Poe, who heads the Senate committee on finance, said they made the decision after the OVP failed to submit documents needed to clarify some issues regarding the proposed budget.

“Yes. We reached out several times to the Office of the Vice President requesting them to submit documents to clarify issues regarding their budget, but they have not submitted as of today,” Poe told reporters on Tuesday. “So, we decided to retain the GAB amount pending submission and review of these documents.”

“While we cannot account for movements in the figures on an apples-to-apples basis, we can say that we retained the original budget for the relevant item in DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) while we increased further the item under the DOH (Department of Health) budget,” she added.

Last September 12, the House committee on appropriations recommended reducing the proposed P2.037- billion budget of the OVP to P733.198 million.

Full Story at: Senate retains OVP’s proposed P733-M budget

DepEd exec claims receiving ‘monthly allowance’ from VP Sara Duterte | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — An official of the Department of Education (DepEd) has admitted to receiving envelopes containing P25,000 “monthly allowance” reportedly from Vice President and former DepEd chief Sara Duterte in nine months last year.

DepEd Accounting Division chief Rhunna Catalan made the revelation after she was asked by the House committee on good government and public accountability chair and Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua if she also received envelopes from former DepEd Assistant Secretary Sunshine Charry Fajarda.

“Yes sir,” Catalan answered.

“Minimal lang po (It was minimal only). It’s 25,000,” she added.

Catalan also said she was “made to understand” that the allowance came from Duterte’s personal money.

Lawmakers also grilled her for signing questionable P112.5-million vouchers in confidential and intelligence funds.

She clarified that she was not forced to sign the vouchers, but was “requested” by Fajarda to sign these without knowing the content.

Former OVP and DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa also revealed that he occasionally received envelopes containing cash from Duterte, through Fajarda as well.

Other DepEd officials also admitted to getting the envelopes from Fajarda. These are former DepEd Bids and Awards Committee head Director Resty Osias and Education Undersecretary Gloria Jumamil Mercado.

In a previous hearing, Mercado revealed that she was assigned as head of the Procuring Entity (HOPE) of DepEd, signing checks related to funds, which, at one point, amounted to P37.5 million.

Full Story at: DepEd exec claims receiving ‘monthly allowance’ from VP Sara

House panel flags 158 ‘bogus’ OVP receipts linked to confidential funds | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — House lawmakers are questioning the authenticity of at least 158 acknowledgment receipts submitted by the Office of the Vice President to the Commission on Audit to justify its confidential expenses, saying the “red flags” in the documents point to possible forgery.

On Tuesday, November 5, the House good government panel surfaced lawmakers’ concerns about the same typographical error appearing in 158 receipts and the absence of signatures in documents used to liquidate the OVP’s secret funds in 2022 and 2023.  

Confidential funds, as the name implies, are secret expenses that can only be audited through government agencies’ submission of documents to the Commission on Audit (COA).

As past hearings by the House good government panel show, the OVP has primarily justified its confidential expenditures to the COA through submissions of acknowledgment receipts. These are supposedly signed by the people who receive the money, but the receipts themselves do not indicate details other than the amount disbursed and the name and signature of the receiver.

Based on his office’s “study” of the OVP’s receipts, Rep. Rodge Gutierrez (1-Rider Partylist) said he found it odd that 158 of these amounting to P23.8 million were incorrectly dated as being received in December 2023 instead of December 2022. 

Gloria Camora, the leader of the COA unit that audited the OVP’s confidential funds in 2023, said Vice President Sara Duterte’s office had attributed these date discrepancies to “inadvertent clerical or typographical errors.”

“We would understand if the typographical error happens once or twice, and for a single individual to make this mistake multiple times… [But] for 158 people to make the same mistake? Is that an acceptable margin of error?” Gutierrez said. 

He added that the timing of the error coincided suspiciously with the COA’s notice of suspension to the OVP in December 2023, which was when the OVP would have submitted its second batch of receipts to the state auditors.

Gutierrez raised the possibility of person(s) “belatedly preparing” the acknowledgment receipts that should have been created in 2022.

Full Story at: House panel flags 158 ‘bogus’ OVP receipts linked to confidential funds | Philstar.com

P10.49M in DepEd funds for ‘leadership summits’ unaccounted — solon | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — A House lawmaker discovered that P10.49 million of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) P15.54 million confidential funds remained unaccounted for, despite being allocated for “youth leadership summits” and an information education campaign.

At the congressional probe into the alleged misuse of funds by DepEd and the Office of the Vice President (OVP), Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro (Batangas, 2nd District) said on Tuesday, November 5, that certifications provided to state auditors to justify these programs only totaled P4.05 million.

Four certifications to clear DepEd’s P15.54 million disallowance or inappropriate spending of confidential funds still lacked details into which programs the agency’s activities fall under, Luistro argued.

The Philippine Army, which conducted the youth leadership summits, previously said it had no knowledge of DepEd’s confidential expenditures and did not use the agency’s funds for the summits.  

Where confidential funds could be spent? Confidential funds are designated for four specific programs: counter-insurgency, school abuse prevention and control, anti-illegal activities operations and anti-extremism efforts.

The Commission on Audit (COA) confirmed to Luistro that youth leadership summits (YLS) and information education campaigns (IECs) are part of the counter-insurgency program, aimed at preventing the recruitment of teachers and students by terrorists and insurgents.

Only under the counter-insurgency program. Given that P15.54 million was reportedly used for YLS and IECs, Luistro questioned why only P4.05 million was certified as funds spent under DepEd’s counter-insurgency program.

Full Story at: P10.49M in DepEd funds for ‘leadership summits’ unaccounted — solon | Philstar.com

Good government and public accountability panel chair and Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua said he requested after he received information that the following OVP officials may be preparing to leave the country:

• OVP Chief of Staff Zuleika Lopez
• Assistant Chief of Staff and Bids and Awards Committee Chair Lemuel Ortonio
• Administrative and Financial Services Director Rosalynne Sanchez
• Special Disbursing Officer (SDO) Gina Acosta
• Chief Accountant Juleita Villadelrey
• former Department of Education Assistant Secretary Sunshine Charry Fajarda
• SDO Edward Fajarda

The request also came after subpoenas were issued against the OVP officials for their repeated absences from previous House hearings.

