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
Quo warranto case vs Guo July
By J.Lo
“We’re just waiting for certified copies of our documentary evidence from official sources,” Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra told reporters quo warranto petition and another case will be filed by the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) this month against suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, suspected Chinese infiltrator.
Quo warranto case is special civil action against person who usurps, intrudes into or unlawfully holds or exercises public office without lawful authority to act.
Exclusive power of the Solicitor General to remove public official unlawfully holding public office as they are unqualified or ineligible.
Petition may be filed before regional trial court, Court of Appeals or Supreme Court, Guevarra said.
Favorable ruling on quo warranto case would strip Guo of her mayoral post and may lead to filing of other cases.
Guevarra did not reveal details of the other petition OSG plans to file.
OSG has “good case” against Guo following National Bureau of Investigation’s discovery that Guo’s fingerprints matched those of Chinese national Guo Hua Ping, he said.
Evidence “will be extremely useful” in the case but must be “tied up with other existing evidence to come up with cohesive picture,” Guevarra said earlier.
Six -month preventive suspension has been ordered by the ombudsman against Guo after finding strong evidence on administrative complaints filed by Department of the Interior and Local Government.
Non-bailable qualified human trafficking complaint has also been filed against Guo before Department of Justice (DOJ) over operation of Zun Yuan Technology Center, Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) raided by authorities last March in Bamban.
Guo, former Technology and Resource Center director general Dennis Cunanan and several others have been placed under immigration lookout bulletin order.
Prosecutors will ask court for precautionary hold departure order, DOJ said earlier.
Meanwhile, former president Rodrigo Duterte did not deny meeting Guo after picture of them together was revealed at Senate hearing.
Duterte allowed entry of POGOs into the country since government needed money.
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
Pope greets Marcos, Filipinos
By J.Lo
Courtesy call of Vatican’s top diplomat at Malacañang is “close consonance” between Philippines and Vatican was highlighted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Roman Catholic Pope Francis sent his greetings, more than nine years after visiting the country.
Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Vatican secretary for relations with states and international organizations, said pope appreciates Filipinos for their amazing work and contribution to the Catholic Church not only in the Philippines but around the world.
Marcos thanked Gallagher for visiting Philippines.
Gallagher is on five-day visit to the Philippines.
During courtesy call, he was accompanied by Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles Brown, Counsellor of the Apostolic Nunciature in Manila Monsignor Giuseppe Trentadue and Secretariat of the State of the Holy See Monsignor Giuseppe Siviero.
Gallagher earlier met with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo.
He is scheduled to visit Malaybalay, Bukidnon to join July 3 plenary session of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.
On July 4, he will celebrate mass with bishops at the Abbey of the Transfiguration and deliver lecture at the Foreign Service Institute of the Department of Foreign Affairs the following day.
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
Ch embassy, PAOCC to collaborate in POGO crackdown
By Nidz Godino
“Main objective is to dismantle criminal syndicates hiding behind POGOs… Philippines will support all these actions,” Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) chief Gilbert Cruz said at Palace meeting Philippines and China have committed to strengthen fight against transnational crimes as Marcos administration sustains its campaign to dismantle illegal offshore gambling hubs in the country.
Commitment was made at meeting between Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian at Malacañang.
In statement Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), chaired by Bersamin, said China appreciates recent actions taken by Philippine law enforcement authorities to counter illegal offshore gambling and to rescue several Chinese nationals.
Cruz told said two countries agreed to help each other and strengthen “intelligence sharing and joint operations” involving Philippine offshore gaming operators or POGOs.
He said Huang vowed China will be “pro-active” in helping Philippines in its fight against illegal POGO operations.
Chinese embassy, PAOCC said, has been actively collaborating and maintaining open communication channels with their Philippine counterparts in operations against illegal POGOs.
“This mutual support demonstrates commitment and determination of both countries to curb transnational organized crime effectively, strengthened cooperation between two countries sends clear message to criminal syndicates operating across borders that their malicious activities will not be tolerated nor allowed to undermine security and stability of these nations,” PAOCC said.
