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Probe ordered on fireman’s ‘promotion for sale’ scam
Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos on Thursday ordered a thorough and deeper probe on a fireman who was accused of being involved in a “lateral promotion for sale” scam at the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). The suspect, Fire Officer 1 Ramces Paul Benipayo of the Muntinlupa Fire Station, was collared by undercover operatives on Wednesday, 25 October, in an entrapment operation shortly after receiving P200,000 from his alleged victim. Policemen arrested Benipayo after accepting P200,000 in marked money from his classmate, a BFP firefighter from Western Visayas, whom he promised to assist in getting a promotion within the bureau in exchange for money. Benipayo’s modus is to convince his would-be victims to give him money in exchange for non-existent promotion which will allegedly be facilitated by his “contacts” in the BFP, which of course would never materialize. “I have been briefed on the case of FO1 Benipayo and I could say that what he did was unacceptable,” said Abalos. The BFP together with the Philippine National Police is an attached agency of the DILG. This, as Abalos also ordered a thorough probe on the case and background of Benipayo to determine if he has cohorts at the BFP who could be working with him. Abalos’ order came after BFP intelligence and investigation division director Chief Supt. Gilbert Dolot reported that three more complainants came forward and accused the suspect of also duping them using the same modus operandi. “We will not tolerate this kind of illegal activity. That’s why I’ve already ordered the PNP to work closely with the BFP to get to the bottom of this issue and prosecute everyone involved,” Abalos pointed out. “Walang puwang sa gobyerno natin at sa DILG or sa BFP for that matter ang mga katulad niya,” he continued. Benipayo had undergone inquest proceedings before the Muntinlupa Prosecutor’s Office and was slapped with complaints for violating Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and estafa in relation to RA 10175, also known as the cybercrime prevention law. He is currently detained at the CIDG detention facility. The head of the CIDG’s anti-organized crime unit, Col. Reynaldo Lizardo, said Benipayo initially told them his cohort is with the BFP. . The post Probe ordered on fireman’s ‘promotion for sale’ scam appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Napoles convicted anew on P20.91-M graft case
The Sandiganbayan has found convicted plunderer Janet Lim Napoles guilty of graft and malversation of the P20.91-million pork barrel of ex-South Cotabato lawmaker Arthur Pingoy intended for livelihood projects that turned out to be ghost or non-existent projects. In a 66-page ruling handed down on Friday, the Sandiganbayan Special Second Division sentenced Napoles to up to 60 years in prison on four counts each of graft and malversation. Pingoy, however, walked free from the same charges, including direct bribery — notwithstanding whistleblower Benhur Luy’s testimony — “for the failure of the prosecution to prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.” Aside from Napoles, the anti-graft court also convicted erstwhile officials of the now defunct National Agribusiness Corporation’s Rhodora Mendoza, Maria Ninez Guanizo and Victor Roman Cacal; and Evelyn de Leon of the Philippine Social Development Foundation Inc. Pingoy, who served three terms in the House of Representatives from 2001 to 2010, was accused of funneling his P20.91-million Priority Development Assistance Fund or pork barrel to bogus non-government organizations set up by Napoles in exchange for kickbacks. The Ombudsman’s probe showed the projects supposedly to finance farm implements, livelihood materials, and training turned out to be “ghost” projects as borne out by Commission on Audit reports and the testimonies of whistleblowers. The Sandiganbayan, however, ruled that “there was no sufficient evidence” that Pingoy had received kickbacks or commissions from Napoles. The PDAF was a lump sum discretionary fund allocated to lawmakers “to identify and fund key projects that local government units could not fund.” The Supreme Court abolished it in November 2013 after it became a source of corruption and was declared unconstitutional. Napoles, the principal suspect in the case, has been detained at the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City since 2018 on plunder charges involving the unlawful disbursement of Senator Ramon Revilla Jr.’s pork barrel worth P224 million. She is still facing several graft charges, all related to the pork barrel scam. The post Napoles convicted anew on P20.91-M graft case appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Janet Napoles to serve 60 more years imprisonment sentence
The Sandiganbayan found convicted plunderer Janet Lim Napoles guilty of graft and malversation anew for her involvement in the P20.91 million pork barrel of ex-South Cotabato lawmaker Arthur Pingoy intended for livelihood projects that turned out to be ghost or non-existent. In a 66-page ruling handed down on Friday, the Sandiganbayan Special Second Division sentenced Napoles to up to 60 years in prison for four counts each of graft and malversation. Pingoy, however, walked free from the same charges, including direct bribery -- notwithstanding whistleblower Benhur Luy's testimony -- " for the failure of the prosecution to prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt." Aside from "pork barrel queen" Napoles, the anti-graft court likewise convicted erstwhile officials of the now-defunct National Agribusiness Corporation Rhodora Mendoza, Maria Ninez Guanizo, Victor Roman Cacal, and Evelyn de Leon of the Philippine Social Development Foundation Inc. Pingoy, who served three full terms as a member of the House of Representatives from 2001 to 2010 -- was accused of funneling his P20.91 million Priority Development Assistance Fund or pork barrel through bogus non-government organizations allegedly governed by Napoles in exchange for kickbacks. The Ombudsman’s probe disclosed that the projects nominated as financial assistance for farm implements, livelihood materials, and training turned out to be "ghost” projects as borne out by the Commission on Audit report and testimonies of the whistleblowers. The Sandiganbayan, however, ruled that "there is no sufficient evidence" that the erstwhile lawmaker indeed received kickbacks or commissions from Napoles. PDAF allocated to lawmakers is lump-sum and discriminatory funds intended to empower them "to identify key projects that local government units could not fund." It was later abolished by the Supreme Court in November 2013 after it became a source of corruption and was declared unconstitutional. Napoles, the principal suspect in the case, has been detained at the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City since 2018 for plunder charges involving the unlawful disbursement of Senator Bong Revilla Jr.'s pork barrel worth P224 million. She is still facing several graft charges, all related to the pork barrel scam. The post Janet Napoles to serve 60 more years imprisonment sentence appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
6 police in Navotas teen slay surrender
