Nation - Arkipelago News

Senator Hontiveros hails joint patrols in West Philippine Sea as a stand against China’s aggression

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Risa Hontiveros has expressed strong support for the recent joint patrols conducted by combined armed and defense forces in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), describing them as a firm stance against China's increasing provocations in the region. "The joint patrols are a clear display of our resistance to China’s bullying," Hontiveros stated. She further emphasized the significance of the exercises as a symbol of the global commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea. "These exercises demonstrate the commitment of the international community to uphold the rules-based order in the entire South China Sea. It shows that we who believe in the rule of law will not tolerate any form of violence, threat, or intimidation," she explained. The senator also expressed her belief that the joint efforts would compel China to reconsider its actions. She called on China to respect international treaties and agreements, particularly those pertaining to maritime law. "It's time for the Chinese government to uphold and honor its commitments to the international framework established by the UNCLOS and the BBNJ Agreement," she said. In her closing statement, Hontiveros stressed that China alone is responsible for the rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea, not the Philippines, and therefore, it is China that must cease its aggressive actions. The joint patrols are part of ongoing efforts by the Philippines and its allies to secure the region and uphold maritime sovereignty amid increasing Chinese activities in disputed waters. 📷 Sen. Risa Hontiveros FB 3 days ago

Disbarment case filed against Harry Roque

MANILA – A disbarment case was filed at the Supreme Court on Tuesday against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque. Lawyer Melvin Matibag, a former acting Cabinet Secretary under the Duterte administration, filed the complaint. Matibag claimed he took this action due to Roque's social media posts and to provide the high court an opportunity to establish clear guidelines for attorneys' use of social media. “He is a friend. I cannot give you a copy of the complaint under the rules, but hopefully, this will provide an opportunity for the court to give guidelines on how officers of the court can use social media,” Matibag said in an ambush interview. According to Matibag, Roque shared a deepfake video that went viral in July, purportedly showing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. using drugs. However, authorities confirmed that Marcos was not the individual in the widely circulated deepfake video. “It’s been established that that’s fake news, fake evidence, so tignan natin (let's see) how the Supreme Court will appreciate it as a lawyer being the one who posted it,” Matibag said. During the Duterte administration, Matibag served as the head of the National Transmission Corporation (TransCo) and was designated in 2022 as the acting secretary of the Cabinet. Desperate Act of Attention – Roque In a Facebook post, the former presidential spokesperson referred to the allegation as a "desperate act of attention." "The disbarment case filed against me for my social media post … is a desperate act of attention," Roque said in a statement. “We have to understand that the posting of the video on social media is protected by free speech under the privileged doctrine. It involves a serious disease of a President that deserves an admission or denial. PBBM has not done either,” Roque stressed. He also claimed that the footage was a matter of national security. Roque explained that disbarment complaints should not be made public. Additionally, Roque stated that the video was the reason the House of Representatives' Quad Committee singled him out. The House found Roque in contempt and ordered his imprisonment after he refused to produce paperwork that allegedly justified his growing fortune. Experts discovered manipulation in a film falsely claiming President Marcos was using illegal substances, which proved his innocence, according to Malacañang. “Findings from experts on digital media and artificial intelligence (AI) have further debunked the authenticity of a video that circulated last July,” the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said. 📷 1 week ago

