MikeLigalig.com

The Provincial Health Office (PHO) is set to investigate the Bayambang District Hospital (BDH) with regard a complaint filed by relatives of a patient who died last week.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Anna Ma. Teresa de Guzman said on Wednesday that the investigation would be conducted to appease the relatives of one Henry Abalos and enlighten them as to the actual cause of his death.

The demise of Abalos is being blamed by his relatives to the alleged negligence of hospital staff.

Dr. Elizabeth Bautista, the attending physician, however, denied the allegation, saying Abalos was an active pulmonary patient and died due to tuberculosis.     

It was learned that an antacid was injected on the patient to neutralize the acid in his stomach. Relatives of Abalos, however, believed it triggered the patient's death. (AhicamPasion/PNA)

(Taguig City). To provide light is to spark hope.

This is the underlying philosophy behind the efforts of the Department of Energy (DOE), through the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative (LASURECO) and other stakeholders, to rush the completion of the installation of power facilities and streetlights at the Sagonsongan Transitional Shelter Site for displaced households in Marawi after the siege.

"I am pleased to announce that we have already energized the newly built transitional shelter in Sagonsongan, creating a symbol of hope for our kababayans who have been heavily affected by the armed conflict in the area," Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said.

Cusi pointed out that the DOE would extend all necessary support to the people of Marawi so they can recover faster, and help them build better lives after their city was torn apart by the siege.

Overseeing the installation of the power facilities in the area, DOE Assistant Secretary Redentor E. Delola said the energization of the distribution lines and streetlights was fast-tracked by the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative with the help of the other electric cooperatives in Mindanao, the Manila Electric Co. (MERALCO), National Grid Corp. of the Philippines and the National Power Corporation (Napocor) under the Task Force Bangon Marawi.

Delola and DOE Undersecretary Benito L. Ranque are in Marawi to grace the turnover ceremony of the Sagonsongan Transitional Shelter Site to its household beneficiaries.

Last 16 December, the DOE, led by Undersecretary Wimpy Fuentebella, turned over 400 solar-powered lamps to Task Force Bangon Marawi and 131 solar-powered street lights to LASURECO, which were installed to light the most affected areas.

The solar lamps and streetlights, through the coordination of DOE Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office, were donated by Pepsi Co. and Phinma Corp. and fabricated by the Correctional Institute for Women through the Liter of Light organization. For its logistics, the support came from the Department of National Defense through the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Napocor, MERALCO, Task Force Bangon Marawi and LASURECO.

NEW YORK (AP) — Three large U.S. cities filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday against the Department of Defense, arguing that many service members who are disqualified from gun ownership weren't reported to the national background check system.

New York City, San Francisco and Philadelphia said in court papers that the military's broken system for relaying such information helped spur the massacre of 26 people inside a Texas church last month.

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

KGG. FREDERICK W. SIAO
Lone District of Iligan City
Maligayang Pasko nga!

HIGIT DALAWANG LIBONG CHED SCHOLARS MATATANGGAP NA ANG NAANTALANG ALLOWANCES

Nagpapasalamat ako sa Commission on Higher Education sa (CHED) sa aksyon nito sa aking panawagang solusyunan ang pagkaantala ng allowances ng K to 12 Transition faculty scholars. Mahigit 9,500 scholars ang apektadong iskolar.

Ayon sa pahayag ng CHED nitong Linggo, sa December 29 na matatanggap ng 2,152 na faculty scholars ang "full release" ng kanilang living allowances, habang sa January 5, 2018 naman ang "partial release" para sa 1,011 na K to 12 Transition program beneficiaries, pero 933 ang wala pang matatanggap dahil hindi pa kumpleto o pinoproseso pa ang kanilang mga papeles sa CHED regional offices.

Aminado naman ang CHED na natabunan sila ng 11,000 bulto ng dokumento dahil sa K to 12 Transition program para sa college faculty. Hindi kinaya ng kanilang mga tauhan ang dagsa. 

Ano ba ang maaaring maitulong ng Kongreso upang mapabilis ang proseso o madagdagan ang CHED ng tauhan para maasikaso ang mga dokumento? 

Sa Enero o Pebrero ng 2018 ay magsisimula na ang budget cycle para sa pagbalangkas ng 2019 national budget. Handa akong makinig sa CHED upang malaman kung ano ang kailangan nila sa 2019 budget upang mapahusay ang sistema ng CHED. (WAKAS)

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

DOE Fast-tracking Energy Restoration in Vinta-hit Areas

(Taguig City). After the completion of the power restoration in areas affected by Tropical Depression Urduja at the barangay level on Christmas Day, the Department of Energy (DOE) is now mobilizing all its resources to restore energy in areas affected by tropical storm Vinta.

"Our personnel and staff will continue working during the Christmas break to rehabilitate affected energy facilities, and to coordinate, monitor and report the developments for easy and fast mobilization of assets in places that need assistance," Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said. 

"I would like to commend them for braving the storm and sacrificing their holidays just to ensure that energy is safe, accessible and reliable, and it's no easy task," he added. 

The energy chief urged the public to "ensure safety first amidst all these natural calamities and to report to the nearest authority any problem they may encounter. For energy concerns, they may contact us at 4792900 or email us at info@doe.gov.ph." 

Based on the consolidated report of the www.doe.gov.phDOE and its attached agencies, the National Power Corporation (NPC) stated that there was no damage on all of its energy power plants/lines in areas affected by Vinta.

All compromised transmission facilities were already restored at 2:10 p.m. of 24 December as reported by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

For its part, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) reported that nine (9) electric cooperatives were severely affected by Vinta, resulting in power interruption in some towns in their franchise areas.

Distribution utilities/electric cooperatives and towns still under restoration are the following:

• Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative (LASURECO) – portions of Marawi City, Piagapo, Madalum, Madamba, Ganassi, Pualas, Pagayawan, and Tuburan;

• Surigao del Sur II Electric Cooperative (SURSECO II) –San Miguel, Cagwait, Bayabas, Marigatag and Portions of Tago;

• Davao del Norte (DANECO) - portions of Asuncion and New Corella;

• Lanao del Norte Electric Cooperative (LANECO) –portions of Baloi, Matungao, Tubod, and Salvador, Munai, and Tangkal;

• Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (ZANECO) –total blackout

• Zamboanga del Sur II Electric Cooperative (ZAMSURECO II) –Sirawi, Siocon, Baliguian, and Portions of Titay; 

• Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative (ASELCO) –portions of Veruela, Bunawan, Loreto, San Luis, La Paz, Talacogon, Sibagat, San Francisco, and Rosario;

• Misamis Oriental-I Rural Electric Service Cooperative (MORESCO I) –Talakag and Portions of Cagayan de Oro City but expected completion by today;

• Palawan Electric Cooperative (PALECO) –Brooke's Point, Narra and Aborlan;

For the private distribution utilities, Davao Light and Power Co. (DLPC),

Cagayan Electric Power & Light Co., Inc. (CEPALCO) and Iligan Light and Power, Inc., their engineers reported that some households are still without power due to the dampened outlets and wiring caused by the rain and the flood waters.

Flooding, landslides and downed infrastructures like bridges generally make the restoration of the affected power facilities more difficult. Nonetheless, the DOE is targeting its completion within the week. 

The DOE also reminded oil industry players to observe the price freeze in areas placed under a state of calamity. The DOE-Oil Industry Management Bureau and DOE- Field Offices, together with the Department of Trade and Industry, are monitoring the prices of household LPG and kerosene in Biliran and Davao.

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

Santa Claus at ICM Bohol

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

By Ben Cal
Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) general manager Alexander Balutan said he is open to an investigation on the millions of pesos allegedly spent by the agency for its Christmas party.

"I will volunteer to be investigated and open to any investigation by Congress," Balutan said in a phone interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Tuesday.

Replying to the accusation of whistleblower Sandra Cam on the alleged "grandiose" PCSO Christmas party celebration, Balutan said "the PCSO has nothing to hide and is ready to account for it to the last centavo supported by corresponding official receipts of our expenditures during our Christmas party."

"The PCSO spent PHP3 million for the hotel, food and give away prizes for the Christmas party and not PHP10 million," Balutan added.

Cam, a newly appointed PCSO director, has exposed the alleged overspending of the PCSO for its Christmas party.

Balutan said he is open to any investigation to show that there was no overspending or irregularity in the PCSO Christmas party.

"In fact, I will volunteer to be investigated to prove that we are not hiding anything," said Balutan, a decorated military officer of the Philippine Marines with the rank of major general, who saw combat in southern Philippines, particularly the Mindanao all-out war in 2000.

At the same time, Balutan turned the table against Cam whom he accused of lobbying out for her friend, Atong Ang, as in charge of managing the "lucrative" Small Town Lottery draw nationwide of PCSO.

According to Balutan, the STL, which is the latest PCSO lottery game that started fourth quarter of this year, generated an income of PHP1.7 billion for the government's coffers.

For the regular lotto games, PCSCO earned PHP51 billion as of last week and is expected to earn more, as there are still a few days of draw before the month of December ends, said Balutan.

Meanwhile, retired Marine Maj. Manuel Fraginal, PCSO executive assistant, blasted Cam for making "damaging irresponsible accusation" that has demoralized the rank-and-file of the PCSO.

"The PCSO did not spend PHP10 million for our Christmas party as alleged by Sandra Cam," Fraginal said in a separate phone interview.

"In fact, PCSO employees of over 1,100 donated PHP2,000 each from their bonus to the victims of the Marawi siege," said Fraginal, who is also a bemedalled Marine officer having fought in numerous combat operations during long years of military service.

He said all expenses of the PCSO are properly recorded and all projects are approved through board resolutions.

Fraginal also denied the accusations of Cam. (PNA)

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

An official of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines-Commission on Pastoral Care for Migrant and Itinerant People (CBCP-ECMI) urged overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are vacationing in the country for the holiday season to spend time with their families and not to spend on material things.

He also acknowledged that their salaries are hard-earned money.

"Here we inform our vacationing OFWs to save, not spend or shop; to be safe especially with those questionable high-interest return of investments, and always stay, sharing stories and meals with their families," said Bishop Ruperto Santos, chairman of the CBCP-ECMI.

The Bataan prelate noted that spending quality time with their families is the best gift they can give themselves and also their loved ones.

Aside from spending time, he also urged them to hear mass with their families and pray for more blessings, among others.

"Spend time with their families, and go to Holy Masses together, to pray together for sound health, for peace and security in the family," Santos added.

Thousands of OFWs are now in the country for a holiday vacation with their families. (PNA)

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

Most parts of the country will experience scattered rains Wednesday due to the tail-end of a cold front and the northeast monsoon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

The tail-end of the cold front would bring cloudy skies with scattered rains over the regions of Calabarzon, Bicol, Eastern Visayas, and the provinces of Oriental Mindoro, and Marinduque.

Meanwhile, Metro Manila, Cagayan Valley region, Cordillera Administrative Region, and the province of Aurora would have cloudy skies with scattered rains due to the northeast monsoon.

Light to strong winds coming from the northeast to southeast will prevail over these areas and the coastal waters will be moderate to very rough.

The easterlies is also affecting the regions of Caraga and Davao.

Meanwhile, Esperanza Cayanan, chief of PAGASA's weather division, clarified that while there is a possible formation of tropical cyclone this coming January 2018, it is impossible to predict a tropical cyclone's intensity for more than one week ahead.

Cayanan made the statement amid rumors circulating in social media regarding a super typhoon that might affect the country in January 2018.

She said that based on historical records, it is normal for the month of January to have 0-1 tropical cyclone, and since the atmosphere is "very dynamic", constant monitoring is necessary.

"The general public is advised to be more careful, verify information and listen only to right authority so as not to cause panic," Cayanan added. (PNA)

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle has appealed to the faithful to help the people affected by typhoons "Urduja" and "Vinta" in Visayas and Mindanao in the past weeks.

He urged the public to be compassionate and share their blessings in the spirit of the holiday season in areas that were hit by the typhoons.

"Kapag Pasko po ay ating ipinagdiriwang ang kabutihang loob ng Panginoon sa ating lahat. Pero hindi po kumpleto ang Pasko kapag meron tayong nakakalimutang mga tao, lalu na po 'yung sa ating sitwasyon sa Pilipinas kadaraan lang po ng bagyong Urduja na tumama sa Samar at Leyte (On Christmas, we celebrate the goodness of of God. Christmas isn't complete if we forget other p[eople especially during this time of crisis in Urduja-hit Samar and Leyte)," he said in an interview over Church-run Radio Veritas.

He added, "At ngayon po sa Mindanao, ang bagyong Vinta. Tayo pong lahat ay pinaramdaman ng Diyos ng kagandahang loob, nararapat lamang na maging daan tayo ng kagandahang loob lalo na sa mga kapatid nating nangangailangan na nawalan po hindi lamang ng bahay at hanapbuhay kundi ng mga mahal sa buhay (Now Mindanao has been battered by Tropical Storm Vinta. We have all felt the goodness of the Lord, and it is just right for us to be instruments to others who lost their houses, livelihood and even loved ones)."

Cardinal Tagle remind them that they can deliver their donations to the local parishes, social action centers of every diocese and also at Caritas Manila, social action arm of the Archdiocese of Manila.

It was reported that hundreds of people died while hundreds of others are still missing due to the typhoons that hit Central and Southern Philippines.

On the other hand, the Church-run radio station also reported that Pope Francis has offered prayers to the victims of the typhoons.

"I want to offer my prayers to the population of the island of Mindanao, in the Philippines, hit by a storm that has caused numerous victims and destruction. Merciful Lord, take in the souls of the dead and comfort those who are suffering as a result of this calamity. Let's pray for these people," according to Radio Veritas, quoting the message of the Holy Father during the Angelus at the St. Peter Square.

Meanwhile, the Caritas Manila and the Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) has sent 1,500 relief goods to those affected by typhoon Vinta in Cagayan de Oro (CDO) last December 24.

Caritas Manila Executive Director Fr. Anton Pascual said they are ready to provide assistance to other areas affected by the storm.

"People are suffering, they need help, we are in contact with DSAC (Diocesan Social Action Center) para makatulong ASAP," he said in a separate interview over Radio Veritas.

According to Fr. John Young of FSUU in Butuan City, the relief goods have been delivered to Saint Augustine Cathedral in the said province and were immediately given to the affected people

The Diocese of Tagum has also sent 3,000 relief goods to those affected by the typhoon in Compostela Valley and Davao Del Norte.

At the same time, Marawi Bishop Edwin Dela Peña has appealed for help for those affected by typhoon Vinta in Lanao Del Sur and Lanao Del Norte.

Based on the data of the National Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Council, some 18,000 families or 72,000 individuals have been affected by typhoon Vinta. (PNA)

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

"Venezuelans scramble to survive as merchants demand dollars" - http://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-economy/venezuelans-scramble-to-survive-as-merchants-demand-dollars-idUSKBN1EK0XK

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

Bohol cops ask for P9M to create SRU
by Rey Anthony Chiu

Tagbilaran City (30 December 2005) -- GOING hi-tech in anticipation of another tourist filled year, Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO) through PSupt. Arturo Evangelista is asking some P9M from the Provincial Government to make a Special Reaction Unit (SRU) and create a local counter terrorism quick response team and assure guests to their security while basking in Bohol.

In an action plan submitted to Capitol, Psupt. Evangelista said the P9M would finance the creation of the SRU. SRU is a composite team of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team, Explosives and Ordnance Divisions (EOD), and trained dogs enlisted under a local K9 unit.

During his assumption into power as provincial police chief from retired acting Provincial Police Chief Elpidio Ybañez, October 5, Col. Evangelista also took responsibility of Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado's provincial agenda.

The governor's mandate, a tall order for the new but personally chosen chief cop, asks for the new director to spoil the proliferation of illegal drugs, terrorism, organized crime groups, illegal fishing and illegal gambling, all within the next 6 months.

Days after he sat, a Globe communications tower was torched in another daring show or terrorism that seeks to compromise local peace and order.

Following the communications tower raid and torching of another facility some 30 kilometers away, BPPO called for a command conference October 26.

Different security agencies and security officers of malls, supermarkets, resorts and restaurants, critical infrastructure and vital installations attended the conference. The gab tried to assess and evaluate as well as upgrade existing security programs and contingency plans.

Current security provisions at the beaches were beefed up after Police Director General Arturo Lomibao two weeks ago turned over a world-class Community Police Action Center (COMPACT) in Bolod in Panglao.

In an interview, Gen. Lomibao said the Panglao COMPACT is just one of the three police modern police stations Philippine National Police is giving to Bohol as a tool to put up security measures in this booming tourism province.

Along with the Panglao police station is another equally strategic post in Batuan, Bohol, some three kilometers from the famous Chocolate Hills Complex.

Also benefiting from the PNP is Catigbian, who also happened to have the same security aid.

The security tools are just some of the measures government authorities are putting in place while the Senate is currently debating on the passage of the anti-terrorism bill, which is hoped to revolutionize counter-terrorism action in the country. (PIA)

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

Iloilo City (30 December 2005) -- For reasons of economics and safety, the Department of Health is recommending the use of alternative noise - makers instead of the traditional firecrackers.

To reduce firecrackers and fireworks related injuries and death, DOH launched its own formula to counter the incident. "FOURmula Kontra Paputok" was laid out by Health Secretary Francisco Duque III to heighten awareness of the public on the four ways of preventing firecrackers and fireworks related injuries and deaths during the holidays. The campaign asks the public and the local government units to find alternative means of merry making other than the use of firecrackers.

"FOURmula Kontra Paputok" advocates safe ways of making noise. It has four basic pointers that address the most common ways people injure themselves during the festivities of the holidays: 1. It is better to use pots, pans and paper horns; 2. never pick up the firecrackers that fail to explode; 3. immediately wash wounds with soap and water and go to the nearest hospital for treatment and 4. never fire guns to greet the New Year.

"People use firecrackers as noisemakers for luck, but it is definitely not lucky if you lose a limb or get hurt this season," the health chief emphasized. Further, he added that this year's campaign would focus on males aged 10-19 years and those below 10 years, which are the most affected groups.

It is better and less costly to use palangganas, torotots, pots and pans than the traditional and injury-causing firecrackers according to the Health Secretary.

Based on statistics last year, Western Visayas has 30 firecrackers and fireworks related cases third to Ilocos Region which is second with 36 cases and topped by the National Capital Region with 393 cases. Of those injured, 56% directly handled firework, 29% were onlookers, and 15% were passersby.

Last year, 50 different sentinel sites nationwide also reported 585 injuries from 21 December 2004 to 1 January 2005. These injuries were 15% lower compared to the same period in the previous year. Of the total number of injuries, 548 were due to fireworks, 33 were stray bullet cases while 4 cases of watusi ingestion.

On the use of liquor, majority (76%) of those injured was not under the influence of liquor, while only about 20% were intoxicated. Most (70%) injuries occurred on the street, 27% were sustained at home, while the rest were not indicated where injuries were sustained.

"A surefire formula for a joyous and peaceful revelry is to welcome the New Year with prayer and to practice safe alternative ways of merry making without the use of the injury-causing firecrackers," Duque concluded. (PIA/EAD

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

INTRODUCTION

THAT the "God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob" is also the "God and Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ," and that "they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham," - these are among the most precious truths of revelation. They show us not only the faithfulness of our God, and the greatness of our privileges, but also the marvelous wisdom of the plan of salvation, and its consistency throughout. For the Bible should be viewed, not only in its single books, but in their connection, and in the unity of the whole. The Old Testament could not be broken off from the New, and each considered as independent of the other. Nor yet could any part of the Old Testament be disjoined from the rest. The full meaning and beauty of each appears only in the harmony and unity of the whole. Thus they all form links of one unbroken chain, reaching from the beginning to the time when the Lord Jesus Christ came, for whom all previous history had prepared, to whom all the types pointed, and in whom all the promises are "Yea and Amen." Then that which God had spoken to Abraham, more than two thousand years before, became a blessed reality, for "the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham." That this one grand purpose should have been steadily kept in view, and carried forward through all the vicissitudes of history, changes of time, and stages of civilization, - and that without requiring any alteration, only further unfolding and at last completion - affords indeed the strongest confirmation to our faith. It is also a precious comfort to our hearts; for we see how God's purpose of mercy has been always the same; and, walking the same pilgrim-way which "the fathers" had trod, and along which God had safely guided the Covenant, we rejoice to know that neither opposition of man nor yet unfaithfulness on the part of His professing people can make void the gracious counsel of God: -

"He loved us from the first of time,
He loves us to the last."

And this it is which we learn from the unity of Scripture.