The six dismissed police officers implicated in the death of 17-year-old Jerhode “Jemboy” Baltazar in a case of mistaken identity have voluntarily surrendered to the authorities in Quezon province, Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief Maj. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr. said yesterday. Caramat said that six dismissed cops namely Executive Master Sgt. Roberto Dioso, Cpl. Edmard Blanco, Pat. Benedict Mangada, and Staff Sgts. Gerry Maliban, Antonio Bugayong, Jr., and Nikko Esquillon, all formerly assigned to the Navotas City police station, voluntarily surrendered around 5 p.m. Wednesday at CIDG Quezon Provincial Field Unit, Camp Guillermo Nakar, Lucena City, Quezon. Caramat said the suspects who voluntarily surrendered themselves in CIDG Quezon PFU are now undergoing the booking process and documentation for proper disposition as all accused are not entitled to bail. The Navotas City Regional Trial Court has ordered the arrest of six dismissed police officers implicated in the death of Baltazar in a case of mistaken identity last August In an order dated 3 October and made public Wednesday, RTC Branch 286 Judge Pedro Dabu Jr. said the court found probable cause to issue a warrant of arrest against Executive Master Sgt. Roberto Dioso, Cpl. Edmard Blanco, Pat. Benedict Mangada, and Staff Sgts. Gerry Maliban, Antonio Bugayong Jr. and Nikko Esquillon. “Considering that the accused stand charged with murder, they are not entitled to bail as a matter of course,” the order added. Navotas City prosecutors filed the murder complaint against the suspects on 15 September. The National Capital Region Police Office earlier approved the Philippine National Police-Internal Affairs Service’s recommendation to dismiss the respondents from the service over the killing of Baltazar. On 2 August, the police officers launched a pursuit operation against a murder suspect when they chanced upon Baltazar, who was then onboard a boat. They then commanded Baltazar and his companion to surrender. However, the victim jumped into the river, prompting law enforcers to fire resulting in his death. The police officers later admitted that Baltazar was not the suspect they were looking for but a certain Reynaldo Bolivar. The post 6 police in Navotas teen slay surrender appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ombudsman fails to pin Napoles for plunder
The Sandiganbayan yesterday convicted Janet Lim Napoles of nine counts of corruption of a public official, but acquitted her of plunder over the so-called “pork barrel fund scandal.” Likewise found guilty of nine counts of direct bribery by the Sandiganbayan’s Fifth Division was former Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives Partylist Rep. Edgar Valdez. The convictions were in relation to the misuse of lawmakers’ Priority Development Assistance Fund or PDAF. Napoles and Valdez were each sentenced to imprisonment of two years and four months up to six years and one day, and were each meted out a fine of P26,996,700. The cases stemmed from the charges of plunder filed by the National Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the Ombudsman, which alleged that five lawmakers, including Valdez, channeled their PDAFs to Napoles’ fake non-government organizations in exchange for kickbacks. According to the information filed by the Ombudsman, Valdez received P56 million in kickbacks from Napoles. The amount was over the P50-million threshold for the crime of plunder. Lacking evidence Former senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Ramon Revilla Jr. and Jinggoy Estrada, as well as former representative Rizalina Seachon-Lanete, were among the other lawmakers accused of plunder in connection with the pork barrel scam. Revilla was acquitted in 2018 but the cases against the others are still pending before the Sandiganbayan. Enrile, Estrada and Seachon-Lanete were granted bail. The dispositive portion of the Sandiganbayan’s ruling said the evidence to prove plunder against Napoles and Valdez was lacking. “The Court finds accused Edgar de Leon Valdez and Janet Lim Napoles not guilty of plunder due to insufficient evidence proving that they had, through conspiracy, amassed, accumulated, and or acquired at least 50 million pesos of PDAF funds through kickbacks and/or commissions,” the decision read in part. Valdez was allowed to post bail in 2016 after the Fifth Division said the prosecution was only able to prove that Valdez received P2.6 million, and not P56 million, in kickbacks from a foundation belonging to Napoles, who was dubbed the “pork barrel queen.” The division rejected Napoles’ request for the court to accept her belatedly filed memorandum that cited whistleblower Benhur Luy’s testimony in a different graft case, where he allegedly acknowledged that the funds in this case were not from PDAF. The 108-page Sandiganbayan decision was per curiam, meaning, not one justice from the anti-graft court’s Fifth Division penned the ruling. The per curiam decision was signed by Associate Justice and Division Chairperson Rafael Lagos, and Associate Justices Maria Theresa Mendoza-Arcega and Maryann Corpus-Mañalac. Previous acquittals Napoles attended through videoconference, while Valdez was physically present in court on Monday morning. Napoles is currently serving prior convictions. Last May, the Sandiganbayan First Division acquitted Napoles of graft in 16 PDAF cases. Napoles and Revilla were charged with the crimes in 2014. In 2018, the court ruled in favor of Napoles and against Revilla in the plunder case. In 2021, after filing a demurrer to evidence in both graft instances, Revilla was exonerated. The court ruled that the liability of the accused could no longer be determined because they were included in the plunder case for which they were already prosecuted. The charges of plunder against Revilla, his former political officer Atty. Richard Cambe, and Napoles also constituted graft because they were based on “predicate acts,” the court said. The resolution was written by Associate Justice Geraldine Faith Econg and adopted by Division chairperson Efren dela Cruz and Associate Justice Arthur Malabaguio. Same proof “This fact became even more apparent after the presentation of the same testimonial and documentary evidence in both cases,” the resolution read. Those acquitted in that case were Gondelina Amata, Ofelia Ordoez, Sofia Cruz, Evelyn Sucgang, Francisco Figura, Ma. Rosalinda Lacsamana, Marivic Jover, Consuelo Lilian Espiritu, Victor Roman Cacal and Maria Ninez Guanizo. Dennis Cunanan, Gregoria Buenaventura, Rhodora Mendoza, Evelyn de Leon, Laarni Uy and Jocelyn Piorato were found guilty and sentenced to prison terms ranging from 6 to 8 years, and were permanently barred from holding public office. Cambe, Eulogio Rodriguez and Emmanuel Alexis Sevidal had their cases dropped after they passed away. Still another case Napoles was found guilty of two charges of graft and two counts of malversation in another batch of PDAF proceedings involving the late Davao del Sur representative Douglas Cagas. The Sandiganbayan 2nd Division observed in a ruling released on 19 May 2023, that the Anti-Money Laundering Council report corroborated the evidence of whistleblower Luy, who claimed that Napoles owned and controlled the NGOs implicated in the PDAF scam. The post Ombudsman fails to pin Napoles for plunder appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Chop-chop murder suspect shot dead
