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26 Abril, 2025 Sabado

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Congratulations to new set of interim officers of Luzon Convention of Southern Baptist Churches, Inc.-Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries, Inc -moderator Dr. Enrico San Pedro Phd; Executive Secretary Jorge Lopez, Treasurer Rev. Nestor Sadim, Public Relation Officer Rev. Manuel Soliman

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Respect ICC judges, judicial process, Duterte lawyer urged

By Nidz Godino

“Respect judicial process, respect judges, respect former president Duterte’s right to fair trial,” lawyer Nicholas Kaufman said in exchange with Duterte’s supporters has reiterated his call to all Filipinos to respect judges and judicial process at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Kaufman made remark after social media pages of ICC and even some of the judges received barrage of comments, mainly negative, from what appeared to be accounts of Duterte supporters.

Even victims and their lawyers have faced harassment and were subjected to false claims and disinformation.

Asked about condition of former president Rodrigo Duterte, currently at ICC Detention Facility, Kaufman said Duterte is “in good spirits.”

“He asks for calm and restraint,” Kaufman said when asked if the former president has message ahead of midterm elections.

“He knows that there are elections in offing. He knows that people are very interested in his welfare, and he also knows that there is tendency, perhaps, for people to get excited and not to respect judicial process…he insists judicial process be respected, that there be no interference in that at all,” he added.

Reiterating his previous statements, Kaufman confirmed that there will be request for interim release “in due course.”

“But as I’ve said many times before, certain conditions have to be right for interim release to take place… judges who will ultimately decide it,” he added.

British-Israeli lawyer said he is hopeful that Duterte will be able to return to Philippines even before his scheduled confirmation of charges hearing in September.

“I can’t understand why he is here…he’s Filipino citizen … why isn’t he in the Philippines..why isn’t he being tried in the Philippines…why is there not Filipino judge who is trying him?” Kaufman said.

Duterte is facing charges of crimes against humanity over killings related to his deadly campaign against illegal drugs.

Marcos administration surrendered the former president to international tribunal following release of arrest warrant last month.

Under Republic Act 9851 or Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and Other Crimes Against Humanity, Philippine authorities are allowed to “dispense with investigation or prosecution of crime … if another court or international tribunal is already conducting investigation or undertaking the prosecution of such crime.”

Duterte’s camp is expected to challenge ICC’s jurisdiction over the case, with his arrest and surrender likely to be brought up ahead of confirmation of charges hearing.

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26 Abril, 2025 Sabado

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DICT accelerates, expands access to digital loans

By J.Lo

“In line with the President’s vision for digital transformation, DICT is building national strategy to remove barriers to credit empowering MSMEs with faster, safer and more accessible digital loan platforms,” Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.has ordered DICT to accelerate and expand access to digital loans for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide.

Marcos’ directive signals step toward deeper grassroots financial inclusion, Aguda said.

During meeting with officials from Digital Bank Association of the Philippines, Aguda underscored what he said is transformative power of digital loans, emphasizing their vital role not only in driving economic growth but also improving lives of Filipinos working to secure better future for their families.

Citing data from Philippine Statistics Authority, Aguda said MSMEs accounted for 99.63 percent of 1.24 business establishments in 2023.

Despite being backbone of economy, department chief said many still struggle to access formal credit systems due to lack of documents, limited credit history or geographic barriers.

Aguda said among first steps they will undertake in 2025 is establishment of public access for digital loans.

Also included are integration of identity verification through PhilSys and eGovPH App and government-back microloan programs tailor for MSMEs.

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09 Abril, 2025 Huwebes

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Pd of national mourning in the Ph declared for Pope Francis

By Nidz Godino

“Pope Francis holds special place in the hearts of Filipino people, particularly for his apostolic visit to the Philippines in January 2015, where he offered comfort and solidarity to victims of Typhoon Yolanda and celebrated resilience of the Filipino faanatics despite adversities,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.has issued proclamation declaring period of national mourning over passing of Pope Francis.

Proclamation 871, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, declared period of national mourning effective immediately until the late pope’s burial on Saturday.

