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032-266-0075 Phone
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Florecita Sentillas Cebu City
Bulacao, Cebu City
Phone: 032-272-0643
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032-260-7781
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Free online audio version of Don Quixote by Miguel Cervantes.

DOE LAUNCHES ENERGY CONSCIOUSNESS MONTH TO FURTHER EMPOWER CONSUMERS

E-DISKARTE MO VEHICLES: Energy Sec. Alfonso G. Cusi, together with the Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda, test-drives one of the four plug-in hybrid electric vehicles donated by the Japanese government.

The opening of DOE’s National Energy Consciousness Month (NECM) this Monday (4 December) kicked off with the unveiling of the four electric vehicles, four hybrid plug-in electric vehicles and a charging station inside the DOE Compound at its Motorpool.

The observance of NECM held in the month of December every year highlights the importance of energy in the daily lives of Filipinos and in the country's economic development.

(Taguig City). “The future of energy-efficient and environment-friendly motoring is right here, right now.” This was the atmosphere during the kick-off of the 2017 National Energy Consciousness Month (NECM) as Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi on Monday (4 December) unveiled an electric vehicle charging station, four electric vehicles and four hybrid plug-in electric vehicles at the Department of Energy (DOE) headquarters in Taguig City.

Sec. Cusi and the Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines, Koji Haneda, test-drove a hybrid plug-in electric vehicle and presented to the public the electric vehicle charging station during the opening ceremony of the NECM 2017.

The DOE Chief said that the Japanese government donated the hybrid vehicles and electric cars to promote the use of efficient and environment-friendly transportation alternatives.

The charging station can charge two vehicles at a time. It can do fast charging for 30 minutes and normal charging from two to four hours. Charging can also be done at home using a special plug supplied by the vehicle's manufacturers.

The NECM 2017 was opened by its Chair, DOE Usec. Raul B. Aguilos, who said:  “We themed the NECM2017 with the powerful message of inclusivity, bringing in the issues and concerns of our consumers while also providing them with options.”

“We should not limit ourselves to a month of energy consciousness. Our goal is to increase our people’s awareness about energy, and have them adopt a lifestyle change towards better energy choices every day,” he added.

In his keynote address, Secretary Cusi said, the DOE has been aggressive in formulating essential energy plans and implementing necessary programs to achieve the DOE’s nine-point agenda.

Sec. Cusi mentioned the DOE’s hosting of two international events: The Asia Cooperation Dialogue and 35th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting and its Associated meetings, which became venues for gathering inputs locally and internationally to finalize the Energy Resiliency Policy.

Sec. Cusi also underscored the benefits of Executive Order No. 30 in expediting the processing of energy projects of national significance, including the Philippine Conventional Energy Program (PCEP) which promotes the development of coal and petroleum resources.

The DOE has been working towards the implementation of the Philippine Downstream Natural Gas Regulation, which will provide standardized guidelines on the natural gas industry.

"The DOE amended the Retail Rules for the downstream of the oil industry and issued the Code of Safety Practices for LPG Refilling Plants that will safeguard the interest of the public against the unscrupulous trading of petroleum products while providing regulations on emerging and expanding technologies in the retailing of liquid fuels," Cusi also emphasized.

Cusi further informed, "The DOE has also improved the standards for biodiesel blends for both automotive and industrial diesel oil, incorporating the Euro IV-Philippine grade which lowers sulfur content for cleaner emissions."

"As of November 2017, biofuels registered capacity already reached 857.02 million liters, derived from the 10 bioethanol and 11 biodiesel producers," he added.

The DOE Chief said that even with nearly 5,000 megawatts of installed renewable energy (RE) capacities, the DOE is continuously processing RE Service Contracts to push for cleaner and sustainable energy.

"There are a total of 193 applications RE Service Contracts as of November 2017."

"Further strengthening these efforts are DOE’s initiatives to issue policies towards renewable portfolio standards and green energy option, with both undergoing public consultations through the National Renewable Energy Board."

“These policies will not only boost RE utilization, but these will also be catalysts for sustainable development,” Cusi concluded.

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Reuters - U.S. drugstore chain operator CVS Health Corp said on Sunday it had agreed to acquire U.S. health insurer Aetna Inc for $69 billion, seeking to tackle soaring healthcare spending through lower-cost medical services in pharmacies.

This year's largest corporate acquisition will combine one of the nation's largest pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) and pharmacy operators with one of its oldest health insurers, whose national business ranges from employer healthcare to government plans.

The deal comes after Aetna's $37 billion plan to acquire smaller U.S. health insurance peer Humana Inc was blocked in January by a U.S. federal judge over antitrust concerns. A proposed combination of peers Anthem Inc and Cigna Corp was also shot down.

Aetna shareholders stand to receive $207 per share in the deal with CVS, the companies said. The consideration comprises $145 per share in cash and 0.8378 CVS shares for each Aetna share. Reuters first reported the terms of the deal earlier on Sunday.

Aetna shareholders will own about 22 percent of the combined company, while CVS shareholders will own the remainder.

The companies said that cost synergies in the second full year after the transaction closes -- 2020 if the deal closes in the second half of 2018 as they expect -- would amount to $750 million. They foresee it adding to adjusted earnings per share by the low- to mid-single digit percentage points.

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Left: United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Lawrence Hardy II (second from right) led the turnover ceremony of more than 3,200 tablet computers during his visit to Mansasa Elementary School in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.  Hardy was joined by Tagbilaran City Mayor John Greesnell Yap, Department of Education officials, and USAID Office of Education Director Brian Levey.  Right: Mission Director Hardy read a story to students at Mansasa Elementary School.

Tagbilaran City, December 4, 2017 â€" On December 1, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) distributed more than 3,200 tablet computers to Philippine Department of Education public school leadership from Regions 1 and 7.  The assistance is part of USAID’s continuing support of the Philippines’ goal to strengthen early grade reading skills.

The tablets are loaded with software that will boost the quality of teaching, tools for school heads to better supervise teachers, and resources, such as videos and tip sheets, to support teachers’ professional development.  The donation is the culmination of USAID’s recent training of more than 3,000 school administrators on tablet-based teacher supervision and mentoring.
USAID Mission Director Lawrence Hardy II led the turnover ceremony at Mansasa Elementary School in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.  “The United States government is pleased to support the Department of Education in our mutual goal of improving the quality of education in the Philippines to help children gain the foundational literacy skills they need to succeed in life,” said Hardy.

This assistance is implemented in partnership with the Department of Education through Basa Pilipinas, USAID’s Php1.9 billion flagship basic education project.  Through Basa Pilipinas, USAID has strengthened the reading skills of more than 1.8 million students from kindergarten through grade three, helped train more than 19,000 teachers and school heads, and provided more than eight million copies of teacher guides, student workbooks, and other education aids.

About USAID:
USAID is the lead U.S. government agency that works to end global poverty and enable resilient, democratic societies to realize their potential.  In the Philippines, USAID partners with the national government to build a more stable, prosperous, and well-governed nation.  For more information, visit http://www.usaid.gov/philippines or email infoph@usaid.gov.

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A Tender Plant

For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, And as a root out of dry ground. Isaiah 53:2

The coming of Jesus was like a tender plant in the midst of a parched ground. Parched ground offers little hope for survival; it is dry and too hardened to allow most plants to penetrate its crust. Yet Jesus was prophesied as a tender plant that would break through the hostile soil and overcome the dry and lifeless environment in order to bring life.

When Jesus was born, His people were hardened to God’s Word. There is no written record of God’s having spoken to His people for four hundred years. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day had studied and memorized the Scriptures, but the words were lifeless to them. So hostile had they become to the truth that when God’s Son came to them, they killed Him. Nevertheless, despite the enmity of the people, Jesus brought life to all who believed in Him.

Jesus is capable of bringing life to any person, society, or culture no matter how hardened or hostile they have become to the gospel. Even the most calloused sinner will discover that Jesus knows how to penetrate the heart and bring life where there was only bitterness. The work of Jesus in a person’s life may seem fragile at first, but like the mustard seed, it will eventually grow into something strong.

As you pray for someone you care about, don’t be discouraged if this person has not responded to Jesus. Just as a tender plant finds a way to grow in a hard and unreceptive environment, so the love of Jesus has the ability to emerge in a life that seems completely unresponsive. - Henry and Richard Blackaby

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MEDIA ADVISORY
3 DECEMBER 2017
WHAT : OIL INDUSTRY MANAGEMENT BUREAU (OIMB) DAY - CEREMONIAL SIGNING OF DEPARTMENT CIRCULARS ON “REVISED RETAIL RULES” AND “PHILIPPINE DOWNSTREAM NATURAL GAS INDUSTRY REGULATION” AND TURN-OVER/DISTRIBUTION OF HANDBOOKS ON CODE OF SAFETY PRACTICE IN LPG REFILLING PLANT AS PART OF THE COMMEMORATION OF THE NATIONAL ENERGY CONSCIOUSNESS MONTH (NECM).
WHEN : 5 DECEMBER 2017 (TUESDAY);
SIGNING AND TURN-OVER: 8:00 A.M. â€" 11:00 A.M.
 
OIMB FIESTA HOUR: 1:00 P.M. â€" 4:00 P.M.
WHERE : DOE MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDING, ENERGY CENTER, TAGUIG CITY.

WHO : ENERGY SECRETARY ALFONSO G. CUSI,

DOE UNDERSECRETARY DONATO D. MARCOS,

DOE ASSISTANT SECRETARY LEONIDO J. PULIDO, III

DOE ASSISTANT SECRETARY CARON AICITEL E. LASCANO

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MEDIA ADVISORY
4 December 2017

WHAT             : PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON THE RENEWABLE ENERGY MARKET (REM) 
                          RULES
                                                 
WHEN            : December 5, 2017 (TUESDAY); 9:00a.m. â€" 12:00p.m.

WHERE          : Marco Polo Hotel, Davao City 

WHO               : ATTY. JOSE M. LAYUG, JR   Chairman, National Renewable Energy Board

                           ATTY. FRANCIS SATURNINO C. JUAN, Philippine Electricity Market
                           Corporation

                          Various renewable energy developers, distribution utilities, electric   
                          cooperatives, government agencies, LGUs, consumer groups and
                          civil societies 
The REM is a market for the trading of Renewable Energy Certificates (“RECs”) in the Philippines, intended as a venue for Mandated Participants obligated by Renewable Portfolio Standards (“RPS”) to comply with their RPS requirements.

·         The proposed REM rules will establish a competitive, efficient and transparent market for the trading of RECs; facilitate the compliance by Mandated Participants of their RPS requirements to ensure a level playing field for all REM participants; ensure that the prices of RECs are governed as far as practicable by the fundamentals of demand and supply; and ascertain that the prices of RECs are, in the long term, reflective of the marginal cost of bringing an additional Megawatt-hour of RE generation into the Philippine electricity system.

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DOE E-Power Mo Pushes Smart Energy Techs

E-POWER MO - Empowering Consumers Towards an Energy Smarter Power System: DOE Assistant Secretary Redentor Delola promotes efficient use of emerging "smart" energy technologies during the E-Power Mo Conference at Fontana Leisure Park Clark, Pampanga held Wednesday (29 November). E-Power Mo is part of the DOE's campaign to disseminate the government's key messages on energy to consumers which includes E-Safety Mo, E-Secure Mo and E-Diskarte Mo.

(Clark, Pampanga). The Department of Energy (DOE) emphasized on Wednesday (29 November) the need for the efficient utilization of energy as well as its conservation during the last leg of its E-Power Mo campaign for this year here.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, through Asec. Rendentor Delola, said that the DOE outlined strategic objectives anchored on security, affordability and sustainability of energy in the country.

“Efficiency and the customers’ power of choice could be effectively be realized through the use of ‘energy smart technologies,’" Delola stressed.

Smart energy technologies promote efficient energy use, reduced energy cost and “greener” energy options to households and energy sectors, he added.

The DOE official said that the use of these technologies are in line with the DOE’s E-Power Mo campaign which seeks to empower consumers to make better options in energy utilization.

Energy-smart technologies available in the market conform with best environment practices for industries, as well as ensure energy efficiency in government buildings.

“We are eyeing High Efficiency Motors (HEMs) to lower energy cost, lower the life cycle cost, bring higher profitability and lower greenhouse gas emissions,” said Asec. Delola.

Aside from HEMs, other smart energy technologies are efficient pumps, cutting-edge solar photovoltaic systems, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), efficient cooling systems, advanced energy monitoring and controlling technologies, and battery/energy storage products.

In a move to further promote greener technology options, the DOE is also pursuing the expansion of the usage of electric vehicles.

The DOE is already implementing the Government Energy Management Systems (GEMS).

“This program aims to reduce the government’s monthly energy consumptions by at least 10% from 2005 consumption levels,” Delola stated.

Around 500 participants attended the various and series of discussions during the E-Power Mo Energy Smart Utilization Forum and Stakeholders Conference. Attendees include a range of stakeholders from energy efficiency and conservation, local government, non-govenment organizations, consumer groups, power, renewable energy, oil and gas industry players, the academe and the media, among others.

“The DOE will continue to empower consumers and promote a ‘whole of nation’ approach in efficient energy utilization to enable the country globally compete,” Delola concluded

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KABAYAN Party-list to honor PO2 Agustin and buddies in a ceremony in EPD HQ

Police Officer 2 Danilo Agustin, one of two cops on patrol at the MRT 3 Ayala station on November 14 when Angeline Fernando lost her right arm, is a registered nurse. He was in the Class of 2009 of the Capitol Medical Center Colleges and became a RN that same year.

KABAYAN Party-list, led by its chairman, Congressman Ron Salo, will honor Agustin and his buddy that day, PO1 Ramil Almano, in simple rites at the Eastern Police District headquarters to be led by EPD Chief Romulo Sapitula on December 4, 2017 at 7AM.

Each cop shall receive a KABAYAN BAYANI Award plaque and cash gift.

"Quick thinking, clear decisions, and calmness in a critical situation were in full display that day at the MRT 3. Those qualities exemplify what the Emergency Medical Services System bill (HB 4955) seeks to achieve," according to Salo.

Atty. Ciriaco Calalang, KABAYAN Third Nominee getting ready to replace now Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, said PO2 Agustin is one clear example that not all police officers have to be graduates of criminology or alumni of the PNP Academy.

"Nurses and other professionals who want to serve the Filipino people as police officers may join the PNP. Many nurses are unemployed. They can join government service by serving in the PNP and the AFP," Calalang said.

KABAYAN Secretary General Joshua Sebastian said, "the Party-list is crafting a community and volunteer-based first aid training program, for which they would be inviting PO2 Danilo Agustin and Dr. Charlie Jandic as resource persons."

AGUSTIN RECALLS MRT 3 INCIDENT

PO2 Agustin and PO1 Almano were on patrol duty at the MRT 3 Ayala station for the ASEAN Summit meetings that afternoon of November 14.

"Nakita ko babae, si Ms. Angeline, na nakahiga sa platform at nakahiwalay 'yung braso nya na nasa riles. Naghanap ako ng kahit anong panali. Binigay sakin ni PSI Bate yung belt nya, 'yun ang ginamit kong panali as improvised tourniquet para maiwasan na maubusan ng dugo si Ms. Angeline," PO2 Dan Agustin said.

He added that he told a guard to the severed arm and place it in a container with ice.

"Nauna po si Ms. Jandic kesa sa amin kasi po pasahero din po sya," cop-nurse recalled.

"Si PO1 Almano ang umakyat pabalik ng clinic para kunin yung stretcher na ginamit namin pangdala kay Ms. Angeline sa MRT Ayala clinic. Dun namin pinagpatuloy yung first aid.

Agustin applied his nurse training and skills in tandem with Dr. Charlie Jandic, the doctor who happened to be at the same MRT 3 station when Ms. Fernando had her accident.

"Kinuha ko vital signs ni Ms. Angeline, blood pressure. Tumulong ako maglagay ng swero sa pasyente. Nilinis ko po sugat nya at nilagyan natin ng dressing. Nilinis ko yung duguang binti at braso ng pasyente. Sinamahan ko sila hanggang makarating ng hospital," Agustin also said.

Agustin and Almano did not leave until their patient was settled in at the Makati Medical Center.

"Kinausap ko dad nya. Sinamahan ko sa MRT Ayala dad po nya para makausap nya at mag-discuss ng pangyayari. Tumawag din ako sa Makati Police para ipaprepare yung police report as requirement para sa Intellicare. Nung maayos na po yung lahat tsaka palang po ako bumalik sa pwesto namin at tinapos ko po duty ko hanggang 10pm ng Nov. 14," Agustin said.

Agustin is assigned to the Eastern Police District. He has been with the PNP fir six years and six months now. When he was PO1, he was assigned in Marikina City.

"Ginawa po lamang natin yung trabaho po natin. Tumulong sa kapwa. Normal lang po ng gawin ng isang pulis sir. Salamat po natutuwa po ako at tinuturing po akong bayani ng mga tao po. Salamat po," PO2 Agustin said. (END)

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STATEMENT BY THE
HONORABLE ROGER “OGING” MERCADO
Southern Leyte, Lone District
Chair, Committee on Constitutional Amendments
Deputy Majority Leader
‎0917-865-2286
HOUSE CHARTER CHANGE COMMITTEE READY WITH RESOLUTION ON CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY

I am confident House Concurrent Resolution No. 9 can be expedited and be ready by or before January 2018. HCR No. 9 already has a committee report that consolidated several measures. The House is therefore able to back up Speaker Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez when he meets Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel, III.

The House Committee on Constitutional Amendments, which I chair, has a draft federal constitution due for submission this December to the House Committee on Rules chaired by Majority Leader Rodolfo “Rudy” Fariñas, Sr.

The draft charter builds upon the proposal of the PDP-Laban Federalism Institute. It is consistent with the ideas of President Rodrigo Duterte on what the new charter ought to have and contains solutions to the country's economic problems, especially poverty, the peace and order situation, and the fight against illegal drugs.

We have support from our colleagues in the House to get their approval on HCR No. 9 in the near-term and on the proposed amendments when Congress is convened as a constituent assembly. (END)

REFERENCES:
http://www.congress.gov.ph/legisdocs/first_17/CR00110.pdf 

http://logodef.org/download/proposed-constitution-of-the-federal-republic-of-the-philippines/

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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
ILIGAN CITY REP. SIAO PABOR SA SPECIAL SESSION AT GAWING URGENT BILLS ANG HB 6579, SB 1311

Bilang reaksyon sa usap-usapan at balita na baka magkaroon ng special session ang Kongreso sa mga darating na buwan para sa ilang panukalang batas, iminungkahi ni Iligan City Lone District Representative Frederick Siao na isama sa special session ang malapit nang maging batas na Ease of Doing Business Act o House Bill 6579 at ang bersyon nito sa Senado na Expanded Anti-Red Tape Act o Senate Bill 1311.

Ayon kay Siao, mas mabuti kung mas maagang maisasabatas ang HB 6579 at SB 1311 para umusad na agad ang mga susunod na hakbang sa pagpapatupad nito.

Kailangan pa kasing maglabas ng implementing rules and regulations at ilatag ang mga information technology systems na gagamitin.

"Malaking ginhawa sa mga nais magtayo ng negosyo, maliit man o malaki, kapag mapabilis ang pagproceso ng mga permit at clearance sa mga city hall, munisipyo, at kapitolyo," ayon kay Siao.

Karamihan naman sa mga probisyon ng HB 6579 at SB 1311 ay magkakatulad at iilan lang ang mga probisyon na magkaiba.

"Mayo 2018 kasi matatapos ang kasalukuyan second regular session ng 17th Congress. Disyembre na tayo ngayon at magkakaroon pa ng holiday break ang Congress, kaya malamang niyan ay sa Enero o Pebrero ng 2018 pa maaksyunan ang HB 6579 at SB 1311 kung walang 'certification as urgent' ang bills ngayong Disyembre," paliwanag ni Siao.

Naghihinayang si Siao sa mga linggo o buwan na hindi agad uusad ng dalawang bill dahil madedelay din ang paggawa ng implementing rules at IT systems kapag wala pang bagong batas.

Dahil kaunti lang ang magkakaibang probisyon ng HB 6579 at SB 1311, inaasahan ni Siao na magiging mabilis ang trabaho ng bicameral conference committee.

Sa SB 1311, isang Business Anti-Red Tape and Competitiveness Bureau ang itatatag. Sa HB 6579, Ease of Doing Business Commission ang itatayo.

"Sana kung ang kakatigan ng bicam ay yung bureau, siguruhin nila na line bureau ang mangyayari dahil mas may kapangyarihan iyon kaysa staff bureau lamang," ayon kay Siao.

Batay sa Administrative Code of 1987, mas malakas ang line bureau kasi ito ay tagapagpatupad ng batas at mga kautusan, habang ang staff bureau ay support lamang sa department secretary.

Ang line bureau pati ay nakapaloob sa department o kagawaran, hindi nasa labas tulad ng isang commission, na itinuturing na attached agency ayon sa Administrative Code.

Makakaabala sa takbo ng isang komisyon ang paglilipat nito sa ibat-ibang department gaya nang naranasan na ng ibang mga ahensiya.

"The decision is now with the bicameral conference committee on which approach to adopt. The commission approach in HB 6579 provides for regional offices, but not field offices in cities and towns," pahabol ni Siao. (WAKAS)

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Let us Confess and Repent of these Sins and Ask the Lord Jesus to Forgive us and Cleanse us with the Blood of Jesus.

So that we would be worthy of His Second Coming.

The Bible says that sin has separated us from God.  What are the sins listed in the Bible?

What is Sin?

Sin is the transgression of the Law of God (1 John 3:4) as John writes “Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.”  We are all sinners, even those who have been saved as Paul says “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23) and “the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 6:23).   Isaiah writes “your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.”  The good news is that “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5: and “while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son” (Rom 5:11a).  Jesus solved our sin problem by becoming sin for us so that for those who have repented and trusted in Him can be seen as having the same righteousness as Christ does (2 Cor 5:21) but if not, we still have the wrath of God on us (John 3:18b, 3:36b).

All Sins Fit under the Ten Commandments

There are almost one hundred and twenty-five sins listed in the Bible so I thought it might be useful to show why God gave us the Ten Commandments as a standard by which to live.  Of course no one can keep the Ten Commandments but even though it’s not humanly possible, this doesn’t give us an excuse to break them so what I have done below is to list the Ten Commandments and what sins fall under each of these sins. It should be noted that many of these sins could be placed under more than one of the Ten Commandments but in order to see where the biblical list of sins fall, I think it best to list almost all of the sins given in the Bible under each of the Ten Commandments because if we were able to keep the Ten Commandments, none of the sins would be broken so here is a list of the Ten Commandments and the sins which they fall under each one.  There is no doubt that since there are so many sins listed in the Bible, some might be inadvertently missed while others may be repeated since they fall into the differing commandments.

The Ten Commandments and Associated Sins (Ex 20:3-17)

The First Commandment:  You shall have no other gods before me.

Idolatry, greed, covetousness, love of money, gluttony, complaining, not loving God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, tempting God, high-mindedness, disobedience, sorcery, consulting spirits, fortune telling, witchcraft, lover of self, putting family, friends, job, or anything else above God including food, money, sports, inter, TV, Internet pornography, movies, cars, attachment to riches or material goods and dozens of other things.

The Second Commandment: You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.

Love of money, greed, disobedience, covetousness, love of money, lover of self, putting family, friends, job, or anything else above God, irreverent use of God’s Word, attachment to riches or material goods.

The Third Commandment:  You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain, irreverent use of God’s Word

Cursing, swearing, blaspheming, breaking oath taken in God’s name, irreverent use of God’s name in humor, speaking evil of the church, taking communion or the Lord’s Supper in a careless manner or unworthily, anger at God, careless use of God’s name, euphemisms like “geez, g***, oh my God” etc.

The Fourth Commandment: Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.  Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

Sloth, laziness, neglecting to assemble with the saints, profaning worship service, fighting or speaking evil of Christian brothers or sisters.

The Fifth Commandment: Honor your father and your mother, breaking civil laws when taught by parents to do obey the laws, failing to take care of aged parents, failing to take care of sick parents, fighting with and/or speaking evil about siblings, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

Cursing father or mother, dishonoring parents, striking or fighting with parents, disobeying parents, making fun of parents, filthy talk, speaking evil or badly of parents, and grandparents included in the aforementioned things.

The Sixth Commandment: You shall not murder.

Murder, anger, hate, enmity, rage, brawling,  rioting, striker, unforgiving heart, wrath, unmerciful, dissensions, contentions, clamor, despitefulness, debate, arguing, fighting, abortion, divisions, strife, rivalries,

The Seventh Commandment: You shall not commit adultery.

Adultery, fornication, sexual immorality, filthy talk, crude joking, whoremongers, defiling the body, homosexuality, sensuality, impurity, tempting others sexually, inordinate passion, corrupt language, effeminate, pornography, vulgar or crude jokes.

The Eighth Commandment:  You shall not steal.

Stealing, bribery, extortion, sloth or laziness at work, defrauding, dishonesty, cheating, gambling,

The Ninth Commandment: You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

Lying, gossiping, slandering, backbiting, spreading rumors, deceit, extortion, railing, slander, defrauding, breaking promises, craftiness, hypocrisy, dishonesty, whisperers, idle words, withhold all of the truth, double-tongued, bragging, boasting, flattery, exaggerating the truth, whining, speaking evil of others.

The Tenth Commandment:  You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.

Coveting, envy, lust, jealousy, drunkenness, sorcery (Greek means drug abuse), materialism, wantonness, sensuality, gambling, revelings, attachment to riches or material goods, lawsuits against Christians, emulations, extortion, desire for money, desire for power, desire for sex (relating to sexual immorality), anger at other’s good fortunes, desiring things of others, flirting or playing with temptation.