JOLO, Sulu — An alleged member of the Abu Sayyaf Group was killed while nine police officers were wounded, including three senior police officers, during a nearly three-hour clash in Barangay Siet Higad, Panamao, Sulu. Police and military operatives were about to serve a warrant of arrest against the suspect at about 2:30 a.m. yesterday when a firefight erupted and lasted until 5 a.m., P/Col. John Francis Encinareal said. Encinareal identified the slain suspect as Muksidal A. Jumadil, a resident of Barangay Kamindus, Luuk, Sulu, and temporarily residing in Barangay Siet Higad, Panamao, Sulu. Jumadil was the primary suspect in the brutal killing of Nurdija Dammang Aminiddin, a small-town businesswoman in Barangay Kanmindus, Luuk, according to Encinareal. Jumadil killed Dammang, and her body was cut into small pieces and found scattered in different locations in the village. A case for murder was filed against Jumadil and is still pending at the office of the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office. The wounded police officers were identified as P/Capt. Nolie L. Agmaliw, P/Lt. Jhorlino Rico D. Apal, and P/Lt. Jose Earl Abdurajan III. Also wounded were Pat. Lionel A. Suarverdez, P/Cpl. Reymir M. Subion, P/Cpl. Lindo M. Macua, Pat. Edison Ray D. Paris, P/Cpl. Oliver R. Alviar, and P/Cpl. Andres G. Dalang. Jumadil was facing charges for violating RA 10591, or Illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammunition, with a P200,000 bail bond. Recovered at the encounter site were one unit M14 rifle, one piece bandolier, five M14 magazines, and a total of 65 live 7.62 bullets. Two body-worn cameras (with Boblov serial numbers LYY1127 and 1234567890 of CIDG Sulu PFU were used during the operation, Encinareal said. The post Chop-chop murder suspect shot dead appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Case of missing sabungeros now has directions- PNP Chief
The latest arrests of the six suspects in the case of missing sabungeros will give the Philippine National Police investigation a direction to its mastermind. This was how PNP Chief P/General Benjamin Acorda viewed the latest development to an almost three-year case that somehow would lead to the identification of the mastermind and others responsible for the crime. “With this development, the investigation will have a direction and hopefully this will convince, or this would encourage other witnesses to be dedicated to providing information,” Acorda said when he guested at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City. Acorda was referring to the arrest of security guards Julie Patidongan, Gleer Codilla, Mark Carlo Zabala, Virgilio Bayog, Johnry Consolacion, and Roberto Matillano Jr. in two safe houses in Parañaque City. He added said they are also hopeful that the arrest of six suspects will convince, or encourage other witnesses to provide information. The Chief PNP also hinted that some of the six arrested suspects are willing to divulge further information on the matter. Acorda said they are hoping that the suspects would cooperate in the investigation for the PNP to finally identify the file charges against the mastermind and other suspects. “The most effective way to connect the mastermind is the suspects themselves. So I am hoping that they will talk,” Acorda said. “There are some indications that they would talk but we just want to wait and anything that they will say is of course needs the assistance of a lawyer,” he added. The suspects were arrested on Friday in Parañaque City after the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group located their whereabouts through an informant and following a two-month surveillance operation. The six suspects were former security guards of the Manila Arena and we're listed as respondents for six counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention in connection with the abduction of six cockfighting players. Acorda said two other people were collared and are now facing obstruction of justice for providing shelter to the six suspects. The abduction at the Manila Arena was among the series of cases of kidnapping of 34 cockfighting players. Police earlier said the kidnapping was related to allegations of game-fixing for online sabong during the Covid-19 pandemic. On the other end, the families of missing saunders John Claude Inonog, Rondel Cristorum, Mark Joseph Velasco, Rowel Gomez, and brothers James Baccay and Marlon Baccay filed formal complaints against the six security officers at the Manila Arena over their disappearance in January 2022. Complaints for six counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention were filed on March 18, 2022, against the six suspects before the Department of Justice. The CIDG also filed a separate case for kidnapping and serious illegal detention in connection with the disappearance of the missing online sabong master agent Ricardo Lasco, who was reportedly abducted on August 30, 2021, in San Pablo, Laguna. Three former policemen linked to the kidnapping of Lasco have already surrendered. The DOJ in January 2023 filed kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges against six individuals allegedly involved in the disappearance of six sabungeros before the Manila Regional Trial Court. The families, however, withdrew from the cases last month, prompting the kin of other victims to express disappointment. ''We have been hearing reports that there were attempts to really bribe ‘yung mga witnesses,'' Acorda said. The post Case of missing sabungeros now has directions- PNP Chief appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CIDG nabs 6 suspects in missing cockfighters case
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group on Friday arrested six suspects in the case of missing 'sabungeros' (cockfighting enthusiasts) in Parañaque City, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said on Friday. According to CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., the CIDG Region 4A arrested Julie Patidongan alias Dondon, Mark Carlo Zabala, Roberto Matillano Jr., Johnny Consolacion, Virgilio Bayog and Gleer Codilla at around 1:45 p.m. at Jackielou Village and Fortunata Village, both in Parañaque City, based on the arrest warrant for kidnapping and serious illegal detention issued by Regional Trial Court NCJR Branch 40, Manila, dated 24 January 2023, with no bail recommended. Acorda said aside from the six suspects, two companions of the suspects identified as Melchor Neri and Victorino Diocoso were also arrested for obstruction of justice. “I hope that with the arrest of these suspects, those who were reportedly backing out as witnesses may reconsider their position, and I do believe the case is still strong. We have enough evidence to continue with the case,” Acorda said in a press briefing held at Camp Crame. Acorda said the CIDG created Special Investigation Task Group “Sabungero” on 24 January 2022 to focus on the reported missing sabungeros. Based on the agency's investigation, at least 34 sabungeros have been reported missing as of this date. “I would like to commend the CIDG for their unrelenting efforts that led to the arrest of the six suspects. We hope that their arrest will give assurance to the families that the PNP have not reneged on their commitment to pursue this case until justice is served,” said Acorda. The Department of Justice has offered a P6 million reward for any information on the arrest of the six suspects. Acorda said that because police officers are not allowed to receive rewards and this goes to the action agents, the informants who are instrumental in their arrest will receive the reward, with the hope that this will convince others to support the PNP in manhunt operations against other wanted persons. A separate case for kidnapping and serious illegal detention was also filed by CIDG in relation to the case of the missing master agent of online "sabong" Ricardo Lasco, who was reportedly abducted on 30 August 2021 in San Pablo, Laguna. So far, the criminal complaints filed by the CIDG in the Manila Arena case and the case of Lasco have been found by the courts to have probable cause, resulting in the indictment of respondents through the issuance of arrest warrants. The post CIDG nabs 6 suspects in missing cockfighters case appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kidnapped Chinese woman rescued