Through their cooperation, two countries also pave way for exchange of expertise, intelligence sharing and collaborations, enabling authorities on both sides to effectively disrupt and dismantle criminal networks, this renewed commitment signifies proactive steps taken by both countries to protect their people and maintain law and order…with confident and determined approach, both countries are well-positioned to overcome any challenges and ensure justice prevails over criminal activities,,PAOCC said.
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Chinese embassy in Manila earlier urged Philippine government to ban POGOs.
“Ample evidence shows POGO breeds serious crimes such as kidnapping for ransom, human trafficking and murder… POGO is detrimental to both Philippine and Chinese interests and images, as well as China-Philippines relations,” embassy said last month.
“China Ambassador Huang formalized partnership between Philippines and China against transnational crimes in the Philippines…. China appreciated recent action of Philippine authorities to fight POGO…he thanked PAOCC for fighting POGOs’ spread in the country… result of meeting yielded very positive result…we had talk with Chinese embassy with executive secretary Bersamin and Philippine government and China agreed to unite its efforts to enhance law enforcement to combat transnational and organized crimes,” Cruz said.
He said Huang expressed strong concern over serious crimes being committed by illegal POGO hub operators in the country against foreign nationals such as Chinese, Taiwanese, Singaporeans and others during his meeting with PAOCC.
Although there was no direct reiteration of request for banning of POGO operations in the country from Huang, Cruz said Bersamin knows China is asking Philippine government to ban operation of POGOs in the country.
POGO hubs are “untouchable place” for torture, torture-for-ransom, human trafficking, kidnapping, scamming activities and other forms of criminalities of Chinese nationals, Cruz said.
“What they are doing is this…if you have debts to illegal POGO and you are fed and you are no longer paying, you will be tortured on video… video footages will be sent to your relatives, families, so that they can collect payment from them,” Cruz said.
Cruz added POGO workers are also tortured if they failed to reach their “quotas” of earnings for the day.
Charges have been filed against two Chinese nationals in connection with raided POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga.
Prosecutor Darwin Cañete of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, PAOCC filed on July 2 charges of violation of Anti-Human Trafficking Act, robbery with violence against or intimidation of persons, serious physical injuries and kidnapping and serious illegal detention against respondents.
Named respondents were Qi Ren Gou, 37, and Jiang Shi Guang, 41, who are currently detained at PAOCC temporary detention facility in Pasay City.
Complaints were filed with Department of Justice.
“They put workers here from abroad to work in these POGO hubs by force and intimidation through whatever leverage or form of pressure, forcing them to do that,” Cañete told reporters.
He, however, did not disclose names of complainants, but said they were Chinese nationals.
“We are mindful of the fact that accused or persons associated with them may seek to either reach out to them through death threats or to relatives in China since complainants are Chinese nationals,” he said.
According to Cañete, one of the victims was restrained in bed and was detained for several days. He was also “subjected to inhumane treatment.”
The 10-hectare Lucky South 99 Corp. compound was earlier raided and authorities found illegal drugs and various instruments of torture, including baseball bats and metal sticks.
Four foreigners , three men and a woman were among 160 foreigners rounded up in POGO hub said they were victims of torture.
Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) was prodding Smart Communications to explain presence of Smart SIM,subscriber identity module cards – apparently used in illegal activities despite being unregistered in raid on Porac POGO hub last month.
CICC executive director Alexander Ramos said wireless telco service provider has been told to submit official report on status of its compliance to Republic Act No. 11934 or SIM Card Registration Law.
Ramos said CICC was seriously looking into proliferation of unregistered SIM cards that are being used in text scams and in various forms of cybercrimes.
“We have been receiving litany of complaints from public that they continue to receive unwanted text messages either offering them loans, online gambling, cryptocurrency investments and job offers from unknown persons identified with Smart issued numbers, time for government to get tough on these telcos,” Ramos underscored.
Law enforcement authorities who clamped down on organized crime, including POGOs, recently seized thousands of SIM cards with various faked identities and unregistered SIM cards used for fraud.
For its part, PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications was intensifying fight against scammers, clamping down on those that use fraudulently registered SIMs to commit crimes.
