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Rappler Talk: Leila de Lima, a woman of faith
In this Holy Week episode, former senator Leila de Lima opens up about faith, forgiveness, and the godsent pets who kept her company in nearly seven years in jail.....»»
Go extends aid to Muntinlupa fire victims
In observance of Fire Prevention Month, Sen. Bong Go and his Malasakit Team distributed aid on March 21 to almost 1,000 families in Alabang, Muntinlupa who were affected by a recent fire......»»
Teves gets 15 more days in Timor-Leste
The detention of expelled Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr. in East Timor has been extended by a local court for 15 days following a trial on March 23, Teves’ lawyer Ferdinand Topacio said......»»
SC affirms ruling granting bail to ex-Masbate lawmaker, Napoles
The Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed a ruling of the Sandiganbayan that allowed businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles and former Masbate congresswoman Rizalina Seachone-Laneta to post bail in the plunder charges filed against them in connection with the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or pork scam......»»
Sabalenka wins with heavy heart
World number two Aryna Sabalenka returned to the court for the first time since the death of her former boyfriend earlier this week and kept her emotions in check as she beat Spain’s Paula Badosa, 6-4 6-3 on Friday......»»
500 Bilibid inmates moved to Davao prison
At least 500 prisoners from the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa have been transferred to the Davao Prison and Penal Farm......»»
SC upholds decision granting Napoles bail in one PDAF case
Pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles and former Masbate Rep. Rizalina Seachon-Lanete have been allowed to post bail after the Supreme Court dismissed a case related to the Priority Development Assistance Fund......»»
Panghulan s Hail Mary shot lifts Top Flight past Arellano in NBTC Division 2 finals
Joey Panghulan’s last-gasp half-court heave towed Top Flight Sports Canada into the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) Division 2 finals over the Arellano Braves, 87-84, Friday afternoon at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City......»»
A mandatory duty
With dynasty-building reaching shameless proportions, the Supreme Court has finally been asked to step in and mandate Congress to carry out a task set out in the Constitution: to define and prohibit political dynasties......»»
SC: LGU lawyers cannot represent local execs
Legal officers of local government units cannot represent LGU officials in cases filed before the Office of the Ombudsman, according to the Supreme Court......»»
ICC can t probe Philippines drug war, Marcos tells Germany s Scholz
MANILA, The Philippines: This week, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told German Chancellor Olaf Scholz the International Criminal Court (ICC) has no authority to probe the bloody war against drugs conducted by his predecessor. Marcos discussed the Hague-based ICC's probe during a bilateral meeting with Scholz while visiting Germany. Former President Rodrigo Duterte officially withdrew from the i.....»»
Bautista co-accused arraigned in new graft case
Former Quezon City mayor Herbert Bautista’s co-accused in a new graft case pleaded not guilty during their arraignment before the Sandiganbayan yesterday......»»
Manila court issued arrest warrant against Teves et al in Degamo killing
The Manila Regional Trial Court yesterday approved the release of an arrest warrant for former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. and several others in relation to the death of provincial governor Roel Degamo. The decision followed the admission of amended criminal information by Presiding Judge Merianthe Pacita Zuraek of Branch 51, based on the Department of Justice’s resolution finding probable cause against the respondents. The court found probable cause for the issuance of a warrant of arrest against Arnolfo Teves Jr., also known as “Arnie,” “Big Boss,” “Big Boss Idol,” “Boss Idol,” “Idol,” “Kalbo,” Angelo Palagtiw, alias “Angelou,” “Angelo Valiente,” “Gelo,” “Gelou,” one alias sister of Angelo Palagtiw, and Capt. Lloyd Cruz Garcia II. The court also issued a commitment order for accused Nigel Electona, alias “Najel” and “Naijel,” to be taken to Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City. The court granted the motions filed by the State Prosecutors, admitting the Amended Information for various criminal cases. The arraignment and pre-trial conference have been rescheduled to 4 October 2023, at 1:30 p. m. Justice Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Atty. Mico Clavano recently confirmed that charges were filed against Teves with the Manila RTC. The Supreme Court had approved the transfer of jurisdiction to the Manila RTC, with the charges officially lodged on 18 August. Teves Jr., who is currently abroad and has not returned, has been implicated as the mastermind behind the high-profile killing of Degamo and other victims. Heavily armed men wearing camouflage uniforms attacked the governor’s residence in Pamplona on 4 March while Governor Degamo was meeting with beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). The post Manila court issued arrest warrant against Teves et al in Degamo killing appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
23 POGO workers plead not guilty