The Pasay City Police rescued a Chinese woman kidnapped by two siblings one of whom is an active police officer, the National Capital Region Police Office said on Monday. Based on the report sent to NCRPO director Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, the victim Zhou Yunqiing, female, 26, single, tourist, Chinese National, was abducted by the suspects identified as Staff Sgt. Lordgin Antonino,34, a member of PNP assigned at Southern Police District, and his brother Nelson Antonino, 20, who will be facing illegal detention and robbery extortion after they brought the victim at Qing Qing Hotel located at No 2730 Figueroa Street, Barangay 74, Pasay City on Sunday evening. Nartatez said the Pasay Police received information about the abduction on Monday around 1 a.m. from the victim’s friend Law Yi Wei, 34, translator, Malaysian National and presently residing at Sea Residences, SM MOA Complex, Barangay 76, Pasay City. Wei personally appeared before the office of Substation 3, Libertad, Pasay City Police Station, to seek police assistance regarding his friend a Chinese national who was allegedly arrested by the suspects who identified themselves as CIDG, Pasay for an alleged case of human trafficking. Wei told the cops that the victim was detained inside Room No. 8515 Qing Qing Hotel in Pasay City. He showed police the picture of the victim while handcuffed and a picture of the PNP ID of PMSG John Reggie Reyes with Badge No. 124539 and the text message wherein the suspects asked for money amounting to P500,000 for the release of the victim. Nartatez said Pasay police conducted a short briefing to verify the information for possible police operation against the suspects. The Metro Manila top cop said that when the cops arrived at the hotel the operating team coordinated with the duty security guard of QingQing Hotel and informed them about their purpose. When they saw Lordgin sitting at the lobby with the same description on the PNP ID shown by Wei to the operating unit, they approached suspect and asked for verification. The latter identified himself as a policeman assigned at CIDG Pasay. The post Kidnapped Chinese woman rescued appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sandigan clears QC prosecutor of bribery raps
The Sandiganbayan has cleared former Quezon City Assistant Prosecutor Raul Desembrana of a direct bribery charge arising from his alleged demand of P80,000 in exchange for dismissing a complaint in 2014. In a 39-page decision, the anti-graft court’s Special Fourth Division acquitted Desembrana of bribery under Article 210 of the Revised Penal Code for the failure of the prosecution to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The erstwhile prosecutor was accused of direct bribery for allegedly requesting P80,000 from Dr. Alexis Montes and his son Connor, with pending unjust vexation cases before his office filed by a retired military chaplain. According to the prosecution, Desembrana took advantage of his position for the unlawful demand of P80,000 from the Monteses and for receiving P4,000, placed on top of the “boodle money.” The prosecution alleged Desembrana of demanding P80,000 from Monteses’ lawyer, Ephraim Cortez of the National Union of People’s Attorneys, in exchange for withdrawing the case against his clients, which was assigned the Desembrana for preliminary investigation. Further, the prosecution added that Desembrana proposed an arrangement wherein he would issue a favorable draft resolution for the Monteses in return. In 2014, the National Bureau of Investigation set up an entrapment operation at a restaurant inside Quezon Memorial Circle, where they captured Desembrana after he took the P4,000 marked money from Cortez. In exonerating Desembrana, the Sandiganbayan, however, said the prosecution failed to present the P4,000 allegedly used during the entrapment operation as well as the “boodle money” and the white envelope. “The alleged acceptance of the P4,000 by accused Desembrana cannot be reasonably established without the presentation of the original marked money or the object evidence which was allegedly accepted by accused Desembrana,” it said. The Sandiganbayan also took note of Cortez’s testimony that he did not open the white envelope and relied only on the NBI agents’s statement that the mark and the boodle money were inside the envelope. “Hence, contrary to the allegations in the Information, the evidence presented by the prosecution failed to establish that accused Desembrana ‘actually received P4,000 which were placed on top of the “boodle money” from Atty. Ephraim B. Cortez,” it said. The post Sandigan clears QC prosecutor of bribery raps appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ex-OPEC president Diezani Alison-Madueke charged with bribery
Former OPEC president Diezani Alison-Madueke has been charged with bribery offenses relating to her time as Nigeria's oil minister, the UK National Crime Agency said on Tuesday. Alison-Madueke, 63, has been on bail since first being arrested in London in October 2015. She will appear in court in the British capital on 2 October, the NCA said. Soon after her arrest, her family's lawyer told AFP she would strongly contest corruption allegations that have dogged her during and after her time in former president Goodluck Jonathan's government. Alison-Madueke, in office from 2010 to 2015, was the first woman to be oil minister in Nigeria and the first female president of the global oil cartel OPEC. The head of the NCA's international corruption unit, Andy Kelly, said in a statement: "We suspect Diezani Alison-Madueke abused her power in Nigeria and accepted financial rewards for awarding multi-million-pound contracts." The NCA said Alison-Madueke allegedly benefited from at least £100,000 ($127,000) in cash, chauffeur-driven cars, flights on private jets, luxury holidays for her family, and the use of multiple London properties. The charges also detail financial rewards including furniture, renovation work and staff for the properties, payment of private school fees, and gifts from top designer shops such as Cartier jewelry and Louis Vuitton goods. "Bribery is a pervasive form of corruption, which enables serious criminality and can have devastating consequences for developing countries," Kelly said. "These charges are a milestone in what has been a thorough and complex international investigation," he added. Alison-Madueke has been living in the upmarket St John's Wood area of north London since she was first arrested, and undergone chemotherapy for breast cancer, according to her family. At the time of her arrest, the NCA said only it had detained five people in London on suspicion of international corruption, without naming those held. The Nigerian government of Jonathan's successor Muhammadu Buhari later confirmed Alison-Madueke's arrest and said its law enforcement agencies were cooperating with their British counterparts. Former army general Buhari began an anti-corruption drive after taking office. The NCA said that assets worth millions of pounds in relation to the case have been frozen as part of the investigation. In March, the agency, which targets international and organized crime, provided evidence to the US Department of Justice allowing them to recover assets totaling $53.1 million linked to Alison-Madueke's alleged corruption. The post Ex-OPEC president Diezani Alison-Madueke charged with bribery appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bogus DoTr liaison entrapped
