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Mike files case vs. Gwen, seeks her suspension
Mike files case vs. Gwen, seeks her suspension.....»»
QC police sue warehouse owners over fire that killed 15 people
The Quezon City Police District has filed a case against the owners of MGC Wearhouse, Inc. the residential unit turned factory in Tandang Sora that was gutted by fire on 31 August 2023, resulting in the death of 15 people. A case of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide has been filed against the surviving incorporators of MGC Wearhouse, Inc. namely Catherine Sy, Lina Cavilte, Johanna Cavilte and Geoffrey Cavilte. A special panel formed by the Quezon City Government and a task force from the QCPD pursued separate investigations into the incident. QCPD Director P/Brig.Gen. Redrico Maranan said that on the early morning of 19 September 2023, P/Maj. Don Don u Llapitan, Chief of Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit, together with his operatives, proceeded to Occidental Mindoro to locate the families of the fire victims. They were assisted by the office of Occidental Mindoro Governor Eduardo Gadiano. The QCPD team also proceeded to Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro and took the statements of some of the family members of the victims. This led to the identification of the company incorporators and the filing of charges against them. Mayor Joy Belmonte welcomed the filing of the criminal case. “We hope that through this development, justice will be served to the 15 individuals who perished during that unfortunate incident. We appreciate the effort of the Quezon City Police District for being committed to ferret out the truth,” she said. BFP probe Belmonte earlier called on the Bureau of Fire Protection to conduct a thorough investigation and undertake reforms in the Bureau of Fire Protection-Quezon City Fire District. Belmonte made the call as the probe conducted by the city government and the Quezon City Council revealed lax inspection, backlog in the examination of businesses and other lapses in the performance of the BFP-QCFD. Quezon City fire marshal Senior Superintendent Aristotle Bañaga went on leave following the call by Belmonte for his removal in the wake of several fire incidents this year in his jurisdiction. BFP chief Director Louie Puracan said Bañaga filed his leave of absence following news reports published by Daily Tribune that Belmonte wrote Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos to recommend his relief, along with that of Fire Safety Enforcement Section head Chief Inspector Dominic Salvacion, for their lapses. The post QC police sue warehouse owners over fire that killed 15 people appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Belmonte calls for reforms in BFP-QCFD
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Monday called on the Bureau of Fire Protection to undertake reforms in the BFP - Quezon City Fire District (QCFD). Belmonte made the call as results of the probe conducted by the city government and the Quezon City Council revealed lax inspection, backlog in the examination of businesses, and other lapses in the performance of the BFP-QCFD. "The BFP should look into how the BFP-QCFD fulfilled its mandate in the light of tragic loss of lives and properties due to recent fires in the city. Were the BFP-QCFD leadership remiss in their duties? They should hold their personnel accountable if proven guilty of inefficiency," she said. Belmonte earlier sought the relief of two officials from the BFP-QCFD following a review of the performance of the agency prompted by the tragic loss of lives caused by the fire last 31 August in Tandang Sora. An evaluation conducted by the city government of each fire incident that occurred this year showed on average, more damage, injury, and death compared to the previous year. “The capability and effectiveness of the BFP-QCFD in responding to these fires have lessened significantly. The city government recognizes that each fire has its own distinct volatile circumstances. Nonetheless, the severity of this year's incidents necessitates a call for a change in the leadership of the agency. A change is needed for the welfare of our citizens. We look forward to a better performance from the BFP," Belmonte said. The two officials were identified as BFP-QCFD fire marshall, Fire Senior Superintendent Aristotle Bañaga, and the chief of the QCFD Fire Prevention Branch, Fire Chief Inspector Dominic Salvacion. Data from the BFP revealed that from January to August 2023, there were 153 fires recorded in the city, while there were only 219 fires from January to December 2022. With a third of the year left, there have already been eight firefighters and 63 civilians injured compared to only two firefighters and 60 civilians for the entirety of last year. Moreover, there were already 24 deaths in the first eight months of this year while there