From January to May of this year, Smart has blacklisted more than 615,788 mobile numbers tied to illicit and fraudulent activities, including spamming and smishing scams. This number includes all fraudulently registered SIMs, purged through Smart’s strict validation process of all SIM registrations.
Suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, or Guo Hua Ping, should cooperate with authorities and reveal crucial information about activities and key players of POGOs, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said.
“Guo can play crucial role in exposing truth and ensuring those involved are held accountable, I urge Alice Guo to come forward and cooperate with authorities and expose main players of illegal and criminal offshore gaming operations, to reduce her culpability, she can reveal everything she knows about operations of both Bamban POGO and Porac POGO, as the two are interconnected, ” said Gatchalian.
Guo, along with others, has been charged with non-bailable qualified human trafficking by PAOCC.
Office of the Solicitor General is looking at filing quo warranto case while Commission on Elections is mulling election offense case.
At the House of Representatives, Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez vowed to thoroughly probe alleged anomalies within POGOs, where former and current government officials may have been involved.
“Government does not need this form of gambling as revenue source…they breed criminal activities like human trafficking, kidnapping, protection and extortion… social cost outweighs financial benefit,” Rodriguez emphasized.
Rodriguez also called on House committees on games and amusements and good government and public accountability to conduct joint inquiry and look into alleged lobbying and protection for POGOs by officials, appointed and elected.
He was reacting to revelation of PAGCOR chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco that former Cabinet member had lobbied for grant of franchises to illegal POGOs authorities recently raided in Bamban, Tarlac and in Porac, Pampanga.
“We are also ready to reveal roles of other controversial individuals behind these criminal POGO enterprises,” Tengco said. He also referred to role of former officials and conduits in granting licenses to POGO applicants with doubtful backgrounds.
Rodriguez said his proposed House inquiry would provide Tengco proper forum to make his revelations and support them with evidence.
“It is not enough PAGCOR officials name names… should provide proof leading to criminal prosecution,if they caved in to pressure, they are equally guilty and accountable, ” Rodriguez said.
Should POGOs be totally banned, Chinese businessmen could be invited to invest in other legitimate businesses in the country instead, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said.
“They can also invest in infrastructure. ..we have PPP ,Private Public Partnership…in fact, they were invited in Manila Bay reclamation projec, my point is we should not legalize something that is illegal in their country…like we are giving them haven for their illegal activities, ” Barbers said.
Barbers said Chinese businessmen should, instead, be encouraged to invest in other businesses that provides jobs and revenues without compromising Filipinos’ welfare.
If Chinese investors really want Philippines, he underscored, they could venture into legitimate investments “with help of local partner.”
“Sonny has agreed to take on brief of Department of Education (DepEd),” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.said during 17th Cabinet meeting at Malacañang Sen. Sonny Angara will be the new education secretary.
Angara has accepted position to be vacated by Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio by July 19, according to Marcos.
Angara was not present at the Cabinet meeting.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) has not yet provided details on Angara’s oath-taking.
In his announcement, Marcos emphasized important role of DepEd and need for leader capable of overseeing its extensive operations.
“DepEd is arguably most important department, given crucial role of education,” the President said.
He stressed choosing the next education secretary was “challenging.”
“We have many excellent candidates,” the Chief Executive said.
Marcos has approved July 29 opening of classes for public elementary and high school this coming school year.
Duterte resigned on June 19 as education secretary and co-vice chair of National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.
Angara has championed significant educational reforms since joining Senate in 2013.
“With Master of Laws from Harvard University, Bachelor of Laws from University of the Philippines and Bachelor of Science in Economics from London School of Economics, his background positions him well to lead DepEd,” PCO said in statement.
Angara was one of the authors of Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 (K-12) and Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act.
The new DepEd chief received endorsements of key educational organizations, including Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations and Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities, according to PCO.
Angara is the son of the late senator Edgardo Angara, who had served as Senate president and University of the Philippines president.
In statement sent to reporters, Angara thanked Marcos for “opportunity” and vowed to work closely with all sectors, including his predecessor, “to create brighter future for our nation through education.”
