11 Hulio 2024, Huwebes

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Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

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Best wishes Mr. and Mrs. Seth Elyon San Pedro

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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. 

11 Hulio 2024, Huwebes

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

Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party

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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 

11 Hulio 2024, Huwebes

Register now and vote in midterm polls

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

Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party

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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

HEADLINES

FMJ to Quiboloy in China: Come out

By Nidz Godino

“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. 

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

1 Corinthians 13:4-5

⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

10 Hulio 2024, Miyerkules

Register now and vote in midterm polls

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

Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party

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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

Inaugural National Hopia Day to supply hopia for 1-year

By Cynthia Montojo

“From its humble beginnings as  Chinese immigrant food to its status as  Filipino cultural icon, hopia’s journey reflects  rich tapestry of cultural exchange and innovation, that’s why we feel  time for hopia to be celebrated in  grand manner has long been overdue, ” Chinese deli chain Eng Bee Tin Chief Operating Officer Gerik Chua  said  first-ever National Hopia Day in the Philippine will be hosted this month by Binondo-based Chinese deli chain Eng Bee Tin.

Special  day celebrates Filipino-Chinese heritage and how mooncake-like pastry hopia serves as symbol of friendship and cultures between  two.

Chua believes hopia is  example of how food can bring cultures together, creating something new and beloved that honors diverse origins.

Gerik’s younger sister Roche,  serves as  chain’s finance manager, stressed, “we will honor  stories woven into each bite…we will pay tribute to  enduring bonds of family, our shared culture, and  comfort of its familiar flavors.”

National Hopia Day celebrations will take place from July 19 to 21 in Mall of Asia Music Hall, where prizes will be given out, including  one-year supply of the brand’s products.

10 Hulio 2024, Miyerkules

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

Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party

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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

Contempt vs Alice Guo, 7 others; orders arrest

By Nidz Godino

“We do not want to set  precedence where mental health is invoked to skirt  obligation to appear before  Senate committee,” Sen. Risa Hontiveros, chair of  Senate women’s committee, ruled to cite suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo and seven others in contempt for their failure to attend  committee inquiry into  criminal activities of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).

Contempt is upon  separate motions of Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada and Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian. 

Hontiveros and other senators find her claims in her letter “devoid of credibility.”

Hontiveros also ruled to issue  warrant of arrest against Guo,  would still need to be signed by  Senate president before it takes effect.

Estrada moved to cite Guo in contempt after saying he found her letter explaining her absence due to mental health issues “unacceptable.”

Besides Guo, these are individuals who were cited in contempt for skipping  hearing: 

• Nancy J. Gamo
• Dennis Cunanan
• Wenyi Lin
• Seimen Leal Guo
• Jian Zhong Guo
• Wesley Guo
• Sheila Leal Guo

In  letter Guo’s camp sent to  Senate  suspended Bamban mayor  is not “physically and mentally fit” to attend  Senate hearing. She  has been  “subject of malicious accusations” and targeted with death threats, causing her to seek professional help.

Guo  could not find  medical professional to issue her  medical certificate because they “fear they may also experience  humiliation and ridicule  I am going through.”

Hontiveros said  while  panel recognizes  importance of mental health, Guo is being compelled to testify due to  gravity of  accusations against her.

Senate can also arrange for  government doctor to attend to Guo, if requested, the senator stressed.

Gatchalian  considers  absence of  invited resource speakers as  “sign of guilt” as this is already  committee’s fourth hearing into POGO hubs’ illegal activities. 

“Not attending  hearing will be their loss because it removes  opportunity for them to explain their side, sign that they have something they do not want to reveal or that they have something to hide, ” Gatchalian said.

Escudero  vowed to sign  arrest warrant against Guo if issued by Hontiveros, reminding Guo and her legal camp that  subpoena issued against her requires her to face senators out of “compulsion of law.”

Guo did not attend  previous hearing on June 26 due to what her legal counsel said was health reasons, took place less than a week after she was charged with qualified human trafficking before  Department of Justice. 

10 Hulio 2024, Miyerkules

Register now and vote in midterm polls

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

Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party

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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

2 Cebuano clergy get Vatican appointments

By J.Lo

“Both Msgr. Limchua and Fr. Cartagena are  third and fourth Cebuano priests, respectively, to enter  Diplomatic Service of the Holy See,” official Facebook page of Archdiocese of Cebu said Pope Francis has appointed two priests from Cebu to positions in Vatican.