Senator questions Tony Yang over photo with former PNP chief Acorda

MANILA, Philippines – Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros questioned Tony Yang on Tuesday regarding a photo of him alongside former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Benjamin Acorda Jr. Tony Yang is the elder brother of Michael Yang, the former presidential economic adviser to Rodrigo Duterte. During the Senate's ongoing inquiry into illegal POGO hubs, photos were presented showing Tony Yang with three men. Yang explained that one of the men in the photo is Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., who served as PNP chief from April 2023 to March 2024. “Pwede nyo bang ipaliwanag ang litratong ito. Meeting po ba yan? Sino ang mga kasama at ano ang pinag-usapan nyo?” Hontiveros asked. "This photo is not actually a meeting. It's just us visiting the head of police in Cagayan during that time who is seated in the center… So my English is not very fluent but I call him Acola or Acoda," Yang said in Chinese. Hontiveros later questioned whether Yang had known Acorda for a long time, showing another older photo of them together. Sen. Jinggoy Estrada suggested that the second photo was taken when Acorda was still the regional police director of Cagayan province. “Matagal na po ba kayong magkakilala?” Hontiveros asked. “Yes, when he was still in Cagayan as the director, we knew each other,” Yang replied. POGOs Link to Pharmally Hontiveros also revealed that Tony Yang heads a company providing services for a POGO hub connected to a Pharmally executive. Yang denied the accusation. “Right now I don’t have any business related to Pogo,” Yang stated. “I’m not really sure of the name of the company, perhaps during that time, they needed a business permit,” Yang added in response to allegations that he was the president of Oro One Corporation, the purported service provider of a POGO hub called “Xionwei.” Hontiveros claimed that Xionwei is the reverted name of Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation’s Lin Weixion, also known as Alan Lim, who was involved in a scandal regarding COVID-19 supplies procured during the Duterte administration. Pharmally was previously investigated by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee for its alleged irregular business dealings with the government. "Why are you posing as a Filipino?" Hontiveros also presented Tony Yang’s Philippine birth certificate to the Senate panel, which she chairs. “This is your birth certificate here in the Philippines — also [acquired through] late registration. This was registered in 2004. So just 15 or 16 years after you arrived here. That means you were already 34 years old when your birth certificate was registered. You recognize this?” Hontiveros asked, partly in Filipino. “I actually cannot understand English. What I remember is that when I was here, when I was two to three years old, [it was] my grandfather who helped me come up with this birth certificate,” Yang explained through a translator. Hontiveros expressed suspicion that Yang’s birth certificate may be forged, similar to anomalies discovered on the birth certificates of Cassandra Ong and former Bamban mayor Alice Guo. “We will ask the Philippine Statistics Authority to investigate if, like theirs, your Philippine birth certificate is also irregular – because it appears the birth certificate is fake. Mr. Yang, as you said, you are a Chinese national. You have no Philippine passport, why are you posing as a Filipino?” Hontiveros questioned. Yang, however, said he was unaware of the specifics and claimed that his grandfather had processed the document so he could establish a business in the Philippines. 📷 Sen. Risa Hontiveros 1 week ago

Marcos signs law protecting the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers

MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers on Monday, September 23. The new law aims to protect the rights and welfare of both domestic and overseas Filipino seafarers while promoting their full employment. Marcos emphasized that the enactment of Republic Act (RA) 12021 demonstrates the government's recognition of the sacrifices and contributions made by seafarers to the nation. This legislation establishes a framework to bolster their rights and welfare in both domestic and international shipping. It also aims to enhance education, training, and cadetship initiatives to better prepare mariners with vital skills. The president expressed gratitude to lawmakers for strengthening seafarers' rights and addressing their challenges. Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero welcomed the enactment of the Magna Carta, emphasizing that the law will safeguard the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers. He personally witnessed the signing in Malacañang, accompanied by Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, Senators Imee Marcos, Raffy Tulfo, Win Gatchalian, Mark Villar, and Cynthia Villar. "Tulad ng mga karaniwang empleyado ng isang kumpanya, nararapat din na malinaw at mahigpit na ipapatupad ang mga karapatan ng bawat isang manlalayag, kapitan man sila o deck hand. Kung tutuusin ay mas mabigat pa ang mga suliranin ng ating mga manlalayag at karaniwan ay nasa peligro ang kanilang mga buhay. Kaya napaka-importante ng batas na ito para masiguro na meron silang sapat na proteksyon," Escudero said. 📷 Senate of the Philippines 1 week ago

Alice Guo tests negative for tuberculosis

MANILA -- The saliva test of former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo for tuberculosis came back negative. This means Guo does not need to isolate and can remain in the detention cell with 43 other inmates at the Pasig City Jail's female dormitory. Guo was initially suspected of having a lung infection based on her September 23 medical examination, according to Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo. The possible lung infection, Fajardo explained, was discovered during medical and physical exams conducted by the PNP General Hospital and its forensic group before Guo's transfer from the PNP Custodial Facility to the Pasig City Jail on Monday. 📷 House of Representatives of the Philippines FB 1 week ago

