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PNP-IAS recommends dismissal of 8 Navotas cops over Jemboy’s slay
The Philippine National Police on Friday said its Internal Affairs Service has recommended the dismissal of eight police officers in connection with the “unjust killing” of 17-year-old Jerhode “Jemboy” Baltazar Navotas City last month. In a television interview, PNP-IAS Inspector General Alfegar Triambulo said they have submitted to the National Capital Region Police Office the recommendation for dismissal from the service of Executive Master Sgt. Roberto Balais Jr.; Staff Sergeants Antonio Bugayong Jr., Gerry Maliban and Nikko Pines Esquillon; Cpl. Edmard Jake Blanco; and Pat. Benedict Mangada. Triambulo said team leaders Captains Mark Joseph Carpio and Luisito Dela Cruz were also included in the recommendation for dismissal for serious grave neglect of duty. Carpio and Luisito “did not personally supervise” their team during the police operation which led to the case of mistaken identity. “The IAS recommendation for those involved in the death of the minor Jemboy is dismissal from the service. These six admitted that they really fired their guns and according to the witness, were directly aimed at Jemboy so this is the reason why the minor died because he was hit by a bullet),” Triambulo said in Filipino. These police officers will have benefits forfeited upon dismissal. Also, their eligibility would be revoked, and would be perpetually disqualified from holding any other government posts. ### The post PNP-IAS recommends dismissal of 8 Navotas cops over Jemboy’s slay appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
OSG special team formed to study legal options on WPS
Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra yesterday said a special team was formed that will study and propose legal and diplomatic options over the disputed West Philippine Sea. He said the team is composed of solicitors with expertise in public international law, the law of the sea and other maritime laws, and international arbitration. The SolGen said they formed a special team of solicitors to study and propose legal and diplomatic options for handling WPS issues with China. Guevarra said that raising the matter to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly is also “one of the options.” However, when asked if the government is leaning towards this option, Guevarra said it would be premature to comment. In May, retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said it is time for the government to submit a resolution to the UN General Assembly to have China comply with the 2016 arbitration ruling that rejected its claims in the West Philippine Sea. The retired SC associate justice is of the belief that the Philippines will “win there.” The Philippines in 2013, challenged China’s legal basis for its vast claim in the South China Sea before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands. The Philippines won the case in a landmark decision in 2016 after the tribunal invalidated Beijing’s assertions. China has stated that they do not recognize the ruling. As for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. the Philippines will not give up an inch of its territory, including the West Philippine Sea, amid the aggression of China in the area. The post OSG special team formed to study legal options on WPS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Del Rosario’s wake open to public
The public may now pay their last respects to Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario whose remains arrived in the country on Saturday as the late diplomat’s family opened the public visitation for his wake on Sunday. Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas blessed the casket of Del Rosario on the first day of his wake at the Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, Makati City. Among those who first visited the wake of Del Rosario were former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales and retired Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio — both convenors of the 1Sambayan, a broad coalition that attempted to form a united opposition for the May 2022 poll. Del Rosario was one of the convenors of the coalition. Meantime, Dr. Inge del Rosario, daughter of the former Secretary of Foreign Affairs, said that his father’s remains arrived in the country from the United States at around 5:30 a.m. on Saturday. “A patriot has returned to his beloved family and his home, the Philippines,” the family’s statement read. Inge confirmed that his father “breathed his last” at the age of 83 on Tuesday, 18 April, while en route to San Francisco with his wife and son-in-law. “While there were valiant attempts to resuscitate him by two doctors who were passengers on the same flight, these efforts were to no avail,” the family said. “Following an investigation by the coroner’s office in San Francisco, California, it was determined that the causes of