We are sorry, the requested page does not exist
Cops in Jolo shooting hit with administrative complaints
"[Internal Affairs Service of the Philippine National Police] also filed admin cases against three police commissioned officers who are direct superiors of the nine respondents for gross neglect of duty under the doctrine of command responsibility.".....»»
Criminal raps filed vs dog Killua’s killer
Criminal complaints were filed on Monday against a man accused of killing Golden Retriever “Killua” in Camarines Sur......»»
Masking, lockdown not needed for rising pertussis cases – DOH
Despite the alarming increase in pertussis cases in the country, an official of the Department of Health said there is no need for a lockdown or mandatory wearing of face masks......»»
EDITORIAL — Next, speedy justice
After a year of being on the run, Arnolfo Teves Jr. is finally being brought back to the country to face multiple indictments for serious offenses. Teves was arrested Thursday in East Timor’s capital Dili by local police. He had been hiding in plain sight in Timor-Leste, occasionally posting videos taunting Philippine authorities who wanted him for multiple murder cases......»»
Kids advised to wear masks
People, especially children, have been advised to wear face masks as a form of protection after the Department of Health (DOH) sounded the alarm over the rising cases of pertussis or whooping cough in the country......»»
PNP colonel faces admin raps over sex video
A police colonel accused of documenting his sexual encounters with a woman he had an illicit affair with is facing administrative cases before the Office of the Ombudsman......»»
DOJ won’t meddle in De Lima cases vs ex-DOJ execs
Filing complaints, even against former Department of Justice (DOJ) secretaries, are well within former Sen. Leila de Lima’s rights, DOJ spokesperson Dominic Clavano said on Friday. “You know, she has her rights, and we’re not going to [interfere]. She’s at liberty to do what she wants. So, you know, the justice system, it worked for.....»»
CA reverses dismissal of De Lima cases vs Aguirre, Guevarra
The Court of Appeals has reversed for lack of due process the Office of the Ombudsman’s dismissal of former senator Leila de Lima’s complaints against former justice secretaries Vitaliano Aguirre and Menardo Guevarra over the use of convicted criminals as state witnesses in her drug cases......»»
CA reverses Ombudsman’s decision junking de Lima’s cases vs Aguirre, Guevarra
MANILA, Philippines — The Court of Appeals (CA) has reversed the ruling of the Office of the Ombudsman dismissing the criminal and administrative complaints lodged by former Senator Leila de Lima against former Department of Justice secretaries Vitaliano Aguirre II and Menardo Guevarra. In its decision dated November 21, CA Special 17th Division granted De.....»»
SC twice ordered Consing to be tried for fraud, but …
Any news about the Marcos Jr. admin’s “sovereign” Maharlika Investment Fund sparks controversy. So when Malacañang aide Rafael Jose Consing Jr. was appointed Monday as MIF president, documents swiftly spread online about his two cases of financial fraud......»»
DOLE, CHR reach agreement to safeguard workers’ rights
The Department of Labor and Employment partnered with the Commission on Human Rights to facilitate the investigation of violations of workers’ freedom of association and right to organize. DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma and CHR Chairperson Richard P. Palpal-Latoc signed a Memorandum of Agreement at the CHR Central Office in Diliman, Quezon City on 20 October which directs both agencies to cooperate on cases referrals, investigations, and monitoring; witness protection and psychosocial support; labor education and human rights promotion; and policy development. Laguesma said that the DOLE-CHR collaboration is vital in addressing the labor issues raised during the International Labor Organization High-Level Tripartite Mission visit in January 2023. “This collaboration underscores the need for our sustained partnership, ensuring that the principles of both labor and human rights are consistently upheld in every initiative and policy we undertake. We need the support of the labor groups and the employer sector as well as the ILO so that our common goal of ensuring that the Conventions, especially Conventions 87 and 98, will be respected,” Laguesma said. Following the MOA signing, a streamlined case referral mechanism will be promptly established. The DOLE’s Bureau of Labor Relations and CHR Protection cluster will be responsible for correspondence and referrals. The CHR will promptly inform DOLE upon receiving reports or complaints about alleged violations of labor rights. Afterward, DOLE will verify the reports, conduct case build-up, and gather evidence. To ensure the effective implementation of MOA, DOLE, and CHR will employ monitoring and feedback mechanisms. The mechanisms will assess the level of implementation guidelines, policies, and programs, measure progress, and identify challenges. The post DOLE, CHR reach agreement to safeguard workers’ rights appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PCSO ask lawmakers to toughen laws vs illegal lottery firms
