be felt in terms of lower prices of rice for our consumers,” Montemayor said.
With P5 drop in the farmgate price of palay, farmers are suffering losses, according to former agriculture chief.
“Farmers are earning less than minimum wage…if minimum wage in Metro Manila is P650 per day, in rural areas, it’s only half… hardly enough for most farmers to cope up with their daily subsistence requirement,” he said.
He stressed that aside from impact of EO 62, farmers are also being threatened by possible impact of La Niña.
“Right now, we have heard very little about what is being done to prepare our sector for likely effect of La Niña phenomenon and then there is man-made calamity… I am referring to tariff cuts brought about by EO 62, so farmers will be hit by double whammy, man-made calamity in form of tariff cut in imported rice and to be followed by natural calamity called La Niña,” Montemayor said.
The 26-page petition was filed by Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura, Federation of Free Farmers, United Broiler Raisers Association, Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative and Magsasaka party-list president Argel Joseph Cabatbat.
Named respondents were President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, National Economic and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan and Tariff Commission Chairperson Marilou Mendoza.
Petitioners noted farmers were “shocked” that Bersamin signed EO 62, also known as “Modifying Nomenclature and Rates of Import Duty on Various Products,” last June 20.
Petitioners said they were never informed nor were they ever called for investigation about reduction of rice tariff.
For petitioners, EO 62 was hastily issued without consultation, investigation, hearings and reports, required by Republic Act 10863 or Flexible Clause of Customs Modernization and Tariff Act to be complied with before the President can validly make issuance of executive order involving tariff reduction.
For his part, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto does not expect SC to issue TRO against EO 62, saying there is no reason for high court to be involved in such matter.
“I do not think there is reason for courts to get involved in that,” Recto told reporters on sidelines of Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines-San Miguel Corp. economic forum.
Recto’s response came on heels of filing of petition before SC by various farmers’ groups to halt implementation of EO 62.
The finance chief said tariff cut would pull down retail rice prices to between P44.17 and P49.56 per kilo by December.
Current average price for imported well-milled rice is P53.45 per kilo while its locally produced counterpart averages P51.25 per kilo.
Recto said BOC would issue corresponding memorandum circular of EO 62. BOC usually issues counterpart circular for any tariff adjustments or modifications in order for such measures to take effect.
He would meet with BOC today and would ask Customs officials about status of memorandum circular.
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
No to SOGIE bill
Best wishes Mr. and Mrs. Seth Elyon San Pedro
happy 10th Anniversary Binang City, Laguna Chapter Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries Inc., Dr. Enrico San Pedro, Pastor
PM for any hospital discharge problem
Harry Roque expedited illegal POGO
By J.Lo
“Former secretary Harry Roque came with woman and he introduced us… he said Ms. Cassandra Lee Ong has problem about her paying all billings of company she represents in PAGCOR,” Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) chairman Alejandro Tengco recalled former presidential spokesman Harry Roque was ex-Cabinet official who tried to facilitate grant of license to Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub.
During continuation of public hearing of Senate committee on women, children and family affairs chaired by Sen. Risa Hontiveros, Tengco clarified Roque did not exert pressure, but merely assisted in dealings of Lucky South 99 POGO with PAGCOR in July last year.
Tengco said Roque and Lucky South 99 representative Cassandra Lee Ong met with him and Jessa Mariz Fernandez, PAGCOR assistant vice president for offshore gaming licensing department, on July 26, 2023.
Hontiveros said Roque and former PAGCOR chair Andrea Domingo will be invited to next hearing to shed light on information shared by Tengco.
Tengco said Ong claimed their company owed over $500,000 about P29 million in arrears but their company had been coursing their financial obligations through Dennis Cunanan as authorized company representative.
“Ong claimed she gives money to Mr. Dennis Cunanan every month and she believes that it is paid to PAGCOR…so they were surprised when their office said that they have arrears of six months… about $500,000,” he stressed.
Tengco asked Ong why she trusted Cunanan instead of going directly to Landbank to settle their account with PAGCOR, to which Ong claimed she trusted Cunanan as he facilitated license of their company. Tengco said Ong was just 19 years old and too young to represent the company.
Tengco’s statement appeared to be short of his statement that former high-ranking official of previous administration lobbied for licensing of illegal POGO in Porac.
At yesterday’s hearing, Tengco maintained Roque did not pressure PAGCOR to grant Lucky South 99 license.