death of Ambassador del Rosario were cardiac insufficiency, congestive heart failure, and cardiomyopathy. He had suffered a massive heart attack,” it added. According to the family, Del Rosario “died in the arms of his wife of more than 60 years, Gretchen.” The family disclosed that Del Rosario embarked on a trip to California on short notice in hopes to pray at a private devotion to our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. “He was a devotee of the Rosary and sought to pray for better health as he believed he continued to have a mission to fulfill for his country,” they revealed. “He had suffered over the past twenty years from various ailments and had had numerous back and knee surgeries but persevered despite the pain and suffering to serve as Philippine ambassador to the United States and Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs.” Del Rosario stepped down from his post as secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs in 2016, citing health issues. Del Rosario took the helm of the DFA chief for five years. During his stint, he ushered the Philippines’ case against China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration and challenged the latter’s historic nine-dash claim in the South China Sea. On 12 July 2016, The Hague-based arbitral tribunal favored the Philippines’ claims in the West Philippine Sea — a landmark decision that the People’s Republic of China continues to reject. Del Rosario’s family is asking the Filipino people to “pray for the peaceful repose of his soul and for consolation in our time of grief.” “We are deeply proud of our former Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Albert F. del Rosario, and are grateful for the outpouring of support for the family. Our Papa, a loving husband, father and grandfather, a Patriot, has returned home to our Merciful God and rests now in the arms of our Blessed Mother. He is home to stay,” his family said. The post Del Rosario’s wake open to public appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Carpio to act as counsel in ICC case vs Xi
Retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio will stand as legal counsel in the case filed before the International Criminal Court by former Philippine officials against Chinese President Xi Jinping and other Chinese officials over China’s incursions in the South China Sea......»»
Carpio, Morales file 11th case vs terror law
Retired Supreme Court senior associate justice Antonio Carpio and former ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales have joined the petitioners against the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, electronically filing the 11th case against the ATA before the SC yesterday......»»
Retired SC Justice Carpio on ChaCha: “it’s a fraud … we have to oppose this”
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 26 February) – The aim of those who want to change the 1987 Constitution is political rather than economic and this “fraud” must be exposed in various fora and in campuses, retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said on Sunday. “It’s a fraud. That’s why we have to oppose […].....»»
Court of Appeals junks ex- VP Binay’s libel case vs Trillanes
The Court of Appeals has affirmed with finality its decision junking the libel case filed by former vice president Jejomar Binay against former senator Antonio Trillanes IV over his implication that Binay was involved in an alleged P100 million-a-year racket on “ghost” senior citizens......»»
Philippines still has an obligation to cooperate with the ICC — Carpio
Carpio referenced the 2021 case of Pangilinan et al. vs. Cayetano et. al. where the Supreme Court dismissed the petitions to make the withdrawal of the Philippines from the ICC invalid. .....»»
SC asked: Declare secret funds unconstitutional
Retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio led other legal professionals yesterday in filing a petition asking the SC to declare the allocation, release and disbursement of confidential funds as unconstitutional......»»
Rep. Castro will sue former president Duterte for grave threats
Former president Rodrigo Duterte will be sued for grave threat raps by ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro, whom he threatened to kill over issues of confidential funds requested by his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte. Castro said the criminal complaint is scheduled to be filed tomorrow morning before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court with some National Union of Peoples Lawyer members, former Philippine Bar Association head Rico Domingo, and lawyer Antonio La Viña, who volunteered to handle the case. "This is a crime against a person. Former president Duterte's threats should stop," she said in an interview on Monday. The progressive lawmaker has been on the receiving end of Duterte's tirades following the crusade of the Makabayan bloc to strip the VP of multi-million confidential funds