Saturday, April 19, 2025

The God Culture: TheGodCulturePhilippines.com

Timothy Jay Schwab who is The God Culture now has a third website. It is the official TGC blog where he will be posting all his latest research about the Philippines. A large part of it is also devoted to attacking this blog. And it is an attack for at no point does Tim deal with specific issues I have raised concerning his research. He simply goes in for an all out assault to discredit my detailed work exposing the lies of The God Culture. Let's take a look at a few things he has written.

https://thegodculturephilippines.com/

Is The God Culture research transparent and honest?

Transparency in Research:

At The God Culture, we believe in transparency. Unlike many, we have openly shared our research from the beginning, even in our YouTube videos. To provide complete clarity, we have published a comprehensive 300-page Sourcebook that details the sources used in our publications, The Search for King Solomon's Treasure and Ophir Philippines Coffee Table Book.

We encourage readers to consult the Sourcebook alongside our main texts for a thorough understanding of our research foundation. In total, The God Culture has published over 1,000 pages of in-depth research on this topic.

Regarding Online Attacks:

Please note that defamatory and harassing attack blogs employing propaganda do not represent the extensive collection of credible data that underpins The God Culture's research. All our published books include comprehensive bibliographies for verification. One claiming we do not even read these sources, and did not even try to prove, when we quote and explain them in a massive number of pages, is clearly not one representing the truth. The fact they have to explain why one should not read the position, already tells one much about their intentions, as they have no adherence to the truth. That is the behavior of weak-minded individuals.

I have written about Tim's sources and his sourcebook noting that the sources say things differently from what Tim claims meaning he probably did not read the source. But now Tim says that is a lie because he has read all the sources. However, if he has read all the sources he cites then that makes him a liar. Here are a few examples:

Fernando Pinto shipwrecked in the Lequios islands which are situated at 9 and 20 (29) degrees. Tim says he landed at 9N20 which places him in the Philippines. Since Tim has read the source this now makes him a liar. 

Tome Pires says the Lequois and Lucoes are two different people groups. Tim cites Pires and claims they are the same group located in Luzon. Since Tim has read the source this now makes him a liar. 

Pigafetta wrote that he saw elephants in Borneo one time. Tim claims Pigafetta saw elephants in the Philippines three times. Since Tim has read the source this now makes him a liar. 

There are many more examples laid out in the articles I have written. Tim has really dug himself a hole because now I can undoubtedly call him a liar when what he says does not line up with the source he has certainly read. I thank him for clearing up the matter. 



Regarding Claims of Being "Anti-Trinitarian"

The assertion that The God Culture is "Anti-Trinitarian" is a misrepresentation of our teachings. We clearly articulate the distinct roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in our content.

The term "Trinity" itself is the subject of ongoing academic discussion, with the word not appearing in the Hebrew Bible or the King James Version, as fact. A blogger's apparent lack of awareness of this scholarly debate seems to fuel sensationalized propaganda and defamation. The use of such a loaded and inaccurate title is clearly intended to attract attention through false accusations.

While we acknowledge the academic discussion surrounding the term "Trinity" and the fact that it is not a direct biblical word, The God Culture unequivocally recognizes and teaches the roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We do not have videos specifically dedicated to the "Trinity" doctrine. This accusation appears to be a baseless attempt to generate controversy through the use of trigger words.

This is an incredibly deceptive piece of work. First of all while the word Trinity does not appear in the Bible the doctrine does and it has been taught since the beginning of the Church. While the Church did struggle to articulate exactly what it means for the Father, Son, and Spirt to be a triune divinity the doctrine was clearly taught. 

Secondly the term Trinity is not "the subject of ongoing academic discussion." The doctrine has been established definitionally since the fourth century. The Trinity is the doctrine that God is three divine persons sharing one divine nature. That is not what Tim teaches. He teaches the Holy Spirit is not God, is not eternal, and is likely a creature. 

Restoring Creation: Part 9: Is Darkness Evil? Or Good?

6:48 When you see the word eternal that does not mean they don't have a beginning understand that as well our spirits are eternal, right? But most certainly have a beginning. We were created, right? Angels are eternal but they have a creation point we're actually gonna cover that very clearly on the first day. Uh, it's just not there uh, you know so trying to take, again, a word, uh, out of its own definition, eternal doesn't mean they've lived forever it means they will live forever, umm it does not mean they don't have a beginning. So, they see that word eternal, uh, used in terms of the Ruach and then they assume Oh that means the Holy Spirt is also from before creation, right? Well actually no. No, it doesn't mean that and it doesn't say that.    