“I am deeply honored and grateful to President Marcos for the trust he has placed in me by appointing me as secretary of Department of Education, This significant responsibility is one I accept with humility and profound sense of duty, I am committed to working with all sectors of society, including my predecessor, Vice President Sara Duterte, to ensure that every Filipino child has access to quality education… I look forward to building upon her accomplishments,” Angara said.
For Angara, whose Senate term ends next year, education is cornerstone of the nation’s future, and through collective effort, country can address challenges faced by education sector and seize opportunities ahead.
“I am eager to collaborate with President Marcos and entire administration in serving our students, supporting our teachers and enhancing overall quality of education in our country,” he said.
DepEd welcomed Angara as its new secretary, saying it looks forward to working with outgoing lawmaker on improving the quality of basic education in the country.
“DepEd community looks forward to working with the new leadership as we continue our relentless pursuit towards improving the quality of Basic Education in the country,” DepEd said in statement few hours after Malacañang announced Angara’s appointment.
Duterte’s office has yet to issue any statement regarding Angara’s appointment, although the Vice President earlier told reporters that she did not recommend anyone to Marcos for the post.
Angara’s fellow senators hailed his appointment as the new education secretary, with those from “Solid 7” bloc describing it as “well-deserved.”
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, Angara’s colleague at Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), vouched for “integrity, long experience in government service, and ability to think outside box” of his seatmate at the session hall.
“As lifelong education champion, former chairperson of Senate committee on finance and commissioner of EDCOM 2, he will bring to the department expertise and leadership needed to usher in needed reforms and foster innovation in basic education sector,” Gatchalian said.
He stressed he is excited to work with new Education Secretary Angara at EDCOM 2, which Gatchalian co-chairs and Angara served as commissioner.
Former Senate president Juan Miguel Zubiri is proud to have fellow member of his “Solid 7” clique to join Cabinet of President Marcos.
“He is one of our most accomplished legislators and public servants, and I believe that he is more than qualified to head our most important agency, with biggest share in national budget no less, Sen. Sonny brings to DepEd his brilliant fiscal mind, being former chair of Senate finance panel, and his heart for our youth, being part of EDCOM 2, Angara will bring to the department lessons of his late father, “himself passionate advocate of delivering quality education to every Filipino,” Zubiri said.
Sen. Nancy Binay said such proud moment for member of their “Solid 7” group to be appointed in important department.
“Education is the great equalizer… Angara is the best person who knows solutions to the problems of education sector, future will be bright and ‘Sonny’ for the DepEd with an Angara at the helm,” Sen. Joel Villanueva, another “Solid 7,” Binay said at press briefing.
Members of majority bloc also congratulated Angara.
Senate President Francis Escudero has “full confidence in Angara’s ability to lead DepEd with excellence and integrity… with his background in both Philippine and international education systems equipping him with necessary perspective and expertise to elevate our educational standards.”
“The President made right decision in choosing him for the job, given Sen. Angara’s extensive experience and steadfast advocacy for educational reforms significantly improved our educational system, his appointment ensures our educational system is in capable hands and reassures us of future where education remains top priority for our nation’s development,” Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said.
Senate majority leader Francis Tolentino said while Angara is “qualified” choice, Senate “will lose another legal mind as consequence.”
In her post on X (formerly Twitter), Sen. Loren Legarda congratulated him, saying “@sonnyangara, the new @DepEd_PH Secretary!”
“With strong educational background and with significant contributions as Commissioner of Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), his leadership promises bright future for Philippine education,” Legarda said.
Legarda noted that Angara’s efforts have expanded access to education and created countless opportunities for Filipino students.
Officials and members of House of Representatives, led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, commended Marcos’ appointment of Angara as next education secretary.
“We are pleased to welcome appointment of Sen. Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara as incoming secretary of Department of Education. Sen. Angara’s extensive experience, unwavering dedication and exemplary public service make him outstanding choice for this crucial role, throughout his career, Sen. Angara has demonstrated profound commitment to enhancing our educational system and championing our students’ and teachers’ rights and welfare…his impressive background and notable legislative work and education policy achievements equip him with expertise needed to lead DepEd with excellence,” Romualdez said.