But yet another and equally important truth may be gathered. There is not merely harmony but also close connection between the various parts of Scripture. Each book illustrates the other, taking up its teaching and carrying it forward. Thus the unity of Scripture is not like that of a stately building, however ingenious its plan or vast its proportions; but rather, to use a Biblical illustration, like that of the light, which shineth more and more unto the perfect day. We mark throughout growth in its progress, as men were able to bear fuller communications, and prepared for their reception. The law, the types, the history, the prophecies, and the promises of the Old Testament all progressively unfold and develop the same truth, until it appears at last in its New Testament fullness. Though all testify of the same thing, not one of them could safely be left out, nor yet do we properly understand any one part unless we view it in its bearing and connection with the others. And so when at last we come to the close of Scripture, we see how the account of the creation and of the first calling of the children of God, which had been recorded in the book of Genesis, has found its full counterpart - its fulfillment - in the book of Revelation, which tells the glories of the second creation, and the perfecting of the Church of God. As one of the old Church teachers (St. Augustine) writes:

"Novum Testamentum in vetere latet,
Vetus in novo patet."

That in a work composed of so many books, written under such very different circumstances, by penmen so different, and at periods so widely apart, there should be "some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest," can surely not surprise us, more particularly when we remember that it was God's purpose only to send the brighter light as men were able to bear it. Besides, we must expect that with our limited powers and knowledge we shall not be able fully to understand the ways of God. But, on the other hand, this may be safely said, that the more deep, calm, and careful our study, the more ample the evidence it will bring to light to confirm our faith against all attacks of the enemy. Yet the ultimate object of our reading is not knowledge, but experience of grace. For, properly understood, the Scripture is all full of Christ, and all intended to point to Christ as our only Savior. It is not only the law, which is a schoolmaster unto Christ, nor the types, which are shadows of Christ, nor yet the prophecies, which are predictions of Christ; but the whole Old Testament history is full of Christ. Even where persons are not, events may be types. If any one failed to see in Isaac or in Joseph a personal type of Christ, he could not deny that the offering up of Isaac, or the selling of Joseph, and his making provision for the sustenance of his brethren, are typical of events in the history of our Lord. And so indeed every event points to Christ, even as He is alike the beginning, the center, and the end of all history - "the same yesterday, and today, and for ever." One thing follows from this: only that reading or study of the Scriptures can be sufficient or profitable through which we learn to know Christ - and that as "the Way, the Truth, and the Life" to us. And for this purpose we ought constantly to ask the aid and teaching of the Holy Spirit.

A few brief remarks, helpful to the study of patriarchal history, may here find a place. In general, the Old Testament may be arranged into "The Law and the Prophets."

It was possibly with reference to this division that the Law consisted of the five books of Moses -ten being the symbolical number of completeness, and the Law with its commands being only half complete without "the Prophets" and the promises. But assuredly to the fivefold division of the Law answers the arrangement of the Psalms into five books, of which each closes with a benediction, as follows: -

Book 1: Psalm 1-41

Book 2: Psalm 42-72

Book 3: Psalm 73-89

Book 4: Psalm 90-106

Book 5: Psalm 107-150

- the last Psalm standing as a grand final benediction.

The Law or the Five Books of Moses are commonly called the Pentateuch, a Greek term meaning the "fivefold," or "five-parted" Book. Each of these five books commonly bears a title given by the Greek translators of the Old Testament (the so-called LXX.), in accordance with the contents of each: Genesis (origin, creation), Exodus (going out from Egypt), Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy (Second Law, or the Law a second time). The Jews designate each book by the first or else the most prominent word with which it begins.

The book of Genesis consists of two great parts, each again divided into five sections. Every section is clearly marked by being introduced as "generations," or "originations" - in Hebrew Toledoth - as follows:

PART 1 - THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD TO THE FINAL ARRANGEMENT AND SETTLEMENT OF THE VARIOUS NATIONS
General Introduction: Chap. 1-2:3.

Generations of the Heavens and the Earth, 2:4-4:26.
Book of the Generations of Adam 5-6:8.
The Generations of Noah, 6:9-9:29.
The Generations of the Sons of Noah 10-11:9.
The Generations of Shem, 11:10-26.
PART 2--PATRIARCHAL HISTORY

The Generations of Terah (the father of Abraham), 11:27-25:11.
The Generations of Ishmael 25:12-18.
The Generations of Isaac, 25:19-35:29
The Generations of Esau, 36.
The Generations of Jacob, 37.
These two parts make together ten sections - the number of completeness, - and each section varies in length with the importance of its contents, so far as they bear upon the history of the kingdom of God. For, both these parts, or rather the periods which they describe, have such bearing. In the first we are successively shown man's original position and relationship towards God; then his fall, and the consequent need of redemption; and next God's gracious provision of mercy. The acceptance or rejection of this provision implies the separation of all mankind into two classes - the Sethites and the Cainites. Again, the judgment of the flood upon the ungodly, and the preservation of His own people, are typical for all time; while the genealogies and divisions of the various nations, and the separation of Shem, imply the selection of one nation, from whom salvation should spring for all mankind. In this first part the interest of the history groups around events rather than persons. It is otherwise in the second part, where the history of the Covenant and of the Covenant-people begins with the calling of Abraham, and is continued in Isaac, in Jacob, and in his descendants. Here the interest centers in persons rather than events, and we are successively shown God's rich promises as they unfold, and God's gracious dealings as they contribute to the training of the patriarchs. The book of Genesis, and with it the first period of the Covenant history, closes when the family had expanded into a nation.

Finally, with reference to the special arrangement of the "generations" recorded throughout the book of Genesis, it will be noticed that, so to speak, the side branches are always cut off before the main branch is carried onwards. Thus the history of Cain and of his race precedes that of Seth and his race; the genealogy of Japheth and of Ham that of Shem; and the history of Ishmael and Esau that of Isaac and of Jacob. For the principle of election and selection, of separation and of grace, underlies from the first the whole history of the Covenant. It appears in the calling of Abraham, and is continued throughout the history of the patriarchs; and although the holy family enlarges into the nation, the promise narrows first to the house of David, and finally to one individual - the Son of David, the Lord Jesus Christ, the one Prophet, the one Priest, the one King, that in Him the kingdom of heaven might be opened to all believers, and from Him the blessings of salvation flow unto all men.

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

Sandiganbayan places Bataan local execs under suspension pendente lite
20 December 2017

The Sandiganbayan has placed three local executives of Limay, Bataan, under suspension pendente lite in connection with their trial for violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019).   Ordered suspended pendente lite for 90 days are Municipal Assessor Jocelyn Linao, Municipal Treasurer Felicidad Cruz; and Engineer Rolando Flores of the Department of Public Works and Highways 1st District Engineering Office.

In a Resolution promulgated on 23 November 2017, the anti-graft court sustained the motion filed by Ombudsman prosecutors citing the mandatory character of Section 13 of R.A. No. 3019.  The court explained that “preventive suspension under Section 13 of R.A. No. 3019 applies to any office the officer is currently holding and not necessarily to the particular office in relation to which he is charged.”  The Sandiganbayan added that the law on preventive suspension “is so clear and explicit that there is hardly room for any extended court rationalization of the law. It unequivocally mandates the suspension of a public official from office pending a criminal prosecution under R.A. No. 3019.”

Linao, et al. are facing trial  for  the alleged irregularities in the appraisal of a parcel of agricultural land owned by Richie Jayson and Christian Ryan David, sons of former Limay Mayor Nelson David. In October 2002, the respondents, as members of the Municipal Appraisal Committee, caused the extraordinary increase in the market value of the lot by pegging its value at P10,180,380.00 by referencing the valuation set for residential land and not as agricultural/pasture land as indicated in its tax declaration. The property was later on acquired by the municipality based on its overvalued appraisal.

Section 13 of R.A. No. 3019 directs the suspension of any incumbent official against whom any criminal prosecution under a valid Information, for any offense involving fraud upon government or public funds or property, as a simple or as a complex offense, and in whatever stage of execution and mode of participation, is pending in court.

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

MANILA -- The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has ordered the preventive suspension of a bus firm that figured in a Christmas Day road accident in Agoo, La Union for its failure to submit footages of the incident from its dashboard camera (dash cam).

The 30-day suspension covers seven bus units of Partas Transportation with routes covering Manila to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

The bus firm failed to comply with the directive of the LTFRB to submit dash cam footages that are vital in determining who is responsible for the accident. Instead, Partas submitted footages inside the bus from its CCTV camera during the incident.

“The violation of Partas why it is being issued a preventive suspension order (PSO) is their failure to comply with the directive of the board considering 36 hours have passed since the road crash and the deadline was 12 p.m. today to submit footage from the dashcam. What Partas management submitted is the CCTV footage inside the bus. That will not help us resolve the road crash. What we need is the footage from the dashcam which is very crucial for the investigation being conducted by the board,” LTFRB board member Aileen Lizada said in a text message to reporters Tuesday.

The PSO will be served to Partas tomorrow and will be effective upon receipt of the order.

The accident happened when a private jeepney collided with a Partas bus at around 3:30 a.m. along the national highway in Agoo, La Union.

Initial investigation from the police showed that the jeepney which is heading to the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaog at Manaoag town in Pangasinan overtook another vehicle when it collided with the northbound bus.

Of the private jeepney’s 29 passengers, 19 instantly killed, including the driver, while the 20th casualty died while undergoing treatment at a hospital.

On the other hand, the 15 bus passengers and conductor suffered minor injuries.

Partas has a total of 29 franchises with 187 units l, based on data from the LTFRB. (PNA)

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) said an enabling master plan to push further the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs) is expected to be concluded and submitted for adoption in 2018.

In mid-December, the bloc â€" a joint initiative by the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), the Senior Officials Meeting on Social Welfare Development (SOMSWD) and the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC)vâ€"continued with the convening of the 4th meeting of the task force on the mainstreaming of the rights of PWDs.

This is back-to-back with the AICHR Workshop on the Enhanced Access to Education for Children with Disabilities.

The task force, which is mandated to develop a regional action plan for the PWDs, emphasized on goals-setting, aspiration and shared efforts by all pillars of ASEAN towards an inclusive community by 2025.

During the meeting, the task force had an interface with an expert from the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) to exchange views on the zero draft of the regional action plan.

After deliberation, it adopted a structure for the draft regional action plan entitled “ASEAN Enabling Masterplan for an Inclusive Community by 2025: Mainstreaming the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.”

According to ASEAN, this will be in line with its ASEAN Vision 2025 and will put forward goals on disability rights for each Community pillar of ASEAN and will also make reference to major documents such as the ASEAN Charter, the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration, and the Bali Declaration.

"The ASEAN Enabling Masterplan is aimed at finalizing and submitting for adoption within 2018," it said in a statement.

The meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Seree Nonthasoot, Representative of Thailand to the AICHR and Undersecretary Florita Villar, SOMSWD Focal Point of the Philippines and Vice-Chair of SOMSWD, with the support of the Government of Japan through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).

The next meeting of the task force is scheduled in January 2018.

The data collected in the 2015 UN ESCAP Disability Survey showed that persons with disabilities are consistently less likely to be employed than persons without disabilities. In the Philippines alone, UN ESCAP said among its population, there are more than 1.4 million PWDs registered last 2015. (PNA)

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

As the year draws to a close, President Rodrigo Duterte's net satisfaction rating among Filipinos rebounds to "Very Good," while his satisfaction score in Mindanao remained "Excellent," the fourth-quarter survey of the Social Weather Stations (SWS) said.

In its latest survey released Friday, the SWS found that majority or 71 percent of adult Filipinos were satisfied with the performance of this administration, higher by 4 percent than in the previous quarter at 67 percent.

The survey showed only 13 percent of Filipinos were unsatisfied, while 15 percent were undecided.

The ratings led to a net satisfaction rating of 58 percent, up from +48 percent (67 percent satisfied, 19 percent dissatisfied) in September 2017 or third quarter.

The public opinion polling body also reported in its last quarter survey for 2017 that Duterte got "Very Good" satisfaction scores from all socioeconomic classes, among both men and women, from both urban and rural areas, and from all educational levels.

The 10-point jump in the President's satisfaction rating was driven mainly by his 84-percent satisfaction rating in Mindanao, which is classified as "Excellent," followed by "Very Good" satisfaction ratings in Metro Manila, 73 percent; Visayas, 72 percent; and in other parts of Luzon, 64 percent.

The SWS said Duterte got very good and higher net satisfaction ratings in all areas of the country. In Mindanao, the President's net satisfaction rating remained "Excellent" at 80 percent (84 percent satisfied, 5 percent dissatisfied) in December from a 76-percent net satisfaction in September.

Majority or 76 percent of residents in urban areas were satisfied with the President's job in the last quarter of the year, while his rural net satisfaction reached 68 percent, a seven-point improvement from the previous quarter.

The survey said the President got a "Very Good" grade from among 25-year-olds and above, and "Good" among 18-24-year-olds.

Based on SWS terminology for net satisfaction ratings, 70 percent and above is "Excellent," 50-69 percent is "Very Good," 30-49 percent is "Good," 10-29 percent is "Moderate," +9 to -9 is "Neutral," -10 to -29 percent is "Poor," -30 to -49 "Bad," -50 to -69 "Very Bad," and -70 and below is "Execrable."

The SWS fourth-quarter survey was conducted on December 8-16, 2017. (PNA)

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan -- Tropical Storm Vinta’s death toll on Mangsee Islands, Balabac, in the southern-most tip of Palawan, jumped to eight, while the number of missing persons climbed to 81 as of Tuesday afternoon.

Balabac Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) chief Mitra Tanjilani said in a text message that the bodies of the five victims were found near the coastlines.

Meanwhile, most of the missing persons are crewmen of four trawl fishing vessels and of a motorboat reported to be either totally damaged or lost at sea after the storm onslaught on December 24.

Identified as either missing or damaged vessels are the MV Rosario, Lucas, Santa Valor, and Miguel. Three pump boats reported to have sailed from the nearby town of Rizal are also missing but 19 crewmen survived, Tanjilani said.

The MDRRMO initially reported three dead and 30 people missing as “Vinta’ made a landfall in southern Palawan, a day before Christmas.

Of the earlier reported 30 missing residents, 13 were accounted for as of Tuesday. They are being attended to of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office.

Tanjilani said the survivors were found in Mapun, Tawi-Tawi.

Palawan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) officer-in-charge Cruzalde Ablaña said a Philippine Navy (PN) vessel, BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17), sailed at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday towards Balabac to bring relief food and non-food items to affected families. (PNA)

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

BACOLOD CITY -- The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) has approved the request of Negros Occidental provincial government to include farms affected by pest and diseases in its insurance coverage.

The PCIC, a partner of Negros Occidental in the implementation of the Negros First Universal Crop Insurance Program (NFUCIP) since 2011, previously covered only farms damaged by calamities such as typhoons and floods.

“PCIC has positively responded to the request of the governor. The agency has yet to issue the guidelines thus, only succeeding damage brought by pest and diseases can be covered,” Provincial Agriculturist Japhet Masculino said Tuesday.

Based on the modified guidelines, the enrollment premium per cropping season remains at PHP840 but the whole amount will now be shouldered by the provincial government as a loan.

In the previous coverage, only PHP500 is being shouldered by the province while the remaining PHP340 is the counterpart of the farmer-enrollees.

Through the NFUCIP, farmers may avail of the PHP17,000 claim per hectare of damaged farms. However, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist said “pioneer” enrollees will be given priority in availing the full enrollment coverage.

Farmers will pay back the province after receiving their claims.

“Now that full enrollment premium is shouldered by the province, what the farmers need to do is to have their farms listed and enrolled,” Masculino said.

For 2017, records of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturists showed the province’s agricultural crops, particularly rice, have incurred total damage of at least PHP80 million, mainly attributed to calamities like typhoons and floods, and pest infestation.

At least PHP3.2 million in damage and production losses, particularly to rice plantations, was reported in Negros Occidental following the torrential downpour brought by Typhoon Urduja this December.

From January to September this year, the PCIC has insured 12,113 rice farmers in Negros Occidental for all programs with an area of 12,297.89 hectares.

During the period, it has paid almost PHP36.7 million in indemnity claims to rice farmers in the province.

Jose Ma. Torres, insurance underwriter and officer-in-charge of PCIC-Negros Occidental, had earlier said that indemnity claims significantly help farmers sustain their production amid possible damage and losses brought by calamities, and called on the local government units to link the farmers to the PCIC through their respective agriculture offices. (PNA)

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

As the death toll of the deadly typhoon "Vinta" climbs to more than 100, the Chinese government on Tuesday extended its sympathy to Filipinos.

In a statement sent to the media, Chinese Embassy in Manila said Foreign Minister Wang Yi sent a message to Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano over the losses caused by Vinta.

“Tropical storm Vinta recently hit the Philippines and caused severe casualties and property losses, making a lot of people displaced," Wang said.

"I would like to hereby extend my heartfelt sympathy to Your Honorable on the tragic disaster," he said.

"I am convinced that, under the leadership of the Philippine government, the people of the affected areas are bound to overcome the disaster and restore their normal livelihoods at the earliest date,” he added.

The last few days saw Pope Francis, governments of Canada, Australia, and the United States offering prayers to the affected residents of Mindanao and extended condolences to the bereaved.

Meanwhile, expressing readiness to assist the government were the United Nations, the European Union, and the Japanese government.

At present, there is no announced call for assistance yet nor word of recommendation from the Department of Foreign Affairs to accept donations, a protocol before foreign government aid can enter the country.

As per the situational report of National Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) dated December 26, about 164 persons were reported dead, 65 of which are from Region 9 and 24 from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Meanwhile, at least 176 persons were recorded missing, 170 are for validation and six confirmed.

Citing the Department of Social Welfare and Development, NDRRMC said there are 90,987 persons currently being served in 246 evacuation centers and at least 61,172 persons outside the evacuation center. (PNA)

Related Stories

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

DAVAO CITY (PNA) â€" Twenty-six of the 37 charred bodies recovered inside the NCCC Mall in Davao City have already been identified, as of 11 p.m. Tuesday, by the authorities thru their relatives and friends and from the possession recovered with the bodies.     

In the City Government’s official list, 26 fatalities were positively-identified, as follows: 

Sismar, Jeffrey;
Bongcayao, Mary Louielyn;
Bangoy, Kurtchin Angela;
Pabelonia, Joy;
Garzon, Christen;
Quimsing, Jim Benedict;
Basalan, Jonas;
Samontina, Jessica;
Quimpo, Venus Joy;
Limosnero, Jimboy;
Ferraren, Christine Joy;
Montanez, Rosyl;
Artiaga, Missy Rose;
Muyco, Rhenzi Nova;
Roble, Ivan Nebelle;
Yorsua, Elyn Joy;
Bacaling, Shiela Mae;
Antipuesto, Roderick;
Abad, Nancy Loyd;
Solis, Jessica;
Liwaya, Charlyn;
Ga-a, Melvin;
Generales, Regine;
Celestial, Gantioco;
Celades, Apple Jane; and
Adlawan, Ian Kiem.
Melvin Ga-a was not included in the initial official list of 37 missing persons but his body was positively identified by his family and friends. Ga-a was an employee of NCCC assigned at the mall’s Home Décor section, not a call center agent of SSI.

The foreign-sounding name in the initial list, Hongijangjian, was meanwhile removed from the official list as authorities suspect the earlier information was either an error or a prank. The person who listed the name cannot be contacted.

On Tuesday afternoon, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio visited the wake of some of the victims who perished in the Dec. 23 mall fire and condoled with the grieving families. She also assured them of support.

Still listed as missing persons as of Tuesday evening are:     

Alviola, Christine;
Apalacio, Iana;
Balcao, Randy;
Constantinopla, Roderick;
Daloro, Mary Joy;
Demafeliz, Mikko;
Entera, Lister Jade;
Matundo, Johani;
Moreno, Alexandra;
Obo, Janine Joy;
Piñajiro, Analiza; and
Zacarias, Desiree Gayle.

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

Christmas Tree in Bacong, Anda, Bohol

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

THE HONORABLE SALVADOR B. BELARO, JR.
1-Ang Edukasyon Party-list
Assistant Majority Leader
APPROVAL RATINGS OF PRESIDENT DUTERTE CAN RISE TO “EXCELLENT” IN Q1 2018

The satisfaction rating of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte can rise even further than the net 58 percent he got in the latest SWS satisfaction ratings survey released only last December 22, just before the long Christmas weekend.

Conducted from December 8 to 16, 2017, the SWS poll does not include the good news that comes with the December 19 signing of the 2018 national budget and the TRAIN tax reforms.

More good news are in the pipeline because more new laws meant to significantly improve the plight of the poor and middle class are at bicameral conference committee stage now.

Consider also that from January to March 2018, the full year 2017 and 4th quarter 2017 economic reports will be coming out in succession and signs points to more positive news about the economy.

These factors combined could boost President Duterte’s SWS approval ratings to the excellent range of +70 percent or higher.

I also expect a boost of support for the President from the middle class because this demographic will feel the full impact of the new income tax brackets and the P250,000 tax exemption.

For a change, the working middle class is getting the attention it also deserves from the government.

Right now, many of the critics of the 17th Congress and of the Duterte administration are worried and some of them are even scared. Their jobs as trolls will be much harder to do.

They know the 2018 national budget and TRAIN tax reform package signed and the multitude of economic benefits the Filipino people will gain starting next year will further boost the popularity of President Duterte and the majority in the 17th Congress.