13:08 There's no mention in Jubilees of the Holy Spirit specifically. Uh, Moses doesn't separate him out there, uh, and that may be telling, uh, but we're, we're not sure on that though we'll keep researching. Uh, he mentions all the spirits that serve before Him, uh, which are indisputably angels. Uh, whether the Holy Spirit is included in that we don't know. Uh, that's a topic for another series requiring a lot of research we're not going to touch yet but we will eventually. We'd like to get to that, anyway. We know He was there though and that the Angels weren't yet, uh, at that point on Genesis 1:2. Uh, so if if He was created per se He would have been created before, uh, the Angels not at the same time and certainly not lumped in with them. So, not sure that, that that's the case and He very well may be. Uh, yes he's the Eternal Holy Spirit but Eternal, uh, the angels are Eternal, man is eternal so that doesn't mean that He existed prior to being created if he was a creation like other Spirits. There's just no mention of Him as existing prior and the word Eternal does not denote no beginning, again. So, there's no scripture that really says, okay, and that may actually tell us much.

Restoring Creation: Part 14: Who Is The Light of Creation? Light and Darkness.

Can you hear what Tim is saying? He is saying the Holy Spirit, the Ruach Elohim, is a CREATION! He had a beginning. He is not eternal God. That is fundamentally anti-trinitarian.

While it is true Tim has not made videos specifically about the Trinity it is wrong to say he has not broached the subject. There is a whole article here and a video here about this topic. 


Clearing Up Misconceptions About the "Ophir Institute"

The "Ophir Institute" was an initial idea stemming from an external group's interest in publishing The God Culture's research before we had any books. A website was created for this proposed initiative, which ultimately did not come to fruition.

Following this, we founded our own publishing company, Ophir Publishing OPC DBA The God Culture, with full legal registration in the Philippines (SEC, DTI, city, and barangay). The website intended for the "Ophir Institute" was subsequently integrated into Ophir Publishing's online presence.

It's crucial to understand that the "Ophir Institute" never became a formal organization. It was a preliminary concept absorbed by our own publishing efforts. For a period, its website was used for book sales before we consolidated all our online activities onto thegodculture.org, merging nine separate websites for enhanced functionality.

Unfortunately, a blogger has deliberately misrepresented these straightforward facts, constructing elaborate and false narratives, incapable of even reading the company name which is not Ophir Institute even. Despite the clear inaccuracies and potentially unlawful nature of these fabrications, they unfortunately remain accessible online.

The Ophir Institute has now vanished. It is no more. But when it did exist it was touted as a "think tank."

https://www.ophirinstitute.com/bio

The Ophir Institute is a think tank in the Philippines that has focused on the mystery of the pre-colonial history of our country. When the Spanish arrived, they recorded a literate people who were found reading and writing but what? Where did these writings go? What did they say? How significant they must have been if they needed to be destroyed or at least suppressed. This people is cataloged numerous times in history with more wealth than any other nation in Asia or really, on Earth. We have reviewed the demands to produce an admission from the Jesuits of their guilt in erasing this history but that is a false expectation creating a paradigm of ignorance we will not placate. The Philippines is ancient Ophir and the Garden of Eden and its significance is far greater than we are taught. It is time everyone knows the truth.

Therefore, the Ophir Institute has proudly partnered with author, researcher, singer, former minister, and successful publisher Timothy Schwab and his wife, Anna Zamoranos-Schwab, a Filipina, who lead a team of researchers who tackled this topic. They published their findings on YouTube first with over 10 million views and now, even deeper research is available in book and eBook form. As of recent, this list of publishings includes, The Search for King Solomon's Treasure, INSTRUCTIONAL EDITION: The Search for King Solomon's Treasure, Ophir Philippines Coffee Table Book, and The Book of Jubilees: The Torah Calendar.

 

Though we are a group, these authors' writings largely resemble the core of our mission to educate Filipinos about our lost history.

https://philippinefails.blogspot.com/2020/11/the-god-culture-ophir-institute.html

I did not misrepresent anything. The straightforward fact is Tim called the Ophir Institute a "think tank." That is way more than simply publishing books. If Tim did not want misconceptions about this organization he should have used correct language. The article I wrote was based solely on Tim's own words. 

Regarding the Misnomer "The God Culture Bible"

The God Culture has not published a Bible. Our research into the Dead Sea Scrolls has led to the publication of texts within The Levite Bible Series, based on our evidence that the Sons of Zadok resided in Qumran and were responsible for curating scripture there. This evidence, which has received 5 out of 5 positive AI peer reviews confirming its credibility and soundness [Review the 5 out of 5 Positive AI Peer Reviews of this Research], includes:

  1. The Book of Jubilees

  2. The First Book of Enoch

  3. 2nd Esdras with 1st Esdras

  4. Apocrypha (1611 KJV list) in 2 Volumes

As our research progresses through the Qumran texts, utilizing a comprehensive Torah Test for each, we intend to compile these findings into a publication or series that reflects how the Temple Priests preserved the Old Testament. This may include Hebrew corrections uncovered through our research. However, this compilation will not be titled "The God Culture Bible," nor is such a title under consideration or in any of our releases. This term appears to be another fabrication from a blogger known for misrepresenting information.

Now, this is just silly. While Tim may have no plans to publish a book titled "The God Culture Bible" he is certainly planning on publishing his own Bible. 

Who Changed the Calendar in Israel? And When? RESOLVED Doctrines of Men Exposed

Golden Ladle: Off topic but are you able to list the apocryphal texts that aren't based in scripture? I want to make note of them so I don't waste my time reading. Thank you.

