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Balamban site is for road project, not Capitol bldg – Gwen
CEBU CITY, Philippines – The cleared site in Barangay Cambuhawe, Balamban, in western Cebu, is not for the new Capitol building, but for nationally funded road projects. Cebu Provincial Governor Gwen Garcia made this clarification after photos of a deforested mountain in Balamban, initially thought to be the site development of the new Capitol building,.....»»
Cebu City buy-bust: 3 nabbed in Calamba drug den
CEBU CITY, Philippines –Law enforcers arrested a 51-year-old man, who was believed to the maintaining a suspected drug den, and two of his alleged visitors during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Calamba, Cebu City Monday night. Reports coming from concerned citizens led authorities to the drug den in Sitio Mangga that is allegedly being operated.....»»
3 charged for selling fake MMFF tickets
Criminal complaints were filed against three people who were arrested for allegedly selling counterfeit Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) complimentary movie tickets in Quezon City, an official said yesterday......»»
Ex-houseboy charged with P27 million theft
A household helper is facing criminal complaints after he allegedly stole P27.1 million worth of jewelry and cash from his former employer in Quezon City......»»
PCSO ask lawmakers to toughen laws vs illegal lottery firms
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office General Manager Mel Robles, called out lawmakers on Monday to toughen the law against Illegal lottery firms. Robles personally led the filing of charges at Mandaluyong Prosecutors Office against individuals behind the four firms engaged in unauthorized online lottery operations. “I am calling out the attention of the lawmakers to toughen the law. Maybe others see that they can handle the penalty but we’ll see. Even if it’s light, we will still pursue the cases against them,” Robles said. Robles added that PCSO is losing billions of pesos in revenue because of illegal operations perpetrated by the suspects. “We are serious about this. We will prosecute and imprison everyone associated with this illegal operation to stop them,” he said. The PCSO stated that PayMaya reportedly remitted billions to a company operating an illegal online lottery. “A payment platform, like PayMaya, reported that they were able to remit about P4.7 billion to a company that was operating the Illegal lotto. It is also included in the complaint affidavit,” he said. The criminal complaints were filed against four companies, Eplayment Corporation, Paymero Technologies Limited, GlobalComRCI International, and Blockchain Smart-Tech Co. I.T. Consultancy. The complaints were prompted by an investigation conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation, which revealed that the mentioned companies were responsible for the ownership, operation, and administration of Pakilotto and Surelotto. The companies reportedly misused the PCSO’s name, logo, and various lottery games, soliciting and accepting bets from the public through their unauthorized mobile application and websites. Robles said that based on their investigation, they have found out that the alleged suspects for Illegal online lottery are operating in the cities of Quezon and Cebu. “We found out one in NCR, in Quezon City, the other is in Cebu,” he said. PCSO reported that Eplayment, which operated under the now-defunct website ‘Pakilotto’, was soliciting and accepting bets from the public at an inflated price of P30 per ticket, a 50% markup compared to the standard P20 lotto ticket. Meanwhile, Surelotto, a similar mobile app, sold tickets online for P25, a 25% increase from the regular lotto price. Prizes of smaller denominations are allegedly directly deposited into the winner’s registered bank account, while jackpot prizes require winners to visit the Surelotto office in person. The complaint-affidavit states that the owners, directors, and/or officers of Paymero, Eplayment, GlobalComRMCI, and Blockchain, as owners, operators, and/or administrators of Pakilotto and Sukilotto, have committed Usurpation of Authority under Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code, a violation of R.A. No. 1169, as amended, and a violation of Presidential Decree No. 1602, as amended by Republic Act No. 9287, in connection with Executive Order No. 13, Series of 2017. Robles emphasized that PCSO remains fully committed to preserving the integrity and legitimacy of its lottery games, ensuring fair treatment and protection for the public. The post PCSO ask lawmakers to toughen laws vs illegal lottery firms appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hontiveros comes to aid of Alpha 400
The more or less 400 Filipinos duped into shelling out large sums of money in exchange for employment opportunities in Italy, found an ally in Senator Risa Hontiveros who filed a resolution Wednesday calling for an investigation into the alleged recruitment scam. Less than a week into a series ran by the DAILY TRIBUNE on the reported scam of Alpha Assistenza SRL, an Italy-based immigration consultancy firm, Hontiveros filed Senate Resolution 814 detailing the alleged fraudulent scheme of the immigration consultancy firm that preyed on Filipinos who dream of working in the European country. “It is alleged that Alpha Assistenza SRL provided over 400 Filipino “victims” with falsified Nulla Osta, a document issued by Italian immigration authorities authorizing a non-European Union national to apply for a work visa at an Italian embassy or consulate,” the resolution read. “The falsified Nulla Osta resulted in the rejection of the victims’ applications when the said documents were presented to the Italy Visa Application Center (VIA PIASI Center),” it added. According to Hontiveros, the Filipino applicants were met at the VIA PIASI Center located in Makati City by a Philippine agent designated in electronic messages by Krizelle Respicio, Alpha Assistenza SRL’s Chief Executive Officer and Immigration Consultant. “The State is mandated by the Constitution to afford full protection to laborers, both local and overseas, organized and unorganized, and to promote full employment and equality of employment opportunities for all,” she said. She added: “Because of the principle of territoriality, our statutes are generally only effective within Philippine territory; and there is thus an urgent need to protect Filipinos from possible recruitment perpetuated by companies based overseas.” ‘Aware’ Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday said it is aware of the alleged recruitment scam that victimized at least 400 Filipinos from the Philippines and Italy. In an interview, DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza said the number of victims of the alleged recruitment scam may be higher or lower than the previously reported 400 Filipinos. “The numbers are still being verified,” she said, denying alleged non-action against the supposed scam. For the hundreds of victims it does not help to hear the same tune and prompt action is the only way to address their hopelessness. It was the snail-paced efforts of the Philippine Consulate in Milan, Italy, that they sought Italian police assistance after the Consulate’s inaction to their complaints submitted in May 2023. Several victims, who reached out to the Daily Tribune’s digital program, “Usapang OFW,” accused Consul General Elmer Cato of sitting on their complaints against Alpha Assistenza SRL, an Italy-based immigration consultancy firm that allegedly preyed on Filipinos who are dreaming of working in Italy. In an interview over the Usapang OFW last week, several complainants, namely, Vanessa Antonio, Enrique Catilo, and Apple Cabasis, said the Alpha Assistenza SRL, headed by Filipino co-CEOs Krizelle Respicio and Frederick Dutaro, may have duped more than 400 Filipinos. They accused Consul General Elmer Cato of neglecting their grievances against Alpha Assistenza SRL. And Allan Hernandez The post Hontiveros comes to aid of Alpha 400 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gag Trump, prosecutor asks court
Former United States president Donald Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric have gotten prosecutors threatened and may influence jurors and witness testimony, a special counsel argued in seeking a gag order on him. Special Counsel Jack Smith made the request on Friday ahead of Trump’s trial for election subversion. Smith enumerated Trump’s menacing comments posted on social media since his 1 August indictment for allegedly upending the results of the 2020 US election in a concerted effort that led to the violent 6 January 2021 attack by his supporters on the Capitol. “IF YOU GO AFTER ME, I’M COMING AFTER YOU!” read one of Trump’s posts. Trump, who is running for president in next year’s election, also labeled trial judge Tanya Chutkan a “fraud” and “Trump-hating,” Smith’s office a “team of thugs” and Washington “filthy and crime-ridden” with a population “over 95 percent anti-Trump,” Smith added. Trump’s statements “could have a material impact on the impartiality of the jury pool while simultaneously influencing witness testimony,” Smith’s filing with the Washington federal court stated. “It is clear that the threats are prompted by the defendant’s repeated and relentless posts,” the filing added. The ex-president is also accused of seeking to disenfranchise American voters with his false claims that he won the November 2020 presidential election. Trump has pleaded not guilty, and has formally asked Chutkan to recuse herself from the case, accusing her of bias against him. WITH AFP The post Gag Trump, prosecutor asks court 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......»»