A List Of Sins in the Bible

Conclusion

There is but one way a person can be saved and that is to repent and confess sins and then putting trust in Christ to save them.  No one can ever out-sin the work of Christ on the cross.  The blood of the Lamb of God covers every sin ever committed. Only the sin of unbelief cannot be forgiven if when Christ comes a person has not asked to be saved by the only name given to us to be saved and that is Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12).  There is no other possible way.

A List of Sins from the Bible
SEPTEMBER 8, 2014
BY JACK WELLMAN

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TIEZA endorses new Bohol tourism loops
By JUNE S. BLANCO

THE Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) has approved in principle the development of new tourism loops for Bohol.

Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado (Bohol, 2nd District) said the TIEZA concept groups that visited Bohol last month have endorsed the Abatan River-San Vicente Ferrer pilgrimage site-Punta Cruz Watchtower loop in Maribojoc town, the Ubay Stock Farm in Ubay and all possible activities on top of rodeos that can be done there, and more exciting and titillating activities at the Danao Adventure Park in Danao.

Aumentado said the concept groups will next conduct the formal feasibility studies to determine what infrastructure and improvements are needed to ensure complete, convenient, enjoyable and memorable tourist experiences.

Based on the studies, the detailed engineering designs (DEDs) and programs of works (POWs) can then be prepared. These, in turn, will determine the cost of the projects â€" readying them to be proposed for funding.
The visit of the TIEZA concept groups was at the instance of Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco and Aumentado as part of the latter’s responsibilities as House Tourism vice chair.
The solon had said Bohol should offer more than the Chocolate Hills and the tarsier to keep its niche in the highly competitive tourism industry â€" at a reasonable price range.

The entry of more airlines to the province is a step in the right direction. Competition augurs well for each company trying to outdo each other in terms of rates and services, he said.
This should also be the case for the resorts and hotels in Alona Beach in Panglao and all other beach strips here.

To note, he warned, other provinces are starting to develop their respective beaches and are now offering river cruises as well.
“Sooner or later, beach tourism â€" a maturing industry in Bohol â€" will reach a plateau. Pairing it with just the tarsier and the Chocolate Hills might become too bland already for adventure seekers hence, the need to innovate, improve existing and add more facilities”, he explained.

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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                                                                                                              BUSINESSMAN-SOLON PREFERS CERTIFICATION AS URGENT OR SPECIAL SESSION FOR EASE OF DOING BUSINESS BILLS

There is some talk about a special session of Congress for some other bill or bills. If Malacanang wants a special session before 2017 is over, I hope the request of the Palace will include the two versions of the Ease of Doing Business bill of the House and of the Senate.

The economy needs the new law sooner rather than later. If a special session can make that happen, I favor that and I am willing and able to work on that this December, so it will be the Christmas gift of the 17th Congress to the business community and the thousands of Filipino entrepreneurs and small businesses out there.

But if HB 6579 and SB 1311 will not be certified as urgent, enactment would likely happen in the first quarter (before the summer break) or in May 2018 before the second regular session ends.

Those several months would be time lost. Add to that the 90 days allowed for the crafting and approval of the implementing rules and regulations. Add also the time it would take to put in place the IT systems needed.

Similarities and differences

HB 6579 and SB 1311 are similar in many aspects. Many provisions are similar. They differ as to Short Title: Ease of Doing Business Act (HB 6579) compared to the Expanded Anti-Red Tape Act (SB 1311). 

I am expecting that the short title of HB 6579 will be the one adopted at the bicameral conference committee because the contents of both bills pertain specifically to transactions of businesses and entrepreneurs with government agencies. Red tape is the nomenclature of wider scope which would include transactions that are not business or enterprise related because government agencies transact with more than just businesses and entrepreneurs.

According to Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, chairman of the Senate committee on trade, SB 1311 creates a Business Anti-Red Tape and Competitiveness Bureau.

The House version creates an Ease of Doing Business Commission.

In our country’s administrative law (Administrative Code of 1987), there are two types of bureaus: line bureau and staff bureau. Staff bureaus essentially provide staff support to the Department Secretary while line bureaus implement Department directives and implementing rules of national laws concerning the department.

A commission, in Philippine administrative law, is an attached agency. While the Ease of Doing Business Commission in HB 6579 is attached to the DTI, in future administrations, the President can transfer the EDBC to other departments or to the Office of the President. Other agencies have had trouble whenever they get transferred to the supervision of other departments of offices.

The decision is now with the bicameral conference committee on which approach to adopt. If they choose the bureau approach, I hope the new bureau will be a line bureau so it can have field offices to implement at the LGU level of cities and towns. If the bureau is just a staff bureau, I do not expect that bureau to be effective in implementing the new law.

The commission approach in HB 6579 provides for regional offices, but not field offices in cities and towns. (END)

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PAHAYAG NI KAGALANG-GALANG
BERNADETTE “BH” HERRERA-DY
Bagong Henerasyon Party-list
Chair, Committee on Public Information
NOW NA! PANAHON NA PARA I-UPDATE ANG MGA LUMANG BATAS UKOL SA RECKLESS IMPRUDENCE, TRAPIK, AT DISIPLINA SA KALSADA

Nanawagan na ako, sa pamamagitan ng isang panukalang resolusyon sa Kamara (House Resolution 1486), para sa masusing pagrebisa ng ilang batas trapiko at disiplina sa kalsada na pinaglumaan na ng panahon (gaya nga ng tila di makatwirang probisyon sa reckless imprudence â€" tingnan ang mga halimbawa sa mga link sa ibaba ng pahayag).

Ang panawagan na ito ay nakatuon sa Department of Transportation, Department of Justice, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Public Works and Highways, Office of the Court Administrator at the Supreme Court, the University of the Philippines Law Center, the Commission on Higher Education, at Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

Hinihimok ko sila na magbalangkas ng isang bagong Land Transportation and Traffic Code. Noong 1964 pa naging batas ang Land Transportation and Traffic Code (RA 4136) became law. Ang lola ng lola ng mga batas krimen ng Pilipinas, ang Revised Penal Code, ay 1930 pa naging batas. Ang Public Service Law (Commonwealth Act No. 146), na tungkol sa issuance ng certificate of public convenience o prangkisa ay 1936 pa. Ang Civil Code of the Philippines (RA 386) na mayroong mga probisyon patungkol sa obligasyon ng mga tao sa isa't isa ay 1949 pa.

Panahon na para sa isang bagong batas sa trapiko at disiplina sa lansangan na akma sa mga bagong pamantayan sa buong mundo, bago at umuusbong na teknolohiya, at mga sitwasyon na hindi pa naisip noon ng mga bumalangkas ng mga lumang batas.

Kailangan ng isang Inter-Agency Task Force na binubuo ng mga eksperto sa iba’t ibang sangay ng ehekutibo na may “technical expertise” na siyang magbabalangkas ng bill. Handa akong isulong ang draft bill na isasaayos ang mga pamantayan at proseso ukol sa:

·             driver's license;

·             land vehicle design and manufacturing;

·             design and construction of roads and bridges; at

·             law enforcement, investigation, prosecution, and adjudication.

Mayroon dapat tayong Traffic Court o adjudication board na puro mga kaso sa batas trapiko at road safety ang lilitisin.

Kailangan nakapaloob sa batas ang automatic review ng mga probisyon nito tuwing ikalimang taon. (WAKAS)
Sanggunian:

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/12/01/17/sapul-sa-cctv-4-anyos-sa-maynila-nagulungan-ng-suv

https://www.facebook.com/radyoinquirer990/videos/1944159915609343/

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Manila, December 02, 2017 â€" To commemorate Worlds AIDS Day on December 1, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines joined with Better Together, LoveYourself, UNAIDS, the City of Taguig, and other partners to support the first-ever “Love Gala.” “The Love Gala: Stand Up for World AIDS Day 2017" united partners in the fight against HIV/AIDS and raised awareness of the devastating impact the disease has had in Asia and the Pacific.

Globally, an estimated 36.7 million people have HIV/AIDS and more than 35 million people have died from the disease, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.  The Philippines has registered the fastest-growing HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Asia-Pacific region over the past six years, with a 140% increase in the number of new infections.  As of August 2017,almost 47,000 Filipinos were infected with HIV and 2,300 Filipinos have died from the disease.

The Love Gala featuredthe Philippines’ first-ever Ripple Awards, which honored outstanding contributors who have worked to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS and reduce stigmas about the disease in the Philippines.  It also featured a concert and a fashion show headlined by popular Philippine artists and designers such as Regine Velasquez-Alcasid and Francis Libiran, who are also advocates for HIV-AIDS awareness. U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, Sung Y. Kim spoke at the Gala about the United States’ ongoing commitment to combating HIV/AIDS.

The U.S. Embassy recognizes that persons battling HIV/AIDS continue to face the threat of inequality and discrimination.  Violence and discrimination targeting any vulnerable group undermines our collective security and is contrary to American values.  Support for this Gala was just one small part of the U.S. government’s overall efforts to fight HIV/AIDS.

Launched in 2003, the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has provided U.S. government support to more than 60 countries to  prevent, detect, and respond to the HIV/AIDS pandemic and provide critical access to services by all populations impacted by this disease, especially the most vulnerable and at-risk groups.

In the Philippines, the U.S. Embassy regularly partners with the Philippine government and NGOs to raise awareness about HIV/AIDs, protect vulnerable populations, and strengthen capacity to combat the disease.  The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), for example, has partnered with the Philippine Department of Health to establish the Department’s Integrated HIV Behavioral and Serologic Surveillance system, which collects, analyzes and interprets HIV/AIDS data.  In 2015, USAID also helped develop HIV “cascade” models which identify new HIV/AIDS cases and track treatment adherence by analyzing the continuum of HIV prevention, care, and treatment.

To find out more about theLove Gala: Stand Up for World AIDS Day 2017 and the partner organizations that made the event possible visit: http://lovegala.org/.   Ticket proceeds for the Gala were donated to HIV/AIDS non-profit organizations.

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DOE Builds Smart Grid Coalition

E-SMART GRID MO: Participants strike the “E-Power Mo” pose during the Smart Grid Forum 2017 held last November 27-29 at Fontana Hot Spring Leisure Parks in Clark Pampanga. A comprehensive road map for the implementation of smart grid in the country was drafted to pave the way for policy creation towards more consumer empowerment.

(Clark, Pampanga). The Department of Energy (DOE) is accelerating efforts to synchronize the adoption of smart grid technologies in the country, which kicked off through a forum held in Clark, Pampanga on November 27-29.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, through DOE Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella, stated in his opening remarks that “Smart technologies give energy users more power to control energy ‘through their fingertips.’ It is a very dynamic sector so the DOE will need a broader coalition in moving towards the smart grid era.”

“For us to guide the consumers, the service providers and the regulators, we should not lose sight of the basic concept that smart grid is simply a tool for the consumers and energy users to be more active and more efficient in the utilization of energy,” Fuentebella said.

Fuentebella also emphasized that despite their complexity and technical diversity, the smart grid policy should place the consumers first in driving its design and implementation.

The three-day event enabled the DOE to formulate a road map covering the short-term (2018), medium term ‎(2019-2022) and long term ‎(2030-2014) towards achieving the smart grid vision of the Philippines for 2040.

Day 1 of the forum covered the presentation of the smart grid global landscape and best practices. Thereafter, representatives from the transmission, distribution and generation sectors shared their on-going smart grid initiatives.

Day 2 organized technical working groups (TWGs) and break-out sessions covering (1) Consumer Empowerment, (2) Power System Operation, (3) Sustainable & Renewable Energy, (4) Standardization, (5) ICT & Cybersecurity, and (6) Regulatory Support. This enabled the DOE to solicit more inputs from the participants.

The output of the TWGs became the bases for the holistic and comprehensive formulation of the Philippine smart grid roadmap which was presented to the E-Power Mo Conference on Day 3.

Around 150 participants attended the 3-day event. It included the DOE officials, technical staff and high ranking officers and personnel from the stakeholders of the power sector. The USAID B-LEADERS facilitated the exchanges of ideas of the participants.

The Smart Grid Forum is part of the DOE’s “E-Power Mo” campaign which educates stakeholders and consumers on their options towards a safer, wiser and more intelligent utilization of resources through the combination of energy and Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

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Top: Fellowship for Organizing Endeavors (FORGE) Executive Director Atty. Ruth N. Restauro welcomes USAID Mission Director Lawrence Hardy II to the FORGE Boys’ Home.  USAID Phil-Am Fund Chief of Party Eugene Gonzales makes the introductions.  Bottom left: (L-R) FORGE Board of Trustees Chairperson Orlando Carvajal, FORGE Executive Director Restauro, USAID Mission Director Hardy.  Bottom right: (L-R) Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking Prosecutor Simaco Labata, Phil-Am Fund Chief of Party Gonzales, Shalaine Marie Lucero of Department of Social Welfare and Development, Atty. Joan Saniel of the Children's Legal Bureau, USAID Mission Director Hardy, Orlando Carvajal of FORGE, FORGE Executive Director Restauro, Ushna Moreno of the Phil-Am Fund, Jonah Nuñez of FORGE, and Nene Pacilan of the Children's Legal Bureau.

Cebu City, December 1, 2017 â€" The Fellowship for Organizing Endeavors (FORGE), Inc., with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), on November 29, 2017 opened a new shelter in Cebu City for boys rescued from commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking.  The 24-hour residential care facility will provide food and shelter, educational assistance, counseling services, and medical and dental treatment for teenage boys, ages 12 to 17 years old.

The new shelter comes at a critical time, given the rising number of male victims of forced labor, sex trafficking, and online sexual exploitation.  Meanwhile, the majority of shelters around the country extend protection services primarily to female victims of sex trafficking.

USAID Mission Director Lawrence Hardy II led the inauguration ceremony of the shelter during his visit to Cebu, alongside officials of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking.  “Trafficking preys upon the most vulnerable.  This is the very reason why USAID supports counter-trafficking initiatives in the Philippines and in 67 other countries around the world,” Hardy said.

USAID provided a grant to FORGE through the Philippine-American Fund, USAID’s grant-making facility that strengthens the capacity of civil society organizations to develop and carry out their own solutions to the country’s priority development issues.  Through this fund, USAID has partnered with six local organizations working to counter human trafficking across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, to strengthen and widen prosecution, prevention, and protection interventions. 

USAID also offers capacity building programs on organizational development and project management for its grantees, helping them to maximize their resources and sustain their work. 

Since 2013, USAID’s Php1.2 billion Philippine-American Fund, managed by the Gerry Roxas Foundation, has awarded 37 grants to local organizations working to conserve biodiversity, boost economic growth, promote good governance, strengthen basic education, and counter trafficking in persons.

About USAID:
USAID is the lead U.S. government agency that works to end global poverty and enable resilient, democratic societies to realize their potential.  In the Philippines, USAID partners with the national government to build a more stable, prosperous, and well-governed nation. For more information, visit http://www.usaid.gov/philippines or email infoph@usaid.gov.

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MEDIA ADVISORY

1 DECEMBER 2017


WHAT               WHAT              : OPENING OF THE NATIONAL ENERGY CONSCIOUSNESS MONTH (NECM) 2017                                               
                           WITH UNVEILING OF ALTERNATIVE FUELED VEHICLES AND ELECTRIC
                           CHARGING STATIONS

WHEN             : 4 DECEMBER 2017 (MONDAY); 9:00A.M. â€" 12:00P.M.

WHERE          : DOE MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDING, ENERGY CENTER, TAGUIG CITY.

WHO               : ENERGY SECRETARY ALFONSO G. CUSI

              AMBASSADOR KOJI HANEDA

              OFFICIALS OF THE DOE, PNOC AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES, NAPOCOR, NEA, TRANSCO AND PSALM.

PRESSCON: 12:00 NOON AT THE DOE-AUDIO-VISUAL ROOM (BESIDE THE GYMNASIUM)

***THE OBSERVANCE OF NECM IS HELD EVERY DECEMBER TO HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF ENERGY IN THE DAILY LIVES OF THE FILIPINOS AND THE COUNTRY'S OVERALL DEVELOPMENT.

Reference:

Usec. Wimpy Fuentebella
DOE Spokesperson
09189467993

Pamsy L. Tioseco
Public/Media Affairs Office Head
09178343449
pamsy.tioseco@doe.gov.ph
doe.media@doe.gov.ph
www.doe.gov.ph

DOE MEDIA AFFAIRS GROUP
Department of Energy
Energy Center, Rizal Drive
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
4792900 loc. 269
website: www.doe.gov.ph
Twitter: @DOE_PH
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doe.gov.ph

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doe.gov.ph

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General Santos City, December 1, 2017 â€" The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) convened a one-day forum on November 28 in General Santos City for more than 100 business leaders and government officials to identify ways to promote investment and help rehabilitate Marawi City.

The forum was organized in partnership with the business chambers of Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, South Cotabato, and Marawi; the Muslim Business Forum; the League of Cities of the Philippines; and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.  Participants discussed development prospects and challenges, as well as business opportunities, in Marawi City and Lanao del Sur, with the objective of organizing a private sector response to support the restoration of the local economy.

At the forum, Marawi City Mayor Majul Usman Gandamra presented the proposed Marawi City Rehabilitation Plan.  Forum participants responded with interest in developing real estate, agriculture, manufacturing, and energy in the region.

“The local business community should be the leaders in investing in and advancing sustainable economic development,” said USAID Mission Director Lawrence Hardy II, who attended the forum.  “The U.S. government remains a committed partner with the Philippine government and the private sector in achieving inclusive economic prosperity in Marawi City and the entire province of Lanao del Sur,” he added.

USAID’s Strengthening Urban Resilience for Growth with Equity (SURGE) project spearheaded the coordination of the forum.  Through the more than Php2.4 billion SURGE project, USAID has been helping cities in the Philippines plan effectively, attract investments, and promote competition for more sustainable and inclusive growth.

In addition to the business forum, the U.S. government, through USAID, has been a key partner with the Philippine government in the early recovery, stabilization, and rehabilitation of Marawi City.  On September 5, the U.S. government announced a commitment of nearly Php750 million in emergency relief and recovery assistance to support communities affected by the conflict in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, and the surrounding areas.

About USAID:
USAID is the lead U.S. government agency that works to end global poverty and enable resilient, democratic societies to realize their potential.  In the Philippines, USAID partners with the national government to build a more stable, prosperous, and well-governed nation. For more information, visit http://www.usaid.gov/philippines or email infoph@usaid.gov.

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Manila, November 29, 2017 â€" The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines donated a fume hood to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Crime Laboratory at Camp Crame in Quezon City on November 22, 2017.  The fume hood ensures safe lab activities in the chemical division of the lab and will support training on forensic science techniques used to link international criminal and terrorist organizations.

The U.S. Department of Justice International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP) donated the CSI Model 47 laboratory fume hood with motor blower to the PNP Crime Laboratory Chemistry Division.  Police Chief Superintendent Aurelio C. Trampe, Jr., Director of the Crime Laboratory, accepted the equipment from ICITAP Assistant Program Director Byron San Marco.

The fume hood, valued at Php176,000 including installation, was funded by the U.S. government’s Global Security Contingency Fund (GSCF).  GSCF is a unique program to provide near-to-mid-term assistance to enhance the capabilities of partner country military forces, and other national-level security forces that conduct border and maritime security, internal defense, and counterterrorism operations.

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KABAYAN PARTY-LIST
(Kabalikat ng Mamamayan)
For more information contact:
Rep. Ron P. Salo  09178917755
Atty. Ciriaco S. Calalang  09202940156
Twitter: @KABAYAN_Ron
HOUSE DROPS HARRY ROQUE FROM ITS ROLLS

The House of Representatives removed Herminio Harry L. Roque from the list of congressmen of 17th Congress. Majority Floor Leader Rodolfo Fariñas made the announcement on Wednesday during its regular session following the appointment of Roque as Presidential Spokesperson and Presidential Adviser on Human Rights.

Removal of Roque from the roll call means that he is no longer a member of the 17th Congress.

In a statement last November 27, KABAYAN Party-list Representative Ron Salo, KABAYAN Party-list Third Nominee Atty. Ciriaco Calalang, and the Board of Trustees of the Party-list denounced Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque and his cohorts as shameless pretenders who are masquerading as KABAYAN Party-list members.

On November 25, the Board of KABAYAN Party-list unanimously approved a resolution to condemn as “illegal, malicious and fraudulent machinations of Roque and his cohorts, Romel Regalo Bagares, Rogel Navarro, Rebecca Desiree Lozada, and all other persons claiming to be the elected officers of the KABAYAN Party-list.”

Salo is the KABAYAN Party-list Chairperson and Founder.

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PIA - MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur/Mindanao Hour, July 18 â€" Plans and programs of the “Task Force Bangon Marawi” are now in place for the recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation of this city after the Maute group stormed here last May 23.

Key government officials from the Department of National Defense (DND), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Office on the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), Mindanao Development Authority (MINDA), Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), Office of Civil Defense (OCD) as well as the local government units of Lanao del Sur and Marawi City converged here on July 17, to present and discuss the reconstruction and rehabilitation works to be undertaken in the city.

Undersecretary Diosita Andot of OPAPP emphasized the need “to rebuild social cohesion side by side with the physical rehabilitation in the area.”

“This is different from psycho-social services for the internally displaced persons (IDPs). It is about social healing borne out of conflict,” Andot said.

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STATEMENT BY
1-ANG EDUKASYON PARTY-LIST
facebook.com/edukasyonparty
EDUCATION SOLON BELARO FETED AS OUTSTANDING CONGRESSMAN YET AGAIN

Belaro’s bills on education and Marawi’s rehab cited as relevant and significant

For the second straight year, 1-Ang Edukasyon Party-list Representative Salvador Belaro, Jr. was recognized as Outstanding Congressman by the same reputable arbiter organization for his legislative output and exemplary advocacies.

“To be among the fifteen Outstanding Congressmen out of the current 294 members of the House is indeed an honor and a tribute to the voters who choose to cast their lot with 1-Ang Edukasyon Party-list,” according to Belaro.

The education solon said the award from Superbrands Marketing International, Inc. is especially significant this year because of the very significant bills he had filed during the year.

“We do our best to file bills and resolutions with substance, relevance, and that are forward-looking. I am particularly proud of our measures to help the people of Marawi recover from terrorism because early on we already pushed for education as the long term solution to the underlying causes of the Battle of Marawi,” Belaro also said.

In June 2017, Belaro filed House Bill 5833 “Rebuilding and Transformation of Marawi City into a city of Peace, Friendship, and Progress.” The bill provides for initial funding of P20 billion for the rehabilitation of Marawi at the time when the city was being being destroyed because of the invasion of heavily-armed extremist Maute-ISIS terrorist forces and the resulting armed conflict.

In July 2017, Belaro filed House Bill 6010 aiming to create Marawi City Polytechnic College and establishes it as a component college of the Mindanao State University which will get P300M initial budget. Belaro envisions the Polytechnic College to serve as an economic and education catalyst at the heart of Marawi City.

Superbrands, in its citation article for Belaro said 1-Ang Edukasyon is “one of the most productive parties in the 17th Congress.”

“Today, after only around one and a half years in office, he has already filed a total of 481 bills and resolutions, 200 of which are of principal authorships and are mostly relating to education and 281 by way of co-authorships,” Superbrands noted.

The award-giving body also took note of Belaro’s humble beginnings as the son of a farmer and a public school teacher.

Superbrands said, “he walks his talk as his life exemplifies how a provincial boy like him used his education not only for his personal upliftment but also for the good of the country.”

Belaro is a valedictorian from Catagbacan, Goa, Camarines Sur. He was a 1985 National Outstanding Youth Researcher. Belaro went to the University of the Philippines as a state scholar where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (cum laude) and thereafter, his Bachelor of Laws degree. He also obtained his Master of Laws from Cornell University in New York, U.S.A. . From 2012 to 2015, he served as Commissioner of the Commission on Bar Discipline of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. (END)

References:
http://www.congress.gov.ph/legisdocs/basic_17/HB05833.pdf

http://www.congress.gov.ph/legisdocs/basic_17/HB06010.pdf

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U.S. Embassy Closed on Thursday, November 30, 2017

Manila, November 29, 2017 â€"The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines and affiliated offices will be closed to the public on Thursday, November 30 in observance of Bonifacio Day, a Philippine holiday.

The Embassy and affiliated offices will resume services on Friday, December 1.

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General Santos City, November 29, 2017â€" United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Lawrence Hardy II and General Santos City Mayor Ronnel Rivera signed a Memorandum of Understanding on November 27, 2017, making General Santos City the eighth and newest partner in USAID’s Cities Development Initiative.

Through this initiative, USAID works closely with city governments outside Metro Manila to fulfill their potential as engines of inclusive, sustainable, and resilient growth.  In General Santos City, USAID and its partners, including the local government and private sector, will work together to develop and implement city action plans to boost economic growth, improve health and education, and strengthen environmental resiliency.

“Today’s signing demonstrates both parties’ commitment and mutual responsibility to pursue inclusive and resilient economic growth in the city and surrounding localities,” said Hardy.

General Santos City has been a longstanding partner of USAID.  In the late 1990s, USAID supported an extensive infrastructure program in Mindanao, contributing to the construction of the key economic infrastructures in the city, including the General Santos International Airport, Makar Wharf, and several major roads.  “The vibrant relationship between our two governments helped transform this city into a gateway to the Central Mindanao region,” Hardy added.

“Aside from the benefits of receiving assistance on the most urgent needs of the city, we now have a partner who will provide a progressive perspective to help us achieve inclusive and resilient growth for General Santos City,” said Mayor Rivera. 
Other USAID CDI partner cities currently include Batangas, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, Legazpi, Puerto Princesa, Tagbilaran, and Zamboanga.

During his November 27-29 visit to General Santos City, Hardy also interacted with midwives, clients, and Department of Health representatives at the private Goldenstate Maternity Clinic.  USAID works with these partners to improve access to quality reproductive health services and to help reduce maternal and child mortality.