from the proposed 2024 budget. VP Duterte sought P500 million and P150 million in confidential funds for OVP and the Department of Education, respectively. The militant group waged a successful battle against the VP's secret funds as the House leadership concurred with their proposal of formally removing it and rather channeled it to agencies in charge of monitoring and protecting the country's national security and territorial rights in the West Philippine Sea. The VP, who claimed her secret funds will be used to promote peace and order, previously accused critics of having "insidious motivations." The OVP and DepEd, which the VP concurrently heads, were among the three civilian agencies, namely the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Department of Information And Communications Technology, awarded zero confidential funds for next year. The former president said Castro would have been the "first target" of his daughter's intelligence fund. "It's time for the Dutertes to stop doing this, especially former president Rodrigo Duterte. He admitted he kills. So, it has to be stopped because it has no place in this society," Castro said. According to Castro, she only did her duties as a lawmaker of scrutinizing the budget, particularly the confidential funds, and the Dutertes should not interpret it as a personal affront. House leaders previously said they would not tolerate Duterte's threats and intimidation of any members of the lower chamber. Moreover, they would back Castro's move to file legal action. The House is also geared up to provide Castro additional security following a death threat from Duterte, according to House secretary general Reginald Velasco. The post Rep. Castro will sue former president Duterte for grave threats appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Argentina court acquits nuns of sex abuse
Two nuns and seven other female employees of an Argentine institute for deaf children were acquitted by a court Wednesday of sexual abuse and rape. The ruling, broadcast on public television, concluded a trial of two-and-a-half years in a case that has shocked the home country of Pope Francis. Two priests in charge of children at the Antonio Provolo center — Horacio Corbacho and Nicola Corradi — have been convicted and handed sentences of more than 40 years each for sexual abuse, including rape, of some 20 minors. The victims were aged four to 17 when the crimes were committed from 2004 to the closure of the institute in 2016. The institution’s gardener, Armando Gomez, has also been jailed for 18 years for sexual abuse, and a former altar boy pleaded guilty to the sexual abuse of five children. Several staff were taken into custody after allegations of abuse first surfaced in 2016, and the institute was shut down. The latest case focused on the alleged abuse of 11 of the children. In the dock were Japanese nun Kumiko Kosaka and Paraguayan Asuncion Martinez, as well as a former cook, a psychologist, a legal representative and school director, and three other employees. Kosaka stood accused of aggravated sexual abuse and covering up the crimes, and Martinez of “corruption of minors,” among other alleged offenses. A panel of three judges on Wednesday acquitted Kosaka, Martinez, and all seven others. Ariel Lizarraga, father of one of the accusers, described the outcome as “total injustice.” The post Argentina court acquits nuns of sex abuse appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
6 police in Navotas teen slay surrender
The six dismissed police officers implicated in the death of 17-year-old Jerhode “Jemboy” Baltazar in a case of mistaken identity have voluntarily surrendered to the authorities in Quezon province, Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief Maj. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr. said yesterday. Caramat said that six dismissed cops namely Executive Master Sgt. Roberto Dioso, Cpl. Edmard Blanco, Pat. Benedict Mangada, and Staff Sgts. Gerry Maliban, Antonio Bugayong, Jr., and Nikko Esquillon, all formerly assigned to the Navotas City police station, voluntarily surrendered around 5 p.m. Wednesday at CIDG Quezon Provincial Field Unit, Camp Guillermo Nakar, Lucena City, Quezon. Caramat said the suspects who voluntarily surrendered themselves in CIDG Quezon PFU are now undergoing the booking process and documentation for proper disposition as all accused are not entitled to bail. The Navotas City Regional Trial Court has ordered the arrest of six dismissed police officers implicated in the death of Baltazar in a case of mistaken identity last August In an order dated 3 October and made public Wednesday, RTC Branch 286 Judge Pedro Dabu Jr. said the court found probable cause to issue a warrant of arrest against Executive Master Sgt. Roberto Dioso, Cpl. Edmard Blanco, Pat. Benedict Mangada, and Staff Sgts. Gerry Maliban, Antonio Bugayong Jr. and Nikko Esquillon. “Considering that the accused stand charged with murder, they are