MTRCB suspends ‘It’s Showtime’ for 12 airing days — but no mention of Vice-Ion
The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board issued today, 4 September, its decision to suspend the noontime program It’s Showtime for 12 airing days. In a statement released to the media, the government agency said it has received “multiple complaints” from viewers concerning the show’s episode last 25 July, in which unspecified hosts “allegedly acted in an indecent manner” during the “Isip Bata” segment. Based on those complaints, the MTRCB made a case against It’s Showtime. The case was referred to its Hearing and Adjudication Committee, which then summoned the people behind the show as respondents as part of the procedural process. The respondents may file one Motion of Reconsideration within 15 days after receipt of the decision, in accordance with the Presidential Decree No. 1986 (MTRCB Charter). If the MR gets an unfavorable decision from the agency’s Board, the show may appeal to the Office of the President within 15 days from the receipt of the decision on the MR. “Isip Bata” is a game played with 20 adult contestants guessing the recorded answers of 50 kids to a particular question, until only one remains to advance to the jackpot round for a chance to win P50,000. At one point during the 25 July episode, host Ion Perez playfully swiped icing off a cake he was holding. His cohost and spouse Vice Ganda (they were married in the U.S. city of Las Vegas in 2022) played along, swiping some icing off Ion’s finger then licking it. That act triggered complaints against the show filed at the MTRCB. But the MTRCB neither specified that incident nor mentioned any names in its statement announcing It’s Showtime’s suspension. However, it described two other cases that it said elicited additional warnings for the noontime show. The first case involved hosts Jhong Hilario and Vince Ganda’s “inappropriate utterance” of the word “G Spot” in the 24 January 2023 episode, deemed in violation of Section 2 (B), Chapter IV of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Presidential Decree No. 1986. The second case referred to host Vhong Navarro’s “inappropriate utterance” of the word “Tinggil” in the 3 June 2023 episode, also deemed in violation of Section 2 (B), Chapter IV of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of P.D. No. 1986. Both cases are now under review by the agency’s Board. Prior to this suspension, the MTRCB pointed out in its statement that it had imposed back in 2010 a 20-day preventive suspension on ABS-CBN’s noontime show then called Showtime. Here is MTRCB’s full statement: The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) issued today, 04 September 2023, its decision to suspend the live noontime program “It’s Showtime!” for twelve (12) airing days. Viewers have lodged multiple complaints before the MTRCB concerning the show’s 25 July 2023 episode wherein the program’s hosts allegedly acted in an indecent manner during one of its segments, “Isip Bata.” The said case was referred to the MTRCB’s Hearing and Adjudication Committee which heard the case and required the respondents to submit their position papers, following a procedural process. In accordance with the Presidential Decree (P.D.) No. 1986 (MTRCB Charter), the respondents may file one Motion for Reconsideration (MR) within fifteen (15) days after receipt of the decision. Should the Board’s Decision be adverse to the respondent’s MR, they may appeal to the Office of the President within fifteen (15) days from the receipt of the decision on the MR. This is not the first time that a preventive suspension order was imposed on It’s Showtime. In 2010, the MTRCB imposed a 20-day preventive suspension on ABS-CBN’s daily variety program then called “Showtime.” In 2023 alone, the MTRCB has received multiple complaints which the Board has given due course. Most recently, the Board issued two (2) additional warnings to the noontime show concerning the following cases: Case no. 1: Inappropriate utterance of the word “G Spot” by hosts Jhong Hilario and Vice Ganda, during the 24 January 2023 episode of “It’s Showtime!” in violation of Section 2 (B), Chapter IV of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Presidential Decree (P.D.) No. 1986. Decision: The Board found the Respondents (ABS-CBN Corporation Broadcasting Network [ABS-CBN], ZOE Broadcasting Network, Inc. [ZBNI] and TV 5 Network, Inc.) remiss in the performance of their respective functions and duties required under the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of P.D. No. 1986, specifically Section 2 (B) Chapter IV thereof, and are admonished to refrain from making any utterances of similar nature for the same will be dealt more severely. Case no. 2: Inappropriate utterance of the word “Tinggil” by host Vhong Navarro, during the 03 June 2023 episode of “It’s Showtime!” in violation of Section 2 (B), Chapter IV of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of P.D. No. 1986. Decision: Derelict in the performance of their respective functions and duties under the IRR of P.D. No. 1986, Respondents (ABS-CBN and ZBNI) were sternly warned by the Board that a similar utterance will be dealt with more severely. At present, the noontime show has duly submitted their MRs for the above-mentioned cases which are currently pending with the MTRCB’s Adjudication Committee. Prior Warnings It may also be recalled that the noontime show received prior warnings from the Board in relation to the utterance of the word “Pek Pek Shorts” in the 09 January 2023 episode of the show and the indecent attire and performance of Kim Duenas in the “Girl on Fire” segment aired on 14 February 2023, in both cases, the Respondents were admonished that similar violations shall be dealt with more severely. Dismissed Complaints over lack of Merit Apart from these, the MTRCB has received multiple complaints regarding the noontime show, which the Board dismissed in the spirit of fairness and equity, such as (1) Complaints regarding the “Rampanalo” segment money game where hosts were paired together to catch play money using their lips; (2) Complaints regarding the allegedly suggestive “macho” dancing in one of the show’s segments; (3) Complaints regarding the wardrobe malfunctions or “nip slips” of one of the performers, to which MTRCB issued a memorandum urging stakeholders to exercise prudence in securing their talents’ clothing during performances; and (4) Complaints of alleged inappropriate wearing of the Barong Tagalog of one of the Hosts, to name a few. The MTRCB only adjudicates cases which, to the Board’s judgment, have basis in law and its mandate, P.D. No. 1986. The post MTRCB suspends ‘It’s Showtime’ for 12 airing days — but no mention of Vice-Ion appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Calls for federalism backed anew
ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Alliance of Advocates of Federalism in the Philippines Inc. announced on Sunday that it has received a positive response from the people in central Mindanao after learning the advantages of the federal form of government. This, as AAFP president Atty. Nazir Ynawat recently conducted a forum in Digos City in Davao del Sur province, explaining to them the advantages when the country decides to shift its form from Presidential to Federal form. Under the presidential form of government, the power is equally divided among its three branches of government — executive, legislative and judicial — while in Federalism mode of government, it combines a general government with regional governments in a single political system.” Ynawat said he received a positive response from officials and the academe, adding that a similar reception was also demonstrated by the town grassroot sector and officials of academe in the towns of Goma, Tuban, Padada, Sinawilan, Malinao, Tacub, Sulop and the adjacent towns of Digos City. “I find the audience to the forum very receptive to my explanation about the federal form of government,” Ynawat said. During the forums he conducted in central Mindanao, about 90 percent of those who attended signed a membership form attesting their desire to join the AAFP and a total of 9,875 people coming from all sectors of the community have signed a membership form. He also disclosed that some local government officials of towns and cities in central Mindanao are discreetly supporting the AAFP movement, claiming that it is time for Filipinos to adopt a new form of government system to advance the nation and the region. In other developments, the Moro National Liberation Front on Sunday branded the recent statement of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that he is gearing towards a federal form of government as “mere propaganda.” MNLF political director Gafur Hajirul told DAILY TRIBUNE in a telephone interview that Marcos allegedly only floated the federalism issue to gain support for administration candidates in the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections this October. Harijul stressed that if the President is really serious about federalism, he should have included it among his prioritized legislative agenda, adding that Marcos can also use emergency powers to declare shift of form of government. The MNLF had earlier back tracked on its earlier move to seek independence of Mindanao to campaign support to the shift from Unitary to Federal system which coincided with the group political objective of self-rule. With Perseus Echeminada The post Calls for federalism backed anew appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Trump has 10 days to surrender
Former United States president Donald Trump and 18 others were charged Tuesday with racketeering over their attempt to overturn Georgia state’s presidential election result in 2020 and they were given 10 days to voluntarily surrender. “Rather than abide by Georgia’s legal process for election challenges, the defendants engaged in a criminal racketeering enterprise to overturn Georgia’s presidential election result,” Fulton County prosecutor Fani Willis told reporters. Willis gave the 19 individuals named in Monday’s grand jury indictment until noon of 25 August to voluntarily surrender. Trump, who is running for president next year, called the indictment a witch hunt in a post on his Truth Social platform. “Why didn’t they indict 2.5 years ago? Because they wanted to do it right in the middle of my political campaign,” his post read. The Trump campaign released a statement as the charges were being processed calling Willis, who is a Democrat, a “rabid partisan” who was “persecuting” the former president with “bogus indictments.” In response, Willis said: “I make decisions in this office based on the facts and the law. The law is completely nonpartisan.” The indictment is the fourth and latest against the 77-year-old Republican, compounding the legal threats he is facing in multiple jurisdictions which may imperil his bid for a second White House term. He was already federally indicted over the alleged plot to subvert the election and is also facing prosecutions over his alleged mishandling of classified documents and keeping allegedly fraudulent business records. The twice-impeached Trump was charged with violating Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced And Corrupt Organizations Act, as well as six conspiracy counts over alleged efforts to commit forgery, impersonate a public official and submit false statements and documents. He is also accused of lying in statements and filing fake documents, as well as solicitating public officials to break their oaths. Trump’s former personal lawyer and ex-New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, who pressured local legislators over the result after the election, and Trump’s White House chief of staff, Mark Meadows, were among the 18 co-defendants. Giuliani faces 13 felony counts, including over accusations of harassment of two Fulton County poll workers. Other Trump allies were charged over the accessing of sensitive data from an election office in a rural county south of Atlanta, one day after the 2021 Capitol riot. Atlanta-area authorities launched the probe after Trump called Georgia officials weeks before he was due to leave the White House, pressuring them to “find” the 11,780 votes that would reverse President Joe Biden’s victory in the Peach State. WITH AFP The post Trump has 10 days to surrender appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Malabon council probing barangay exec
A Malabon city councilor has filed an administrative complaint against the chairperson of Barangay Potrero for alleged violations of Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. The Malabon City Council said it would investigate the complaint filed by Councilor Diosdado Cunanan against barangay chair Sheryl Nolasco after it was endorsed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government. DILG-National Capital Region director Maria Lourdes Agustin made the endorsement in a one-page signed letter referring to the verified complaint filed by Cunanan against Nolasco before Vice Mayor Bernard dela Cruz, as city council presiding officer. The city council has jurisdiction over complaints against local elective officials. In a letter to DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr., Cunanan requested the department’s assistance in investigating Nolasco. Among the complaints was the alleged unauthorized release of P180,590 of barangay funds allegedly used by Nolasco to pay for the repair of the latter’s personal vehicle, and Nolasco’s supposedly unauthorized travel. Cunanan said the city council will start looking into his complaint against the barangay official on Friday, 11 August. The post Malabon council probing barangay exec appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DILG recognizes town mayor’s suspension