During period of mourning, national flag shall be flown at half-mast from sunrise to sunset in all government buildings and installations throughout Philippines and abroad.

According to Marcos, pope’s passing is moment of profound sorrow for Catholic Church and for Filipino people, who recognize him as global leader of compassion and tireless advocate of peace, justice and human dignity.

Large majority of Filipinos are Catholics.

Francis served as 266th pope of Roman Catholic Church from March 13, 2013 until his passing on Easter Monday, April 21. He was 88.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Francis was first Jesuit, first Latin American and first non-European pontiff in over 1, 200 years.

Meanwhile, Malacañang confirmed President Marcos and First Lady Liza Marcos would attend funeral of Pope Francis, with travel details yet to be provided by Palace.

Other world leaders expected to attend pope’s funeral are US President Donald Trump, Argentinian President Javier Milei, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Francis’ funeral mass will take place on Saturday, April 26, at 10 in the morning (Vatican time) in St. Peter’s Square, to be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of College of Cardinals.

“Pope Francis is one of a kind…that’s really sad… I love this pope…best pope in my lifetime as far as I’m concerned,” the President previously said.

Francis is “man of profound faith and humility” and “led not only with wisdom but with heart open to all, especially the poor and forgotten,” Marcos said.

“By example, Pope Francis taught us to be good Christian is to extend kindness and care to one another…his humility brought many back to the fold of the Church,” he noted.

Kalookan’s Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David is scheduled to leave for Vatican today to attend funeral of pope.

David said there would be pre-conclave meeting after funeral.

“Probable, start of the actual conclave is 15-20 days after death, any day between May 5-10,” he said.

The Kalookan cardinal added possible that conclave would run for a week.

Aside from David, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula is also expected to attend the pontiff’s funeral, but the Archdiocese of Manila has not released his travel schedule.

David, Advincula and Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, are three Filipino cardinals who would be attending conclave.

Meanwhile, Philippine Postal Corp. is seriously considering issuing stamp in honor of the late pontiff.

PHLPost postmaster general Luis Carlos said they have already made initial discussion on issuing another Pope Francis stamp during their Stamp Committee meeting.

“I think it will be patronized….Post Office should put out one,” he said.

Committee would have to discuss design of Pope Francis stamp and have them printed, with likely release next month.

PHLPost could print 5,000 to 10,000 copies of Pope Francis stamp, Carlos said.

In 2014, PHLPost featured Pope Francis in stamp that was sold at P40 each. They produced 90,000 copies of stamp.

Even with new pope, Catholic Church’s attitude toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ)+ community will remain the same, no discrimination, official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said.

CBCP Episcopal Commission on Public Affairs executive secretary Fr. Jerome Secillano said that while words used by Pope Francis that showed inclusivity of LGBTQ+ community may be “novel,” Church’s attitude toward them has been the same.

“When we speak of non-discrimination and accepting LGBT community, I think Church has always been open to accommodating them… never a moment Church condemned them,” Secillano said.

According to the Church official, Pope Francis may have just highlighted issue because of words “who am I to judge?”

Francis has been regarded by many as a champion of LGBTQ+ community because of his statements showing acceptance and compassion.

At one time, pontiff was reportedly asked what is the most important thing for LGBTQ+ people to know about God, to which he replied, “God is Father and He does not disown any of His children…and ‘style’ of God is ‘closeness and mercy and tenderness…’ along this path you will find God.”

“Even catechism of the Catholic Church, there was no word that would say that we condemned these people, that we discriminate against these people…again it was highlighted because it was the pope speaking,” Secillano said.

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24 Abril, 2025 Huwebes

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Headline

Fond memories with Hajji ‘Paalam Na’ singer Rachel Alejandro shares

By Cynthia Montojo

“He never got old,” actress singer Rachel Alejandro said on her tribute posted emotional tribute for her dad,,original Pilipino Music (OPM) icon Hajji Alejandro, died of stage 4 Colorectal Cancer last April 21. He was 70. “What happens when brightest star in galaxy dies…my Dad was our sun and we were planets, orbiting around him, basking in his warmth and light…as kids, we tagged along to all his activities, be it shows, rehearsals, basketball games , it didn’t matter what it was,”Rachel said. Rachel recalled their family’s frequent sleepovers at the house of the “King of Comedy” Dolphy who passed away in 2012.