Following this, Hardy visited schoolchildren, teachers, Department of Education representatives, and members of the Blaan tribe to see how USAID grantee Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc. is improving literacy in South Central Mindanao, benefitting more than 8,600 Blaan learners.  “The U.S. government remains steadfast in the belief that we must continue to invest in our children and that we must respect the unique culture of every ethnic group here in Mindanao and the country,” remarked Hardy.

Further signaling USAID’s deepening support to the region, Hardy then signed a Memorandum of Understanding with three higher education institutions in General Santos City and South Cotabato to conduct joint research activities for conserving Mindanao’s rich biodiversity.  Hardy also met with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Regional Protected Area Management Board to identify new waysâ€"including through private sector engagementâ€"to conserve and manage the region’s precious natural resources.

In Mindanao and throughout the country, USAID is working in close partnership with the Philippine government to advance sustainable approaches that propel inclusive development, contributing to a more secure and prosperous nation.

About USAID:
USAID is the lead U.S. government agency that works to end global poverty and enable resilient, democratic societies to realize their potential.  In the Philippines, USAID partners with the national government to build a more stable, prosperous, and well-governed nation. For more information, visit http://www.usaid.gov/philippines or email infoph@usaid.gov.

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The Gift of Encouragement

Daily Devotional for Tuesday, November 28th, 2017

(Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need. Philippians 2:25)

Some people know just what to say and do to encourage others who are going through difficult times. Their words give strength to those who are discouraged and comfort to those who are grieving. These people are sensitive to God’s voice. They are not self-centered or unaware of the struggles of those around them. They are the ones we immediately seek when we enter a crisis. They are welcome visitors when we are in distress, for their presence sustains us. Scripture testifies of many whom God enabled to encourage others. When Moses was overwhelmed by his work, Jethro went to him and encouraged him. Jethro gave Moses wise counsel that eased his strain (Exod. 18:1-27). When Paul was imprisoned far from those who loved him, Epaphroditus risked his health and safety in order to go to Paul and minister to him (Phil. 2:25-30). Later, Paul urged Timothy to come and visit him, for Paul found strength and encouragement in Timothy (2 Tim. 4:9; Phil. 2:19-20). Paul asked Timothy to bring Mark also. Mark was the kind of friend Paul needed when he was enduring hardship (2 Tim. 4:11; Philem. 24). Paul also relied on Luke for encouragement. When everyone else was absent or preoccupied, Luke could be found with Paul (2 Tim. 4:11). Paul experienced trials throughout his life, but God sustained him by placing godly friends around him who provided support in practical and sacrificial ways. God wants to develop you into the kind of friend who can strengthen others. The words you share and the things you do can bring comfort and encouragement to your family, your friends, your neighbors, and your coworkers.       Henry and Richard Blackaby

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THE HONORABLE FREDERICK W. SIAO
Lone District of Iligan City
Vice Chair, Committee on Tourism
Member, Committees on Appropriations, Mindanao Affairs,
Economic Affairs, and 7 other committees
Facebook: /congressmansiao Twitter: @freddiesiao
BISA NG EASE OF DOING BUSINESS ACT INAABANGAN NA SA MGA KANAYUNAN - SOLON

Inaabangan na ang magiging epekto ng Ease of Doing Business Act sa pagyabong ng negosyo sa mga kanayunan, yan ang inihayag ni Iligan City Lone District Congressman Frederick Siao.

Inilabas ang nasabing pahayag, matapos pumasa sa ikatlo at huling pagbasa sa House of Representatives ang House Bill 6579 o ang Ease of Doing Business Act (EODBA) na layuning gawing madali ang pagtatayo at pagsasagawa ng negosyo at transaksyong pang-negosyo saan mang dako ng Pilipinas. (http://www.congress.gov.ph/legisdocs/first_17/CR00436.pdf )

Sa ilalim ng EODBA, kailangang magkaroon ng one-stop-shop ang lahat ng Local Government Units â€" barangay, bayan, lungsod, at probinsya para sa pagpoproseso ng mga business permit.

Dapat din ipaskil ng bawat LGU sa kanilang mga opisina at i-post sa kanilang website ang lahat ng requirement at processing time para sa kaukuluang permit at lisensiya na may kaugnayan sa negosyo para maiwasang magpabalik-balik ang mga aplikante ng permit.

Dapat ding maiproseso ang permit ng isang aplikante sa loob lamang ng isang araw para sa mga barangay, tatlong araw para sa mga pambansang ahensiya at iba pang LGUs; habang sampung araw ang ibibigay na palugit sa mga LGUs para sa mga kumplikadong papeles.

“Excited kami sa Iligan City sa napipintong pagsasabatas ng EODBA sa buong bansa dahil mangangahulugan ito ng mas masiglang daloy ng negosyo sa Iligan at mas maraming trabaho para aking mga kababayan,” sabi ni Siao, na nagsilibing two-term councilor sa Iligan City bago naging Kongresista.

Ayon sa 2017 edition ng Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index of the National Competitiveness Council nangunguna (1st) ang Iligan City pagdating sa “Availability of Basic Utilities,” 10th pagdating sa “Cost in Doing Business,” 12th sa “Business Registration Efficiency,” 16th sa “Employed population,” 17TH Sa “Social Protection,” at 18th sa “Compliance to Business Permits and Licensing System (BPLS) Standards.”  https://goo.gl/kq3W2a

“Tingin ko maganda na ang ranking namin para sa isang Mindanao City na may populasyon na 352,000. Kapag naipatupad ang EODBA, lalo pang mapapaganda ang ranking namin,” sabi ni Siao.

Si Siao ang itinuturing na ama ng Investments & Incentives Code of Iligan City, ang ordinansang katumbas ng EODBA sa Iligan City. Siya rin ang Chair ng Committee on Trade & Commerce sa konseho ng Iligan City mula 2010 hanggang 2016.

Panawagan ni Siao, sa susunod na taon ay kailangang maisailalim na sa pagsasanay ang bawat kawani at opisyal ng bawat LGU para maihanda sila sa tamang pagpapatupad ng EODBA. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), at Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) ang mga ahensiyang maaaring magbigay ng pagsasanay sa mga LGU officials and employees.

“Sa Iligan City, sisikapin naming maging maayos ang pagpapatupad ng ng Computerized or Software-Enable Business Permit and Licensing System at ng Electronic Business One Stop Shop, pati na ang pag-adapt ng unified business application form, batay sa mga tagubilin ng EODBA,” wika ni Siao.

“Sa Disyembre ay napipintong maisabatas ang 2018 National Budget at ang 2019 budget cycle ay mag-uumpisa na sa unang quarter ng 2018, kaya naman inaasahan kong isasaalang-alang na ng DTI, DILG, DICT, at ng Department of Budget and Management ang budget and personnel requirement ng bawat ahensiya ang EODBA,” sabi ni Siao.

Ang senate version ng HB 6579 ay ang Senate Bill 1311 o ang Expanded Anti-Red Tape Act na inaprubahan na rin ng senado. May mga pagkakaiba sa mga probisyon ng SB 1311 at HB 6579 kaya’t pagkakasunduin pa ang mga pagkakaibang ito para makabuo ng iisang bill na ieendorso para lagdaan ni Pangulong Duterte. (WAKAS)

REFERENCES:
http://www.cmcindex.org.ph/pages/profile/?lgu=Iligan

http://www.iligan.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2014/02/Application-Form-for-BP-Iligan.pdf

http://www.iligan.gov.ph/institutionalizing-simplified-business-registration-businesses-iligan-city/

http://www.iligan.gov.ph/services/

http://www.business.gov.ph/web/guest;jsessionid=f88f193cf180b6313dbc5310a70a

https://psa.gov.ph/content/population-iligan-city-was-recorded-323-thousand-results-2010-census-population-and-housing

http://nap.psa.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/municipality.asp?muncode=103504000&regcode=10&provcode=35

http://bworldonline.com/competitiveness-council-cites-top-local-governments/

http://www.manilatimes.net/competitive-lgus-tagged-latest-ncc-list/344924/

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2017/08/18/cebu-city-drops-competitiveness-index-559295

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2017/08/24/san-fernando-4-central-luzon-towns-receive-award-560151

http://www.canadianinquirer.net/2017/11/03/automation-to-leapfrog-ph-rank-in-doing-business-report/

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2017/08/20/zamboanga-city-named-most-improved-lgu-559512

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STATEMENT BY THE HONORABLE
BERNADETTE “BH” HERRERA-DY
Bagong Henerasyon Party-list
Chair, Committee on Public Information
0917-824-2424 FB: /bagonghenerasyonofficial/ Twitter: @BHherrerady

TIME TO ACT IS NOW: OVERHAUL THE OLD ROAD SAFETY LAWS

The land transportation and road safety regulatory architecture of our country is archaic, severely broken and is destroying many lives. It is so convenient to simply comment on and share the viral videos and news articles, and social media posts about these fatal collisions on our roads. But that kind of activity is not enough to solve the problem.

The virality of those media content (Example: https://goo.gl/1AQjMZ ) will eventually fade and be largely forgotten. The real and constructive way to address the issues and underlying problems is the overhaul, updating, and future-proofing of our land transportation and road safety laws, as well as the related criminal and civil laws.

House Resolution No. 1486 calls upon the Department of Transportation, Department of Justice, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Public Works and Highways, Office of the Court Administrator at the Supreme Court, the University of the Philippines Law Center, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, to jointly form an INTER-AGENCY TASK FORCE ON THE REVISION OF LAWS ON LAND TRANSPORTATION, ROAD SAFETY, AND RECKLESS DRIVING.

The Resolution I filed asks these agencies to draft a NEW LAND TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC CODE that addresses the continuum of issues from the time the driver’s license is issued, during the process of manufacturing a land vehicle, and when the roads and bridges are built, to the law enforcement, investigation, prosecution, and adjudication aspects of road collisions and incidents.

The new code should provide for some form of a Traffic Court or an adjudication board where all cases of reckless driving shall be heard and tried in a court of original jurisdiction. A special procedure for the specific management of all reckless driving cases is badly needed.

The time to REFORM these ancient laws is NOW.  It was way back in 1964 when the Land Transportation and Traffic Code (RA 4136) became law. The great-grandmother of our country’s crime laws, the Revised Penal Code, was enacted in 1930. The Public Service Law (Commonwealth Act No. 146), which governs the issuance of the certificate of public convenience (commonly referred to as prangkisa o franchise), is circa 1936. The Civil Code of the Philippines (RA 386) is from 1949.

Over the years, patchwork amendments to these laws have been done. Now we have a neighborhood of old, decrepit legal houses in bad need of either overall or major renovation. Some of these laws are so ancient and obsolete that they must be completely torn down and replaced with new structures with adaptability features for future, unforeseen situations, and automatic review.

Consider also that road safety is also a matter of international commitment to the community of nations and citizens of the world.

The Philippines is a party to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic which the Philippines signed on November 8, 1968 and acceded to on December 27, 1973. The 1968 Vienna Convention entered into force on May 21, 1977.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) 2016 Metro Manila Accident Recording and Analysis System (MMRAS) recorded 109,322 road accidents and that deaths resulting from those accidents numbered 446.

According to data of the Philippine Statistics Authority, the number of deaths from road crashes has stayed above 8,000 since Year 2010.

Road traffic injuries are the ninth leading cause of death globally, responsible for over 1.25 million deaths each year. To accelerate action to reduce this burden, the United Nations General Assembly declared a Decade of Action for Road Safety (2011â€"2020).  (END)

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Top left: A Philippine soldier prepares to fire a .50 caliber M2 machine gun from an M113 Armored Personnel Carrier supervised by U.S. and Philippine instructors.  Top right: U.S. and Philippine soldiers review artillery parts and procedures for firing.  Bottom left: U.S. and Philippine soldiers share information on targeting.  Bottom right: American and Filipino soldiers pose for a group picture in front of M113 Armored Personnel Carriers.

Manila, November 28, 2017 â€" U.S. Army soldiers and their Philippine Army (PA) counterparts conducted SALAKNIB from November 16 to 27, 2017 in Luzon, Philippines.  Together, the allied forces participated in subject matter expert exchanges and practical exercises to share information, and further reinforce our illustrious, decades-long military partnership.

The American and Filipino soldiers shared information such as gunnery procedures and maintenance for the M113 Armored Personnel Carrier, artillery tactics and processes, as well as study and validation of the PA Sustainment Functional Concept Document, which establishes a common framework to guide developments for sustaining future Army operations.  The Philippine soldiers then fired Artillery and M113 Gunnery to demonstrate their newly burnished skills.

These exchanges of information and practical exercises serve as a foundation for future training, including SALAKNIB Part B in April 2018 and culminating with BALIKATAN in May 2018.

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DOT USec de Castro to keynote 22nd PAPI National Press Congress

By Jessica M. Bacud

Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary Katherine de Castro will keynote the 22nd PAPI National Press slated December 1-3 this year at the Balin, Sambali-Conference facility in Iba, Zambales.

The three-day media convergence has “Towards a Stronger Media and Tourism Partnership for Socio-economic Development” for its theme. USec de Castro takes over from DOT Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo who will be unable to perform the role on the event’s opening day.

The theme highlights the significant role of media-tourism partnership in promoting tourism as a prime mover towards the country’s inclusive growth, former PAPI President Louie Arriola said.

PAPI president Nelson Santos said the other resource speakers and guests for the event include Senator Richard Gordon, Zambales Gov. Amor Deloso and Reps. Cheryl Deloso-Montalla and Jeffrey D. Khonghun, Chinese Counselor Yi “Ethan” Sun, Presidential Spokesman Atty. Harry Roque, Chief Legal Council Sec. Salvador Panelo, PSSUPT. Christopher Mateo of Zambales, Undersecretary Joel Egco, and Iba Mayor Jun Rundstedt Ebdane, among others.

One special highlight of the event is the informal Dinner-Fellowship Socials, reunion of the delegates on Day 2 which has also been designated as The Governor’s Night. Our sponsors are Provincial Govt. of Zambales, FCCPPI, SMART, LGU of Iba Zambales. Media Sponsors are  The Manila Bulletin, Daily Tribune,The Manila Times,  Business Insight, Abante, Peoples Journal, Peoples Tonight, One Mega Group, Inc., Summit Publishing, Inc., Asean Times, Finders Ads, ABS CBN and KBP.

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Allen, Ethan (1738â€"1789) This rambunctious Vermonter fought in theFrench and Indian War, then raised a local militia called the GreenMountain Boys (1770), which he led in the capture of British FortTiconderoga, New York (May 10, 1775) during the revolution. A
subsequent attempt to take Montreal (September 1775) failed miserably.

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Altgeld, John Peter (1847â€"1902) As Democratic governor of Illinois(1893â€"1897), Altgeld reformed the state’s penal system and promotedstrict child labor laws, but when he courageously pardoned (June 26, 1893)
German-American anarchists unjustly condemned to death for involvement
in Chicago’s Haymarket Riot of May 4, 1886 (in which seven Chicagopolicemen were killed), he destroyed his political career. Out of office, hereturned to the private practice of law with his partner, Clarence Darrow.

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Ames, Oakes (1804â€"1873) At 16, Ames took over his family’s modestshovel-manufacturing business and transformed it into a multimillion-dollar business triumph, for which he became nationally known as the
“Ace of Spades.” Anxious to complete the floundering transcontinentalrailroad, Abraham Lincoln asked Ames to oversee financing the massiveproject. The result was the founding of Crédit Mobilier, whose investorsessentially paid themselves to build the railroad at inflated prices. TheUnion Pacific-Central Pacific got built, but the Crédit Mobilier scandaldestroyed Ames’ reputation.

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THE HONORABLE RON P. SALO
KABAYAN Party-list
Assistant Majority Leader
Twitter: @Kabayan_Ron
"FAITH-BASED APPROACH" SA DRUG REHAB SUBUKAN NAMAN

Ipinanukala ng isang kongresista na subukan naman ang “faith-based approach” bilang alternatibong paraan ng pagsagip sa mga Pilipinong lulong sa ipinagbabawal na gamot.

Sabi ni KABAYAN Party-list Congressman Ron Salo, subok at epektibo ang “faith-based approach” sa drug rehabilitation programs sa abroad kaya hindi umano masama kung susubukan naman ito ng ating pamahalaan.

Sa “faith-based approach” isasaalang-alang ang relihiyon ng pasyente (drug addict) sa pag-rehabilitate sa kanya. Ayon sa mga pag-aaral, bukod sa mga gamot, vitamins and supplements, at recreational activities gaya ng sports, malaki ang naitutulong ng ispiritwal na suporta sa pasyente para sa agaran nitong paggaling sa drug addiction.

Nakuha ni Salo ang ideya sa Faith Fellowship Ministries (FFM), isang American ‘megachurch’ na nakabase sa Sayreville, NJ, USA at sa Teen Challenge USA na may halos pitong dekada nang karanasan sa “faith-based approach.” Ayon sa website ng Teen Challenge USA (www.teenchallengeusa.com) 80% ng mga pasyenteng sumailalim sa “faith-based” approach ay gumaling mula sa drug addiction.

Nagtungo mismo si Salo sa USA kamakailan para makipag-ugnayan kina Rev. Ronald Constable at Pastor David Demola para magkaroon ng kaalaman hinggil sa kanilang mga programa. Sinabi ng kampo ng FFM na handa silang ituro at ibahagi sa gobyerno ng Pilipinas ang programa ng FFM at Teen Challenge USA hinggil sa “faith-centered recovery addiction approach.”

Ang FFM at Teen Challenge USA ay handang makipagtulungan sa Department of Health (DOH), Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), mga piling local government units, pati na sa chaplaincies ng Philippine National Police at Armed Forces of the Philippines para magbigay ng alternatibong solusyon sa pagsugpo sa ilegal na droga.

“Batid kong ang DDB ay may ugnayan na sa ilang “faith-based organizations” batay sa National Anti-Drug Plan of Action (https://goo.gl/t6gkrA ) habang ang mga LGU ay mayroon namang mga (https://goo.gl/pYaaLN ) anti-drug abuse councils. Dahil mataas ang tiwala ni Pangulong Duterte sa DDB at sa mga ahensiyang sumusugpo sa ilegal na droga, mataas ang tiyansa ng ‘faith-based approach’ na magtagumpay,” wika ni Salo. (END)

REFERENCES:
https://www.ddb.gov.ph/sidebar/301-community-based-treatment-and-rehabilitation-resources 

https://www.teenchallengeusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/About-Teen-Challenge.pdf

https://ph.usembassy.gov/us-afp-chaplains-work-together-help-risk-communities/ 

https://www.facebook.com/DDBgov/ 

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/02/14/1672074/few-takers-drug-rehab-says-doh

http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2016/07/26/drug-rehab-program.html   

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/154305/doh-jica-sign-p826m-program-for-drug-users-rehabilitation

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Warfare Prayer

1) I put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; and I put on love, the bond of perfection.
2) I welcome the peace of God to rule my heart.
3) I allow the Word of God to dwell in my heart richly in all wisdom,
teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs singing with grace in my heart to the Lord.
4) Whatever I do, I do in word and in deed in the name of Jesus, giving
thanks to God the Father through Him.
5) I put on Christ because I have been baptized in Him.  I put on the Lord Jesus as a garment.
6) I put on the breastplate of faith and love.
7) I put on zeal.
I put on mercy and truth around my neck.
9) I put on the armor of light.
    10) I place on myself the mind of Christ.  I let this mind (the mind of
            Christ) be in me.
    11) I meditate on your word day and night.  You are faithful to perform
          your word.  You will bring it to completion.  You are faithful to
          complete the work you have begun in me and my life.
    12) Let the meditation of my heart and the words of my mouth be pleasing
           unto you O Lord.  I will open my mouth and you will fill it.
    13) I place a guard on my mouth.  I commit my mouth to you Lord that I
          may not sin against you.
    14) You Lord are seated high above all authority, power, dominion and
           might.  Nothing is too difficult for you.
    15) I place the armor of righteousness on my right and left hands.
    16) I put on strength.  I clothe myself with strength for the battle.  You are
          looking for a pure heart whose heart you can strengthen.
    17) I thank you for a shield of favor about me.
    18) I plead the blood over my body, mind, will, soul, and emotions.
           I repent of all sins.  I will not fear the arrow by day or the terror by
           night.
    19) I put on the garment of salvation.  We are clothed with salvation.
    20) I put on the helmet of hope.
    21) I put on the robe of righteousness.
    22) I put on the blue ephod.
    23) I ask for the fear of the Lord which is the beginning of wisdom.
24) I ask for the spirit of wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and
          revelation.
    25) I am anointed, appointed, called, marked, chosen, beloved, accepted,
           and not rejected in Jesus’ name.
26) I put on as a helmet the hope of salvation.
27) Help me Lord to be sober and vigilant; watchful in the spirit; and aware of the enemy, the devil.  Wake me up spiritually.
28) I rule and reign with Christ Jesus.
29) Lord, you cover my head; you have covered my head in the day of battle.
30) The word is our shield and buckler.
31) I loose myself from the bonds of my neck.  I tie down my enemies in the spirit realm.  I reverse the words of those who curse me, send evil against me, and send evil against the work of the Lord.  I send all evil back to them 7 times in the name of Jesus.  May they be brought to their knees by the Lord Jesus to repentance that they may be saved, healed, filled, and delivered in Jesus’ mighty name.  I reverse every assignment, trap, snare, wile, and evil plan or attack against me from Satan and his angels, demons, imps, principalities, rulers of the darkness, powers, spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places, or spirits of any kind.  I silence them and their words or curses.  I clothe them with confusion as with a mantle.  I cancel all assignments against me.  I make all word curses null and void.
32) I ask the Lord to send legions of angels to minister to me, protect me, battle for me, minister healing and restoration, and to surround me in the name of Jesus.
33) I love, bless, and forgive those who persecute me and say all manner of evil against me for the sake of your righteousness.
34) Help me Lord to be strong in the Lord and in His power, exercise the authority over the devil which you have given me, stand against the devil, wrestle and warfare, put on my armor daily, pray without ceasing, intercede, and fight the good fight of faith.  Amen.
-written by  Inner Man Ministries

The U.S. Government Turns Over Prosecutor Training Materials to the Philippine Department of Justice

Left: Ambassador Sung Kim turns over the prosecutor’s manual and training materials to Secretary of Justice Vitaliano N. Aguirre II.  Right: Leading the turnover ceremony, seated from left: International Law Development Program (IDLO) Program Coordinator Cathleen Cagaanan, Acting Prosecutor General Jorge G. Catalan, Jr., Department of Justice Secretary Vitaliano N. Aguirre II, U. S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Y. Kim, American Bar Association (ABA) Country Director Robert Lamont, and INL Director Brandon Hudspeth with officials from the U.S. Embassy, IDLO, and the ABA.

Manila, November 27, 2017 â€" U.S. ‎Ambassador Sung Kim presented more than two thousand copies of a revised prosecutor’s manual and other training materials to Secretary of Justice Vitaliano “Vit” Napenas Aguirre on November 27 in Manila.  The materials are the product of a multiyear effort by the Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) to enhance the capacity of Philippine prosecutors.  The revised manuals and other training materials will be distributed to prosecutors nationwide.

This endeavor represents the shared U.S.-Philippine commitment to the rule of law and the foundation of a partnership designed to support the development of a comprehensive curriculum for the National Prosecution Service.  This project builds on the national priorities of the Philippine government to better equip prosecutors with the skills needed to handle increasingly complex cases, such as cybercrime and transnational criminal cases.

Learn more about the Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement and its justice sector programs globally at www.state.gov/j/inl

If you were living in San Francisco and could arrange to die between midnight Dec. 15 and Dec. 31, Daphne Funeral Services would give you a $500 funeral absolutely free. Or you could have $500 off a fancier affair if you insisted on trimmings. Nick Daphne also provides free funerals to any San Francisco policeman or fireman who dies in line of duty regardless of the season; he is unpopular with his competitors.

In 1961, Daphne was expelled from the state and national funeral directors associations for advertising his low-cost funerals. He was readmitted in 1968 only after a federal antitrust suit charged the national association with unethical practices. There may have been an element of jealousy in the expulsion: Daphne's three branches do more business than any other mortuary in the Bay Area. But morticians generally believe that death should be not only proud but beyond price. - Time Magazine, January 5, 1970

Lyndon Johnson's account also revealed a relationship between husband and wife that perhaps few marriages can achieve or would require. At some level of living and begetting, presumably, they spoke in whispers. But at some other levelâ€"the children at boarding school, the investments dividedâ€"they exchanged memos. Fond memos. tender memosâ€"but still memosâ€"not dashed off, but surely edited. Putting the ultimate strain on public credulity, L.B.J. said that in May 1964 he had painfully committed to paper what he had told some close friends: "The times require leadership and a voice. I have learned after trying very hard that I am not that voice, or that leader."

Had he told his wife? Apparently not. She just saw a copy. "Mrs. John son read this statement and wrote me this note and said: 'Beloved'â€"and I knew the way she started off that she didn't agree with me." Now there is a man who understands his wife and her memo style. "Beloved, to step out now would be wrong for your country and I can see nothing but a lonely wasteland for your future. Your friends would be frozen in embarrassed silence, and your enemies would be jeering. I am not afraid of time or lies or defeat. I love you always. Bird." And so Johnson yielded to the country's callâ€"and Lady Bird's.

By October of 1967, as Johnson told it, he had decided that there would be no second campaign (although in hindsight he now believes that he could have won). By January 1968, Lady Bird had come to agree that he ought to quit and, in fact, had drafted a paragraph (she "firmed it up pretty strong in her own handwriting") that might be included in the President's State of the Union message. But the statement was left behind on his bedroom telephone table. Freudian oversight?

Not until March 31 did he announce his decision to withdraw. But Johnson will not let the moment of his greatness restâ€"or even flicker. He goes back and back like a ghostly coroner seeking the cause of his own political death, finding it always in the faults of others.

