EDITORIAL - Arnie, come home
Whether he likes it or not, Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. is now seen by many as a wanted man......»»
EDITORIAL - Arnie, come home
Whether he likes it or not, Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. is now seen by many as a wanted man......»»
PBBM advises Teves to return home
INDONESIA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday urged Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves to return to the Philippines. The Chief Executive made this statement during an interview with the Philippine media onboard Philippine Airlines Flight PR001 after Timor-Leste denied the suspended lawmaker's request for political asylum. “Come home. That’s the best advice I can give him. Come home,” Marcos said. In a recent meeting with the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, President Marcos discussed the attempt of Teves to seek political asylum. According to the President, Teves' application was denied, but he can still go through the appeal process. "It turns out that Congressman Arnie Teves applied for political asylum but that's it,” he said. "So, I think they will continue to go through the process—there is an appeals process for those who are applying. But his was denied. But since it was denied, we just (wait for) the process to complete," he added. Teves was accused of being the mastermind behind the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others in March. He has not yet returned to the Philippines, citing safety concerns. However, he has repeatedly denied any involvement in the murders. Marcos earlier said that there was no indication of any threat to Teves' safety and encouraged him to return to the country. The post PBBM advises Teves to return home appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM may bring up Teves issue with E. Timor counterpart, says Romualdez
INDONESIA – House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said the denial of Rep. Arnolfo Teves’ asylum application may be tackled in the upcoming bilateral meeting between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Timor Leste Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak in the 42nd ASEAN Summit and related meetings here. Romualdez made the statement after the Department of Justice said Teves was in Timor-Leste and had applied "for a protection visa with the intent of asylum." The Southeast Asian nation, however, has rejected his application and ordered him to leave the country in five days since Teves has been tagged as the alleged mastermind in the murder of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo. In an interview with the reporters, the House Speaker believed Marcos was equally concerned about Teves' situation. "We are also interested in the developments and his current situation in Timor Leste. From what we know, he applied for political asylum, which was denied yesterday. We have confirmed this information tonight (Wednesday)," he said. However, Romualdez clarified that he was still determining if the President had conversations about this matter on the sidelines. When asked if the President will ask the head of Timor Leste to "produce" Teves or ask him to come back to the Philippines, Romualdez said: "Well, I don't know if he will ask to produce him because he's already in Timor Leste and we are aware of that." Romualdez also clarified that the President would not ask Timor Leste to bring Teves back to the Philippines because there is no extradition treaty between the two countries. Instead, Teves has less than a week to leave Timor Leste. The House Speaker also said there are three options for the congressman: To return to the Philippines and face the charges against him; continue defying orders and face further sanctions; or move to another country. He urged Teves to return home and face justice, adding that the rights and privileges of a congressman are not meant to be used to evade justice. “So Cong. Arnie Teves, umuwi ka na (go home) and face the music and let the justice take its course,” Romualdez said. In a separate statement, Romualdez warned Teves that "another possible disciplinary action" may be imposed against him if he refuses to return to the Philippines after his 60-day suspension. The House Speaker also called on Teves anew to "return home immediately and face the accusation against him" instead of evading investigation in the Philippines." "Should Cong. Arnie continues to defy the return to work order after the lapse of the 60-day period of his suspension, the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges may be constrained to reconvene and consider another possible disciplinary action against him," Romualdez said. "This is our recourse in order to preserve the dignity, integrity, and reputation of the House of Representatives," he added. The post PBBM may bring up Teves issue with E. Timor counterpart, says Romualdez appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fugitive Teves claims ‘persecution’
Suspended Negros Oriental Representative Arnie Teves claimed that the military and police raided one of his properties in Bayawan City without a search warrant. “This is real persecution already. This is too much. It’s not right anymore. It’s wrong. The trampling on human rights is too much. Shouldn’t you have freedom and peace in your home and community? Now it’s gone,” he said in Filipino in a press briefing conducted remotely yesterday. Teves is a suspect in the 4 March 2023 assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo. One of Teves’ lawyers, Ferdinand Topacio, said his client is being subjected to “harassment” as government forces also raided a poultry farm that Teves owns in Bayawan even during the celebration of Eid’l Fitr or the Feast of Ramadan on Friday. Approximately 15 short and high-powered firearms, explosives, and ammunition were found during the initial raid on Teves’ property and two other homes allegedly owned by his relatives on 10 March. Teves’ camp decried as illegal the raid on his properties by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group on 25 March. The authorities have linked his younger brother, former governor Pryde Henry Teves, to the killing of Degamo. The embattled lawmaker talked with the media through his Facebook page, where he