“We would fall asleep at Dolphy’s house if he was there for all-night poker game,there was nowhere else we would rather be than by his side because every minute in his presence was fun, even as adults, we craved his company even as we got married and went about our own lives… I hung on to his every word about politics, financial investments or latest joke he planned on including in his next concert with Hitmakers…he loved to make people laugh as much as he loved to sing and dance,” Rachel said.

She highlighted how responsible Hajji was even if he became dad in his teens, and how professional he had been as performer.

“My Dad was a happy, optimistic man who valued having good, comfortable life, yes, but more importantly, he prioritized providing for his partner, mother and children…and his way of doing that from the time he had me at young age of 19, was through his golden singing voice, which is why regardless of how he was feeling, he never cancelled shows.”

According to Rachel, Hajji was so dedicated to his craft that he even performed at two more events before getting himself rushed to the hospital.

“Even when he was already in considerable pain, he performed in 2 more events before he was admitted into hospital for surgery…for Dad, every show is blessing and performing for you all is our highest calling as singers.”

Rachel shared that her dad stayed in the hospital for two months, but preferred to stay with his family at home during his last days.

“2 months of hospital stays and spending time with him at his home and I was still not prepared as I helplessly watched him breathe his final breath,” she said.

She vowed to continue her dad’s legacy as OPM artist.

“What happens to those star of this magnitude leaves behind… I don’t have answers for that yet as I struggle to grasp living in universe without our Daddwaps…but I intend to make him proud in everything I do, to live by his code of honor and goodness, to perform for you all with everything I’ve got and leave it all on stage every single time,, I will now just be singing and dancing with Dad in my dreams,” Rachel affirmed.

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20 Abril, 2025 Linggo

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Headlines

3 trader kidnap-slay of suspects fall

By J.Lo

“Through meticulous investigation and collaboration, we discovered that this crime has been planned months in advance, starting as early as January this year,” Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said in statement read by PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo.chinese national and two Filipinos implicated in the kidnapping and killing of Filipino-Chinese steel magnate Anson Que and his driver Armanie Pabillo are now under police custody.

Marbil named suspects as Chinese David Tan Liao and two Filipino accomplices, Ricardo David and Raymart Catequista.

Liao, also known as Xiao Chang Jiang, Yang Jianmin and Michael Agad Yung, is reportedly prominent figure within muscle group of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).

He surrendered to PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group and confessed to his participation in the crime.

He was involved in five other kidnapping cases, earliest of which happened in 2022, all related to POGO industry.

David and Catequista, meanwhile, were arrested in Barangay IV in Roxas, Palawan on Friday at around 3 in the morning.

Suspects underwent inquest proceedings before Department of Justice, where they were charged with criminal complaints for two counts of kidnapping for ransom with homicide.

Two other Chinese nationals believed to be principal suspects in the Que and Pabillo killing remain at large and subjects of manhunt operation.

Marbil said suspects had been plotting the kidnap of the businessman for months before it was finally carried out on March 29.

Speaking to reporters at a news briefing, Fajardo said suspects used Chinese woman to lure Que to house in Barangay Langka in Meycauayan City, Bulacan on March 29.

“Ang tinitingnan natin ay makikipagkita siya doon sa babae,” Fajardo said.

Fajardo said meeting was initially planned on March 28 but took place the following day.

One of the suspects, David, drove Que’s Lexus LM350 multi-purpose vehicle and left it along Seminary Road in Barangay Bahay Toro. He was caught in closed-circuit television camera of convenience store buying wet wipes, he would supposedly use to remove their fingerprints.

It was in the house in Meycauayan where Que and Pabillo were held while suspects were demanding ransom of $20 million from Que’s family.

Fajardo said while initial demand was $20 million, they estimate actual payment was around P200 million in cryptocurrency sent in multiple tranches.

PNP is seeking assistance of Anti-Money Laundering Council in following money trail for leads.