were 30 from January to December 2022. There were 8,362 individuals or 2,380 families affected by the fires up to August this year, higher than the whole of last year’s record of 7,295 individuals or 2,005 families. “For this reason and to protect the people of Quezon City, I am calling upon the national leadership of the Bureau of Fire Protection to assign to us a new fire marshall for the QCFD and a new inspection head,” Belmonte added. Belmonte also called on the BFP to be more transparent in their own investigation of the Tandang Sora fire. “The BFP has failed to reciprocate the city government’s efforts to exercise transparency. They resisted our calls to be apprised of the progress of their own probe, or to our requests for coordination. We therefore ask the BFP to cooperate fully with the city government as mandated by law, to ensure full transparency and clarity in these investigations. Our people demand more, and the victims and their families deserve nothing less,” Belmonte said. Belmonte earlier ordered the City Legal Department to form a Special Panel of Investigators to probe the incident and if warranted by evidence, to file the appropriate case(s) against pertinent and surviving officers of the business establishment involved in the deadly fire in Tandang Sora. Local government personnel found to be liable after the conduct of the investigation will likewise face administrative and criminal charges. “The city government continues to thoroughly investigate the devastating fire of August 31. It has coordinated with and interviewed its departments, the barangay, the homeowners association, the relatives of the victims, and the survivors, to ascertain the circumstances that brought about this tragedy. We will leave no stone unturned, and we will not spare even our own officials and personnel,” the mayor added. The mayor assured the residents that the city government will continue to beef up the city’s fire prevention measures and efforts. On 14 September, Mayor Belmonte extended financial assistance to the families of the fire victims. Earlier, the city government helped arrange for the cremation of the remains of the victims, among others. The post Belmonte calls for reforms in BFP-QCFD appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
QC orders localized class suspension
The Quezon City government early morning Monday left the discretion of suspending classes due to continuous rain to barangay and school officials , Angelbert Apostol, the city information chief, announced. Those who immediately ordered the suspension of classes are Barangay Holy Spirit for its (Public Pre-school to Senior High School — Morning and Afternoon Class); Barangay Bagong Silangan (Public Pre-school to Senior High School) and Barangay Payatas (Public Pre-school to Senior High School). Apostol said the discretion is allowed through Memorandum Circular No. 10-A series of 2022 under the Department of Education Order 037 series of 2022. Suspension of classes in private schools, on the other hand, is left to the discretion of school officials. Apostol added that decision to suspend classes is left to the barangay for having their own “pre-disaster risk assessment” in consultation with school officials. Over a year ago exactly on 22 August 2022, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte issued a Memorandum Circular No. 10 instructing the local School Division Office and Public and Private Education Institutions to adhere to Localized Suspension of Classes due to typhoons, floodings and other weather disturbances and calamities. The circular noted an “automatic suspension classes” based on Department of Education 014 Series of 202, that dictated “classes shall automatically be suspended in case the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration has declared the following typhoon signal: Signal Number 1 — all public and private pre-school kindergarten classes; Signal Number 2 or higher — public and private pre-school kindergarten elementary and secondary classes. College and university level classes are suspended if the typhoon signal is raised to Number 3, pursuant to Commission on Higher Education Memorandum Order No. 15 Series of 2019 ordering an automatic suspension of classes on Higher Education Institutions when Signal Number 3 is raised by PAGASA. It also carries an order that suspension of work in public schools “shall be in accordance with DepEd Order No. 14 Series of 2021 and CHEd Memorandum Order No.15 Series of 2012 for HEIs.” Meanwhile, the cities of Parañaque and Pasay yesterday suspended classes in all levels in public and private schools due to inclement weather. Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez ordered the suspension in all levels both in public and private schools upon the recommendation of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. The mayor said the recommendation of suspension of classes by the DRRMO was due to the continuous southwest monsoon rains enhanced by typhoon “Hanna.” Residents were told, especially those living in low-lying areas, to immediately call the city government in case of emergencies through its hotline numbers. (For landline: 8820-PQUE (7783), for Smart : 0961-096-6341 and for Globe users at 0956-394-0176.) All residents were advised by the mayor to just stay home for their safety. Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano also suspended online and face-to-face classes in all levels both in public and private schools. The mayor advised residents living in flood-prone areas to be alert and vigilant as rains continue to pour. The post QC orders localized class suspension appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Return separation pay, viral ex-cop told
Brig. Gen. Niño David Rabaya, director of the Philippine National Police-Retirement and Benefits Administration Service, demanded from viral road rage ex-cop Wilfredo Gonzales the return of the money he received despite his dismissal from the police service. Gonzales was dismissed for grave misconduct in 2018, two years after he retired upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 where he got his separation pay. His dismissal which stemmed from a gun-toting incident he was involved in in 2006 led to the forfeiture of his benefits retroactively. In a press conference in Camp Crame on Monday, Rabaya, said Gonzales is required to bring back to the PNP around P588,000 sending him letters demanding the return of the money, since 2019 but they have yet to get any response from him. “It’s basically his terminal leave or leave credits as he also received ‘three’ year lump sum pension starting 2016 to 2019 but when the PRBS was able to receive the dismissal order, his monthly pension which was supposed to start in 2019 was not anymore activated. So basically he is not anymore receiving pension from us,” Rabaya told reporters. “As a matter of procedure, we are already preparing the demand letter for patrolman Gonzales to return the money. We will be taking civil action against him. We have already referred this to our legal then civil action will be taken against him if he refuses to return the amount,” he stressed. The QC People’s Law Enforcement Board started the conduct of a thorough investigation of the incident upon the order of Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte. The probe aims to identify the lapses committed by the police during the settlement of the case. Gonzales is currently in hot water after he was involved in a viral altercation with a cyclist in Quezon City on 28 August. He hit the cyclist on his head and even pulled out and cocked his gun. Gonzales said they had already settled the matter in a police station. It was reported that the cyclist paid Gonzales P500 for the damages to his vehicle during the settlement. Gonzales is now facing charges for alarm and scandal filed by the Quezon City Police District. The PNP Firearms and Explosives Office also revoked the License to Own and Possess Firearm, Firearm Registration and Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence of Gonzales. The Land Transportation Office also issued a 90-day preventive suspension on Gonzales’ driver’s license pending the conduct of an investigation on the matter. The post Return separation pay, viral ex-cop told appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fortun files case at QC PLEB vs QCPD, re gun-toting incident
Atty. Raymond Fortun, acting as a concerned citizen, has filed a case with the Quezon City People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) over the weekend, against personnel of QCPD Traffic Sector 4 of Kamuning in relation to the viral gun-toting incident that happened last August 8. Fortun filed the charges against P/Staff Sergeant Darwin Peralta, P/SSg. Joel Aviso, and P/Executive Master Sergeant Armando Carr, all from the QCPD Traffic Sector 4 of Kamuning. The lawyer charged them with Oppression, Irregularities in the Performance of Duties and Incompetence, under Rule 21 of NAPOLCOM Memorandum Circular 2016 – 002. Fortun said that it appears the cyclist and ex-policeman Wilfredo Gonzales were first brought to the QCPD Kamuning Police Station 11, since the incident was first considered as a mere traffic incident by the first responders of QCPD Galas Police Station. Eventually, no charges were filed in Kamuning, and the parties were instead referred to the Galas Police Station late in the evening. “Despite the clear and imbalanced status of the parties, the same police officers failed to protect the rights of the cyclist when they failed to provide a legal counsel for him so that the latter would be duly appraised of his rights. Further, they failed to secure the CCTV footages in the area in order to ferret out the real facts in the conflicting statements made by the parties. Finally, and for reasons known only to them, and despite