The God Culture: The word is fraud as no such category ever existed in the Temple Library. We are testing them thoroughly and releasing them 1 at a time. We will produce a list once we have vetted them all properly. However, anything not found physically in part or in use in Qumran is highly suspect and likely never Bible Canon. In the end, we will compile all of these into 1 book and then, we will release the modern Canon with corrections to the best of our ability. Scholars have proven they do not care about preserving the word or they would have put the name of YHWH back the 6,800+ times they replaced His name with generic titles instead in illiterate ignorance. Fixing their satanic mess is quite a large task but in time, Yahuah will restore all. They will face the consequences for their acts of cowardice or downright satanic, beast function. Yah Bless.

Tim will be compiling all these books into one book and he will no doubt be "restoring" the name of God in all the books. That means this Bible will have his spin on it. Thus it will be "The God Culture Bible." That I refer to it as "The God Culture Bible" does not mean that will be the official title. It simply means it will be a product of Tim's God Culture project. That is no fabrication or misrepresentation. 

No Credible Evidence Supports Claims of "100 Lies" in Our Research

The claim that The God Culture's videos on Ophir and the Garden of Eden contain "100 Lies" is simply unfounded.

Our approach to this research is marked by its thoroughness and the substantial evidence we have compiled to support our conclusions, well noted by many including authors, US Talk Shows, PhD's, Bible scholars, pastors, and more. We present a detailed and interconnected case that remains robust even if individual references are questioned. The strength of our position lies in the comprehensive body of evidence, which must be engaged with in its entirety.

The absence of a credible counter-position or a substantive theory from those who seek to discredit our work, even after five years of sustained attacks, speaks volumes. Instead, the continued reliance on defamatory propaganda and embellishments suggests an inability to genuinely challenge our conclusions. These tactics, potentially crossing into illegal behavior, serve only to highlight the lack of any real evidence against our extensively researched position.

This is a response to my "100 Lies The God Culture Teaches About the Philippines" video and article series. Tim is correct. There are more than 100 lies in his research. This little blurb on his blog does not address any of the content of those videos and articles. Instead Tim has accused me of "illegal behavior" and says I lack "any real evidence against our extensively researched position." That is laughable. I have over 200 articles on this blog showing exactly where Tim's "extensively researched position" is full of holes and does not stand up to scrutiny. I have also engaged with his research in its entirety and not focused on "individual references." Since Tim says he has read all the sources he cites I can now call him a liar and say his research is full of lies and not merely errors. See the "100 Lies" series for an in-depth discussion of many of those lies. 


Does Timothy Schwab have a Missionary Visa?

This is one of the most laughable shreds of dishonest rhetoric online in misinformation. Imagine continuing with a long-winded blog that is a complete lie in basis, and once exposed, leaving that trash on the internet for people to stumble upon.

Addressing Misinformation

     Timothy Jay Schwab is a permanent, legal resident of the Philippines, requiring no temporary visa of any kind, especially not a “missionary visa.” He was never a missionary, nor would such a visa apply to him, as it is exclusively designated for missions organizations filing on behalf of their representatives. When confronted with this baseless claim, both legal experts and the Bureau of Immigration dismissed it outright as an ignorant and defamatory fabrication.

For those who may come across a certain blog filled with misinformation and baseless attacks, the truth speaks for itselfand history will remember who stood on solid ground.

Such answers and determinations are made by the Bureau of Immigration, not a fake blogger attempting defamatory attacks in laughable illiteracy. Timothy possesses a Permanent Resident Visa (PRV).

This section is based on an article I wrote wondering if Tim has a missionary visa. Why? Because on his old website he wrote that he had come to the Philippines to do missionary work. 

They chose the platform of YouTube to share their research initially in order to gather a following and after 2 years and over 5 million views from 214 countries on a teaching channel, The God Culture now re-enters the evangelistic ministry in conducting conferences beginning in the Philippines as much of the geography the Holy Spirit has restored leads to that land. Married to a Filipina, Timothy desires to spend much more time in the Philippines, the land of Ophir and the Garden of Eden (try to disprove it) and on their first tour, The God Culture already has over 15 conferences booked in their first month in May 2019 alone from North Luzon to Visayas to Mindanao

This article along with the biography I wrote of him using publicly available sources has enraged Tim to no end. But here's the thing, doing religious work in the Philippines requires a missionary visa. Rather than say Tim is a Permanent Resident and does not require that kind of visa he deleted the above section from his website, posted many nasty comments, and then claimed he is not a minister. Yet his whole project is religious in nature. It is obvious he is in the Philippines conducting religious work. In the comment sections of his videos he is regularly referred to as Pastor Tim.

The revelation that Tim is a Permanent Resident is amazing because in one talk he said he was a Filipino citizen. In another he said he was proud to be a Filipino.