“Considering these developments, I earnestly request your office to issue a Lookout Bulletin Order against these personalities,” Chua said, citing his letter addressed to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.

“This action is imperative to monitor their movements and prevent any potential attempt to flee the country, which could significantly hinder our investigation and broader efforts to uphold the integrity of public service,” he added.

Full Story at: DOJ urged to issue lookout bulletin vs OVP officials

Senate may again summon Duterte after all | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — Former President Rodrigo Duterte may be summoned to appear at the next Senate hearing on his administration’s ruthless crackdown on narcotics that resulted in the killing of thousands of suspected drug offenders, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III said on Saturday.

More witnesses needed

But Pimentel, who has been tapped to lead the investigation, said that this would depend on the next set of witnesses who were invited to attend the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee’s inquiry.

He said he would rather listen to other witnesses than grill Duterte anew on his bloody antidrug strategy, which the former leader’s critics claimed was patterned after the take-no-prisoners approach that he had employed as a longtime mayor of Davao City.

“Many are suggesting that Duterte must return for the second hearing. But I told them, ‘What kind of materials will we have if we only listen to one witness?’” Pimentel said in a radio interview.

Full Story at: Senate may again summon Duterte after all

Sara ratings now lower than those of Chiz, Romualdez | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — After falling below the ratings of President Marcos, Vice President Sara Duterte’s latest trust and approval ratings have also settled below those obtained by congressional leaders in the latest survey conducted by the OCTA Research Group.

Duterte, who used to have the highest ratings among top officials, has suffered significant declines in her ratings following a series of controversies and issues with the Marcos administration.

In OCTA’s third quarter survey conducted from Sept. 4 to 7, the Vice President obtained a satisfaction rating of 52 percent and a trust rating of 59 percent, down from 60 percent and 65 percent, respectively, based on a similar survey in July.

Marcos now has the highest numbers among the top officials even if his figures have also declined, with 66 percent satisfaction (from 68 percent) and 69 percent trust (from 71 percent).

Senate President Francis Escudero, who assumed office in May, obtained a satisfaction rating of 65 percent and a trust rating of 67 percent.

It was the first time that approval of his performance was measured by OCTA. His trust rating, meanwhile, remained the same as in June.

Speaker Martin Romualdez, who reportedly had a falling out with Duterte last year, obtained a satisfaction rating of 62 percent (from 63 percent) and a trust rating of 61 percent (from 62 percent).

Among the five highest officials, only Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo had lower ratings than Duterte. He obtained a satisfaction rating of 14 percent (from 12 percent) and a trust rating of 15 percent (from 13 percent).

Survey data show that chief justices often receive lower ratings than the other four officials, who are all elected.

Full Story at: Sara ratings now lower than those of Chiz, Romualdez | Philstar.com

PAOCC disowns raid on POGO hub in Manila | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) distanced itself from a raid at a suspected Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Manila and accused the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) of attempting to associate them with a “flawed” operation.

The PAOCC said it was not part of the operation at the Century Peak Tower at the corner of Adriatico and Sta. Monica streets on Tuesday wherein 85 people, including 69 foreigners, were rounded up.

It said the raid was spearheaded by the NCRPO and the Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG).

“We were never consulted nor informed regarding this operation,” it said in a statement.

Moreover, the PAOCC denied it called the raided POGO as the “mother of all POGOs” as the agency was not involved in the operation.

PAOCC’s spokesman Winston John Casio told reporters in a separate message on Viber that they condemn the NCRPO’s attempts to associate the commission with a “failed” operation.

The reason why Casio called the operation a failure was the foreigners who were caught were released after the police allegedly failed to secure a legal hold on them.

Casio stressed the PAOCC would never allow such a flaw to happen as they coordinate with the Department of Justice’s Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (DOJ-IACAT) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

He also challenged NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Sidney Hernia to clear the PAOCC’s name from being associated with the “botched” raid.

Full Story at: PAOCC disowns raid on POGO hub in Manila | Philstar.com

House Assistant Minority Leader Arlene Brosas also asked the Marcos administration to stop blocking the ICC probe following Duterte’s “brazen and unapologetic” admission during Monday’s Senate blue ribbon subcommittee inquiry, taking full responsibility for the extrajudicial killings (EJKs) in the drug war.

Brosas argued that the Philippines should cooperate with the ICC to give justice to the thousands of innocent victims of the antidrug campaign.

‘Damning confession’

According to House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro, Duterte’s testimony is a “damning confession that confirms what human rights advocates have been saying for years,” pointing out that “his admission of encouraging police to provoke suspects to fight back as a pretext for killing them is not just disturbing; it’s a clear violation of human rights and due process.”

The ACT Teachers party list representative stressed that the “nanlaban” (fought back) narrative was systematically used to justify thousands of drug war deaths, lamenting that “many innocent lives were lost under the guise of ‘nanlaban,’ even when victims clearly did not resist. Now we have direct confirmation that this was indeed official policy.”

Full Story at: Senate urged to send Duterte ‘confession’ to ICC

House members hit leeway given to Bato, Go in Senate hearing | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — The review from the House of Representatives of the Senate’s turn to scrutinize the six-year drug war waged by former President Rodrigo Duterte was far from flattering.

For two members of the House quad committee, which for the past two months had conducted hearings on the brutal crackdown, the Senate blue ribbon committee allowed two loyal allies of the ex-president to “influence the proceedings.”

They were referring to senators Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and Christopher “Bong” Go, who joined the hearing that marked the first appearance of former President Rodrigo Duterte in an official body revisiting his campaign that left thousands dead.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante and Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez said the way the two senators conducted themselves “diminished the credibility” of Monday’s opening hearing led by Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko Pimentel.”

Of Dela Rosa, Abante said: “The way he sounded, he was more of a senator-suspect or senator-respondent. There was nothing wrong with that, but he should have seated himself with his former boss (Duterte), who wanted to be called a witness instead of a resource person. That would have been more appropriate than sitting with the investigating panel in order to defend his actions.”

Before entering politics, Dela Rosa served as the first Philippine National Police chief appointed by then-President Duterte, the earliest enforcer of the antinarcotics campaign that left thousands dead.