The 23 individuals allegedly involved in the illegal operations of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator yesterday pleaded not guilty before a Pasay court during their arraignment. The POGO workers were charged before the Pasay Regional Trial Court Branch 111 of violating Republic Act 8799 or the Securities Regulation Code in relation to RA 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. Atty. Gloria Quintos, legal counsel of the POGO workers, said her 18 clients were not allowed to be at the court thus the conduct of a video conference was held for them. Other respondents in the said case asked for the deferment of their arraignment while they were securing an accredited interpreter. The lady lawyer said the next hearing is scheduled by the Pasay City RTC on Wednesday, 6 September. The Department of Justice, in recommending the filing of the charges, said the National Bureau of Investigation uncovered compelling evidence that the POGO is involved in “fraudulent activities, particularly in the realms of tasking and recharging scams.” The missing Chinese according to Quintos has yet to be found. Last week, the Justice Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Atty. Mico Clavano said a tracker team had been formed to search for the missing Chinese national. “Quintos on the other hand said her missing client is not around as he cannot be located before the arraignment was held and they could not establish communication after the time that he was missing.” Even the NBI according to Quintos also has no information on the whereabouts of her client. The post 23 POGO workers plead not guilty appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Trump rants on judge’s early trial date
Former United States president Donald Trump angrily reacted to a judge’s decision to set the date for his election subversion conspiracy trial to 4 March 2024. Trump and his lawyers were hoping for a 2.5-year delay or April 2026 trial but US District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan’s chosen date declared in a Monday hearing in Washington is the eve of “Super Tuesday,” when more than a dozen states will pick between Trump and one of his rivals to be the 2024 Republican presidential nominee. “Today a biased, Trump Hating Judge gave me only a two-month extension, just what our corrupt government wanted, SUPER TUESDAY. I will APPEAL!” he said on his social network Truth Social, although trial dates are usually not appealable. “Setting a trial date does not depend on the defendant’s professional obligations so Mr. Trump will have to make a date work,” Chutkan said. The case before Chutkan accuses Trump of conspiracy to defraud the US and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding — the 6 January 2021 joint session of Congress that was attacked by a mob of Trump supporters. He is also accused of seeking to disenfranchise American voters with his false claims he won the 2020 election. Trump pleaded not guilty to the charges in an early August court appearance and was not required to attend Monday’s procedural hearing. The frontrunning Republican nominee for next year’s presidential election is now facing a busy legal calendar. He is to go on trial in New York later in March on charges of paying election-eve hush money to a porn star. His trial for allegedly mishandling top secret government documents is in May in Florida. Trump and 18 co-defendants also face racketeering charges in Georgia over their efforts to overturn the 2020 election result in the southern state and are due to enter pleas at an arraignment next Wednesday. The judge presiding over the Georgia case has not yet set a firm date for that trial to begin. The 61-year-old Chutkan, who was appointed by former Democratic president Barack Obama, has handed down some of the stiffest sentences to participants in the attack on the US Capitol, and Trump has accused her of being “highly partisan” and “very biased.” Chutkan also has a legal history with Trump — she ruled against him in a November 2021 case, notably declaring that “presidents are not kings.” WITH AFP The post Trump rants on judge’s early trial date appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
2 QC courts dismiss charges vs Sonza
Branch 100 of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court “provisionally dismissed” the large-scale illegal recruitment case against veteran broadcaster Jay Sonza and ordered his release. Judge Editha Mia-Aguba, in her order dated 17 August, stated that the complainants against Sonza had repeatedly failed to appear in court proceedings. “Considering that the non-appearance of the private complainants, the guilt of the accused would not be proved beyond reasonable doubt, the instant case is hereby dismissed provisionally with the express consent and conformity of the accused,” the order read. Sonza’s illegal recruitment case before Branch 215 of the QC RTC was also provisionally dismissed, which means it could be reinstated within two years if new evidence is uncovered. The broadcaster would, however, remain in detention as he still has a pending case for 11 counts of estafa, and a libel case before the QC RTC Branch 77. His arraignment and pre-trial hearing for the libel case was set for today. The post 2 QC courts dismiss charges vs Sonza appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Vloggers warned: Watch what you’re posting
Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. reminded vloggers and content creators to be responsible in creating videos that they upload on social media and never to make jokes about crimes as they could be held accountable for tumultuous and other disturbances of public order. Acorda made the remark after rapid and resolute response to a highly controversial viral video. The PNP has taken into custody three individuals identified as Mark San Rafael, Mark Lester San Rafael and Eleazar Steven Fuentes all legal ages, have been apprehended on Aug. 1 based on a warrant of arrest on charges of Violation of RPC Art. 513 (Alarm and Scandal) as per Criminal Case No. 83313. “The PNP remains steadfast in upholding the law and ensuring that individuals are held accountable for their deeds. Pranks that induce panic and disrupt public order cannot be taken lightly. We commend our personnel for their swift action in this instance, “ Acorda said in a statement. The controversial case centers around their involvement in a staged kidnapping prank, which triggered widespread public outrage and concern. The incident, which happened 6 April, came under intense scrutiny following the dissemination of a viral video by the vlogger known as “TOKOMI.” The video portrayed a meticulously orchestrated kidnapping scenario. Staff Sergeant Ronnie Conmigo, a dedicated