“He requested us to assist Cassandra Ong, if possible…he did not make any follow-up, I will repeat it, he didn’t pressure me…well, maybe as lawyer as his client…he is just facilitating and he was just requesting,” said Tengco.
Fernandez also told Senate panel that Roque called her office six times and one of them was to ask for documents needed for POGO hub to be granted license.
“He made six contacts … three were answered, two were not answered and one text message..and then on May 14, 2024, I informed him of PAGCOR decision denying Lucky South’s application because we have seen evidence of reason not to grant them license at that time,” said Fernandez.
Hontiveros said Roque contradicted his statement to media that he represented only Whirlwind, company that leased its property to Lucky South 99.
“This is contrary to what he said, his representation is just Whirlwind…but here in the organization chart of Lucky South 99, it’s clear he was legal counsel… he did not tell the truth to the media,” she said.
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada asked Tengco whether Roque was just doing his job as lawyer, to which PAGCOR chairman replied: “you can say that…he said he wants to help aggrieved party as Miss Ong’s lawyer…and new application came out in September 2023, that’s the legal one.”
Roque vehemently denied Tengco’s statements that he represented an illegal POGO.
“I am not and have never been legal counsel to any illegal POGO…neither was I counsel to Lucky South 99 Incorporated… I also did not participate in preparing Lucky South’s organizational chart, identified me as their legal counsel… I vehemently deny media reports claiming that PAGCOR chairman Alejandro Tengco allegedly said that I represented an illegal POGO,” Roque said on his Facebook vlog.
Roque also said Hontiveros’ conclusion that he lied when he claimed that he was Whirlwind’s counsel was bereft of merit.
“I clarify that I did not consent to nor was I informed of my name’s inclusion in any submission by Lucky South with PAGCOR concerning license renewal…if her only basis is organizational chart naming me as legal counsel of Lucky South 99, then I challenge her to prove that I had direct hand in preparing said document,” Roque stressed.
Roque said Whirlwind recently retained his firm to quash search warrant in residential dwelling in Porac mistakenly described as “resort” by police authorities.
“I have no reason to deny my legal engagement with Lucky South if there is truth to it…providing legal representation is why legal profession exists…but the reality is that attorney-client relationship is of highest fiduciary relationship and cannot be presumed unless there is clear retainer between counsel and client…as lawyer, I could not directly engage with POGO because of potential conflict of interest and given soured lease contract between Whirlwind and Lucky South,” he noted.
Bank documents of the former presidential spokesman were found inside Lucky South 99 in Porac, Pampanga, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said.
PAOCC spokesman Winston Casio showed reporters pictures of some documents they recovered during raid at POGO hub last month. Among these are bank transaction receipts.
Also found are documents belonging to person whom authorities said was Roque’s former executive assistant.
PAOCC made documents public after PAGCOR’s Tengco said Roque assisted Lucky South 99 on its financial issues.
An incorporator of POGO company is connected with equally controversial Pharmally firm linked to overpriced COVID-19 supplies, Hontiveros said.
During continuation of public hearing probing alleged human trafficking in Clark, Hontiveros said certain Gerald Cruz, incorporator of BreakHearts Technology, is connected with Pharmally Biological.
“BreakHearts Technology Inc., used to be service provider, we dug deeper and we looked at its incorporators. ..of seven incorporators, four are from Davao…but what really interests me here is Gerald Cruz…did Cruz appear in PAGCOR’s investigation?” Hontiveros asked Fernandez.
On Powerpoint Hontiveros showed Cruz’s connection with Pharmally.
“Cruz was also connected to Pharmally Biological; we are exclaiming, ‘oh my God….with Huang Su Yen, involved in big money laundering case in Taiwan, and with Allan Lim…for those who may have forgotten, Allan Lim is Lyn Wei Ziong, connected or linked to importation of shabu in the country…has this connection been noted by PAGCOR?” the senator asked.
Fernandez noted Cruz’s connection with Pharmally just recently. Pharmally scandal involved alleged P42-billion corruption in government procurement of COVID-19 supplies in August 2021.
Hontiveros noted that Cruz is also involved in FullWin, of which Michael Yang is the president. Yang served as economic adviser during the term of former president Rodrigo Duterte
“I just heard,” legal counsel Israelito Torreon said Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) head Apollo Quiboloy may already be in China, even as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.asked preacher to surface and follow law instead of questioning motive of people offering reward for his arrest.