Full Story at: House members hit leeway given to Bato, Go in Senate hearing

Ex-senator hits Duterte over Senate ‘invasion’, defends Hontiveros | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — A former senator has criticized what he perceived as a disrespectful takeover of the Senate hearing into the previous administration’s controversial war on drugs.

In a recent statement, former Sen. Panfilo Lacson condemned former President Rodrigo Duterte’s demeanor before the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee probe on Monday, asserting that he had “invaded” the upper chamber of Congress.

Lacson said only one senator defended the Senate’s dignity from the former president’s behavior during the hearing.

“Yesterday (Monday), the Upper Chamber was ‘invaded’ by the former president of the Republic. Only one consistently and steadfastly stood up to preserve the dignity of the Philippine Senate,” Lacson said.

“She happens to be a woman who answers, ‘present’ during a roll call. Her name: Risa Hontiveros,” the former senator emphasized.

Lacson’s statement was echoed by another former senator, Antonio Trillanes IV, who remarked that “the only bright spot in yesterday’s Senate hearing was Sen. Risa’s standing up to the evil Duts.”

“‘Yan ang leader! Matapang! Matalino! Magaling!” Trillanes declared in a statement.

Hontiveros repeatedly admonished Duterte for using profanity during the Senate hearing.

Full Story at: Ex-senator hits Duterte over Senate ‘invasion’, defends Hontiveros | Philstar.com

PNP to probe alleged Davao Death Squad of Rodrigo Duterte | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) will investigate the possible existence of an alleged death squad reportedly formed by former President Rodrigo Duterte in Davao City during his tenure as mayor.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, October 30, Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said the PNP is examining recent statements made by Duterte during a Senate hearing on October 28.

“If you’ve monitored the former president’s statements, with all due respect, he initially mentioned claims of a death squad, which he later retracted. However, this will not stop the PNP from pursuing an investigation into this case,” Fajardo said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Fajardo added that PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil has ordered the “extraction” of data on unsolved drug-related deaths reportedly tied to the alleged death squad.

On Monday, Duterte admitted to forming a death squad in Davao City during his mayoral term, clarifying that it did not include police officers and had an organized structure.

He further denied claims of a reward system, countering statements made by former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office general manager Royina Garma, who previously alleged that rewards were offered to police to kill drug suspects.

According to Fajardo, the PNP will avoid giving preferential treatment if evidence points to the involvement of a former high-ranking police official.

“A series of meetings has already commenced to coordinate investigative efforts aimed at a credible and transparent probe, not only of the alleged Davao death squad but also of all cases specified during recent Senate and congressional hearings,” Fajardo said.

Full Story at: PNP to probe alleged Davao Death Squad of Rodrigo Duterte | Philstar.com

Facing for the first time an inquiry into his administration’s brutal crackdown on narcotics, an unapologetic Duterte also admitted that he had goaded police to “encourage” crime suspects to fight back to justify their killing, incidents that were later referred to as “nanlaban” cases.

The 79-year-old former leader casually spoke about the kill orders that he supposedly gave out to his hit men, but insisted that all liabilities relating to his antidrug policy should fall only on his shoulders.

Replying to questions from Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, Duterte initially said the senior police officials who had headed the Davao police station were actually members of the dreaded “Davao Death Squad” (DDS), including Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.

He, however, quickly backpedaled, claiming he never instructed officers of the Philippine National Police, particularly graduates of the Philippine Military Academy, to take out criminals.

“I have a death squad. It has seven members. But they are not police officers. They are gangsters,” Duterte told Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, chair of the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee.

Full Story at: Duterte tells Senate: I have a death squad

Escudero rejects Duterte claim on crime rate | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippine s — Senate President Francis Escudero on Tuesday debunked former president Rodrigo Duterte’s claim that crimes have become more rampant in the country.

Escudero, during the Kapihan sa Senado forum, said the crime index from 2016 to 2018 is at least 60 percent higher compared to most recent data.

“Ang datos sinumite sa Senado ay crime index [mula] July 1, 2016 [hanggang] April 21, 2018 ay 196,518. July 1, 2022 to April 21, 2024 – 71,544. Mas mataas ang krimen noong panahong ‘yon nung 2016 to 2018 ng 60 percent — halos triple,” said Escudero.

(Data submitted to the Senate showed that the crime index from July 1, 2016 to April 21, 2018 was 196,518; From July 1, 2022 to April 21, 2024, it was 71,544.  Data from 2016 to 2018 is 60 percent higher, almost triple.)

Later in the forum, Escudero was asked if this means that more killings transpired during the Duterte administration, which began in 2016.

“Kasi nga hindi mo pwedeng hindi bilangin yung patayan. Krimen pa rin yun e. Extrajudicial killing nga e it’s a crime. Hindi mo pwedeng hindi bilangin yun sa crime index,” said Escudero.

(You cannot exclude the killings. It’s still a crime. Extrajudicial killing is a crime. You cannot exclude such in counting the number of crimes.)

Escudero said he had the data checked because he got curious after resource persons at the Senate’s drug war probe claimed that it was safer during the Duterte administration.

Full Story at: Escudero rejects Duterte claim on crime rate

House drug war probe to look into Rodrigo Duterte’s confidential, intel funds | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — If former President Rodrigo Duterte attends the House Quad Committee’s next hearing on the extrajudicial killings of his war on drugs, he may be questioned about how he utilized the confidential funds during his term.

Rep. Dan Fernandez (Santa Rosa, Lone District), one of the mega-panel’s co-chairs, was asked by reporters on Tuesday, October 29, whether the investigation will touch on Duterte’s confidential funds as president. 

He said that it is a topic the Quad Comm co-chairmen have to discuss.

“‘So, ‘yun pa ‘yung isa sa tinitingnan natin ngayon pagdating po sa intel fund, I think the members and the chairman will really have to talk about this intel fund,” Fernandez said at a press conference. 

(So, that’s another thing we’re looking into regarding the intel fund. I think the members and the chairman will really need to discuss this intel fund.)

According to the General Appropriations Act, the Office of the President under Duterte was allocated around P21.517 billion in confidential, intelligence and extraordinary funds from 2016 to 2022. This is broken down into:

• 2016: 517 million
• 2017 to 2019: 2.5 billion each
• 2020 to 2022: 4.5 billion each

These funds are intended for activities related to national security, including surveillance and information gathering of military officials.