2:11:00 You know, I have been here in the Philippines now for about eight years. Even becoming a  citizen and you can call me Petros. Nah, keep calling me the same thing. But you know I fell in love with this country a long time ago first with a beautiful woman who changed my life and just observing the culture of her and her mother and the way the Philippine people operate as opposed to the average American way....wow! I mean this has just been amazing.

https://philippinefails.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-god-culture-exclusive-interview.html

 49:37 You know when it comes down to it America came in as conquerors. That's how they approached the Philippines. They could've just given the Philippines their freedom if they were to spread democracy. We came in here to spread democracy. See, America's a great place, except for that's not what they did. They sent their military in and they crushed the Philippines, killing in some estimates as many as 2 million Filipinos. That's a conqueror. They had their boot on your neck. That's how they operate and they can try to paint it whatever way they want. I am an American but I know the truth and I'm going to tell the truth. I am ashamed at what my country did and I am proud to be a Filipino

https://philippinefails.blogspot.com/2022/04/the-god-culture-timothy-jay-schwab.html

Now we know he is not Filipino at all. He is an American citizen living in the Philippines. So, why lie about becoming a citizen? Perhaps it is not a lie. Perhaps he misunderstands what it means to be a Permanent Resident. It does not mean he is a Filipino citizen. 


Addressing Online Commentary Regarding The God Culture's Research

The God Culture is dedicated to thorough and transparent research, as reflected in our extensive publications and fully disclosed sources.

We have observed online commentary that contains inaccuracies and negative sentiments regarding our work. While we appreciate opportunities for constructive discussion and clarification, we do not endorse or engage with harassment, libel, copyright infringement, or expressions of hostility towards the Philippines or The God Culture.

We have addressed a limited number of specific misrepresentations to ensure the accuracy of public information. Due to the extensive nature of some online commentary, we will not be responding to every instance. We believe that unlawful behavior should be addressed through the appropriate legal processes.

This is the last thing to address. Tim is not going to be attempting to rebut the articles on my blog. He maintains that everything I do is "unlawful behavior" and he is simply not going to do it. Again, this is more dishonesty from Tim. Pointing out errors in his research is not "unlawful behavior." Using his own books and taking screenshots of his videos to rebut his books and videos is not "copyright infringement." What he considers to be "unlawful behavior" is writing any article that disagrees with his research or speculates about his past or motives and methods. 

I don't simply disagree with Tim and say he's wrong with no evidence. I point out EXACTLY where, why, and how he is wrong. I compare his claims to the contents of the sources he uses as well as to history in general. The man fails every single time. Running his books through A.I. with no leading prompts even gets bad reviews. He is not reliable in the slightest and his research is filled with inaccuracies. That is not libel or defamatory that is a fact. If he really thinks I am wrong he should deal with the facts I present instead of throwing out ad hominems. He's not going to do that because he is too proud to admit he is wrong. 

But then again maybe he will use his new blog to address some of the criticism I have written. If he does it will likely be dishonest doubling down rather than dealing with the facts as he has done in the case of his claims that the King of Portugal commissioned the Behaim Globe and Columbus rebuked Marco Polo. 

Friday, April 18, 2025

Retards in the Government 413

It's your weekly compendium of foolishness and corruption in the Philippine government.

 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/4/10/4-soldiers-caught-in-pampanga-for-violating-gun-ban

Four soldiers were arrested in San Simon, Pampanga on Wednesday, April 9, for allegedly violating the election gun ban.

Police Regional Office-3 Director Police Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said the suspects were apprehended by the San Simon Municipal Police Station following a report from a concerned citizen that a silver Toyota Innova had been following his vehicle between San Simon and Valenzuela City in the past five days. The vehicle was also sighted near Global Aseana Business Park 1 in Barangay San Isidro, San Simon.

Responding police officers located the vehicle in a gasoline station. As they approached and introduced themselves as lawmen, one of the suspects drew a firearm and attempted to flee.

Police fired at their vehicle’s tire but the suspects managed to escape. They were apprehended on Quezon Road in Barangay San Isidro during a chase. One of the suspects sustained a bullet wound during a gunfight and taken to a hospital.

Guns, bullets, magazines, the car, two-way radios, a video camera, and personal items were recovered from the suspects. 

Fajardo lauded the swift and decisive action of the San Simon police. The suspects face appropriate criminal charges and are uhder investigation to uncover the scope of their actions and links to criminal activities.

Four soldiers were arrested in San Simon, Pampanga on Wednesday, April 9, for allegedly violating the election gun ban.

A barangay chairman and candidate for municipal board and two supporters were wounded in a gun attack in Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur on Tuesday.

Police Major Shellamie Chang, Police Regional Office-9 information officer, identified the victims as Falconeri Buton, chairman of Barangay Panikian, and supporters Janice Bayawa, 50, and Jerry Veraño, 30.

Two other supporters were unharmed – Joe Cabante and Rey Cañete.

Investigation said the victims were on their way home when they were shot by unidentified gunmen in Barangay Upper Panikian.

The victims were taken to a local health facility and transferred to the provincial hospital.

Police are pursuing the gunmen and determining if the incident is election-related. 

Buton is a candidate under the political party of Zamboanga del Sur Governor Victor Yu.