The Department of the Interior and Local Government on Thursday recognized the suspension order on Bonifacio town mayor Samson Dumanjug in Misamis Occidental. In a statement, the DILG commented on the suspension of Dumanjug which was discussed during the Senate Committee on Public Order hearing last 1 August 2023. Under Administrative Order 22 s. 2011, the suspension order of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan should be appealed to the Office of the President within 15 days from notice of the order., the DILG said. “However, Mayor Dumanjug did not file an appeal. The 2023 Suspension Order against Mayor Dumanjug thus became final and executory. Further, there was no stay of execution issued by any proper office or court. In recognizing the Suspension Order, the DILG complied with and followed the law,” read the statement. Last Tuesday, Occidental Gov. Henry Oaminal appeared before the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs for the hearing called by chairman Senator Ronald dela Rosa. Dela Rosa, in calling for the probe, has cited the letter complaint of the Dumanjug couple that local police officers and local government executives subjected them to alleged inhumane and violent treatment when they were evicted from the municipal hall building last 16 June. Oaminal said law enforcement agents were pressed to use force in enforcing the suspension order on Dumanjug and his wife, Vice Mayor Evelyn Dumajug to resume the delivery of basic services to their constituents. Oaminal told senators that the Dumanjugs have locked themselves in the mayor’s office since 30 May after he directed the service of the preventive suspension order issued by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Misamis Occidental in relation to Administrative Case 01-23 or a case of betrayal of public trust against the couple. On 7 June, Oaminal said the DILG Region 10 issued a memorandum recognizing Ricky Bulahan as the acting municipal mayor of Bonifacio town. This was supported with a letter dated 9 June 2023 coming from the DILG Central Office in Quezon City. The case stemmed from an administrative complaint filed against the Dumanjug couple last September 2022 for abuse of authority, dishonesty, and grave misconduct for the procurement of excavators and garbage compactor trucks which were allegedly overpriced. The post DILG recognizes town mayor’s suspension appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Graft buster clears Cusi
Citing the presumption of regularity, the Office of the Ombudsman threw out the graft complaint of a New York-based billionaire against former Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, other Department of Energy officials, Davao City-based executive Dennis Uy, and several others over the sale of 90 percent of the shares of the Malampaya natural gas consortium. On 18 October 2021, US-based geologist Balgamel Domingo and Filipino-American anti-Duterte leaders Rodel Rodis and Loida Nicolas-Lewis filed charges against Cusi, Uy, and the others involved in the sale of the Malampaya stake to the Udenna group of Uy. In a copy of the ruling obtained by the Daily Tribune, the Ombudsman said it could not delve into the complaint on the legality of the transaction since “the authority to make such a determination belongs to the court.” “Seemingly, this complaint is in actuality a collateral attack on the validity of the Share Sale and Purchase Agreement,” it said. The decision declared that “matters of such tenor are not determinable in a preliminary investigation before the Ombudsman’s Office.” “Without any judicial determination decreeing the illegality of the Share Sale and Purchase Agreement, this Office is left with nothing but to acknowledge its validity,” the ruling said. The Ombudsman cited a precedent in the case of Teresita Buenaventura vs Metrobank, in a ruling that stated: “The burden of showing that a contract is simulated rests on the party impugning the contract.” “This is because of the presumed validity of the contract that has been duly executed,” the Ombudsman ruling read. “Wherefore, the criminal charges for violation of Section 3(e) and of Republic Act 3019 against the respondents are dismissed for lack of probable cause.” The ruling was signed by members of a Special Panel of Investigators composed of Ronald Allan Ramos, Josephine Mae Rosapapan, Francisco Alan Molina and Bonifacio Mandrilla. Prime takes control The operation of the Malampaya project was recently assumed by the Razon group’s Prime Energy which bought a 45-percent stake from Malampaya Energy XP, or MEXP, of the Udenna group. MEXP had bought the shares of Shell Philippines Exploration B.V., or SPEX, in the consortium. The Department of Energy had branded the complaint a political move since the two Fil-Am lawyers in the suit were prominent in the “Oust Duterte” movement in the United States. The complaint alleged that Cusi and other energy officials had granted “unwarranted benefits and advantage” to Uy’s UC Malampaya in the buyout of Chevron’s share in the consortium. Udenna, through spokesperson Raymond Zorilla, said there is “no law requiring approval of the transfer of shares of companies that have an interest in Malampaya.” Zorilla said the transfer of Chevron and Shell shares underwent strict bidding processes and due diligence by both multinational oil and gas players. “The share sales were above board and legal and had to pass scrutiny by Philippine regulators, international lenders, and the said private multinationals involved,” Zorilla added. Cusi, in an interview with Daily Tribune, had said the DoE was not involved in choosing the buyer of the shares of Shell and Chevron in the Malampaya project. “The DoE did not get involved in the sale (of shares). We don’t know that they are selling. Our question was what their standards are for choosing Udenna. Why didn’t you choose the big companies, and why Udenna?” he said. Industry experts said the sale of shares was a private transaction that the accusers, who are US lawyers, should have been very familiar with. Cusi said the DoE, during his watch, went beyond its mandate by reviewing the technical, legal, and financial aspects of the transactions, the results of which were provided to the public. Political agenda The complaint, he said, had an underlying political agenda connected to his being the head of President Rodrigo Duterte’s Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan or PDP Laban. “It is not only political propaganda against me, but it also has a destabilization background… because I’m the president of the PDP.” The complaints, in turn, stemmed from the unending Senate inquiries on the Malampaya deals. The DoE said the Senate probes and the controversies that resulted from them had caused costly delays in the review process that would ultimately affect the country’s energy security. To refute a recent remark by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, the DoE, in a statement said: “The inquiries of Senator Gatchalian are causing undue delay to the timeline of the consortium corporations, and this may eventually take its toll and put our energy security at risk.” The DoE’s approval of the sale of shares of stock of Chevron Malampaya LLC, one of the three corporations in the Malampaya Gas Field Project Consortium, had been dubbed by Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy, as “lutong Macau.” It also backed the Udenna assessment that the deals were above-board. “When the sales were made, both Chevron Philippines, which owned Chevron Malampaya, and Shell Petroleum NV, owner of SPEX, followed rigorous global standards,” the DoE said. Nicolas-Lewis was part of a 25-person delegation from the US-Philippines Society, a private group comprising business executives and diplomats, who met with Duterte a week before his inauguration as president in 2016. Nicolas-Lewis was then accompanied by former Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia, PLDT chair Manuel V. Pangilinan, retired American diplomats, and executives of Coca-Cola, SGV, JP Morgan, and other top corporations. Nicolas-Lewis is the sister of former National Anti-Poverty Commission chairperson Imelda Nicolas, who was one of the “Hyatt 10” Cabinet members who turned against then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2005. Imelda and most of the Hyatt 10 members ended up getting key posts in the administration of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. Imelda was made head of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas. Nicolas-Lewis plot bared In February 