In further analyzing the confidential and intelligence funds that Duterte spent, Fernandez said the four-committee panel may discover its connection to the “Davao Model,” or the alleged reward system that incentivized police officers to kill drug suspects.

“Makikita natin ‘yung daloy ng pera mula doon sa intel fund papunta kay ‘Muking,’ papunta kay Peter Parungo na dinala sa Metrobank, BPI, PSBank,” he said.

(We can see the flow of money from the intel fund to ‘Muking,’ then to Peter Parungo, which was transferred to Metrobank, BPI and PSBank.)

Retired police colonel Royina Garma revealed to House lawmakers that the reward system was primarily managed by resigned National Police Commission Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo and his subordinates, which include a certain Peter Parungo.

Full Story at: House drug war probe to look into Rodrigo Duterte’s confidential, intel funds | Philstar.com

Supreme Court blocks transfer of Philhealth funds to nat’l treasury | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court on Tuesday, October 29, issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the transfer of the remaining unused funds of the state-run Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to the national treasury.

In a press briefing, Supreme Court spokesperson Camille Ting said the respondents of the third petition against the fund transfer are also ordered to comment on the petition.

“The Court further required the Office of the Clerk of Court En Banc to personally serve the Court’s resolution on the respondents, who shall likewise file and serve their comments,” Ting said.

With the issuance of the restraining order, the remaining P29.9 billion, expected to be transferred in November, will remain in the coffers of the state-run health insurance agency.

The first tranche of unused funds, amounting to P20 billion, was transferred on May 10, followed by the second tranche of P10 billion on August 21.

The third tranche, totaling P30 billion, was transferred on October 16.

In an interview with Philstar.com on October 16, human rights lawyer Neri Colmenares, one of the petitioners, said the amount already transferred to the national treasury could be returned to PhilHealth if the high court issues a status quo ante order.

A status quo ante order is an order that a court issues to return a situation or state of affairs that existed previously.

Ting said it is still possible for the court to tackle the matter of a status quo ante order.

Full Story at: Supreme Court blocks transfer of Philhealth funds to nat’l treasury | Philstar.com

Duterte repeatedly hurled expletives while explaining his ironclad stance against illegal drugs, specially when police are involved.

“That’s my stand. If you don’t agree with me I’m sorry but I’m dealing with the serious problem of my country. Hindi mo madala sa pakiusap yan (It cannot be addressed through a request),” he said during the hearing of the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee.

“Lalo na ang pulis, p*tang*na itong mga pulis, pag pumasok yan sa pulis sa droga, hindi mo masabi, ‘hoy pulis huminto ka’,” he added.

(Especially when the police get involved in illegal drugs, you can’t tell them to stop)

Duterte was responding to Hontiveros, who called him out for saying during the hearing that drug suspects should be killed. This remark, according to her, was unacceptable.

“Forgive me for interrupting. Speaking of lengwahe, sorry sir, baka maaaring ang resource person tumigil magmura kasi bahay natin itong Senado e,” Hontiveros said.

(Forgive me for interrupting. Speaking of language, I’m sorry, sir, but perhaps the resource person could stop cursing because the Senate is our house.)

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, who was presiding over the panel’s probe into the Philippine war on illegal drugs, then advised Duterte to refrain from uttering foul language even when just relating a story.

Full Story at: Hontiveros calls out Duterte’s profanity at Senate probe

Duterte disputes Garma’s claims on drug task force directive: ‘Liar’ | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — Former President Rodrigo Duterte has disputed retired police colonel Royina Garma’s claims that he called her in 2016 about the creation of a task force that would implement the drug war on a national level.

At the hearing of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee on Monday, Duterte was quizzed by Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada about Garma’s claims that Duterte wanted the “Davao template,” or a system of rewards given to cops who kill drug suspects, implemented on a national scale.

“She said she received a call from you sometime in May 2016. Can you confirm this, Mr. President?” Estrada asked.

“Di ako tumatawag ng pulis sa bahay. ‘Yong sabi niya doon sa bahay? ‘Di naman kami nagpupunta do’n (I don’t call police when they are at home. Was she referring to when I was home?  I don’t go there),” Duterte said.

“Before you assumed the presidency, you were still president-elect at that time, ang sabi niya (she said it was) May 2016, so I presume you were still president-elect, Mr. President,” Estrada said.

“I do not remember calling her, and for what?  ‘Yong presidente ako andyan na ‘yong lahat, nasa akin na (When I was president everything was available to me),” Duterte replied.

Full Story at: Duterte disputes Garma’s claims on drug task force directive

‘A platform for the accused’: Groups question Senate’s drug war probe | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — As the Senate opened its probe into former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs on Monday, October 28, two organizations representing victims of extrajudicial killings questioned the hearing’s impartiality. 

Rise Up for Life and for Rights and the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL), represented by human rights lawyers Neri Colmenares and Kristina Conti, said the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee includes members facing allegations alongside Duterte. 

“Today, as an investigation into the ‘war on drugs’ by the Senate opens, we are aghast that it has become a platform for those involved and accused,” the statement read. 

They were referring to Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go, Duterte’s former special assistant when he was president, and Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, his police chief and the drug war architect.

The House Quad Committee, which was the first to conduct a congressional probe into the EJKs, revealed through testimonies from police lieutenants appointed by Duterte that Go and Dela Rosa are allegedly involved in the bloody war on drugs and the reward system for every killed drug suspect.

During the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s first hearing on Monday, Go devoted over 15 minutes in his opening speech to defend himself and Duterte against the allegations.

This is contradictory to Go’s statement in an interview on Sept. 24, 2019, where he said that a reward would be given to those who kill “ninja cops,” referring to police officers involved in the illegal drug trade.

“I think he will personally announce to the public kung sino po yung sangkot na ito. At importante po na si pangulo ang magsasabi. Sabi niya, karapatan po ng Pilipino malaman kung sino po ang ninja cops. Nabanggit din po niya, nandyan pa rin po ‘yung reward na kanyang sinabi noon. P1 million sa mga ninja cops patay. ‘Pag buhay, kalahating milyon lang po. ‘Pag lumaban, P2 million,” Go said.  