A barangay chairman and candidate for municipal board and two supporters were wounded in a gun attack in Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur on Tuesday.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/942267/pnp-akg-chief-ragay-relieved-from-post-after-anson-que-s-death/story

Police Brigadier General Elmer Ragay has been relieved as the chief of the Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) following the abduction and death of businessman Anson Que, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Thursday.

“We would like to confirm na-relieved po as Director AKG si General Elmer Ragay,” PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo told reporters in an interview.

According to Fajardo, PNP chief Police General Rommel Marbil expressed dissatisfaction over Ragay’s performance as AKG chief.

“Ito lang po ang pinapasabi ni Chief (This is his [Marbil's] message): He is not satisfied with the performance. That is why he (Ragay) was relieved and replaced,” she said.

Ragay is replaced by Police Colonel David Poklay, who served as the deputy director for operations of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

Businessman Anson Que and his driver were found dead on a roadside in Rodriguez, Rizal on Wednesday.

Police Regional Office 4A (PRO 4A) said the bodies were discovered by a concerned citizen in Sitio Udiongan, Barangay Macabud around 6 a.m.

“The two bodies were placed in a nylon bag, tied with nylon rope, and their faces were wrapped with duct tape,” PRO 4A public information office chief Police Lieutenant Colonel Chitadel Gaoiran said.

The victims were only wearing underwear and their heads were covered in blood.

In February, Ragay was also relieved administratively from his post amid issues surrounding the operation to rescue a kidnapped Chinese victim who was a minor.

However, Ragay was reinstated after his administrative relief was nullified due to an election period regulation.

Police Brigadier General Elmer Ragay has been relieved as the chief of the Anti-Kidnapping Group following the abduction and death of businessman Anson Que, the Philippine National Police said Thursday.

State prosecutors found probable cause to charge eight members of the Eastern Police District (EPD) who allegedly stole PHP85 million from a Chinese trader in an unauthorized police operation in Las Piñas City.

In a statement on Friday, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director, Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin, said the Office of the City Prosecutor filed before the court on Thursday a complaint of kidnapping and two counts of robbery against the eight suspects, who are members of the EPD's District Special Operations Unit (DSOU).

These cases stemmed from an operation where the eight officers served a bogus arrest warrant against the victim on April 2.

The victim and the relatives claimed that the cops shut down their closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera, forcibly opened their vaults, and took away the money in pesos, US dollars, and Malaysian ringgit; jewelry; gadgets, and other personal belongings worth PHP85 million.

“Let me be clear – the NCRPO does not shield any wrongdoing. I will not condone any misdeed perpetrated by any member of NCRPO and I will ensure the filing of airtight cases against police scalawags,” Aberin said.

“We will closely monitor the progress of these criminal cases and we shall ensure that the administrative investigation will result in their dismissal from the service, based on evidence and due process of law."

Philippine National Police spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo earlier said the sacked DSOU commander, Maj. Emerson Coballes, was tagged as AWOL (absent without official leave) after he did not comply with a return to work order from the NCRPO.

Coballes did not report for duty after the NCRPO found out that the raid on the house of the Chinese businessman was intended to rob him, as the foreigner did not fit the description of the man in the arrest warrant.

Aberin said the complaint against Coballes is set for preliminary investigation on April 22 and 29.

The eight police officers are now detained at the Las Piñas City custodial facility, facing separate administrative charges that could lead to their dismissal from the police service if found guilty.

The PNP Internal Affairs Service said it is expanding its probe to other police personnel involved in the incident.

State prosecutors found probable cause to charge eight members of the Eastern Police District who allegedly stole PHP85 million from a Chinese trader in an unauthorized police operation in Las Piñas City.

The Sandiganbayan has denied the motion filed by former Quezon City mayor Herbert “Bistek” Constantine M. Bautista to reconsider his graft conviction that sentenced him to six to 10 years in jail with perpetual disqualification to hold public office.

In a resolution issued last April 8, the anti-graft court said: "Accused Bautista's Omnibus Motion (A) for reconsideration; in the alternative (B) to refer the instant motion to a Special Division of five members dated Feb. 3, 2025 supplemented by his supplemental motion for reconsideration is denied."

Also denied was the motion for reconsideration filed by Bautista's co-accused, former City administrator Aldrin C. Cuña.  The court said: "Accused Cuña's Motion for Reconsideration (To the Decision Dated Jan. 20, 2025) dated Feb. 4, 2025 is denied."

In the same resolution, the Sandiganbayan admitted "in the interest of justice" the supplemental motion for reconsideration filed by Bautista as it denied the pleading of the prosecution to expunge the supplemental motion.

Bautista and Cuña were found guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act in a decision promulgated on Jan. 20, 2025

Their conviction was due to findings that the Occupational Permitting Tracking System (OOPTS) was not accessible online by the end of June 2019.

The court has faulted Bautista and Cuña for approving and facilitating the release of P32,107,912 to the supplier, Geodata Solutions Inc., despite the inaccessibility of the OOPTS. It was only after the OOPTS was overhauled to function as designed, two years later, that the OOPTS was finally made available to the public, it said.