Based on their investigation, Fajardo said Que and Pabillo were killed on the evening of April 8 and their remains dumped in Rodriguez, Rizal the following day.

Armed with search warrant, police officers raided house in Meycauayan where they recovered shoes and other personal belongings of Que and Pabillo.

Fajardo said it appears that suspects were intent on killing Que and Pabillo and it was not just for ransom. She did not elaborate as it is a subject of follow-up investigation.

Asked what may have prompted Liao to surrender, Fajardo said: “He fears for his life and he has personal reason which we will later reveal once we have clearance.”

PNP, meanwhile, refuted what it described as false information circulating on social media platforms that several high-profile business personalities had been kidnapped.

Marbil said investigators are tracking down individuals spreading misleading stories.

“Such malicious disinformation will not be tolerated…anyone proven to be spreading fake news will be dealt with accordingly,” he said in statement.

Marbil urged public to be cautious in sharing unverified information as this could cause confusion.

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TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

1 Corinthians 15:55-57

⁵⁵“Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”^[a]

⁵⁶The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. ⁵⁷But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Footnotes

1 Corinthians 15:55 Hosea 13:14

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17 Abril, 2025 Huwebes

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Govt to expand Walang Gutom Program

By J.Lo

“We have partners who are studying amount beneficiaries receive and frequency of availment of food credits,” Department of Social Welfare and Development spokesperson Irene Dumlao said at press briefing in Malacañang.DSWD is looking at increasing current P3,000 monthly food credits provided to beneficiaries of Walang Gutom Program (WGP) as part of agency’s continued efforts to combat hunger and food insecurity in the country.

Dumlao said DSWD is currently assessing implementation of WGP to determine whether amount and frequency of food credit top-ups remain adequate for beneficiary households.

She made the response when asked to comment on rising hunger incidence in the country based on latest Social Weather Stations survey.

SWS poll, released on Sunday, showed estimated 14.4 million or 52 percent of Filipino families rated themselves as poor, while 27.2 percent said they experienced involuntary hunger in the period of three months.

Survey , taken from March 15 to 30, also revealed hunger rose among poor families, from 31.5 percent in December to 35.6 percent in March.

“We recognize that there are varying concepts implemented through questionnaires, or the way questions were asked… Philippine Statistics Authority uses scientific indicators like annual family income and expenditures, while SWS asks for individual perception, for short period usually a quarter,” Dumlao said.

WGP, government’s flagship anti-hunger program, is currently benefiting 300,000 food-poor households across the country, according to Dumlao.

She said DSWD targets to assist 750,000 food-poor families by 2027, anchored on President Marcos’ vision of achieving hunger-free Philippines before his term ends in 2028.

The DSWD spokesperson said the agency is also eyeing expansion of Walang Gutom Kitchen, complements WGP and other anti-hunger initiatives of the government in areas like Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“We are expecting this to be finalized this April ,additional recommendations we will consider to scale up Walang Gutom Kitchen,” she said.

Government is on track in its goal of attaining single-digit poverty incidence by 2028.

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17 Abril, 2025 Huwebes

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CBCP: don’t sell goods on church grounds

By J.Lo

“It’s possible that it escalated to that point because priest had repeatedly asked nicely…some people can really be stubborn…how long should you be expected to stay calm?” Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) reminded vendors not to sell goods within church premises following viral video of heated argument between priest and vendor.

CBCP Commission on Public Affairs Executive Secretary Jerome Secillano said on Monday, April 14, he would give “ benefit of the doubt” to the priest who appeared frustrated with vendor.

In the viral video, the priest repeatedly told vendor to sell their goods “sa labas” or outside after the vendor refused to comply. One could hear the frustration as he raised his voice when telling the vendor to leave church’s compound.

One video included caption “Makadiyos pero parang ‘di na ata makatao ‘yan… .”

It would be unfair to judge someone based solely on short clip, especially one that lacks context, Secillano said.

Asked if investigation should be conducted, Secillano said there’s no need to since it’s only minor incident that was only made worse because it went viral.