there being sufficient basis to do so, the same police officers failed to file the appropriate charges,” Fortun explained. On the other end, Mayor Joy Belmonte lauded this act of Atty. Fortun. “What we need now are little acts of heroism from ordinary Filipinos to stand up for what is right to exact accountability from those in power. This move of Atty. Fortun in filing a case with our PLEB is a vote of confidence that here in Quezon City, we will get things done. The proper process in the proper forum, which is the PLEB, will now take its course,” Belmonte said. “This incident also highlights the need to institutionalize the presence of PLEB in other cities and municipalities to hear and decide the complaints filed against erring policemen. I am confident that the case filed in the PLEB will be handled without fear or favor,” she added. Meanwhile, PLEB Chairman and Executive Officer Atty. Rafael Vicente Calinisan said, “The institutions, particularly the PLEB, are in place so that the community will feel safe and secure in their homes. We commit to serve as an effective watchdog against abusive cops, and at the same time serve as partners to our men in uniform towards nation-building.” “As far as the case filed by Atty. Fortun is concerned, we promise to act on this case with absolute dispatch,” Calinisan added. The PLEB is the check and balance mechanism created by Republic Act 6975 or An Act Establishing the PNP Under A Reorganized Department of the Interior and Local Government and For Other Purposes as amended by R.A. 8551 (The PNP Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998) where ordinary citizens are empowered against erring policemen. PLEB can summarily dismiss, demote, suspend and reprimand abusive policemen. The post Fortun files case at QC PLEB vs QCPD, re gun-toting incident appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gun-toting ex-cop in road rage incident should appear at Senate hearing – Ejercito
Gun-toting driver and dismissed policeman Wilfredo Gonzales should appear in the investigation of the Senate into the viral road rage incident in Quezon City, Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito said Friday. “He [Gonzales] is the principal character here; I think he should really appear,” Ejercito told reporters in a virtual interview. He said Gonzales’ appearance at the upper chamber’s scheduled hearing next week would shed light on the 8 August incident near Welcome Rotonda, Quezon City. “It would help us craft laws -- in aid of legislation. What we can do about it. Do we need to impose stiffer penalties for those who are involved in road rage incidents?” he said. Should Gonzales, who was caught in a now-deleted viral video physically assaulting and brandishing a gun at an unarmed cyclist, decide not to attend the hearing, the lawmaker said he could be summoned through a subpoena. The lawmaker, who is also a cyclist himself, also called on the cyclist who was physically assaulted by Gonzales to come forward. “He should not be scared because many people are willing to support him and provide protection for him,” Ejercito said. Earlier this week, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte urged the cyclist to come forward, saying she would protect and provide him with legal assistance. “We are appealing to the complainant to come forward so that Willy Gonzales, whom I consider a menace to society, is held accountable,” Belmonte said. “We want to assure the cyclist that we will extend legal assistance, as well as put him and his family in our protection so that justice is served,” she added. Following the incident, at least two resolutions have been filed in the upper chamber seeking to investigate the viral road rage incident. In Senate Resolution No. 763, Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri and Senator Pia Cayetano stressed that the “incident involves public order and safety, which is an important concern for everyone.” “This is a serious case involving public order and safety, which cannot simply be settled amicably and swept under the rug,” the resolution read. The two lawmakers also emphasized that the incident “highlights the safety of cyclists on the road, and the issue of road sharing, a concept that remains ignored by and alien to many Filipino motorists.” Meanwhile, Senator Raffy Tulfo filed a resolution seeking a Senate investigation into the rampant road rage incidents in the country that often involve the use of firearms and endanger innocent lives The post Gun-toting ex-cop in road rage incident should appear at Senate hearing – Ejercito appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Road rage trending