MORE STORIES

Alice Guo now in Pasig City Jail

1 week ago

Narco-list “weaponized” to target political rivals — former Mayor Mabilog

MANILA - Former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog stated on Thursday that former President Rodrigo R. Duterte's controversial drug list was utilized to attack his political opponents. During the House quad committee's investigation into extrajudicial executions, illegal narcotics, and Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), Mabilog, whose name appeared on Duterte's narco-list, remarked that it had effectively become a "hit list" motivated by political agendas and lacking evidence. "Kung inyong titingnang maigi, isinama ang mga pangalan ng kalaban sa pulitika sa isang validated list ng mga drug personalities sa kasunod na PRRD list. Sa kabila ng mga kuwestiyunableng impormasyong, walang validation o confirmation man lang na ginawa ng kahit na anomang ahensya ng gobyerno sa Malacañang initiated list. Itong PRRD list diumano ay naging isang 'hit list,'" said Mabilog. “Una po sa lahat, I declare that I was not and never will be a drug protector! I don’t know personally nor did I benefit in any way from any illegal drug personality in Iloilo or anywhere else,” Mabilog stressed. After living in self-imposed exile in the United States for seven years, the former mayor returned to the Philippines and denied ever using illegal drugs. Mabilog's Anti-Drug Campaign While serving as mayor, Mabilog vowed to actively combat drug use, highlighting that under his leadership, Iloilo City became the first city in the Philippines to have all 100 of its Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (BADAC) functional in 2014. However, after being included on the controversial narco-list, he claimed the Duterte administration disregarded his anti-drug efforts. Mabilog recounted how his family was forced into self-exile due to escalating threats against him. "Paulit-ulit ang pagbabanta ni Presidente Duterte sa media, harap-harapang sinasabi na ipapa-patay daw ako," Mabilog said. He described a harrowing incident in 2017 when he received a call from then-Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Ronald Dela Rosa, inviting him to Camp Crame, only to be warned by a colonel not to attend. Mabilog also revealed that his wife received a text message indicating that individuals were supposedly approaching their home, threatening to kill him if he went to Camp Crame. "The terror was paralyzing. I couldn’t believe it—my life was hanging by a thread," Mabilog said. Mabilog Exposes Alleged Scheme to Frame Drilon and Roxas Additionally, Mabilog alleged that there was a plot to compel him to associate illegal enterprises with former senators Mar Roxas and Franklin Drilon. In 2017, while he was in Japan, Mabilog received a call from Dela Rosa, who expressed sympathy, realizing Mabilog was innocent. However, following that conversation, an unidentified police official warned him that returning to the Philippines would force him to "point fingers" at two prominent figures as "drug lords." “His voice was grim. ‘Do not return,’ he said. ‘Your life is in danger. The accusations against you are all fabricated, but if you go to Crame, you’ll be forced to point fingers at an opposition senator and a former presidential candidate as drug lords,’” Mabilog recounted. Mabilog affirmed when Representative Joseph Paduano of Abang Lingkod inquired if the individuals he referred to were Mar Roxas and Franklin Drilon. Roxas led the Liberal Party in 2016, while Drilon was a member of the opposition during Duterte's administration. Politics Behind the Narco-List According to Rep. Paduano, Mabilog's inclusion in the Duterte administration's narco-list appears to have been motivated by political considerations. “So, Mr. Chairman, the reason why I am asking this is because from the very start of the statement, the affidavit of Jed Mabilog and his preliminary remarks, it is all about politics. That’s why Duterte’s list again, from the statement of Col. (Jovie) Espenido, it appears that it has not gone through vetting and validation,” Paduano noted. Mabilog asserted that law enforcement agencies are being exploited for political purposes, undermining public confidence in the government. "Using state institutions to carry out personal vendettas or silence perceived enemies undermines the foundation of justice and democracy in our country," Mabilog said. “No individual should be able to wield such unchecked authority regardless of their position or power,” Mabilog emphasized, calling for reforms in law enforcement. 📷 House of Representatives of the Philippines Read more >> 1 week ago

Leila De Lima vows to fight for social justice as lead representative of Mamamayang Liberal Party-list