Quiboloy and five others, who are facing child sexual abuse and human trafficking cases before courts in Davao City and Pasig City, have remained at large despite efforts by authorities to arrest them in botched operations in four of kingdom’s key properties last June 10.
Torreon said Quiboloy fled to China is making rounds, but he could not confirm this.
Failure of authorities to arrest Quiboloy led Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos to announce P10-million bounty for anyone who can provide information on his whereabouts.
Quiboloy’s camp has questioned move, saying reward is “discriminatory” and “surprisingly disproportionate” and places life of Quiboloy at risk.
Speaking to reporters in Rizal, Marcos does not see any issue if private citizens offer reward for Quiboloy’s arrest.
“Why not…they want to help us bring fugitive to justice…you know, he is fugitive…he is hiding from law, now, if there are private citizens who want to assist government in that effort to bring him to justice, I do not see any issue,” the President said.
Marcos challenged Quiboloy to come out of hiding and maintained government is just following the law. “He can question their motives as much as they want but magpakita siya, I question his motives…let me question his motives…why are we always questioned…we are just following the law…he should also follow the law,” the Chief Executive said.
Former president Rodrigo Duterte earlier told reporters, perhaps in jest, in Tacloban City that he was in constant communication with his former spiritual adviser and that he knew where the pastor is hiding.
Elements of Special Action Force and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group last June 10 raided KOJC main headquarters along Diversion Road as well as Prayer Mountain , Glory Mountain in Barangay Tamayong, Davao City and Sands Resort in Island Garden City of Samal, but failed to arrest Quiboloy.
China has consular office in Davao City, and whoever facilitated securing Quiboloy’s visa may have also done so for his co-accused, observers said.
Quiboloy could also have escaped from Davao City by any means as he has fleet of helicopters, jet planes and even speed boats.
Meanwhile, Torreon said P10-million reward being offered by Abalos violates Republic Act 6713 after the interior secretary said bounty for immediate arrest of Quiboloy came from donations.
“P10-million reward may constitute violation of RA 6713 because if you will read Section 7, paragraph D states public officials or employees shall not solicit or accept directly or indirectly any gift, gratuity, favor, entertainment, loan or anything of monetary value from any person in the course of their official duties or in connection with any operation being regulated by or any transaction which may be affected by functions of their office,” KOJC legal counsel said at a press conference.
Abalos announced P10-million reward for information that would lead to Quiboloy’s arrest and P1 million each for information on his five co-accused.
“This RA 6713 is applicable to Secretary Abalos…you may be motivated in good faith in whatever you are doing but that is violation of law because any donation or any prize is governed by particular law,” Torreon said.
Torreon stressed that aside from RA 6713, Memorandum Circular No. 2019-063 provides monetary rewards can only be offered to most wanted persons.
“Can alleged crime committed by Quiboloy be considered as heinous…it is even bailable…all heinous crimes are not bailable,” he said.
He said monetary rewards are also offered in sensational cases.
“A sensational crime…. refers to cases where crime committed is directed against government officials appointed by the president, judges, prosecutors, members of Philippine Bar, media practitioners, militant party-list, labor leaders, foreign nationals… crime of Quiboloy is not sensational crime,” he said.
Quiboloy is subject of arrest warrants issued by Davao City and Pasig City regional trial courts, where he is facing charges of qualified trafficking and sexual abuse allegedly committed against 17-year-old girl in 2011.
Case in Davao City has been allowed by Supreme Court to be transferred to Quezon City court.
Immigration lookout bulletin order has been issued against Quiboloy to prevent him from fleeing the country.
Quiboloy, self-proclaimed “appointed son of God,” is currently considered fugitive as authorities try to locate him due to standing arrest warrants.
One of the endorsers of Marcos during 2022 presidential race, Quiboloy is on Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)’s most wanted list for allegedly orchestrating sex trafficking operation.
According to FBI, Quiboloy is wanted for his alleged involvement in labor trafficking scheme that brought members of his church to US through fraudulently obtained visas. Federal warrant was issued for the religious leader’s arrest on Nov. 10, 2021.
Last February, Quiboloy revealed through audio clip he is in hiding because he is facing threats to his life. He also claimed that Marcos had forged deal with American authorities to hand him over to US government.
Marcos laughed off claim, saying cases filed against Quiboloy in US were filed before he became president.
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