Expressing House’s full support for Angara “in this new chapter,” Romualdez said they are eager to collaborate with the new DepEd chief “to realize our vision of ensuring every Filipino child has access to quality education.”
Congressmen also crossed party lines in hailing Angara , former representative from province of Aurora as latest addition to Cabinet, who they said is very much qualified to take the job, being lawyer himself with very impressive credentials.
Reps. Joel Chua of Manila, Ron Salo (Kabayan party-list), Kristine Alexie Besas Tutor (Bohol) and even opposition Reps. France Castro of ACT Teachers party-list and Arlene Brosas of women’s group Gabriela extended their congratulatory messages.
“Angara is quite good choice and matches with DepEd. Secretary Angara’s track record and reputation bode well for DepEd because department now has credible, competent and qualified leader,” Chua, fellow lawyer, said.
Salo, another fellow lawyer, cited Angara’s “exemplary track record in championing educational reforms as legislator such as Free College Education law, Universal Kindergarten law, and K-12 law make him exceptionally well-suited for vital role.”
“With Sen. Angara at the helm, I am confident DepEd will continue to develop robust educational system that will improve quality of learning of our students, as well as support welfare of teachers and all educational personnel alike,” Salo said.
Tutor also took the opportunity to ask the newly appointed Cabinet member to “remove non-teaching burdens of teachers.”
“Angara can swiftly remove burdens of teachers by letting DOH ,Department of Health, DSWD,Department of Social Welfare and Development, and barangay health centers carry greater burdens on school health and nutrition,” she said.
Castro, who is also House deputy minority leader and teacher by profession, welcomed Angara’s appointment, but issued challenge to him right away.
“We are challenging him to immediately address pressing issues in the country’s education sector…while it is good that new DepEd secretary has been named, we challenge Sen. Sonny Angara to hit ground running and immediately address education crisis in our country as well as long-standing demands of teachers and education support personnel,” Castro said.
Brosas urged outgoing senator to “address education crisis, reconsider DepEd’s stance on mandatory Reserve Officer Training Corps and K-12 program, which added two more years in high school education, making it total of six years.
Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez welcomed Angara’s appointment as new DepEd secretary.
“We need someone who intimately knows ins and outs of our education system, and understands it from finance and management perspective…in this regard, Sen. Angara is the right man for the job,” Benitez, who is also the commissioner of EDCOM 2, said.
Three Negros Occidental lawmakers, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, local lawmakers and officials earlier endorsed him for the position, citing his extensive background and competency in the field of education.
Makati Business Club (MBC) is looking forward to working with Angara following his appointment as new DepEd chief.
“MBC looks forward to working with Sen. Angara and wishes him all the best in this critical role, to ensure elementary and high school principals and teachers are equipped with literacy, technical and character skills needed to prepare Filipino children and youth to meet challenges of the future,” MBC said in statement.
Special election to replace Angara is highly unlikely, according to Commission on Elections (Comelec).
“In my opinion, because time is so short, term of sitting 12 senators is only one year over, maybe, Senate will not call for special election and will just wait for 2025 elections,” Comelec Chairman George Garcia said.
“Unless there is call from Senate to call for special election, Senate seat will remain vacant,” Garcia pointed out.
He noted it would require around P13 billion to hold special election for senatorial seat because it is on national level and would also include Filipinos overseas.
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
5 ex-DOTC officials to serve 10 years for graft
By J.Lo
Sandiganbayan Fourth Division found five former transportation officials guilty of graft and sentenced to up to 10 years in prison over anomalous purchase of cell phones worth almost P6 million in 2005.
In 173-page decision, Sandiganbayan Fourth Division found then Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) directors Elmer Soneja, Venancio Santidad, Ildefonso Patdu Jr., Rebecca Cacatian and legal officer Geronimo Quintos guilty of violating Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Businessman Domingo Samuel Jonathan Ng of West Island Beverages Distributor was also convicted.
Anti-graft court sentenced them to maximum of 10 years in prison and perpetually disqualified them from public office.
Former Iloilo representative Judy Syjuco entered into plea bargain and pleaded guilty to defrauding public treasury.