The man whom his steadfast wife assured "I know that you are as brave as any of the 35 Presidents" might have been brave enough to let the record stand. Or at least, if the record must be edited, let Lady Bird do it. - Time Magazine, January 1970

What manner of men govern us? Voters choose only promises and premonitions, biographers provide conscientious rationales on the basis of what is vouchsafed them by the reticent subject or the partially informed intimate. But Lyndon Baines Johnson, in his TV interlocution with Walter Cronkite, gave as full a rendition as immediate history is apt to hear.

Like all self-accounting, it is suspect. Johnson was always a man whose oratory could bring tears to his own eyes. But in the revealing program he afforded glimpses of truthâ€"and terrorâ€"beneath the vanity and the bathos. There were the flecks of the midnight fear of a man who picks up the world with the telephone receiver:

"The real horror was to be sleeping soundly about three-thirty or four or five o'clock in the morning and have the telephone ring and the operator say, 'Sorry to wake you, Mr. President,' and there's just a second until she could get Mr. Rostow in the Situation Room, or Mr. Bundy . . . Had we hit a Russian ship? Had an accident occurred? We have another Pueblo? Someone made a mistakeâ€"were we at war?" Few men, listening, could be so sure of themselves, or so hungry for power, that they would not feel a sickening sense of uncertainty that accompanies the finality of decision at the presidential level. - TIME MAGAZINE, JANUARY 1970

Michael O. Ligalig

BOHOL, Philippines - Police filed Wednesday, November 22, a parricide complaint against a 74-year-old man who hacked to death his own son the other day in Mabini, Bohol, a rare crime that shocked residents of this northeastern town with 27,171 population.

Apolonio Libres, a farmer and widower who raised 15 children including victim Avelino Libres, did not resist police arrest after he hacked several times his 30-year-old son using a 30-inch long bolo while the latter was sleeping inside his father's house.

Reports reaching the Bohol Police Provincial Office revealed that the incident occurred shortly before Tuesday midnight and was personally witnessed by the victim's 19-year-old live-in partner, Renelyn Lapingcao.

Lapingcao was sleeping with her child inside a room of the house owned by Apolonio when she was awakened by a heavy thud coming from the sala, police report said.

She then rushed to the sala - and there she saw Apolonio hacking to death his own son, who was sleeping on a makeshift bamboo bed, the report added.

Taking her child and without saying a word, Lapingcao immediately went out of the house and ran toward the house of Blecila Libres-Tutor, one of the victim's sisters, located in Abaca, Mabini, about 110 km from the capital city of Tagbilaran.

Police Officer 1 Leonil Bayonas of the Mabini Police Station told Rappler in a phone interview Wednesday that that based on their investigation, the elderly Apolonio had been fed up of his son, who would repeatedly beat him up whenever being drunk.

Bayonas said the suspect so far is not showing any feelings of remorse after the incident, adding that Apolonio would only discuss to the police about the instances his son would maltreat him.

Police said the shocking crime is not related to the use of illegal drugs, citing statements from barangay officials, neighbors, and relatives of both the victim and the suspect.

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STATEMENT BY THE KABAYAN PARTY-LIST
(Kabalikat ng Mamamayan)
HARRY ROQUE and HIS COHORTS ARE SHAMELESS PRETENDERS, SAYS KABAYAN PARTY-LIST

KABAYAN Party-list Representative Ron Salo, KABAYAN Party-list Third Nominee Atty. Ciriaco Calalang, and the Board of Trustees of the Party-list have condemned former KABAYAN Representative and now Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque and his cohorts as shameless pretenders who are masquerading as KABAYAN Party-list members.

In a resolution, the Board of KABAYAN Party-list unanimously “denounce(d) the illegal, malicious and fraudulent machinations of Roque and his cohorts, Romel Regalo Bagares, Rogel Navarro, Rebecca Desiree Lozada, and all other persons claiming to be the elected officers of the KABAYAN Party-list.”
Salo is the KABAYAN Party-list Chairperson and Founder.

The Board of Trustees of KABAYAN Party-list also said that Roque and his collaborators are ‘immoral, unscrupulous and opportunistic individuals who should be made accountable for their dastardly acts’ which include:

1. The filing of a case in the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) for an alleged intra-Party-list dispute within the KABAYAN Party-list to prevent the implementation of his expulsion from the party, and consequently from representing KABAYAN Party-list in the House of Representatives;

2. The bogus Special Party Congress and First Regular Party Congress purportedly held on 11 February 2017 and 28 October 2017, respectively;

3. The threats hurled against the Board of Trustees of KABAYAN Party-list in case Atty. Ciriaco S. Calalang, KABAYAN Party-list’s 3rd nominee, is the one proclaimed, and not his Chief of Staff and dummy, Romel Bagares;

4. The submission of a letter to Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez requesting that the vacancy created by Roque’s “deemed resignation” be not filled; and

5. The filing of the Motion for Intervention by the aforementioned Romel Bagares, Rogel Navarro and Rebecca Lozada purportedly representing KABAYAN Party-list in the case for an alleged intra-Party-list dispute within KABAYAN Party-list filed by Roque.

Salo and all the members of the Board who unanimously signed the Resolution said that KABAYAN Party-list shall take all legal actions to repel Harry Roque and his cohorts’ illegal, malicious and fraudulent machinations, and to hold them legally accountable.

Finally, they will submit the Resolution to the COMELEC to expedite the proclamation of KABAYAN Partylist’s third nominee, Atty. Ciriaco S. Calalang, to assume the position in the House of Representatives automatically left vacant by Roque’s assumption as Presidential Spokesperson. (END)

For more information, contact:
Rep. Ron P. Salo 09178917755
Atty. Ciriaco S. Calalang  09202940156
https://www.facebook.com/kabayanpartylist/

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Business Mirror
Teaching jobs, kits provided to 10 teacher-OFWs in Bohol
By Charles R. Pepito - November 26, 2017
   
TEN more teacher-OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) received two weeks ago teaching kits worth P10,000 each from the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), a bureau of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

A total of P100,000 worth of teaching kits that include back packs, staplers, correction tapes, sign pens, retractable ballpoint pens, desk organizers, reams of bond paper, flash drives, tablets and voice-aid lapels with head-worn microphone were distributed to beneficiaries.

The teacher-OFWs were given Teacher 1 plantilla positions under the NRCO’s Sa Pinas, Ikaw ang  Ma’am/Sir (SPIMS) program, an initiative campaigning for the return of the Filipino workers overseas, particularly the OFW teacher-exam passers implemented by the Department of Education (DepEd) and provide them with the option to stay in the country to work as public-school teachers.

NRCO 7 Regional Coordinator Dexter F. Paro said of the 10 SPIMS availees, two of them worked as domestic workers, while the rest actually had teaching jobs abroad.

All of them, he added, have already been deployed to their respective schools of assignment in the different municipalities in the province of Bohol.

Beneficiaries included Richard Estepa, deployed at Ubujan Elementary School in Tagbilaran City; Janice Evardo-Hagbujan to Elementary School in Talibon; Guadalupe Gerasmio-Malingin to the public elementary school in Bien Unido; Vaniza Inojales-Abilihan to the elementary school in Candijay; Shiera Marie Lagas to the Lourdes National High School in Panglao; Maria Ligaya Lagria to La Hacienda Elementary School in Alicia; Marilyn Melana-Panas to the elementary school in Candijay; Desley Jennith Pugoy to the La Union Elementary School in Candijay; Alexander Retutas to the Capayas Elementary School in San Miguel; and Violy Saligumba to the San Isidro Elementary School in san Miguel.

The SPIMS beneficiaries mostly worked in Thailand, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates.

Just last month the NRCO 7 released P80,000 worth of instructional materials benefiting eight teacher-OFWs. Aspiring teacher-OFWs are encouraged to avail themselves of the programs and services offered by the NRCO.

For those interested to avail themselves of the SPIMS, Paro urged them to visit the NRCO office at the third floor of the DOLE 7 Building, General Maxilom Avenue corner Gorordo Avenue, Cebu City, or go online and access www.nrco.dole.gov.ph for more details.

Online application forms can also be accessed at http://tiny.cc/ofwletpassers. The SPIMS program is an OFW reintegration-convergence project of the DOLE, DepEd, Professional Regulation Commission, Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and Philippine Normal University, among others.

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LOS ANGELES (AP) â€" Dozens of police departments around the U.S. are amassing their own DNA databases to track criminals, a move critics say is a way around regulations governing state and national databases that restrict who can provide genetic samples and how long that information is held.


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MANILA, Aug. 7 -- Appropriate security and traffic measures are now in place to ensure the smooth and peaceful conclusion of the ongoing 50th ASEAN Ministers' Meeting and 50th ASEAN Anniversary ceremonies.

ASEAN-related activities started on Aug. 2 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) and will end on the 9th.

Association of Southeast Asian Nations -- Security Task Force Police Director Napoleon Taas said the traffic plan laid out by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the local governments of Manila, Pasay and Makati is meant to ensure the "smooth conduct of the activities with least inconvenience to the general public."

"Public support and understanding is necessary to ensure the success of the events lined up during those dates," he said.

Taas said the Grand Commemorative Celebration of ASEAN's 50th Anniversary on August 8 will be highlighted by a parade and simultaneous lighting of ASEAN Landmark at PICC and Bonifacio Global Center.

Around 1,700 ASEAN foreign ministers and their spouses, senior officials and delegates are expected to arrive and participate.

Taas added advisories will be posted in strategic areas as well as in various media platforms to guide the general public and commuters on the traffic management plan so they can plan ahead or decide to defer going to areas surrounding the venues of the events.

Based on the traffic plan, affected areas that will be temporarily closed on Aug. 8 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. include the CCP Complex being declared as the ASEAN Delegates Zone and the stretch along Roxas Boulevard southbound from P. Burgos St. to Buendia to pave way for the movement and surge of participants joining the Parade and Landmark Lighting.

A stop-and-go scheme will be activated during the passage of VIPs along designated delegates’ route while normal traffic flow resumes immediately after the passage of the last convoy element. Passing thru Diokno Boulevard going to Atang Dela Rama St. is strictly for PICC and Sofitel delegates only from Aug. 2 to 8.

Likewise, a total truck ban will be implemented on the said date along Roxas Boulevard from Buendia Avenue. to P. Burgos Street.

The usual schedule of ban for cargo trucks, which is from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. every day except Sundays and Holidays, will not be applied on the said date.

Affected trucks may turn right to EDSA, turn left to South Super Highway then proceed to Port area.

The ASTF is determined to strike a balance between intensified security measures for the ASEAN delegates and minimal inconvenience to the public during the period.

Trained security personnel from ASEAN Security Task Force are deployed to render duty round the clock to ensure safety and security of meeting venues, billeting hotels and delegates’ routes.

Medical teams and ambulances are positioned in designated posts to provide assistance to the public and security forces in case of emergencies. A multi-agency coordination center was activated to ensure close inter-agency coordination and facilitate speedy response. (PNA)

DOE Conducts Safety Inspection of LPG Plants

The Department of Energy (DOE), in partnership with the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Industry Association Inc. (LPGIA), conducted LPG plant visits to address the quality and safety of LPG tanks sold to end-users.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi strongly reminded the LPG industry participants that substandard and defective LPG tanks have caused fires and explosions.

“The safety of everyone should never be compromised. Government and the private sector should work together and give a higher premium to public safety to protect every user of LPG,” Cusi stated.

Last Nov. 24, the DOE, through its Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB), and the LPGIA team checked the operations of the PR Gaz Plant in Pasig City and the Ferrotech Steel Company in Valenzuela City.

During the visit, DOE Assistant Secretary Leonido Pulido III said that Sec. Cusi recently approved the LPG Code of Safety for Refilling Plants to ensure that safety practices are adhered to by LPG industry participants.

PR Gaz featured its safety practices as it led the tour of its LPG Refilling Plant. PR Gaz presented that it delivers an average 26,000 kilograms of LPG daily to its storage facility that houses about 1.1 million kilograms of LPG. To ensure safety, PR Gaz conducts quality inspections daily.

Ferrotech, for its LPG Cylinder Manufacturing Plant, presented its manufacturing operations. It stated that it can produce 1250 regular cylinders, 480 small cylinders and 120 big cylinders in a single production shift. Ferrotech said that LPG cylinders must undergo a requalification process, 10 years after its manufacturing date and 5 years thereafter, to ensure that said cylinders are still safe to use.

Members and staff of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Energy and Committee on Trade and Industry were also present during the LPG Plant visit.

As a way forward, the DOE is lobbying for the passage of the LPG Bill. “We’re hoping for the passage of the bill. We need to institutionalize the LPG Code of Safety and raise more awareness. We believe that the LPG Bill will address a significant portion of the problem.” Pulido pointed out.

The plant visits are in line with the DOE’s E-Safety Mo campaign which seeks to ensure safe energy practices among all energy users. E-Safety Mo aims to expand the knowledge of consumers and stakeholders for wiser energy utilization. 

Naa pa diay ka diha nagpahipi, Toy?

Readability is judged by the number of words and syllables per sentence, as well as the average syllables per word throughout the text. Depending on the audience, the average number of words per sentence should range somewhere from eight (very easy) to twenty (somewhat difficult) words per sentence. Sentences longer than thirty words are often very difficult to follow. These thresholds are guidelines, not set limits. The occasional long sentence may be necessary and understandable. - source: grammarly.com

Wack-Wack Petron Gasoline Station Fire Incident

(Taguig City). The Department of Energy (DOE), in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government-Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), is currently investigating the fire incident that happened late afternoon of Friday (24 November 2017) at the Petron gasoline station in Brgy. Wack-Wack, Mandaluyong City.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, through DOE Oil Industry Management Bureau Director Rino Abad, immediately dispatched a technical team to investigate the cause of the fire for possible violations on existing rules and to avoid similar incidents from happening again.

The DOE technical team on-site reported that the fire at the said gasoline station was declared out by the BFP at around 5:30 p.m. on the same date. Based on its initial findings and in order to ensure the protection of the consumers and the public, the DOE technical team recommended the immediate revocation of the Certificate of Compliance (COC) of the gasoline station. The revocation of the COC results in the non-operation of the retail outlet until it fully complies to DOE’s Retail Rules.

Upon the completion of the investigation, the DOE technical team will issue a final report on the incident.

The DOE will not hesitate to impose sanctions on the violations of safety standards based on the Retail Rules and the Code of Safety Practice.

PNP officials ordered charged for anomalous repair of PNP light armored vehicles
28 December 2012

            Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the filing of criminal charges against 23 Phil. National Police Officers (PNP) officials and several other private individuals before the Sandiganbayan for the anomalous repair and maintenance of 28 units of V-150 PNP Light Armored Vehicles (LAVs) for more than P400M in 2007.

             In a 108-page Joint Resolution, Ombudsman Morales ordered the filing of four counts of charges for Violations of Sec. 3(e) of RA 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act); Sec. 65 (b) (4) of RA 9184 (The Government Procurement Reform 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 by the PNP against Teodorido Lapuz IV, Emmanuel Ojeda, Reuel Leverne Labrado, Annalee Forro, Edgar Paatan, Henry Duque and Victor Puddao, all member of the Logistics Supports Services â€" Bids and Awards Committee (LSS-BAC); Josefina Dumanew, Purchasing Officer; Antonio Retrato , Chief, Accounting Division; Warlito Tubon, Inspection Officer, (LSS); Geary Barias, former Director for Comptrollership; Alex Barameda, Property Inspector; Eulito Fuentes, Supply Accountable Officer; Rainier Espina, Acting Chief, PNP Management Division, all of the PNP; and private individual Oscar Madamba.

             The Ombudsman also ordered the filing of the same charges against former PNP Chief Gen. Avelino Razon Jr; Lapuz, Ojeda, Labrado, Forro, Paatan, Puddao, Dumanew, Retrato, Tubon, Alfredo Lavina, Responsible Supply Police Non-Commissioned Officer of the LSS; NUP Maria Teresa Narcise, Property Inspector; former Director for Comptrollership Eliseo dela Paz; Fuentes, Victor Agarcio, Chief, TMD,LSS; Espina, Acting Chief Management Division; NUP Patricia Enaje, Property Inspector; and private individuals Harold Ong, Tyrone Ong, Pamela Pensotes, Evangeline Bais, and Artemio Zuniga; in relation to the repair and maintenance of the PNP’s 18 V-150 LAVs.

             Also ordered charged for the same offenses were Razon; Reynaldo Varilla and Charlemagne Alejandrino, both of the NHQ-BAC; Lapuz, Ojeda, Labrado, Forro, Paatan, Puddao, Dumanew, Retrato, Tubon, Lavina, Barias, Barrameda, Fuentes, Espina, NUP Nancy Basallo, Property Inspector; Harold and Tyrone Ong, Pensotes, Bais, and Zuniga in relation to the repair and maintenance of the PNP’s 10 V-150 LAVs.

             Moreover, Lapuz, Ojeda, Labrado, Forro, Paatan, Puddao, Dumanew, Retrato, dela Paz, Espina, Enaje, Basallo, Lavina, and private individuals Gigie Marpa, Marianne Jimenez, Rasita Zaballero, and Carmencita Salvador were ordered charged with the same offenses in relation to the disbursement and expenditure of the PNP’s transportation and delivery expenses corresponding to its V-150 Light Armored Vehicles.

             Forro, Paatan, Duque, Dumanew, Barrameda,Espina, Enaje, Narcisem Basallo and Commission on Audit (COA) Supervising Auditor Jaime Serrano were also ordered dismissed from government service or the alternative penalty of fine equivalent to one year salary (if the penalty of dismissal can no longer be served) with forfeiture of all benefits and perpetual disqualification to hold public office.

             On the other hand, COA Technical Audit Specialist Amor Quiambao was meted the penalty of six months suspension from the service without pay.

             In its complaint, the Fact-Finding Investigation Bureau of the OMB’s Deputy Ombudsman for the Military and Other Law Enforcement Offices (FFIB-MOLEO) stated  that on 14 Aug. 2007, then PNP Chief Dir. Gen. Oscar Calderon initiated the request for repair and refurbishing of 10 V-150 LAVs in connection with the PNP Special Action Force’s (SAF) capacity build-up program for P275,365,000. Subsequently however, Razon requested for a supplemental budget for the repair and refurbishing of remaining 18 LAVs.

            The complaint alleged that there were irregularity in the “bidding process, awarding of contracts and utilization of funds intended for the repair/refurbishment of 28 V-150s of the PNP.”

            The Joint Resolution stated that the “public respondents  circumvented the provisions of RA 9184 to take private firms Serpenair, Enviro-Aire, Evans, RJP, Dex-Lan and RKGK Enterprises as the direct suppliers.” It also said the government suffered injury in the amount of P409,740,000, representing the cost of the highly irregular four transactions, and that the said companies were given unwarranted benefit, undue advantage or preference as the contracts were awarded to them despite non-compliance with law and without actual delivery of goods and services at the time of payment.

            Ombudsman Morales however dismissed the cases filed against respondents Ray Roderos and  Mario Sandiego of the PNP; Quiambao; and private individuals Mylene Belardo, Arnaldo Talens and Fred Salazar for Violations of Sec. 3(e) of RA 3019, Sec. 65 (b) (4) of RA 9184, and Art. 217 in relation to Art. 171 (par. 4) of the RPC; and against all the respondents for Violations of RA 7080 (Plunder) for lack of probable cause.

Sandigan sentences former mayor, engineer up to 6 months in prison for defying court order
21 December 2012

THE Office of the Ombudsman scored a victory after the Sandiganbayan sentenced former mayor Pedro Cuerpo of Rodriguez, Rizal province to six months in prison arising from his refusal to comply with a San Mateo Regional Trial Court (RTC) order to accommodate the applications for building permit of an informal settlers group.

In a 23-page decision penned by Associate Justice Teresita Diaz-Baldos and concurred in by Associate Justices Napoleon Inoturan and Oscar Herrera Jr., the anti-graft court’s Second Division found Cuerpo and municipal engineer Fernando Roño guilty of violating Article 231 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) for disobeying the RTC’s order directing them to process Samahang Magkakapitbisig’s (Samahan) application for building permits.

The court sentenced Cuerpo and Roño to suffer the penalty of imprisonment from one month and 11 days of arresto mayor as minimum, to six months of arresto mayor as maximum; temporary special disqualification of 10 years, eight months and one day, and to each pay a fine of P1,000.

The case stemmed from the complaint filed by Leticia Nanay, Nancy Barsubia, Ma. Victoria Ramirez, Crisanta Oxina and their co-owners of a parcel of land accusing Cuerpo and Roño of openly defying the September 17, 2003 Order of Judge Elizabeth Balquin-Reyes of San Mateo RTC ordering them to process the applications for building permits.

The group claimed that Cuerpo and Roño’s refusal was an open defiance of the court order.

In its decision, the Sandiganbayan found that from the beginning Cuerpo “truly disdained having the members of the Samahan settle at the municipality of Rodriguez because he regarded them as squatters or informal settlers, and he never hid his sentiment that he did not want squatters in his [town].”

The anti-graft court observed that “the applications [for building permit] were never for a moment allowed to lie in the office of the municipal engineer nor were they given the chance to be perused by the officials supposed to act on them, including the accused.”

According to the court, the RTC ruling was an explicit order for Cuerpo and Roño to process the building permit applications in conformity to standard rules, adding that the “applications were truly not accepted, much less processed.”

“If [the applications] were [processed], then they should have borne marks, or notations, or even signatures of officials concerned,” the ruling stated.

Ombudsman files raps at Sandiganbayan vs. PRC commissioner
12 December 2012

The Office of the Ombudsman filed this morning with the Sandiganbayan four (4) criminal Informations against Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Commissioner Alfredo Y. Po arising from alleged extortion activities.

Acting upon the Inquest Resolution dated December 6, 2012 endorsed by the Department of Justice, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales approved the filing of separate Informations, indicting Po for: (1) Direct Bribery, under Sec. 210 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC); (2) Graft under Sec. 3(b) of Republic Act. (RA) 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act; (3) Solicitation or Acceptance of Gifts, under Sec. 7(d) of RA No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees; and (4) Simple Robbery (with violence against or intimidation of persons) under Articles 293 and 294 of the RPC.

The Informations, in sum, alleged that Po demanded and received P478,000 as his commission for the rentals being paid by the PRC for its satellite office in Baguio City.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Ernesto De Los Santos, owner-lessor of the rented building that houses PRC’s Baguio office located at 141 Abanao Extension.

De Los Santos alleged that in November 2012 he went to Po’s office and was given checks representing the security deposit, during which instance, Po said that De Los Santos should give him a monthly commission of P42,800.

On December 5, 2012, an entrapment operation was conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation Counter-Terrorism Division (NBI-CTD) in Po’s office at the PRC in Manila, when De Los Santos was delivering P394,000 to Po.

            After inquest proceedings, the DOJ recommended the filing of the cases, upon finding that Po “clearly accepted the money as a consideration for the performance of his official functions as a commissioner of the PRC” and in the nature of a “commission for the facilitation by the accused of the lease contract between PRC and Ernesto De Los Santos[.]”

        Po was appointed PRC Commissioner by Pres. Benigno Aquino III in September 2010.

Ombudsman disciplines own employees
18 December 2012

QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINESâ€" The Office of the Ombudsman (OMB), in a Joint Resolution dated 08 November 2012, dismissed from the service Wilger R. Urmaza after finding substantial evidence that the latter attempted to extort money from Atty. Remedios S. Espinosa, Officer-in-Charge of the Import Assessment Service of the Bureau of Customs. Urmaza is an Associate Graft Investigation Officer III of the OMB’s Field Investigation Office (FIO).

Records show that the FIO initially received reports of Urmaza’s illegal activities. The FIO conducted an investigation and upon finding evidence that Urmaza visited Espinosa for the purpose of extorting Php500,000.00 from the latter in exchange for dismissal of a pending case filed against her in the OMB, filed a complaint for attempted robbery (extortion), serious dishonesty, grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

The OMB’s Internal Affairs Board (IAB) found substantial evidence that the respondent committed the acts complained of, including his threatening Espinosa with the conduct of a lifestyle check investigation should the latter fail to heed this demand.  Thus, the IAB ordered Urmaza’s dismissal from the service with forfeiture of retirement benefits and perpetual disqualification from re-employment in government.

Premised on the same facts, the IAB also found probable cause to indict Urmaza for attempted robbery and violation of Section 3 (b) of Republic Act No. 3019, otherwise known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales approved the above-mentioned Joint Resolution on 17 December 2012.

In a related development, the OMB preventively suspended another employee, Juan Dita Dela Cruz, a Records Officer II of the Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for the Military and Other Law Enforcement Officers (OMB-MOLEO).

The IAB found the affidavits of complainants Police Senior Superintendent Pedro Geronimo Ramos and Senior Police Officer 1 Jessie R. Caranto, detailing the unlawful demand and receipt of facilitation money for the issuance of a certification of pending cases by Dela Cruz sometime in March 2007, to be straightforward and candid.

The preventive suspension order stated that “as an administrative officer assigned at the records section of OMB-MOLEO, respondent’s continued stay in office may prejudice the case filed against him” and “there is this need to prevent respondent from using his position and the powers and prerogatives of his office to influence potential witnesses or tamper with records which may be vital in the prosecution of the case against him.”

The preventive suspension without pay shall be in effect for the duration of the administrative adjudication but not to exceed six months.

Ombudsman files plunder raps vs. GMA, PCSO officials
16 July 2012

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales directed the filing of a criminal Information for Plunder against former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and officials from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and Commission on Audit (COA), in connection with the PCSO’s Confidential/ Intelligence Funds (CIF).

The Information was filed today before the Sandiganbayan.