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office General Manager Mel Robles, called out lawmakers on Monday to toughen the law against Illegal lottery firms. Robles personally led the filing of charges at Mandaluyong Prosecutors Office against individuals behind the four firms engaged in unauthorized online lottery operations. “I am calling out the attention of the lawmakers to toughen the law. Maybe others see that they can handle the penalty but we’ll see. Even if it’s light, we will still pursue the cases against them,” Robles said. Robles added that PCSO is losing billions of pesos in revenue because of illegal operations perpetrated by the suspects. “We are serious about this. We will prosecute and imprison everyone associated with this illegal operation to stop them,” he said. The PCSO stated that PayMaya reportedly remitted billions to a company operating an illegal online lottery. “A payment platform, like PayMaya, reported that they were able to remit about P4.7 billion to a company that was operating the Illegal lotto. It is also included in the complaint affidavit,” he said. The criminal complaints were filed against four companies, Eplayment Corporation, Paymero Technologies Limited, GlobalComRCI International, and Blockchain Smart-Tech Co. I.T. Consultancy. The complaints were prompted by an investigation conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation, which revealed that the mentioned companies were responsible for the ownership, operation, and administration of Pakilotto and Surelotto. The companies reportedly misused the PCSO’s name, logo, and various lottery games, soliciting and accepting bets from the public through their unauthorized mobile application and websites. Robles said that based on their investigation, they have found out that the alleged suspects for Illegal online lottery are operating in the cities of Quezon and Cebu. “We found out one in NCR, in Quezon City, the other is in Cebu,” he said. PCSO reported that Eplayment, which operated under the now-defunct website ‘Pakilotto’, was soliciting and accepting bets from the public at an inflated price of P30 per ticket, a 50% markup compared to the standard P20 lotto ticket. Meanwhile, Surelotto, a similar mobile app, sold tickets online for P25, a 25% increase from the regular lotto price. Prizes of smaller denominations are allegedly directly deposited into the winner’s registered bank account, while jackpot prizes require winners to visit the Surelotto office in person. The complaint-affidavit states that the owners, directors, and/or officers of Paymero, Eplayment, GlobalComRMCI, and Blockchain, as owners, operators, and/or administrators of Pakilotto and Sukilotto, have committed Usurpation of Authority under Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code, a violation of R.A. No. 1169, as amended, and a violation of Presidential Decree No. 1602, as amended by Republic Act No. 9287, in connection with Executive Order No. 13, Series of 2017. Robles emphasized that PCSO remains fully committed to preserving the integrity and legitimacy of its lottery games, ensuring fair treatment and protection for the public. The post PCSO ask lawmakers to toughen laws vs illegal lottery firms appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bangsamoro Municipality Passes A Landmark Ordinance On LGBTQIA+ Community
Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao - In a significant stride towards ensuring equal rights and protection for the LGBTQIA+ community, the Municipal Council of Panglima Sugala has passed a comprehensive anti-discrimination ordinance, No. 001. This landmark decision comes after a series of campaigns, highlighting the pressing need for safeguarding the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community in the Bangsamoro region, amidst increasing acts of violence and discrimination. HUMAN RIGHTS Caravan headed by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in the Philippines, along with Google, Commission on Human Rights and implemented by Mujer LGBT+ Organisation. The urgency to address the plight of the LGBTQIA+ community was also recognized by the Bangsamoro Parliament through resolutions 524 and 526 in 2021, which called for a thorough investigation into instances of violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Emphasizing the significance of these resolutions, they are expected to contribute towards protecting LGBTQIA+ individuals from illegal acts, while preventing discrimination, harassment, and inhumane treatment. Human Rights Training/Workshop lead by Mujer LGBT+ Organisation. Bangsamoro Region has been marked by a series of reported cases of LGBTQIA+ members being subjected to harassment, physical attacks, and even murder in recent years. The passage of this ordinance is seen as a crucial step towards curbing these acts of violence and promoting tolerance, acceptance, and equality within the community.The passage of the ordinance was spearheaded by Panglima Sugala Vice Mayor Dayang Iman Sahali, with support from the Mujer LGBT+ Organization, the Commission on Human Rights, and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany through their Human Rights Caravan program. The collaborative efforts of these organizations and individuals have been instrumental in ensuring the successful enactment of this legislation along with the members of the Municipal legislative council. This landmark passage was welcomed by the Executive Director of Mujer LGBT+ Organisation Alvin ''Toni Gee'' Fernandez, saying "Our organization is overwhelmed with emotion upon hearing the news of the passage of the landmark law. For years, we have dedicated ourselves tirelessly to create a safe and inclusive space for the Moro LGBTQIA+ community in Bangsamoro. The importance of anti-discrimination ordinances has never been more crucial than now. We firmly believe that these measures serve as a beacon of hope, guiding us towards a future where every Moro individual is valued, respected, and given the opportunity to thrive. This achievement is a testament to the resilience and determination of our