member of the PNP assigned to PNP IMEG, played a pivotal role in unraveling the prank and formally lodging a complaint against the responsible parties. The video, posted by the vlogger under the pseudonym “Tukomi Blog,” depicted a sophisticated fake kidnapping episode that transpired along Saging Street, Phase 2, Barangay CAA. Criminal complaint The ensuing public uproar prompted Conmigo to initiate a criminal complaint for Alarm and Scandal, subsequently filed before the Office of the City Prosecutor on 11 April 2023. The wheels of justice continued to turn, culminating in the issuance of an Arrest Warrant by Judge Lynnette May D. Deloria-Manarang of Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 124, Las Piñas City. Throughout the arrest process, the PNP meticulously adhered to prescribed protocols, capturing crucial incidents through body-worn cameras and alternate recording devices in accordance with the Rules on the Use of Body-Worn Cameras in Warrant Execution. Following the due legal procedures and bail payment, the accused were granted release from custody on 2 August 2023, as directed by Presiding Judge Lynnette May D. Deloria-Manarang of Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 124. As the legal proceedings continue to unfold, the arraignment of the accused is scheduled for 10 August at 2 p.m, before Judge Deloria-Manarang at MTC Branch 124. Acorda said this incident serves as a poignant reminder of the imperative for responsible online conduct and the far-reaching consequences arising from flouting the law. He said the PNP’s decisive and principled action in this case unequivocally underscores its unwavering commitment to preserving public safety and order in the digital age. The post Vloggers warned: Watch what you’re posting appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
11 Degamo suspects want charges quashed
The 11 men accused of murdering Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo have renewed their appeals to have their case dismissed before their arraignment in September......»»
Aftermath of Heidi’s falsehood
On 2 April 2011, Commissioner-nominee of the Commission on Audit, Heidi Mendoza, was bypassed for the third time by the Commission on Appointments based on my opposition. With all due respect, I informed the President that official records revealed Mendoza’s questionable integrity, incompetence, and unfitness to hold the position. Against my request, President Noynoy Aquino reappointed Heidi Mendoza. Her whims and caprices and those of her tandem, Grace Pulido Tan, bloomed into their impunity of abuse. This episode today was selected from among the countless distressing stories derived from the aftermath of Heidi Mendoza’s falsehood. The illegal dismissal of Special Prosecutor Wendell Sulit by President Aquino was one of the worst miscarriages of justice in the country. Here are the arguments and lamentations against the injustice. Sulit should not have been held liable in relation to the plea bargaining agreement or PBA with former AFP comptroller, retired Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia. Here is how injustice happens: The Office of the President did not have jurisdiction over Sulit; Sulit was not a presidential appointee at the time she signed the PBA. Legally, she was only a Deputy Special Prosecutor and was merely designated by former Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez as the OIC of the Office of the Special Prosecutor or OSP. She affixed her signature to the PBA because it was the prescribed office protocol vis-à-vis the hierarchy of officials in the office and it just so happened that she was the one designated as the OIC; The PBA was signed on 26 February 2010, while Sulit was appointed Special Prosecutor only on 10 March 2010; Sulit was never a part of the prosecution team that handled the plunder case of Garcia. The original panel of prosecutors that handled the plunder case was headed by then Ombudsman Simeon Marcelo, together with then Special Prosecutor Dennis Villa-Ignacio, Deputy Special Prosecutor Robert Kallos, Deputy Special Prosecutor Humphrey Monteroso, Director Cornelio Somido, and Director Elvira Chua; The Information was filed with the Sandiganbayan (Second Division) on 6 April 2005; Former Ombudsman Marcelo and former SP Villa-Ignacio actively participated in the pre-trial incidents (judicial determination of probable cause, motion to quash, hearing on the issuance of warrants of arrest) but after the arraignment (25 April 2006) of General Garcia they did not appear in the case anymore for unknown reasons; Wendell Sulit may not be faulted for allegedly failing and/or refusing to strengthen the plunder case against General Garcia because, in the first place, she was never part of the fact-finding investigation and evidence gathering; she was never part of the preliminary investigation; she had no participation in the preparation of the resolution indicting Garcia for plunder and was never part of the prosecution panel that handled the case with the Sandiganbayan; and Sulit was with the Office of the Special Prosecutor and once a case is filed with the Sandiganbayan, the special prosecutors are bound by the evidence attached to the case records assigned to them for prosecution with the Sandiganbayan. The special prosecutors may not insert or add additional pieces of evidence which were never part of the fact-finding preliminary investigation. However, notwithstanding this recognized limitation, and while already in the prosecution’s presentation of evidence stage, the prosecutors handling the case went out of their way to look for the suppliers or contractors who could testify before the Sandiganbayan that they gave commissions and kickbacks to General Garcia. Unfortunately, there were no such suppliers or contractors. (To be continued) The post Aftermath of Heidi’s falsehood appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Court defers exorcist priest’s arraignment
A Quezon City court yesterday postponed the arraignment of exorcist priest Fr. Winston Cabading for the charge of offending religious feelings......»»