MANILA, Philippines – Former Senator Leila De Lima announced on Friday, September 20, her nomination as the lead representative of the Mamamayang Liberal Party-list, the sectoral arm of the Liberal Party (LP). "Walang atrasan. Tuloy na tuloy na ang laban!" De Lima proclaimed on social media. "With all humility and conviction, I accepted today the nomination as the lead nominee of the party-list Mamamayang Liberal (ML), the sectoral wing of the Liberal Party (LP), for next year’s elections," she added. Joining De Lima as co-nominees are former lawmakers Ted Baguilat of Ifugao and Erin Tañada from Quezon province’s 4th district. De Lima, a vocal critic of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial war on drugs, had challenged the administration’s aggressive campaign, which primarily targeted small-time drug dealers and users from poor communities. In 2017, following her Senate inquiry into Duterte’s bloody anti-drug operations, she was detained on what many critics deemed fabricated drug-trafficking charges. After spending over six years in detention, all three cases against her were eventually dismissed due to insufficient evidence, with the final case dropped in June 2024. Now free, De Lima remains committed to advocating for social justice. "Isusulong natin nang buong sigasig at katapatan ang katarungang panlipunan," she declared. In May 2024, Liberal Party President and Albay Representative Edcel Lagman announced that the party would participate in the 2025 party-list elections under the banner of Mamamayang Liberal (ML). Lagman emphasized that the party-list group would focus on cause-driven initiatives, advocating for good governance, democratic principles, and strong opposition to any attempts to revive Martial Law or undermine democratic rule. In July, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) officially accredited Mamamayang Liberal, allowing the group to contest a seat in the House of Representatives. ML aims to represent various sectors, including farmers, workers, the urban poor, youth, fisherfolk, indigenous peoples, professionals, women, and members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community. 📷 Leila De Lima FB Read more >> 1 week ago

“Unbowed” Duterte accuses solons of building an impeachment case

MANILA – In an attempt to address concerns raised in a privilege speech, Vice President Sara Duterte made a surprise appearance before a House committee hearing on good government. However, she refused to take an oath and left the meeting before lawmakers could question her. At the start of the hearing on Wednesday, September 18, resource persons were asked, “Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? So help you God?” But the Vice President objected. “Witnesses lang po ang ino-oath. Sabi ninyo sa amin ngayon, resource persons kami,” Vice President Duterte told committee chairman, Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua. “Lahat po ay considered a resource person and witness,” Chua replied, serving as chairperson of the good government and public accountability committee. Former President and Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo defended Duterte, citing a Supreme Court rule and a Senate precedent stating that a witness is granted more protection than a resource person because the former may be implicated. Rep. Joel Chua then decided to place the former president's comments on record. "No Misuse of Funds" During the hearing, Duterte asserted that there was no misuse of funds in the Office of the Vice President (OVP). “There is no misuse of funds. If there are audit findings, we shall gladly respond to them before the Commission on Audit. And if there are legitimate cases to be filed, then we shall gladly respond to them before the appropriate courts,” Duterte said. The Vice President reiterated her decision to defer to the House of Representatives’ leadership on whether or not to defend the OVP’s 2025 budget. “I am not asking for any special treatment, nor am I asking you to uphold any tradition. There is no disrespect. All I am saying is that you have the complete freedom to do whatever you wish to the OVP budget,” Duterte added. Duterte Accuses Solons of Building an Impeachment Case; Solon Calls VP's Action a "Smokescreen" Furthermore, during a hearing on a privilege speech by Manila 2nd District Rep. Rolando Valeriano, Duterte accused Solons of building an impeachment case against her, claiming she would remain "unbowed." “Sa totoo lang, hindi naman ang budget ang punterya ninyo, dahil napakadali naman magtanggal ng budget. What you are trying to do is make a case for impeachment,” Duterte said. “You may try to destroy me, you can skin me alive, and throw my ashes to the wind, but let it be known, you will find me unbowed,” the Vice President added. Valeriano’s speech, delivered during the House's plenary session on September 3, was inspired by the 2025 budget hearing for the OVP. According to the House leadership, there was no attempt to remove Duterte from the Vice Presidency. In response, Rep. Valeriano accused Duterte of using her refusal to answer questions about the proposed OVP budget until 2025 as a "smokescreen" to evade queries about her use of public funds. “Ang pagtanggi ni Vice President Sara Duterte na sagutin ang mga tanong tungkol sa kanyang panukalang budget at ang kwestyonable niyang paggastos sa mga nagdaang OVP budgets na sinita ng Commission on Audit (COA) ang mga dahilan kung bakit tayo narito ngayon,” Valeriano said. “She expressly rejected any question about the OVP budget even before those questions were put forward,” Valeriano recalled. “Her claim of leaving it to the House to do what it thinks is right is just a ‘palusot,’ a smokescreen, a cover because she does not want to provide proof for the numbers she stated in her PowerPoint presentation,” he added. 📷 House of Representatives of the Philippines Read more >> 2 weeks ago