In a 43-page Review Joint Resolution signed on July 12, 2012, Ombudsman Morales found probable cause to indict Arroyo, former PCSO Chairman Sergio Valencia, former PCSO Vice Chairman/General Manager Rosario Uriarte, members of the PCSO Board of Directors Manuel Morato, Jose Taruc V, Raymundo Roquero, and Ma. Fatima Valdes, former PCSO Budgets and Accounts Manager Benigno Aguas, former COA Chairman Reynaldo Villar, and former head of COA’s Intelligence/Confidential Fund Audit Unit Nilda Plaras, for the crime of plunder.

The case stemmed from two separate complaints â€" one complaint dated July 25, 2011 filed by Jaime Regalario, Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel and Danilo Lim, for plunder, malversation and violation of Republic Act (RA) No. 3019; and another complaint dated November 29, 2011 by the PCSO itself represented by Eduardo Araullo, for plunder and violation of RA 3019 â€" for the respondents’ acts of purportedly amassing millions of pesos by diverting funds sourced from the PCSO’s CIF during the latter years of the Arroyo administration.

The Review Joint Resolution concluded that respondents’ series or combination of acts “form a pattern, not only of misuse and raid of PCSO’s CIF from 2008-2010, but also of illegal conveyance or disposition of cash advances disbursed therefrom, all while taking advantage of their respective official functions.”  It found that from January 2008 to June 2010, the aggregate amount of P365,997,915 representing cash advances were disbursed from PCSO’s CIF in the names of Uriarte (P352,681,646) and Valencia (P13,316,269).

The Review Joint Resolution observed that for a government instrumentality primarily tasked to fund health programs, medical assistance and services and charities of national character, PCSO’s CIF surprisingly grew from P10M in 2000 to P103M in 2008.  It found perplexing that the additional CIF of P75M, P90M and P150M for 2008, 2009 and 2010 (1st semester) were more than double the original CIF allocated in PCSO’s corporate operating budget of P25M, P60M and P60M for the same periods, respectively.

It stated that the repeated identically-worded one-page requests for additional CIF did not have a specific plan, project, program or undertaking of intelligence activity, and that moreover, the requests made for 2008 and 2010 even preceded the approval of PCSO’s corporate operating budget.   

The Review Joint Resolution also pointed out certain irregularities and deficiencies in the facilitation of the cash advances, such as disbursement vouchers with no supporting documents, false certifications or credit advices that previous advances were liquidated, lack of authorization to approve CIF disbursements for 2008, non-compliance with the form prescribed for liquidation certifications, and lack of supporting documents/receipts to prove that the amounts were used allegedly to fund relief operations or pay “blood money” to the victims of convicted OFWs.

The alleged acts constituting the charges of malversation and violations of RA 3019 were absorbed or included in the crime of plunder.

With regard to the criminal charges against former Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, the Review Joint Resolution dismisses the same for insufficiency of evidence, as he simply performed a duty to implement a presidential directive when he wrote the letter and even added the notation “subject to pertinent budgetary, accounting and auditing rules and regulations.”

Ombudsman suspends local and LBP officials, exonerates former QC officials
13 December 2012

          Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales suspended for six months  the Mayor of Victorias City, Negros Occidental and another official in said city for the irregular issuance of a Business Permit for the operation of a jai-alai betting station in the area.

          In a 22-page Decision signed on 21 November 2012, Ombudsman Morales found Mayor Severo Palanca and Ramsy Panes, Executive Assistant II, Office of the City Mayor and OIC-Permits and Licenses Division, guilty of Simple Dishonesty and were meted the penalty of suspension without pay for six months and one day.

          One James Francis Anthony Garcia earlier complained that the respondents “conspired, confederated, took advantage of their public positions and helped one another in falsifying a public document denominated as Business Permit, dated 23 June 2010.” He claimed the said officials issued the said permit to Gaudencio Corona as owner/ operator of Dalisay Amusement Games and Recreation Station, which Garcia alleged  does not exist.

          The Decision stated that the evidence substantially shows that respondents Palanca and Panes issued a Business Permit to one not clearly entitled thereto. It said “[t]hat a Permit was issued showing that Corona was owner/operator and that he may engage in Jai-Alai Betting Station clearly shows that respondents concealed and distorted the truth which shows a disposition to deceive with an intent to violate the truth.”

          Ombudsman Morales also affirmed the Decision to suspend for six months without pay Ramon Saldonido, former OIC- Branch Manager of the Land Bank of the Philippines Lipa City Branch  and Francisco Amponin, LBP Branch Manager;  to suspend for one year without pay George Molano, Property and Supply Officer and Ma. Raissa de Castro, Accounting Clerk, and  to dismiss from the service Dennis Rosal, a contractual employee,  for misuse of government funds amounting to P190,580.45 from 01 January 2004 to 31 August 2004.

          The Commission on Audit (COA) earlier recommended that the said respondents be administratively charged after it discovered that the Official Receipts (Ors) attached to the Disbursement Orders (Dos) of the bank for the purchase of stationary, office supplies and other hardware products were altered because items not actually purchased were added to increase the reimbursable amount.

          The respondents filed a Motion for Reconsideration of the said Decision. However,in a seven-page Order signed on 22 November 2012, the Ombudsman denied the same for lack of merit. “ xxx the instant motions must fail for the respondent-movants have utterly failed to raise a compellingly persuasive argument in their Motions for Reconsideration which would justify a reconsideration of the challenged Decision”, the Order stated.

          The Order, however, set aside its Decision with regard to former LBP Branch Manager Ma. Loida Macatangay, who was earlier meter the penalty of six months suspension without pay, in view of her Manifestation that she was separated from the government service since 01 May 2004, and thus “no longer a public officer” when the case was filed on 10 October 2005.

          On the other hand, Ombudsman Morales dismissed for insufficiency of evidence the criminal and administrative cases filed against Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte; Tadeo Palma, Secretary to the Mayor; Marlowe Jacutin, Head Task Force COPRISS (Control and Prevention of Illegal Structures and Squatting); Roberto dela Cruz, Police Inspector; Police Officers Rolando Nabor,Elmer Nepomuceno, and Christopher Gatan; University of Manila (UM) President Emily Dodson de Leon; Brgy. Culiat Chairman Jaime Garcia; and private security guards Elmer Miken. Francisco Cuevas and Nacer Mama Karim.

          Belmonte and the other respondents were charged with Violation of Sec. 3(e) of Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) and Grave Misconduct for the demolition of complainants’ houses in November 2009.

           In a seven-page Joint Resolution signed on 21 Nov. 2012, Ombudsman Morales gave weight to respondents’ position that the demolition was carried out after a Writ of Execution was issued by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court. The respondents also argued that “the lot where complainants’ houses stood had already been turned-over to the registered owner of the land”.  They said UM, as owner of the land, is also the owner of the improvements of the same and thus have the right to construct as well as demolish any works on the land.

Ombudsman dismisses from the service an NBI agent involved in kidnapping
11 October 2012

THE OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN dismissed from the service an agent of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for his involvement in a kidnap for ransom activity.

In a nine-page Decision, the Office found sufficient evidence to hold NBI Special Investigator III Junnel P. Malaluan guilty of grave misconduct and meted him the penalty of dismissal from the service with all its accessory penalties.

The case stemmed from a letter sent by then NBI Director Nestor Mantaring, recommending the filing of criminal and administrative charges against Agent Malaluan for his alleged violation of Art. 267 of the Revised Penal Code for the kidnapping of one Panayangan Demasar.

During the course of the investigation, it was ascertained that on March 10, 2009, Demasar was forcibly abducted, dragged into a vehicle and physically assaulted. Later, agents introducing themselves as part of the PDEA called up Demasar’s wife and demanded P1M in exchange for his release. Negotiations took place until the amount was lowered to P340,000.00. It was then that the wife sought assistance from the PNP-PACER group.

The agreed pay-off site for the ransom money was the NBI compound along Taft Avenue.

The Office of the Ombudsman based its decision on reports issued by the NBI Internal Affairs Division and the PACER operatives.

In addition to his dismissal from the service, a criminal Information for Kidnapping for Ransom, a non-bailable offense, was filed earlier against Malaluan before the Regional Trial Court of Imus, Cavite.

DOJ Secretary Leila M. De Lima was requested by the Ombudsman to implement the decision.

Sandigan castigates 2 gov't officials
11 December 2012

          THE Office of the Ombudsman won the cases filed against two government officials after the Sandiganbayan convicted a governor and penalized a municipal mayor for separate offenses.

          In a 31-page decision penned by Associate Justice Efren N. Dela Cruz and concurred in by Associate Justices Rodolfo A. Ponferrada and Rafael R. Lagos, the anti-graft court’s First Division found Camarines Norte Governor Casimiro “Roy” Padilla Jr. guilty of malversation of public property for failing to return the .45 caliber pistol issued to him by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in 1992 as his service firearm.

          The court imposed upon Padilla an indeterminate prison term of four months and one day of arresto mayor as minimum to four years and two months of prision correccional as maximum, with perpetual special disqualification from holding public office and to pay a fine of P200.00.

          Padilla was also ordered to indemnify the PNP the amount of P200 with legal rate of interest from the filing of the Information until fully paid.

          Records showed that despite repeated demands from the PNP, Padilla failed to return the firearm supposedly worth P7,462 including the magazine and ammunition.

          Meanwhile, in a separate case, the Sandiganbayan penalized Mayor Shuaib Astami of Balabac, Palawan for violating Section 59 in relation to Section 72 of the Indigenous People’s Rights Act of 1997 (IPRA).

          In a 25-page decision, the Court sentenced Astami to pay a fine of P100,000 with subsidiary imprisonment in case of non-payment.

          The court held that the evidence of the prosecution had sufficiently established that Astami entered into a Marine Lease Contract with Ecofarm System and Resources, Inc. in February 2000 leasing to the latter, for a period of 25 years, the municipal waters and marine area of the town to the firm for the purpose of cultivation, breeding and development of bivalve oysters and other similar aquatic produce suitable for pearl culture and other related uses, without securing a prior Certification Precondition from the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) that the area affected does not overlap with any ancestral domain.

          The Court found out that the contract was forged even if there is a pending application for a Certification of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) on the areas affected by the deal.         

          “Non-compliance with the provision of Section 59 of the IPRA which is penalized under Section 72 thereof is malum prohibitum [wrong due to being prohibited], and hence, the fact alone that the accused [Astami] violated the law warrants his conviction,” the decision stated.

Ombudsman affirms dismissal of respondents in Pestaño case
25 October 2012

            Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales denied the Motion for Reconsideration filed by the respondents and affirmed the Joint Order of November 22, 2011 that ordered them dismissed from service for grave misconduct arising from the complaint filed by spouses Felipe and Evelyn Pestaño for the alleged murder of their son, Ensign Philip Andrew Pestaño.

            In the Order approved on October 16, 2012, the Office maintained that its order of dismissal of the respondents is a valid exercise of its disciplinary power as provided by the Constitution and Republic Act No. 6770.

            On the procedural question of whether a complainant in an administrative case before the Office of the Ombudsman has the right to file a Motion for Reconsideration to the Decision dismissing the administrative charge against a respondent, the Order states that Section 8, Rule III of Administrative Order No. 7 makes no distinction as to the party who may resort to the remedy of filing a Motion for Reconsideration.

The Ombudsman ruled out the suicide theory after finding a prima facie case of conspiracy to commit murder given the series of circumstances â€" the unusual actions and reactions of respondents on the alleged discovery of Philip’s death, the inconsistencies in their testimonies, the physical and object evidence, and the additional evidence unearthed in the AFP investigation which were made available to the complainants ten years after Philip’s death.

The respondent naval officials are Naval Captain Ricardo Ordoñez, Cdr. Reynaldo Lopez, HM2 Welmenio Aquino, LCdr. Luidegar Casis, LCdr. Alfrederick Alba, MR2 Sandy Miranda, LCdr. Joselito Colico, LCdr. Ruben Roque, Petty Officer 1st Class Carlito Amoroso, and Petty Officer 2nd Class Mil Leonor Igcasan.

            The October 16, 2012 Order was forwarded to the Secretary of National Defense and the Flag-Officer-in-Command, Philippine Navy, for implementation.

Ombudsman leads national dialogue on the UNCAC country review report
10 December 2012

          About 200 representatives from the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Departments of the government, non-government organizations, private sector, academe, civil society groups and media are sent to affirm their commitment to implement reforms in the country’s anti-corruption strategy during the National Dialogue and Action Planning on the United Nations Against Corruption (UNCAC) Country Review Report.

          The event which is led by the Office of the Ombudsman is being held on December 10-11, 2012 at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.

          As a State Party to the UNCAC, the Philippines is tasked to “take the necessary measures, including legislative and administrative measures, in accordance with fundamental principles of its domestic laws, to ensure the implementation of its obligation under this Convention.” Hence the Philippines has already completed the first review cycle of UNCAC, and is now in the stage of finalizing its Country Report.

          The Dialogue is for validation of the Philippine Country Report and crafting of a five-year National Anti-Corruption Action Plan to address the identified gaps and challenges. It aims to establish local ownership of the Report and to draw out political will and commitments of the policy makers, implementers, private sector, as well as the advocacy support of the academe, media, civil society groups and the public at large in addressing the gaps and recommendation on the review of the Philippine compliance with the UNCAC.

          The two-day activity is part of the country’s weeklong celebration of the International Anti-Corruption Day on 09 December 2012.

          The Office of the Ombudsman led yesterday the “March To Righteousness,” which was participated in by an estimated crowd of 10,000 coming from various government agencies, civil society groups, and non-government organizations, from the Ombudsman Building in Quezon City to the Quezon Memorial Circle where the participants vowed to help in the fight against corruption.

          The Philippines signed the UNCAC in December 2003 and it was subsequently ratified by the Philippine Senate on 08 November 2006.

Ombudsman dismisses 3 Polangui officials
05 December 2012

         OMBUDSMAN Conchita Carpio Morales dismissed from the service three public officials of the Municipal Government of Polangui for violations in relation to the municipality’s purchase of 1,315 bottles of fertilizer for P 5,000,000.

          In a twelve-page Decision signed by Ombudsman Morales on November 19, 2012, the Office found sufficient evidence to hold Ma. Jimalyn S. Sabater, Municipal Accountant, Anna A. Robrigado, Municipal Treasurer, and Renato N. Silo, Municipal Agriculturist guilty of Grave Misconduct, Dishonesty, and Conduct Grossly Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service.

          In the ruling, the Office held that elements of corruption, clear intent to violate the law or flagrant disregard of established rule, are manifest in the respondents’ act of hastily resorting to direct contracting, specifying in the purchase request and purchase order the brand name ‘Young Magic Foliar Fertilizer’, and disregarding the required public bidding which gave the fertilizer supplier, Madarca Trading an opportunity to overcharge the government in the amount of P4,819,187.50.

          The Decision stated that the repondents’ acts clearly show intention to violate Section 3(e) and (g) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Violation of this law constitutes Grave Misconduct.

          It also stated that the charges of Dishonesty and Conduct prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service were based on the same acts for which the respondents were already found guilty of Grave Misconduct.

          The Office found that in the discharge of their duties, the respondents have given unwarranted benefits, advantage and preference to Madarca Trading by not conducting the requisite public bidding and specifying the brand name ‘Young Magic Foliar Fertilizer’ in the purchase request.

          The Office finds as misplaced the respondents’ arguments that “direct contracting is proper and appropriate because ‘Young Magic Foliar Fertilizer’ is sold by an exclusive dealer or manufacturer” after finding that Madarca Trading is not an exclusive dealer or manufacturer of foliar fertilizer. The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority was able to canvass the prices of foliar fertilizer for the month of September 2004, which shows that the supplier of foliar liquid fertilizer is not exclusive to Madarca Trading.

          Further, the respondents also caused undue injury to the government. The prevailing price of ‘Young Magic Foliar Fertilizer’ in 2004 was only P 125.00 per liter but the Municipal Government of Polangui bought the fertilizer at P 3,800 per liter or a total over-price of P4,819,187.50.

          Aside from the penalty of dismissal from the service, they were meted the accessory penalties of forfeiture of all retirement benefits, excluding accrued leave credits, and with prejudice to reemployment in government service.

Ombudsman leads Anti-Corruption Day
07 December 2012

          The Office of the Ombudsman spearheads the observance of International Anti-Corruption Day on December 9, 2012 with a rally dubbed as “March To Righteousness” at the Quezon City Memorial Circle.

          With the theme, Katiwalian Wakasan! Tuloy ang Laban!, the march will be held from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. simultaneously in Quezon City, Cebu City and Davao City.

          In Quezon City, the march will start from the Ombudsman Building along Agham Road, pass through North Avenue, and end at the QC Memorial Circle where a concluding program shall be held.

          During the program, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales will deliver the keynote address, preceded by a pledge by all the multi-sectoral stakeholders and youth representatives during the Panunumpa ng Mamamayang Pilipino Laban sa Katiwalian.

          CSC Chairman Francisco Duque III will lead in the Panunumpa ng Lingkod Bayan while United Nations Resident Coordinator Luiza Carvalho will give an overview of the event.

         To be flashed on two LED screens during the program will be “Shine The Light On Corruption,” a 45-second anti-corruption TV spot courtesy of the Hills Program on Governance of the Asian Institute of Management and the Center for International Private Enterprise.

          The respective bands of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-GHQ, Philippine Marine Corps and Philippine National Police have been invited to perform in this event that expects to gather around 10,000 participants.

          All government agencies, state universities and colleges in the National Capital Region have been officially enjoined by the Office of the President and the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to participate in the celebration. Also invited are the civil society organizations, professionals, and religious groups including Muslims and other non-Christian denominations.

Ombudsman dismisses DBP officials
06 December 2012

          Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the dismissal from the service of 13 Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) officials for granting behest loans to Deltaventures Resources, Inc. (DVRI) in the total amount of P660M in 2009.

           In a 54-page Review Decision signed on 21 November 2012, Ombudsman Morales found former Directors Benedicto Ernesto Bitonio Jr., Alexander Magno, Renato Velasco, and Franklin Velarde; former Senior Executive Vice President (SEVP) & Chief Operating Officer Edgardo Garcia; former SEVP & Marketing Head of the Brach Banking Sector (BBS) Jesus Guevarra II; former VP & Head of Regional Marketing Center-Metro Manila (RMC-MM) Crescencia Bundoc; BBS Manager for RMC-Western Luzon Arturo Baliton; RMC-WL Chief Accounts Management specialist Nelson Macatlang; RMC-MM Assistant Manager Marissa Cayetano; former AVP Teresita Tolentino; RMC-MM Assistant Manager Rodolfo Cerezo; and RMC-MM Assistant Manager Warren de Guzman administratively liable for Grave Misconduct and Conduct Prejudicial to Best Interest of the Service and meted them the penalty of Dismissal from the Service, as well as the accessory penalties of cancellation of their eligibility, forfeiture of their retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification from holding public office and barring them from taking civil service examinations.

           The Decision narrated that DBP extended two loan facilities in the amounts of P150 million and P510 million in April 2009 and November 2009, respectively, to DVRI.

             However, the  Ombudsman concluded that the said loans were behest as they conform to some of the criteria in determining whether a loan is behest, laid down in Memorandum No. 61 dated 09 November 1992, namely:

a.    It is under-collateralized.

b.    The borrower corporation is undercapitalized.

c.    Direct or indirect endorsement by high government officials like presence of marginal notes.

d.    Stockholders, officers or agents of the borrower corporation are identified as cronies.

e. Deviation of use of loan proceeds from the purpose intended.

f.     Use of corporate layering.

g.    Non-feasibility of the project for which financing is sought.

h.    Extra-ordinary speed in which the loan release was made.

          It said the “respondents deliberately participated in the haphazard and hurried processing and granting DVRI’s loans, though obviously aware of doubts regarding the borrower’s capacity to repay the loans, and the significant exposure facing the bank in relation thereto. Despite the irregularities surrounding the DBP-DVRI transactions, they insisted that the loans were not objectionable since the bank allegedly made a substantial profit therefrom xxx”.

          The Ombudsman also ruled that the administrative charges against former President & Vice-Chairman Reynaldo David; former DBP Chairman Patricia Sto. Tomas; former Directors Joseph Donato Pangilinan, Miguel Romero , Floro Oliveros , and Ramon Durano; former SEVP & Head of Marketing Sector Armando Samia; former SEVP Rolando Geronimo; and former Senior Assistant Vice President (SAVP) Perla Soleta be dismissed since their separation from the service preceded the filing of the complaint.

            OMBUDSMAN Morales earlier ordered the filing of Information for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act (RA) No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act against the aforementioned  respondents.

          On the other hand, as in the criminal aspect of the case, the Decision stated that the Office finds no substantial evidence to support the administrative charges against respondents Josephine Jaurigue, Justice Lady Flores and Benilda Tejada.

Ombudsman gets victory as Sandigan sentences ex-PNB exec up to 105 years
05 December 2012

          THE Office of the Ombudsman scored another big victory after the Sandiganbayan sentenced a former high ranking officer of the Philippine National Bank (PNB) up to 105 years arising from a check fraud involving millions of pesos in 1995.

          In a 71-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 Herman Limbo, PNB’s Assistant Dept. Manager, Cagayan de Oro (CDO) City Branch, guilty of violating Section 3 (e) of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 3019 on 15 counts and sentenced him to an indeterminate penalty of imprisonment of 6 years and 1 month, as minimum, to 7 years, as maximum, with perpetual disqualification from public office, in each of these cases.

          The court ordered Limbo to pay the government the amount of more than P35 million with interest until fully paid as civil liability for his criminal acts in 7 cases.

          Limbo and PNB Asst. Vice President Erlinda Archinas who remains at-large are impleaded as the principal accused in the sixteen (16) Informations filed with the court for authorizing the encashment of 49 out-of-town checks in many occasions, prior to clearing, which was against the PNB bank policy and BSP regulations.

          They allegedly gave unwarranted benefits to Cecilia Li, Rebuan Saripada, Rosita Mejia, and Trinidad Lee through evident bad faith and manifest partiality, as these four valued clients were allowed to encash checks without any prior clearance from the drawee bank.

          Records showed that these “uncleared checks later on bounced and were returned either for having no sufficient funding, payment being stopped, or the drawer’s account being closed.”

          Blan Sabanal and Ma. Lourdes Escoro, then employees of PNB CDO, a government bank at that time, were also impleaded in some of the 16 Informations, together with the valued clientsâ€"Li, Saripada, Mejia and Jesus Louis and Trinidad Lee, who were charged to have conspired with the public officers.

          The drawers of the bounced or dishonored checks were also impleaded as accused, although not necessarily as con-conspirators.

          Limbo wrote the word “encashment” on several checks and initiated and dated the same, at the dorsal side of the checks.

          De la Cruz, Sabanal and Escoro validated for payment the checks presented to them because of accused Limbo’s “encashment” notation.

          It was revealed that the face amount of the checks negotiated by the four valued clients were credited into their accounts with PNB CDO, before the checks were cleared.

          The valued clients had existing current/ savings accounts with PNB CDO and had credit lines including Domestic Bills Purchase Line (DBPL) lines in the following amounts: Li, P6,100,000; Saripada, P2,000,000; Mejia, P2,600,000, and Jesus Louis, P1,500,000.

          Aside from Limbo, the court also found Li and Saripada guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violating Section 3 (e) of R.A. 3019 for acting in conspiracy with Limbo. Li was sentenced to suffer the penalty of imprisonment of 6 years and 1 month, minimum, to 7 years, maximuim, with perpetual disqualification from public office, for each of the three cases, while Saripada was meted the same penalties in each of the five cases.

          In its ruling, the court said that “the court has no recourse but to take into the account the admissions and/ or stipulations made by [Limbo], Saripada and Li and the concerned bank tellers, that all the checks (except for DBP Check No. 1834400 in Criminal Case No. 25403) they were involved in, were all approved by Limbo for encashment.”

          “In his testimony and in his memorandum, accused Limbo did not deny that he wrote the word “encashment” on these checks and signed the same,” the ruling stated.

          The court, therefore, stated that “on the basis of the testimonies of the bank tellers and Saripada, together with the admission of Li that these checks were approved for encashment by Limbo and the deposit slips indicating “cash” as the form of deposit, can only conclude that Limbo did in fact authorize the encashment of the out-of-town checks, even before they were cleared.”

          The Sandiganbayan further held that “Limbo’s contention that he placed the words “encashment” on these checks just to enable PNB CDO to collect bank commission is pure hogwash.”

          While all 16 cases were submitted for decision, only the cases as against Limbo, the tellers De la Cruz, Sabanal and Escoro and accused Li and Saripada were disposed of in the anti-graft court’s verdict. Limbo was acquitted in one of those cases for insufficiency of evidence.

          On the other hand, the court said that the culpability of those who remain at-large namely accused Archinas, Ma. Theresa Rubic, Castan Panduma, Monena Arcaya, Alexander Vistan, Steve Factura, Rosita Mangana, Rosita Mejia and Jesus Louis and Trinidad Lee,” shall be determined once they are brought into this court’s jurisdiction.”

Ombudsman suspends Norzagaray mayor for demoting municipal budget officer
27 November 2012

        OMBUDSMAN Conchita Carpio Morales suspended Mayor Feliciano P. Legaspi of Norzagaray, Bulacan for 6 months and 1 day in connection with the administrative case filed against him for demoting Municipal Budget Officer Yolanda C. Ervas last May.

          In a 5-page decision signed by Ombudsman Morales on November 19, 2012, the Office found substantial evidence against Legaspi for the charge of Oppression or Grave Abuse of Authority and imposed a penalty of suspension against him pursuant to Section 10, Rule III of Administrative Order No. 7, as amended.

          The case stemmed from the complaint filed against Legaspi by Ervas who claimed that her reassignment is an act of oppression and grave abuse of authority since her level of education and qualifications do not match the new position and involves diminution of rank and salary equivalent to constructive dismissal.

          In her complaint, Ervas stated that ahead of her reassignment, she wrote a letter dated May 17, 2011 addressed to Legaspi informing the mayor of her observations regarding the overspending and realignment of funds done by certain offices prior to the approval by Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bulacan of the 2011 Annual Budget of Norzagaray town.