The police reported yesterday the arrest of a 37-year-old man in Muntinlupa City for allegedly posing as a liaison coordinator for the Department of Transportation to dupe a businessman. Identified as Peejay Giganto Durano, the suspect was arrested by elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in a sting operation last 31 July. Durano allegedly introduced himself to complainant Rholand Dindo Sioson, a businessman from Valenzuela City, as a liaison Officer from the Office of the President with a special letter of endorsement bearing what turned out to be the forged signature of DoTr Secretary Jaime Bautista. The suspect reportedly convinced Sioson that he could facilitate the processing of the latter’s application for a franchising business, specifically the licensing and registration of motor vehicles with the LTO. With the fake credentials, Durano was able to get from Sioson a total of P405,000 supposedly as the required processing fee, which the latter sent to him through a bank transfer. Durano asked for an additional P100,000 from Sioson which he said was for the release of a department order for the latter’s LTO franchise. Acting on Sioson’s formal complaint, the CIDG-NCR set up an entrapment and gave Sioson marked money to hand to Durano. The exchange took place in Alabang, where Durano was arrested. Durano is now facing charges of violating Article 315 (Large-scale Estafa) in relation to Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act, specifically Article 177, on “Usurpation of Authority or Official Function,” and Article 172, on the “Falsification by Private Individual and Use of Falsified Document” of the Revised Penal Code. Sioson presented his case to the Chief Prosecutor of Mandaluyong City, assisted by CIDG investigators Patrolmen Roberto Felipe and Jodar Capati. Four PNP officers based in Camp Crame — P/MSg. Arcadio Manganas Jr. of the Forensic Group; and P/SSg. Jeck Ryan Olarte, P/SSg. Jerome Vicente, and Patrolman Jericho Dela Cruz of the CIDG-NCR Regional Field Unit — handled the booking documentation and disposition of the case. DoTr Secretary Jaime Bautista urged the public not to fall prey to scams using his name because his administration does not condone any illegal activities. The post Bogus DoTr liaison entrapped appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DOTr liaison poser nabbed for usurpation, estafa
Police nabbed a 37-year-old man who posed as liaison coordinator for the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and duped a businessman who wanted to have a franchise for motor vehicle registration with the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Elements of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group - National Capital Region (CIDG-NCR) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) pounced on Peejay Giganto Durano of Muntinlupa City at a sting operation on 31 July in Susana Heights. CIDG-NCR Chief P/Col. Hansel Marantan said on 22 May of this year, Durano introduced himself to complainant Rholand Dindo Sioson, a businessman from Valenzuela City, as a liaison officer from the Office of the President with a special letter of endorsement bearing the forged signature of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista. Marantan said Durano convinced Sioson that he can facilitate the processing of the latter’s application for a franchising business, specifically the licensing and registration of motor vehicles with the LTO. The CIDG-NCR chief said, with fake credentials, Durano was able to get from Sioson a total of P405,000 supposedly as the required processing fee, which the latter sent to him through a bank transfer. Durano even asked for an additional P100,000 from Sioson which he said was for the release of a department order for the latter’s LTO franchise. Acting on Sioson’s formal complaint, Marantan and his men set up an entrapment and gave Sioson marked money to hand to Durano on Alabang, where the exchange was to take place in Alabang where they netted Durano. According to Marantan, Durano is now facing charges of violating Article 315 (“Large-scale Estafa”) in relation to Republic Act 10175 (“Cybercrime Prevention Act”), Article 177 (“Usurpation of Authority or Official Function”), and Article 172 (“Falsification by Private Individual and Use of Falsified Document”) of the Revised Penal Code (RPC). Sioson presented his case to the chief prosecutor of Mandaluyong City, assisted by CIDG investigators Patrolmen Roberto Felipe and Jodar Capati. Four PNP officers based in Camp Crame – P/MSg Arcadio Manganas Jr. of the Forensic Group; and P/SSg Jeck Ryan Olarte, P/SSg Jerome Vicente, and Patrolman Jericho Dela Cruz of the CIDG-NCR Regional Field Unit (RFU) – handled the booking documentation and disposition of the case. CIDG, the primary investigation arm of the PNP, is tasked with investigating and prosecuting all crimes involving economic sabotage and other large-scale crimes that may be committed by highly placed or professional criminal syndicates or organizations. Bautista, on the other hand, issued a stern warning to everyone not to fall prey to scams like this because his administration does not condone any illegal activities. The post DOTr liaison poser nabbed for usurpation, estafa appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Salilig hazing suspects plead ‘not guilty’
Two more suspects in the controversial hazing case of Adamson student John Matthew Salilig pleaded not guilty in a court in Biñan, Laguna on 26 July during the arraignments of their cases. Suspects Lester John Sus, aka “Biggie” and Armando Hernandez, aka “Tyler” filed their not-guilty pleas through a video conference. Sus was arrested in Biñan, Laguna on 14 July 2023 based on the warrant of arrest issued by Biñan RTC Branch 155 on 6 July. The same warrants were issued to alias Tyler and Justine Argay Fontanilla, also known as McGregor. Sus claimed that he was only invited in the initiation rites as an official of the San Pedro chapter of the Tau Gamma Fraternity. However, based on the evidence on the fraternity’s group chat, Sus was the one who varnished the paddles that will be used for the hazing. The anti-hazing complaints against Hernandez and Sus were filed by John Matthew’s older brother, John Michael, and Roi dela Cruz, another Adamson student who went through the initiation rites with Salilig. At least eight suspects are already in the custody of Binan City Custodial Facility — two are in CIDG’s custody while three are in the facility of NBI. The other remaining five suspects are still at large and are being tracked down by the authorities. To recall, Salilig was a chemical engineering student of Adamson University that was reported missing on 18 February 2023 and 10 days later, his body was found in a lot in a vacant lot in Barangay Malagasang 1-G in Imus City, Cavite. The post Salilig hazing suspects plead ‘not guilty’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Is ‘reasonable certainty of conviction’ the ‘new probable cause’?