2018, former President Duterte bared intercepted conversations that indicated Nicolas-Lewis was behind efforts to push the International Criminal Court, or ICC, to probe his war on drugs. Duterte revealed a recorded conversation between Lewis and another political opponent whom he did not name. “I was listening to the tapes of their conversation. It was provided to me by another country, but the conversation was somewhere in the Philippines and New York,” Duterte said. He said that among the recordings was one in which Lewis allegedly told another person: “See you in the headquarters when the case is filed.” Duterte then said in a public address that he was aware of developments on the ICC case and that lawyer Jude Sabio, the main complainant in the case, was a paid hack of Magdalo Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and Rep. Gary Alejano, both failed putschists. Sabio withdrew his complaint before the ICC and revealed that the case was the handiwork of the dirty tricks factory of Trillanes. In 2016, Duterte pointed to Lewis as the financier of an alleged destabilization plot against his administration. Nicolas-Lewis invested heavily in the failed presidential campaigns of Liberal Party bets Mar Roxas in 2016 and Vice President Leni Robredo in 2022. The post Graft buster clears Cusi appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Discordant voices (1)
Two high government functionaries of the government can’t help themselves from being off-key with the position of their principal, the Chief Executive. They are either having difficulty in understanding the clear, unequivocal, and assertive language of the President or they just want to be solo players. In either case, they do not help in projecting a solid, irreversible, and correct foreign policy on the International Criminal Court’s intransigent intrusion on the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The ICC wants to supplant our judicial system with its own by investigating drug-related killings and crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the presidential term of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and in the latter’s incumbency as Mayor of Davao City. In issuing public statements which are at war with PBBM’s pronouncements on the ICC, they not only undermine the government’s position but give an arsenal to the international interloper to justify its unlawful and vexing interference with the country’s governance. Despite PBBM’s declaration that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines at the start of his presidency in the face of ICC’s attempts at intruding in our manner of administering justice to criminal offenders, these two high government officials gave pronouncements not only contrary to the President’s but illogical and balderdash submissions. On 17 March 2018, FPRRD ordered the withdrawal of the Philippines from the Rome Statute which created the ICC following the commencement by the ICC’s former special prosecutor Fatou Bensouda of a preliminary examination on whether or not the ICC could properly assume jurisdiction over complaints of drug-related killings. A year after, on 17 March 2019, the withdrawal became effective. In September 2021, former prosecutor Bensouda launched a formal inquiry into the drug war. Instead of slamming the ICC for its attempt to subject the Philippines, by that time already non-member state, the withdrawal has been effective, this government lawyer, who at the time headed the justice department, against FPRRD’s position that the ICC never acquired jurisdiction, filed a deferral request of the contemplated probe. Such filing is inconsistent with the “no jurisdiction” policy of the government. For if the ICC has no jurisdiction, this writer argued then as he criticized the move, why should our government request for a suspension of the investigation when it has no jurisdiction? By filing such deferral request, our country effectively placed itself under the jurisdiction of the ICC. Moreover, this columnist further slammed the deferral request action because the reason for its submission was anchored on the offer of the government to submit proof that its judicial system is working. Why should we be the ones to prove that our system of justice is working? It is the ICC that is accusing us that ours is not working, so it should be the ICC that should provide proof that the Philippines is incapable of prosecuting those committing crimes against humanity and committing mass murders. It is elementary that one who alleges must prove, and not the other being accused. That wrong legal maneuver was supported by the other government official who is a lawyer and who substituted him as the head of the office he once held under the previous administration. The former said that such filing of a request was just an act of courtesy, apparently either not understanding the depth of the folly or ignoring the absurdity and incongruity of the same. As this columnist anticipated and said so on various occasions and platforms, the ICC denied the deferral request. Instead of realizing his mistake, this government counsel, who then was appointed to another office handling legal matters, did another monstrous booboo by submitting a motion for reconsideration, adding another brick of error, and strengthening the contradiction of arguing against the lack of jurisdiction of the ICC but invalidating it by subjecting the Philippine government to its jurisdiction. (To be continued) The post Discordant voices (1) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Prosecutor dismisses case vs realty people
BAGUIO CITY — The Office of the Baguio Prosecutor has dismissed the complaints against the owner and 23 employees and individual partners of a realty company, 40 days after their arrest by the Regional Anti-Cyber Crime Unit-Cordillera. On 19 July 2023, the City Prosecutor’s Office released the dismissal order on the case of Casa Infini Builders and Realty Co. Ltd. Chief Executive Officer Jennylyn Floresca and 23 others. The Securities and Exchange Commission had charged Floresca and the others with violations of Sections 8, 26, and 28 of the Securities Regulation Code and violations of certain provisions of the Cybercrime Prevention Act. The prosecutor’s office stressed that the complaint against the respondents was dismissed due to the illegal warrantless arrest and the subsequent illegal warrantless search conducted by the SEC personnel and other government authorities on the company’s premises. “In fact, the petition which initiated the investigation against Casa Infini by SEC was not even attached to the complaint for us to truly determine if there is indeed any evidence of fraud or deceit,” stated the Office of the Prosecutor. On 10 June 2023, operatives from the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, RACU Cordillera and the Enforcement and Investor Protection Department launched an entrapment operation against the Casa Infini owner and partners. Two of the operatives posed as registrants and participants to the company’s business presentation. When the undercover police allegedly noticed something “fishy” going on, they signaled to the other operatives who barged into the venue of the presentation. The law enforcers started arresting the participants, confiscating laptops, cellphones and money amounting to more than P1 million as evidence. Prior to the mass arrest, the EIPD received a petition for revocation of Casa Infini’s license permit filed by an unnamed lawyer. In the petition, the complainant accused Casa Infini of illegal activities. On March 2023, EIPD investigators started to track the activities of Casa Infini and on 5 June 2023, the EIPD filed a motion for the issuance of cease and desist order against the company. The SEC En Banc issued the CDO on 8 June 2023 against the Casa Infini. The respondents complained that their arrest caused a great commotion that traumatized senior citizens, children and persons with disabilities attending the business presentation. The post Prosecutor dismisses case vs realty people appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ICC greenlights Phl drug probe
The Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court has dismissed the Philippine government’s appeal to stop the ICC investigation into the extrajudicial killings and other crimes allegedly committed during the Duterte administration’s campaign against illegal drugs. ICC Presiding Judge Marc Perrin de Brichambaut announced the chamber’s decision during an open court hearing in the Netherlands. Also covered by the greenlighted probe are alleged drug-related killings in Davao City from 2011 to 2016 during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s incumbency there as mayor. Reacting to the decision, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, who represents the country before the ICC, said the Philippines cannot file any more appeals to stop the ICC Office of the Prosecutor from probing the alleged crimes. Guevarra said the ICC could indict certain individuals over the drug war killings if there is sufficient evidence. Won’t comply Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, however, said the Philippine government will not comply with any arrest warrants the ICC may issue against personalities within its borders. “We are hospitable but if they (ICC) will meddle, we will not allow it. We have our own justice system that they cannot impede or ignore. They should not try to interfere here,” Remulla had said on Monday. The ICC Appeals Chamber said it rejected Guevarra’s appeal “in the absence of persuasive reasons.” The ICC has no police powers. It can only rely on the cooperation of countries to arrest and turn over wanted persons to its jurisdiction. Earlier, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stressed that as the country does not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction, the government will not cooperate with its probe or other proceedings. The Philippines officially withdrew from the ICC in 2018, but the court said it still had jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was still a state party to the Rome Statute from 1 November 2011 up to 16 March 2019, when its withdrawal from the treaty that established the ICC took effect. The government has pointed out that it has been investigating the alleged crimes and that jail terms had been meted out on those found guilty. As a sovereign nation, the Philippines asserted that the ICC could not just inject itself into alleged cases committed in the country. Official government data showed that about 6,200 people died in the course of the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign, but its critics claimed that as many as 12,000 to 30,000 were killed. Guevarra said the Philippines must agree to the ICC probe. Still, even without government cooperation, he had earlier said that the ICC could proceed with its investigation. The ICC opened its probe in 2019 but suspended it in November 2021 after the Philippine government said it was re-examining the complaints. ICC prosecutor Karim Khan had asked to restart the inquiry, saying the Philippine government had not provided evidence it was carrying out thorough inquiries. The ICC authorized the reopening of the inquiry in January 2023. The post ICC greenlights Phl drug probe appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Coming home to a newly-improved Lanao del Sur
Marawi City is that one dreamy place that proves the Philippines has more to offer than meets the eye. [caption id="attachment_158168" align="aligncenter" width="525"] THE Islamic municipality of Tamparan has40 mosques.[/caption] Imagine seeing the iconic and age-old Lake Lanao flanked by two majestic mountain ranges and the Grand Mosque, the great Islamic sanctuary of the nation. Prior to the pandemic, these were the lone attractions drawing visitors to the capital of Lanao del Sur. For those desiring a tourist experience, a mere half-day in Marawi gave you everything you needed. Times have changed, however. During a recent return to my beloved hometown, I found myself pleasantly taken aback by the exquisite accommodations I was provided at the newly established Ridge Hotel. This modern marvel boasts an array of state-of-the-art indulgences, a culinary haven curated by a gifted chef, a reliable and uninterrupted WiFi connection, elegant function rooms and staff composed entirely of graduates in the fields of tourism and hotel management, epitomizing maximum professionalism. My invitation to the momentous launch of the month-long celebration commemorating the 64th founding anniversary of Lanao del Sur, extended personally by the honorable Governor Datu Mamintal “Bombit” Alonto Adiong Jr., a longstanding friend, and his son, Vice Governor Mujam Adiong, granted me a very endearing visit. The distinguished presence of Indonesian Ambassador Agus Widjojo as a special guest at the event further strengthened the shared kinship between the Philippines and Indonesia. Ambassador Widjojo noted that he felt a profound sense of belonging in the Philippines, given the shared commitment to the faith in Allah prevalent in the Muslim provinces of both nations. [caption id="attachment_158164" align="aligncenter" width="525"] indonesia Ambassador to the Philippines Agus Widjojo and Lanao Del Sur Governor Mamintal A. Adiong Jr.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_158166" align="aligncenter" width="525"] CHICKEN Satay with peanut sauce.PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF IG/ALTITUDECAFE22[/caption] During this noteworthy occasion, the stunning performances of amateur talents and the captivating folk cultural ensemble known as Sining Kambayoka enraptured the audience. Their compelling Maranaw dances were accompanied by resonant melodies deriving from the kulintang ensemble. As the month unfolds, the province has laid out a comprehensive roster of events, including necessary medical outreach programs, magnetic agricultural exhibits, refreshing lake tours, a pivotal health summit and a scrumptious food festival, all to be held in the month of July. Trip down heaven road Indeed, my favorite one, Heaven Road, echoes the preferences of both locals and visitors alike. Nestled atop a panoramic hill, this majestic thoroughfare is adorned with charming cafés that gracefully connect Mindanao State University to the provincial capitol. The place shows Marawi’s ability to reinvent itself, seamlessly integrating current trends with the preservation of its rich cultural heritage. A common sight along Heaven Road is that of baristas in their taqiyah, or men’s prayer caps, and servers adorned in hijabs, the traditional headscarves worn by women. In fact, Heaven Road has become an irresistible muse for countless vloggers, who capture spectacular vistas of the surrounding landscape. On sun-drenched days, the ethereal clouds nearly graze the towering mountains, while after rainfall, a mystical mist