“What’s clear here is that priests know how to conduct themselves… not like they would just storm in and confront people right away,” he added. St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Cainta, Rizal where incident occurred issued statement on Sunday, April 13, saying viral video was “incomplete and one-sided.”

Parish expressed regret to those who felt hurt or disturbed by the footage, especially as it circulated on Palm Sunday.

It clarified, however, that before the incident, parish officials “had already made respectful and clear appeal to all vendors to refrain from selling” within church’s private grounds, in deference to its sacredness and parish regulations.

“While we do not condone any act of anger from any party, especially within grounds of our church, we also ask faithful to view the matter with understanding and fairness, considering full context,” the statement read.

Secillano also clarified that there is no ban on selling. Vendors are allowed to sell, “just not within church grounds.”

“Hindi naman naiiba ang simbahan…may mga panununtunan din,” he added. Affected church urged public not to let tension caused by video “overshadow grace of this Holy Week,” emphasizing how Jesus Christ responded with love and mercy even in face of misunderstanding and betrayal.

Church added it is open to continued dialogue and pastoral accompaniment for individuals who are troubled by the video.

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15 Abril, 2025 Martes

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WPS officially appeared in google maps

By J.Lo

“Philippines voiced its concerns on situation in West Philippine Sea, especially with regard to recent incidents posed risks to Philippine vessels and personnel, and actions by other countries infringed on Philippines’ sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction,” Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Marcos administration again voiced concerns over “actions by other countries” have endangered lives at sea and infringed on Philippine sovereignty, as it hosted latest round of negotiations for ASEAN-China Code of Conduct (COC) in South China Sea .

Meeting of Joint Working Group on Implementation of Declaration on Conduct of Parties in South China Sea, is tasked with undertaking COC negotiations, was held in Manila on April 9-11. JWG-DOC is co-chaired by Malaysia and China.

According to DFA, negotiations touched mainly on paragraphs in draft COC, including so-called milestone issues, highlighted commitment of ASEAN and China to conclude substantive and effective COC as soon as possible.

“Meeting was opportunity for Philippines to strongly call for need to adhere to international law, particularly UN Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award,” DFA said.

Philippines also reiterated its commitment to resolve disputes peacefully and to pursue constructive diplomatic approaches to managing differences at sea.

In 2023, foreign ministers of ASEAN and China adopted Guidelines on Accelerating Early Conclusion of Code of Conduct and agreed to work toward concluding COC within three years. Next round of negotiations will be held in Malaysia later in the year.

Philippines slammed China for dismissing developments and incidents in South China Sea as mere “theater” staged under direction of other countries.

Manila rejected Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s claim that Philippine maritime actions were influenced by external forces.

It urged countries involved to be “circumspect” so as to “avoid actions and words that only contribute to tensions in the region.”

As Chinese continue their bullying, West Philippine Sea has officially appeared on Google Maps.

Update on popular web mapping platform now identifies waters off Palawan as West Philippine Sea, distinct from larger South China Sea, located much further from Philippines.

Google has yet to issue statement.

Maps update came months after passage of Republic Act 12064 or Philippine Maritime Zones Act.

The law formally identifies “maritime zones of the Philippines on western side of Philippine archipelago, including Luzon Sea and territorial seas of Bajo de Masinloc and maritime features of Kalayaan Island Group, shall be collectively called West Philippine Sea.”

In 2012, then president Benigno Aquino III issued administrative order renaming waters west of Philippines within its exclusive economic zone as West Philippine Sea.

Directive came following standoff with China in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc.

Philippines in 2016 won historic arbitration ruling invalidated China’s expansive claims in South China Sea. Apple Maps, default web mapping service for iOS devices, has yet to make similar update.

As this developed, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. received US lawmakers at Department of National Defense at Camp Aguinaldo.

US lawmakers were Sen. Pete Ricketts, chairman of Senate foreign relations subcommittee on East Asia, Pacific and international cybersecurity policy, and Rep. Ken Calvert, chairman of House appropriations committee’s defense subcommittee.

“Secretary Teodoro expressed Philippines’ deep appreciation for US consistent support as treaty ally, especially amid growing regional challenges,” DND said in statement.