It is well settled in Philippine law and jurisprudence that criminal complaints subject to preliminary investigation are assessed by the prosecutors to determine “probable cause,” or the existence of such facts that would excite the belief in a reasonable mind that the person committed the crime. However, recent circulars of the Department of Justice or DoJ have imposed the additional stricter standard of “reasonable certainty of conviction” in certain cases before a complaint is filed or even when already pending in court, to de-clog and decongest court dockets. In February 2023, the DoJ issued Circulars No. 008 s. 2023 and 008-A s. 2023 directing all public prosecutors handling criminal cases for offenses cognizable by the Municipal Trial Courts or MTCs, Municipal Trial Courts in Cities or MTCCs, and Metropolitan Trial Courts or MeTCs to determine if each has a reasonable certainty of conviction based on the evidence, witnesses, and continued interest of the private complainants, and to withdraw the information if there is none. “Reasonable certainty of conviction” is expressly defined in DoJ Circular No. 016 s.2023 as follows: Section 2. Reasonable Certainty of Conviction. There is reasonable certainty of conviction when a prima facie case exists based on the evidence at hand, including but not limited to, witnesses, documentary evidence, real evidence, and the like, and such evidence, that on its own and if left uncontroverted by the accused, shall be sufficient to establish all the elements of the crime or offense charged, and consequently warrant a conviction beyond reasonable doubt. DoJ Circular No. 16 s. 2023 provides further specific guidelines on its applicability to cases falling under the Rules on Summary Procedure or those that are pending in the MTC, MTCC, or MeTC which (a) had no considerable movement over a period of three months or more; (b) where the complainant or his witnesses have repeatedly failed to appear without valid reason despite due notice; or (c) where the material evidence are not available or can no longer be produced despite earnest efforts by the complainant. In such cases, the absence of reasonable certainty of conviction should prompt the prosecutor to move for withdrawal of the information and/or dismissal of the case/s. On 31 March 2023, the DoJ issued Circular No. 20 s. 2023 which imposed a preliminary evaluation of the complaint based on the same standard prior to its docketing for preliminary investigation or the conduct of inquest proceedings in cases involving heinous crimes, capital offenses, violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, Republic Act 9160 or the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001, Republic Act 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, and Republic Act 10168 or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012. Heinous crimes include: (1) Treason under Article 114 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC); (2) Piracy and Qualified Piracy under Articles 122 and 123 of the RPC, respectively; (3) Qualified Bribery under Article 211-A of the RPC; (4) Parricide under Article 245 of the RPC; (5) Murder under Article 248 of the RPC; (6) Infanticide under Article 255 of the RPC; (7) Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention under Article 267 of the RPC; (8) Robbery with violence against and intimidation of persons under Article 294 of the RPC; :(9) Destructive Arson under Article 320 of the RPC; (10) Rape under Article 335 of the RPC; (11) Plunder under Republic Act 7080; and (12) Carnapping under Section 14 of Republic Act 6539. Sections 5 and 6 of DoJ Circular No. 20 s. 2023 further requires criminal complaints to be evaluated before preliminary investigation or inquest proceedings to determine if they contain all the necessary evidence to prove the essential elements of the crime. The investigating prosecutor would then issue a certification as to the existence of a prima facie case and a reasonable certainty of conviction based on the available documents, witnesses, and evidence. If assessed in the negative, this would be referred to the private complainant, together with a report, advice on the lacking evidence, and a directive to secure such lacking evidence. If this is not possible, then the complaint would be terminated without prejudice to refiling. It is worth noting that the Supreme Court has repeatedly held that a preliminary investigation is not the avenue for a full-blown display of evidence (PCGG v. Navarro-Gutierrez, GR No. 194159, 21 October 2015), and that probable cause does not require clear and convincing evidence establishing certainty of guilt (Galario v. Office of the Ombudsman, GR No. 166797, 10 July 2007). However, it is also undisputed that the determination of probable cause in a preliminary investigation is an executive function, where the public prosecutor is given broad discretion to determine whether probable cause exists (People v. Castillo and Mejia, GR No. 171188, 19 June 2009). We have yet to see the full implications and effects of the cited DoJ circulars, but it is certainly advisable to ensure the presence of sufficient evidence to support all elements of the crime charged before filing the complaint. The post Is ‘reasonable certainty of conviction’ the ‘new probable cause’? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
De Lima co-accused ordered transferred to Munti jail
The Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court on Wednesday disclosed that it has ordered the transfer of Jose Adrian “Jad” Tamson Dera — a co-accused of former Senator Leila de Lima in a drug case — from the National Bureau of Investigation detention cell in Manila to the Muntinlupa City jail. Judge Abraham Joseph B. Alcantara of the Muntinlupa RTC issued the order on a petition filed by the NBI as he also granted the motion of the NBI for Dera to attend the 5 July 2023 hearing of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights “on the alleged unauthorized trips of said accused outside the NBI Detention Facility.” “Accordingly, the Chief of the Security Management Section, the NBI, is directed to turn over the body of the living person of accused Jose Adrian Dera y Tamson to the Muntinlupa City Jail Male Dormitory, Tunasan, Muntinlupa City who is ordered to take custody of said accused during the pendency of the case and until further orders from the Court,” the RTC’s order stated. The court also ordered to bring accused Dera to the Senate hearing of the Committee on Justice and Human Rights with security escorts and upon proper coordination with the appropriate office of the said committee. To recall, Dera and six security personnel are facing a criminal complaint before the Department of Justice. They were arrested last 21 June while returning to the NBI detention