(I think he will personally announce to the public who is involved in this. It is important for the president to make this statement. He said that it is the right of the Filipino people to know who the ninja cops are. He also mentioned that the reward he spoke of before is still in place: P1 million for dead ninja cops, half a million if they are alive, and P2 million if they fight back.)

Full Story at: ‘A platform for the accused’: Groups question Senate’s drug war probe | Philstar.com

Peace talks on ‘brink of collapse’ with government arrest of consultants, says NDFP | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — Law enforcement authorities’ consecutive arrests of three peace consultants this month has triggered a fresh crisis in peace negotiations between the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.

In a statement on Monday, October 28, Julie de Lima, chairperson of the NDFP’s negotiating panel, said authorities have detained Porferio Tuna, Simeon Naogsan and Wigberto Villarico in violation of a standing agreement protecting peace consultants from arrest. 

The government, through a statement from National Security Council spokesperson Jonathan Malaya over the weekend, declared the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantee (JASIG) void after the Duterte administration terminated the deal when it canceled peace talks in 2017. 

De Lima countered this by saying the 1995 agreement requires formal procedures for termination and cannot be removed through media statements alone.  

“Such agreements are the product of formal negotiations and mutual commitment, rooted in both national and international legal principles, and cannot be undone unilaterally or casually,” De Lima said.

The JASIG refers to the agreement between then-President Fidel Ramos and the NDF signed in 1995 that shields all persons involved in peace talks from harassment, arrest and detention. 

Dispute over whether JASIG remains in effect dates back to 2017, when then-President Rodrigo Duterte announced its termination alongside the canceled peace talks. This move allowed authorities to re-arrest NDFP consultants who had been temporarily released for the negotiations.

However, the NDFP has always maintained that a unilateral termination cannot void the immunity guarantees, which they say require formal procedures and mutual agreement to terminate. 

“By repeatedly violating these protections, the GRP has disregarded its own commitments and continues to push the ongoing talks to the brink of collapse,” De Lima said. 

“We wish to reiterate the NDFP’s policy of openness to resume peace negotiations, but how can we possibly engage in meaningful negotiations when our negotiators and consultants are subjected to arrests, killings, and torture?” she said.

Full Story at: Peace talks on ‘brink of collapse’ with government arrest of consultants, says NDFP | Philstar.com

A C-130 cargo aircraft from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and a Eurocopter EC725 transport helicopter from the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) arrived at Col. Jesus Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Saturday evening, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) said.

These aircraft are set to play a crucial role in bolstering the Philippine Air Force’s ongoing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) operations in areas affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, according to a statement of Col. Ma. Consular Castillo, chief of PAF Public Affairs Office.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. welcomed the arrival of the aircraft with Malaysian Ambassador Dato Abd Malik Castelino, Singaporean Ambassador Constance See, and PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Stephen Parreño.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Army (PA) stepped up its relief operations in the province of Camarines Sur, one of the hardest hit areas of Kristine.

Two Urban Search and Rescue Teams (USAR) of the 525th Combat Engineer “Forerunner” Battalion distributed around 1,100 food packs and 18 boxes of drinking water for families in Barangays San Miguel, San Ramon, Umbao, Causip and San Roque in Bula town.

Full Story at: Singapore, Malaysia air assets arrive to aid Kristine relief efforts

Gov’t releases P130-M aid to flood-hit Bicol | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — The national government released P130-million aid to the Bicol Region, which was battered by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami), the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said on Sunday.

In a statement, PCO said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. released P50 million to the provincial government of Albay, P30 million to Naga City, and P50 million to Camarines Sur.

During during his visit to Naga, Marcos also assured the public that “systems are in place” for the flood-hit Bicolanos.

“Our food packs, hygiene kits, all of that have been put in place. Our supply is enough so far,” he added.

Kristine exited the country’s area of responsibility over the weekend but it affected over five million people nationwide.

Full Story at: Marcos admin releases P130-M aid to flood-hit Bicol

‘Leon’ gains strength over Philippine Sea, likely to become typhoon | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Storm Leon (international name: Kong-Rey) has slightly intensified as it continues to move westward across the Philippine Sea.

As of 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 27, Leon was spotted 1,000 km east of Central Luzon.

Bearing peak winds of 75 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 90 kph, Leon is moving westward at 20 kph.

Heavy rains, severe winds

Depending on its proximity to land during its north-northwestward movement, Leon’s outer rainbands may affect Extreme Northern Luzon. 

PAGASA said the storm may reinforce the southwesterly windflow initially triggered by Tropical Storm Trami (formerly Kristine), bringing possible rains to parts of Visayas, Mindanao and the western section of Southern Luzon.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 may be raised in parts of Cagayan Valley and the northeastern Bicol Region as early as Sunday night or by Monday.

Signal No. 2 could also be issued if Leon’s path brings it closer to land. 

The following areas are likely to experience gusty to gale-force winds in the coming days:

• Sunday, October 27: Palawan, Romblon, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Masbate, parts of Visayas, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Camiguin.
• Monday, October 28: Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Batangas, parts of MIMAROPA, Bicol, Visayas, Northern Mindanao and Caraga.
• Tuesday, October 29: Aurora, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Visayas, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Camiguin.

Full Story at: ‘Leon’ gains strength over Philippine Sea, likely to become typhoon | Philstar.com

NSC: Nabbed CPP leader not a peace consultant | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — The National Security Council (NSC) laughed off yesterday the claim by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) that its chairman, who was arrested on Thursday in Quezon City in a joint military and police operation, is a peace advocate.

“We find as funny and preposterous the claim of the CPP-NPA-NDF that CPP chairman Baylon Villarico is a ‘peace consultant’ and is therefore immune from arrest under the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantee (JASIG) signed way back during the Fidel Ramos administration,” NSC spokesman, Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya, said.

“The JASIG was terminated by the government in 2017. So what immunity under the JASIG are they talking about? The Joint Oslo Communique of 2023 signed under the Marcos Jr. administration with the NDF did not resurrect the JASIG,” he added.

Malaya noted that the JASIG is as good as dead and the NSC wishes to underscore “that this notorious NPA leader was arrested based on a warrant of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court of Mauban, Quezon for multiple crimes including extortion, recruiting minors and students to be combatants, violation of Anti-Terrorism Act, rebellion, aside from kidnapping with murder.”