No amount of black propaganda they will hurl can negate the comfort millions of Filipinos will feel every day of their lives from now on.

The critics will keep sowing fear while we will sow hope and better lives for more Filipinos than ever before. Success will be very difficult to upstage.

The critics will keep trying. They will keep failing. Their resistance is futile. It would be better for them to come out of the dark side and step into the light. (END)

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

THE HONORABLE SALVADOR B. BELARO, JR.
1-Ang Edukasyon Party-list
Assistant Majority Leader
APPROVAL RATINGS OF PRESIDENT DUTERTE CAN RISE TO “EXCELLENT” IN Q1 2018

The satisfaction rating of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte can rise even further than the net 58 percent he got in the latest SWS satisfaction ratings survey released only last December 22, just before the long Christmas weekend.

Conducted from December 8 to 16, 2017, the SWS poll does not include the good news that comes with the December 19 signing of the 2018 national budget and the TRAIN tax reforms.

More good news are in the pipeline because more new laws meant to significantly improve the plight of the poor and middle class are at bicameral conference committee stage now.

Consider also that from January to March 2018, the full year 2017 and 4th quarter 2017 economic reports will be coming out in succession and signs points to more positive news about the economy.

These factors combined could boost President Duterte’s SWS approval ratings to the excellent range of +70 percent or higher.

I also expect a boost of support for the President from the middle class because this demographic will feel the full impact of the new income tax brackets and the P250,000 tax exemption.

For a change, the working middle class is getting the attention it also deserves from the government.

Right now, many of the critics of the 17th Congress and of the Duterte administration are worried and some of them are even scared. Their jobs as trolls will be much harder to do.

They know the 2018 national budget and TRAIN tax reform package signed and the multitude of economic benefits the Filipino people will gain starting next year will further boost the popularity of President Duterte and the majority in the 17th Congress.

No amount of black propaganda they will hurl can negate the comfort millions of Filipinos will feel every day of their lives from now on.

The critics will keep sowing fear while we will sow hope and better lives for more Filipinos than ever before. Success will be very difficult to upstage.

The critics will keep trying. They will keep failing. Their resistance is futile. It would be better for them to come out of the dark side and step into the light. (END)

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

Retired Army Colonel convicted for SALN violation
11 June 2013, press release Ombudsman

THE Sandiganbayan convicted a retired military officer for violating Republic Act (RA) No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees) for not declaring in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) his business and financial interest as vice-president of a security agency for the calendar year 1996.

In a 39-page Decision, the Court’s Fourth Division found Retired Army Col. Ceferino Leyritana Layao guilty of violating Section 8(a) in relation to Section 11 of RA 6713, and sentenced him to: (a) suffer a straight penalty of imprisonment for one year; (b) pay a fine of P5,000; (c) disqualification from holding public office; and (d) pay the costs.

It was found that while Layao was commissioned as a military officer, he also acted as vice president of Holy Spirit Security Corporation.

However, Layao did not disclose his business and financial interest as an official of the security firm, a corporation duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in his SALN for the calendar year 1996 for which position he earned a monthly income of P9,000.

During trial, the Ombudsman’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) presented evidence on Layao’s initial registration with the Social Security System (SSS) on April 5, 1978 when he was assigned an SSS Number, the same number reflected in the remittances made by Holy Spirit for him during the months of August to December 1996.

In the Decision penned by Associate Justice Gregory Ong and concurred in by Associate Justices Jose Hernandez and Maria Cristina Cornejo, the Court held that the prosecution was able to establish Layao’s employment with the security firm through the SSS documents.

The Court found “ample evidence and therefore concludes that accused Layao’s employment and status as [Holy Spirit’s] Vice President for Administration [from August 1996 up to December 1996] was clearly established.”

Meanwhile, the Court acquitted Layao on four other similar charges for lack of evidence regarding Layao’s link to the corporation for the years 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000.

Ex-Pangasinan mayor convicted of malversation of public funds
07 June 2013 - Press Release Ombudsman

THE Office of the Ombudsman scored another victory after the Sandiganbayan convicted a former mayor and a municipal treasurer in Tayug, Pangasinan of malversation charges for misappropriating public funds worth P787, 700 in 2001.

In a 19-page Decision penned by Associate Justice Rodolfo Ponferrada and concurred in by Associate Justices Efren De La Cruz and Rafael Lagos, the anti-graft court’s First Division found former mayor Marius Ladio and OIC-municipal treasurer Virgilio Arquero guilty of Malversation of Public Funds (Article 217, Revised Penal Code) for misusing the amount of P787, 700 by means of “vales/ IOUs/ chits.”
The Court meted Ladio and Arquero  “to suffer the indeterminate penalty of 10 years and one day of prision mayor as minimum, to 18 years, 8 months and one day of reclusion temporal as maximum, to pay a fine of Php787,700, with subsidiary imprisonment in case of insolvency and the penalty of perpetual special disqualification to hold public office and other accessory penalties provided by law, to indemnify, jointly and severally, the municipal of Tayug, Pangasinan, the malversed amount…with legal interest from the finality [of the decision] until the same is fully paid, and to pay the cost.

At the trial, Ladio admitted that he actually took the amount (which was included in the Php3,678,247.34 shortage of accused Arquero) which he withdrew from the daily collections of the municipal treasurer through “vales/ IOUs/ chits” that he issued/ executed and included in the lists attached to the Commission on Audit (COA) Report.

He, however, denied that he spent the said amount for his personal use. He said the money was utilized on the various projects of the municipality such as the re-graveling/ rehabilitation of barangay roads destroyed by typhoons, and delivery of various construction materials.

In the decision, the Court held that the report presented by Ladio does not substantiate his claim that he disbursed or used his personal funds when he undertook the various municipal projects.

“It is to be noted that on cross-examination, [accused Ladio] admitted that because of the problems that he encountered during his term of office as municipal mayor to procure funds for the development of his municipality, he was able to procure from then President Estrada the amount of Php1M for the 100% concreting of the barangay roads of Barangay Evangelista. By this admission, it is clear that the funds used for the repair/ rehabilitation of the barangay roads of Barangay Evangelista road came from then President Estrada and not from his personal fund,” the Decision stated.

The Court added that without Arquero’s cooperation/ acquiescence in the release of the public funds, the illegal disbursement could not have been made possible or committed by Ladio.

Ombudsman orders the filing of graft charges against ex-PTV 4 general manager
13 June 2013, press release Ombudsman Philippines

     OMBUDSMAN Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the filing of graft charges against former People’s Television Network, Inc. (PTNI) General Manager Jose Isabelo and a PTNI consultant for the irregular disbursement of more than P13M in sales commissions from 2006 to 2008.

     In a 10-page Resolution approved on June 7, 2013, Isabelo and Rolando Luna, PTNI’s Marketing Services Consultant, were ordered charged with 28 counts of violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act).

     The Resolution narrated that Luna was contracted as “marketing services manager” from January 1, 2005 to March 31, 2011 successively. His contracts specifically state that “this contract does not create an employer-employee contract between [PTNI] and [Luna], xxx and that the latter is not entitled to benefits enjoyed by the regular personnel[.]”

     Despite Luna’s employment status, however, he was paid by the PTNI a total of P13,829,431.42 representing sales commissions from 2006 to 2008 for advertising spots and placements.

     Complainant Renato Caluag alleged that Luna was not entitled to said commissions since there was no Board Resolution authorizing such compensation, as required under Section 15 of RA 7306 (Charter of the People’s Television Network).

     In his counter-affidavit, Isabelo argued that Board Resolution No. 2004-014 authorized the PTNI to grant sales commissions to its personnel.

     The Resolution found that “the wording of the Board Resolution is clear that sales commissions may only be granted to PTNI employees ‘who initiate marketing efforts and generate revenue for the Network’,” and not to consultants like Luna.

     â€œFrom the pieces of evidence available vis-a-vis the feeble justifications proferred by respondents, there is no doubt that Luna was not entitled to the disbursed amount of P13,829,413.42,” the ruling stated in finding that Isabelo’s actions gave Luna unwarranted benefits.

     It added that despite Luna’s knowledge of the provisions of his contract, he still sought sales commissions regularly, which “actionsâ€" in seeking sales commissions, signing disbursement vouchers and encashing checks â€" reveal a concerted effort with his co-respondent to defraud the government.”

Town mayor, accountant jailed for graft
20 June 2013, press release Ombudsman Office

THE Office of the Ombudsman won the graft case against a former municipal mayor and a former accountant of Caibiran, Biliran arising from the anomalous supply of tapping saddles (steel pipe connectors) in 1998.

In a 23-page Decision, the Sandiganbayan’s First Division found former OIC mayor Melchor G. Maderazo and acting municipal accountant Dionesio R. Veruen Jr. guilty of violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act (RA) No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) and sentenced them to suffer the indeterminate  penalty of six years and one month as minimum to 10 years as maximum, and to suffer perpetual disqualification from public office.

The Court also ordered Maderazo and Veruen “to indemnify, jointly and severally, the municipality of Caibiran, Biliran the amount of Php160,000 representing the losses that it suffered by reason of the non-delivery of the 400 pieces tapping saddles with legal interest[.]”

Records revealed that on January 28, 1998, the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) enacted a resolution authorizing Maderazo to enter into a negotiated contract with Artemio Vermug, proprietor of Vermug Welding Shop, for the fabrication of 400 pieces of tapping saddles worth P160,000 for the town’s water system.

However, it was found that the tapping saddles were not needed and despite non-compliance with the requirements of the negotiated contract and non-delivery of the items, the amount was released by the accused.

In the Decision penned by Associate Justice Rodolfo Ponferrada and concurred in by Associate Justices Efren De La Cruz and Rafael Lagos, it held that the Ombudsman’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) proved beyond reasonable doubt that Maderazo and Veruen were guilty of defrauding government after the supposed contractor, Vermug, testified against the mayor.

Vermug revealed that Maderazo made him sign the job contract and endorsed a check worth P160,000 but he did not do any actual work and the deal did not push through.

Vermug testified that he never received any cent from the proceeds of the contract because after he had endorsed the Land Bank Check, he returned it to Maderazo upon the latter’s request only to discover later that it was encashed by municipal treasurer Domingo Vidal from the bank branch in Naval, Biliran. Vidal corroborated Vermug’s testimony.

The Court held that “the endorsement of the check by Mr. Vermug for no apparent reason further proves that when the check was released on January 28, 1998, he had not yet delivered the tapping saddles.”

It added that Maderazo could not have succeeded with the crime without the cooperation and participation of Veruen because they both signed the disbursement voucher, the Land Bank check, and the false inspection report that was submitted as liquidation for the “ghost” purchase and delivery of 400 pieces of tapping saddles.

“[T]he act of accused [Veruen] processing and approving the subject voucher without determining the completeness of the supporting documents in violation of his duties as municipal accountant, is an indication of evident bad faith because, in so doing, he breached his sworn duty as public official to protect and uphold at all times the interest of the municipality of Caibiran,” the Decision stated.

The Court acquitted co-accused Jovencio Pantas, Nestorio Rosario, Victor Maderazo, and Imelda Cuevas, for lack of evidence. The case as against co-accused Florentino Baquilay was earlier dismissed in 2008 in view of his death in 2006.

“In this connection, the respective cash bonds posted by the said accused are hereby released to them subject to the usual accounting and auditing procedures, and the Hold Departure Orders issued against them are hereby lifted and set aside,” the Decision added.

The case as against co-accused Camilo Go, Cesar Almen, and Camilo Brasil, who are at-large, was ordered archived.

Ombudsman dismisses own employee for mulcting
19 June 2013, press release from Ombudsman

THE Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) dismissed its records officer assigned at the Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for the Military and Other Law Enforcement Offices (OMB-MOLEO) upon finding substantial evidence of acts of Grave Misconduct, Serious Dishonesty and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service.

    In a Joint Resolution approved on June 7, 2013, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales approved the recommendation of the Internal Affairs Board (IAB) to dismiss from the service Juan Dita Dela Cruz, Administrative Officer III of the OMB-MOLEO, after he was found to have demanded and received the amount of P30,000.00 from P/SSupt. Pedro G. Ramos in 2007 to facilitate the issuance of a clearance that the latter needed for his promotion.

The principal penalty of dismissal from the service carries with it the accessory penalties of cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification from holding public office, and bar from taking civil service examinations.

    The Joint Resolution also found probable cause to criminally indict Dela Cruz for Direct Bribery under Article 210 of the Revised Penal Code, violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act (RA) No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), and violation of Section 7(d) of R.A. No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees).

    The case stemmed from a complaint which Ramos and his witness SPO1 Jessie Caranto filed in December 2012.

    The Joint Resolution states that the acts of Dela Cruz “clearly constitute corruption and a willful design to violate the law.”

    It added that his actions “did not reflect the integrity, and the discipline expected of him as a public servant. He failed to live up to the image of the outstanding and exemplary public official that he was. He sullied government service instead.”

OP, OMB ink MOA on UNCAC compliance and IMP implementation
14 June 2013, Ombudsman Press Release

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales and Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. signed today a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on two anti-corruption programs.

The MOA between the Office of the President (OP) and the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) aims to: (1) establish an implementation and review mechanism on the Philippines’ compliance with its State obligations under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC); and (2) institutionalize the Integrity Management Program (IMP) as an output of the harmonization of the corruption prevention programs of the OP and OMB.

In simple ceremonies held at the Kalayaan Hall in Malacañang, Executive Secretary Ochoa expressed support in the launching of the two programs toward the faithful observance of the constitutional maxim that public office is a public trust.

In her message of commitment, Ombudsman Morales stated that this historic partnership “further exudes inspiring hope for the Philippines to foster a culture that rejects corruption and embraces the values of integrity, rule of law, sustainable development and inclusive growth.”

Under the MOA, a Joint Technical Working Group shall “coordinate and monitor the implementation of the UNCAC commitments of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches of the Government; mobilize the support of the private sector, academe, media and civil society organizations in implementing the State’s obligations under the UNCAC; and initiate the organization of special working groups to undertake policy reviews, researches and other related activities to facilitate compliance with the UNCAC.”

Meanwhile, a separate Program Management Committee shall oversee the IMP’s implementation across the bureaucracy as the government’s flagship anti-corruption program which is a compendium of diagnostic tools to systematically assess a government agency’s vulnerabilities and resistance mechanisms to corruption.

The World Bank (WB) has been supporting the project leading to the harmonized IMP, while the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been assisting in the self-assessment and the preparation of the country review report on the Philippine compliance with the UNCAC.

The event was also attended by Secretary Corazon Soliman, WB Country Director Motoo Konishi, UNDP Country Director Toshihiro Tanaka, Ombudsman officials, and officials from the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs.

Sandiganbayan finds private lawyer guilty of graft
13 June 2013, Press Release Ombudsman

     THE Sandiganbayan convicted a private lawyer for graft after he conspired with a judge and two court employees in giving unwarranted benefits to his client in 1991.

     In a 30-page Decision, the Sandiganbayan’s Fifth Division denied Atty. Demetrio Bolante’s Demurrer to Evidence for lack of merit and proceeded in finding him guilty of violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act).

     Bolante was meted the penalty of imprisonment of six years and one month, as minimum, to 10 years, as maximum, and was also perpetually disqualified from holding public office.

     Judge Luis Dictado, Clerk of Court Perfecto Loria and Sheriff III Edgardo Delos Reyes, all assigned at the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 39 in Daet, Camarines Norte, were criminally charged along with Bolante and his client-litigant Reynaldo Tolentino, Sr., after Judge Dictado issued in December 1991 an Order granting Tolentino’s motion for the issuance of a writ of execution, which motion was filed by his counsel Bolante in a case filed before said RTC.

     In his Order, Dictado commanded Camarines Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CANORECO) to award the sum of P427,650 to Tolentino despite the fact that no such award was mentioned in the dispositive portion of the decision and, moreover, the case is no longer within his jurisdiction since an appeal is pending before the Court of Appeals.

     The anti-graft court issued an arrest order for Bolante on August 5, 1996, but he went into hiding. He surrendered only on March 30, 2011 or almost 15 years after the issuance of the order of arrest.

     Meanwhile, on March 30, 2004, the Sandiganbayan provisionally dismissed the case as against the accused/public officers.

     In the Decision penned by Associate Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang and concurred in by Associate Justices Roland Jurado and Alexander Gesmundo, the Court held that the confluence of events â€" from Bolante’s filing of Tolentino’s baseless motion, Dictado’s baseless grant of the motion, Loria’s issuance of the writ of execution, to Delos Reyes’ implementation of the writ, thereby eventually resulting in the garnishment of P427,650 in CANORECO’s bank account â€" unmistakably shows that they were animated by a single criminal purpose.

     Citing People v. Dumlao, the Decision explained that the dismissal of the case against Bolante’s co-accused did not remove the basis of the charge against them considering that the evidence presented by the prosecution clearly established the existence of a criminal conspiracy among them.

     The Court stated that Bolante, as a lawyer, cannot feign ignorance of the fundamental legal precept that a trial judge loses jurisdiction to issue a writ of execution after an appeal has been perfected, and such “blatant disregard of such an elementary rule of procedure does not simply import bad judgment but betrays a malevolent intention.”

     It also noted that Bolante’s act of “eluding arrest for such a long period of time, without any justification whatsoever, is a clear indication of his guilt.”

     Court proceedings show that after the court denied his Motion for Leave to File Demurrer, Bolante filed a Demurrer to Evidence without leave of court, thereby waiving his right to present evidence and consequently submitting the case for judgment on the basis of the prosecution evidence.

UE confers honorary degree upon Ombudsman Morales
25 September 2013

            The University of the East (UE) today conferred upon Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, in convocation ceremonies at the UE Manila campus, on the occasion of UE’s 67th Foundation Anniversary.

            The conferment was “in recognition of her outstanding accomplishments in the field of law and jurisprudence for delivering justice with courage, and her unequivocal integrity during her untarnished 42 years of dedicated service to the government.”

            In her acceptance speech, Ombudsman Morales stated that she is “deeply humbled by this special recognition” and “honored to be now considered a daughter of Lualhati,” UE’s bronze icon.

            “The accolade by an esteemed institution goes far beyond what I would have imagined for myself in 1968 when I graduated from the University of the Philippines College of Law,” she added.

            Ombudsman Morales noted that UE juxtaposed its 67th founding anniversary with that of the 150th birth anniversary of Gat. Andres Bonifacio, and remarked that “f Bonifacio were alive today, he would have taken his advocacy to the next level, not against colonial powers this time but against the scourge of corruption.”

            UE’s theme, “Isang Supremong Anibersaryo sa UE,” aims to salute Bonifacio’s legacy.

            Ombudsman Morales remarked that “in these contemporary times, the life and legacy of Bonifacio still find significant parallelisms in the life of our nation,” and illustrated that imilar to Bonifacio’s gun-and-powder revolution, we are in the midst of a digital revolution,” citing the benefits of social media.

            Similar to Bonifacio’s bolo, the Filipino is now armed with a smartphone as the weapon of choice,” she stated.

Ombudsman panel to investigate Pichay, Gatchalian, et al. over LWUA's questionable purchase of thrift bank
31 July 2013, Press Release Ombudsman

OMBUDSMAN Conchita Carpio Morales created a five-lawyer panel to hear the criminal and administrative charges arising from the alleged irregularities surrounding the Local Water Utilities Administration’s (LWUA) acquisition of and capital infusion in the now-defunct Express Savings Bank Inc. (ESBI) in 2009 involving around P800 million.

The panel was directed to conduct preliminary investigation and administrative adjudication of all related charges filed against former LWUA Chairman Prospero Pichay, Jr., other LWUA officials, and ESBI officers including now Rep. Sherwin T. Gatchalian.

The first criminal charge alleges violations of Section 3(e) and Section 3(g) of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), Section X126.2 (c) (1) (2) and (3) of the Manual of Regulation for Banks in relation to Sections 36 and 37 of R.A. No. 7653 (New Central Bank Act), and Malversation under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code.

Impleaded in this charge are Pichay, LWUA former officials Eduardo A. Bangayan, Aurelio O. Puentevella, Enrique Senen G. Montilla III, Wilfredo M. Feleo, Jr. and Daniel A. Landingin; ESBI’s individual shareholders S.T. Gatchalian, Dee Hua T. Gatchalian, Elvira A. Ting, Kenneth T. Gatchalian, and as well as directors of its corporate shareholders Forum Pacific, Inc. (FPI) and Wellex Group, Inc. (WGI); WGI directors William T. Gatchalian and Yolanda de la Cruz; and FPI directors Arthur R. Ponsaran, Geronimo Velasco, Jr., Peter Salud, Rogelio D. Garcia, Federico Puno, Lamberto Mercado, Jr. , Weslie T. Gatchalian, Joaquin Obieta and Evelyn De La Rosa.