facility in Manila after having gone out. Charges were filed against them for bribery, corruption of public official, infidelity in the custody of prisoner, and graft and corruption. The complaint though has yet to be resolved by the DOJ panel of prosecutors. Meantime, Dera on Wednesday admitted to senators that he was able to leave the NBI facility several times during the Senate justice and human rights investigation. According to Dera, he was able to leave the NBI’s detention facility on 20 January 2022 to have himself checked in a hospital in Manila. This was authorized by a court order dated 10 December 2021. He added that he was able to leave the detention facility for the second time to go to another hospital and have his heart checked, but this time he had no approval from the court. The third time that he was able to leave the NBI was on Father’s Day this year and the fourth time was on 20 June, reportedly for a date, where he and five NBI jail guards were nabbed. But during Senator Francis Tolentino’s interpellation, Dera also confirmed claims that he was also able to Calatagan, Batangas but he said he cannot recall the exact date. He also admitted going to Tagaytay City with other NBI officers. Dera, however, denied going to Subic contrary to some reports. WITH LADE JEAN KABAGANI The post De Lima co-accused ordered transferred to Munti jail appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Aftermath of Heidi’s falsehood (2)
Upon a careful study of the case, vis-à-vis the evidence of the prosecution, it was an honest and sincere assessment that the plea bargaining agreement approved by Wendell Sulit was in the best interest of the State under the circumstances. Sulit was the dismissed prosecutor in the plunder trial on the plea bargaining deal with Armed Forces of the Philippines comptroller Gen. Carlos Garcia. The prosecution had no evidence to prove the material allegation in the information that the general had received kickbacks and commissions from suppliers and contractors of the AFP. Thus, faced with the prospect of accused Garcia being acquitted and walking free with his ill-gotten wealth, the prosecution was forced to take the best available alternative remedy of a plea bargain to save the government from the dismissal of the plunder case. The agreement would result in two criminal convictions — for bribery and violation of the Anti-Money Laundering Law. All existing and identified properties would be recovered and transferred to the government. This would work for the benefit of the government because about 85 percent to 90 percent of the properties under litigation for recovery were in the names of the other co-accused, the wife and children of Garcia over whom the Sandiganbayan had yet to acquire jurisdiction. It was a condition for the approval of the plea bargaining agreement that all identified properties must first be turned over and/or transferred to the Republic of the Philippines. Thus, there was a 100-percent assurance that the interest of the State would be protected. Sulit never gave any undue advantage to the accused Garcia nor was the agreement made for the convenience of Garcia. The truth of the matter was that all the publicity and media blitz was intended to hide the real story that former Ombudsman Marcelo had failed to conduct a good and complete investigation, had failed to gather the required evidence, and had filed a case merely based on personal belief, conclusions, and assumptions without any concrete evidence “to support the same during the trial of the case.” To reiterate, the recommendation of Sulit was still subject to the approval of then-Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez. However, notwithstanding the approval of former Ombudsman Gutierrez, the PBA was not yet self-executory as it was still subject to the approval of the Sandiganbayan. Thus, when the PBA was approved by the Sandiganbayan, was it legally proper and fair to impute liability to the persons who merely recommended an act that was approved by a competent court? Keen observers opined that the drama and antics of Heidi Mendoza influenced President Simeon Benigno Aquino III. Mendoza’s insinuation that Sulit gave undue advantage to Garcia and that the PBA was made for his convenience was a total falsehood. The truth was that all the publicity and media blitz starring the Crying Lady, Heidi Mendoza, were intended to hide the real story as stated earlier. The Court of Appeals turned down the findings of the Office of President Noynoy Aquino, that Sulit’s approval of the plea bargaining agreement with Garcia was unlawful. At the end of Noynoy’s term as president, the Court of Appeals ruled: “The fact that the deal was approved by the Sandiganbayan made it aboveboard and within the process mandated by law.” “The act of the Office of the President in determining the probative value of the evidence presented in the cases of plunder and money laundering in the administrative proceedings was not only misplaced and uncalled for but also constituted an encroachment on the judicial power. The authority rests solely upon the appropriate court — in the Sandiganbayan.” (To be continued) The post Aftermath of Heidi’s falsehood (2) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
QC family courts handling all Dengvaxia cases — SC
The family courts in Quezon City was designated by the Supreme Court to handle exclusively all Dengvaxia-related cases. This affirmed an earlier ruling by the high bench that designated QC courts as the proper venue for dengvaxia cases. The high tribunal in a five-page notice also dismissed “for lack of merit” the motions for reconsideration sought by the principal respondent — former Department of Health secretary and now Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin — and other co-respondents opposing the consolidation of all cases to a family court. The SC’s Second Division Clerk of Court Teresita Aquino-Tuazon pointed to Republic Act 8369 that establishes family courts that have exclusive jurisdiction over child and family cases. “RA 8369 is clear that the Family Court and not the regular court which has jurisdiction over the subject cases,” Aquino-Tuazon said. “That all cases involving the Dengvaxia vaccine wherein the parties were assisted by PAO shall be transferred to the family court in Quezon City,” the SC official added. The court was referring to other PAO-assisted pending cases for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide which will be dismissed by the first level courts for lack of jurisdiction to avoid conflicting rulings/decisions and “for the orderly administration of justice.” The respondents have argued that QC’s family courts had no jurisdiction but the regular courts because there was no living minor that deserves special attention and protection of a