Syjuco deposited P5.9 million to Sandiganbayan and paid fine of P16,000. Her bail was returned and the hold departure order against her was lifted.
Former DOTC official Purificacion Desiderio Jr. and former storekeeper Antonio Cruz were acquitted. Warrant has been issued for arrest of former DOTC assistant secretary Domingo Reyes.
Ombudsman filed cases against former transport officials over ghost purchase and delivery of 1,582 units of Nokia 1100, amounting to about P5.9 million, in December 2004.
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
7 probe for selling gov’t posts, promo
By J.Lo
“He claimed he has specific instructions from the First Lady to clean up bureaucracy…he presented himself as ‘janitor’ in the government,” National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) chief Jaime Santiago told reporters man allegedly posing as an official in administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and six others allegedly involved in the sale of government posts and promotions were arrested in Quezon City.
Santiago said group’s alleged leader, John Vicente Cruz, is reportedly name-dropping First Lady Liza Marcos in supposed crackdown on government officials appointed during presidency of Rodrigo Duterte.
Cruz’s alleged cohorts were Paulo Cruz, Kim Joseph Hernand, Jayson Marquina, Dante Rabano Jr., Darwin Dave Caigan and Noriel Reynoso.
Santiago said Cruz posed as assistant secretary of Presidential Management Staff in the Office of the President. His accomplices wore uniforms of Presidential Security Group.
Cruz would offer government positions to be vacated by Duterte’s appointees in exchange for P500,000 to P1 million, NBI said.
According to Santiago, Cruz had demanded P500,000 from applicants for position of Collector VI at Bureau of Customs. In return, he would receive “payola” under so-called “tara” system in BOC.
Ferdinand Lavin, heads NBI’s Ilocos field unit, said operation against Cruz and his cohorts started in La Union.
Cruz and Marquina, who were wearing jackets bearing insignia of Office of the President, welcomed NBI agents who posed as applicants.
After they accepted P100,000 in marked money, NBI operatives placed suspects under arrest.
Malacañang said Cruz is not assistant secretary and not authorized to conduct any activity in behalf of the government.
NBI records showed that Cruz has 20 criminal and derogatory records in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao and Laguna.
“He has been doing this for more than 20 years,” Lavin said.
Suspects face complaints for estafa, usurpation of authority, using fictitious name and concealing true name, illegal use of uniforms or insignia, violating Commonwealth Act 142 and Executive Order 141, prohibits forgery and unauthorized use of seal of the president of the Philippines.
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
Duterte to VP Sara: forget presidency
By Nidz Godino
“They worry about Inday Sara, don’t seek presidency… if you are hearing this, avoid it…give it to ambitious ones, instead,” former president Rodrigo Duterte said during press conference in Tacloban City forget any plan for presidency in the 2028 elections.
And even if Sara ignores his call and eventually becomes president, it would still not guarantee that the country would be better, he said.
The former president also rejected Sara’s earlier pronouncement that he, along with his sons Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte and First District Rep. Paolo Duterte, would all run for Senate in 2025 elections.
Duterte said people should not believe everything his daughter says, as sometimes she has tendency to make jokes.
“Do you believe her…my God…she’ll take you for a ride if you are not asking correct questions,” he said.
To prove his point, Duterte cited his age, diminished popularity and lack of funds.
“I won’t go back to politics… I am done… I am no longer popular… I do not have funds, I have nothing…what is left is my cockiness yabang na lang, besides, where could you find father and his two sons running together for Senate…what will we do in the Senate,” Duterte said.
The former president also clarified that group Hakbang ng Maisug is not calling for ouster or resignation of President Marcos, pointing out that every administration has its own mistakes and that Maisug is just there to call out mistakes of Marcos administration. Duterte want Marcos not lose any sleep…” I want him to work for six years…he was voted by people to work for six years…you do your work there…do not worry, nobody is interested in removing you…it is waste of time, “I am praying that he should live till the end of his term,” Duterte said.
Hakbang ng Maisug group has been going around the country, holding prayer rallies to protest against people’s initiative signature campaign for Charter change.and even if he is face of the group,” Duterte said. Duterte denied being behind movement.