community, and we will continue our unwavering commitment to championing equality and justice for all in Bangsamoro." Panglima Sugala Municipal Government Officials with Mujer LGBT+ Organisation What makes this achievement particularly noteworthy is the lack of a national anti-discrimination law in the Philippines, which has remained unresolved in the Congress for the past 24 years. This void has left LGBTQIA+ communities reliant on local legislation for protection and deprived them of their basic human rights for decades. The passage of this ordinance is a strong message that local communities are determined to initiate change and create an inclusive and safe environment for all. Panglima Sugala Municipality - Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Ordinance No. 001 Under the newly enacted anti-discrimination ordinance, the LGBTQIA+ community in Panglima Sugala will be afforded vital protection against all forms of discrimination, including denial of access to public services, education, employment, and healthcare due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. The ordinance also empowers victims of discrimination to seek legal redress by providing a clear avenue to file complaints and ensuring the enforcement of penalties against offenders. ''Whether people agree with it or not, it is a fact that people with different SOGIEs are humans as well. They deserve protection along with every Filipino in the Philippines. The passage of this ordinance is sending a message of inclusivity and acceptance to my colleagues in the Bangsamoro region. It shows that Panglima Sugala local government recognizes the rights and needs of all sectors of society, including those with varying SOGIEs and those living with HIV. By enacting this ordinance, we hope to set a precedent and inspire other municipalities in the Bangsamoro region to follow suit and implement similar measures to protect the rights of marginalized groups.'' - Vice Mayor Sahali strongly affirmed. Panglima Sugala Vice Mayor Dayang Iman Sahali This historic passage of comprehensive anti-discrimination ordinance No. 001 adds momentum to the ongoing struggle for equal rights in the Bangsamoro region. It is seen as a beacon of hope for the LGBTQIA+ community, setting a precedent for other municipalities and cities in the region to address their own local legislation and embrace inclusivity.While this ordinance is a positive step forward, advocates and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community continue to push for the timely passage of the national anti-discrimination bill in the Philippines Congress. The hope is that such a law will provide comprehensive protection and recognition of the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals in the country.As society progresses towards acknowledging and respecting the diversity of its citizens, the passage of this anti-discrimination ordinance in Panglima Sugala is a commendable milestone in the long journey towards equal rights and acceptance for all, irrespective of sexual orientation and gender identity. The post Bangsamoro Municipality Passes A Landmark Ordinance On LGBTQIA+ Community appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Saavedra to appeal dismissal of cases vs Tomas, ex-city officials over Kawit Island deal
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Businessman and whistleblower Crisologo Saavedra is not yet giving up on the criminal and administrative complaints that he filed against former Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmena and his City Council on the controversial P18 billion Kawit Island deal. Saavedra said he will be filing a petition to ask the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas to reconsider its earlier decision to dismiss the criminal and administrative complaint that he filed. “I’ll file an MR (motion for reconsideration),” said Saavedra in an interview with CDN Digital. In 2018, Saavedra filed criminal and administrative complaints over the controversial P18 billion Kawit Island deal. The project paved the way for Gokongwei-owned Universal Hotel and Resorts Inc. (UHRI) to establish an integrated casino and resort in the South Road Properties (SRP). But acting Assistant Ombudsman for the Visayas Jane Aguilar, in a 21-page decision promulgated January 27, junked the criminal and administrative cases for ‘lack of substantial evidence’. A copy of the decision was furnished to the media on Oct. 20. Osmeña’s co-respondents in the case were then Councilors Margarita Osmeña, Dave Tumulak, Sisinio Andales, Alvin Arcilla, Eugenio Gabuya Jr., Gerry Guardo, Joy Augustus Young, Mary Ann delos Santos and Franklyn Ong who approved the ordinance that allowed the Gokongwei-owned company to establish an integrated casino and resort in Kawit Island, SRP and UHRI executives Frederick Go, Lance Gokongwei, James Go, Robina Gokongwei-Pe and Patrick Henry Go. Saavedra insisted that Ombudsman-Visayas should look into the technicalities of how the city government awarded the P18-billion project in 2018. He mentioned City Ordinance No. 2154 as his basis, saying that members of the private sector, when entering into joint venture agreements with the government, must meet the “technical and financial qualifications” prescribed by law. “The private participants should have technical and financial capability. I never questioned the financial capability… It is the track record of the corporation, not of the individual offices,” Saavedra added. The Camp of Osmeña has since welcomed the decision of the Ombudsman. ALSO READ: Ombudsman upgrades Saavedra complaint against Tomas Osmeña, 9 others over Kawit Island deal.....»»