The complaint alleges that LWUA purchased 445,377 ESBI shares from the bank’s individual and corporate shareholders at the acquisition cost of around P101,363,302.85 or representing a 60% equity in ESBI despite the non-approval and caution made by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Monetary Board or Department of Finance in view of ESBI’s reportedly unstable condition in terms of liquidity and credit risk which was allegedly confirmed by a due diligence examination.

The second criminal charge cites two counts each for violation of Section 3 (e) of R.A. No. 3019 and for Malversation, in relation to two allegedly unauthorized capital infusions of P400 million and P300 million made by LWUA into ESBI, which the BSP reportedly found to be irregular and contrary to law.

Impleaded in this charge are LWUA employees George Chua, George Ipong, Wilfred Billena, Edith Bueno and Generoso Tulangan, along with Pichay, Bangayan, Puentevella, Montilla, Feleo and Landingin.

The third criminal charge involves a violation of Sections 19 and 66 of R. A. No. 8791 (General Banking Act) in relation to Section 36 of R.A. No. 7653 (New Central Bank Act) against Arnaldo M. Espinas, Pichay, Montilla and Feleo who served as ESBI directors and officers while they were LWUA officials despite the legal prohibition on government officials serving as members of the board of directors of private banks without authorization.

Espinas, Chua, Ipong, Billena, Bueno and Tulangan are also facing administrative charges for Grave Misconduct and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service.

In 2011, Pichay, Landingin and Feleo were dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman, after having been found administratively liable for Grave Misconduct in a related case.

Former Palawan Mayor convicted of estafa
14 August 2013

            The Sandiganbayan convicted a former mayor of Rizal, Palawan for tampering four checks amounting to P68,432.76 and pocketing the money in 2002.

            In a 17-page Decision penned by Justice Maria Cristina Cornejo and concurred in by Justices Gregory Ong and Jose Hernandez, the court’s Fourth Division found Samson Degillo guilty of four counts of the complex crime of Estafa thru Falsification of Public Document (Article 315 paragraph 1(b) and Article 171 in relation to Article 48 of the Revised Penal Code), and sentenced him to suffer for each count the indeterminate penalty of one year, one month and 10 days as minimum to 10 years and one day as maximum, with fine worth P3,000.           

            Records revealed that Degillo received several checks in payment of purchases and other expenses for his counter-signature, with the obligation to return the checks to municipal treasurer Rufina Bundag Bungalso for release to the payees/claimantsâ€"JGT Trading and TGT Shell Station, both in Rizal, Palawan.

            Instead of returning the checks to Bungalso, Degillo signed at the dorsal side of the checks the names of the payees, thereby making it appear that the payees indorsed the checks for encashment.

            During trial, Dolorosa Alcasid, one of the seven witnesses presented by the Office of the Ombudsman, testified that she was invited by the provincial council to clarify on the complaints of TGT and JGT.

            Alcasid, Degillo’s clerk, bared that the mayor was so angry upon learning that she showed her logbook record of checks to the council members who had them photocopied.

            It was revealed that the mayor took the logbook from Alcasid’s possession.

            She also testified that Degillo only returned the logbook after two years with many alterations or markings and instructed her to reconstruct it.

            In the Decision, the anti-graft court found that Degillo did not account for the proceeds of the checks intended for transactions with the two firms.

            “With respect to the subject checks, the trail ended in [Degillo’s] office. Alcasid testified that when she received the bundle of checks to be returned to the Office of the Municipal Treasurer, the subject checks were not included,” the ruling stated.

            The court added that those checks were encashed because of the indorsements found at the back of the checks.

            It was ruled that “the indorsements were falsified as the very person authorized by the payee to sign the documents stated that those signatures are not his signatures.”

            The Sandiganbayan found that the totality of the prosecution’s evidence and the probative value accorded thereto, consistent as they are with law and applicable jurisprudence, clearly show that the prosecution has discharged its burden of proof.

             â€œThe presumption of authorship of the falsification arises under the circumstances. The presumption that whoever has in his possession or uses a spurious document is its forger, applies in the absence of satisfactory explanation,” the court held.

            “In a crime of estafa, reimbursement or belated payment to the offended party of the money swindled by the accused does not extinguish the criminal liability of the accused,” the Decision added.

Customs employee convicted for SALN violation
01 July 2013

The Office of the Ombudsman scored victory over a criminal case against Spouses Teotimo and Vivian Sacluti, both from the Bureau of Customs (BOC), for failing to declare their business interest and financial connection with Bodgie Motor and Iron Works in their joint Statements of Assets and Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) for six years from 2000 to 2005.

In a 16-page Decision, Judge Glenda R. Mendoza-Ramos of the Metropolitan Trial Court, Branch 30, Manila imposed on spouses Sacluti the penalty of fine of P5,000.00 for each of the six counts of violation of Section 8 of Republic Act No. 6713 otherwise known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

The Decision stated that “it is not uncommon that mistakes or omissions may be committed as most in the public service are not properly adept in accomplishing it [SALN]. Be that as it may, a public official or employee must comply with what the SALN requires to be disclosed and absent any clear showing of mere oversight, inadvertence or the like will not exempt anyone from liability under the law.”

Judge Mendoza-Ramos also added that “a public official or employee being a public servant has the duty and obligation to disclose all his wealth as well as liabilities whenever called to public service. Such requirement is a compliment to the constitutional mandate that public service is a public trust and public officials must live a simple life.”

Both accused were acquitted, however, from the separate charges of perjury.

The case stemmed from a complaint received by the Department of Finance (DOF) through their hotline accusing spouses Sacluti of engaging in corrupt practices.

Ombudsman files graft charges vs Ilocos Sur governors
04 July 2013, Press Release Ombudsman

OMBUDSMAN Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the filing of graft charges against Ilocos Sur Governors Luis “Chavit” Singson (1998-2001) and Deogracias Victor Savellano (2001-2003) for the improper use of public funds amounting to more than P26M in 2001.

In a 31-page Resolution approved on July 3, 2013, Ombudsman Morales ordered that Singson and Savellano be indicted for three counts and two counts, respectively, of violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act (RA) No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) before the Sandiganbayan.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Estelita Cordero, chairperson of the Save Ilocos Sur Alliance (SISA) Foundation on the alleged unlawful release of a total of P26,060,500 by way of financial assistance to Multi-Line Food Processing International, Inc. (MFPII) during the respective terms of respondents as provincial governor.

Singson had entered into four (4) Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) with MFPII dated 5 February 2001, 20 February 2001, 28 May 2001 and June 2001, for the release of financial assistance in the respective amounts of P9.18M, P4M, P3M and P8M to fund unspecified livelihood projects, for which checks were issued on 6 April 2001, 5 March 2001, 21 June 2001 and 24 July 2001, respectively. The latter check was issued by Savellano who by then had assumed office as provincial governor following the 2011 elections.

Savellano, meanwhile, entered into a MOA with MFPII on 27 December 2001 for the grant of financial assistance worth P1,880,500 to fund “livelihood production/payment of accounts payable,” and for which a check was issued the following day.

The financial assistance was sourced from the province’s share of the portion of the proceeds of excise tax earmarked under R.A. No. 7171 (An Act to Promote the Development of the Farmers in the Virginia Tobacco Producing Provinces).

The Resolution stated that Singson and Savellano acted with manifest partiality, evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence when they repeatedly entered into the MOAs and approved the successive release of public funds that gave unwarranted benefits to MFPII which was not qualified to receive such financial aid from government and whose purported projects were not subjected to the required inspection or audit (under the MOA) before the subsequent MOAs and fund releases were made.

It added that the grant of financial assistance contravened R.A. No. 7160 on unallowable disbursements to private interests, and Commission on Audit (COA) Circular No. 95-003 that regulates the extension of financial assistance to a non-government organization (NGO)/people’s organization (PO).

The Resolution found that “MFPII cannot be considered an NGO/PO as to warrant the grant of financial assistance from the government,” since MFPII appeared to be a private corporation organized for profit and not intended to advance the interest of a specific cause or sector, as shown by MFPII’s Articles of Incorporation.

It cited documents showing that “the funds were intended to be used in maintaining the operation of the plant â€" from the payment of its utilities and supplies down to the salary of its employees” which “plainly signifies that MFPII was not in a stable financial condition to sustain its operations, let alone implement a socio-economic or service-based project” for the benefit of tobacco farmers.

It also revealed that MFPII “ceased its operations barely four months after the last release of funds in its favor, ironically, due to lack of funds” or, as pointed out by complainant Cordero in MFPII’s termination letters to its employees, “the incapacity of the Southern Ilocos Sur Federation of Tobacco-Based Cooperatives to sustain management without the necessary funding from the provincial government.”

The complaint as against Arnulfo Abaya, Hernando Decena, Felipe Que, Danilo Etrata and Norman Mendoza, who are all members of MFPII’s Board of Directors, was dismissed for lack of any allegation or proof of conspiracy.

Graft charges filed vs. Air Force officers, contractors
09 July 2013, Press Statement Ombudsman

OMBUDSMAN Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the filing of graft charges against former Philippine Air Force (PAF) officers and private contractors in connection with the irregular transaction of government projects of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Dental Service Center and 1351st Dental Clinic worth more than P5 million.

In an 11-page Resolution, Ombudsman Morales ordered the indictment of BGen. Francisco C. Callelero (Retired), Col. Jaime B. Rodrigo (Retired), Col. Carlito E. Besorio (Retired), Major Rony P. Cubar, Capt. Ramir L. Llagas (Retired) and private contractor, Engr. Eric L. Muros of Elm Elek-Tru, for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act (RA) No. 3019 ( Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act); Callelero, Rodrigo, Besorio, Cubar, Llagas and private contractor Basilio P. De Guzman of Guzi Enterprises for two counts of violation of Section 3(e) of RA 3019; For Callelero, Rodrigo, Besorio, Cubar, Llagas three separate counts of violation of Section 3(g) of RA 3019.

The case stemmed from a letter-complaint filed by former AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Ricardo A. David on the delay in the accomplishment and unsatisfactory result of the repair / rehabilitation of the AFP Dental Service Center (AFPDSC) and 1351st Dental Clinic.

Upon audit by the Office of the Internal Auditor of the AFP, the following findings were discovered:

1. Lack of detailed engineering specifications resulted in additional scope of works;

2. Construction defects noted on the post/bean/cracked walls/inferior quality of floor tiles and sub-standard corrugated GI sheets installed;

3. Discrepancies of amount stated in the Deeds Of Agreement between 335th aviation engineering wing and Guzie Enterprises and Elm Elec-Tru Products;

4. Discrepancy in the Deeds of Agreement and Purchase Orders on the actual amount expended for the rehabilitation projects;

5. Discrepancy in the amount requested by the former and incumbent Chief Engineer for additional fund support for the 1351th dental clinic project completion;

6. Doubtful/ questionable addresses of the dealer/supplier indicated in the PO’s/sales invoices and the capability to undertake the projects;

7. Doubtful / Questionable Deeds of Agreements;

8. Doubtful receipts/sales invoices attached to the Purchase Orders;

9. Shopping was the mode of procurement used and splitting of PO’s was observed; and

10. Newly procured dental equipment cannot be installed/ utilized due to delay in project completion.

Records revealed that the rehabilitation of the 1351st Dental and AFPDSC building per directive of the Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force must be undertaken by administration.

However, the supply of labor was outsourced to private contractors as evidenced by the three Deeds of Agreement entered into by 355th Aviation Engineering Wing, Basa Air Base, Pampanga without the benefit of public bidding as required by RA No. 9184.

Despite ample time given to the respondents, only respondents Cubar and Llagas submitted their respective counter affidavits.

Since the issue on splitting of contracts raised in the original complaint emanating from the former AFP Chief of Staff were not addressed during the fact-finding and preliminary investigation, the Ombudsman approved the conduct of a separate fact-finding investigation on the issue.

“Clearly, being signatories in the three contracts in their official capacities, public respondents [Callelero, Rodrigo, Besorio, Cubar, Capt. Llagas] took advantage of their official positions and private respondents [Muros and De Guzman] connived to do away with the mandated public bidding for their personal benefit and to the disadvantage of the government,” the Resolution stated.

Ombudsman files graft charges vs Ex-CAAP official
05 July 2013, Press Release Ombudsman

Two criminal Informations for violations of Republic Act (RA) No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) were filed with the Sandiganbayan on June 24, 2013 against a former officer of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

In a 14-page Resolution, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the indictment of Daniel Dimagiba, former Deputy Director General for Operations of CAAP, for violations of Section 3(a) and Section 3(e) of RA 3019 for pressuring Capt. Ismael Lapus, Jr. and Capt. Andrew Florentino, both CAAP flight operations inspectors, to change the grades (from failing to passing) of Capt. Saturnino Dela Cruz and Capt. Jayfred Basawil on the Pilot Proficiency Flight Check and for irregularly issuing an Air Carrier Operating Certificate (ACOC) in 2008 to One Sky Aviation Services, Inc. (OSASI), respectively.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Ruben Ciron, then Director General of CAAP, in December 2009.

Dimagiba was found to have issued the ACOC to OSASI “without authority, in the absence of the mandatory requirement of Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) or Temporary Operating Permit (TOP), in violation of existing regulations” thereby giving “unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference and/or caused undue injury to the Government in the discharge of his official administrative functions through manifest partiality, evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence.”

The Resolution cited Section 66 of RA 9497 which provides that in no event shall the Director General issue an air operator certificate to an air carrier that does not possess a valid CPCN.

It added that the irregular issuance of the ACOC eventually resulted in the issuance of a Foreign Air Carrier Operating Certificate (FACOC) by the Australian Government to OSASI, which incident placed CAAP “in a very embarrassing situation” and jeopardized the CAAP’s relationship with its civil aviation authority counterparts in Australia and the rest of the world.”

Dimagiba was also found to have threatened not to issue the licenses of six CAAP Flight Operations Inspectors including those of Capts. Lapus and Florentino and to withhold funding for the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) project, if Lapus and Florentino will not change the check ride grades they gave to Dela Cruz and Basawil.##

The Resolution dismissed, however, the criminal charge for Falsification.

Ombudsman orders the filing of graft charges vs. Lorenzo and Quedancor officials
18 July 2013, Press Release Philippines

            Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the filing of graft charges against former Agriculture Secretary Luis Ramon Lorenzo, Jr., and officials of the Quedan and Rural Credit Guarantee Corporation (Quedancor) and Metro Livestock Incorporated, in connection with the implementation of the Quedancor Swine Program (QSP).

Lack of Public Bidding in the QSP Guidelines

           In a Resolution dated July 12, 2013, Ombudsman Morales found probable cause to indict Lorenzo, Quedancor President and CEO Nelson Buenaflor, Quedancor Governing Board members/representatives Wilfredo Domo-ong, Romeo Lanciola, Nellie Ilas, and Jesus Simon for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act (RA) No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act).           

Established in 2004, the QSP is a credit program intended to support swine raisers in their swine fattening and breeding activities.

        Under the program, a farmer-borrower may apply for a loan with Quedancor, the proceeds of which were not given in cash but in the form of input supplies like hogs, gilts, feeds, medicines and technical assistance which were to be claimed through a purchase order issued by a Quedancor district office and presented to one of the accredited Input Suppliers.

The Resolution stated that the non-compliance with the required public bidding resulted in damages because Quedancor lacked recourse against the suppliers for late deliveries or non-deliveries since the suppliers were not made to post a performance bond or contractor’s surety bond which is required under R.A. No. 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act).

“nput supplies amounting to P47,465,614 were not delivered to the borrowers as of year-end 2005 despite the advance payment therefor by the Quedancor to the I[nput] S[uppliers],” the Resolution underscored, citing the COA report.

The Resolution characterized the procurement of swine inputs as a contract of sale between Quedancor and Metro Livestock, and hence should have been subjected to competitive bidding under R.A. No. 9184.

             It cited the Commission on Audit (COA) 2005 report that classified the QSP as a ”loan in kind” wherein the borrowers had no freedom to choose the suppliers as they did not have any control over the supposed monetary proceeds of the loan.

The COA report pointed out the procedures undertaken by Quedancor that necessarily made it the “purchaser” of the swine inputs, such as entering into contracts with the input suppliers using Quedancor’s own purchase orders, approval of government vouchers, drawing of checks against the account of Quedancor, and process of approval of Quedancor officials.       

             With respect to respondents’ reliance on an Opinion of the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) that there was no procurement involved in the QSP, the Resolution explained that (i) the OGCC Opinion was issued two years after the QSP consolidated guidelines were issued and thus could not have been relied upon by the Quedancor officials in approving the program, and (ii) the OGCC Opinion was based on the misrepresentation that Quedancor’s role was limited only to accrediting the input suppliers.

  Ineligibility of Metro Livestock

Likewise charged for violation of Section 3(e) of RA No. 3019 were Rhomady Bernabe, Quedancor Regional Assistant Vice President for Regional Office No. 4, along with Metro Livestock General Manager Joel Salazar, Metro Livestock incorporators/directors Excel Salazar, Francis Edison Peña, Teresa Adille and Santiago Baldado.

             The Resolution found that Metro Livestock was allowed to participate in the QSP even if it failed to comply with the accreditation and eligibility requirements such as the two-year prior operation, and the necessary license from the appropriate government agency like the Livestock Development Division of the Bureau of Animal Industry.

Quedancor awarded purchase contracts in the form of purchase orders to Metro Livestock in the amount of P48,606,750 in Mindoro province alone, despite it having a paid-up capital of only P62,500.   

  Other Respondents Cleared

Meanwhile, the charges as against Susana Leones, Celia Tan, Don Jomar Olegario, Meynardo Morilla, Mary Jean Aguila Dela Cruz, Enrique Hoseña, Lita Cabungcal, Marilyn Jayagan and Lorenzo Toleos were dismissed for lack of probable cause, while that against Ruben Conti and Guillermo Cua were dismissed in view of their death in 2008.

Abra Mayor, Treasurer indicted for failure to remit GSIS and Pag-ibig contributions
10 July 2013, Press Release Ombudsman

         THE Office of the Ombudsman ordered the filing of criminal charges against a former mayor in Abra province and a treasurer in connection with the alleged underpayment/ non-payment of municipal employees’ contributions to the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) or Pag-ibig and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

            In a 15-page resolution, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales found probable cause to indict former municipal mayor Lovelyn P. Domes-ag and municipal treasurer Dorinda B. Bumogas, both of the municipality of Peñarrubia, Abra for 15 counts of Violation of Section 5, in relation to Section 23, of Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1752, as amended by Republic Act No. 7742, for failure to remit the employer’s and the employees’ contributions to Pag-ibig from October 2002 to December 2003.

              For failure to remit the exact or correct amount of contributions to the GSIS from July 1998 to June 2002, Domes-ag and Bumogas were also indicted for 48 counts of Violation of Section 5(c), in relation to Section 52(c), of Republic Act No. 8291 (GSIS Act of 1997).     

            Ombudsman Morales also found enough evidence to indict Domes-ag and Bumogas for 18 counts of Violation of Section 5(c) in relation to Section 52 (g) of RA No. 8291 for failure to pay and remit to the GSIS the employer’s and the employees’ contributions from January 2003 to June 2004.

            The Resolution found that from July 1998 to June 2006, only the period from July 2002 to December 2002 was accounted for.

            The case stemmed from the criminal complaint filed by Ruben M. Amboni and several others stating that the GSIS and Pag-ibig premium contributions and loan amortizations due the Philippine National Bank (PNP) and the Rural Bank of Villaviciosa (RBV) were regularly deducted from their respective salaries, but the same were not fully or not at all remitted to the respective agencies and institutions.

            Complainants averred that they received demand letters from PNB and statement of accounts from GSIS and Pag-ibig, but when they brought these matters to Domes-ag and Bumogas, the two officials refused to explain where the collected funds were spent.

            It was revealed that during the terms of Domes-ag as municipal mayor (1998-2004), with Bumogas as then municipal treasurer, the GSIS contributions which were due worth P4,075,251.19 had not been fully paid or remitted at all, as reflected in the Summary of Social Insurance Contributions Collectibles.

With respect to loan payments for Pag-ibig, however, the Office held that “there is a dearth of evidence on record to support the allegation that deductions for loan payments were made but were not remitted and misappropriated.”

Ombudsman, UK Embassy launch project to hone graft prosecutors’ analytical and writing skills
19 July 2013, Ombudsman Press Release

Around 280 Ombudsman lawyers shall undergo enhancement classes in seven batches from August 2013 to February 2014 to improve their skills in deciding cases and drafting action papers.

The Office of the Ombudsman and the British Embassy Manila launched today the Rapid Assessment and Seminar on Case Analysis and Legal Draftsmanship (RASCALD) Initiative.

             In simple ceremonies at the OMB Function Room, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales and British Embassy Manila Chargé d’Affaires Trevor Lewis signed an Accountable Grant Agreement for the RASCALD Initiative.

             The RASCALD Initiative is projecting an increase in the case disposition rate by 25% by the end of 2015 and eventually a zero case backlog by 2018, thereby boosting the Office’s efficiency in resolving corruption cases and enhancing the anti-corruption agenda of the government.         