With horrendous traffic comes pent-up anger, manifesting in violent outbursts also known as “road rage,” something we are seeing more often now. The FIBA basketball tournament caused several road closures, expanded bus lanes on EDSA, and instituted stop-and-go schemes to give way to team buses and coasters. Inconvenienced motorists must adjust to this global tournament, which has led to irate and impatient heads. We are only aware of what is captured by CCTVs and mobile phone cameras, but we can be certain that this is just a thin slice of a larger pie. Luckily, no lives have been lost, and neither has anybody been injured, with all the road rage occurring daily. We have several factors to blame, such as the poor transport infrastructure, the high number of vehicles on the road, incompetent driving skills, and selective traffic enforcement. In the end, it is the motorist who must bear the stress of driving. I spent the last (long) weekend in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and the traffic there can be likened to Manila. The stark distinction lies in the discipline of the riders. In that city, you will see more motorcycles than four-wheel vehicles. That is why the buildings there are very narrow and functional, without garages for four-wheelers. There are wide sidewalks where people can walk safely. A horde of motorcycle riders does not feel like a threat in Vietnam — they move around like a school of fish, in rhythm and sync with each other. Of course, there will always be a few rowdy ones, but most of them are disciplined in their speed and maneuvering. In the Philippines, we have motorcycle riders going in all directions at the fastest speeds possible. Our motorcycle riders deliberately try to sneak into every nook and cranny between cars and trucks. There is no sense of spatial distancing for our motorists when it comes to driving on the road, especially during rush hour. This leads to accidents and road rage. Nowadays, you cannot afford to lose your cool in public, thanks to mobile phones and social media. If humiliating footage of you is taken, in minutes it will be uploaded on Facebook, and within hours you will be in the news and vloggers will be giving their two centavos on the issue. With the recent footage of the retired cop in Quezon City, we saw how the public can crucify these individuals even before the benefit of a fair trial, although we can argue that there was nothing the retired cop could do or say in his own defense. The handling of the issue was pathetic on the part of the PNP. Why would you grant the retired cop an audience via a press conference, when other similarly situated suspects are placed in a jail cell? The cop, it turned out, had even been dismissed earlier for dubious reasons, but despite this, he was armed with a handgun and was even employed in the Supreme Court. Kudos to the public officers who spoke up on the issue, especially Senator JV Ejercito and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte. I am also most thankful for public interest lawyer, Atty. Raymond Fortun, immediately came forward to lead the prosecution of the retired cop, despite the victim cyclist’s refusal to file a case against the retired cop. This is the sad reality of our societal system — victims choose not to come out due to fear for their own and their families’ safety. We hope and pray to see progress in this case so that it can be prevented from happening again. For comments, email him at darren.dejesus@gmail.com The post Road rage trending appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
QC PLEB, city council to continue probe on gun-toting incident
The Quezon City People's Law Enforcement Board invited Galas Police Station (PS-11) Commander P/Lt.Col. Jake Barila, Thursday, to shed light on the gun-toting incident near Welcome Rotonda, and to discuss what transpired during the settlement procedure with the cyclist involved. Upon the order of Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, the QC PLEB started to investigate the incident involving a cyclist and ex-policeman, Wilfredo Gonzales, as seen in the viral video. PLEB Executive Officer Atty. Rafael Vicente Calinisan clarified that the investigation is meant to determine whether protocols were followed and whether administrative lapses were committed. Any complaint filed against the Galas Police Station in relation to the conduct of settlement procedures will be tried, and the personnel involved may be held accountable for Grave Misconduct and Oppression. The offense may be punishable by dismissal from the service or suspension. Calinisan also questioned the propriety of the Quezon City Police District’s move to host a press conference with Gonzalez last 27 August, giving the ex-policeman a platform to air only his side as well as giving the impression he was under the protection of the police. Meanwhile, the City Council is conducting its own public hearing and investigation regarding the incident this afternoon, 31 August. “The city government is committed to building a peaceful community where violence is not condoned. Public safety is our primordial concern. We will explore all avenues to hold Gonzalez accountable for his brazen