not entitled to bail as a matter of course,” the order added. Navotas City prosecutors filed the murder complaint against the suspects on 15 September. The National Capital Region Police Office earlier approved the Philippine National Police-Internal Affairs Service’s recommendation to dismiss the respondents from the service over the killing of Baltazar. On 2 August, the police officers launched a pursuit operation against a murder suspect when they chanced upon Baltazar, who was then onboard a boat. They then commanded Baltazar and his companion to surrender. However, the victim jumped into the river, prompting law enforcers to fire resulting in his death. The police officers later admitted that Baltazar was not the suspect they were looking for but a certain Reynaldo Bolivar. The post 6 police in Navotas teen slay surrender appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Philandering Quezon City cop nabbed
Members of the anti-scalawag unit of the Philippine National Police have arrested an active Quezon City cop facing a charge of concubinage in Makati City last 30 September. In a belated report yesterday, Brig. Gen. Warren de Leon, chief of the PNP Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group, said the suspect, Master Sergeant Ledesma Mollenido, 36, assigned at the Quezon City Police District was nabbed at a room at Airobez Hotel in Makati located along 5487 Boyle Street. Mollenido was arested by virtue of a warrant issued by Cavite judge Antonio Oyao Del Val last 29 September for concubinage. A P30,000 bail was set for the policeman’s temporary liberty. De Leon said the case was filed by Mollenido’s wife after discovering that her husband was cohabiting with another woman. He said Mollenido was arrested based on a tip-off of the hotel’s supervisor. Mollenido is currently detained at the IMEG custodial facility in Camp Crame “for documentation prior to the return of an arrest warrant to the issuing court,” De Leon said in a statement. The post Philandering Quezon City cop nabbed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
6 cops in teenage slay ordered arrested
The Regional Trial Court of Navotas City has ordered the arrest of six policemen charged with a non-bailable case of murder for the killing of teenager Jerhode “Jemboy” Baltazar last 2 August. The order was issued last Tuesday, 3 Oct. by Judge Pedro T. Dabu Jr. of RTC Branch 286. Ordered arrested were PSSg. Gerry S. Maliban, PSSg. Antonio B. Bugayong Jr., PEMS. Roberto D. Balais Jr., PSSg. Nikko PInes C. Esquillon, PCpl. Edmar Jade S. Blanco and Pat. Benedict D. Mangada — all members of the Navotas City police station. Judge Dabu in his order said “the Court finds probable cause to issue a warrant of arrest against all the above-named accused to place them under the custody of the law in order not to frustrate the ends of justice.” “Considering that the accused stand charged with murder, they are not entitled to bail as a matter of course,” the judge also said. The Department of Justice filed the murder charges before the RTC last Monday, 2 October. Record showed that Baltazar was fishing when he was shot dead last 2 August in Barangay NBBS Kaunlaran in Navotas City. In fending off responsibilities, the policemen claimed that they were conducting follow-up operations against robbers when they mistook the victim as one of the suspects. The post 6 cops in teenage slay ordered arrested appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
U.S. asserts safe WPS passage for all
It has nothing to do with that particular country, or so they claimed rather cautiously and diplomatically. Navies of the Philippines and the United States opened their bilateral naval exercises yesterday, along with six other countries, at Naval Station Jose Andrada on Roxas Boulevard, Manila. The drills involve at-shore events at the Philippine Navy’s headquarters before going out to sea for exercises intended to improve the allied naval forces’ interoperability. Dubbed Exercise Sama-Sama, or Together, the exercise, according to Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci, has nothing to do with a particular country that has figured in increasing tensions in the West Philippine Sea. But Adaci was obviously referring to China whose coast guard had used water cannons on Philippine Coast Guard-led resupply missions to Filipino troops stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal in the WPS. Adaci opened the exercise with US Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Karl Thomas. “The exercise is designed to be conducted here in Manila and the southern Luzon area,” Adaci said. Thomas, for his part, stressed the need to recognize the rules-based international order. Strong word “I think it is important that all nations have a right to sail and operate in the West Philippine Sea — free from worrying about being attacked,” Thomas said. “And attack is probably a strong word.” “I would say, free from being coerced, free from being intimidated. You know we want the commons to be common and open and free. And so long as our nations operate in accordance with the rule of law, in accordance with the rules and regulations, with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” he said. Like Adaci, Thomas did not mention China, but it is common knowledge that the United States military has been conducting “freedom of navigation” patrols to keep the South China Sea open to international commerce. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last week ordered the PCG to cut the 300-meter floating barrier installed by Chinese militia vessels at Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal. PN assets in action A 2016 arbitral ruling deemed China’s territorial claim on nearly the entire South China Sea, including areas that overlap the WPS, invalid. The ruling stemmed from a 2013 case filed by the Philippines against China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration, or PCA, after Beijing seized control of Scarborough Shoal in 2012. As the PCA junked China’s nine-dash line South China Sea claim, it affirmed the Philippines’ entitlement to its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone. Around 700 sailors and marines from different PN units are participating in the exercise, which will see in action, among other assets, the BRP Antonio Luna, and an AW109 naval helicopter. For the second straight year, the exercise will include the navies of Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, France and Australia. They will be participating mainly in humanitarian assistance and disaster response drills. Observers Meanwhile, the Royal New Zealand Navy and the Indonesian Navy are also joining as observers the naval exercise that dates back to 1994 when it was known as Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training. In 2017, its name was changed to Exercise Sama-Sama. Subsequently, the exercise was conducted annually across various regions: In 2017 at Naval Forces Central; in 2018 at Naval Forces Northern Luzon; in 2019 at Naval Forces West; and in 2021 at the Northern Luzon Command. Last year, it was held alongside Exercise Lumbas — the bilateral navy-to-navy exercise between the Philippines and Australia — with the limited participation of France, Japan and the United Kingdom. According to the PN, the primary objective of the exercise is to enhance the capabilities of both nations in responding to regional crises. Additionally, it aims to strengthen its capacities to address non-traditional challenges, including territorial defense, natural and man-made disasters, counterterrorism, maritime security and transnational crimes. The post U.S. asserts safe WPS passage for all appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CA junks hazing accused’s inhibition plea
The Court of Appeals has denied the plea of one of the accused in the fatal hazing of University of Santo Tomas freshman law student Horacio Castillo III seeking to compel Regional Trial Court of Manila City Branch 20 acting presiding judge Shirley Magsipoc- Pagalilauan to inhibit from the case. In a 75-page decision promulgated on 22 September 2023 and written by Associate Justice Rafael Antonio Santos, the appellate court’s First Division held that the claim of Ralph Trangia that the judge acted with grave abuse of discretion in refusing to inhibit has no basis. The CA also did not give weight to Trangia’s claim the alleged failure of the judge to address the issues he raised in his demurrer to evidence shows that she would not be able to decide with utmost partiality. It added that after a careful review of the record of the case and the applicable laws and jurisprudence, it finds that petitioner failed to prove his allegation that the court committed grave abuse of discretion when it denied his motion for inhibition. “Rather it is evident that petitioner’s claim of bias and partiality is merely based on the denial of his Demurrer to Evidence, which in itself is not sufficient to prove that the court a quo acted with bias, bad faith, malice, or corrupt purpose,” said the CA’s decision. “For these reasons, the Court rules that petitioner miserably failed establish that the court a quo acted with manifest impartiality in issuing the assailed Orders,” it added. In denying Trangia’s demurrer, the Manila RTC in an order dated 4 February 2022 held that the evidence presented by the prosecution established all the elements of the offense of hazing as well as the presence and participation of all accused, including petitioner, during the hazing of Castillo by members of the Aegis Juris Fraternity. To recall, Trangia — one of the accused in the death of Castillo — has sought the inhibition of Pagalilauan at the CA on the ground of alleged partiality in denying his motion for demurrer evidence last 24 February 2022, which seeks the immediate dismissal of the case on the ground of insufficiency of evidence. On 10 March 2022, the respondent judge issued an order denying Trangia’s motion prompting the latter to move for the reconsideration of the said order but the same was denied on 28 March 2022. This prompted Trangia to elevate his plea before the CA arguing that Pagalilauan committed grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction in denying his motion for inhibition and the subsequent motion for reconsideration considering that she showed partiality in denying his demurrer to evidence despite clear showing that the prosecution failed to prove its case against him. The post CA junks hazing accused’s inhibition plea appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Use of father’s surname, the child’s decision