Regenerative agriculture through science

MANILA -- In the evolving world of agriculture, the intersection of science and sustainability is leading to a new approach: regenerative agriculture. This practice seeks to maximize productivity while preserving and enhancing the ecosystem's health. According to Dr. Saturnina Halos, a renowned biotechnologist, regenerative agriculture is transforming traditional farming methods to correct practices proven harmful to the environment. Dr. Saturnina Halos Chairperson, Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines Dr. Halos, who chairs the Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines, emphasized the role of scientific research in restoring and improving soil health and overall agricultural systems. "It takes technologies—both traditional and modern—which are assessed in terms of how they can improve and maintain agricultural productivity while, at the same time, mitigate effects on the environment," she explained. One key aspect of regenerative agriculture, Halos noted, is the shift from synthetic fertilizers and pesticides to organic, microbial, and plant-based alternatives, known as biopesticides and biofertilizers. Unlike standard pesticides, which kill insects indiscriminately and sometimes harm animals and humans, these natural alternatives are designed to target specific pests while minimizing negative environmental impacts. Synthetic fertilizers, on the other hand, can degrade soil structure over time, making it less productive. In contrast, biofertilizers promote root growth and help plants become more resistant to drought. Halos pointed out that biofertilizers were first developed at the University of the Philippines in Los Baños and can reduce the need for inorganic fertilizers by up to half the recommended rate. A new biopesticide, currently under review by the Department of Agriculture, specifically targets the fall armyworm, a pest that has recently plagued local crops and proved resistant to conventional commercial pesticides. This biopesticide contains a bacterium and fungus that attack insects without harming livestock or humans. Though biofertilizers and biopesticides are not new, Halos said their adoption has been slow due to marketing challenges. She highlighted the Neem tree as a longstanding example of natural pest control and fertilization. Native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, Neem has been studied for its effectiveness since the 1950s, particularly in India, where it has long been used by farmers. In addition to natural solutions, genetically engineered crop varieties are emerging as key components of regenerative agriculture. Dr. Halos cited Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn and Bt eggplant, crops engineered to carry genes that make them pest-resistant, significantly reducing the need for pesticides. Some genetically engineered crops are also being developed to improve nitrogen uptake, allowing farmers to use less nitrogen-based fertilizer. "The primary goal of regenerative agriculture is to ensure food security by maintaining the productivity of the land," Halos stated. "It does this by providing farmers methods and tools that are safer for both agriculture and the environment." As the world faces increasing environmental challenges, regenerative agriculture—guided by scientific advancements—offers a promising path toward sustainable food production and ecosystem health. 📷 Biotech For Life Project Read more >> 2 weeks ago

Sual Mayor denies relationship with ex-mayor Guo during senate hearing

MANILA – Mayor Liseldo Calugay of Sual, Pangasinan, denied any collaboration with former Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo during a Senate hearing on unlawful Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) on Tuesday. "Wala naman po talaga kaming relasyon," said Calugay during the inquiry conducted by the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality. When Senator Joel Villanueva asked Calugay and Guo if they were "lovers in POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator)," Calugay responded, "Ay hindi po (no, we're not)." When asked whether he had a business agreement or even a joint bank account with Guo, Calugay replied, "Wala po, ni-isa po." "Merely Friends" Calugay claimed they were merely friends, despite evidence presented by Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada. This evidence included images of them together in each other's campaign caravans, wearing so-called couple or matching outfits, and using the same supplier for campaign freebies. Guo denied, as she had in the previous session, that she was in a relationship with Calugay. "Hindi ko nga alam na may ganong picture po," Guo told Estrada. Calugay Denies Business Dealings with Guo Despite Evidence Additionally, Mayor Calugay denied having any joint business dealings with Guo, claiming he had no knowledge of the ownership of the following businesses: Romanz Garden Inn, Happy Penguin Resort, AC Aqua Farm, Dee Aqua Farm, Licsel Fish Farm, Dongguo Fish Farm, Guco Aqua Farm, and Alisel Consumer Goods Trading Hardware and Construction Supplies. According to Estrada, Calugay and Guo jointly own these businesses. "'Yung Donguo, Dong and Guo, and Licsel, Alice and Liseldo. Tinalo niyo pa si DongYan ha," the senator said. "Mayor, 'di ba itong lahat ng mga pangalang ito pati ‘yung Dee Aqua Farm na may 15 units si Cheryl Medina sa Baquioen ay talagang mukhang pinagsamang mga pangalan ninyo?" asked Senator Risa Hontiveros. “Wala po akong ganyang negosyo, your honor. Hindi po ako nagsisinungaling," Calugay replied. Calugay's name had previously been mentioned in hearings after the panel discovered that his executive assistant, Cheryl Medina, had helped notarize Guo's counter-affidavit against her non-bailable human trafficking case. Guo was outside the country on August 14, the day the notarized affidavit was signed. 📷 Sen. Risa Hontiveros FB Read more >> 2 weeks ago