“Maisug is not me, and I am not Maisug…there are other people behind it, businessmen… I cannot say anything, but I hope whenever there is rally, it should be peaceful,” Duterte said
On the recent tirades of former senator Leila de Lima, Duterte said “she should be at peace with her life now.”
“Even if she submits herself to crucifixion, whatever she would do now, she still shamed entire generation after her…they will bear her name but the shame will be there, find your peace where you are now…don’t look for trouble, you will only regret it…why would you get back at me… I don’t do rock and roll,” Duterte said in apparent reference to video showing De Lima dancing in rock concert of convicted drug lord inside Bilibid prison.
Duterte also warned International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged impending service of warrant of arrest against him.
“I don’t give a damn whether they come in…for me, they have no jurisdiction… Philippines already left ICC…we are not part of ICC…if they would insist that there is case there that would warrant my arrest, I will wait for them,” he said.
The former chief executive added he does not want any official of Philippine National Police or National Bureau of Investigation to serve warrant.
“I want ICC representative to bring me that paper because the moment that person gives it to me, I will let you eat that paper or I will deliver you to hell,” Duterte said.
“We have increased our maritime domain awareness by regularly conducting maritime patrol missions and monitoring over 400 unknown tracks within Philippine air defense identification zone,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in speech at the 77th anniversary celebration of Philippine Air Force (PAF) in Pampanga more than 400 “unknown tracks” within Philippines’ air defense identification zone have been detected, crediting country’s enhanced maritime domain awareness for their detection.
Marcos did not elaborate on “unknown tracks,” although he pointed out that assets such as additional aircraft and advanced radar systems have improved country’s operational readiness as well as its operational reach.
Speaking during PAF anniversary, Marcos administration has been supporting efforts to boost military’s capabilities like acquiring additional air assets, enhancing cyber warfare communication systems and pursuing base development programs.
“Over the past year, we have made significant steps that complement and boost this administration’s vision for stronger, more capable Air Force, indeed, these assets contribute to agile Air Force capable of protecting our nation, our people and our resources; and dedicated to ensuring that we are ready to face challenges with advanced precision, speed and force,” FMJ said.
Marcos stressed stronger Air Force and armed forces would serve as “instrument for peace and for unity, catalyst for nation-building and vanguard of stability.”
He stressed that vigorous internal security operations resulted in surrender and neutralization of over 250 members of local insurgency groups.
“We have also heightened our international defense and security engagements by sustaining our talks with our foreign military counterparts and participating in multiple bilateral and multilateral military exercises, testament to our stern resolve to contribute to global peace and security,” Marcos said
Marcos also said Air Force personnel have been “exemplary” in their undertakings, especially in providing assistance to the needy and in conducting humanitarian and disaster response operations.
He thanked PAF for “gallantly embodying Filipinos’ enduring spirit of freedom.”
“As your commander-in-chief, I assure you of this administration’s support in prioritizing your welfare, ensuring that you are well attended to in terms of overall health and wellness so you may perform your duties effectively and safely ,let it be known that your unparalleled dedication and noble duty to our nation are hereby recognized,” commander-in-chief said.
During event, took place at the Basa Air Base, Marcos witnessed live capability demonstration of PAF’s territorial defense capabilities.
He also led awarding of PAF personnel who displayed outstanding performance. He was given brass eagle sculpture memento towards end of celebration.
Air Force was established on July 1, 1947 through Executive Order No. 94.
Speaker Martin Romualdez, who was with the President at the event, assured military leaders of support for AFP Modernization plan.
“We are committed to providing necessary legislative support to ensure modernization programs and welfare initiatives for our AFP are fully funded and effectively implemented,” he said in speech.
He said House stands firmly behind President’s vision for armed forces.
“We will continue to work on policies that enhance our defense capabilities, improve conditions of service for our soldiers and ensure Philippines remains safe and secure,” he said, assuring AFP that its programs are fully funded in the annual national budget.
Romualdez stressed that Marcos administration “has been steadfast in its commitment to enhancing our country’s defense capabilities.”