In presenting the project overview, Director Dennis Russell Baldago of the OMB’s Project Management Bureau explained that the Agreement provides funding from the British Embassy to intensively train Ombudsman lawyers on the areas of case analysis and legal draftsmanship, and publish an Ombudsman Stylebook which will serve as a desk reference for graft investigation and prosecution officers.

Baldago stated that under the Project, a rapid assessment of the agency’s performance and implementation of the Ombudsman’s seven-year Policy Thrust and 8-Point Agenda (2011-2018) will also be conducted to aid it in formulating a roadmap for the next five years after gauging the strategic plan that was initiated two years ago.

In his Message of Support, Mr. Lewis stated: “We are happy to support the RASCALD project, helping to deliver the top priorities of achieving a full disposition of high profile cases and zero backlog by 2018, and contribute to the work of setting a strategic Roadmap for Action from 2013 to 2018.”  Mr. Lewis cited the Ombudsman’s initiative in setting ambitious goals through the 8-Point Agenda, and introducing sustainable reforms in the institution through its Policy Thrust.

He added: “Roadmaps are not just about technical jargon.  They lay out a vision for the future and say what needs to be done to deliver on that vision.  Establishing a thoroughly professional and well-respected institution is an essential element of the Ombudsman’s vision for the future,” he continued.

“Politicians and personalities, even the greatest ones, come and go.  Enduring institutions, with highly skilled and motivated staff, stand the test of time.  And we recognise that this is the essence of what the Office of the Ombudsman is seeking to achieve; a high performing and self-confident organisation that will continue the fight against graft, even as the leadership changes.  That is why we so strongly support its work and are so happy to be partnering with it,” he added.

Ombudsman Morales expressed commitment to the Project and stated that “[t]he attainment of the measurable goal of zero backlog through prompt and judicious resolution of cases helps not only in deterring corruption but also in deepening the people’s trust in the government institutions and processes.”

             She further remarked that “[a]n institution can only be as good as its people[, and that  b]uilding the capacity of Ombudsman’s lawyers leads to a more efficient and effective delivery of the institution’s services.”

             Earlier this year, the British Embassy Manila has partnered with the Office of the Ombudsman in the conduct of the Specialized Training Enhancement (SPECTRE) program for Field Investigators which was launched on January 7, 2013.

Ombudsman creates panel to investigate “pork barrel scam”
16 July 2013, Press Release Ombudsman

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales today created a Special Team of Investigators (Panel) to look into the alleged “ghost projects” reportedly funded by the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of certain members of Congress.

Composed of six (6) graft investigators, the Panel shall conduct a parallel investigation in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). 

Ombudsman Morales initiated a fact-finding investigation, in response to news reports about whistleblower Benhur Luy’s exposé of a “pork barrel scam” involving the use of huge amounts of PDAF by alleged “dummy” non-government organizations (NGOs) for purported “ghost projects” in a scheme supposedly hatched by Janet Lim Napoles.

             Under Republic Act (RA) No. 6770 (Ombudsman Act of 1989), the Ombudsman may, motu proprio (on its own) or even without a lodged complaint, initiate an investigation “any act or omission of any public officer or employee, office or agency, when such act or omission appears to be illegal, unjust, improper or inefficient.”

            Ombudsman records disclose that Napoles, Luy and several NGO officers have been facing complaints in the “fertilizer fund scam” cases pending in this Office.

             Records also reveal[1] that the Office has been conducting field investigation involving apparent anomalies and irregularities in the implementation of livelihood programs/projects funded by the PDAF of three (3) Senators and one (1) Representative.

            Under its charter (RA 6770, Sec. 15), the Office of the Ombudsman has primary jurisdiction over cases cognizable by the Sandiganbayan, and has the authority to file corruption-related criminal charges, if warranted upon a finding of probable cause, against high-ranking officers.

Ombudsman affirms indictment of PNP officials in 'V-150 repair scam' case
11 July 2013, Press Release Philippines Ombudsman

THE Office of the Ombudsman today filed criminal charges against retired Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Avelino Razon Jr., 22 other former and incumbent PNP officials and several private individuals before the Sandiganbayan for the anomalous repair and maintenance of 28 units of V-150 PNP Light Armored Vehicles (LAVs) amounting to more than P400 Million in 2007 after it denied the Motions for Reconsideration/Reinvestigation filed by the respondents.

In a 68-page Joint Order, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales affirmed the earlier Joint Resolution signed on December 28, 2012 finding probable cause to indict Geary Barias, former Director for Comptrollership; Teodorido Lapuz IV, Acting Director for Logistics Support Services (LSS); Emmanuel Ojeda, Reuel Leverne Labrado, Annalee Forro, Henry Duque and Victor Puddao, all members of the LSSâ€"Bids and Awards Committee (LSS-BAC); Josefina Dumanew, Purchasing Officer; Antonio Retrato, Chief Accountant; Warlito Tubon, Inspection Officer, Alex Barrameda, Property Inspector; Eulito Fuentes, Supply Accountable Officer; Rainier Espina, Acting Chief, PNP Management Division, all of the PNP; and private individual Oscar Madamba for Violations of Sec. 3(e) of RA 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) and Art. 217 in relation to Art. 171 (par. 4) of the Revised Penal Code (Malversation through Falsification) in relation to the purchase of 40 tires for V-150 LAVs by the PNP.

Also charged for the same offenses were Razon; Reynaldo Varilla and Charlemagne Alejandrino, both of the National Headquarters (NHQ)-BAC; Lapuz IV; Ojeda; Labrado; Forro; Edgar Paatan; Puddao; Dumanew; Retrato; Tubon; Laviña, Responsible Supply Police Non-Commissioned Officer of the LSS; Barias; Barrameda; Fuentes; Espina; Nancy Basallo, Property Inspector; and private individuals Harold and Tyrone Ong, Pamela Pensotes, Evangeline Bais, and Artemio Zuniga, in relation to the anomalous repair and maintenance of the PNP’s 10 V-150 LAVs.

The Ombudsman also filed the same charges against Razon Jr; Lapuz IV, Ojeda, Labrado, Forro, Paatan, Puddao, Dumanew, Retrato, Tubon, Laviña, Property Inspector Maria Teresa Narcise, former Director for Comptrollership Eliseo dela Paz, Fuentes, Chief of Transportation and Maintenance Division Victor Agarcio, Espina, Property Inspector Patricia Enaje, and private individuals Harold and Tyrone Ong, Pensotes, Bais, and Zuniga; in relation to the repair and maintenance of another 18 V-150 LAVs.

Moreover, Lapuz IV, Ojeda, Labrado, Forro, Paatan, Puddao, Dumanew, Retrato, Dela Paz, Espina, Enaje, Basallo, Laviña, and private individuals Gigie Marpa, Marianne Jimenez, Rasita Zaballero, and Carmencita Salvador were charged with the same offenses in relation to the disbursement of PNP funds originally allotted for transportation and delivery expenses.

While the Motions for Reconsideration/ Reinvestigation of Retrato, Tubon, Barias, Barrameda, Fuentes, Espina, Narcise, Dela Paz, Agarcio, Enaje, Basallo and Laviña were partially granted in that the charge against them for violation of Section 65 (b) (4) of Republic Act No. 9184 (or the Government Procurement Reform Act) was dismissed as they “were not involved in the conduct of bidding and award of contracts,” the respondents were indicted for violations of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 and Malversation through Falsification under Article 171, par. (4) of the Revised Penal Code.

The Joint Order underscored that “the insistence of some of the respondent police officers that they just relied on the reports or actions of their subordinates and were supposedly misled, could not be given credence. Their subordinates, some of whom were civilians or non-uniformed personnel, who would not dare mislead the officers who, aside from having moral ascendancy over, were with presumed experience and expertise in crime investigation and detection.”

Former Deputy Ombudsman, two others, found liable for tampering with official documents
29 July 2013, Press Release Ombudsman

            Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the filing of criminal cases against former Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon Mark Jalandoni, former Assistant Ombudsman Nennette De Padua, and former Executive Assistant Rosalyn D. Martinez for tampering with official documents.

In a Resolution approved on 25 July 2013, Ombudsman Morales found probable cause on thirteen (13) counts of Falsification of Public Documents under Article 171, par. 6 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), and fifty-six (56) counts of Infidelity in the Custody of Public Documents through Concealment under Article 226 of the RPC.

Ombudsman Morales, in a separate Decision of even date, also found Jalandoni administratively liable for Grave Misconduct and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service, and imposed upon him the penalty of dismissal from service with accessory penalties of cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification from holding public office, and bar from taking civil service examinations.

In lieu of dismissal from the service, which penalty can no longer be implemented since Jalandoni resigned in April 2011, Ombudsman Morales imposed the penalty of fine equivalent to his salary for one (1) year.
            The case stemmed from a complaint filed in 2011 by Overall Deputy Ombudsman Orlando Casimiro who discovered that respondents allegedly conspired in tampering with decisions, resolutions, orders and other official documents during their tenure in the Office of the Ombudsman, which irregularities were discovered when then Acting Ombudsman Casimiro ordered an inventory of pending cases after the resignation of Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez. 

            The Resolution/Decision found that Jalandoni, De Padua and Martinez systematically tampered with official documents by “patching” the signatures of approving authorities, wherein the signature portion was superimposed with a patch of paper with Jalandoni as the purported approving authority. 

It was found that in at least 56 cases the tampering resulted in the delay in the release of already-approved documents, and in at least 13 cases, the “patches” were signed by Jalandoni, making it appear that he was the official authorized to sign the documents, when in fact they were already signed by various officials including Ombudsman Gutierrez herself.

            “In resolving this case, we are hoping to send a clear and unequivocal message that we are serious in preserving the integrity of the Office of the Ombudsman,” Ombudsman Morales stated.

“We will not relent in our fight against all forms of anomalies in government, even those committed inside our own office, and even those perpetrated by our own high-ranking officials.  As the people’s vanguard against corrupt and abusive public officials, it is imperative that we closely monitor our ranks.  As such, Ombudsman officials and employees should be beyond reproach,” she added.

            The criminal complaint as against Amie Lou Fernandez, Associate Graft Investigation Officer; Grace Anne Arnan, Graft Prevention and Control Officer; and Ruby Ann Medallada, Administrative Aide, were dismissed for lack of probable cause.

Fernandez and Medallada, however, were found administratively liable for Simple Misconduct and were meted the penalty of suspension for one (1) month and one (1) day.  The administrative complaint as against Arnan was dismissed for lack of substantial evidence, while that against De Padua and Martinez were dismissed for lack of administrative disciplinary jurisdiction, the two having separated from service in good faith prior to the filing of the complaint.

SB Secretary convicted of falsification of public documents
30 September 2013, Press Release Ombudsman

            The Office of the Ombudsman successfully secured the conviction of  a Secretary to the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of the Municipality of Medina, Misamis Oriental for falsification of public documents committed in 2006.

            In a 24-page Decision promulgated on September 26, 2013, the First Division of the Sandiganbayan pronounced Hermolando Caytuna guilty of falsification of a public document, under   Art. 171 (2) of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) and sentenced him to serve an indeterminate penaly of six months and one day of prision correccional as minimum, to six years and one day of prision mayor, as maximum, with all the necessary penalties thereto, and to pay a fine of P5,000.

            The criminal case proceeded  against  Caytuna, Mayor Sulpicio Uyguangco, former Vice-Mayor Marlene Limbaco, and Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Members Oscar Tabamo, Martha Faye Uyguangco, and Victricio Cabana, for allegedly falsifying documents to make it appear that the SB-Medina passed an Ordinance approving the 2006 annual budget of the said municipality.

            The case against Sulpicio Uyguangco was dismissed, however, on account of his death on 25 February 2010 while the other respondents were acquitted for failure of the prosecution to prove their guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

            The Decision narrated that the SB passed on January 09, 2006 an ordinance for the 2006 annual budget of the municipality but Mayor Uyguangco vetoed certain items in the budget. After the SB failed to muster the required 2/3 vote to override the said veto, the veto was upheld and a motion was made to refer the annual budget to the Committee on Appropriations.

            However, another ordinance was forwarded to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Misamis Oriental for approval with an attached document titled “Excerpts from the Minutes Discussed during the Regular Session of the Municipal Council of the Medina, Misamis Oriental Held on March 27, 2006,” which indicated that Ordinance No. 478-2006  was passed by the SB. Hence, the SP  issued a Resolution approving the annual budget of the Municipality of Medina purportedly embodied in Ordinance No. 478-2006.

            Subsequently, the SB petitioned the SP to recall the latter’s resolution which approved the allegedly spurious SB ordinance.

            The anti-graft court stated that since Exhibit “E” is an excerpt from the minutes of the SB-Medina regular session held on March 27, 2006, “it should have been lifted or extracted from the minutes of the March 27, 2006 session of SB-Medina, specifically Exhibit ‘F’. Yet, a scrutiny of Exhibit ‘F’ would reveal that no portion of said minutes makes reference to any 2006 budget being passed or approved.”

            It said “the existence of Caytuna’s criminal intent is presumed from the commission of the unlawful act of falsifying a public document. Accused Caytuna was not able to present rebuttal evidence to overturn this presumption.”

Sandiganbayan issues arrest warrants in DBP 'Behest Loan' case
01 August 2013, Press Release Ombudsman

THE Sandiganbayan ordered the issuance of warrants of arrest in the two graft cases filed by the Office of the Ombudsman against former Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) officers and private individuals arising from DBP’s grant of loans to Deltaventures Resources, Inc. (DVRI).

In a six-page Resolution penned by Justice Jose Hernandez and concurred in by Justices Samuel Martires and Maria Cristina Cornejo, the Sandiganbayan Third Division ordered the arrest of former DBP officers Patricia Sto. Tomas, Alexander Magno, Ramon Durano IV, Floro Oliveros, Renato Velasco, Benedicto Ernesto Bitonio Jr., Arturo Baliton, Perla Soleta, Warren De Guzman, Teresita Tolentino, Marissa Cayetano, Nelson Macatlang, Rodolfo Cerezo, and DVRI President Josephine Manalo and Goldenmedia Corporation Treasurer Ma. Lourdes Torres.

In denying the various motions filed by the accused, the Court found that “probable cause exists for the issuance of warrants of arrest against all the accused-movants” after it “personally, independently and judiciously examined and evaluated the resolution and order of the Office of the Ombudsman x x x [and the] records and evidence to support the same[.]”

The Court also denied the request to subpoena the Chief Records Officer of the Office of the Ombudsman to submit a copy of the alleged original/reviewed resolution for being moot, after the request was withdrawn in open court.

“This Court does not find any need of additional supporting evidence solely for the purpose of determining probable cause,” the Court added.

It also ruled that the other arguments raised are “matters of defense which are appropriate in the trial proper.”

The anti-graft court found no need to issue warrants of arrest against former DBP President and Vice-Chairman Reynaldo David and officers Franklin Velarde, Joseph Donato Pangilinan, Miguel Romero, Edgardo Garcia, Armando Samia, Rolando Geronimo, Jesus Guevarra II, Crescencia Bundoc, and businessman Roberto Ongpin since they have already posted bail.

In resolving the complaint filed by DBP Chairman Jose Nuñez and DBP President and Chief Executive Officer Francisco Del Rosario, Jr., Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, by Resolution signed on September 25, 2012, found probable cause to indict them for violations of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act).

The Ombudsman Resolution found that DBP extended two loan facilities in the amounts of P150 million and P510 million in April 2009 and November 2009, respectively, to DVRI, even though DVRI was undercapitalized; the values of the securities did not comply with the collateral-to-loan ratio prescribed by the Central Bank and DBP’s own credit policy memoranda; there are indications that corporate layering was resorted to; and the proceeds of the second loan were used to purchase DBP-owned stocks in Philex Mining Corporation, although the private company was not licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission as a securities dealer, and with reported indicia of insider trading, all of which were orchestrated in a span of less than a year.##

The said Resolution was affirmed in an Order signed by Ombudsman Morales on January 8, 2013 that denied the motions for reconsideration filed by the accused, thereby proceeding with the filing of the criminal Informations in the Sandiganbayan.

On the administrative aspect of the case, Ombudsman Morales, by Decision signed on November 21, 2012, ordered that Bitonio Jr., Magno, Velasco, Velarde, Garcia, Guevarra II, Bundoc, Baliton, Macatlang, Cayetano, Tolentino, Cerezo, and De Guzman be dismissed from the service, after having been found administratively liable for Grave Misconduct and Conduct Prejudicial to Best Interest of the Service.

DOJ prosecutor indicted for mulcting PAL employees
12 August 2013, Press Release Ombudsman

OMBUDSMAN Conchita Carpio Morales today ordered the filing of criminal charges against a senior prosecutor of the Department of Justice (DOJ) who was caught attempting to extort P2.5 million from members of the Philippine Airlines Employees Association (PALEA) in an entrapment operation last August 8, 2013.

In an eight-page Resolution signed today, Ombudsman Morales found probable cause to indict Assistant State Prosecutor III Diosdado Bernales Solidum, Jr. for Direct Bribery (Article 210 of the Revised Penal Code) and for violation of Section 7(d) in relation to Section 11 of Republic Act (RA) No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees).

Records show that Solidum initially demanded the amount of P10,000 from each PALEA member/respondent or an equivalent of P2.5 million which was later reduced to a sum of P1.2 million payable in installment, in exchange for the dismissal of the charges filed against the PALEA members.

The PALEA members appealed a Pasay City Prosecutors Office resolution finding probable cause to criminally charge 241 members of PALEA for violation of the Civil Aviation Authority Act of 2008 arising from their work stoppage in September 2011, which appeal via a Petition for Review filed with the DOJ was assigned to Solidum for resolution.

Complainant Gerardo Rivera, PALEA president, claimed that Solidum asked for a July 29, 2013 meeting in Quezon City where Solidum intimated that reversing a prosecutor’s resolution would entail costs, to which Rivera replied that the matter was already in the judicial dispute resolution where it will be hopefully resolved in their favor. Rivera narrated that Solidum reminded that “dalawang beses na kayo natalo” and assured him that he can reverse the decision at the earlier stated amount.

Rivera then reported the matter to the Secretary of Justice who, in turn, directed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to act on it.

In the evening of August 8, 2013, NBI conducted an entrapment operation at the vicinity of Spring Deer Restaurant along Timog Avenue in Quezon City, which led to Solidum’s arrest where he was caught in the act of receiving the envelope containing the marked money.

The Resolution held that “as Assistant State Prosecutor of the [DOJ], respondent [Solidum] is duty bound to decide or resolve all cases assigned to him based on merits.”

“All the elements of the offense charged are present” and “respondent…is a public officer discharging his official functions,” it added.##

The two Informations were filed with the Sandiganbayan at noon today.

Ombudsman Panel to hear DAR’s CARP Fund Mess
05 August 2013, Press Release Ombudsman

AN Ombudsman panel composed of five lawyers shall hear the formal complaint filed in connection with the alleged misuse of the P200 Million allotted for agri-business development under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales today created a Special Panel to conduct preliminary investigation and administrative adjudication of the criminal and administrative charges filed by the Field Investigation Office (FIO) after the FIO has completed its case build-up which commenced even before Benhur Luy blew the whistle on the reported “pork barrel scam.”

Impleaded in the criminal complaint for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) and Falsification under Article 171, pars. (1) and (2) of the Revised Penal Code are former Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary [and now party-list Representative] Nasser Pangandaman, Undersecretary Narciso Nieto, Director Teresita Panlilio, Chief Accountant Angelita Cacananta, Budget Officer Ronald Venancio, Cashier Nilda Baui, three (3) notaries public, three (3) certified public accountants, and twenty-four (24) private individuals including Benhur Luy.

Facing administrative charges for Grave Misconduct, Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service, Gross Neglect of Duty, and Serious Dishonesty are Pangandaman, Nieto, Panlilio, Venancio, and Baui.

The FIO complaint alleges that in 2007 and 2008, the DAR officials granted funds for “Agri-Business Development,” “Micro-Livelihood Project” or ‘Agricultural Production” to seven (7) non-governmental organizations (NGOs), in violation of the Commission on Audit (COA) circular on the release of funds to NGOs and POs, and which projects appeared to have been delivered to certain municipalities in Cagayan, Pangasinan, Cavite, Dinagat Island, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, and Agusan del Sur, but whose supposed beneficiaries denied having signed or received anything.

The 245-page complaint identified the seven NGOs as: Philippine Agri and Social Economic Development Foundation, Inc. (PASEDFI); Agri and Economic Program for Farmers Foundation, Inc. (AEPFFI); Agricultura Para sa Magbubukid Foundation, Inc. (APMFI); Social Development Program for Farmers Foundation, Inc. (SDPFFI); People’s Organization for Progress and Development Foundation, Inc. (POPDFI); Masaganang Ani para sa Magsasaka Foundation, Inc. (MAMFI); Countrywide Agri and Rural Economic Development Foundation, Inc. (CARED).