“He is responsible for numerous atrocities against government forces, the killing and liquidation of individuals, terrorist attacks on innocent communities, sabotaging government projects and various extortion and money-making activities in Southern Luzon,” Malaya said.

Full Story at: NSC: Nabbed CPP leader not a peace consultant | Philstar.com

OCD spokesperson Edgar Posadas confirmed during a Palace press briefing that the air assets are already stationed at Villamor and Cebu, awaiting safe weather conditions for takeoff. 

“We have 17 air assets prepositioned and readily deployable, weather permitting, as we need to ensure the safety of both our pilots and assets,” Posadas said in mixed Filipino and English.

The OCD spokesperson also reported that critical aid is already reaching the flood-stricken Bicol region, with support flowing in from the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) and Eastern Visayas. 

Aid has already reached the towns of Polangui and Libon in Albay, though Posadas acknowledged difficulties in accessing remote barangays.

“With the augmentation from SOLCOM and the Region 8 contingent, we expect that to be a big help,” Posadas said.

Heavy rains dumped by Kristine over the past few days have submerged several cities and provinces in the Bicol region. Overwhelmed by the number of distress calls from residents trapped by floodwaters, rescuers from Bicol’s disaster risk reduction and management council sounded the alarm for additional rubber boats late Tuesday night.

Responding to residents’ call for aid — including from former Vice President Leni Robredo — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday that additional rescue boats and other assets are already on their way. These, however, will have to be flown in through airlift due to impassable roads to Bicol.

Full Story at: 17 military aircraft to be used for ‘Kristine’ rescue, relief operations | Philstar.com

A race to reach the stranded as Kristine’s death toll rises | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — Rescuers raced Thursday to reach residents still stranded by flooding in the hard-hit Bicol region, after torrential rains from Tropical Storm Trami submerged villages and killed more than 20 people.

Schools and government offices were shuttered across the northern Philippines as the storm made landfall on the country’s main island of Luzon after first paving a trail of destruction south of the capital.

“As of 7 am, we have 20 dead (throughout the Bicol region),” regional police chief Brigadier-General Andre Dizon told reporters Thursday, adding the figure had yet to be finalised. “Most of them from drowning or buried in landslides.”

In Naga city and the town of Nabua, rescuers were using boats to reach residents still stranded on rooftops.

“They are seeking assistance through (Facebook) posts and that’s how we learned about them,” Bicol police spokeswoman Luisa Calubaquib told AFP.

According to the national weather service, the eye of the storm was passing over the northern Philippines’ mountainous interior as of 8 am (0000 GMT) with maximum sustained wind speeds of 95 kilometres (59 miles) per hour.

It was predicted to exit the island within 12 hours.

More than 30,000 people were forced to evacuate in Bicol on Wednesday, police said, as “unexpectedly high” flooding turned streets into rivers.

Full Story at: A race to reach the stranded as Kristine’s death toll rises | Philstar.com

Fernandez: Duterte’s call to Garma about 2 other topics I can’t disclose | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s call to former police colonel Royina Garma was not only about his explanation of his preference for the head of the national task force that implemented the drug war, Santa Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez said on Thursday.

In an online press briefing, Fernandez said there were two more topics discussed when Garma and Duterte talked last October 17, contrary to Garma’s initial claims that it was only about why Duterte preferred an Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) member as head of the task force.

However, Fernandez admitted not having the clearance from Garma’s lawyer to disclose the two other topics, as it is a private conversation between her and Duterte.

“We don’t want to break it (details) here unless they have some approval, so that they would not feel betrayed after they mentioned this information in confidence, right?  Then suddenly we would speak. I think it’s not fair for them,” he said in Filipino.

“So give us time, we will talk to them again…Actually, there are two big issues there, chairman Barbers (Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers) knows that, but these two topics, I think it is quite heavy,” he added.

Full Story at: Duterte’s call to Garma about 2 other topics – Fernandez

DILG: Marcos wants an enhanced delivery of aid in flood-hit Naga | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered scaled-up preparations for the provision of emergency field hospitals and medicines to be deployed in Naga City and other areas devastated by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami).

This directive was issued by Marcos to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, he said in a statement on Thursday.

“Today, we briefed President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr. and provided him with critical updates on the situation on the ground,” Remulla said.

“He personally instructed me to ramp up preparations for the provision of emergency field hospitals and medicines, which shall be deployed in Naga and all other affected areas as soon as conditions improve,” he added.

Remulla said that they are “constantly monitoring” the situation on the ground and pushing for efforts for the rescue, assistance, and recovery of all individuals affected.

Full Story at: DILG: Marcos wants an enhanced delivery of aid in flood-hit Naga

Rep. Marcos called out Duterte on Tuesday, days after Duterte threatened to dig up the body of his grandfather, former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., if the political attacks on her continue.

The lawmaker also took notice of Duterte’s remarks about trying to behead his father, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“For all this time, I have held my tongue out of respect for the Vice President, given the mandate she was given and the responsibility which her office holds. However, as a son, I cannot stay silent while she threatens to exhume a former president and behead an incumbent one,” Rep. Marcos’ statement read.

“Besides, her bizarre temper tantrum has been condemned by a nation horrified by such displays of insensitivity towards the dead and cruelty to the living,” he added.

According to Rep. Marcos, his father did not say anything against Duterte that could be construed as even a mild rebuke of her outbursts.

“He even advised me to withhold my disappointment and refrain from making a statement. However, one must draw the line at some point and it’s frankly long overdue,” he added.

Full Story at: Sandro Marcos calls out VP Sara: ‘You crossed the line’

DOJ chief on Sara’s attack: Now we know how unstable her mind can be | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Tuesday said, “ok lang yon” when asked to react to Vice President Sara Duterte’s negative remarks, saying it was already clear “how seemingly unstable her mind can be.”

Duterte earlier accused Remulla of “not knowing the law” after he mentioned that the Department of Justice (DOJ) might take legal action against her for her remarks about President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s father, particularly involving the desecration of  Marcos Sr.’s remains.

“‘Di, okay lang ‘yon (no, that’s okay), I’m used to that, ad hominem and other means to react to what we say, [that] is normal for the job that I am undertaking,” said Remulla in a press conference.