actions,” Belmonte said. She lamented the statement given by the cyclist, who stressed that he and Gonzalez reached an amicable settlement and is no longer keen on filing charges. "While we understand and respect the decision of the cyclist, the failure to prosecute the perpetrator breeds a culture of impunity. We are sending the wrong signal that we are tolerating violence, and in the meantime, the cycling community will continue to be prone to threats and intimidation. By setting an example, the successful prosecution of this case would certainly help achieve our goal of creating a haven for safe cycling," she said. “However, the sad truth is that in the absence of a complainant, a strong criminal case cannot prosper,” Belmonte added. According to City Attorney Orlando Casimiro: “The cooperation of the victim is very crucial. Unfortunately, the quantum of proof required in a criminal case is proof beyond reasonable doubt. The testimony of the cyclist is indispensable to establish any injury, threat, and/or besmirchment against his person, the absence of which would render any criminal prosecution futile.” Given the public clamor for the cyclist to come out, Belmonte expressed hope that he might have a change of heart and pursue his complaint in the interest of justice and public safety. Belmonte earlier assured the cyclist of legal assistance and protection. The post QC PLEB, city council to continue probe on gun-toting incident appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
QCPD chief resignation accepted
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, in consultation with Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., and Interior secretary Benhur Abalos, on Wednesday, has accepted the resignation of Quezon City Police District chief Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III in connection with the road rage incident involving ex-cop Wilfredo Gonzales. The dismissed police officer figured in a confrontation with a bicycle rider in Quezon City last 8 August and faced a press conference later to the chagrin of critics who claimed special treatment for the embattled Gonzales. Torre, who presided over the conference and was slammed for “defending” Gonzales, resigned from his post to give way to the investigation into the road rage incident. Belmonte said she respects Torre’s decision resignation and expressed her gratitude for the time, effort, and dedication “that he devoted to his assignment throughout his tenure.” “I understand that missteps are a part of everyone’s journey, and it is the manner in which we address them that truly defines us. His willingness to take ownership of the situation is commendable,” Belmonte said in a statement. The Supreme Court on Wednesday confirmed that the gun-toting Gonzales was a coterminous employee under the Office of Associate Justice Ricardo Rosario. Justice Rosario’s office said the ex-cop was immediately fired on 27 August, or immediately after the video of the incident became viral on social media. Justice Rosario does not condone any form of violence or abusive behavior, a media advisory from the office of Justice Rosario, and signed by Judicial Staff Head Wilhelmina Aileen Mayuga, stated. Acorda said that he already talked to Torre who he said wanted to step down just to calm the clamor for his resignation . He lauded Torre for his delicadeza. “Torre explained to me his side and to some extent, there is merit in what he said. But of course, I respect his decision,” he stressed. Torre earlier dismissed allegations that the QCPD extended special treatment to Gonzales during his supposed settlement with the cyclist, saying his personnel “acted professionally.” “I submit my resignation to the Chief PNP, to the SILG and to my NCRPO Regional Director. I need to shield my organization especially QCPD from further brickbats and backlash because well there were several things I did na hindi maganda sa (which is not good ),” Torre told reporters in a phone interview. Senate resolution Meanwhile, a resolution has been introduced in the Senate to investigate the viral road rage video. In Senate Resolution No. 763, Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri and Senator Pia Cayetano stressed that the “incident involves public order and safety, which is an important concern for everyone.” “This is a serious case involving public order and safety, which cannot simply be settled amicably and swept under the rug,” the resolution read. With Pedring Labrador The post QCPD chief resignation accepted appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Belmonte to PLEB: Probe handling of gun-toting case
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte yesterday directed the QC People’s Law Enforcement Board to investigate how the Quezon City Police District handled the case of a gun-toting former policeman who attacked a cyclist, saying she will not allow the incident to be whitewashed......»»