          On May 19, 2012, Ervas received an order issued by Legaspi reassigning her to the Norzagaray Public Market “in the exigency of the service and in the interest of public trust.”

          In the said order, the complainant was directed, among others, to manage the operation of the public market and supervise market cleaners.

          Ervas claimed that her previous position has a Salary Grade of 24, Step 6 while the new position has a Salary Grade of 18, Step 2. Further, she emphasized that Mrs. Pacita Espiritu, her replacement as Municipal Budget Officer, was previously an Administrative Assistant with a Salary Grade of 10, Step 2 and only finished a two-year Secretarial Course.

          In the ruling, Ombudsman Morales held that “complainant’s reassignment from Municipal Budget Officer to Administrator of the Norzagaray Public Market is tainted with malice and bad faith, in view of the disparity in the status, qualifications and functions between the two (2) positions.”

          While she agreed with Legaspi that reassignment is the prerogative of the local chief executive and may be done in the exigency of service, Ombudsman Morales held that “such reassignment, to be valid, must not involve a reduction in rank, status or salary in line with the mandate of Executive Order No. 292, otherwise known as the Administrative Code of 1987…”

          The Code provides that “[a]n employee may be reassigned from one organizational unit to another in the same agency; provided, that such reassignment shall not involve a reduction in rank, status or salaries.”

Ombudsman affirms decision on "Chopper" case
22 November 2012

           The Office of the Ombudsman stood pat on its decision to dismiss from the service 14 PNP Officials and personnel and to suspend for 6 months six others for their involvement in the controversial procurement of PNP helicopters.           

          In a 49-page Order signed on 19 November 2012, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales denied  for lack of merit the Motions for Reconsideration filed by  P/Dir. Leocadio Salva Cruz Santiago, Jr., P/Supt. Ermilando Villafuerte, P/Supt. Roman E. Loreto, P/CSupt. Herold G. Ubalde, P/CSupt. Luis L. Saligumba, P/SSupt. Job Nolan D. Antonio, P/Dir. George Q. Piano, P/SSupt Edgar B. Paatan, P/SSupt. Mansue N. Lukban, P/CInsp. Maria Josefina Vidal Reco, P/SSupt. Claudio DS Gaspar Jr., SPO3 Ma. Linda A. Padojinog, PO3 Avensuel G. Dy, and NUP Ruben S. Gongona, who were meted the penalty of dismissal from the service.

          Ombudsman Morales likewise denied the Motions for Reconsideration filed by P/SSupt. Joel Crisostomo DL Garcia, SPO3 Jorge B. Gabiana, PO3 Dionisio Jimenez, NUPs Erwin O. Chavarria, Emilia A. Aliling, and Erwin Paul Maranan who were meted the penalty of suspension from the service for six months without pay.

          The Order states that “the respondents failed to present new evidence which will materially affect the Resolution in question. They likewise failed to show that grave errors of facts or laws or serious irregularities have been committed by this Office prejudicial to their interest.”


          It reiterated its findings in the Joint Resolution dated 30 May 2012 that the said PNP officers participated in the whole procurement process, which makes it impossible for private supplier Hilario B. de Vera or MAPTRA Sole Proprietorship to be able to deceive them without their cooperation.


           The case arose from the PNP’s purchase from MAPTRA of one fully-equipped Robinson R44 Raven II Light Police Operational Helicopter (LPOH) for P42,312,913.10 and two standard Robinson R44 Raven I LPOHs for P62,672,086.90, or for a total amount of P104,985,000 from 2009 to 2010.


            The Special Investigating Panel found, among other things, that (i) MAPTRA did not possess the technical and financial eligibility required by law; (ii) MAPTRA delivered only one brand new Robinson Raven II LPOH while the two delivered Robinson Raven I LPOHs were actually pre-owned by the former FG Arroyo, and/or non-compliant with the set requirements such as endurance/ventilating system and valid/existing engine warranties, causing undue injury to the government in the amount of at least P34,632,187.50 representing the overpriced figure; (iii) PNP entered into the helicopter supply contract with MAPTRA even before the completion of the post-qualification process; and (iv) MAPTRA was just a marketing arm and not the authorized dealer of brand new R44 Raven 1 units.         

          Aside from the administrative sanctions, criminal cases were also filed against the respondents before the Sandiganbayan.

Ombudsman secures conviction of former education execs
25 October 2012

            The Office of the Ombudsman secured the conviction of Venancio R. Nava, former regional director of the DECS-Region XI (Davao) of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (now DepEd) after the Sandiganbayan found him guilty of graft arising from the overpriced purchase of construction materials for a school building in 1991.

            In a 39-page decision penned by Associate Justice Cristina Cornejo and concurred in by Associate Justices Gregory Ong and Jose Hernandez, the anti-graft court’s Fourth Division found Nava guilty of violating Sec. 3(g) of Republic Act (RA) 3019, and sentenced him to an indeterminate prison term of 6 years and 1 month as minimum to 8 years as maximum, with perpetual disqualification from public office.
            Meantime, in two separate graft charges, the court found Nava and Administrative Officer Aquilina Granada, the chairperson of the Acceptance and Inspection Committee of the school building project, guilty of violating Sec. 3(e) of RA 3019, and sentenced them to each suffer the indeterminate prison term of 6 years and 1 month as minimum to 8 years as maximum with perpetual disqualification from public office.

            Charges against accused Andres Suero and Napoleon Ramos were dismissed due to their death.

            Meanwhile, accused Jose Burdeos, Antonio Caneza, Pablito Dimaligalig, Raul Retiza, Rodel Valguna and Jesusa Dela Cruz have remained at large and thus the court has not acquired jurisdiction over them.

            Nava and Granada, together with others who may subsequently be found guilty as conspirators, were ordered to return or to pay solidarily to the government thru the education department the amount of more than P2.8 million, representing the sum paid for the labor which was not rendered and materials which were not delivered based on computations by government auditors.

            Nava was charged for entering on behalf of the government into contracts with private supplier Giomiche Inc. for the purchase of construction materials without public bidding for the Supplemental Elementary School Building Program Project of DECS, Region XI.

            State Auditor Joel Digal testified that they conducted an ocular inspection to verify the physical existence of the building and they found out that the buildings were not constructed at the project site.

            In its ruling, the court found that there was no public bidding conducted for the construction project and that the accused simulated the procedure and the documents to make it appear that procurement rules were followed.

            “What could be better proof of bad faith and manifest partiality in a situation as in these cases, where full payment is made using government funds for work that was not done or for work, though started, was not finished? It is dishonesty, plain and simple, encompassing as it does, bad faith,” the decision stated.

Ombudsman scores win as Sandigan finds former mayor guilty of graft
09 November 2012

     THE Office of the Ombudsman scored a win after the Sandiganbayan convicted Cesar Alpay, former municipal mayor of Unisan, Quezon Province of graft charges arising from the unlawful diversion of the P1-million Social Fund of then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from its intended use as cash loans to farmers in 2003.

      In the 75-page November 7, 2012 decision penned by Associate Justice Gregory Ong and concurred in by Associate Justices Jose Hernandez and Maria Cristina Cornejo, the anti-graft court’s Fourth Division found Alpay guilty of violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) and sentenced him to: (a) suffer an indeterminate penalty of imprisonment from 6 years and 1 month, as minimum, to 10 years, as maximum; (b) suffer all the appropriate accessory penalties consequent thereto, including perpetual disqualification from public office; and (c) pay the costs.

      Alpay was indicted with graft for causing undue injury to the government for using the P1-million social fund under the "Isang Bayan, Isang Produkto, Isang Milyong Pisong Programa ni Pangulong GMA" to buy hand tractors amounting to P459,110, and motor engines for bancas amounting to P418,200 for a total of P877,310, without the benefit of public bidding and without the required supporting documents.

      The fund was intended as cash loans to deserving Micro and Medium Scale Enterprises or entrepreneurs or farmers.

      In its ruling, the Sandiganbayan stated that the evidence is clear that the amounts given to the farmers/ fishermen-beneficiaries were not paid. Instead, they were outrightly given cash, but were not required to repay the amounts separately given to them.

      This is contrary to the clear directive of Executive Order (E.O.) No. 176, which requires loans to be paid within 5 years for long-term loans and within one year for short-term loans.

      “We find as sufficient the prosecution evidence to support a conclusion that there was evident bad faith,” the ruling said.

      According to the court, the eventual release and distribution of the amounts took place on June 30, 2003, “the last day of the term of office of accused Mayor Alpay who was, obviously, aware that another duly-elected mayor will be taking over the helm of his office on the day following.”

      “Accused Mayor Alpay simply cannot feign ignorance of the requirements under Executive Order No. 176, particularly on the need for the amounts released to the farmers/ fishermen-beneficiaries to be repaid by them,” the decision stated.

Ombudsman files graft charges against ex-Gov. Cerilles, 6 others for the direct purchase of overpriced medical supplies
18 July 2012
Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the filing with the Sandiganbayan of a criminal Information for violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019) against former Zamboanga del Sur Governor, now Representative, Aurora Cerilles and six others for the irregular purchase of medical supplies in 2001.

Aside from Cerilles, likewise charged were Marina Tudio-Tampus, then Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Provincial Accountant; Estita Tago, OIC Provincial Budget Officer; Malaya Ysmael, OIC General Services Officer; Corazon Silla-Ariosa, Chief of Hospital of Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Hospital, all four as members of the Bids and Awards  Committee (BAC) of the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Sur; and private individuals Rey Morgada and Neil Cruz, who acted as representatives of U-Net Distributors Corporation (U-Net) that bagged the supplies contract.

The case stemmed from the findings of the Commission on Audit (COA) that “various hospital supplies amounting to P6,879,225 were procured from exclusive distributors in violation of Section 105 of COA Circular No. 92-386,” which circular allows procurement from exclusive Philippine agents or distributors only if  “(a) the Philippine distributor has no sub-dealers selling at lower prices; and (b) no suitable substitutes of substantially the same quality are available at lower prices.”

The Ombudsman’s Resolution cited COA’s findings that the items procured from U-Net were very common which do not require brand name in order to purchase the same from exclusive distributors, and that had the procurement been made through public bidding the agency could have saved more than P1,204,755 since there will be competition of prices among many prospective suppliers.

The medical supplies that were purchased consist of scrub suit green (in large/medium sizes), flat sheet (66 X 108 in white, pink and blue colors), drawsheet (54 x 72), and abdominal bondage.

The Resolution concluded that “there is reason to believe that [they] had unlawfully allowed the direct purchase of medicine supplies from U-Net Distributors Corporation despite knowing that the situation does not call for such kind of purchase and notwithstanding that the documents supporting the identity of the said distributor as an exclusive distributor are questionable.”

The charges as against Zenaida Galicinao, Filomena Pongon, Roseller Ariosa and Isaias Regis, Jr. were dismissed for insufficiency of evidence.

Ombudsman scores win against ex-mayor of Valencia City
28 September 2012

     THE Office of the Ombudsman scored another win after the Sandiganbayan found former Valencia City mayor Jose Galario Jr. guilty of violating Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

      In a 44-page decision penned by Associate Justice Rafael Lagos and concurred in by Associate Justices Efren dela Cruz and Rodolfo Ponferrada, the anti-graft court’s First Division sentenced Galario to imprisonment of 6 years and 1 month, as minimum, to 7 years as maximum, with perpetual disqualification from public office.

      The case against Galario stemmed from the complaint filed by Ruth Piano, long-time budget officer of Valencia City, when she was replaced as city budget officer on July 2, 2001 upon Galario’s assumption into office. In her stead, Galario placed Bartolome Barte who was occupying the position of Management Audit Analyst with Salary Grade 11, and designated Piano as liaison officer.

      Piano secured a Civil Service Commission (CSC)-Region X Office ruling dated January 7, 2002. After Galario’s motion for reconsideration was denied on February 18, 2002, he elevated the matter to the CSC Central Office, which affirmed the said ruling.

      On May 21, 2003, Galario issued a memorandum reinstating Piano as city budget officer. After five days, however, Galario negated the order through another memorandum transferring Piano to the Office of the City Cooperative as cooperative officer.

      In its ruling, the Court held that Galario committed the offense despite the resolutions of the CSC national office and the CSC regional office in Cagayan de Oro City ordering the reinstatement of Piano to her previous position as city budget officer.

      “Galario’s unjustified refusal to fully reinstate Piano, despite the latter’s repeated demands and orders of the [CSC], was, therefore, clearly for the purpose of furthering Galario’s self-interest in having Bartolome Barte acting as City Budget Officer and ousting Piano, whom he did not trust,” the ruling stated. “Galario gave undue advantage to Barte as the latter received RATA allowances normally given only to a bona fide City Budget Officer.”

Ombudsman wins graft case vs. former PAFCA prexy
10 October 2012

      The Office of the Ombudsman won the graft case filed against Errol B. Perez, former president of the Philippine Air Force College of Aeronautics (PAFCA), arising from the alleged unlawful reimbursement of meal expenses in 1991.

      In a 27-page decision penned by Associate Justice Alexander Gesmundo and concurred in by Associate Justices Roland Jurado and Alex Quiroz, the anti-graft court’s Sandiganbayan Fifth Division found Perez guilty of violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act (RA) No. 3019 and meted him an indeterminate penalty of 6 years and 1 month as minimum to 10 years as maximum.

      Perez, former president of PAFCA, now the Philippine State College of Aeronautics (PhilSCA), was also sentenced to suffer perpetual disqualification from public office, and was ordered to pay the government the amount of P240,000 as actual damages.

      In a separate case, Perez was found guilty of violation of Article 218 of the Revised Penal Code (Failure to Render accounts) for the sum of P65,000. The said amount was released to Perez for a conference in Singapore, which did not materialize.

      An indeterminate prison term of 4 months and one day of arresto mayor as minimum to 1 year, 1 month and 11 days of prision correccional as maximum was meted upon Perez for the second crime.

      The filing of the complaint against Perez was made possible owing to a special investigation conducted by the Commission on Audit (COA) in response to the request of then Education Secretary Isidro Cariño.

      State auditors found that there were disparities between the amounts reimbursed from the actual amounts in the official receipts paid.

      It was also revealed that the reimbursements consisted of 21 receipts from six different first-class restaurants and five star hotels where the amounts were padded in a total of P240,000 by intercalating a number on the left side of the paid amount to make it bigger.

      A receipt issued by the Fisherman’s Village of P2,910.60 became P12,910.60, while that of East Ocean Seafood Restaurant receipt for P671.50 became P19,671.50.

      State Auditor Joana Roda Aca-ac testified that she personally verified with all the restaurants the real amount billed on the padded receipts.

      Ombudsman Prosecutors were able to prove that these fraudulent receipts were padded by a low of P1,200 to a high of P20,000.

       â€œThere is no doubt in the Court’s mind that it was the accused himself who approved and received the proceeds of the Disbursement Vouchers covering the various falsified receipts,” the ruling stated.

Ombudsman indicts PNP official, orders recovery of his P9-M unexplained wealth
04 October 2012

     OMBUDSMAN Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the filing of five counts of perjury against P/CSupt. Eugene Gabriel Martin for not disclosing some of his properties in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) as it ordered the initiation of forfeiture proceedings against him and members of his family to recover their alleged unexplained wealth amounting to over P9 million.

     In the 16-page resolution signed on 26 September 2012, Ombudsman Morales ordered the filing of perjury charges against Martin for his failure to disclose the following properties in his SALN:

     a. In his 1999 SALN, the residential lot located Cagaling, Palina, Pugo, La Union and the Cockpit Arena located at Cares, Pugo, La Union;
     
     b. In his 2000 SALN, the residential house and lot located at Sto. Tomas, Baguio City, the residential house in Barangay Irisan, Quezon Hill, Baguio City and the Mitsubishi L200 Strada under the name of his wife, Priscilla Marrero Martin;

     c. In his 2001 SALN, the Nissan Patrol M/T Wagon under the names of Priscilla and Kurt Walter (son);

     d. In his 2002 SALN, the house and lot in Barangay Fairview, Baguio City; and,

     e. In his 2003 SALN, the Cherokee Grand Jeep under the name of Priscilla.

     Martin is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Batch 1972 and was absorbed into the Philippine National Police (PNP) in 1991. He was promoted to Chief Superintendent, and was Acting Regional Director of the Police Regional Office in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), at the time of the filing of the case.

     Ombudsman Morales also found probable cause to indict Martin before the Sandiganbayan for two counts of violation of Section 8 of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 6713 for failing to submit his SALN for the calendar years 2004 and 2005.

     The resolution stated that when Martin failed to declare some of his assets, “he did not only commit perjury but also a violation of RA 6713.”

     Apart from the said properties, the total undeclared international travel expenses worth over P269,000 of Priscilla, Kathleen Ira and Salma were also made part of Martin’s unexplained wealth.

     Under RA 6713, public officials and employees have an obligation to accomplish and submit declarations under oath of, and the public has the right to know, the assets, liabilities, net worth and financial and business interests including those of their spouses and of unmarried children under eighteen (18) years of age living in their households.

     The anti-graft body said that a certification from the PNP’s Directorate for Personnel and Records Management of the PNP stated that Martin had no available records of his SALN for 2004 and 2005.

     The ruling said that while some of these properties are registered under the names of Martin’s immediate family members, “they are treated and considered as his undeclared assets because his family members are not shown to have the financial capacity to acquire such hefty amount of properties.”

     In the same resolution, Ombudsman Morales also ordered the filing of a petition for forfeiture before the Sandiganbayan against Martin, his wife, Priscilla and their children, Kathleen Ira, Kurt Walter and Salma.

     Ombudsman Morales’ order was based on a complaint filed by the Fact-Finding Investigation Bureau of the Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for the Military and Other Law Enforcement Offices (FFIB-MOLEO), which alleged that Martin acquired assets that are disproportionate to his lawful income.

     The OMB’s FFIB-MOLEO alleged that Martin had a substantial increase in net worth of P929,427 in 2003 when his net worth reached P3,809,427 as against his net worth of P2,583,000 in 1999.

     Meanwhile, in a separate decision of even date, Ombudsman Morales found Martin guilty of dishonesty and meted upon him the penalty of dismissal from the service, with forfeiture of benefits and privileges, and perpetual disqualification to hold public office.

     â€œProvided, that in case respondent [Martin] is already retired from the government service, the alternative penalty of fine equivalent to one year salary is hereby imposed, with the same accessory penalties,” it stated.

     The decision further stated that Martin committed an act of dishonesty because of his deliberate failure to disclose all of his supposed properties in his SALN and for testifying under oath that the declarations are true and correct.

     â€œMartin’s failure to satisfactorily prove that his acquisition of properties, as well those of his family members, were within his lawful income and, his concealment of his assets in his SALN, constitute the administrative offense of dishonesty,” the decision said.

Ombudsman indicts DBP officers
27 September 2012

OMBUDSMAN Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the filing of two criminal Informations against Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) officers and three private individuals, in connection with DBP’s grant of two loans in the total amount of P660 million in 2009 to Deltaventures Resources, Inc. (DVRI).

In a Review Resolution signed on September 25, 2012, Ombudsman Morales found probable cause to indict (i) DBP’s ex-officers Patricia Sto. Tomas, former Chairman; Reynaldo David, former President & Vice-Chairman; former Directors Alexander Magno, Floro Oliveros, Miguel Romero, Franklin Velarde, Renato Velasco and Joseph Donato Pangilinan; Edgardo Garcia, former Senior Executive Vice President (SEVP) & Chief Operating Officer; Armando Samia, former SEVP & Head of Marketing Sector; Rolando Geronimo, former SEVP; Perla Soleta, former Senior Assistant Vice President (SAVP); Jesus Guevarra II, former SEVP & Marketing Head of the Brach Banking Sector (BBS); Crescencia Bundoc, former VP & Head of Regional Marketing Center-Metro Manila (RMC-MM); Arturo Baliton, BBS Manager for RMC-Western Luzon; Nelson Macatlang, RMC-WL Chief Accounts Management specialist; Marissa Cayetano, RMC-MM Assistant Manager; and (ii) private individuals Roberto Ongpin, DVRI General Manager; Josephine Manalo, DVRI President; and Ma. Lourdes Torres, treasurer of Goldenmedia Corporation (GMC), for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act (RA) No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, in relation to the grant of a P150 million credit line to DVRI.

Ombudsman Morales also found probable cause to indict Sto. Tomas, David, Magno, Oliveros, Romero, Velarde, Velasco, Garcia, Samia, Geronimo, Soleta, Guevarra, Bundoc, Baliton, Ongpin, Manalo, Torres along with Ramon Durano IV, former DBP director; Benedicto Ernesto Bitonio Jr., former EVP and Head of Finance Sector; Teresita Tolentino, former AVP; Rodolfo Cerezo, RMC-MM Assistant Manager; and Warren De Guzman, RMC-MM Assistant Manager, for another count of violation of Section 3(e) of RA 3019, in relation to the grant of a P510 million loan to DVRI.

The charges as against Benilda Tejada, Josephine Jaurique and Justice Lady Flores were dismissed for insufficiency of evidence.

The case stemmed from the complaint filed in August 2011 by DBP represented by its chairman, Jose Nuñez, and its president and chief executive officer, Francisco Del Rosario, Jr. for violations of Sections 3(e), (g), (j) of RA 3019, RA 8791, and other banking regulations against the 28 respondents who allegedly participated in the grant of ”behest” loans in the sum of P660 million under relaxed concessions used in the purchase of DBP-owned shares in Philex Mining Corporation, all orchestrated in a span of less than a year.

The Review Resolution points out that majority of DVRI’s shares are registered in the name of Manalo and its paid-up capital amounts to only P625,000, while most of GMC’s equity are owned by Boerstar Corporation whose shares are, in turn, held in majority by GAME Equities, Inc. It added that Manalo and Torres are GMC’s President and Treasurer, but Ongpin is the Chairman and shareholder of GAME, and that in November and December 2009, Ongpin and David were directors of Philex. Ongpin was a former DBP director and is a known associate of then DBP President David.

         The Review Resolution states 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 mining stocks, although the private company was not licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission as a securities dealer, and with reported indicia of insider trading.

        It explains that DBP sold to DVRI in November 2009 fifty (50) million shares in Philex at only P12.75 per share. DVRI used the proceeds of the DBP loan to purchase from DBP the Philex shares which were subsequently registered in the name of GMC. In just a span of one month or in December 2009, the Philex shares were sold at P21.00 per share or at almost double the value.

    Ombudsman Morales also directed that copies of the Review Resolution be furnished the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Securities and Exchange Commission, and Anti-Money Laundering Council for “their immediate action on the possible violations x x x of the National Internal Revenue Code, the Securities Regulation Code and the Anti-Money Laundering Act, as amended, that may have been committed in this case.”

Ombudsman indicts Verzosa, 7 PNP officers for 'rubber boats' case
28 September 2012

       OMBUDSMAN Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the filing of graft charges against retired Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Jesus Verzosa and seven other PNP officers before the Sandiganbayan for the anomalous purchase of 75 defective police rubber boats in 2008.

        Aside from Verzosa, charged for violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) were P/DDG Jefferson Soriano, P/DDG Benjamin Belarmino, Jr., P/Dir. Luizo Ticman, P/Dir. Ronald Roderos, P/Dir. Romeo Hilomen, P/CSupt. Herold Ubalde, and P/CSupt. Villamor Bumanglag.

      The case stemmed from the Complaint and Supplemental Complaint dated November 15, 2011 and February 17, 2012, respectively, filed by the Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for the Military and Other Law Enforcement Offices (OMB-MOLEO).

In the 109-page Resolution signed on September 26, 2012, Ombudsman Morales affirmed the Special Panel of Investigators’ finding that there is showing that the government suffered undue injury in the amount of P131,550,000 with the irregular purchase of the rubber boats.

The Resolution describes that the procurement of the 75 police rubber boats (PRB) and 18 spare engines or outboard motors (OBM) was part of PNP’s Annual Procurement Plan for 2008 under its Capability Enhancement Program Funds.

        It narrated that the PNP National Headquarters Bids and Awards Committee (NHQ BAC) conducted the opening of bids on September 9, 2008, wherein among the three proponents which participated in the bidding, only the Joint Venture of Enviro-Aire and Stoneworks Specialist International Corporation passed the eligibility and was set for post-qualification when typhoons struck the country. It added that the NHQ BAC recommended to the PNP Chief the discontinuance of the bidding process and the resort to negotiated procurement.

        In the Resolution, the Special Panel of Investigators pointed out that while the NHQ BAC stated that the resort to negotiated procurement was in response to the destruction wrought by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng, the PRBs and OBMs were never used for the said purpose, as it “took roughly six (6) months or 180 calendar days from the time the alternative mode of procurement was adopted before the needed PRBs and OBMs were finally delivered or, it bears emphasis, long after typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng had occurred.”

      Records disclosed that the PNP entered into four (4) separate supply contracts all dated December 18, 2009 with the following suppliers: (a) EnviroAire for the supply of 93 units of OBMs with contract price of P44,175,000; (b) EnviroAire for the supply of 10 units of PRB with contract price of P11,650,000; (c) Geneve for the supply of 41 units of PRB with contract price of P47,765,000; and (d) Bay Industrial for the supply of 10 units of PRB with contract price of P11,650,000.

     It noted that upon delivery of the initial batch of PRBs and OBMs, the PNP Maritime Group through its Technical Inspection Committee on Watercrafts (MG-TICW) “discovered various deficiencies in these equipment, which make their use risky to end-users,” and that the boats and engines were not functional when fitted together, thus, unusable for PNP’s disaster operation efforts.

     The Special Panel of Investigators, which conducted the preliminary investigation, was co-chaired by Director Diosdado Calonge and Director Nellie Boguen-Golez, with Assistant Special Prosecutor Anna Isabel Aurellano, Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer Myra Sarmiento-Borromeo, Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer Israel Lay-at, and Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer Christian Yap as members. 