family court. The high court said the family court has jurisdiction over cases where the victim is a minor at the time of the commission of the offense and “there is no distinction whether the minor victim is dead or alive.” Aquino-Tuazon made it clear that the purpose of the transfer to the family court is to ensure uniform decisions/rulings and the orderly administration of justice. With regard to the respondents’ arguments that QC’s family court is not the proper venue as most of them had their offices at the National Capital Region, SC’s second division said otherwise. “The SC said the Quezon City is the proper venue since it is the best venue due to its accessibility to the parties as compared to the other venues and that while it is true under RA 10660 (Functional and Structural Organization of the Sandiganbayan), cases falling within the jurisdiction of a Regional Trial Court cannot be tried in the judicial region where the public official holds office, the same is not applicable in the instant case,” it said. Aquino-Tuazon added that assuming the RTC and not the family court has jurisdiction over the cases, Quezon City may still be the proper venue as the subject criminal cases in the petition for transfer of venue is different from the cases in Section 2 of RA 10660 and although some of the accused are public officials, there is no allegation of bribery or corruption against them. The high court with respect to its denial in the consolidation of cases, said that each case should be tried separately because they are not based on the same facts. It said they involve different victims whose medical histories are distinct from that of the other victims. The SC said that the PAO, being the counsel of the parents of the school children whose deaths were linked to the controversial anti-dengue vaccine, can file the instant petition “considering further that there is no cogent reason for the Court to deviate from its earlier resolution granting the transfer of venue as some of the grounds relied upon are mere rehash of the issues and arguments.” PAO chief Atty. Persida Rueda-Acosta said with the latest SC resolution, they can now expect state prosecutors from the Department of Justice to file the criminal cases directly to QC’s family court and not Metropolitan Trial Courts. Garin is facing criminal cases filed by the initial batch of parent-complainants and is also the principal respondent in separate multiple criminal and civil cases, also involving Dengvaxia over 160 more deaths filed against her and other accused including former Health secretary Francisco Duque 3rd. Other respondents aside from Garin and Duque, include Sanofi executives and vaccine distributor Zuellig Pharma, and officials of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Philippine Children’s Medical Center and Food and Drug Administration. The post QC family courts handling all Dengvaxia cases — SC appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ex-LTFRB exec’s bid to junk bribery rap rejected
The Sandiganbayan has junked the motion of an ex-Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board executive director to suspend the bribery charges against him. In a resolution signed on Tuesday but only released Thursday, the Sandiganbayan Sixth Division junked Samuel Jardin's motion for lack of merit. Jardin was indicted for violation of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees for allegedly receiving P4.5 million from Michelle Sapangila in exchange for a franchise or Certificate of Public Convenience in 2019. The complainant, Sapangila, claimed in a 2019 sworn statement that a certain "Madam Lolit" allegedly demanded payment for the issuance of a route measured capacity in the amount of P300,000 for Jardin and P4.5 million to be split between Jardin (P3 million) and Martin Delgra III (P1.5 million). The disclosure of the alleged bribe prompted the suspension of Jardin in 2019. In his plea, Jardin argued that the proceedings must be suspended on the ground of prejudicial question. "The accused contends that the resolution of the issues in the case before the Supreme Court will necessarily determine his guilt or innocence. This Court disagrees," the Sandiganbayan said. The graft court added that the resolution of the issue in the case before the Supreme Court would not necessarily determine whether the present criminal cases may proceed. In October last year, the Court of Appeals upheld the 2020 ruling of the Ombudsman that ordered the dismissal of Jardin for grave misconduct, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, and violations of the Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service and RA 6713. The Ombudsman found Jardin on 22 December 2020 guilty as charged and ordered his dismissal as LTFRB executive director. He elevated the issue before the CA on 22 June 2021, after the Ombudsman denied his motion for reconsideration. The post Ex-LTFRB exec’s bid to junk bribery rap rejected appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Graft court junks Plaza’s reversal petition
The Sandiganbayan has rejected former Agusan del Sur representative Rodolfo Plaza’s petition to overturn its denial of his earlier motion to dismiss prosecutors’ evidence in connection with his pork barrel fund misuse case. The court ruled that Plaza’s current plea echoes his previously denied motion for leave to file a demurrer to evidence anchored on the same, albeit scantier grounds. “There being no new grounds for which the Court may anchor the reversal of its previous decree, the Court finds no cogent reason to deviate from its prior ruling,” the 13-page resolution promulgated on Friday read. “The Court stands behind its original pronouncement that the evidence presented by the prosecution, if unrebutted, constitutes prima face evidence of guilt sufficient to warrant the conviction of the accused,” it added. The former lawmaker was charged with five counts of graft, five counts of malversation and two counts of direct bribery by the Ombudsman for allegedly funneling his Priority Development Assistance Funds or pork barrel to bogus non-government organizations of businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles, the alleged mastermind of the scheme. From 2004 to 2010, Plaza allegedly received P42.1 million in commissions, rebates and kickbacks from his PDAF allocations while serving in the House of Representatives. The payoff allegedly occurred at either Napoles’ workplace in Ortigas or his home in Alabang Hills. Plaza was part of the second wave of lawmakers implicated in the PDAF scam and are now facing charges of stealing public funds for “ghost projects” by funneling the money through Napoles’ fake foundations. The post Graft court junks Plaza’s reversal petition appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»