Road rage driver a dismissed QC cop
The driver of the vehicle, who identified himself as Wilfredo "Willie" Gonzales, THE DAILY TRIBUNE found, is a 63-year old former Quezon City policeman assigned at the QCPD Station 9 in Anonas. Gonzales was ordered dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman along with ten others including his station commander in 2000 for releasing two Chinese nationals in exchange for P650,000. The two Chinese nationals, Jimmy Tan and Albert Koo were found to be carrying some 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride when they were arrested. "Medyo may hangin yan," a retired batch mate of Gonzales told this reporter. Mayor Belmonte urges the cyclist to file complaint For her part, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte urges the bicycle rider whom Gonzales had assaulted, to come into the open and file the necessary case against the road rager. "I believe this culture of impunity is not acceptable in QC and I have a duty and responsibility to maintain peace and order in our city and send a strong message that acts such as that committed by Willy Gonzalez shall not be tolerated and that he must be held accountable," Belmonte said. "However, I’d like to stress that without the cooperation of the complainant, there is only so much that can be done. Therefore we are appealing to the complainant to come forward so that Willy Gonzalez, whom I consider a menace to society, is held accountable. He is not only an irresponsible gun owner with anger management issues, but a danger to our people," she added. Gonzalez not the registered owner of vehicle The driver of the red sedan who figured in a road rage incident with a bicycle rider in Quezon City is not the registered owner of the vehicle, Land Transportation Office (LTO) Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II disclosed on Monday, 28 August. Citing a report submitted to his office by LTO-National Capital Region Director Roque Verzosa III, Mendoza said that the registered owner of the KIA Rio with license plate ULQ 802 is still the subject of the Show Cause Order wherein the car owner was directed to appear before the LTO investigators on August 31. The same report was already submitted to the office of Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista. “Since the driver involved already surrendered to the police, our records revealed that the person who appeared in a press briefing at Camp Karingal is not the registered owner of the vehicle,” said Mendoza. “Kaya tuloy ang Show Cause Order upang mabigyan tayo ng paliwanag ng registered owner kung bakit iba ang nagmamaneho ng sasakyan niya. Gusto nating malinawan kung naibenta na ba niya ito, ipinahiram lang o kung ano pang circumstances kung bakit iba ang nagmamaneho nang mangyari ang viral na insidenteng ito,” he added. Mendoza explained that there are two violations that appeared to have been committed in relation to the Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code as a result of the incident between the driver of the KIA Rio and the bicycle rider on August 8—the first is Section 27 (Improper Person to Operate a Vehicle) and Section 48 (Reckless Driving). He said the registered owner of the vehicle was directed to submit a notarized affidavit explaining why sanctions should not be imposed in connection with the incident. Failure to do so on the given time, date, and place in the Show Cause Order, Mendoza said, will be taken by the LTO as a waiver for the agency to decide on the matter based on the available pieces of evidence. “Pending the resolution of this case, I have already approved the recommendation to place this KIA Rio with license plate ULQ 802 to be placed under alarm effective immediately,” said Mendoza. The post Road rage driver a dismissed QC cop appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Belmonte taps youngest kagawad as Brgy. Pasong Tamo acting chairman
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte over the weekend, tapped the highest voting kagawad (village councilor) Stephanie Tricia C. Pilar as the Acting Punong Barangay (Barangay Chairman) of Barangay Pasong Tamo. Pilar replaced suspended Barangay Chairman Mae Tagle after the 38-member City Council concurred with the resolution issued by the Special Investigation Committee ordering the suspension of Tagle over grave misconduct and abuse of authority charges slapped against her on three occasions. Pilar, the youngest voted 'barangay 'kagawad' (village councilor) was sworn in by Belmonte in a simple rite at her office for the services in Barangay Pasong Tamo in District 6 to continue, and the residents there, to have the lowest form of government to aid them. Tagle was first meted with a 30-day suspension ordered by the SIC over the complaint of the entire fire brigade which she fired after assuming the post when the former chieftain run for councilor and won in 2022. Two other charges of abuse of authority were also filed against Tagle which also landed in SIC who meted her another 30-day suspension order for each case, paving the vacancy to the position which required to be filled according to the rules of succession under Barangay Elections rules. The two cases stemmed from Tagle's approval of a 'perya' or street carnival which she allowed to occupy part of a road thereby causing traffic. While the other case was filed by the Sangguniang Kabataan chairman who told the SIC that Tagle hold on to their funds, stalling their programs and projects as well as their allowances. Pilar meanwhile, assured Belmonte that she will give her best in running the barangay affairs according to what the law mandated. The post Belmonte taps youngest kagawad as Brgy. Pasong Tamo acting chairman appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Bistek’ pleads not guilty to graft case