Instead, Remulla just reiterated that the DOJ is “studying the possibility” of filing cases against Duterte based on criminal acts.

He then further stressed how “shockingly disturbing” Duterte’s statements were, especially given her former position as education secretary.

“How can we entrust our youth to such a person who can utter such words and reflect such thoughts that are against human decency and good behavior,” said Remulla.

Full Story at: DOJ chief: Now we know how unstable Sara’s mind can be

De Lima: ‘Davao Model’ resembles Davao Death Squad’s reward system | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — The “Davao Model,” which allegedly involves rewarding police officers with cash for each drug suspect killed, mirrors the reward system of the notorious Davao Death Squad (DDS), former Senator Leila de Lima said on Tuesday, October 22.

Speaking as a resource person at the House quadcom’s ninth hearing on extrajudicial killings during the drug war, De Lima presented past findings showing that the practice of rewarding individuals for arbitrary killings dates back to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s first term as Davao City mayor.

The “Davao Model” was first referenced by retired police chief Royina Garma in her sworn statement, where she revealed that Duterte had asked her to find a police officer or operative who could replicate the model on a national scale.

She confirmed with lawmakers that cash rewards ranged from P20,000 to as much as P1 million per drug suspect killed. 

The DDS reward system, on the other hand, was reported to have paid police officers, assassins and civilian informants up to P15,000 in total. 

These findings come from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), part of which De Lima uncovered during her tenure as the agency’s chairperson from 2008 to 2010. 

Full Story at: De Lima: ‘Davao Model’ resembles Davao Death Squad’s reward system | Philstar.com

Pasig court allows Quiboloy’s appearance in Senate probe | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — A Pasig court has allowed detained doomsday preacher Apollo Quiboloy to appear in the investigation by the Senate regarding the alleged abuses within his “church,” the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC).

In a five-page order dated October 21, the Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 159 granted the request of Sen. Risa Hontiveros, chair of the the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, to permit the appearance of the detained FBI-wanted preacher.

The committee hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, October 23, at 10 a.m.

Joining Quiboloy are his co-accused, who are leaders of KOJC: Jackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada, Ingrid Canada, Paulene Canada and Sylvia Calija Cemanes.

Quiboloy, who was arrested on September 8, is currently facing charges of child and sexual abuse, along with a non-bailable trafficking in persons charge.

The human trafficking charge has been filed in the Pasig RTC, while the child and sexual abuse charges were lodged with a Quezon City RTC.

Quiboloy’s opposition

The court noted that Quiboloy opposed Hontiveros’ request. His camp argued that Congress’ power to compel witnesses should be balanced against Quiboloy’s constitutional rights, particularly since he is already in legal custody and facing trial.

Citing the right to presumption of innocence and the right against self-incrimination, Quiboloy’s camp contended that the matters the panel intends to investigate are already under court jurisdiction, and forcing him to appear before the Senate during the ongoing trial would constitute legislative overreach.

However, the court did not grant this request, referencing precedents that allow an accused individual to attend a legislative committee hearing while a case is pending in court.

Full Story at: Pasig court allows Quiboloy’s appearance in Senate probe | Philstar.com

The former president’s remarks came in response to retired police colonel Royina Garma’s allegation that policemen were rewarded with as much as P1 million per kill under the Davao template for the nationwide war on drugs.

In an interview with Sonshine Media Network International on Friday, October 18, Duterte said that police officers were never paid for killings.

“’Yang sinasabi nilang reward, walang reward ‘yan. Hindi ako magbibigay ng reward” Duterte said.

(What they are saying about a reward, there was no reward. I would never give a reward.)

He mentioned that the only form of recognition he offered to police officers who completed their missions was a meal and congratulatory remarks.

“Ang pinakaano [ng mga pulis] sa akin is ‘pag mission accomplished, yayain ko sila sa restaurant, magkain kami and I congratulate them. Tsaka palainom ang pulis. Bigyan mo ng dalawang boteng scotch, hindi ‘yan tatanggap ng pera. Nahihiya ‘yan,” he said.

(What I offer to police officers when their mission is accomplished is to invite them to a restaurant for a meal, and I congratulate them. Cops are heavy drinkers. Just give them two bottles of scotch and they won’t accept any money. They’d be embarrassed to take it.)

During the interview, Duterte also emphasized that he never gave explicit orders to kill.

Full Story at: Ex-president Duterte denies cash rewards in drug war | Philstar.com

DOJ vows: EJK probe won’t spare Duterte | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — The government’s investigation on cold cases of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) will spare no one – not even former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose so-called war on drugs led to the deaths of thousands of drug suspects.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla made this clear yesterday as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have begun taking another look at killings of drug suspects by security forces in the name of Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs.

In a chance interview on Thursday, Remulla stressed the importance of uncovering the truth behind the killings, which are now also being investigated by the International Criminal Court.

“Whoever it may be. We all know that it is important to reveal the truth to the public,” Remulla said.

When asked if Duterte would be included in the investiagtion, Remulla said there will be no sacred cows. “As long as we’re not favoring anyone. What’s important is that if you have wronged the society, you must pay for it. That’s all there is to it,” he said.

Remulla reiterated that the government would leave no cold case unresolved as he called on individuals with evidence or testimonies to come forward and assist the Department of Justice in uncovering the truth. “There will be no peace until we obtain justice. People’s peace of mind about attaining justice is the most important thing in our society,” he stressed.

PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) acting director Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III confirmed that they are ready to file charges against anyone, including Duterte, if evidence warrants.

Full Story at: DOJ vows: EJK probe won’t spare Duterte | Philstar.com

Priest tells VP Sara to address tensions with respect, dignity | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte should deal with conflicts and disagreements with respect and dignity, especially when discussing the deceased, a priest said on Saturday.

According to Fr. Joel Saballa of the Diocese of Novaliches, the Catholic Church teaches the importance of showing respect to the sanctity of life.

“It is important to approach statements that involve desecration of human remains with reverence and respect, especially in the context of Catholic teachings on the dignity of the deceased and the sanctity of life,” Fr. Saballa said in an interview with Veritas.

“It is essential to remember that even individuals with whom we may have disagreements or conflicts deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, both in life and in death,” the priest added.