The same Panel was also directed to conduct preliminary investigation and administrative adjudication of all other cases that may arise from or involve the utilization of the Priority Development Assistance Fund.

Nueva Ecija Mayor held liable for irregularly disciplining municipal employees
08 August 2013, Press Release Ombudsman

OMBUDSMAN Conchita Carpio Morales meted administrative sanctions and ordered the filing of graft charges against a municipal mayor in Nueva Ecija for dismissing and suspending local employees without legal justification in 2005.

In a 44-page Joint Resolution, Ombudsman Morales indicted Mayor Lucio Uera for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act (RA) No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) for causing undue injury to Elpidio Nievo, Rowena Pulad, Editha Micla, Florante Armentia, Dr. Joy Palad, Milagros Armentia, and Evelyn Rios, all employees of the municipality of Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija, by terminating their services without legal basis in violation of Civil Service Laws and Rules.

The Office also indicted Uera for another count of violation of Section 3(e) of RA 3019 for preventively suspending Antonio Capia, Elizabeth Huerta, Enrico Tagle, Guillermo Mendoza and 29 other municipal employees for 60 days without pay, also without legal basis.

The case stemmed from separate complaints filed by Capia, et al. and Nievo, et al who alleged that on January 3, 2005, when they were about to report to work as permanent employees, they were prohibited by the supposed “goons” of the mayor, and were handed memorandum orders citing their frequent unauthorized absences.

Complainants attributed the incident to Uera’s suspicion that they had sided with his political rival Romeo Borja.

The Office noted that “the complainants were helplessly dragged into the political rivalry of the two contending officials, and it is unfair to make them suffer the consequences of the political conflict between Borja and Uera.”

The Joint Resolution held that “it is undeniable that Uera’s acts were made in bad faith” and that “they were stirred by a conscious doing of wrong inspired by an evil intent or ill will and for no other purpose but to inflict injury and cause damage unto complainants by unceremoniously taking away from them their only source of living.”

It stated that “Uera’s acts of preventively suspending, terminating from service, and dropping them from the rolls were devoid not only of any legal support but of any good intentions.”

It added that Uera capriciously misused his authority when he issued the orders in the guise of enforcing civil service laws, rules and regulations.

The Office also found Uera guilty of Grave Misconduct and Grave Abuse of Authority, and ordered him to pay a fine equivalent to his salary for one year with the same accessory penalties of dismissal from service which includes cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

September 2013 - Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales today welcomed the delegation from the Government Inspectorate of Vietnam (GIV) headed by Inspector General Huynh Phong Tranh during the GIV’s working visit to the country.

The visit was pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding signed in Hanoi, Vietnam between the Philippine’s Office of the Ombudsman and the GIV last 11 March 2013 wherein both anti-graft bodies committed to explore collaborative activities in preventing and combating corruption.

In today’s meeting held at the OMB function room, there was exchange of information on asset disclosure processes and mechanism in the Philippines, while the GIV gave a briefing on its recent development activities.

The knowledge-sharing aims not only to deepen their knowledge in each other’s work in the areas of transparency and integrity in public service but also to enhance bilateral ties between the Philippines and Vietnam.

The GIV delegation also includes Director General of International Cooperation Department and Deputy Head of Delegation Ha Trong Cong, Deputy Director General of Anti-Corruption Bureau Phi Ngoc Tuyen, Chief Inspector of Ho Chi Minh City Inspectorate Lam Dinh Chien, Director General of Department II Dang Khanh Toan, Deputy Director General Dang Ngoc Diep, and Head of Bilateral Cooperation (Division of International Cooperation Department) Do Trung Kien.

Ombudsman holds 1st Public Governance Forum
30 August 2013, Press Release Ombudsman

The Office of the Ombudsman conducted the 1st Public Governance Forum (Forum) on August 30, 2013 at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Auditorium in Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.

As a public dialogue among multi-sectoral leaders and champions of good governance representing various stakeholders in the crusade against corruption, the Forum provided an avenue for insights on strategic policy reforms, integrity-building initiatives and best practices.

In her keynote address, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales stated that the first of two fora “focuses on mutual cooperation and collaboration between the government and the business sector in building an investment climate that is premised on intensified governance standards.”

Ombudsman Morales also highlighted the progress in case disposition and the corruption prevention programs supported by development partners.

National Competitiveness Council (NCC) Co-Chairman Guillermo Luz [representing the private sector], Rappler Editor-at-Large Marites Danguilan Vitug [media], Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Performance Governance System Committee Co-Chair Normita Villaruz [fiduciary], Maximum Solutions President and Managing Director Nelly Coralde [business sector, particularly the small and medium enterprises or SMEs] served as panelists during the Forum which was moderated by Prof. Solita Monsod of the UP School of Economics.

With support coming from the ADB and the United Nations Development Programme, the Forum is part of a series of activities under the year-long “Ombudsman Integrity Caravan” (Caravan) on the occasion of the Office’s 25th Anniversary in May this year.

The Caravan is a social communication strategy that aims to engage, on a nationwide scale, the public and private sectors in the various Ombudsman programs to further build a broad-based strategic partnership of all anti-corruption stakeholders.

Director Dennis Russell Baldago of the Office’s Project Management Bureau stated that “the Integrity Caravan consists of activities that target institutions with strategic positions in society that can steer transformation of beliefs, values and attitudes on governance issues, particularly against corruption.”

Aside from the Public Governance Forum, other activities in store are Integrity Lecture Series, University Integrity Tours, Integrity Development Contest, and Barangay Integrity Fora.

Customs Exec convicted for violating SALN law
27 September 2013, Press Release from Ombudsman

THE Sandiganbayan convicted a former deputy commissioner of the Bureau of Customs (BoC) for his failure to declare in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Networth (SALN) the business interests of his wife and daughter.

In a 24-page Decision penned by Associate Justice Rafael Lagos and concurred in by Associate Justices Efren De La Cruz and Rodolfo Ponferrada, the anti-graft court’s First Division found Atty. Gil Valera guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violating Section 8 of Republic Act (RA) No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees) for non-disclosure of the business interests of his wife and daughter.

The court imposed upon Valera a fine of â,±5,000 with disqualification to hold public office on each of the two convictions.

Valera was found criminally liable for not declaring his daughter Maria Beatriz’s shareholdings in MJ Valera Realty in his 2003 SALN, and his wife Esperanza’s business interest in Buy Pinoy Marketing, Inc. in his 2001 SALN.

The Decision stated that Valera “knew about Esperanza’s investment in Buy Pinoy Marketing, Inc. because he signed as a witness in the Articles of Incorporation of said company.”

Respecting his failure to disclose his daughter’s interest in MJ Realty, the court noted that “his daughter was a minor, living with him at that time, and had capital shares held in trust by him in MJ Realty.”

NBI files “PDAF complaint” before the Ombudsman
16 September 2013, Ombudsman Philippines

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is filing today before the Office of the Ombudsman its first formal complaint in connection with the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) case.

Upon filing of the complaint, the Office of the Ombudsman shall evaluate the complaint and accompanying case records to determine whether the complaint shall proceed to preliminary investigation or be subjected to further case build-up, in which latter case, the Inter-Agency Anti-Graft Coordinating Council (IAAGCC) Task Force may be engaged to assist the Office in its fact-finding or evidence-gathering.

             The period of evaluation would depend on the complexity of the case.

            Under its charter (RA 6770, Sec. 15), the Office of the Ombudsman has primary jurisdiction over cases cognizable by the Sandiganbayan, and has the authority to file corruption-related criminal charges, if warranted upon a finding of probable cause, against high-ranking officers.

In response to Senate Pres. Drilon’s letter: Napoles’ Senate testimony “not advisable” â€" Ombudsman Morales
24 September 2013, Press Release Ombudsman

            In a letter dated September 23, 2013 and transmitted to the Office of the Senate President at around 11:00AM today, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales submits that “it would not be advisable, at this time, for Ms. Napoles to testify before the said Committee on ‘what she knows’ about the alleged scam[.]”

            Ombudsman Morales explained that “the publicity that may be spawned by the testimony of Ms. Napoles would, among other things, adversely affect public interest, prejudice the safety of witnesses or the disposition of cases against her and/or her co-respondents pending before this Office, or unduly expose them to ridicule or public censure,” citing Section 15[1] of Republic Act No. 6770 (The Ombudsman Act of 1989) and Section 2,[2] Rule V of Administrative Order No. 7 (Rules of Procedure of the Office of the Ombudsman).

            The letter of Ombudsman Morales was in response to Sen. Drilon’s letter of even date requesting the comment of the Office of the Ombudsman, upon the recommendation of the Secretary of the Senate Oscar Yabes, on Sen. Teofisto Guingona III’s request for the Senate President to approve the issuance of a subpoena to Janet Lim-Napoles for her to appear and testify before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on September 26, 2013.

            Ombudsman Morales cited the recent filing with the Office of the Ombudsman on September 16, 2013 of the first set of PDAF-related complaints by the National Bureau of Investigation and Atty. Levi Baligod.

            The letter also disclosed that “[t]here are also other PDAF-related cases involving other government officials in conspiracy with other private persons which are pending investigation” by the Office of the Ombudsman.

            Ombudsman Morales opines that summoning Napoles would not produce reliable information at this stage, considering that she has publicly, consistently professed that she is not involved in any PDAF-related transaction.##

[1]  The Ombudsman is authorized to “[p]ublicize matters covered by its investigation of the matters mentioned in paragraphs, (1), (2), (3) and (4) hereof, when circumstances so warrant and with due prudence:  Provided, That the Ombudsman under its rules and regulations may determine what cases may not be made public:  Provided further, That any publicity issued by the Ombudsman shall be balanced, fair and true. (underscoring supplied)

[2]  Sec. 2.  Public Disclosure; Exemption. â€" When circumstances so warrant and with due prudence, the Office of the Ombudsman may publicize in a fair and balanced manner the filing of a complaint, grievance or request for assistance, and the final resolution, decision or action taken thereon;  Provided, however, that prior to such final action, no publicity shall be made of matters which may adversely affect national security or public interest, prejudice the safety of witnesses or the disposition of the case or unduly expose persons complained against to ridicule or public censure.  (underscoring supplied)

Former Maguindanao Mayor convicted of graft, malversation
02 October 2013, from Ombudsman Press Release

The Sandiganbayan convicted a former municipal mayor of Kabuntalan, Maguindanao of two counts of graft and one count of malversation of public funds for pocketing the salary of a municipal councilor in 2000.

             In a 22-page decision penned by Associate Justice Oscar Herrera, Jr. and concurred in by Associate Justices Teresita Diaz-Baldoz and Napoleon Inoturan, the anti-graft court’s Second Division found Salipongan Dagloc guilty of two counts of Violation of Section 3(a) of Republic Act (RA) No.3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) and sentenced him to suffer the penalty of imprisonment of six years and one month, as minimum, to 10 years as maximum, for each count. He shall also suffer perpetual disqualification from public office.

             The court also found Dagloc and former acting municipal treasurer Usman Zailon guilty of Malversation of Public Funds, under Article 217, paragraph 4, of the Revised Penal Code and sentenced them to suffer the penalty of imprisonment of 10 years and one day as prision mayor as minimum to 16 years, five months, and 11 days of reclusion temporal as maximum and to pay a fine in the amount of â,±14,229.00 each. They shall also suffer perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

             Zailon and Dagloc were ordered to indemnify private complainant Bhernie Bagundang in the amount of â,±14,229.00 with legal interest at 12% per annum, reckoned from April 2000 until the amount is fully paid.

The court found that Bagundang was not paid his salary for April 2000 as member of the municipal council, and that Dagloc induced Zailon to release the amount to Dagloc who converted the same for his own benefit.

             The court stated that neither Dagloc nor Zailon presented evidence to dispute the charges , “nstead, both of them jumped bail, so to speak, refused to appear in court, and have since remained at large with standing warrants of arrest against them. This, the court holds, constitutes flight which is an indication of guilt.”

Ombudsman clarifies conviction rate
06 November 2013, Press Release Ombudsman

The Office of the Ombudsman computes its case conviction rate at 46.67%.

The Office explained that out of the 44 ponencias or judgments/decisions in criminal cases promulgated by the Sandiganbayan for this year as of August 31, 2013, the Office was successful in securing a conviction of at least one accused in each of the 21 ponencias, resulting in a 46.67% case conviction rate based on the following formula:

Number of Judgments that convicted at least one accused divided by the total number of judgments on the merits that resulted in conviction or acquittal times 100%       

The Office issued the clarification after media reports computed a 12.83% accused conviction rate based on raw figures listed in a Sandiganbayan report. 

The Ombudsman’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), Research and Special Studies Bureau (RSSB), and Statistics and Monitoring Division (SMD) found that the media computation does not relate to the performance of the Office because certain entries/figures should not have been considered

“It is non-sequitur to arrive at 12.83 % and then translate it to dismal performance.  That conclusion is unfair to our Ombudsman prosecutors,” Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales stated.

Ombudsman Morales raised the following observations:

(i)                 There were 18 accused whose cases were archived. The archiving should not be taken against the Office since mostly in those cases, the accused have remained at large, a situation which is beyond the control of the Office.  Besides, these cases can still proceed or be revived once the accused are apprehended, which may eventually result to double entries in statistics.

(ii)               There were 15 accused who died before or during trial, resulting in the dismissal of the cases as against them. The death of an accused should not be faulted on the Office.   

(iii)             There were 43 accused whose cases were withdrawn on grounds including amendment of the Information and grant of motions for reconsideration, with the possibility of re-filing with the Sandiganbayan or with the regular courts.  These criminal cases have not resulted in a disposition on the merits.  Neither party (prosecution or defense) is defeated in this case which could also eventually result to double entries in statistics.

(iv)             There was one (1) accused who turned state witness, which, in effect, strengthened the prosecution evidence.   

“So even from the same data used by the media, we arrive at a rate of 21.8% after deducting the above-described accused totalling 77 from the 187 accused-basis of the media report (24 / 110 x 100%).  And this does not include at least 12 more accused who have been convicted in September and October this year,” Atty. Alan Cañares, RSSB Acting Director, explained.   

“Rather than computing on a “per accused” basis which situation may differ from one accused to another, it is ideal to also consider statistics on a “per case” basis since that could more precisely determine whether there was a crime indeed committed, regardless of how many were held criminally liable,” Cañares added.     

The Office also observed that out of the cases so far decided this year, there were eight ( cases which were filed more than 20 years ago, the oldest having been filed in 1990.

FIO submits investigative report on “PDAF scam”
18 November 2013, Ombudsman Press Release

            The Field Investigation Office(FIO) filed three (3) separate complaints for Plunder [punishable under Republic Act (RA) No. 7080, as amended] and violation of Section 3(e) of RA No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) against Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, and a number of public employees and non-governmental organization (NGO) officers involved in the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) controversy.

Certain public respondents also face administrative charges of Serious Dishonesty, Grave Misconduct, and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service.

             The administrative complaints as against Senators Estrada, Revilla and Enrile, however, are to be referred to the Senate Ethics Committee which has administrative disciplinary jurisdiction over members of the Senate, for appropriate action.

The FIO was tasked to conduct an investigation into the PDAF scam in July 2013 when Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales motuproprio (even without a lodged complaint at that time) initiated a fact-finding investigation in response to news reports on whistleblower Benhur Luy’s exposé of a “pork barrel scam,” which case build-up was to be conducted in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).  Several FIO Teams were created to expedite the investigation.

The FIO Teams gathered numerous documents and interviewed at least 1,500 witnesses in more than 100 cities and municipalities in 39 provinces[1] all over the country.

Parts of the areas covered by the investigation were the municipalities of Dula, Javier, Babatngon in Leyte,and that of Passi, Iloilo and Llorente, Eastern Samar, which were recently ravaged by typhoon Yolanda.

FIO Assistant Ombudsman Joselito Fangon acknowledged the cooperation of the NBI, the Department of Justice (DOJ) Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Program officers, the Commission on Audit (COA) and other members of the Inter-Agency Anti-Graft Coordinating Council (IAAGCC), in the process of scanning through the entire pieces of evidence available nationwide.

The FIO complaints are to be assigned to the Special Panel of Investigators (Ombudsman Panel)  that is conducting the preliminary investigation and administrative adjudication, for consolidation with the NBI’s first set of complaints filed on September 16, 2013.

Upon consolidation and evaluation, the Ombudsman Panel shall, under the Ombudsman rules of procedure, issue an order (with attached copies of the complaints and supporting documents) directing respondents to submit their respective counter-affidavits and controverting evidence.

Meanwhile, the FIO recommendation relating to members of the House of Representatives is being reviewed and finalized.

Ombudsman launches integrity development contest
04 October 2013, Ombudsman Press Release

The Office of the Ombudsman launches today the Integrity Development Contest (IDC) consisting of essay-writing, poster-making, and short video production competitions open to elementary, high school and college students, respectively.

Centered on themes dealing with the fundamentals of good governance and anti-corruption, the IDC shall grant cash prizes to the winners, including a scholarship grant in filmmaking to the top three finalists in the short video production contest.

             In ceremonies at the SM Annex Activity Center, SM North EDSA in Quezon City, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales stated that “the youth must be initiated to the fundamentals of civic duty and good governance at the earliest possible opportunity.”

            “By translating big words like ‘integrity,’  ‘transparency’ and ‘accountability’ into plain and simple words like being ‘honest,’ ‘open,’ ‘upright’ and ‘answerable to one’s actions,’ the concept of good governance is as easy to grasp as A-B-C,” she remarked.

Aside from Ombudsman officials, top executives from corporate, institutional and development partners like the United Nations Development Programme, Asian Development Bank, SM Prime Holdings, Jollibee Foods Corporation, and UP Film Institute attended the launching.

The IDC is one of the activities under the yearlong Ombudsman Integrity Caravan on the occasion of the Office’s silver anniversary in May this year.

             For details and contest mechanics, the public may visit the Ombudsman website (www.ombudsman.gov.ph) or check published posters in various locations of partner institutions and sponsoring establishments.

Former CSU prexy convicted of graft
07 October 2013, Ombudsman Press Statement

The Office of the Ombudsman won the graft case filed against a former president of the Cagayan State University (CSU) in a 47-page Decision promulgated by the Sandiganbayan.

The anti-graft court’s Special Second Division found Armando B. Cortes guilty beyond reasonable doubt of Violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act (RA) No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) and sentenced him to suffer the indeterminate penalty of imprisonment of six years and one month, as minimum, to 10 years, as maximum, with perpetual disqualification from public office.

The court found that Cortes and Joseph Acorda, former CSU Vice President for Administrative Affairs and Chairman of the Pre-Qualification, Bids, and Awards Committee, entered into a contract in 1996 with Orlino Rabara, owner of ACI Aneco Computers, Inc. for the purchase of â,±1.2 million worth of computer network system.

It added that the Commission on Audit (COA) found out that the purchase of the items was made without bidding or canvass of prices, thereby giving unwarranted benefit to ACI Aneco.

In the Decision penned by Associate Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang and concurred in by Associate Justices Roland Jurado and Alexander Gesmundo, the court held that “accused Cortes indisputably gave unwarranted benefit to ACI Aneco Computer, Inc. when he awarded to it the contract for the supply of the computer network system without public bidding or canvass of prices.”

“ACI Aneco Computer profited from the transaction without showing that its offer was the most advantageous to the government,” the Decision stated.

             Meanwhile, in the same Decision, the Sandiganbayan acquitted Cortes, Acorda and Rabara on another graft case involving the alleged irregular purchase of medical/laboratory supplies worth P170,950 “for failure of the prosecution to prove their guilt beyond reasonable doubt.”

             The cases as another accused Bienvenido Bernardino, former Internal Control Auditor of CSU, were earlier dismissed in December 2008 in view of his death.

Court convicts Customs official for violation of the SALN law
30 October 2013 - press release Ombudsman

The Office of the Ombudsman successfully secured the conviction of a  ranking official of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for failing to declare certain properties in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities and NetWorth (SALN) for the years 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005.

In an 11-page Decision, the Metropolitan Trial Court of Manila found Pier Angeli Senangote Sealtiel, Customs Operations Officer V, guilty beyond reasonable doubt of 10 counts of  violation of Sec. 8 of Republic Act (R.A.) 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees) and sentenced her to pay a fine of P5,000 for each count.

The case stemmed from Sealtiel’s non-disclosure in her SALNs two parcels of adjacent land and one apartment unit in Parañaque City registered in the name of her husband Leonilo and his siblings as co-owners.

The Decision narrated that the previous title covering the said property was registered in the name of accused’s father-in-law Vedasto who died on March 30, 1983. Ownership of the said properties was transferred to Leonilo and his siblings following a Deed of Donation executed on March 24, 1994.

In his Decision, Presiding Judge Juan Bermejo, Jr. stated that said “such issuance of Transfer Certificate Of Titles (TCTs) in the names of Leonilo Sealtiel and his siblings as registered co-owners, makes it incumbent upon accused Peior Angelie Senangote Sealtiel to disclose her husband’s interest over the subject properties beginning 1994, failing which, makes her liable for non-disclosure of her husband’s interest on the said properties.”