“We recognize that in this ever-evolving world, our security apparatus must be dynamic, robust and forward-looking…the administration has thus embarked on comprehensive modernization program aimed at upgrading our defense systems and ensuring that our armed forces are equipped with latest technology and resources necessary to meet challenges of modern battlefield,” he pointed out.
He pointed out that such commitment is supported by substantial budget allocations for advanced aircraft, cutting-edge radar systems and state-of-the-art equipment.
“Advancements are not merely for show; they are essential tools that enable our air force to execute its mandate with greater efficiency and effectiveness…they are testament to our unwavering resolve to safeguard our nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Romualdez said.
He also said the President and Congress are also looking after welfare of members of armed forces.
“Recognizing immense sacrifices you make, the administration has implemented various programs aimed at improving your living conditions, providing comprehensive health care and ensuring that your families are well supported…these measures are in place to ensure that you can perform your duties with peace of mind, knowing that your loved ones are taken care of,” Romualdez said.
The House leader thanked Air Force personnel for their “dedication, bravery and unwavering commitment to duty that are pillars upon which our nation’s security stands.”
The Speaker also acknowledged PAF’s participation in humanitarian and disaster response operations.
“Your swift and efficient actions during calamities have saved countless lives and provided critical support to communities in distress…efforts highlight not only your versatility but also your deep commitment to serving Filipino people in their times of greatest need, rest assured, administration and Filipino people stand firmly behind you, ready to support and uplift you as you continue to protect and serve our country” Romualdez also said.
Meanwhile, Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) has urged government to exert greater effort to protect Filipino fishermen in West Philippine Sea (WPS) against Chinese aggression.
In statement dated June 30, IBP said Filipino fishermen have “legal right” to ply their trade within 200-mile Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and that government is “duty-bound to provide protection” to them.
“IBP stands with Filipino fishermen who are only exercising their right to livelihood inside our own EEZ… IBP also supports legitimate stand of Philippine government in asserting our country’s lawful and sovereign rights over Philippine EEZ in the WPS,” it said.
IBP noted both Philippines and China are signatories to United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) which in 1982 granted coastal states sovereign rights over their EEZ, extending up to 200 nautical miles from their baselines, which includes WPS.
The 2016 ruling of Permanent Court of Arbitration based in The Hague invalidated China’s nine-dash line claim and reaffrmed Philippines’ maritime entitlements. –
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Guo faces human trafficking charge
By J.Lo
“Among other evidence is her name appearing in several documents in POGO compound,” Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) chairperson and Justice Undersecretary Nicky Ty said government’s anti-crime body and police filed criminal complaint against suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo before Department of Justice in connection to raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in her municipality.
Complaint charges Guo and others with non-bailable offense of qualified human trafficking. This was filed by Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission and the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection group.
In press briefing, Ty said multiple pieces of evidence have come out justifying case, such as her application of letter of no objection from the local government and her involvement with the lesser company.
Ty stressed that they have also started to process immigration lookout bulletin order against Guo, which does not prevent her from leaving but directs Bureau of Immigration to be on lookout for them.
Those facing complaint include former Technology and Resource Center director general Dennis Cunanan and 12 other Chinese nationals who held positions at Zun Yuan Technology Inc., Hongsheng Gaming Technology Inc. and Baofu Corporation, according to press briefer provided to reporters.
Benjamin Samson, IACAT prosecutor, said they have found enough evidence that shows three companies are part of “grand conspiracy” to commit labor trafficking.
“In one of the corporations, we found document wherein name of Mr. Dennis Cunanan appeared…after piecing together pieces of evidence, we concluded and we decided that he is part of grand conspiracy to commit labor trafficking,” he added.
On June 3, Guo was placed on preventive suspension by Office of the Ombudsman for up to six months in connection to graft charges filed against her by Department of Interior and Local Government.
This administrative case against Guo stems from allegation that she had allowed illegal POGOs to operate in her municipality. DILG questioned in its complaint whether Guo had truly divested from real estate firm Baofu, which houses illegal POGO hub in Bamban.
On June 18, Guo’s camp wrote to Malacañang denying all allegations against her related to human trafficking, kidnapping and money laundering.
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