This was the first words uttered by former Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista after pleading not guilty to graft charges he and his former City Administrator Aldrin Cuña are facing before the Sandiganbayan Seventh Division at their arraignment yesterday morning. The graft case was in connection with the alleged anomalous computerization project worth P32 million which the two former city officials awarded to Geodata Solutions for an Online Occupational Permitting and Tracking System despite the absence of a specific appropriation approved by the city council. “Not guilty po tayo. (This is) politically motivated. The case was filed against me by the Quezon City government,” Bautista said after coming out from their arraignment and faced the media. But he refused to drop names as to who is behind the filing of the supposed “politically motivated” case against him. “Kayo na bahala roon, (It’s up to you.),” he said. Bautista along with Cuña personally entered their non-guilty plea during their arraignment for the case filed by the Ombudsman, which accused them of exercising “partiality” in awarding the contract. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said it was the Office of the Ombudsman who elevated the case at the graft court Sandiganbayan. Enrico Mira Jr., counsel for Cuña, tried to defer the arraignment by telling the graft court that they have filed a Motion to Quash a day before, but the Sandiganbayan denied, since Cuña failed to serve the prosecution a copy of the said pleading ahead of the arraignment date in violation of Rules of Court. Associate Justice Theresa Gomez-Estoesta said the Division Chairperson immediately ruled that “Section 13 of the Rules of Court is clear. The motion is denied outright.” Bautista also told reporters that he had served his city well starting from then Kabatang Barangay, (now Sangguinang Kabataan or SK) and became an honorary council member as the youth representative, then became a vice mayor, and mayor until his term ended in 2019. “I devoted myself to Quezon City for 34 years, and then because of politics, we have this (case),” Bautista said. The post ‘Bistek’ pleads not guilty to graft case appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Herbert Bautista on graft case: ‘Not guilty, politically motivated’
Former Quezon City mayor Herbert Bautista pleaded not guilty to graft charges he and his former city administrator Aldrin Cuña are facing before the Sandiganbayan Seventh Division, at their arraignment yesterday morning. Bautista called the charges "politically motivated." “Not guilty po tayo. (This is) politically motivated. The case was filed against me by the Quezon City government,” Bautista said after the arraignment. But he refused to say who is behind the filing of the case against him. “Kayo na bahala roon (It's up to you.),” he said. The graft case was in connection with the alleged anomalous computerization project worth P32 million that the two former city officials awarded to Geodata Solutions for an Online Occupational Permitting and Tracking System, despite the absence of a specific appropriation approved by the city council. The case was filed by the Ombudsman, which accused them of exercising "partiality" in awarding the contract. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte reiterated this point to the Daily Tribune. “Ombudsman po ang nag-file ng case sa Sandiganbayan, hindi po QC government (It was the Ombudsman that filed the case with the Sandiganbayan, not the QC government),” Belmonte said. Enrico Mira, Jr., counsel for Cuña, tried to defer the arraignment by telling the graft court that they had filed a Motion to Quash a day before, but the Sandiganbayan denied the appeal, since Cuña failed to serve the prosecution a copy of the said pleading ahead of the arraignment date in violation of the Rules of Court. Associate Justice Theresa Gomez-Estoesta, the Division chairperson, immediately ruled that "Section 13 of the Rules of Court is clear. The motion is denied outright." She ordered that the pre-trial conference should commence, with both the prosecution and defense agreeing to the existence, due execution and authenticity of documents related to the Geodata contract such as Bids and Awards Committee Resolution, Notice of Award and delivery receipts, among others. Bautista also told reporters that he had served his city well, starting from the Kabatang Barangay (now Sangguinang Kabataan or SK) and becoming an honorary council member as youth representative, then vice mayor and finally mayor until his term ended in 2019. "I devoted myself to Quezon City for 34 years, and then because of politics, we have this (case),” Bautista said. The post Herbert Bautista on graft case: ‘Not guilty, politically motivated’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
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