The 31-page resolution was written by Special Seventh Division Chairperson Associate Justice Ma. Theresa Dolores C. Gomez-Estoesta with the concurrence of Associate Justices Zaldy V. Trespeses and Georgina D. Hidalgo.

The Sandiganbayan has denied the motion filed by former Quezon City mayor Herbert “Bistek” Constantine M. Bautista to reconsider his graft conviction that sentenced him to six to 10 years in jail with perpetual disqualification to hold public office.

The Commission on Audit (COA) has affirmed its notice of disallowance (ND) on the P4 million paid by the province of Iloilo for "excessive" electricity consumption from December 2009 to April 2010.

However, the COA granted the petitions of two provincial officials to exdlude them from liability in the ND.

Excluded from liability were Lyd P. Tupas, provincial accountant, and Sandra C. Bionat, assistant provincial accountant.

In its ruling, the COA affirmed the P4,007,111.91 ND "with modification that Ms. Bionat and Mr. Tupas are excluded from among the persons liable for the transactions." The other persons named in the ND "shall remain liable," it said.

The ND was issued on Jan. 11, 2011 on the payment to Green Core Geothermal, Inc. (GCGI) for the supply of electricity to the Iloilo provincial government from Dec. 26, 2009 to April 25, 2010 in the amount of P4,007,111.91.

The disallowance stemmed from the construction of a multi-purpose convention center in 2007. In anticipation of the spike of electricity use due to the proposed construction, the province entered into a contract with the National Power Corporation (NPC) on Sept. 26, 2007.

However, the proposed construction was shelved on Dec. 13, 2007 as the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Iloilo withdrew the authority of then governor Neil D. Tupas, Sr. to obtain a loan for the multi-purpose convention center.

When state auditors checked the electricity  consumption of the province covering Dec. 26, 2009 to April 25, 2010, they saw that payments totalling P5,888,448.44 were made. They disallowed P4,007,111.91 because there is no showing that Tupas was authorized by the SP to enter into the 2007 contract with GCGI.

The COA found the payment excessive as it ruled that the excess payment could have been avoided had the province made representation with GCGI to reduce the contracted energy consumption immediately after December 2007.

In her plea for exclusion from liability in the ND, Bionat told the COA that her responsibility on the payment of electricity consumption was already beyond the authority or power attached to her office or position as assistant provincial accountant.

Tupas, on the other hand, said that he merely certified the completeness of the supporting documents, and it was no longer his responsibility as provincial accountant to evaluate the validity of the contract.

Agreeing with the two officials, the COA said that Bionat and Tupas cannot be made personally liable for tasks that are outside the scope of their jobs. However, it said it cannot look the other way with regards to the excessive electrical consumption.

"Nevertheless, this Commission cannot entirely lift the ND as the payment for the electricity was clearly excessive," the COA said.

"The excessive amount paid could have been avoided had the province, through its officials, made representation with GCGI to reduce contracted energy consumption, knowing that the project for the convention did not push through," it also said.

The Commission on Audit (COA) has affirmed its notice of disallowance (ND) on the P4 million paid by the province of Iloilo for "excessive" electricity consumption from December 2009 to April 2010.

Police in Maguindanao del Sur are searching for four suspects who ambushed and injured a local political candidate and his driver Sunday afternoon in Datu Anggal Midtimbang town.

Col. Ryan Bobby Paloma, Maguindanao del Sur provincial police director, said police and the Army’s 6th Infantry Division are conducting a manhunt after Muhammad Utti Omar, a candidate for provincial board member, and his driver, Abel Bunsalagat Buisan, 31, were attacked around 3 p.m. in Barangay Brar.

Paloma said police led by Maj. Zulkarnain Kunakon, Datu Anggal Midtimbang police chief, responded quickly, preventing further harm to Omar, also known as "Datu Baba," 49. A brief exchange of gunfire occurred before the attackers fled, Paloma said.

Omar, a former vice mayor of South Upi town running under Gov. Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu’s ticket for a seat representing the first district, sustained bruises. Buisan, of Buluan, Maguindanao del Sur, suffered serious injuries.

"Three men armed with M16 rifles alighted and opened fire at his Toyota Innova, hitting his driver, who decided to continue driving until they reached a police checkpoint," Omar said, adding that four other companions in the vehicle were unharmed. He was traveling to South Upi after attending a campaign rally in Datu Piang.

Despite the attack, Omar said he will continue his candidacy.

Paloma said the motive and identities of the attackers remain under investigation.

A provincial board candidate who was once vice mayor has been assassinated. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/4/15/bulacan-cops-arrest-two-escapees-jail-guard-nabbed-for-aiding-them

The Bulacan District Office of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested two Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) who escaped from the Bulacan Provincial Jail (BPJ) during a manhunt operation in Barangay Dakila, Malolos City, on Sunday, April 13.

The CIDG identified the escapees as Abdua Arajalon, a native of Patikul, Jolo, Sulu, and Mario San Jose, a resident of San Miguel, Hagonoy, Bulacan.