     The charges as against the other 42 respondents were dismissed for insufficiency of evidence.

Ombudsman relaxes rules on SALN access
17 September 2012

OMBUDSMAN Conchita Carpio Morales issued new guidelines on public access to Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs) on file with the Office of the Ombudsman.

The new SALN Guidelines, released under Memorandum Circular No. 03 dated 11 September 2012, shall take effect on October 15, 2012.

According to Assistant Ombudsman Asryman Rafanan, office spokesperson and chairman of the Ombudsman’s Committee on Internal Rules and Regulations, the new SALN rules subscribe to the paradigm shift from ‘everything is secret unless allowed’ to ‘everything is open unless restricted.’

It was during the weekly radio program, Ombudsman Ngayon, aired last Wednesday over DZRB 738KHZ, that the new set of SALN guidelines was disclosed and explained in public for the first time.

In that episode, Assistant Ombudsman Evelyn Baliton discussed that unlike the old rules which identifies only three types of SALN request purposes (press report, student research, court subpoena), the new rules provide that all requests for copies of SALNs shall be granted, subject only to exceptions provided by law or jurisprudence, viz:

    The Office of the Ombudsman is not the official repository of the requested SALN;

    The requested SALN is not on file or in actual possession of the Office;

    The purpose of the request is contrary to law, morals or public policy;

    The request is for any commercial purpose other than by news and communications media for dissemination to the general public;

    The request is prompted by sheer idle curiosity;

    The identity of the requesting party appears to be fictitious;

    The requester has a derogatory records of having misused any information previously furnished; and

    There are grounds to believe that the request is being made with a plainly discernible improper motive (e.g., harassment) or other analogous circumstances.

The new rules also enumerate the different Ombudsman offices where a person should request copies of SALNs of listed public officers and employees, as differentiated from those that are obtainable from, for instance, Civil Service Commission or the Clerk of Court of the Supreme Court as official repositories of other SALNs.

In treating the SALN Request Form as a public record, the new Guidelines allow the requester to indicate in the said form his reservation as to making known to the concerned public official or employee, if the latter so minds to inquire, the fact of the requester making the SALN request, unless the public official or employee can demonstrate that the specific requester committed a violation or encroachment of his/her rights and that his/her letter-request to obtain a copy of the particular SALN Request Form is for purposes of availing legal remedies.

The new Guidelines also maintained the provision that a requester may directly report to the Ombudsman’s fact-finding office/bureau and initiate a lifestyle check of public officials or employees even where their SALNs cannot be secured for any reason, as long as the requester has reason to believe that their assets and properties are unreasonably disproportionate to their income.

Rafanan states that the new guidelines ensure the widest possible public access to SALNs that are in the custody of the Ombudsman offices.

“All the requester needs to do is to subscribe the SALN Request Form (downloadable from the website), present the required identification cards, and pay minimal reproduction/certification fees,” he advised.

Under the new Guidelines, the requester is required to present the original of at least two IDs, one of which is a government-issued ID bearing his picture and signature; and in case of members of the press, the other ID should be an official Press ID with proof of affiliation or accreditation as a legitimate media practitioner. In case of student-requesters, a current Student ID with an indorsement from the proper school authorities shall suffice.

Philippines intensifies efforts for integrity and transparency as APEC leaders declare commitment against corruption
19 September 2012

Manila, Philippines â€" The 20th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leader’s Meeting in Vladivostok Russia concluded with the strong commitment to stamp out corruption in the region.

“Acknowledging that corruption fuels illicit trade and insecurity and is a tremendous barrier to economic growth, the safety of citizens, and to the strengthening of economic and investment cooperation among APEC economies, we endorse commitments on fighting corruption and ensuring transparency,” states the APEC Declaration which was issued at the close of the two-day APEC Leader’s Meeting last September 10.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Ombudsman prepares for the arrival of more than 45 international delegates for the APEC Forum in Manila on September 20-21 to share their best anti-corruption practices for the expanded implementation of the APEC Anti-Corruption Code of Conduct for Business.

The Forum will feature anti-corruption expert speakers and presenters from institutions such as Transparency International (TI), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank, United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Representatives from Australia, Chile and Vietnam will be presenting their experiences as pilot economies in implementing the APEC Code, while China and Malaysia will share their best anti-corruption practices. The Philippines, through the Integrity Initiative, a joint endeavour of the Makati Business Club (MBC) and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), will also be presenting its own Unified Code of Conduct for Business.

President Benigno Aquino III, who has been very vocal in his advocacy to fight graft and corruption in government, will host a welcome dinner for the delegates in Malacañang on September 20.

The President Aquino’s “Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap” campaign has been the hallmark of his administration’s strategies to achieve progress and development in the country ever since he assumed office in June 2010. With the support of APEC and its member economies, the administration’s fight against corruption will further be intensified and will stay as one of the country’s priority issues until 2015 when the Philippines is set to host the 23rd APEC Summit.

OMB-Luzon closes Calamba Regional Office
31 July 2012

     The Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon announced that its Regional Office in Calamba City ceases operations starting today.

     The Calamba,Laguna Regional Office, located at the City Hall along Bacnotan Road in Calamba City, is OMB-Luzon’s first Regional Office. Its second Regional Office, located in Rosales, Pangasinan was inaugurated last April 30, 2012.

     Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon Gerard Mosquera said that effective July 31, 2012, all operations of the said office shall be conducted and pending complaints evaluated at the Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon, at the Ombudsman Building, Agham Road, Diliman, Quezon City.

     He explained that the closure of the regional office does not mean it will no longer be providing public service to said area, as the closure is only physical, since services shall continue to be delivered from the Head Office in Quezon City.

     He further clarified that the move is meant to maximize the existing personnel complement of OMB-Luzon. “Magagaling ang mga officers natin sa Calamba pero di sila namamaximize so ibabalik natin sila sa Head Office.” There were only eight officers manning the Calamba office.

     DO Mosquera added that the services being provided in Calamba were limited to public assistance and mediation, and that even applications for Ombudsman clearance were being brought to the Head Office because all data are in Quezon City.

     He advised those with pending requests with the Calamba, Laguna office to contact Ms. Lora Laudato at (049) 545-6789 loc. 8207 or Ms. Lorna Sitjar at (02) 926-8794.

Ombudsman inks MOU with Korean counterpart
14 September 2012

THE Philippines’ Office of the Ombudsman and Korean’s Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation on September 7, 2012.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales and ACRC Chairperson Young-ran Kim signed the MOU at Seoul, South Korea .

The MOU aims to establish and strengthen cooperation between the two Ombudsman organizations in developing systems in preventing and combating corruption, facilitate exchange of experiences and enable learning of the strength of each other’s systems, seek collaboration in areas of common interest to promote the rights of their nationals, and provide a means of resolving the difficulties and inconveniences encountered by their respective overseas nationals.

Areas of cooperation under the MOU include conducting joint investigations and research related to ombudsman and anti-corruption, capacity-building, data sharing, and complaints referral facilitation.

The MOU will be effective for three years, subject to renewal for another three years upon mutual consent.

Ombudsman dismisses QC and airport officials
06 September 2012

The Office of the Ombudsman dismissed from the service four officials of Quezon City for different offenses.

In separate Decisions, the Ombudsman ordered the dismissal from the service of Ramir Bautista, Darwin Orlina, and Paulo Jose Evasco, all Barangay Tanods of Barangay Quirino 3-A, Project 3, Quezon City; and Lani Palmani Castillo, Utility Worker II, Department of Engineering, Quezon City Hall.

In their complaint-affidavit, Pilar Habana and her son Carlo alleged that respondents and two unidentified companions “mauled and beat Carlo Habana in front of the latter’s house due to some misunderstanding.” Pilar was also injured when she tried to help her son. Complainants presented a copy of the police investigation report as well as copies of complainants’ medico-legal certificates. Criminal cases have also been filed against the respondents before the Metropolitan Trial Court of Quezon City.

The Decision stated that the respondents’ dismissal from the service is warranted as “the acts of the respondents constitute Grave Misconduct.xxx While in the performance of their duties, the respondents were the ones who attacked the complainants and in the process violated their sworn duty to maintain peace and order in the community.”

Aside from the penalty of dismissal from the service, they were meted the accessory penalties of cancellation of eligibility and retirement benefits and disqualification for reemployment in the government service.

On the other hand, Castillo was charged with Violation of Sec. 11 (b) of Republic Act No. 9485 (Anti-Red Tape Act) for conniving with a certain Filip Valera in extorting money from Rosalyn Mercado and Dennie Burget to expedite the immediate issuance and release of business permits.

Section 11 (b) of RA 9485 states that “fixing and/or collusion with fixers in consideration of economic and/or other gain or advantage is a grave offense which the corresponding penalty of dismissal from the service and perpetual disqualification from public service.”

In their complaint before the Quezon City Hall Police Office (QCHPO), Mercado and Burget claimed that Castillo was introduced to them by Valera. They said Castillo demanded P10,000 for the speedy release of the permits, for which Mercado issued a Union Bank Check in the name of Castillo, which respondent encashed on the very next day. When Castillo demanded an additional P10,000, Mercado filed a complaint for estafa before the QCHPO, which referred the matter to the Ombudsman.

Castillo was ordered to file her counter-affidavit but failed to do so.

The Decision states that “based on the records of the case, there is no doubt that respondent Castillo committed the charge held against her.”

In another case, the Ombudsman dismissed from the service Leilani Pagdanganan, Senior Accountant B of the Manila International Airport (MIAA) for Violation of Sec. 7(d) of RA 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees). The law prohibits public officials and employees from soliciting or accepting, directly or indirectly, “any gift, gratuity, favor, entertainment, loan or anything of monetary value from any person in the course of their officials duties or in connection with any operation being regulated by, or any transaction which may be affected by the functions of their office.”

In a sworn statement, Ma. Girlie Jose of Equine Power Trading Company alleged that Pagdanganan and MIAA Division Manager A Felisa Dizon acted as middlemen of a financier and conspired in demanding commission for helping secure a loan for Equine which had project transaction with MIAA.

She said Pagdanganan offered to find someone “who could finance and extend a loan on the condition that she (Pagdanganan) gets 5% commission while Dizon who is in charge of releasing checks gets P20,000.” She further claimed that on their first transaction, Pagdanganan handed to her P2,830,000 representing Jose’s loan with deduction of P150,000 representing Pagdanganan’s commission and P20,000 for Dizon.

In the Decision, the Ombudsman said “the existence of withdrawal slips bearing the name and signature of respondent Pagdanganan to have withdrawn hundreds of thousands, even a million from the account of Equine is a testament that indeed Pagdanganan has pecuniary transaction with Ms. Jose.”

However, for lack of substantial evidence, the complaint against respondent Dizon was dismissed.

Ombudsman gets high mark in MBC Survey
07 September 2012

The Office of the Ombudsman scored high marks in the Second Semester 2012 Executive Outlook Survey on perception of government performance conducted by the Makati Business Club (MBC) from June 19 to July 23, 2012.

The Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) moved 26-notch higher to 18th place this year from 44th place during the same period last year. According to the MBC report, the OMB is one of the government offices under the Aquino Administration which garnered the highest point of increase in perception rate, second only to the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Among the 53 government offices surveyed this year, the OMB, under Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, got a 70.9% satisfaction rate and 23.6% dissatisfaction rate or a total of 47.3% net satisfaction rate.

In the same survey report, it revealed that for the same period last year where MBC covered 45 government offices, the OMB got only a net satisfaction rate of -51.4% translated into 67.7% dissatisfied and 16.2% satisfied.

The MBC has been conducting the survey among the senior executives of its member companies since 1989. In July 1993, MBC added government agencies in its survey. Its aim is to measure the level of perception in the performance of government agencies. The OMB was only included in the MBC list in July 2010.

Ombudsman launches Complaint and Case Monitoring System
24 August 2012

The Office of the Ombudsman has started implementing its Complaint and Case Monitoring System (CCMS) since 01 August 2012 to improve the agency’s efficiency and responsiveness in the handling and monitoring of cases and complaints.

The CCMS is part of the approved Information Systems Strategic Plan (ISSP) of the Office of the Ombudsman for 2012 to 2014 and in line with the agency’s 7-year Roadmap (8-Point Priorities) for 2011-2018. The release of Office Order No. 183, series of 2012, entitled “Prescribing the General Guidelines on Case Evaluation and Records Management in the Office of the Ombudsman” paved the way for the launching of the CCMS.

Prior to the implementation of the CCMS, the offices and sectors within the agency used different systems and databases that caused difficulty in tracking the status of the complaints and cases.

The CCMS aims to centralize the data of the different offices and sectors and give a solid platform that can efficiently search cases, generate reports, and track the status of cases.

Compared to acquiring third-party software that may cost millions of pesos, the CCMS is a cost-efficient and secure solution because it was developed in-house or internally without the need for outsourcing the software development. It is also based on open-source software, thus reducing development cost. System updates and troubleshooting will be quick, precise and inexpensive.

Confidentiality is also ensured because it is an internal system exclusively for the use of authorized users on a need-to-know basis. The in-house development of the system adds assurance that the data is kept internally and reduces the risk of leaking very valuable information, aside from the added security features in the system itself and in the agency’s network infrastructure.

Ombudsman wins graft case vs labor arbiter
17 August 2012

     The Office of the Ombudsman won the graft case filed against a labor arbiter, after the Sandiganbayan found him guilty of violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act).

     In a 19-page Decision promulgated on August 7, 2012 penned by Associate Justice Teresita Diaz-Baldoz and concurred in by Associate Justices Napoleon Inoturan and Oscar Herrera Jr., the Sandiganbayan’s Second Division sentenced Ricardo G. Barrios Jr., labor arbiter of the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), assigned in Cebu City, to suffer the penalty of imprisonment ranging from six years and one month as minimum, to nine years, one month and one day as maximum.

    The anti-graft court imposed upon Barrios the additional penalty of perpetual disqualification from holding public office, and also ordered him to pay Eduardo Abella the amount of P25,000.

     The case against Barrios arose when he modified a Court of Appeals (CA) resolution (Philippine Telegraph & Telephone Corporation vs. NLRC and Eduardo Abella), which had become final and executory.

   The CA decision granted Abella separation pay, backwages, back-leave benefits, back-13th month pay, and other back allowances and bonuses, in the total amount of more than P1.4 million.

     In Barrios’ order dated December 9, 2005, PT&T was directed to pay Abella only separation pay in the amount of P113,000.

     Abella filed a complaint-affidavit against Barrios before the Office of the Ombudsman for corrupt practices by depriving him of the other benefits due him.

     During trial, Abella testified that Barrios asked him how much was his if the award is raised from P1,060,000 to P1,326,000.

     When he told Barrios that he could only afford P20,000, the latter said it was “gamay” or small.

     Hence, Abella increased the amount to P30,000. On his way out of the room, Barrios asked him if he had some cash with him because he needed it very badly.

     Abella gave Barrios P1,500 and left the room. After a few days, the writ of execution was already issued, for the bigger amount of more than P1.4 million.

     In its Decision, the anti-graft court stated that a decision that has attained finality becomes the law of the case regardless of any claim that is erroneous, and that the writ of execution must conform to the judgment to be executed and adhere strictly to the very essential particulars.

     The court found that Barrios’ criminal liability “has been sufficiently established, not because the accused failed to adduce evidence in his behalf, but because the evidence presented by the prosecution is strong enough to overcome the presumption of his innocence.”

Ombudsman indicts Cebu Governor over Balili land deal
20 July 2012

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the filing of criminal Informations against Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia in connection with the controversial P98.9 million Balili land deal in 2008.

In a resolution with addendum signed on July 13, 2012, Ombudsman Morales found probable cause to indict Garcia for violating Section 3(g) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), and for technical malversation punishable under Article 220 of the Revised Penal Code.  Ombudsman Morales also found probable cause to indict Garcia, Board Member Juan Bolo, Cebu Provincial Appraisal Committee (CPAC) members Anthony Sususco, Roy Salubre and Eulogio Pelayre, Provincial Budget Officer Emme Gingoyon, and private respondents Romeo Balili and Amparo Balili for violating Section 3(e) of RA 3019.

The criminal Informations were filed this afternoon with the Sandiganbayan.

The charges as against Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez, Jr. were dismissed on account of his death, while those as against Mariflor Vero, Pilar Yburan, Michelle Languido, Roger Dumayac, Victor Maambong, Julian Daan, Agnes Magpale, Jose Maria Gastardo, Wilfredo Caminero, Peter John Calderon, Joven Mondigo, Jr., Teresita Celes, Rosemarie Durano, Wenceslao Gakit, Alfred Francis Ouano and Bea Mercedes Calderon were dismissed for insufficiency of evidence.  The charges of plunder (Republic Act 7080) and violation of Section 3(a) of RA 3019 against the respondents were also dismissed for insufficiency of evidence.

The case stemmed from three separate complaints filed in 2010 by Manuel Manuel, Crisologo Saavedra, and the Public Assistance and Corruption Prevention Office of Ombudsman Visayas on the alleged anomalous purchase by the Cebu provincial government of the Balili property in Naga, Cebu.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) dated April 21, 2008 covered eleven (11) parcels of land spanning a total area of 249,246 square meters, with the purchase price pegged at P400 per square meter or a total sum of P99,698,400, of which P98,926,800 was already paid by the Cebu provincial government.

Under the MOA, the purchase was for the purpose of providing a “good opportunity for the Province of Cebu to develop and cater to the needs of any interested investors.”

The Resolution stated that the provincial government of Cebu “did not have any fund specifically appropriated for the said purpose” in its approved annual budget for 2008 embodied in Appropriation Ordinance No. 2007-15.

On Garcia’s use of the funds specifically appropriated for “Site Development and Housing Program,” the Resolution explained that the funds intended for “Site Development and Housing Program” contemplates furtherance of the province’s housing program, and that the declared purpose in the MOA definitely is not germane to this program.

The Resolution pointed out that the verification survey conducted by the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Central Visayas classified most of the Balili property as timberland and observed that a large portion thereof (about 196,696 square meters) were submerged in seawater, hence cannot be used for the purposes for which they were acquired.

The Resolution further stated that the concerted acts of (i) Bolo, in his unusual interest in all stages of the transaction (i.e., sponsorship of Resolutions authorizing Garcia to enter into a MOA, preparation of the Deed of Sale, facilitation of the payment of the purchase price); (ii) Sususco, Salubre and Pelayre, in deliberately omitting in the CPAC report the true status of the land and blatantly disregarding the documents submitted by the Technical Working Group; (iii) Garcia, in entering into the contract without no public fund available for the purchase; (iv) Gingoyon, in certifying the availability of funds despite the fact that no appropriation was available therefor and illegally disbursing the fund allotted for site development and housing program, all consequently gave Amparo Balili and Romeo Balili unwarranted benefits.

D.O. Mosquera is new Environmental Ombudsman
12 July 2012

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales designated Deputy Ombudsman (DO) for Luzon Gerard Mosquera as the new Environmental Ombudsman.

In the same Office Order dated July 6, 2012, Ombudsman Morales also designated Atty. Raquel Rosario Cunanan-Marayag, Officer-in-Charge of the Public Assistance and Corruption Prevention Bureau of the Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon as Assistant Environmental Ombudsman, and 26 other Ombudsman lawyers as members of the Environmental Team of Investigators and Prosecutors (Environmental Team).

Ombudsman Morales reactivated the Environmental Team pursuant to an existing Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Office and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) for the proper implementation and enforcement of environmental laws.

The Environmental Team shall handle all cases involving violation of environmental laws or concerning environmental protection that will be filed with the Office.

As Environmental Ombudsman, DO Mosquera “shall act as the reviewing/ recommending authority in such cases undergoing preliminary investigation and administrative adjudication,” while Atty. Marayag, as Assistant Environmental Ombudsman, “shall act as the reviewing /recommending authority in such complaints undergoing field investigation. In both instances, the Ombudsman remains the final approving authority.”

Ombudsman Morales also directed DO Mosquera to “keep an updated list of complaints and cases involving environmental violations, issues or concerns, and monitor them including the implementation of sanctions, if any.”

Ombudsman charges Razon, PNP officers for alleged "Ghost Repairs" of light armored vehicles
11 July 2012

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales approved yesterday a fact-finding report recommending the conduct of preliminary investigation and administrative adjudication against former Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Avelino Razon, Jr., other PNP officials and private individuals in connection with the alleged “ghost repairs” of twenty-eight (28) V-150 Light Armored Vehicles in 2007 amounting to more than P400 Million.

Finding enough evidence to file criminal and/or administrative charges, the Fact-Finding Investigation Bureau (FFIB) of the Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for Military and Other Law Enforcement Offices (MOLEO) filed today an Affidavit-Complaint for violation of Republic Act (RA) No. 7080 (Plunder law), RA 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), RA 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act), Malversation thru Falsification of Public Documents (Revised Penal Code) against Razon, former PDDG Reynaldo Varilla, PD Charlemagne Alejandrino, former PCSupt. Ray Roderos, PCSupt. Mario San Diego, former PCSupt. Teodorico Lapuz, PSSupt. Emmanuel Ojeda, PSSupt. Reuel Leverne Labrado, PCInsp. Analee Forro, PSupt. Edgar Paatan, PSupt. Henry Duque, SPO4 Victor Puddao, PSupt. Josefina Dumanew, PSSupt. Victor Agarcio, PSupt Warlito Tubon, SPO4 Alfredo Laviña, NUP Eulito Fuentes, former PDir. Geary Barias, former PDir. Eliseo Dela Paz, PSSupt. Rainier Espina, NUP Alex Barrameda, NUP Patricia Enaje, NUP Maria Teresa Narcise, NUP Nancy Basallo, PNP Accounting Division Chief Antonio Retrato, PNP Resident COA Supervising Auditor Jaime Serrano, Technical Audit Specialist Amor Quiambao, and 12 private individuals who acted as  suppliers/bidders.

In the same Affidavit Complaint, the incumbent public officials and employees were likewise charged with Grave Misconduct and Serious Dishonesty.

The FFIB alleges, among others, that there were (i) “ghost delivery” of engines and transmissions (ii) no records of waste materials to indicate that the engines and parts have been actually replaced, (iii) irregularities in the whole procurement process, such as the lack of bidding documents to possible bidders, lack of pre-procurement conference, lack of pre-bid conference, and lack of post-qualification.
        Ombudsman Morales today constituted a Special Panel of Investigators, composed of Acting Director Manuel Soriano, Jr., Atty. Julita Calderon, CPA, Atty. Maria Theresa Lee-Rafols, Atty. Emerita Francia, CPA, CFE, and Atty. Myla Teona Teologio, to conduct and complete the preliminary investigation and administrative adjudication within 45 days.

Ombudsman preventively suspends 2 Quezon City councilors
09 July 2012

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the preventive suspension of Quezon City councilors Francisco Calalay, Jr. and Roderick Paulate, and Liaison Officers Flordeliza Alvarez and Vicente Bajamunde, in connection with the administrative case filed against them for allegedly hiring “ghost employees.”   

The four are facing charges of Serious Dishonesty, Gross Neglect of Duty, Grave Misconduct, Falsification of Official Documents, and Conduct Grossly Prejudicial to the Best Interest of Service, before the Office of the Ombudsman.

In an 11-page Order signed on July 5, 2012, Ombudsman Morales found sufficient grounds to place them under preventive suspension for six (6) months without pay. 

The Order found “strong evidence of guilt on the part of the respondents  x x x [as t]he respondent City Councilors’ indorsement of these contractual employees to the Legislative Department and their attestation that these employees rendered services, tend to show that they knowingly or willfully used their positions in placing under the employ of the local government of Quezon City, several ghost employees, and receiving their salaries, wages and other emoluments for their own personal gain[; and] for respondent Alvarez and Bajamunde, as liaison officers, they allowed themselves to be used by the respondent City Councilors when they collected and received the salaries, wages and other emoluments of these contractual ghost employees” who occupy positions like district coordinators, field investigators, and office aides.   

Complainant Field Investigation Office alleges that the National Statistics Office (NSO) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have no records of birth or records of NBI Clearances, respectively, of a number of these contractual persons.  Moreover, barangay chairmen, barangay employees and some barangay residents of the place where the contractual employees supposedly reside, claim, by way of certifications and sworn statements, that the latter are not residents thereof, or that their declared addresses are not found thereat, or that they are not registered voters in the barangay.

Ombudsman wins bribery case vs. Sarangani prosecutor & aide
26 June 2012

        The Office of the Ombudsman won the bribery case filed against Alfredo Barcelona, Jr., provincial prosecutor of Sarangani province, and Violeto Novio, his personal assistant, after the Sandiganbayan found them guilty of Direct Bribery as defined and penalized under Article 210 of the Revised Penal Code.

        In a 23-page decision penned by Associate Justice Alexander Gesmundo and concurred in by Associate Justices Roland Jurado and Napoleon Inoturan, the Sandiganbayan’s Fifth Division sentenced Barcelona and Novio to suffer the indeterminate penalty of imprisonment of two years, 11 months and 10 days of prision correccional medium to five years, five months and 11 days of prision correccional maximum; with fine of P15,000 each.

        The anti-graft court also imposed upon Barcelona the additional penalty of special temporary disqualification.

        The Court found that Barcelona connived with Novio in demanding and receiving P5,000 from Ludivico Ripdos, the Chief of Police of Glan, Sarangani province in consideration of the prosecutor’s act to exclude Ripdos as respondent in a criminal case filed before the prosecutor’s office.

        On July 26, 2004, Novio was arrested in an entrapment operation by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents after he was caught red-handed receiving the marked money. After the arrest, Novio gave a sworn statement that he was ordered by Barcelona to receive the money.

        In its ruling, the Court held that there is competent evidence to sufficiently prove that Barcelona and Novio conspired with each other.