envelops the terrain, thus explaining its moniker, Heaven Road. Aptly referred to as the “Baguio of Mindanao,” this sanctuary is well-known for its delicate climate and awe-inspiring sights of verdant forests, visible through the coffee shop windows. Earlier this year, the renowned Cebu-based chain, Bo’s Coffee, inaugurated its grandest Philippine outlet, sprawling across 1,000 square meters at Heaven Road. In addition to serving its signature homegrown coffee blends and refreshing cold beverages, this establishment boasts a panoramic 360-degree view of Marawi City. The exquisite interiors harmoniously incorporate traditional Meranaw architectural elements, such as the resplendent okir patterns, meticulously painted in vibrant hues along the facade. Its deign motifs ingeniously pay homage to the distinctive malong patterns. Haven Coffee and Tea, an establishment owned by a visionary entrepreneur hailing from Iligan City, has garnered significant attention on the social media platforms of the youthful Meranaw populace. Meticulously prepared to embody an original concept while fervently supporting local products and talent, this haven offers an unparalleled culinary experience. Its collection of lattés, rice meals, flavorful plates of pasta, delectable sandwiches, and sweet cakes are nothing short of extraordinary. Haven Coffee and Tea skillfully capitalizes on its sprawling al fresco dining area, affording patrons dazzling sceneries of the mountains during the day, and enchanting city lights after dusk. It is not uncommon to witness outdoor seminars hosted beneath sleek tents, as companies seek solace in the tranquil ambiance. As night descends, visitors are presented with a choice between submerging themselves in the melodious performances of live acoustic bands and Meranaw pop singers or opting for a quieter corner, where they can internalize the symphony of chirping crickets. Cafe Sindaw, renowned for its exquisite beverages and coffee offerings, goes beyond mere refreshments, upholding a hard-and-fast adherence to excellence. This reputable establishment prides itself on maintaining an impeccable standing among cafe shops in the city. In addition to its premium culinary offerings, Cafe Sindaw boasts a collection of fashionable function rooms, ideal for hosting both formal and informal gatherings with an air of sophistication. Other esteemed cafés in the vicinity provide an extensive selection of milk teas, accompanied by delectable sinkers, as well as an assortment of cold beverages and delectable pastries. Altitude Café in Marawi City offers a captivating dining experience that combines elegance with Asian-inspired flavors. With a chic and contemporary interior, the spacious and well-lit dining area provides a serene ambiance for a casual brunch or stylish evening out. The menu showcases a fusion of Asian and Lanao Del Sur’s culinary traditions, skillfully prepared by gifted chefs. From rich stir-fries to exquisite pastas, each dish echoes a devotion to culinary distinction, using locally sourced ingredients to herald the unique flavors of Marawi. Additionally, the café’s soaring location provides breathtaking scenic sights of Marawi City’s landscapes, enhancing the overall dining experience. For those in search of treasured souvenirs, Sarimanok Road unveils a trove of shops offering exquisite Meranaw crafts, timeless antiques, and an array of dry goods. Moreover, a diverse range of eateries grace this avenue, expertly preparing tantalizing halal meals, capable of satiating the desires of non-Muslim visitors. Determined to maintain my early morning exercise routine, I embraced the opportunity to embark upon invigorating jogs around the MSU track oval. As I briskly traversed the circuit, I reveled in the crisp, refreshing weather and inhaled the pure, unpolluted air. During my leisurely moments, I sought solace in reconnecting with long-lost friends and cherished relatives. Observing the burgeoning prosperity and urbanity prevalent throughout the city filled me with an overwhelming sense of pride. Once accustomed to witnessing influential families accompanied by their entourage of armed enforcers, I was pleasantly surprised to encounter neatly attired security guards, and their radiant smiles as they graciously opened doors. Marawi City, now blossoming into a haven incorporating every aspect that tourists seek, effortlessly negates the need to venture into neighboring cities. Entrepreneurs, driven by an unwavering faith in Marawi City’s resurgence, continue to establish small businesses, actively extending employment opportunities to their less-fortunate kin. Young individuals, armed with a quality education, now opt to remain in Marawi, actively participating in the monumental task of rebuilding the economy. Likewise, healthcare professionals, driven by an unwavering commitment to serve their homeland, have chosen to dedicate their skills within the city’s borders, rather than seeking greener pastures abroad. Going back to Tamparan During my journey, a valuable opportunity presented itself to reconnect with friends spanning different generations. Curiosity led me to venture into Tamparan, the sole Islamic municipality, merely a brief 30-minute ride from Marawi. To my awe, Tamparan revealed itself as a dynamic community, embellished with an impressive line of 40 mosques and inhabited by residents sporting their Islamic attire. The determined strength of their faith was palpable. I had the privilege of conducting an interview and was assured by one of the locals that exploring Tamparan is a safe endeavor, owing to the commendable leadership of Mayor Juhar Dimaporo Disomimba. Tamparan envisions itself as the agro-ecotourism and commercial center of Lanao del Sur. It aims to cultivate a community of God-loving and empowered citizens who thrive in a peaceful, resilient, safe and ecologically-balanced environment. This vision is supported by a progressive and transparent governance system that fosters growth and development. Representative Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur eloquently encapsulates Marawi’s triumphant resurgence with an air of optimism, declaring, “Let us not only celebrate our past achievements but also embrace the boundless possibilities that lie ahead. The post Coming home to a newly-improved Lanao del Sur appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
End callous practice