Arajalon, who is facing a murder charge, held the position of “Mayor” inside the BPJ and was a known member of the Sputnik Gang. San Jose, who was charged with homicide, is affiliated with the same gang and reportedly served as “Chairman of Barangay 11” within the facility.

Authorities also arrested Tee-Jay Jimenez, a job order prison guard at the BPJ, and Sarah Wahid, Arajalon’s second wife under Muslim rites, for allegedly aiding them in their escape.

Jimenez was apprehended for illegally escorting detainees out of the jail without proper court authorization, while Wahid was arrested for allegedly conspiring in her husband’s escape.

Recovered from the suspects were a caliber .45 pistol with six live rounds, a 9mm Glock pistol with nine live rounds, a magazine assembly for each firearm, a Glock holster, and a red pickup truck.


Provincial Civil Security and Jail Management Office (PCSJMO) head (Ret.) Col. Rizalino Andaya has launched a thorough investigation into the incident.

The arrested individuals are now detained at the CIDG detention facility. Multiple charges are being prepared against them.

A jail guard has been arrested for helping two inmates escape.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/4/15/7-cops-tagged-by-kerwin-in-slay-try-charged

Charges for violating Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act and the Omnibus Election Code were filed against the seven Ormoc City policemen tagged by Albuera, Leyte mayoral bet  Rolan “Kerwin” Espinosa in a  slay try last week.  

The complaint was lodged by the Leyte Police Provincial Office before the Leyte Provincial Prosecutor’s Office at the Bulwagan ng Katarungan here on Monday. 

Charged were former Ormoc City police chief Police Col. Reydante Ariza, Lt. Col. Leonides Sydiongco, Sgt. Alrose Astilla, Corporal Arvin Jose Baronda, Corporal Jeffrey Dagoy, Corporal Alexander Reponte, and Patrolman Maricor Espinosa. 

They were initially brought to LPPO and placed under administrative restrictive custody at the Police Regional Office-8 headquarters in Palo, Leyte. 

Espinosa was shot and wounded while attending a campaign rally in Barangay Tinag-an on Thursday. 

He said the police officers were found in a compound where the alleged gunshot came and the supposed getaway vehicles with his tarpaulins placed on them.  

Leyte Police Provincial Office chief Police Col. Dionisio Apas Jr. said that the Ormoc and Albuera police stations did not coordinate with each other prior to the alleged service of warrants against still undisclosed individuals.  

Lawmen discovered several firearms and ammunition in the vehicles. Apas confirmed that one of them was a caliber 5.56mm Armalite rifle that can shoot as far as 500 meters.  

Espinosa said that a Bushmaster caliber 5.56 Armalite rifle was used to shoot him.  

Apas said the firearms were submitted for ballistics examination and firearms verification as proof that there is no whitewash of the incident.  

A paraffin test was conducted on the seven policemen to determine if one of them shot Espinosa.  

Espinosa questioned why they were brought to the PRO-8 when the alleged crime occurred in Albuera. 

He claimed that his vehicles were not allowed to enter the border checkpoint in Ormoc City after he was brought to the hospital. 

Apas said the seven lawmen were brought to LPPO for security reasons.

Charges for violating Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act and the Omnibus Election Code were filed against the seven Ormoc City policemen tagged by Albuera, Leyte mayoral bet  Rolan “Kerwin” Espinosa in a  slay try last week.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1248266

The National Bureau of Investigation has filed inciting to sedition charges before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and vlogger Claire Contreras, known as Maharlika.

In a transmittal letter addressed to Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon dated April 14, NBI Director Jaime Santiago said the NBI-Cybercrime Division initiated a case against the two following the online circulation of a video suggesting that a man resembling President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was snorting a white powdery substance.

“This video coincided with the President's 2024 State of the Nation Address (SONA), raising suspicions of malicious timing and intent,” Santiago said.

Besides the sedition charges, Contreras was also charged with one count of Unlawful Use of Means of Publication and Unlawful Utterances under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to Section 6 of R.A. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012); one count of Cyber Libel under Section 4(c)(4) of R.A. 10175, in relation to Articles 353 and 355 of the Revised Penal Code; and one count of Computer-Related Forgery under Section 4(b)(1) of R.A. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).

The video was first posted on Facebook and later recirculated by a page managed by Contreras which gained significant attention.

“Through open-source digital investigation, supported by video forensics and authenticated evidence, the NBI traced its propagation, linked its content to inciting language during rallies and livestreams, and assessed public admissions of ownership and intent by the involved parties,” Santiago said.

On July 21, 2024, the video was shown during a rally in Vancouver, Canada that was livestreamed by the Facebook page Pilipinas Nating Mahal.

During the rally, Roque urged the audience to prepare for the “world premiere” of the video from Boldyakera (Maharlika), which he said would be taken down by platforms like Facebook and YouTube. He incited them to share and disseminate it across platforms such as TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Rumble.

A second livestream by Channel 167 in Los Angeles on July 22, 2024 featured both Maharlika and Roque. During the event, Roque declared that “tonight, the rumors will end” and called on the audience to be ready to judge and act if the President was shown to be “bangag” (high).