The misdeeds or oversights of parents cannot and should not disgrace their children. It is for this basic precept that Philippine laws have granted non-marital children (formerly called “illegitimate” children) a myriad of rights akin to — if not totally similar — those of marital children (formerly called “legitimate” children). Notably, their appellation has been changed to a more appropriate description of their parents’ civil status at the time of their birth rather than the birth’s supposed “legitimacy.” Non-marital children are now permitted to carry their father’s surname upon compliance with requirements set by law and related regulations. While Article 176 of the Family Code of the Philippines provides non-marital children’s successional rights, Republic Act 9255, which took effect in 2004, boosted these rights by allowing them to use their father’s surname if their filiation has been recognized by the latter in accordance with some preconditions. The Philippine Statistics Authority or PSA, consequently, revised the implementing rules of RA 9255 in 2016 to better effectuate the wisdom of the law, especially considering the ruling of the Supreme Court in the case of Grace M. Grande v Patricio T. Antonio (G.R. No. 206248, 18 February 2014), which states that neither the father nor the mother is granted the right to dictate the surname of their non-marital children. Instead, the law gives non-marital children the right to decide whether or not they will use their father’s surname. Just recently, PSA issued Memorandum Circular No. 2023-14, which further revised the implementing rules, providing that prevailing rules shall have retroactive effect for all births occurring within or outside the Philippines where a Filipino is concerned. The Office of the Civil Registrar General also amended the same implementing rules through Administrative Order No. 1, series of 2023, so that existing laws and regulations about the use of non-marital children of the surname of their father shall apply to those born during the effectivity of the Family Code of the Philippines or from 3 August 1988 with (a) unregistered births and (b) registered births, where non-marital children use the surname of their mother. Considering these changes, should non-marital children prefer to use the surname of their father, there must exist an express acknowledgment by the latter of the former through any of the following: (a) affidavit of admission of paternity found at the back of the child’s certificate of live birth; (b) affidavit of acknowledgment; or (c) private handwritten instrument signed by the father with his express recognition of the child as his for the rest of his life. These documents shall be filed before the local civil registry where the birth is registered or, in case of unregistered births, where the child is born. Absent the express acknowledgment from the father, the non-martial child cannot use the father’s surname. How, then, is an admission of paternity filed? The father, mother, or non-marital child of legal age may file the affidavit of admission of paternity or affidavit of acknowledgement. In the case of a private handwritten instrument, the same should be personally filed by the father. If the father is deceased, the private handwritten instrument may be filed by the non-marital child, who is of legal age, or the non-marital child’s mother. Should the local civil registry find the requirements complete and without issue after review, the non-marital child’s new surname shall be annotated on the existing certificate of live birth; it shall not be supplied on the portion intended for the last name. The above rules do not include the assignment of a middle name for a non-marital child. An additional Supplemental Report should be filed to supply the child’s middle name on the certificate of live birth. It must be remembered, however, that the non-marital children’s use of the surname of their father does not necessarily make them marital children in legal contemplation — it plainly permits them to publicly use such surname, e.g., in their identity documents like passport, school and employment records, and other documents. There is a separate process for the conversion of a child’s status from non-marital to marital called legitimation. *** For more of Dean Nilo Divina’s legal tidbits, please visit www.divinalaw.com. For comments and questions, please send an email to cabdo@divinalaw.com. The post Use of father’s surname, the child’s decision appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Joey de Leon’s ‘lubid’ comment entangles ‘E.A.T’, show apologizes to MTRCB