Pontiff  appointed Monsignor Jan Thomas Limchua as counselor of  Apostolic Nunciature to tNetherlands and Fr. Hezron Jhud Cartagena as attaché of  Apostolic Nunciature to Ivory Coast.

Archdiocese’s spokesmaon Msgr. Joseph Tan believed  pope’s decision to appoint Filipino priests to  Vatican shows his immense trust in their capability to perform responsibly as missionaries abroad.

Limchua had reportedly served as official of the Holy See’s Section for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Secretariat of State for four years.

He was ordained as priest of  Archdiocese of Cebu in 2010 and underwent diplomatic formation at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy,  diplomatic school of  Vatican.

He then began his career in the diplomatic service in September 2014, and served at  Apostolic Nunciature of Benin and Togo in West Africa and in Egypt.

He completed his theological studies at  Faculty of Theology of  University of Navarra in Pamplona Spain, while he took up his doctorate in Canon Law at  Pontifical Lateran University in Rome.

Cartagena meanwhile completed his missionary year in Brazil and, with  new assignment, is now officially  part of  diplomatic service of  Holy See.

10 Hulio 2024, Miyerkules

Register now and vote in midterm polls

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

Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party

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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

Cayetano-Binay, reconciliation talks eyed

By Nidz Godino

“While these are matters of public interest, it is better if we sit down and talk about it behind closed doors,” Senate majority leader Francis Tolentino said  ethics committee  he heads will first sit down with Senators Nancy Binay and Alan Peter Cayetano and try to reconcile  two following Binay’s ethics complaint against Cayetano.

At  press briefing, Tolentino said  ethics committee will determine if  complaint filed by Binay against Cayetano is sufficient in form and substance.

But his committee will have to meet to organize its members and sit down with  two quarreling political rivals when hot heads have cooled.

Tolentino  agreed with Senate President Francis Escudero, who said  two should calm down and be reconciled.

He said their issues about  New Senate Building, became personal attacks against each other, should be discussed in private instead of in  public hearing.

Binay slapped Cayetano with  ethics complaint after  male senator called her  crazy female rumormonger (“Marites”) for allegedly backstabbing him for his wrong figures about  ballooning cost of construction.

Cayetano stood by his disparaging remarks and said Binay was diverting from  real issue at hand in her ethics complaint.

Cayetano’s accounts committee will hold its second hearing today on cost of  construction pegged at over P23 billion.

10 Hulio 2024, Miyerkules

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

Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party

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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

P10 M bounty vs Quiboloy hit

By J.Lo

“Such  surprisingly disproportionate reward for  Quiboloy creates prejudice in  minds of  people that he is more dangerous than those who commit murders and acts to topple  government…war with  presumption of innocence and endangers  life of  mere accused who has not yet been convicted,”  lawyer of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder and accused child abuser Apollo Quiboloy questioned  “discriminatory” P10-million bounty for  arrest of the preacher, saying “surprisingly disproportionate” reward endangers  life of accused who has not yet been convicted.

Department of the Interior and Local Government announced P10-million reward for information that would lead to Quiboloy’s arrest and P1 million each for his five co-accused.

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.

Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio noted average rewards for child sexual abuse and human trafficking suspects is “only a little over a million pesos,” even for members of  Moro Islamic Liberation Front and declared terrorist organizations such as  Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army.

He also questioned source of  funds for the bounty,  Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos earlier said consisted of private funds.

Topacio urged Abalos to name  supposed donors of  funds for the sake of transparency and invoked that constitutional right of the people to information regarding matters of public concern, so that  public may know  motives and purposes of  supposed private individuals.

“This assault on dignity of Quiboloy is but  latest in  display of wantonness and disregard for rule of law of this administration,” lawyer said.

Topacio said Quiboloy cannot be blamed for refusing to submit to  courts over his trafficking and sexual abuse cases, considering  “harassment and persecution” by  government.

“If  person  subject of  warrant feels he cannot get fair and impartial justice under our present system of government  under executive then, while I do not condone it, I will be  last person to blame him for refusing to submit himself to  justice system that is far from being fair,” Topacio said.

Quiboloy has denied  allegations against him in courts in Davao City and in Pasig, claiming that these are recycled and came from disgruntled former members of  KOJC.

In  separate statement, Quiboloy’s lawyer Israelito Torreon also pointed out  “obstinate and continuous obsession” of  government against  preacher.