Ex-PNP chief allegedly received bribe to help Alice Guo and siblings escape PH

MANILA – A former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief allegedly accepted a bribe to assist dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo and her siblings in fleeing the country, despite being on an immigration watch list. This information was revealed on Tuesday during a Senate panel investigation on illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). Senator Risa Hontiveros asked law enforcement officials if intelligence reports indicated that a high-ranking official received a P200 million bribe to facilitate the escape. Sen. Risa Hontiveros pressed government agencies for information regarding Guo's covert departure from the Philippines in July during the Senate's resumption of its investigation into illegal POGOs. "May pinag-uusapan sa border immigration, hindi ko lang alam ang exact amount [ng bribe], including PNP official [na involved]. Hindi ko lang ma-confirm," said Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Security Monitoring Cluster head Raul Villanueva. “Di ko lang alam ‘yong sa exact amount including PNP officials (I don’t know the exact amount). I cannot confirm because I’m outside of the loop lately. And we’re busy right now helping the law enforcement agencies run after the illegal POGOs in the countryside or in the provinces,” Villanueva stressed. In response to the senator's question on whether a specific PNP unit helped Guo escape, Villanueva claimed to have information but referred to them as "PNP personalities." "Hindi PNP unit but personalities. I think it was mentioned… a former Chief, PNP," Villanueva said. Although the intelligence reports have not yet been confirmed, Villanueva, a former military officer, stated that the former PNP chief, who has not been identified, had been receiving Guo's monthly salary "ever since." "'Yun lang po ang naririnig namin within the intelligence community," Villanueva added. PNP Claims No Knowledge of Intel Report At the hearing, the PNP’s representative stated that they were unaware of any such intelligence report. "'Yung aming intelligence community ay tuloy-tuloy po ang pag-coordinate sa ibang agencies," Police Brig. Gen. Raul Tacaca said, adding that if the PNP discovers evidence of bribes related to Guo's escape, complaints would be filed. Prior to her departure from the country in July, the former Bamban mayor allegedly offered her Filipino-Chinese acquaintance P1 billion to assist with her legal issues with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission. This information was earlier disclosed by former senator Panfilo Lacson. Ex-Mayor Alice Guo had claimed that one of the boats they used to leave the country was a yacht, contrary to earlier claims by Sheila that they traveled to Malaysia using three different boats: a small boat, a "fishing ship," and a small "blue or green" boat. In early July, Guo admitted to leaving the Philippines due to "threats" from people she refused to identify. A month ago, the former mayor was arrested in Indonesia. 📷 Sen. Risa Hontiveros FB Read more >> 2 weeks ago

Too excessive: AkoOFW Partylist hits fines for traffic violations along expressway