The Court however acquitted Sealtiel on her act of non-disclosure of a Tagaytay property in her 1991 SALN stating that “that said property was subsequently titled on March 13, 1992 xxx thus, accused Pier Angeli Senangote Sealtiel cannot be faulted for not declaring the same in her 1991 SALN.”

Sealtiel was similarly acquitted on her failure to declare in her 1993 SALN three parcels of land in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, as inheritance from her parents, considering that “there has been no settlement of the estate of their parents, nor any showing that the same has already been partitioned despite the demise of their ascendants.”

Former Cebu disbursing officer convicted of malversation
from Office of the Ombudsman 31 October 2013

The Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas successfully secured the conviction of Buenaventura C. Rabuya, a former Cash Disbursing Officer of the Cebu Provincial Treasurer’s Office, for Malversation of Public Funds.

          In a 16-page Decision of Presiding Judge Bienvenido R. Saniel Jr., of the Cebu Regional Trial Court, Branch 20, Rabuya, was found guilty of Malversation under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code and was sentenced to an indeterminate penalty of eight years and one day of prison mayor in its minimum period to reclusion perpetua as maximum with accessory penalty of perpetual special disqualification and a fine.

          Rabuya’s case arose from his P57,505.02 shortage of SEF Funds discovered after the Commission on Audit (COA) Cash Examination on 20 December 1994.  On trial, he contended that the shortage was erroneous and that there was no evidence that such alleged shortage was used for his personal use and benefit.

          The OMB-Visayas Prosecution Bureau proved in court that Rabuya, as a public officer entrusted with the custody and control of public funds, failed to explain and account his shortage of P57,505.02.

          The court stressed that an accountable officer may be convicted of Malversation even if there is no direct evidence of misappropriation and the only evidence is that there is a shortage in the officer’s account which he has not been able to explain satisfactorily.

          This is the second conviction of Rabuya as the OMB-Visayas also previously secured his conviction in another separate case of Malversation out of his shortage amounting to P612,561.54

Ombudsman orders Napoles, et al. to answer PDAF charges
21 November 2013, Press Release from Ombudsman Office

            The Office of the Ombudsman Special Panel of Investigators (Ombudsman Panel) â€" which is conducting the preliminary investigation/administrative adjudication of the respondents in the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam â€" directed Janet Lim Napoles, Senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, Juan Ponce Enrile, and their co-respondents to file their Counter-Affidavits and other controverting evidence within ten (10) days from receipt of the Order.

             The Ombudsman Panel issued separate Orders dated November 19, 2013 after having evaluated the case and found “enough basis to proceed with the preliminary investigation” of the three (3) separate complaints filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) against Senators Revilla, Estrada, Enrile and their respective sets of respondents-public employees and non-governmental organization (NGO) officers.

Copies of the NBI complaints were attached to the Orders which have been scheduled to be individually served on the numerous respondents since yesterday, starting with the NBI complaint against Senator Enrile, et al.

The Ombudsman Panel is poised to issue the next round of “Orders to File Counter-Affidavits” in relation to the five (5) NBI complaints against certain members of the House of Representatives, as well as the related complaints recently filed by the Field Investigation Office (FIO) which were consolidated and assigned to the same Ombudsman Panel.

“Failure to file their Counter-Affidavit(s)/evidence, with proof of service thereof to complainants, within the aforesaid period shall be deemed a waiver of respondents’ right to submit controverting evidence and the preliminary investigation shall proceed accordingly,” the Order reads.

In an ambush interview after this morning’s budget hearing at the Senate, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales denied the existence of an “eight-page report” purportedly submitted to her, allegedly tagging “Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile as the mastermind of the alleged P10-billion pork barrel scamâ€"not businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles,” as one national daily reported today.

Ombudsman observes Anti-Corruption Day on Dec.9
06 December 2013

The Office of the Ombudsman leads the celebration of Anti-Corruption Day on December 9.

           The OMB is scheduled to hold simultaneous activities on December 9 with the launching of the University Integrity Tour at the University of the Philippines â€" National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG) and the holding of the 1st Barangay Integrity Forum in Mangaldan, Pangasinan.

           Both activities are part of the Integrity Caravan launched by the OMB during its 25th anniversary last May 12, 2012. The Caravan aims to communicate and engage the public and private sector on the various programs and projects of the Office to further build a broad-based strategic partnership of all anti-corruption stakeholders, composed of key government agencies, local government units (LGUs), private institutions, academic institutions, the business sector, development partners, people’s organizations (POs), civil service organizations (CSOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the general public.

           The University Integrity Tour, which is designed to build the foundations of good governance and anti-corruption in the country’s educational system, shall be launched at the UP-NCPAG from 9:00 â€" 12:00 noon. OMB and UP-Diliman officials as well as representatives from the UP-NCPAG Student Council and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are expected to attend the event. It is scheduled to be duplicated in other universities in Visayas and Mindanao next year.

           On the other hand, the series of Barangay Integrity Fora is aimed at educating barangay officials on ethical standards, good governance and public accountability. The 1st Barangay Integrity Forum, to be held in Mangaldan, Pangasinan, is expected to be attended by OMB and LGU officials. Similar activities are also scheduled to be held in Cebu and Davao.

           Recognizing that corruption is a serious crime that slows down economic growth and development, “this year [the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime] UNODC and UNDP have developed a joint global campaign, focusing on how corruption hinders efforts to achieve the internationally agreed upon Millennium Development Goals and impacts education, health, justice, democracy, prosperity and development.”

           On October 31, 2003, the UN General Assembly adopted the United National Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), an international legal instrument against corruption, and designated December 9 as International Anti-Corruption Day. President Benigno Aquino III through Proclamation No.506 dated November 16, 2012 declared December 9 as National Anti-Corruption Day.

           Republic Act No. 10589 (May 27, 2013) declares December of every year as “Anti-Corruption Month.”

Ombudsman disclaims preventive suspension order vs. MWSS chief
13 December 2013, Press Release Ombudsman

The Office of the Ombudsman today issued a disclaimer tagging as spurious the supposed Order placing Gerardo Esquivel, Administrator of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), under six months preventive suspension.

The Order dated November 25, 2013 was purportedly signed by Overall Deputy Ombudsman (ODO) Melchor Arthur H. Carandang.

“The Order is clearly spurious. I did not sign such Order, and records reveal that no such document has been issued by any Ombudsman office,” said ODO Carandang.

He added that no such docketed case against Esquivel exists, referring to the docket OMB-CRD-C-12-1079.

The Office also disclosed that a confirmed report of a “fake” Order to File Counter-Affidavit sent to Esquivel was earlier discovered.

“These media tactics are not doing the case any good.   It undermines and preempts the resolution of the case, by conditioning the mind of the public of a favored outcome of the case,” Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales stated.

In view of the alarming reports that issuances of this Office, which turn out to be spurious, have been circulating, a public advisory was issued as early as April 25, 2013.

In said public advisory continuously posted on the agency website, the Office already “warn[ed] the public to be cautious of any purported directive, request or issuance emanating from dubious sources, and request[ed] that these matters be immediately reported to the Office.” 

“In case of doubt, the public is advised to verify the authenticity of the purported message or issuance by calling the Ombudsman hotline,” the public advisory added.

The Office is currently investigating all these incidents of falsifying Ombudsman issuances and processes.

Barangay chairman, treasurer convicted of malversation
16 December 2013, Press Release Ombudsman

The Office of the Ombudsman won the criminal charges filed against a barangay chairman and a barangay treasurer in Tondo, Manila for misappropriating public funds in 2001.

             In a 10-page Decision, Presiding Judge Dinnah C. Aguila-Topacio of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Manila, Branch 42, found Chairman Leo C. De Guzman, and Treasurer Violeta F. Arendela, both of Barangay 95, Zone 8, District 1, Tondo, guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of Malversation of Public Funds (Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code) and Falsification by a Public Officer (Article 171 of the RPC).

             De Guzman and Arendela were each sentenced to suffer the penalty of one year and one day of prision correctional as minimum to eight years and one day of prision mayor as maximum for the crime of Falsification; and for the crime of Malversation, 12 years and 10 days of reclusion temporal as   minimum to 17 years and four months of reclusion temporal as maximum.

              The court found that in September 2001, De Guzman and Arendela malversed the barangay funds worth P157,850.93 and converted the same to their own personal use or benefit.

             In order to secure the release of monetary privileges in the form of additional honoraria, wages and reimbursements, De Guzman and Arendela falsified a barangay resolution by cutting the signatory portion of a 2000 Sangguniang Barangay (SB) Resolution and attaching it to a new resolution which was photocopied and filed after using correction fluid to erase certain entries such as the date and travelling expenses.

             They made it appear that the resolution was unanimously passed, approved and signed by all members of the Barangay Council on April 15, 2001 when in truth they never participated, approved or signed the same.

             The Disbursement Vouchers showed that De Guzman approved the amount which were received by Arendela and himself, respectively, to advance the payment for barangay tanods as well as street sweeper allowances, additional and travelling expense.

             The General Payroll, on the other hand, showed how the claims were allegedly spent and who received which amount.

             Two of the defense witnesses, Federico Dionisio and Romeo Simbol, a street sweeper and barangay tanod, respectively, even admitted to having received their compensation in 2001.

             â€œThe accused (De Guzman and Arendela) thus clearly permitted the said witnesses to take public funds even when the resolution, which was the basis thereof was without any color of authority,” the ruling stated.           

            “Based on the evidence presented, the accused are liable for the charges brought against them. The court’s stance is not swayed by the testimony of both accused in open court, which consisted mostly of a denial of the crime imputed against them.”

https://500px.com/photo/240076265
Bird

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

Provided by 10:31 Cafe of Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines

Share what you know at http://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com

During the birthday anniversary of Sir Will Tirol.

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

Basketball Exhibition Game in Maribojoc, Bohol last October 2017
With Rene Econg aka Balong of Florida, USA

Share what you know at http://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com

http://www.gettyimages.com/license/543620020
Mother and baby daughter on Mediterranean promenade

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

http://www.gettyimages.com/galleries/sets/bqtasFqsgkyPuRUqdnvLRg
Christmas Preparation

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

One sunset in Anda, Bohol, Philippines

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

https://1drv.ms/i/s!AgAenvFTheMakBCx9myBDBpCYf4E
Eskina going to ICM Bohol

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

Media gathering in 2017 Christmas with Bohol Governor Edgar M. Chatto

Sent from my R7plusf using Tapatalk

Pre-fight activity

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

Seen at New Grand Luis Mountain Resort
in Dauis, Bohol, Philippines

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

https://pixabay.com/en/fruit-bowl-nuts-fruit-fruits-2993938/

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

Book Cover: The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

Oxford Dictionary of World History

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

Map of Bohol Province, Philippines

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

STATEMENT BY THE HONORABLE
BERNADETTE “BH” HERRERA-DY
Bagong Henerasyon Party-list
Chair, Committee on Public Information
SOLUTION TO THE TEMPORARY VACANCIES AT THE ERC

As Member of the House Committee on Energy, may I suggest to President Rodrigo Duterte’s closest advisers to apply Sections 16 and 17 of Chapter 5 of the Administrative Code of 1987 to address the temporary vacancies in the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) because of the suspension of four of its commissioners.

Sections 16 and 17 of Chapter 5 of the Administrative Code of 1987 allow for temporary appointments lasting up to one year.

The EPIRA Law, which includes the revised charter of the ERC (Chapter IV), does not provide for appointments in case of temporary vacancy, in which case, it is the Administrative Code that would apply.

May I suggest further that two of the temporary appointees be chosen from among the ranking career civil servants of the ERC who have no pending Ombudsman or court cases involving corruption, and that the two other temporary appointees may be borrowed either from other energy agencies or from the University of the Philippines on secondment.

In addition, the temporary appointees ought to possess the qualifications similar to those of ERC commissioner as stated in the EPIRA Law (RA 9136). Related to this is another factor to consider are the terms of the appointment of the suspended ERC commissioners.

If one or some of them have terms expiring within the one-year suspension from the Ombudsman, then it would save the government a lot of trouble or hassle later on if one or some of the temporary appointees could be given permanent appointments effective the day after the expiration dates.

To address the immediate matters of quorum and continuity of operations, the immediate temporary appointment of two qualified persons would be in order. This is the urgent part.

The other two may be appointed several weeks later.

Effective decision makers who solve problems, produce results, and do so with fairness are what the ERC needs. (END)

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

By Efren Danao, Philippine Star, January 2000

Any government compromise with industrialist Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. on the P40-billion coconut levy fund would be questionable without any definitive ruling that the levy constitutes public funds, Senate Minority Leader Teofisto Guingona Jr. said yesterday.

There were reports that a compromise is in the offing and that President Estrada is drafting an executive order to create a committee that would oversee the disposition of the coconut levy.

The Supreme Court has ruled that the coconut levy is imbued with public interest, but the tribunal did not rule that the levy constitutes public funds.

Guingona said the government cannot touch the coconut levy without approval by the Sandiganbayan. He pointed out that the anti-graft court has exclusive jurisdiction over illegal wealth-related cases against the Marcoses and their cronies like Cojuangco.

The senator added that any compromise with persons associated with the Marcoses must be publicly disclosed, as directed by the Supreme Court in the case of Chavez vs the Presidential Commission on Good Government.

Guingona reminded President Estrada that when the latter was still a senator, he authored Senate Bill 1720 authorizing the acquisition of assets obtained through the coconut levy for distribution to coconut farmers, tenants and workers.

He urged the President to certify a similar bill filed by Quezon Rep. Wigberto Tañada and other congressmen "so that any proceeds from the coco levy would be remitted directly to its intended beneficiaries -- the coconut farmers, tenants and workers."

Naa pa bay nagtanom sa Bohol ug ing-ani nga tunokon?

Tunokon nga Garden

BSP AND PCC SIGN MOA OF COOPERATION

In a ceremony held on 22 December 2017 at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Manila, BSP Governor Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr. and Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) Chairperson Arsenio M. Balisacan signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the BSP and PCC. Under the MOA, mergers and acquisitions of BSP-supervised financial institutions (BSFIs) under financial distress and those pursued in accordance with BSP’s Consolidation Program for Rural Banks shall be subject to specific rules on prior notification and review requirements of the Philippine Competition Act (PCA) to facilitate expeditious action. Such rules will be promulgated by the PCC in consultation with the BSP. 

In the spirit of cooperation, the BSP and PCC also agreed to monitor pricing, mergers, acquisitions and other competition-related issues with regard to BSFIs, their payment system arrangements, and other activities regulated by BSP; and to promptly notify the other of any actual, potential or emerging competition concerns relating thereto in the course of their performance of their respective duties and functions.  They also undertake to consult each other on the formulation of new issuances, regulations and/or amendments to existing regulations that may impact the policy and regulatory framework governing BSFIs. They shall likewise endeavour to hold consultative meetings on matters of common concern such as actions that the PCC is considering with respect to BSFIs, those involving competition-related matters and the stability of the monetary and financial system.   

Present at the event were Monetary Board Member Juan D. De Zuñiga, BSP Deputy Governor Chuchi G. Fonacier and Assistant Governor Restituto C. Cruz.

THE HONORABLE BERNADETTE “BH” HERRERA-DY
Bagong Henerasyon Party-list
Chair, Committee on Public Information
AIRLINES, PINAALALAHANANG ASIKASUHING MABUTI ANG MGA PASAHERO

“Maging tapat lang dapat sa air passenger rights policy ng CAAP ang mga airlines, habang magbaon naman ng maraming pasensiya ang mga bumibiyahe,” panawagan ni Congresswoman Bernadette Herrera-Dy ngayong kasagsagan ng December travel season.

Sabi ni Herrera-Dy, “Batid naman na ng mga airlines na magiging maulan ang huling quarter ng taong 2017 dahil Oktubre pa lamang ay nagpalabas na ng La Niña warning ang PAGASA. Batid na rin nila na peak season ng pagbiyahe ang buwan ng Disyembre, ngunit bakit ngayon ay tila di pa rin naibsan ang aberya sa ating mga paliparan?”

“Nakasaad naman na sa mga policy ng CAAP ang ng passenger rights. Kailangan na lamang itong ipatupad. Magdagdag ng mga tao sa airport at terminal gates kung kinakailangan at isa-praktika ang natutunan sa customer service training ng airlines,” ani Herrera-Dy.

“Responsibilidad naman ng mga pasahero na maging mapagpasensiya, huwag ma-late sa flight, magdala ng makakain kung sakaling ma-delay o ma-cancel ang flight,” aniya.

“Huwag nating hayaang pawiin ng pansamantalang aberya sa biyahe ang kasayahang dulot lagi ng Kapaskuhan,” pahayag ni Rep. Herrera-Dy, may-akda ng House Bill 6056 ukol sa air passengers’ bill of rights. (WAKAS)

THE HONORABLE FREDERICK W. SIAO
Lone District of Iligan City
Vice Chair, Committee on Tourism
Member, Appropriations, Economic Affairs, and 8 other committees

ILIGAN CITY SOLON ASKS NEDA, DBM TO GET PRESIDENT DUTERTE TO CERTIFY AS URGENT PENDING DRRM BILLS

The 2019 budget cycle will start very soon, most likely in January or early February, with the issuance of the budget call from DBM Secretary Benjamin Diokno. Anticipating that, I now ask Secretary Diokno to include more funding in the 2019 budget for disaster risk reduction and management, particularly for 4th, 5th, and 6th class municipalitiesâ€"the most vulnerable and weakest in terms of DRRM.

Storms like Urduja and Vinta now and Pablo before are stark reminders that the poor towns and the coastal and river basin LGUs are at high risk.

A DRRM capacity building program for these high risks LGUs and developed by both the DBM and NDRRMC would be the appropriate solution and prevention.

I am co-author of HB 1648, which seeks to create a NDRRM Authority and is one of ten bills pending in the House.

Only last November 17, NEDA chief Ernesto Pernia asked Congress “to conclude the review of the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management or DRRM Act of 2010 to make our institutions more effective in ensuring that communities in the country are more resilient to natural and man-made shocks.” https://goo.gl/9n3XKz

I ask Secretaries Pernia and Diokno to convince President Duterte to certify the DRRM bills as urgent, so that both chambers of Congress will expedite those bills and get them passed before the end of the current second regular session in May 2018.

For my part, I, as the Representative of the Lone Congressional District of Iligan City, my concern is that the DRRM programs of Iligan dovetail with those of nearby Cagayan de Oro City and Marawi City because disasters that strike any one of the cities affect the others.

It is for this reason that I will reach out to my colleagues and neighbors in CDO and Marawi to work out a framework and a bill for a metropolitan or inter-city approach to DRRM.

I will also support and convince other congressman to support the additional DRRM funding for the poorest municipalities which the DBM will propose and to get the DRRM Law amendments passed. (END)

DOE Securing Power, Fuel Supplies after 'Urduja'

(Taguig City). The Department of Energy (DOE) is moving fast to rehabilitate energy facilities and to normalize power supply in areas affected by tropical depression 'Urduja'.

“We are doing all that we can to bring back to normalcy the energy situation and secure fuel and power supplies in the typhoon-stricken areas, especially that Christmas is fast approaching. We want our people to enjoy the holiday season with renewed hope after this unfortunate weather disturbance,” Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said.

The energy chief said the DOE would be monitoring the situation in typhoon-affected areas even during the holidays to ensure that people have ample and secure energy supply.

Based on the consolidated reports from the National Power Corporation (NPC), National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), National Electrification Administration (NEA) and the various electric cooperatives, TD Urduja restoration updates are as follows:

For power supply in Visayas, the province of Biliran now has 93 barangays energized out of 117 total barangays affected in seven towns, namely; Biliran (11/11brgys), Cabucgayan (13/13), Caibiran (17/17), Naval (20/26), Culaba (13/17), Almeria (7/13) and Kawayan (12/20). All town centers were also energized. The remaining unenergized barangays (24) will have restored power supply before Christmas.

In the province of Leyte, the most affected electric cooperatives are Don Orestes Romualdez Electric Cooperative (DORELCO) and Leyte III and V Electric Cooperatives (LEYCO III & V). LEYECO III is now 96% energized at the barangay level, while DORELCO is at 92% energization. In LEYECO V, the remaining barangays to be energized per municipality are Ormoc (2 brgys), Merida (1), Palompon (2), Villaba (7), Tabango (5), Leyte (5), Matag'ob (3), San Isidro (4) and Calubian (38).

Eastern Samar Electric Cooperative, Inc. has only the town of Maslog remaining unenergized.

For Luzon provinces, Quezon I Electric Cooperative (QUEZELCO I) is now 88.81% restored and expecting complete restoration today (22 Dec.)

In Palawan, the Palawan Electric Cooperative has ongoing restoration in Brookes Point and Bataraza, which were affected by landslide. Under the Busuanga Island Electric Cooperative, rehabilitation of power facilities is now at 75.21% energized, but expects completion within the day.