Airlines’ practice of excessive overbooking, as proven in previous seat sales with huge discounts that resulted in passengers being bumped off, carries stiff penalties if the aggrieved party is persistent enough. The Mandaue City regional trial court recently provided the precedent for complaints from the army of disgruntled flyers when it ordered Cebu Pacific Air to pay P500,000 in damages to Cebu 6th District provincial board member Glenn Soco who was bumped off his scheduled flight from Manila to Cebu. Mandaue City RTC Branch 55 Presiding Judge Ferdinand Rafanan ordered Cebu Pacific to pay moral damages of P200,000, exemplary damages of P200,000, and P100,000 in attorneys and litigation expenses. The catch for Soco is that it took 12 years before he received just compensation for his ordeal, which is a stretch that entailed legal expenses that many Filipinos cannot afford. The compensation may even be short of the amount spent to keep track of the case, including the lawyer’s fees. Soco’s case, however, will greatly contribute to halting the excesses of airline firms through the indiscriminate denial of the service promised to their clients. He sued the airline for “breach of the obligation to transport him,” which he claimed had caused him inconvenience, serious anxiety, physical suffering, and sleepless nights. In Soco’s recounting, he said that on 14 April 2011, he booked a Cebu-Manila roundtrip ticket on Flight 5J 574 going to Manila on 15 April 2011, and on Flight 5J 553 on 16 April 2011, at 10:10 a.m. for his return flight to Cebu. The local executive said his ticket for the flight was confirmed. For his return flight, he arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 and got in the queue for departing passengers. He showed his ticket to one of the ground crew to get his seat number, according to the particulars of the 13-page court decision dated 20 June 2023. Soco, however, was informed by the ground crew that he could not be accommodated on the flight and when he asked for an explanation when he got to the head of the line, the Cebu Pacific personnel could not provide a definite response. Passengers behind him were “egging him to step aside” so they could continue with the queue, according to the court ruling. The scene turned chaotic and caused Soco humiliation, “and he was allegedly able to capture it on his cellphone camera,” the court said. Due to the rebooking, Soco missed his board meetings as the owner of Mandaue Integrated Manpower Services Inc., Coffee Dream Company, and Powerline Human Resources Management Inc. A Cebu Pacific Air guest service manager was quoted in the court ruling as having confirmed that Soco was not able to board. The reason given was that “the system of the defendant airline showed full capacity and he could no longer be accommodated on the flight.” “In situations like this, the standard policy of the defendant airline is to look for other passengers who are willing to volunteer their seats in lieu of other passengers with confirmed tickets who could no longer be accommodated. Otherwise, the passenger will be offered an option to either take the subsequent flight or be given a refund,” the court said. Civil Aeronautics Board Economic Regulation 7 recognizes the practice of airline companies of overbooking that does not exceed 10 percent of the aircraft’s seating capacity. While overbooking is a globally accepted practice, senators in a recent public hearing said systematic delays and cancellations are unacceptable, as well as the lack of appropriate mitigation services and crisis management personnel from the airlines who are supposed to handle complaints. What passengers get for their tribulation is more suffering from the complicated rebooking or refund procedure. The height of insensitivity of airlines is making customers talk to chatbots instead of customer service representatives to make their complaints. They can spend for robots but inconvenienced passengers are given chips and bottled water. The post End callous practice appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Blowing whistle on cops
The Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group, or PNP-ACG, seems predisposed to taking shortcuts, and Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, fresh from a heart bypass, was livid about it Monday. Remulla minced no words in slamming the PNP-ACG’s failure to coordinate with the Department of Justice before conducting raids on POGO or Philippine offshore gaming operator firms in Las Piñas City. The DoJ chief’s frustration was palpable as he condemned the PNP-ACG’s approach. “Arresting people without cases. What, cases will be invented? The DoJ will not agree to that,” Remulla fumed. “They just raided… they just entered the premises, as if they were fishing.” Remulla raised the important point that many cases have remained pending due to lack of evidence, in most cases because of sloppy police work. In the POGO raids, he said the cops did not cite specific acts or grounds for arresting the individuals. According to Remulla, the booboo left the DoJ with no choice but to set free five Chinese nationals arrested during the raids for alleged involvement in human trafficking operations, pending reinvestigation. Many similar drug cases had been thrown out either at the prosecutorial level or before the courts for the failure of arresting officers to observe protocol, including having members of the media and the local prosecutor’s office present when processing arrested individuals and the evidence seized from them. The bungling of the Las Piñas raids raises questions about the competence and professionalism of the PNP-ACG. Furthermore, the PNP-ACG’s recent proposal to join POGO raids only adds to the confusion surrounding their intentions and actions. In a press conference, PNP-ACG chief P/Brig. Gen. Sidney Hernia suggested that police officers be included in inspections of POGOs. However, one cannot help but question the reason behind this request. Does the PNP-ACG truly believe that its presence would enhance the effectiveness of these inspections, or is it simply an attempt to exert control and create the impression that the Philippines is a police state? The dangers of the latter scenario cannot be overstated. A police force that overreaches its authority and encroaches upon the rights of individuals and businesses fosters an environment of fear and distrust. We must be cautious not to allow our country to slide down a path where citizens are constantly under surveillance and their rights are infringed upon in the name of law enforcement. Hernia’s proposal came on the heels of the PNP-ACG’s recent “rescue” of around 3,000 Filipino and foreign workers in raids on Las Piñas City POGO firms allegedly involved in human trafficking and other illegal activities. Make no mistake about it, all illegal POGOs should go and those behind them prosecuted. Just the same, Hernia’s suggestion in the face of the dressing down the PNP has received from Secretary Remulla raises concerns about his unit’s approach and its potential ramifications for those involved in the POGO industry, especially those operating legally. The controversy surrounding the PNP-ACG has naturally trained the spotlight on the whole PNP, which has been touting high crime solution efficiency — 81.78 percent in 2022. However, the real question is how many of these “solved crimes” have resulted in convictions. If that’s too much to ask for, let’s dumb it down a bit: How many of the complaints filed by the PNP are ultimately adopted by prosecutors and filed in court? A high crime solution efficiency rate may provide a sense of accomplishment, but it does not necessarily guarantee justice or the successful prosecution of criminals. The PNP’s claimed efficiency in solving crimes must be accompanied by a commitment to thorough investigations, the gathering of compelling evidence, and the successful prosecution of offenders. Without these elements, the high crime solution efficiency rate becomes a hollow metric. In light of these stories, it becomes apparent that the PNP-ACG’s actions are cause for concern. Their failure to coordinate with the DoJ, their lack of proffered evidence, and their questionable proposals raise doubts about their commitment to serve and protect. We must demand better from our law enforcement agencies. We deserve a police force that respects the rule of law, values evidence-based investigations, and prioritizes the protection of citizens’ rights. The post Blowing whistle on cops appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»