MANILA -- Instead of penalizing motorists plying toll roads connecting Metro Manila to the northern and southern part of Luzon, a group called on the government to seriously consider implementing a rebate system – at least until issues hounding the expressways shall have been resolved. In a statement, the AkoOFW partylist group assailed what they described as “stiff penalties” that the toll operators wanted to impose for traffic infractions along the expressways. According to Dr. Chie Umandap in his capacity as chairman of the AkoOFW partylist group, the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) should instead be penalizing tollway operators in view of what he claimed as willful negligence on the part of the companies collecting fees for the use of “poorly-maintained roads. Citing Joint Memorandum Order 2024-001, Umandap said that the pushing for higher fines for traffic infractions is not in anyway acceptable even as he claimed that the road users are at the losing end as they are made to pay hefty amount that is not even commensurate of the the dilapidated expressways, road obstructions, defective RFIDs and floodings. “What the TRB should do is to compel the toll road operators to address the issues being raised by motorists even before thinking of further enriching themselves… we don’t get what is commensurate for what we paid for,” he lamented. He added that in some instances, traders transporting goods to Metro Manila are losing heavily because of the delays caused by traffic congestion, road damages, obstructions and flooding. “Instead of imposing fines, why not consider a rebate system for toll fees paid by the public motorists who are experiencing significant inconvenience due to heavy traffic, floods, and mismanagement of traffic flow within tollways,” he added “These issues, which are often beyond the control of motorists, result in wasted time, increased fuel costs, and undue stress. A rebate system would not only provide fair compensation but also serve as an incentive for toll operators to improve infrastructure, ensure efficient traffic management, and respond promptly to emergencies such as flooding,” the AkoOFW chairman added. This comes as Umandap called on the RB to remind toll operators of its obligations. “As toll fees are meant to guarantee smoother and safer travel, it is reasonable for the public to receive some form of relief when these expectations are not met. We urge the TRB to consider these measures in support of motorists' rights and welfare.” The TRB earlier issued revised guidelines for the uniform enforcement of contactless toll collection in all expressways starting August 31. The implementation however was held in abeyance by the DOTR amid mounting calls for its cancellation. Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2024-01 enforces the prohibitions/restrictions against motorists entering dedicated electronic toll collection (ETC) lanes with “No Valid ETC Device,” and with “No Sufficient Load.” TRB said these erring motorists represent 9% of all the motorists using the toll expressways “who unfortunately are the ones causing the unnecessary delays and long queues at the toll plazas.” It added: “A vast majority of toll expressway users (91%) are compliant and responsible ETC users and are often greatly inconvenienced by the erring motorists.” The JMC covers all types of vehicles, whether private, for hire, diplomatic or government, while entering and traveling on all toll expressways, except vehicles defined by laws as exempted from payment of toll fees (but nonetheless still required to install RFID sticker/electronic toll collection device), or those not allowed to enter toll expressways. Under the JMC, entering a limited access highway without the required valid ETC device, including dilapidated ETC device, will be penalized as “No Valid ETC Device” with penalties as follows: First offense – P1,000Second offense – P2,000Subsequent offenses – P5,000 per offense 📷 AkoOFW Read more >> 2 weeks ago

PCO confirms Duran Duran performed at BBM birthday party

2 weeks ago

Former Mayor Guo should be detained and face a Senate hearing – Hontiveros

MANILA, Philippines – Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros stated on Friday that former Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo, who was recently arrested by Indonesian authorities and handed over to Filipino counterparts, ought to be detained at the Senate. “Dapat sa Senado muna siya i-detain para makaharap sa hearing sa Lunes. Ginagalang ko ang karapatan ng Judiciary na maglabas ng warrant pero ang Senado ang may pinaka-unang arrest warrant laban sa kanya,” Hontiveros said. “Ang Senado ang nag-trigger ng manhunt. Senate warrant ang bitbit ng ating law enforcement sa Jakarta,” Hontiveros added. "We want answers, not a photoshoot" The senator is also expecting candid responses from the dismissed mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, when she appears before the Senate next week. She expressed frustration over how some public servants treated Guo like a celebrity. "We want answers, not a photoshoot. Matapos nyang makipag-taguan sa batas, ginawa namang fan-meet nitong si Alice Guo ang pagkakaaresto nya. Kulang na lang, red carpet," Hontiveros said. "Tingnan natin kung gaano sya ka-photogenic sa hearing sa Lunes. Unli-pictures sya doon," Hontiveros added. Furthermore, Hontiveros criticized government officials for turning Guo's arrest and return to the country into a "fan meet." “Isang paalala rin sa ating mga kasamahan sa gobyerno, hindi dapat ginagawang social event ang pag-aresto sa isang puganteng sangkot sa patong-patong na kaso ng human trafficking, money laundering, fake identity, gross misconduct, illegal recruitment and detention, at corruption,” the Solon said. “Pinaglaruan ni Alice Guo ang mga batas ng Pilipinas at ginamit nya ang posisyon nya para makapag-operate ang mga POGO na naging sangkot sa kidnapping, murder, human trafficking, at prostitution," she added. Hontiveros also anticipates that the former Bamban mayor will have much to explain when the Senate reconvenes on Monday, September 9, to discuss the unlawful activities of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). “Pagbabayaran niya ang pagsisinungaling niya, ang pagtago, pagtakas, at ang panloloko sa sambayanang Pilipino," the senator assured. 📷 Read more >> 3 weeks ago