said he hoped the raiders did not plant evidence. Teves also sought the help of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to stop government agents from raiding his properties without a search warrant. The President, however, had refused to be drawn into Teves’ problems, saying the legislator should just return home to face the charges. Suspension from House His plea to Marcos came days after he revealed in an interview that he had also sought the help of a colleague in returning home after he had insisted on remaining abroad because he did not feel safe. Last 22 March, the President urged the embattled lawmaker to return to the country, assuring him of tight security upon arrival. Teves is also facing charges over loose firearms and a series of killings in the province in 2019. He has been out of the country since 28 February and his failure to return home to perform his congressional duties and face the allegations leveled against him prompted his two-month suspension by the House ethics panel. PDP, Beijing party solidify ties The meeting was aimed at strengthening economic and cultural cooperation between China and the Philippines. Members of the major political party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan or PDP Laban yesterday met with their counterparts in the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China or IDCPC at the Sheraton Hotel in Pasay City. Former president and PDP Laban chairman Rodrigo Duterte joined the meeting via Zoom, along with vice chairman Alfonso Cusi, Senator Robinhood Padilla, Former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Secretary General Melvin Matibag, and the party’s Council of Elders and national executive committee. The meeting was aimed at strengthening economic and cultural cooperation between China and the Philippines. The party leaders and the IDCPC delegation, led by the Director-General of the Asian Bureau Peng Xiubin, discussed methods for strengthening their relationship. Given his high approval rating of over 80 percent even upon his retirement, the conference was significant because former President Duterte’s influence within the party could affect its future direction. In addition, the meeting highlighted the growing relationship between the Philippines and China, as both countries have made efforts in recent years to strengthen trade and investment ties. China has made significant contributions to infrastructure and exchange programs in the cultural and educational realms. The Philippines’ strategic location and swiftly expanding economy in Southeast Asia make it a key player in the region. Therefore, establishing strong alliances with other nations, particularly China, is crucial for its future growth and development. The meeting signified a turning point in Philippine politics. It emphasizes the importance of international relations and political parties working together to influence the country’s future, as well as in the strengthening of “people-to-people” ties. The post Fugitive Teves claims ‘persecution’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Teves leaves extension plea to Romualdez
Suspended Negros Oriental Rep. Arnies Teves will leave it to the hands of Speaker Martin Romualdez whether to file a leave extension once his two-month suspension expires. “About the two-month suspension, please ask speaker Romualdez,” said the embattled lawmaker during his hybrid press con yesterday. “I will continue to appeal for what is right. Actually, I don’t need to file a leave of absence. I only did that because they insisted.” Teves was slapped with a 60-day suspension after his 292 peers in the House voted in favor of the sanction. The move was prompted by his failure to adhere to the ethics panel’s 24-hour ultimatum and his continued defiance of the Speaker’s marching orders to report to work, perform his duties, and face the allegations leveled against him. Teves is being implicated in the murder of his political foe, Governor Roel Degamo, and eight others, who were gunned down in his home in broad daylight last 4 March. The suspended lawmaker also faces complaints over loose firearms and a series of killings in the province in 2019. Foul Teves cried foul over him being considered absent — that later resulted in suspension — despite attending the legislative proceedings via teleconference, which he lamented was permitted by Congress. “Bakit biglang si Arnie bawal? Para lang madiin ako?” he stressed. But the congressman did not rule out the possibility of communicating with Romualdez, to whom he claimed he had been reaching out the entire time, despite receiving no response. Teves, who was allowed a medical leave from the House from 28 February to 9 March 2023, had asked Romualdez for a two-month extension of his authority to travel, which the House chief thumbed down. But despite the Speaker’s adamant order, Teves remained headstrong to stay abroad, citing security concerns, notwithstanding his expired travel clearance. The congressman, who reportedly left the US, contented that his failure to return to the country was not due to guilt but anchored in “very grave and serious security threats” to his life. The post Teves leaves extension plea to Romualdez appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EDITORIAL - Come out, face the charges
Neither Gerald Bantag nor his long-time trusted aide, Ricardo Zulueta could be found yesterday by law enforcers who tried to serve arrest warrants for the two top former corrections officials at their listed home addresses......»»
Pryde Teves urges brother: Come home, face charges
Former Negros Oriental governor Pryde Henry Teves yesterday urged his brother, Rep. Arnie Teves, to come home and face charges......»»
EDITORIAL - Foreign crime rings’ playground
As if we didn’t have enough problems with home-grown gangsters, even foreign crime rings appear to be operating with impunity these days in our country, bristling with guns and targeting foreigners and Filipinos alike......»»
EDITORIAL - Accountability in disaster
Scientists say the Verde Island Passage in Batangas is home to 36 marine protected areas with an estimated 1,700 fish species and 300 coral species. About two million people depend on the passage for their livelihoods, mostly fishermen and workers in the tourism industry......»»