        On Barcelona’s claim that he merely instructed Novio to get the records of a pending case from Ripdos, the Court found “no credible reason why Novio (a personal friend of Barcelona), a person without authority and who was not even employed in the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office, was ordered by Barcelona to get [the] records from Ripdos’ office.”

        The Court also found it “puzzling why Barcelona did not ask for the records from the NBI when x x x Barcelona admitted that on July 26, 2004 he had knowledge that the records were with the NBI [.]”

Ombudsman resolves 2nd batch of “Tax Credit Scam” cases
06 July 2012

            Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the filing of criminal charges before the Sandiganbayan against 17 officials of the Department of Finance (DOF) and several private individuals for their involvement in a series of  “tax credit scam” from 1993 to 1998.

            In an 88-page Resolution, Ombudsman Morales ordered the filing of Informations for Violation of Sec. 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) and Estafa thru Falsification of Public Documents (Art. 315 in relation to Arts. 171 and 172 of the Revised Penal Code) against former Undersecretary Antonio Belicena; former Deputy Executive Director Uldarico Andutan Jr.; reviewers Asuncion Magdaet, Jane Aranas and Rowena Malonzo; and evaluators Sylvialina Daguimol, Mark Binsol, Annabelle Diño, Merose Tordesillas, Charmelle Recoter, Marife Cabadin, Gemma Abarra, Emelita Tizon, Gregoria Evangelio, Purita Napeñas, Cherry Gomez, and Ma. Cristina Moncada, all of the DOF.

            Also charged were officials of private corporation Filipino Way, and its purported supplier-companies: Filsyn Corp., Hi-Lon Manufacturing Co., Inc., Manila Bay Spinning Mills, Inc., Wise and Co. Inc., Bush Boake Allen Philippines, Inc., Dragon Textiles Mills, Inc., Steel Asia Manufacturing Corp., and Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp.

            The Resolution found that the above-named officials of the DOF’s One Stop Shop-Inter Agency Tax Credit and Duty Drawback Center  (Center) conspired with one another and with the officials of the above-named private companies in giving unwarranted benefits through manifest partiality and evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence to Filipino Way and to said private persons by granting  a total of 83 tax credit certificates (TCCs) amounting to P202,443,563 in favor of Filipino Way.

            Records revealed that of the said amount, about P101,881,374 were utilized by Filipino Way to pay its own tax liabilities, while about P90,046,858 worth of tax credits were transferred to the other companies.

            It was found out that Filipino Way has “no physical or legal existence,” and that its purported proprietor Richard Noriegas is a fictitious person. This makes it improbable for the transferees to be Filipino Way’s suppliers of capital equipments, raw materials or components. It also submitted spurious or simulated export declarations, bills of lading, bank credit memos, export sales invoices, supply agreements and deeds of assignment to make it appear that it is entitled to tax credits.

            The Center was created under Administrative Order No. 226 dated February 7, 1992 primarily to process tax credit and duty drawback applications as incentives to BOI-registered enterprises. The said incentives consist of government refund payments on duties and taxes.

            The case stemmed from a complaint filed by the Special Presidential Task Force 156 (SPTF 156) that was created in 1999 “to review, investigate, and gather evidence necessary to successfully prosecute irregularities committed at the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Bureau of Customs, and other Government Agencies under or attached to the Department of Finance.”

            It can be recalled that in the first set of “tax credit scam” cases resolved in March 2012, Ombudsman Morales dismissed from the service 13 DOF officials including Belicena and Andutan, for defrauding the government of  P82M and P74.84M arising from the “tax credit scam” from 1994 to 1998.            The said officials were found guilty of Grave Misconduct and were meted the penalty of dismissal from the service, with accessory penalties of cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and perpetual disqualification from re-employment in the government service. Since Belicena had already retired from the government service, he was meted the accessory penalties. The Ombudsman also ordered in the same previous Resolution the filing of 20 counts of Violation of Sec. 3 (e) of RA 3019 and 20 counts of Estafa thru Falsification of Public Documents.

Ombudsman scores win as Sandiganbayan sentences ex-Cavite mayor, aides to 24 years
02 July 2012

            The Office of the Ombudsman scored another win following a Sandiganbayan decision finding Alberto Ambagan Jr., former mayor of Amadeo, Cavite, and several others, guilty of two counts of homicide for the murder of SPO2 Reynaldo Santos and Domingo Bawalan in 2004.

            Ambagan, now a provincial board member, along with former municipal councilor Michael Malabanan, and Civil Security Unit (CSU) members Celestino Garcia and Roger Causaren were sentenced to suffer the indeterminate penalty of 6 years and 1 day of prision mayor as minimum, to 12 years and 1 day of reclusion temporal as maximum for each of the two counts.

            In an 83-page ruling penned by First Division Chairperson and Associate Justice Efren dela Cruz, and concurred in by Associate Justices Rodolfo Ponferrada and Rafael Lagos, the Court also ordered the accused to pay the families of Santos and Bawalan in the amounts of P2,535,854.32 and P140,000, respectively.

            Other CSU members Alberto Angcanan, Juanito Loyola, Melanio b***t, Flor Amparo and Rosendo Causaren, who were charged as accomplices, were acquitted for failure to prove their guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Earlier, the Court, in an October 15, 2008 resolution dismissed the case against Reo Rojales on demurrer to evidence, and against Domingo Villasis by reason of extinction of his criminal liability occasioned by his death.

            Court records showed that Santos, then head of the Intelligence and Investigation Division of the Cavite Provincial Mobile Group, apprehended Ambagan’s men carrying short and long firearms in Barangay Tamacan, Amadeo town on July 5, 2004.           

            Ambagan approached Santos and requested the latter that they just settle the problem. Santos replied that the mayor should just wait for Superintendent Benigno Cabillo, the immediate superior of Santos.           

            The mayor repeatedly made the same request, but Santos stood pat and rejected his demand.

            Ambagan then got angry and said: “Sige ‘yan pala ang gusto mo. Mga kasama, banatan na ninyo iyan.”

            Thereupon, the first gunshot was fired, followed by successive gunshots from Ambagan’s menâ€"Malabanan, Garcia and Causaren.

            Leandro Causaren, Rene Amparo, Edrelin John Jamon, Santos and Domingo died instantly in the shooting incident which lasted for about five minutes. The first three were from the group of Ambagan.           

            Autopsy examinations showed that Santos sustained 16 gunshot wounds while Domingo had four.

            In its ruling, the Court found that Ambagan induced, commanded and ordered his men to attack, assault, and shoot the victims.

            Supt. Cabillo testified that Santos informed him through a text message about the arrest and seizure of the firearms and that Ambagan was at the area requesting for a settlement.

            The ruling stated that the “empty shells were examined twice, first by the National Headquarters of the PNP [Philippine National Police], and second, by the Firearms and Identification Division.” Both tests, according to the Court, found that several shells were fired from one and the same .45 caliber pistol licensed to Malabanan.

            The Court also gave weight to the testimony of Ronnel Bawalan, the brother of Bawalan and cousin-in-law of Santos, who saw the events unfold since he was near the crime site.

Ombudsman Morales reactivates Environmental Team
09 May 2012

          Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales reactivated the Office’s Environmental Team of Investigators and Prosecutors pursuant to its commitment under the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) in 2004.

             â€œPursuant to our commitment…to address the need to conserve, protect and restore our life support systems through the proper implementation or enforcement of existing environmental laws, there is a need to reconstitute our Environment Team…to be headed by the Environment Ombudsman,” Ombudsman Morales said in a memorandum.

               The OMB had inked a MOA with the IBP on February 3, 2004 to address environmental concerns.

            Assistant Ombudsman Asryman T. Rafanan said that “the Team will handle cases filed before this office against government officials and individuals accused of violating environmental laws.”         

           The launching of the Environmental Team was announced during the short program at the Indignation Rally against corruption on May 9, 2012 at the Quezon Memorial Circle, as part of the Ombudsman Anniversary activities.

On “Chopper” Case: Ombudsman files 4 criminal cases; dismisses and suspends PNP officers
07 June 2012

            The Office of the Ombudsman filed with the Sandiganbayan yesterday afternoon a graft case against former Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Jesus Verzosa, other PNP officers and personnel, and private individuals including former First Gentleman (FG) Jose Miguel Arroyo for their involvement in the controversial procurement of PNP helicopters.           

            Fourteen (14) PNP officials and personnel were also dismissed from the service, while six (6) PNP officials and personnel were suspended from the service for six months without pay.           

            In a 143-page Joint Resolution approved on June 1, 2012, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales found probable cause to indict:

(a) for Violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act),  former FG Arroyo, former PNP chief Verzosa, Hilario “Larry” de Vera, President and Managing Head of Manila Aerospace Products Trading Corporation (MAPTRA Corporation), P/Dir. Luizo C. Ticman, P/Dir. Ronald D. Roderos, P/Dir. Romeo C. Hilomen, P/Dir. Leocadio Salva Cruz Santiago Jr., P/Supt. Ermilando O. Villafuerte, P/Supt. Roman E. Loreto, P/DDG Jefferson P. Soriano, P/CSupt. Herold G. Ubalde, P/CSupt. Luis L. Saligumba, P/SSupt. Job Nolan D. Antonio, P/Dir. George Q. Piano, P/SSupt. Edgar B. Paatan, P/SSupt. Mansue N. Lukban, P/CInsp. Maria Josefina Vidal Reco, P/SSupt. Claudio DS Gaspar Jr., P/SSupt. Larry D. Balmaceda, SPO3 Ma. Linda A. Padojinog, PO3 Avensuel G. Dy, Non-Uniformed Personnel (NUP) Ruben S. Gongona;

(b)  for one (1) count of Falsification of Public Document under Article 171, par. (4), Revised Penal Code (RPC), P/Dir. Ronald D. Roderos; 

(c)  for one (1) count of Falsification of Public Document under Article 171, par. (4), RPC, P/Dir. George Q. Piano, P/SSupt. Luis L. Saligumba, P/SSupt. Job Nolan D. Antonio, P/SSupt. Edgar B. Paatan; and

(d)  for one (1) count of Falsification of Public Document under Article 171, par. (4), RPC, P/SSupt. Mansue N. Lukban and PO3 Avensuel G. Dy.

             The three falsification cases relate to three documents which declare that the two helicopters have conformed to the specifications set by the National Police Commission (Napolcom), passed the acceptance criteria, and passed the necessary inspection.

            Meanwhile, the charges of Falsification by Private Individual and Use of Falsified Document under Article 172 of the RPC and violation of Section 65(c)(2) of Republic Act No. 9184 against Hilario de Vera were dismissed for lack of jurisdiction to conduct preliminary investigation against him, he being a private individual.

            Likewise dismissed was the charge of violation of the Section 3(e) of R.A. 3019 against former DILG Secretary Ronaldo V. Puno, former DILG Assistant Secretary Oscar F. Valenzuela, Napolcom Director Conrado L. Sumanga Jr., Napolcom Commissioner Miguel G. Coronel, Napolcom Commissioner Celia Sanidad-Leones, former PNP Director General and Napolcom Commissioner Avelino L. Razon Jr., P/SSupt. Joel Crisostomo DL Garcia, SPO3 Jorge B. Gabiana, PO3 Dionisio Jimenez, NUP Erwin O. Chavarria, NUP Emilia A. Aliling, NUP Erwin Paul Maranan and P/SSupt. Lurimer Detran, for lack of probable cause.

            Also dismissed for lack of probable cause were the charges of Section 3 (g) of R.A. 3019 and Falsification of Public Document under Article 171, par. 2 of the RPC, and the charge of Falsification of Public Document under Article 171, par. (4) of the RPC, relative to two other assailed documents.     

            The charge of Obstruction of Justice under Presidential Decree 1829 against Rep. Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo was dismissed by reason of his death.

            In the same Joint Resolution, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales found the following administratively liable:

(a)  for Serious Dishonesty and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service,  P/Dir. Leocadio Salva Cruz Santiago, Jr., P/Supt. Ermilando Villafuerte, P/Supt. Roman E. Loreto, P/CSupt. Herold G. Ubalde, P/CSupt. Luis L. Saligumba, P/SSupt. Job Nolan D. Antonio, P/Dir. George Q. Piano, P/SSupt Edgar B. Paatan, P/SSupt. Mansue N. Lukban, P/CInsp. Maria Josefina Vidal Reco, P/SSupt. Claudio DS Gaspar Jr., SPO3 Ma. Linda A. Padojinog, PO3 Avensuel G. Dy, and NUP Ruben S. Gongona were meted the penalty of Dismissal from the Service, including the accessory penalties of forfeiture of retirement benefits and perpetual disqualification to hold public office, provided that if the penalty can no longer be served by reason of resignation or retirement, the alternative penalty of Fine equivalent to one year salary is imposed in addition to the abovementioned accessory penalties; and

(b)  for Simple Neglect of Duty, P/SSupt. Joel Crisostomo DL Garcia, SPO3 Jorge B. Gabiana, PO3 Dionisio Jimenez, NUPs Erwin O. Chavarria, Emilia A. Aliling, and Erwin Paul Maranan were meted the penalty of Suspension from the Service for six (6) months without pay, provided that if the penalty can no longer be served by reason of resignation or retirement, the alternative penalty of Fine equivalent to their respective salaries for six months shall be imposed.

             Meanwhile, the administrative charges against Conrado L. Sumanga Jr., Miguel G. Coronel and Celia Sanidad-Leones were dismissed.

            The case arose from the PNP’s purchase from MAPTRA of one fully-equipped Robinson R44 Raven II Light Police Operational Helicopter (LPOH) for P42,312,913.10) and two standard Robinson R44 Raven I LPOHs for P62,672,086.90, or for a total amount of P104,985,000 from 2009 to 2010.

            The Special Investigating Panel, composed of Acting Director Manuel Soriano, Jr. (chairperson), Acting Director Omar Sagadal (member), and Director Dennis Garcia (member), found, among other things, that (i) MAPTRA did not possess the technical and financial eligibility required by law; (ii) MAPTRA delivered only one brand new Robinson Raven II LPOH while the two delivered Robinson Raven I LPOHs were actually pre-owned by the former FG Arroyo, and/or non-compliant with the set requirements such as endurance/ventilating system and valid/existing engine warranties, causing undue injury to the government in the amount of at least P34,632,187.50 representing the overpriced figure; (iii) PNP entered into the helicopter supply contract with MAPTRA even before the completion of the post-qualification process; and (iv) MAPTRA was just a marketing arm and not the authorized dealer of brand new R44 Raven 1 units.           

            The Joint Resolution stated that the anomaly could not have been possible without the participation of the respondent public officials and personnel as well as that of respondents former FG Arroyo and MAPTRA President De Vera.

Failure to file SALN carries stiff penalties â€" Ombudsman
19 June 2012

            The Office of the Ombudsman reminded government employees anew to take the duty of filing their annual Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Networth (SALN) seriously.

            The Office issued the call following the May 17, 2012 Decision of the Sandiganbayan that convicted Danilo Collantes, former Provincial Engineer for the Province of Rizal, of two counts of Violation of Sec. 8(a) in relation to Sec. 11 of Republic Act 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees) for his failure to file his SALNs for the years 2001 and 2002.

            Records of the case showed that Collantes started his employment as Supervising Civil Engineer I with the Rizal Provincial Government in July 1986. He was Provincial Engineer from June 1998 until his retirement in June 2004, with an annual income of P277,008 or a monthly income of P23,084.

            Certifications duly issued by the Human Resources Management Office for the Province of Rizal, the Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon and the Integrated Records Division of the Civil Service Commission state that Collantes failed to file his SALN for the years 2001 and 2002.

            Collantes was ordered to submit his counter-affidavit and other controverting evidence but failed to comply with said directive.

            During trial, respondent initially entered a “not guilty” plea but later pleaded guilty to the offense charged.

            Hence, the Sandiganbayan First Division rendered a Decision finding him guilty beyond reasonable doubt. He was sentenced to pay a fine of P5,000 for each case, with subsidiary imprisonment in case of insolvency.

            Assistant Ombudsman Asryman T. Rafanan cited that Sec. 8 of RA 6713 mandates “all public officials and employees, except those in an honorary capacity, laborers and casual or temporary workers” to file their SALNs “within 30 days after assumption of office; on or before April 30, of every year thereafter; and within 30 days after separation from the service.”

            AO Rafanan warned that under Sec. 11 of RA 6713, violation of Section 8 thereof is “punishable with imprisonment not exceeding five (5) years, or a fine not exceeding five thousand pesos (P5,000), or both, and, in the discretion of the court of competent jurisdiction, disqualification to hold public office.”

DO Mosquera bares plans for OMB-Luzon
15 June 2012

          Newly-appointed Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon Gerard Mosquera vows to strengthen OMB-Luzon’s field investigation and the prosecution of cases to increase its chances of securing a conviction in support of the eight-point roadmap of the Office of the Ombudsman.

          Speaking during the Office of the Ombudsman’s weekly radio program, “Ombudsman Ngayon”, DO Mosquera likened the two components to a double-barreled shotgun. “Kung malakas ang ebidensiyang nakalap ng field investigators, at mahuhusay ang ating mga prosecutors, mas malaki ang chances to secure convictions”. “Ombudsman Ngayon” airs every Wednesday, 10-11 am over government-run radio station DZRB- Radyo ng Bayan (738 khz).

          He said that upon his assumption as DO for Luzon, his observation was that “we have a very strong manpower complement”, although he was quick to acknowledge that OMB-Luzon may need around 20 â€" 30 lawyers to attain and sustain a zero-backlog in the disposition of cases, which is among Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales’ eight-point agenda.

          DO Mosquera also said he has ordered an inventory of all pending cases before OMB-Luzon, leading to a mapping of cases, to determine the areas in his jurisdiction where the bulk of said cases originate. He said this will help him ascertain how to prioritize. “Dito natin malalaman kung saan ilalagay ang limited resources na meron tayo to achieve a certain level of impact”, he said.

          He also bared plans to promote ongoing reforms in OMB-Luzon, “may konting innovation, konting addition”, to make it more effective.

          He said he also intends to aggressively pursue at the OMB-Luzon the “Oplan Multo sa Gobyerno”, one of the pioneer anti-corruption programs of Ombudsman Morales now being implemented at the OMB Central Office. The program aims to weed the bureaucracy of ghost employees. He said though that it has to undergo review to make it “custom-fit” into the needs of OMB-Luzon because of its unique geographical framework.

          The former Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) Commissioner said his appointment as DO for Luzon is both a blessing and an opportunity to help in the battle against graft and corruption which is now gaining ground.

          He said it is also a great challenge “especially since Ombudsman Morales has set a very high standard in the battle against corruption and it is a unique honor and privilege to serve under her at this precise period in our country’s history”.

          DO Mosquera said he intends to promote a whistle-blowing culture by encouraging well-meaning civic-minded citizens to report through text or email corrupt activities particularly ghost employees in government agencies and unlawful acquisition of wealth by public officials and employees. He said, “pag merong nakitang katiwalian, it’s our civic duty, hindi lang pagkuwentuhan, kung hindi magsumbong, para magkaroon ng pagbabago.”

Ombudsman, World Bank ink MOU
11 June 2012

            The Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) has forged with the Integrity Vice Presidency (INT) of the World Bank Group (WBG) a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as part of their continuing battle against fraud and corruption.

            The MOU was signed by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales and Leonard McCarthy, Vice President, INT of the WBG.

            Under the MOU, the INT of the WBG and the OMB will cooperate closely, as appropriate, with each other and consult each other on a regular basis on matters of mutual interest, in particular, “to provide one another (spontaneously [motu propio] or upon request) with information of relevance for the detection, substantiation and prevention of fraud and corruption in connection with conduct which may constitute a serious crime under national legislation or a sanctionable offense under World Bank rules and policies.”

            It said that the two parties shall undertake joint activities and collaborate when appropriate in each party’s efforts to detect, substantiate and prevent fraud and corruption.

            The two officials agreed that the OMB and the INT of the WBG shall “engage one another on relevant activities which they organize and undertake, and which may be of common interest in the discharge of their mandates.”

            The MOU states that both parties shall provide a mechanism for the reciprocal referral of inquiries and recommendations pertaining to investigations and actions residing within the mandate and jurisdiction of the respective parties; designate contact points to facilitate and expedite the effective and confidential transmission of information exchanged; and meet periodically to identify possible priority areas for cooperation that present common strategic or operational objectives.

            However, the MOU avers that “it is not intended to modify, or create any obligation contrary to, the legal and policy framework of either party and its respective mandate.

            It further states that the activities carried out on the basis of the MOU “shall be without prejudice to the respective privileges and immunities of each party, which are specifically reserved and which may be invoked at any time.”

            The MOU is expected to strengthen programs to enhance good governance, curb graft and corruption, and boost the accountability of public officials.

Ombudsman finds insufficient evidence in bribery, corruption charges in 2004 elections vs. GMA, et al.
06 June 2012

     For insufficiency of evidence, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales dismissed the criminal charges against former President and incumbent Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA) and six other respondents who allegedly, in conspiracy, committed bribery under Articles 210 and 211 of the Revised Penal Code and violated Section 3 (a) and (e) of Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act during the May 2004 elections in Lanao Del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Tawi-Tawi, Sultan Kudarat, and Cotabato City.

     The case stemmed from the complaint filed in August 2011 by Pacasirang Batidor, Ahmare Balt Lucman, Hadji Rashid Limbona and Hadji Abdullah D. Dalidig against GMA, former Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano, former Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Director General and former former Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manger Alfonso Cusi, PPA Manager Efren Ballozos, former Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Agnes Devanadera, former Shariah Circuit Court Judge Nagamura Moner, and former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo.

     The complaint alleges, among other things, that the respondents, during the 2004 May elections in the identified Mindanao areas, provided transportation through the grant of 12 multi-cab vehicles and the use of a helicopter, and distributed envelopes containing money to unidentified election officers, in perpetuation of the alleged electoral fraud.
     
     In the 43-page Resolution approved on May 25, 2012, the Ombudsman found the evidence insufficient since “the complaint contains bare allegations and pieces of evidence that are unsubscribed, unauthenticated and recanted affidavits or statements” which cannot engender a well-founded belief that the crimes have been committed and that the accused are probably guilty thereof and should stand trial.   

     On the allegation of bribery, the Resolution stated that “in bribery, it is essential that the recipient of the bribe is a public officer.  Hence before a prosecutor can declare that there is probable cause for said felony, there should be proof or showing that the recipient is indeed a public officer. In the present case, nothing of that sort appears.  In fact, as already intimated, the supposed recipients of the bribe were not named or sufficiently identified.”

     The Resolution stated that “for conspiracy to exist, two or more persons must come to an agreement concerning the commission of a felony and decide to commit it.”  It explained that the same degree of proof required for establishing the crime is likewise required to support a finding of conspiracy, hence, conspiracy must never be presumed.

Ombudsman awaits investigation result on ‘Grenade Incident’
31 May 2012

The Office of the Ombudsman confirms the report that an M-26 hand grenade encased in a canister was found Wednesday in front of the house fence of the Muntinlupa residence of Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales.

The canister with a note bearing the Ombudsman’s initials “CCM” and an illegible message was discovered just outside the fence adjacent to the house security quarters between 3:00PM to 4:00PM yesterday by one of the two guards stationed at the Ombudsman’s house.

The PNP Southern Police District including the Muntinlupa City Police and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Division are investigating the incident.  The grenade is already in their custody.  They are likewise reviewing the video recording of the CCTV installed in the Ombudsman’s house.

To date, there is yet no conclusive investigative report.

DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo is monitoring the development of the investigation.

In an interview, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, who proceeded in going about her usual tasks today including a meeting outside the office, stated that “these are the risks attendant to the job.”

Coincidentally, a two-day security survey that ended yesterday was conducted in the office premises.  Aimed to determine the office vulnerabilities to security breaches and recommend appropriate security measures, the exercise entailed a veiled attempt to breach the office security, including an unannounced mock planting of explosives at vital areas and the effectiveness of detection by the K-9 unit.

Ombudsman scores victory vs Ex-PNP official
22 May 2012

The Office of the Ombudsman scored another victory after the Sandiganbayan sentenced a former regional director of the Philippine National Police-Eastern Visayas for overcharging funds spent on a building construction in 2001.

Police Chief Supt. Dionisio Coloma was found guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act). He was sentenced to suffer the penalty of imprisonment for 6 years and one day to ten years and perpetual disqualification to hold public office.

In a 44-page decision, penned by Associate Justice Alex Quiroz, the Sandiganbayan’s Third Division found Coloma had overpriced the construction of a Regional Training Site (RTS) in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, causing undue injury to the Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC), a state college in the province.

Concurring with the decision were Presiding Justice Francisco Villaruz, Jr. and Associate Justice Samuel Martires.

Records of the case showed that the officer tagged the building at P5.7 million, when it was only P3.1 million that resulted in a P2.5 million overcharge.

Coloma claimed he did not have any participation in the anomalous construction of the training facilities.

However, according to the documents gathered from the PPSC, Coloma signed the project as an overseer. It was also discovered that Coloma in October 2001 made it appear that the building was nearly done.

But Senior Police Officer 4 Gilbert Concepcion found out in June 2002 that the barracks part of the RTS was not yet completed.

In its ruling, the Court held that the Office of the Special Prosecutor was able to prove that Coloma “acted with evident bad faith in his transactions concerning RTS 9.”

Although the accused (Coloma) may be correct that nowhere in his report did he manifest that the construction of RTS 9 had already been completed, the Court said, “the testimonies of SPO4 Concepcion and Engineer Vacnot yield that upon inspection in June 2002, not even a trace of any excavation for the foundation of the 50 capacity barracks was seen at the training site, contrary to Coloma’s claim that construction thereof had just started.”

“By making himself a signatory to the current accounts and presenting a cost estimate significantly higher than that submitted by Engineer Vacnot, the accused also caused undue injury to the PPSC when the latter lost control of the funds for RTS 9, and only the authorized signatories could enter into transactions with regard to the project,” the Court ruling added.