Torreon said  government “created  circus” out of Quiboloy’s “precipitate and unjust” indictment, instead of acting on his motion for reconsideration filed before  Department of Justice.

Case  in Davao City has been allowed by  Supreme Court to be transferred to  Quezon City court.

Immigration  lookout bulletin order has also 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.

10 Hulio 2024, Miyerkules

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No military facilities under Ph-Jpn pact

By Nidz Godino

“Nothing in this agreement shall be construed as providing  basis for  Party to establish its military facilities in  territory of  other Party,” Japanese foreign ministry deputy press secretary Mariko Kaneko said at  briefing after signing of  agreement  at Malacañang  nothing in the Philippines-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA)  sets  legal foundation for  establishment of military facilities in both countries.

Signing  followed  second Japan-Philippines Foreign and Defense Ministers Meeting (“2+2”).

“So no misunderstanding on both sides, not to have  military base in another country…it does not provide legal foundation for establishment of military facilities,” Kaneko said.

Signing  of  RAA came shortly after Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Defense Minister Minoru Kihara met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.at Malacañang.

RAA, allows Japanese and Filipino forces to enter each other’s country for joint military exercises, was signed by Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. and Kamikawa in ceremonies witnessed by Marcos, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Kihara.

Defense  agreement will take effect after ratification by the two countries’ legislatures.

Kaneko said Japan is “much concerned” about China’s dangerous actions in  East and South China Seas, including  June 17 violent disruption by  Chinese coast guard of  resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

“Japan supports  position that China should uphold  international order and raise this issue to  Chinese government…we have been doing so and raise  voice in  international community so China will not be able to do such act, unilateral act, use of force to change status quo,” she stated.

Kaneko stressed Japan is fully supportive of  Philippines’ firm stand against unilateral action by China or any other country to change  status quo in the region.

She underscored  unwavering commitment of  Philippines and Japan to freedom of navigation and overflight.

Earlier, Manalo, Teodoro, Kamikawa and Kihara met in Manila for discussions on current bilateral security environment and on regional issues, including  situation in Taiwan and  Korean Peninsula.

They emphasized  need for  international community to speak out on importance of maintaining and strengthening  free and open international order based on  rule of law.

While it may have already gained early support from some senators,  RAA will still be subject to close scrutiny by  Senate before it gets ratified, Senate President Francis Escudero said.

“We will scrutinize it like other treaties Senate is asked to ratify by the Executive,” Escudero said.

He said  agreement has yet to be submitted to  Senate for ratification. “I personally welcome this agreement because it will strengthen and firm up our position on issue with China on West Philippine Sea. But there is no substitute for beefing up our armed forces on our own. And while we’re not yet there, it is good that we have arrangements like this to strenghten our position and situation,” he said.

Sen. Nancy Binay  would vote for  ratification of  RAA, as she called deal  representation of country’s commitment to peace and security in the region.

“Since 2022, former Senate president Migz Zubiri and then-ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko consistently pushed for  crafting of RAA between  Philippines and Japan,  signing of RAA is  fruit of  Senate’s effort for peaceful resolutions to maritime conflicts in Asia-Pacific Region,  assertion to our territorial rights and  reiteration of Philippines’ adherence to defend its national sovereignty,  RAA’s value to National Security underscores how increased maritime security cooperation safeguards Philippine economic interests,” she said.

Sen. Bong Go said  signing of  RAA is in  best interest of Filipinos.

“Interest of  people, interest of Filipinos, if it is good for the people, we will support it,” Go said.

For Speaker Martin Romualdez,  RAA is  “proactive approach in addressing security challenges and promotes  rules-based international order.”

He said  agreement sets “foundation for expanded defense collaboration that is poised to contribute significantly to regional peace and stability.”

“Signing of  RAA signifies  crucial moment in Philippine-Japan relations, heralding  new era of strengthened defense cooperation amid evolving regional geopolitical challenges,” Romualdez said in  statement.

Landmark  agreement, he maintained, allows expanded participation of Japanese forces in joint military exercises such as  Balikatan drills with  Philippines and  US, “marking  significant step forward in regional security efforts.”

He stressed  RAA is important in enhancing defense capabilities and fostering deeper strategic ties between Manila and Tokyo.

“RAA highlights our shared commitment to regional stability and security, strengthening our defense capabilities and reaffirming  Philippines’ strategic partnership with Japan,” he maintained.

He said  agreement reflects  two countries’ “shared values of peace, stability and prosperity in the region.”