DFA announced visit last April 2 of Canadian Armed Forces chief of the Defense Staff Gen. Marie Annabelle Jennie Carignan, it said was “aimed to better understand the context and needs of the Philippines in realm of security and defense, as Canada further operationalizes their Indo-Pacific Strategy.”

Carignan paid courtesy call on Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro.

“Fruitful discussion highlights both countries’ commitment to deepen defense and security cooperation, and also reflects intention of both countries to enhance their partnership and cooperation through tangible programs and projects that will not only improve national security, but also reinforce more than 75 years of diplomatic relations between Philippines and Canada,” DFA said.

Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said procurement of additional FA-50 fighter jets is possible and AFP is studying other options for acquisition of more multi-role fighter aircraft.

Asked about ongoing AFP modernization, Brawner said acquisition of 12 more FA-50 lead-in trainer fighter jets is already in the pipeline.

He noted that there is no decision yet on acquiring F-16 fighter jets.

“We are happy that US Congress approved sale of 20 F-16s to us, but there is no final decision on this yet by AFP or by the President,” Brawner told reporters at Camp General Mateo Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal.

He said AFP hopes to expedite acquisition of multi-role fighter (MRF) aircraft for Philippine Air Force.

“But as to the MRFs, we’re still in process of determining which one we can get according to our fiscal space or how we can afford these platforms,” he said.

US State Department earlier approved potential sale of 20 F-16 fighters to Philippines, for some $5.58 billion as Washington backs Manila in pushing back China’s maritime expansion.

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15 Abril, 2025 Martes

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Headlines

Ex-PCSO chief Garma asylum in US hearing is yet to be scheduled

By Nidz Godino

“What I heard is that she is still in detention… in fact, I was able to talk to her last night.. she told me she is still in detention,” former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO)chief retired police Col. Royina Garma lawyer Emerito Quilang told reporters at Department of Justice (DOJ) his client detained in the United States since November last year for carrying canceled visa, is applying for asylum to prevent her return to the Philippines, where she is facing criminal charges for killing of another PCSO official.

Quilang revealed to reporters his client’s situation in US, she has been in detention since Nov. 7 following her arrest by US Customs and Border Protection in San Francisco, California.

Garma is also being linked to extrajudicial killings during administration of president Rodrigo Duterte, awaiting trial in The Hague for crimes against humanity.

“She did not have visa and that is why she was held when she landed there in the US,” he added.

He said there was no case filed against Garma, and denied earlier reports that she was being held for money laundering.

He also clarified that the retired police officer does not have any property in the US. Quilang added that Garma has lawyer in the US to represent her in her bid for asylum.

“We are requesting for asylum… US government is very strict, that is why there is no setting yet of our request for hearing, for request of asylum,” he said.

He maintained he does not know when Garma made request for asylum in the US, but expressed belief it could have been right after her arrival.

“I am not privy to things happening there, her application for asylum…what I know is that asylum was set for initial hearing on April 2 but it was canceled and there is no setting yet of another date,” he added.

He admitted they are clueless about her chances of getting asylum. But her being granted such would mean her release from detention, he pointed out.

If her asylum bid would be rejected, she would “most probably” be sent back to the Philippines, in accordance with extradition treaty with US, or she may opt to return voluntarily.

Quilang was at the DOJ for preliminary investigation on killing of PCSO board secretary Wesley Barayuga on July 30, 2020.

Garma, tagged as one of the masterminds in Barayuga killing, is facing murder and frustrated murder cases filed with DOJ.

Garma and former commissioner Edilberto Leonardo of National Police Commission allegedly ordered killing of Barayuga to stop him from blowing the whistle on corruption in PCSO, where she served as general manager.

Barayuga was ambushed shortly after he left PCSO central office in Mandaluyong City. His driver was injured but survived attack.

Quilang said since Garma is not in the country, her camp would be submitting its counter-affidavit through e-filing.

“Actually, we are ready with counter-affidavit today… but we want to avail of that last day, May 2; we would be putting up our defenses… our defense there is that she does not have any participation” in the Barayuga killing, he added.