Teves lawyers say he intends to come home but security is a concern
Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves (Negros Oriental, 3rd District) intends to return to the Philippines to answer allegations of his supposed link to the brazen killing of Governor Roel Degamo, his lawyers said......»»
EDITORIAL- No resting in peace
Imagine 176 bodies piled up in a funeral home, unclaimed, many for nearly a year now......»»
Alaves goals against Real Madrid (1-4). Video
Editorial Mediotiempo Mexico City / 14.08.2021 17:07:45 From home and generate expectations, and thus the beginning real Madrid In the 2021-2022 season this is from.....»»
EDITORIAL - Back to the home
The move is meant to improve the mental health of children, who have been cooped up at home since the start of pandemic lockdowns in March last year......»»
EDITORIAL - Back on the gray list
Apart from travel restrictions, overseas Filipino workers may soon have to contend with stricter rules in sending home their hard-earned money......»»
EDITORIAL - Another activist murdered
As of yesterday, no one had been arrested for the murder of labor leader Dandy Miguel last Sunday night in Canlubang, Laguna. Miguel, 35, was headed home on his motorcycle when assailants on another motorbike sprayed him with gunfire. He died at the scene from eight gunshots......»»
EDITORIAL - Lethal revelry
In 2013, seven-year-old Stephanie Nicole Ella was watching the New Year fireworks together with her father near their home in Caloocan City when a bullet struck her head. The grade one pupil suffered several cardiac arrests in a hospital before succumbing to the head wound......»»
EDITORIAL - Back to traffic
Even with millions of students learning from home amid the raging pandemic, traffic along certain major thoroughfares particularly EDSA is approaching pre-pandemic levels......»»
EDITORIAL - Online fraud
Since the coronavirus forced people into home quarantine at the start of the year, online transactions have soared......»»
EDITORIAL - Fake sting
It was supposed to be a drug sting that led to the arrest of five persons on charges of selling shabu to undercover agents at the home of one of the suspects......»»
Former Speaker and EPIRA principal author Fuentebella passes away
Former House Speaker and principal author of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) Arnulfo “Noli” P. Fuentebella passed away on September 9 due to lingering illnesses, his family has confirmed. He was 74. Arnulfo “Noli” P. Fuentebella Camarines Sur Arnulf Bryan “Arnie” Fuentebella , in a social media post, announced the untimely demise of the former speaker of the House of Representatives. The sad news was also confirmed by his other son, Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella. “With deep sorrow, we would like to inform our family and friends that former Speaker Arnulfo “Noli” P. Fuentebella has passed away this morning (September 9),” the lawmaker said. He added the elder Fuentebella “succumbed to heart failure after battling kidney disease for almost two years.” The family requested for prayers “for his final journey back Home.” Details of necrological services shall be announced in the following days. Aside from his stint at the Congress’s top leadership, his long years of service as Congressman of Camarines Sur as well as his career life as a lawyer, one of the landmark achievements of Fuentebella was his authorship of the EPIRA, a turning point law that was passed in June 2001 which then paved the way for the restructuring of the country’s electricity sector. While propounded legislation on the long-proposed privatization and liberalization of the power industry failed to make it through the maze of three Congresses prior to his time as Chairman of the House Committee on Energy, he made sure during his turn at the body that the measure would finally be enacted. Fuentebella and other key lawmakers studied the privatization pathway for state-run National Power Corporation (NPC) “with great caution and thoroughness” by looking at the experiences of other deregulated electricity markets all over the world – and that earned him the respect and regard of the industry as the “father and prime mover of the power industry’s deregulation and restructuring.” His energy committee at that time judiciously consulted with all affected stakeholders – listening to both sides of the spectrum – whether they are pro or against the power industry restructuring bill. The EPIRA is a legislative piece that until today is considered unmatched in the energy sector – and the leadership he had shown during his time at the Energy Committee ensured not just the passage of the law; but it also guaranteed that the provisions are feasible for implementation through the years. Even the design of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) had to undergo fine-tuning prior to the law’s final deliberations and eventual passage because of the California’s power market experience then – primarily the excessive market exposure of some players that triggered their bankruptcies, the State’s missteps in energy planning that then led to its worst nightmare of blackouts. The EPIRA is already on its 20th year of implementation next year and while it is not exactly a perfect law, it was able to advance milestone achievements – primarily the privatization of the government-owned power assets; and it had also extended benefits to Filipino consumers; including lifeline discounts for marginalized end-users’ and the ‘power of choice’ that some segments of electricity consumers are now enjoying when it comes to sourcing and patronizing preferred power providers......»»