5 vote buying DQ cases filed by Comelec, warns LGU of prohibitions
The Commission on Elections has begun filing petitions against the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections candidates allegedly involved in vote buying on 6 October. Out of the 40 complaints being investigated, the Comelec poll board submitted five disqualification petitions, according to Comelec Deputy Executive for Operations Rafael Olano. He added that the Committee on Vote Buying has received complaints from the public on various platforms, including Facebook and messages which contained screenshots or images. "All of these complaints came from voters. We verified and evaluated them for possible filing of disqualification cases “he said. Olano confirmed that one of the five candidates under investigation for disqualification is involved in a BSK bet showing up at a local government unit aid distribution, which he claimed to be qualified as vote buying. “There were local government officials, mayors distributing relief but the BSKE candidate was present and was allowed to speak," he said. After the official filing of candidacy, it was claimed that another BSK candidate distributed financial aid out of his pocket. Prior to the election, the poll body warned candidates of its strict measures which prohibit the distribution of ballers, t-shirts, caps, and anything else of worth under the suspicion of vote buying and selling. Comelec Commissioner Ernesto Ferdinand Maceda Jr. reminded LGU officials to be aware of such prohibitions during a separate briefing. "If they conduct assistance programs, they should not let BSKE candidates join them, lest they be disqualified,” he said. Maceda added that the Comelec would consider potential reinforcing techniques if similar incidents persist as the campaign period drew closer. “We will study how to reprimand them or take appropriate actions,” he said. In the end, Maceda stressed that the poll body is “dead serious” about its exclusion warning in order to assure not just the validity and honesty of the BSK polls but also to raise the bar for campaigning standards across the nation and the importance of each BSK candidate’s character. As of Friday, the Task Force Anti-Epal had filed an additional 10 disqualification petitions against candidates who were allegedly involved in premature campaigning while the Committee on Kontra Bigay had filed five disqualification cases for vote buying. Overall, there are 82 petitions for premature campaigning, 5,169 show cause orders, and 1,132 responses from the BSK bets. The post 5 vote buying DQ cases filed by Comelec, warns LGU of prohibitions appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cato: Alpha in crosshairs of Phl lawyers, Italian TF
The Italian government has created a task force to assist the Filipino victims of Alpha Assistenza SRL, an immigration consultancy firm that allegedly duped over 400 Filipinos, the Philippine Consulate General in Milan announced Monday. According to Consul General Elmer Cato, the task force was created on 4 September after meeting with Prefect Renato Saccone, Milan’s highest-ranking Italian federal government representative. Cato said he requested Saccone’s assistance in verifying the authenticity of the Italian work permits the consulate gathered from complainants and witnesses in Italy and the Philippines. After the documents were determined to be spurious, Cato said the Prefect immediately created the task force that would assist complainants in filing the appropriate cases against those involved. The task force will work closely with lawyers provided by the Philippine government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Migrant Workers. Cato said the consulate expects several Filipinos to formally file their complaints this week. Last week, DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Eduardo de Vega flew to Milan to meet with the victims who accused the Philippine consulate general in Milan of ignoring their grievances. Cato has denied sitting on their complaints. The development came as the Department of Justice vowed to deliver justice to the victims who were only after greener pastures in the European country. Meanwhile, DFA Assistant Secretary Paul Cortes said the Filipino complainants in Italy and the Philippines will file separate charges against Alpha Assistenza SRL and another firm. “Cases against them have yet to be filed, which is why our fellow Filipinos in the Philippines are asking for assistance from the DMW, as well as from our embassy and consulate there, to determine whether those who victimized them really have culpability,” Cortez said in a public briefing. “Because we are sure that those who defrauded them have partners in Italy. So we’re working both ways to file cases in Italy and here in the Philippines,” he added. The post Cato: Alpha in crosshairs of Phl lawyers, Italian TF 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......»»