In Masbate, the most affected town of Esperanza was energized at around 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, and the DMCI Satellite plant in Aroroy is currently serving the Municipality of Mandaon and portion of Aroroy.

All other cities/municipalities affected by the weather disturbance in previous reports are now 100% energized.

For oil supply situation, technical staff of the Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB) conducted an onsite inspection in Naval, Biliran. The technical staff monitored five (5) stations: Petron (2), Phoenix (1), Shell (1) and an independent player.

Based on the inspection, the oil supply is generally normal and prices remained unchanged, but a Shell station added 1.00 per liter to diesel and gasoline prices due to power generation cost because of a 4-day power outage and went back to normal prices after the typhoon.

In Leyte, the arrival of two (2) tankers from Shell of Tacloban depot and four (4) tankers of Petron from Ormoc depot normalized the oil situation after peddlers of “bote-bote” took advantage of the situation by selling petroleum products from PhP41.00 to PhP150 per liter. In addition, the DOE-Visayas Field Office staff reported that the operation of Petron depot in Ormoc is back to normal and supply is sufficient.

Although the road to Naval is not yet cleared, an alternate route is being used by trucks to supply retail stations in Biliran.

In addition, the DOE’s line is open for any energy-related concern, just contact the Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office at tel. no. ‎‎429 2900 local 329 or email info@doe.gov.ph.

By Lilian Mellejor

DAVAO CITY â€" Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is bullish on Davao Region’s cacao and chocolate industry as it moves faster to become the Philippine chocolate capital.

The city mayor said Davao Region could now supply 80 percent of the country’s total cacao production and contributing to the region’s rapid economic growth since the discovery of Davao’s potential to grow world-class cacao and produce chocolate products.

“Davao Region is now moving towards the prestigious name as chocolate capital of the Philippines,” Duterte-Carpio said during Thursday’s opening of the Davao Chocolate Festival organized by the Cacao Industry Development Association of Mindanao, Inc (CIDAMi) and the SM Davao held at SM City Annex.

The city government is supportive of the cacao industry. In fact, it has put up a PhP2 million fund assistance that can be accessed by the cacao farmers.

As she congratulated the industry players for the four-year recognition to excellence of city’s fine quality chocolates, the mayor said: “Our sectors are connected beyond scope and denomination.”

She said the city’s vision to support cacao farming, processing, research and development is "our goal to provide opportunity to small entrepreneurs, farmers, and indigenous people to be major players in the cacao and chocolate industry and the production of globally competitive quality chocolates - all bring us together towards the aim of sustainable development."

Duterte-Carpio said the city government’s on-going implementation of the cacao production and marketing of dry fermented beans under the Philippine Rural Development Project-Investment in Rural Enterprise and Agriculture and Fisheries productivity with the Subasta Integrated Multipurpose Cooperative reflects the city’s and farmers' mutual interest in the cacao industry. Subasta is located in Calinan, Davao City.

The mayor committed to continue supporting the cacao industry. Last September, the city government opened "Cacao City" which serves as a retail outlet for cacao products, including chocolates.

The city mayor hopes that the chocolate festival will inspire not only as s means of livelihood but to indorse Davao city as destination of cacao and chocolate enthusiasts.

CIDAMI executive director Valente Turtur said the Chocolate Festival is the fourth, aimed at promoting Davao chocolate and the cacao industry.

“Tulong ito sa ating farmers (This is to support the farmers). We are dedicating this to the farmers,” Turtur said in an interview.

Since it was strongly promoted, Turtur said the cacao industry is flourishing positively and robust as more and more farmers are shifting.

It has also huge social impact on the farmers. From the 8,000 farmers engaged in cacao production, Turtur said the number has grown to 20,000 from three Davao Regions.

When in the past it was only Davao City and a few in Davao del Sur and Davao del Norte, Turtur said farmers in Davao Oriental have also engaged in cacao production. Davao Oriental is known as top producer of coconut and coconut products.

Turtur said the industry players are aiming to produce fine cocoa for bigger income because it is more preferred by professional chocolate makers.

Turtur also took note of the increasing number of chocolate processors from only six to 70 processors.

In an earlier interview, Turtur revealed there is a growing interest, especially the European chocolate makers, on Davao’s cacao because farmers have also leveled up in terms of quality.

He said farmers have learned technology of producing and preserving the quality of the beans, techniques and husbandry unlike in the past when they dry their beans on road pavements without minding of the dirt and animal droppings which affect bean quality.

He said the Philippine cacao beans and Davao’s locally produced chocolates are also getting world attention. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)

By Saul Pa-a November 28, 2017, 8:31 pm

LOS BAŇOS, Laguna â€" The Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) said Tuesday its cacao processing technologies are at par with ASEAN standards.

DOST-ITDI’s Food Processing Division supervisor, Ma. Dolor L. Villaseñor, said the cacao, including the “tablea” and cocoa, processing technologies are designed to help industry players.

The ITDI-developed technologies and the cacao bean roaster have been devised to speed up the production and improve the quality of cacao-based chocolate, as well as reduce production costs.

“The cacao processing technology that the DOST-ITDI developed can produce cocoa that is smooth and less acidic than the ones commercially available,” Villaseñor said during the DOST-ITDI Technology Offering Series held recently at the DOST complex in Bicutan, Taguig City.

On the other hand, the ITDI-developed cacao bean roaster has better features than the traditional roasters because it is easy to use and affordable at only about PHP600,000, compared to its imported counterpart which costs up to PHP 1 million.

“We’re targeting the local licensed fabricators for this cacao bean roaster technology,” ITDI’s Rufino T. Barcala Jr. said.

ITDI developed the bean roaster to make the equipment locally available and more affordable to the small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The newly developed technologies are in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s call during the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS) 2017 to bring attention to investment opportunities and directions for inclusive growth, especially for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

According to 2015 data, the country produced 14,000 metric tons (MT) of cacao, 12,000 MT of which came from the Davao region.

Local entrepreneurs can avail of these technologies through licensing agreements with DOST-ITDI, which offers technical services for various industries. - (PNA)

THE HONORABLE FREDERICK W. SIAO
Lone District of Iligan City
Vice Chair, Committee on Tourism
Member, Appropriations, Economic Affairs, and 8 other committees
Facebook: /congressmansiao Twitter: @freddiesiao                                                                                                             
Sa gitna ng pananalasa ng Bagyong Vinta sa Mindanao

DRRM BILLS HINILING I-CERTIFY AS URGENT

Para mapabilis ang pagsasabatas ng mga panukalang batas na may kinalaman sa natural disasters, hiniling ni Iligan City Representative Frederick Siao na i-certify as urgent ang mga naka-tenggang bills sa Kongreso ukol sa disaster risk reduction and management.

Ang mga Kalihim ng Department of Budget and Management at National Economic Development Authority ang mainam magrekomenda kay Pangulong Duterte na madaliin ang pagsasabatas ng DRRM bills, ayon kay Siao.

“Mabagal ang normal na proseso, pero kung ma-certify as urgent ni President Duterte ang mga bill, kayang ipasa ang amendments sa DRRM Act of 2010 bago matapos ang kasalukuyang sesyon sa Mayo 2018,” aniya.

Magugunitang hiniling na ni NEDA chief Ernesto Pernia sa Kongreso na bilisan ang pagrepaso sa DRRM Act of 2010, pero pinunto ni Siao na ang mas mabisang solusyon ay ang certification as urgent ng Presidente.

Iminungkahi rin ni Siao na gumawa ang DBM at NDRRMC ng isang capacity building program para sa mga coastal at river basin na LGU lalo na iyong mga 4th, 5th, at 6th class municipalities.

“Kulang sa plantilla positions, mga technical expert, at disaster preparedness programs ang mga pinakamahihirap na bayan dahil kapos sila sa pondo. Masosolusyunan ito ng capacity building program na dinesenyo para sa mga high-risk LGUs,” dagdag ni Siao.

Habang umuusad ang DRRM Law amendments, ayon kay Siao, maaari nang balagkasin at ipatupad ang capacity building program.

“Hihikayatin ko ang mga kapwa ko congressman para madaliin ang DRRM Law amendments at para ma-aprubahan ang budget para sa DRRM capacity building programs,” wika ni Siao.

Inter-city/ metropolitan solutions sa mga kalamidad ang kailangan namin dito sa Mindanao kaya naman kakailanganing magkaisa ang mga kapwa ko kongresista sa Mindanao para maisabatas ang isang DRRM bill. (WAKAS)

DOE, Energy Team on Heightened Alert vs 'Vinta'

(Taguig City)--Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi today directed the energy family to observe energy resiliency measures to combat the adverse effects of Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Vinta (international name: Tembin).

“The DOE assures the public that the energy family will work together on a 24/7 basis to immediately secure and normalize the energy supply in the STS Vinta-affected areas,” Cusi concluded.

According to the weather bureau PAGASA, the maximum sustained winds of STS Vinta reach 65 kilometers/hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 110 kph. The center of the storm has traversed the vicinity of Marawi City in Lanao del Sur, compromising power facilities in the franchise areas of electric cooperatives in nearby provinces.

“We are coordinating with electric cooperatives and other energy stakeholders in the affected areas through the Inter-Agency Task Force on Securing Energy Facilities (IATFSEF). We continuously monitor developments and reports so that we can mobilize our assets to assist the most affected households and stakeholders in the storm-hit areas,” Cusi said.

For the transmission sector, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines reported that the affected energy facilities are as follows:

1.    Paranas-Quinapondan 69kV Line, which was out at 10:49 p.m. of 22 Dec. affecting Eastern Samar Electric Cooperative (ESAMELCO);

2.    San Francisco-Tandag 69kV Line, which was out at 6:19 p.m. of 21 December affecting Surigao del Sur II Electric Cooperative (SURSECO II);

3.    Bislig-Cateel-Baganga 69kV Line, which was out at 1:28 a.m. of 22 December affecting Davao Oriental Electric Cooperative (DORECO);

4.    Jasaan-Kinoguitan 69kV Line, was out at 4:06 a.m. of 22 December but with atrial restoration at 5:23 a.m. The transmission line affected Camiguin Electric Cooperative Incorporated (CAMELCO) and Misamis Oriental II Electric Service Cooperative (MORESCO II);

5.    Balo-i-Marawi 69kV Line, which was out at 5:02 a.m. of 22 December affecting Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative (LASURECO);

6.    Agus6-Kauswagan 69kV Line, which was out 7:31 a.m. of 22 December affecting Lanao del Norte Electric Cooperative (LANECO);

7.    Agus 6-Mapalad 69kV Line, which was out 10:18 p.m. of 22 December 2017 affecting Iligan Light & Power Inc.

According to the NGCP, the inspection and restoration of the affected lines will be in full swing as soon as the weather allows.

For the distribution sector, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) reported that the LASURECO franchise area is in total blackout due to heavy rains and strong winds brought about by TS Vinta. Initial reports showed that electric lines and steel poles were toppled down in some areas in MSU Barrio Salam, MSU Fisheries, Municipality of Marantao in Lanao del Sur and Municipality of Baloi in Lanao del Norte. Meanwhile, a Quick Response Team is now doing all the clearing in the affected areas.

In Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative (ASELCO), only 1 feeder tripped in Trento substation due to a tree leaning on the line. There are also occurrences of minor trippings on the lateral lines and sitios in Veruela area.

Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative (DANECO), particularly the areas in Compostela Valley, are experiencing heavy downpour. Only the towns of Montevista, Nabunturan and Mawab are energized, while the rest are still experiencing trippings. The Municipality of Laak and Asuncion are experiencing power outage but linemen and crew were already dispatched to patrol the lines.

For the downstream oil industry sector, the DOE is closely coordinating with industry players on the ground for updates and reports on matters affecting petroleum products.

The DOE’s line is open for any energy related concern, just contact the Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office at tel. no. ‎‎‎429 2900 local 329 or email them at info@doe.gov.ph.

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

U.S. Embassy Closed on December 25 and 26, 2017

Manila, December 22, 2017 â€" The Embassy of the United States in the Philippines and affiliated offices will be closed to the public on Monday, December 25 in observance of Christmas, and Tuesday, December 26 in observance of a Philippine holiday.

The Embassy and affiliated offices will resume services on Wednesday, December 27.

THE HONORABLE HENRY C. ONG
2nd District of Leyte
Vice Chair, Committee on Banks & Financial Intermediaries
Member, Transportation, Visayas Development,
Economic Affairs, and 8 other committees
BIR, DAPAT ABISUHAN ANG EMPLOYERS SA TAMANG PAGKALTAS NG INCOME TAX SIMULA ENERO 2018

Nananawagan si Leyte Congressman Henry Ong sa Bureau of Internal Revenue at Finance Department na siguruhing makikinabang ang mga empleyado at iba pang taxpayer sa bagong income tax exemption at brackets na nakasaad sa TRAIN Law.

"Kailangang magpalabas na ang BIR at DoF ng isang advisory o direktiba sa publiko at employers agad ipatupad ang bagong income tax withheld sa mga sweldo simula sa unang payroll cut-off ng Enero," aniya.

Pangamba kasi ni Ong na, "baka mayroong mga employer o mga kumpanya na hindi pa na-update ang kanilang payroll system at software."

“Itong income tax withheld lang naman ang kailangang agaran na mapatupad para agad maramdaman ng sambayanan ang bisa ng TRAIN Law,” ayon sa congressman “dahil iyong iba pang bagay na saklaw ng TRAIN ay sa implementing rules and regulations na ilalatag.”

"Kailangan rin paalalahanan ang publiko na hindi pa saklaw ng TRAIN Law ang pag-file ng income tax returns sa Abril dahil para sa 2017 ang income na inirereport doon," punto ni Ong.

Mainam na raw na linawin na agad ng BIR at DoF ang tamang pagkaltas ng income tax withheld sa Enero para maiwasan ang di-pagkakaunawaan, pagkalito, at iba pang katulad na isyu. (WAKAS)

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

THE HONORABLE HENRY C. ONG
2nd District of Leyte
Vice Chair, Committee on Banks & Financial Intermediaries
Member, Transportation, Visayas Development,
Economic Affairs, and 8 other committees
BUSINESSMAN-SOLON ASKS BIR, DoF TO ISSUE ADVISORY ON NEW INCOME TAX EXEMPTION AND TAX WITHHELD

Now that the TRAIN Law has been signed and will take effect 15 days after publication as stipulated in the law, I urge the Department of Finance and the Bureau of Internal Revenue to swiftly issue an implementing advisory to the general public on how the new personal income tax exemption and income brackets shall be applied starting January 1, 2018.

This would go a long way to clarify matters on how and when the exemption and salary deductions will be computed and applied starting the next cut-off period after January 1.

Some employers and taxpayers may be unable to quickly recalibrate their payroll systems and software in January 2018, so when would be the deadline for them to comply?

In my view, only the personal income tax exemption and salary deductions need immediate clarification while the other concerns in TRAIN can be addressed later.

I would imagine that many salaried employees and mixed-income individuals are excited about the new exemption level and the new income tax brackets. They want to feel the impact of the law in January 2018 as Congress and President Duterte intend.

Taxpayers also need to be reminded that when they file their ITRs on or before the April 16, 2018 deadline, the TRAIN Law does not apply to that because those ITRs would be for income earned in 2017. The TRAIN Law does not retroactively apply to 2017 income earned.

The advisory from the DoF and BIR would serve to set things straight early on and avoid confusion or misunderstandings.

Your device is compatible with our app. Click HERE to get your FREE TubagBohol Android App

By Mark Francisco

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY--Seven Seas Waterpark, the largest of its kind in Mindanao, is setting its sight not only on domestic clients but foreign tourists as well.

Resort operations manager Roselle Machate said they had already seen bookings from Chinese and South Korean tourists as early as next year.

“The whole point of building this theme park is not just for domestic tourists; it’s really intended for the international market,” Machate said during the grand opening of Seven Seas over the weekend in Barra, Opol, Misamis Oriental.

"We are competing with other water parks in the Asia Pacific," Machate added.

Transforming a seven-hectare marshland less than five years ago into what it is today, Seven Seas now boasts of the The Cyclone, the largest water slide in the country, a vertical aqua loop water slide called Plank Drop, among many other attractions.

May Unchuan, director of Department of Tourism in Region 10 (DOT-10), said the presence of Seven Seas would boost foreign tourism in Mindanao, which she said had been hit by travel advisories from Western countries following the Marawi conflict.

Unchuan said Russians are also a potential target for the themepark, whose leisure activities in the region include diving off the waters in Gingoog Bay.

“These tourists are the younger ones, they don’t care about the travel advisories. They can certainly boost tourism since they appeal to other adventurous folks like them,” she added.

Seven Seas Waterpark proprietor Elpidio Paras said he is also planning to put up a hotel in the area within the next two years. (Mark D. Francisco/PNA)

Bullish investor outlook underscores Philippine economy's resiliency

MANILA (29 July 2005) -- "The bullish outlook of local and foreign investors only underscores the economy's resiliency amid the political noise."

Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye revealed the good news as positive developments in the business front are beginning to surface despite issues hounding President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Bunye, who is also the Presidential Spokesman, likewise reported that the peso is stable and the Philippine stock market continues to be upbeat as fiscal reforms are on the final stretch of implementation while the nation expects the second phase of the economic reform program to carry the momentum of stability.

All this, the Palace official continued, can be attributed to President Arroyo's strong resolve backed by her new economic team focused on the job and reaping results above the din of public controversy. (PIA-MMIO)

LandBank Bacolod starts online system for government employee loans

Bacolod City (29 July 2005) -- Effective August 1, 2005 for government and private agencies with existing Payroll Credit System (PACSVAL) MOA with Land Bank of the Philippines Bacolod Branch and August 15, 2005 for other agencies, the Pag-IBIG Fund Bacolod Sub-Regional Office shall strictly implement the PACSVAL Facility for Multi-Purpose Loan (MPL).

The said facility shall eliminate the need for the member-borrower to claim approved MPL check from the Fund and the hassle of lining up to encash the check at LBP. The MPL proceees shall be credited to the borrowers ATM account with LBP and the same can be withdrawn from any Express Teller and ExpressNet machines.

All MPL applications filed on and after the aforesaid dates must already contain the LBP account number of the borrower.

For member-employees who are yet to open an ATM account with LBP, a Letter of Introduction (LOI) from the Marketing & Enforcement Division of the Fund must be secured first. The LOI will cover the employee under the PACSVAL MOA between LBP and Pag-IBIG Fund with a minimum maintaining balance of P100.00

For more details, member-employers and employees may contact the Marketing and Enforcement Division of Pag-IBIG Fund at 434-4637 and 435-1601 to 03. (Pag-IBIG/PIA)

STATEMENT BY THE HONORABLE RON P. SALO
KABAYAN Party-list
Assistant Majority Leader

KABAYAN SOLON HAILS DEPED CLAMPDOWN ON PLAGIARISM IN CAMPUS JOURNALISM

KABAYAN Party-list Representative Ron Salo lauded the DepEd over the weekend for its move to enforce intellectual priority rights laws in campus journalism. Salo, a law professor, is a current Vice-Chair of the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture.

Salo hailed the new DepEd guidelines for the 2018 National Schools Press Conference (DepEd Memorandum No. 200, series of 2017) for its stricter provisions against plagiarism.

The memorandum was issued last December 12, on which date selected school paper advisers from different regions were assembled in Palo, Leyte for several days of their annual training of trainers. Those teachers are still in Leyte as of now, stranded because of Tropical Storm Urduja.

Salo said plagiarism is “a form of dishonesty, which is also at the root of fake news, sensationalism, and unethical journalism.”

“Any school paper found to have copied and published texts, images, and other materials without duly acknowledging their sources should be disqualified in the contest,” the DepEd directive states.

DM No. 200 further provides that another plagiarism offense in 2019 will be met with a written reprimand, a refresher course on plagiarism, and instructions to the concerned principal “to teach students about the ills of plagiarism and its consequences.” Yet another repeat offense will be meted disqualification from the NSPC for three straight years, according to the DepEd guidelines.

The 2018 NSPC will see the introduction of Column Writing as a new individual contest on a trial run. DepEd also required contestants in copy reading and headline writing to “use the 2016 Associated Press   Stylebook copy reading symbols.”

Competitions will be held from February 19 to 23, 2018 in Dumaguete City. Each region is expected to send 290 delegates of students, teachers and officials.

Campus journalists who won at the regional level will wield their pens, pencils, cameras, laptops, and other tools in team contests on TV broadcasting, radio broadcasting, collaborative desktop publishing, and online publishing and in individual contests on news writing, sports writing, feature writing, editorial writing, science and technology writing, photojournalism, editorial cartooning, and feature writing.

Most outstanding campus journalists and school paper advisers of each region will be recognized in Dumaguete.

“Honesty and competence must always be championed in education. We need youths imbued with these values to make sure future generations of journalists, professionals, and leaders stay true to the truth,” Salo said. (END)

REFERENCE:

http://www.deped.gov.ph/sites/default/files/memo/2017/DM_s2017_200.pdf