[Trigger warning: Mention of suicide] The management of the noontime show E.A.T has apologized over main host controversial Joey De Leon’s “lubid” (rope) punchline during the show’s Gimme5 segment on 23 September. The game segment required participants to name five things in a given category. During the weekend episode, the category was things that could be worn around the neck. The participant only had necklace as an answer. But De Leon chimed in and said, “Lubid, lubid, nakakalimutan niyo. Lubid (Rope, rope, you forgot. Rope).” De Leon’s grisly remark immediately drew flak on social media, with netizens calling him out for his insensitivity and how it would’ve triggered some viewers going through difficult times. On 27 September, at the Senate finance subcommittee hearing led by Senator Jinggoy Estrada that was discussing the proposed 2024 budget of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board, MTRCB chairperson Diorella “Lala” Sotto-Antonio informed the panel that the producers had “voluntarily” submitted an apology letter to the board after the episode. Lawyer Paul Cases, the chairperson of the MTRCB adjudication board, confirmed that the producers have submitted an apology letter. “We issued a notice of appearance and they did actually apologize for the statement and they submitted a position paper as well. It is now subject to a resolution, the case is pending,” Cases said. In the letter, Jeny Ferrer. E.A.T’s head of creatives and production operations, explained what happened during the show’s now-infamous segment. De Leon’s statement, Ferre said, was conveyed “verbally in a very brief manner without further actions, elaborations or demonstrations. However, some viewers interpreted the utterance of the said object to be an insinuation of suicide, which is a very sensitive and triggering subject.” “In this regard, the whole E.A.T management is regretful and apologetic to those who were offended by the said utterance. Rest assured that we are one with MTRCB in advocating a responsible viewing experience for the public,” Ferre added. This is not the first time E.A.T. has gotten entangled in controversy since its debut in July. On 11 August, the MTRCB summoned Wally Bayola, one of the show’s hosts, for uttering profanity during the Sugod Bahay Mga Kapatid segment the previous day. Bayola immediately apologized on the day the MTRCB called out the show. The MTRCB said it is currently reviewing complaints made against the show. The post Joey de Leon’s ‘lubid’ comment entangles ‘E.A.T’, show apologizes to MTRCB appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DOJ to help 400 Filipino job-seekers duped in Italy
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla yesterday assured the 400 Filipinos allegedly victimized by an Italy-based immigration consultancy firm that the Department of Justice will take the necessary steps to help them. “Affidavits will be taken so they can properly complain and put together a case. Whatever it is, we will help them draw out the truth,” said Remulla, adding that he has assigned Chief State Counsel Dennis Chan "to come up with a few draft affidavits so we can assist these people para di na sila maghahanap ng abogado.” Earlier, some 400 Filipinos who said they were duped into shelling out large sums of money in exchange for employment opportunities in Italy found an ally in Senator Risa Hontiveros who filed a resolution Wednesday calling for an investigation into the alleged recruitment scam. The Daily Tribune has run a series on the alleged scam by Alpha Assistenza SRL, an Italy-based immigration consultancy firm. In Senate Resolution 814, Hontiveros detailed the alleged fraudulent scheme of the immigration consultancy firm that preyed on Filipinos dreaming of working in the European country. “It is alleged that Alpha Assistenza SRL provided over 400 Filipino 'victims' with falsified Nulla Osta, a document issued by Italian immigration authorities authorizing a non-European Union national to apply for a work visa at an Italian embassy or consulate,” the resolution read. “The falsified Nulla Osta resulted in the rejection of the victims’ applications when the said documents were presented to the Italy Visa Application Center (VIA PIASI Center),” it added. The senator said the Filipino applicants were met at the VIA PIASI Center located in Makati City by a Philippine agent designated in electronic messages by Krizelle Respicio, Alpha Assistenza SRL’s chief executive officer and immigration consultant. She said the State is mandated by the Constitution to afford full protection to laborers, both local and overseas, organized and