Fortifying digital finance (3)
Banking Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, or BSP, also issued regulations to safeguard consumers in the financial marketplace. On 28 November 2022, BSP issued Circular No. 1160, series of 2022, to implement Republic Act 11765 or the Financial Products and Services Consumer Act. BSP required Bangko Sentral-Supervised Institutions or BSIs like banks, trust companies, and e-money issuers to establish a single Financial Consumer Protection Assistance Mechanism. The FCPAM shall provide free assistance to financial consumers on their concerns with the financial products, services, and/or transactions with the BSI. This is a first-level recourse mechanism to handle consumer complaints, inquiries, and requests. Accordingly, BSP required BSIs to adopt simplified requirements and procedures for the availment of the FCPAM by financial consumers. Financial consumers unsatisfied with the BSI’s handling of their complaints, inquiries, or requests at the FCPAM level may escalate their concerns with the BSP Consumer Assistance Mechanism or CAM. BSP laid down the rules of procedure for CAM and the Mediation and Adjudication of Cases in Circular No. 1169, series of 2023, on 24 March 2023. Complaints may be filed with the Consumer Protection and Market Conduct Office either personally or through the BSP Online Buddy Chatbot, postal mail, courier, electronic mail, or other electronic means. Consumers may also request assistance in filing their complaints from the BSP regional offices or branches. Complainants have the option to proceed with either mediation or adjudication after resorting to the CAM. Aside from the establishment of CAM, BSIs are mandated to integrate the Consumer Protection Risk Management System into their enterprise-wide risk management processes and risk governance framework. The CPRMS shall be the foundation for ensuring BSI’s adherence to Consumer Protection Standards of Conduct, particularly (a) disclosure and transparency; (b) protection of client information; (c) fair treatment; (d) effective recourse; and (e) protection of consumer assets against fraud and misuse. In line with these standards, BSIs are prohibited from employing abusive collection or debt recovery practices against financial consumers. BSIs are likewise made solidarily liable with their accredited or authorized agents, representatives, or third-party service providers for their acts or omissions in marketing and transactions — which may include debt collection — with financial consumers for its financial products or services. The protection afforded to financial consumers by the regulations implemented and enforced by the financial regulations aims to fortify the growth of the financial services industry as it navigates the digital platform. 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 Fortifying digital finance (3) 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......»»
Ex-employee questions BI chief’s appointment
The job of Immigration Commissioner Norman Garcera Tansingco may be in limbo following the revelation by a former bureau employee that Tansingco has a pending case before the Office of the Ombudsman. Based on a document obtained by DAILY TRIBUNE, Tansingco is among the respondents in a human smuggling complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman by former Bureau of Immigration Intelligence Division employee Richard de Leon Cabochan Jr. on 21 April 2015. “One of the respondents in the complaint is Atty. Norman Garcera Tansingco. Based on my records, the last pleading I filed in the case was a supplemental affidavit dated 24 June 2015. In addition, I also filed two other cases with your honorable office docketed as OMB CASE NO. IC-OC-14-1351° and OMB CASE NO. IC-0C-14-4768,” Cabochan told DAILY TRIBUNE when sought for comment. Cabochan was prompted to question Tansingco’s appointment through a letter addressed to Ombudsman Samuel Martires dated 19 September 2022, after a clearance was released by Maria Agnes L. Forteza, Graft Investigation Officer I, dated 1 September 2022. An Ombudsman clearance is a requirement for a Presidential appointee. Cabochan, in his letter, said Tansingco is not fit to be installed as BI commissioner because of his pending case before the Ombudsman. “To my displeasure, I came to know that Atty. Tansingco, a respondent in the abovementioned case, was the newly appointed commissioner of the BI. The said event had me surprised because it is my understanding that to be a confirmed appointee of a head of a government agency, one must possess a clean record or background as evidenced by various clearances issued by concerned government offices of the Republic of the Philippines,” Cabochan’s letter to Martirez read. Cabochan said Tansingco was able to fool Malacañang’s steering committee — the Presidential Management Staff — by saying that he was not involved in any criminal or administrative cases. “An investigation of the matter showed that Atty. Tansingco obtained a ‘clearance’ stating that he had no pending criminal or administrative cases with your honorable office. To reiterate, the same was issued last 1 September 2022,” Cabochan said. “I was surprised about this development, considering that it is to my knowledge that the complaint for the alleged human smuggling that I had filed is still being heard by your honorable office and has yet to be resolved, considering that I have yet to receive any document of the results of the proceedings conducted,” Cabochan letter to Martirez read. “Despite such fact, it appears from the abovementioned document that the case I had filed was already resolved without me, the complainant, being duly informed of the same,” he added. Not notified He further asked Martirez why the Ombudsman did not notify him that Tansingco was given a clearance by the Ombudsman, a clear violation of his right to the due process of law. “It is my understanding that this runs counter to the established procedures in the resolution of filed complaints in your honorable office wherein the parties should be duly informed of the results of the proceedings. I further understand that this right to be informed of the results of the proceedings is part of the due process of law as it would allow the parties to seek relief from the decision by filing the appropriate action in case they disagree with the outcome of the proceedings,” the letter said. The post Ex-employee questions BI chief’s appointment appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»