This came after Duterte said in her press conference on Friday that she would exhume the remains of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos Sr. from the Libingan ng mga Bayani and throw it to the West Philippine Sea if attacks from the current administration will continue.

Full Story at: Priest tells VP Sara to address tensions with respect, dignity

Solons dare VP Sara: Testify under oath on public funds’ use; no evasions | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — Leaders of the House of Representatives challenged Vice President Sara Duterte to address the alleged misuse of public funds, instead of dismissing them as political attacks.

“We are still waiting for the vice president to explain the need for 34 safe houses in less than two weeks. The public has a right to know why P16 million of their money was spent so dubiously,” House Assistant Majority Leader Paolo Ortega said in a statement Saturday.

“If there’s nothing to hide, she should testify under oath. This is public money, and the Filipino people deserve transparency and accountability. No more evasions. No more squid tactics,” Ortega stressed.

On Thursday, the House committee on good government raised alarms over the Office of the Vice President’s use of P16 million in confidential funds to rent 34 safe houses for 11 days in December 2022.

Lawmakers also questioned the P15.5 million budget of the Department of Education, which it supposedly spent on the Philippine Army’s Youth Leadership Summit in 2023, when Duterte was still the agency’s chief.

The Army then stated that DepEd had “no direct contribution” in staging the program.

Full Story at: Solons dare VP Sara: Testify under oath on public funds’ use

In separate statements on Friday, Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr., Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, and Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua believe it would be better for the Vice President to face these accusations head-on.

According to Brosas, Duterte was just diverting public opinion by treating her press briefing earlier as a drama anthology show where she told stories.

“We are appalled by the recent diversionary tactics employed by Vice President Sara Duterte amidst serious allegations of misuse of public funds and corruption within the Department of Education (DepEd).  This is merely a deliberate attempt to shift public attention through a tell-all interview on her relationship with the Marcos family — a narrative that serves no purpose in addressing the pressing issues at hand,” Brosas said.

“Hindi ito Maalaala Mo Kaya episode,” Brosas said, referring to the television show where letter-senders narrate their life stories.  “Vice President Duterte’s reluctance to face these corruption allegations head-on, coupled with her theatrics, is a desperate bid to save face,” she added.

Gonzales said the people deserve answers since public funds are the subject of the House committee on good government and public accountability’s hearings.

Full Story at: House solons to Sara: Stop diverting issues (inquirer.net)

Duterte: I’ll throw Marcos Sr.’s body into West PH Sea if attacks continue | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte said Friday that she previously warned Sen. Imee Marcos that if political attacks from the current administration continued, she would personally dig up former president and dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s body and throw it into the West Philippine Sea.

Duterte made the remark when asked if she thinks President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his administration had already forgotten that it was her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who allowed Marcos Sr. to be buried in the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

“Hindi ko alam. Pero isang beses, sinabihan ko talaga si Sen. Imee. Sabi ko sa kanya, kung hindi kayo tumigil, huhukayin ko ‘yang tatay ninyo, itatapon ko siya sa West Philippines Sea,” said Duterte in a press conference.

(I don’t know. But once, I actually told Sen. Imee. I told her, if you don’t stop, I will dig up your father, I will throw him into the West Philippines Sea.)

“One of these days, pupunta ako doon, kukunin ko ‘yung katawan ng tatay ninyo, tapon ko ‘yan dun sa West Philippine Sea,” she added.

(One of these days, I will go there, I will take your father’s body, I will throw it in the West Philippine Sea.)

Full Story at: Duterte: I’ll throw Marcos Sr.’s body into WPS if attacks continue (inquirer.net)

Another DepEd official confirms receiving cash envelopes during VP Duterte’s term | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — Department of Education (DepEd) officials have disclosed receiving cash envelopes during Vice President Sara Duterte’s tenure as education secretary in 2023.

At a House good governance panel hearing on October 17, former DepEd Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) Chairperson Resty Osias bared that he received envelopes containing P12,000 to P15,000 each.

“I think it was something like between 12 to 15 (thousand pesos), Sir. Hindi ko na ho matandaan ‘yung laman talaga. (I can’t really recall the amount) Very minimal amount, Sir,” Osias said.

This corroborates the earlier testimony of former DepEd Undersecretary Gloria Mercado, who on September 25 informed lawmakers she received nine envelopes containing P50,000 each from February to September 2023.

He was summoned to the office of former DepEd Assistant Secretary Sunshine Fajarda, who also served as Duterte’s head executive assistant, to receive the envelopes.

Four envelopes. Osias alleged he received four envelopes between April and September 2023, believing it was a “practice of the department.”

“I must be candid about this. I must say I did but I didn’t know, because I was new in the department, I thought it was a practice of the department,” Osias said.

“It started [in] April, I think it was until September of that year. If I recall it right, I was only summoned about four times to the office,” he added.  

He noted, however, that it was not likely because he was a BAC member since he was only appointed as the committee’s chairman in November 2023.

Full Story at: Another DepEd official confirms receiving cash envelopes during VP Duterte’s term | Philstar.com

Entire Senate eyed to probe drug war EJKs | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — If the Senate decides to launch its own investigation on extrajudicial killings during the previous administration as proposed by Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, it should do so as a committee of the whole to make it easier for witnesses and survivor-victims to testify, Sen. Risa Hontiveros said yesterday. “I proposed to the Senate leadership to convene a Senate committee of the whole, so that the whole Senate can investigate the previous administration’s war on drugs,” Hontiveros said in an interview wth dzXL. “It is important to find out the truth about the bloody war on drugs, for the families of the victims of extrajudicial killings.”

The quad committee, comprising four panels of the House of Representatives, has been investigating for months extrajudicial killings during the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, and their possible connection to Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hubs.

During one of the quad comm hearings, retired police colonel Royina Garma said Dela Rosa as national police chief facilitated the release of reward money to police officers for every drug suspect killed.

Dela Rosa denied the allegation and offered to lead a parallel Senate probe as chairman of the committee on public order and dangerous drugs. Sen. Bong Go also vowed to file a resolution calling for a Senate parallel investigation.

“Through the committee of the whole, I am more hopeful that the ‘victim survivors’ of the war on drugs would testify. We should hear from them to get to the whole truth,” Hontiveros said.

Full Story at: Entire Senate eyed to probe drug war EJKs | Philstar.com