unorganized, and to promote full employment and equality of employment opportunities for all. Hontiveros added: “Because of the principle of territoriality, our statutes are generally only effective within Philippine territory; and there is thus an urgent need to protect Filipinos from possible recruitment perpetuated by companies based overseas.” In an interview on Daily Tribune's digital show "Usapang OFW" last week, several complainants, namely Vanessa Antonio, Enrique Catilo and Apple Cabasis, said Alpha Assistenza SRL headed by Filipino co-CEOs Krizelle Respicio and Frederick Dutaro may have duped more than 400 Filipinos. They also accused Consul General Elmer Cato of ignoring their grievances against Alpha Assistenza SRL. The post DOJ to help 400 Filipino job-seekers duped in Italy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Alleged recruitment scam in Italy reaches Senate
The alleged recruitment scam, facilitated by the Italy-based immigration consultancy firm, Alpha Assistenza SRL, has already reached the Senate. In filing proposed Senate Resolution No. 814, Senator Risa Hontiveros called for an investigation, in aid of legislation, into the alleged recruitment activities conducted by the Alpha Assistenza SRL. In her resolution, Hontiveros detailed the alleged fraudulent scheme of the immigration consultancy firm which has preyed on Filipinos who are dreaming of working in Italy, which was first exposed by the Daily Tribune. “It is alleged that Alpha Assistenza SRL provided over 400 Filipino “victims” with falsified Nulla Osta, a document issued by Italian immigration authorities authorizing a non-European Union national to apply for a work visa at an Italian embassy or consulate,” the resolution read. “The falsified Nulla Osta resulted in the rejection of the victims’ applications when the said documents were presented to the Italy Visa Application Center (VIA PIASI Center),” it added. She continued: “The Filipino applicants were met at the VIA PIASI Center located in Makati City by a Philippine agent designated in electronic messages by Krizelle Respicio, Alpha Assistenza SRL’s Chief Executive Officer and Immigration Consultant.” Hontiveros also said that the “complainants alleged that they had paid the company ‘large sums of money’ to facilitate their relatives’ travel to Italy for work.” “The State is mandated by the Constitution to afford full protection to laborers, both local and overseas, organized and unorganized, and to promote full employment and equality of employment opportunities for all,” she said. “Because of the principle of territoriality, our statutes are generally only effective within Philippine territory; and there is thus an urgent need to protect Filipinos from possible recruitment perpetuated by companies based overseas,” she added. ‘Aware’ Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs said it is aware of the alleged recruitment scam that victimized at least 400 Filipinos both from the Philippines and Italy. In an interview with Daily Tribune, DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza denied the alleged non-action of the Philippine Consulate General in Milan in the victim’s complaints against the supposed scam. “The DFA is aware of the reports,” Daza said. “The Philippine Consulate General in Milan is acting on the complaints.” Victims, who reached out to the Daily Tribune’s digital program, “Usapang OFW,” accused Consul General Elmer Cato of sitting on their complaints against Alpha Assistenza SRL. Daza said the number of victims of the alleged recruitment scam may be higher or lower than the previously reported 400 Filipinos. “The numbers are still being verified,” she said. In a recent interview over the Usapang OFW, the complainants, namely, Vanessa Antonio, Enrique Catilo, and Apple Cabasis, said that the Alpha Assistenza, headed by its Filipino co-CEOs Krizelle Respicio and Frederick Dutaro, may have duped more than 400 Filipinos. DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Eduardo de Vega also denied allegations that Cato had sat on the Filipino communities’ complaints. De Vega said the Philippine Consulate General in Milan received a report on 31 August, and an investigation into the matter is ongoing. “They were interviewing victims and working on cases,” he said in a separate interview. Asked if the DFA is considering making Cato inhibited due to the accusations of the victims, De Vega said: “We are meeting him personally.” The DFA official also noted that they are coordinating with the Department of Migrant Workers and the Migrant Workers Office in Milan on how to proceed with the case. “The complaint is really to be filed with Italian authorities but our Consulate in Milan should assist them,” he said. The Daily Tribune has sought comments from the Italian Embassy in Manila but they had yet to respond as of press time. The post Alleged recruitment scam in Italy reaches Senate appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»