“The video’s timing -- coinciding with the President’s SONA suggests premeditated coordination. Its content and propagation through major social media platforms demonstrate intent to discredit the President, incite public outrage, and undermine the credibility and stability of the administration,” the NBI said.

The NBI also cited several instances wherein Roque and Contreras made repeated calls for public resistance and direct action against the administration.

“Maharlika published tampered and misleading videos falsely accusing the President and other high-ranking officials of serious crimes. Similarly, Atty. Roque made public statements in livestreams broadcast from abroad, encouraging Filipinos to spread videos that allegedly expose illegal acts by the President and hinting at mobilization against the government,” Santiago said.

The National Bureau of Investigation has filed inciting to sedition charges before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and vlogger Claire Contreras, known as Maharlika.

Thursday, April 17, 2025

Coronavirus Lockdown: Reflections Five Years After COVID, $44M Scam, and More!

More news about how the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines is being handled by the public and the government. 

It's ben five years sine the pandemic and the public is still unaware of how the government spent money on vaccines. Because the government has not been forthcoming several lawyers have petitioned the Supreme Court to compel them to release that information. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/4/10/lawyers-urge-sc-to-compel-gov-t-to-disclose-information-on-covid-19-expenditures

Several lawyers asked the Supreme Court (SC) to compel several government agencies to make public all information related to the supply agreements forged to address the past Covid-19 pandemic.

In a petition, the SC was told that “… given the number of deaths due to the pandemic and the Philippine government’s allotment of almost P113.5 billion for procurement of vaccines -- of which P104,549,369,856.60 or 92.12 percent of the total allotment came from loans -- made such information truly a matter of utmost public interest.”   

The petition was filed by former solicitor general and former Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) president Jose Anselmo I. Cadiz and lawyers Randall C. Tabayoyong, Jeffrey B. Constantino and Nizzane P. Vico.

Named respondents were Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa and former health secretary Maria Rosario S. Vergeire, Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Ralph G. Recto, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman and the Commission on Audit (COA) through its Chairman Gamaliel A.  Cordoba.   

The petitioners told the SC that they filed a case after the respondents denied their requests to be provided with details of the supply agreements on the Covid-19 vaccines entered by the government, specifically, information on the brands, quantities and prices at which the vaccines were procured and paid for by the government   

They said specific data were requested from respondents on the supply agreements entered into by the government for the various Covid-19 vaccines that it procured; brands and quantities of vaccines procured; and prices after sales documentation and liquidation reports of the funding sourced from 2001 and 2022 national budget.   

At the same time, they said they also sought information on what the government did with any excess funds allotted for anti-Covid-19 program after President Marcos issued Proclamation No. 297 that lifted the State of Public Health Emergency throughout the Philippines on July 21, 2023.   

“Disappointingly, instead of assisting petitioners in obtaining such very important information, which should have been made accessible to the public immediately after the state of national emergency has been lifted, respondents DBM, DOF and COA erected a blank wall and denied petitioners’ reasonable requests made under respondents respective Freedom of Information Manuals…,” they also said. 

The refusal of the respondents to provide the requested information violates Section 28 of the 1987 Constitution which mandates the government to adopt and implement a policy of full disclosure of all its transactions involving public interest.     

At the same time, they pointed out that the respondents violated Section 7, Article II of the Constitution which guarantees the right of the people to information on matters of public concern.   

They told the SC: "We are hopeful that, through this Petition, the Supreme Court will recognize the urgency and importance of our request for the Supply Agreements as well as the grave abuse of discretion that the respondents committed in denying that request. In the end, we are only trying to uphold the people's right to information guaranteed under our Constitution,”

It is expected that the SC will tackle the petition after its Holy Week recess.

The public deserves to know. 

Here's a reflection on the pandemic by an OFW. Or maybe he is a natural born US citizen. It's hard to tell. 

https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/537304/divided-we-stood-reflections-five-years-after-covid/

Five years ago, the world came to a standstill. I revisited my journal from March 2020, and back then, the uncertainty was overwhelming—an eerie, collective pause that forced us to confront the unknown. Looking back, it wasn’t just the virus that reshaped our lives, but also the political and social upheavals that had already been in motion.

Before the pandemic, former President Rodrigo Duterte had cemented his grip on the Philippines, waging a bloody war on drugs that disproportionately targeted the poor. His administration thrived on fear, disinformation, and violence, silencing critics—those of us who dared to speak out. I was harassed online relentlessly for my outspoken stance against his regime, a chilling reminder of how authoritarianism thrives in the digital age. My inbox was filled with vitriolic hate from nameless profiles, ranging from name-calling like “bobo” and slut-shaming antics to messages saying I should just commit suicide.

It was so alarming I had to turn off the comments section on all my online platforms to protect my sanity. Now, five years later, justice is finally catching up with Duterte. As he faces trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC), the world is beginning to reckon with the atrocities committed under his rule—though, for the thousands of families torn apart, no justice will ever be enough.

Meanwhile, here in the US, Donald Trump was president, and the pandemic only deepened the political fractures that had already been growing. It wasn’t just a public health crisis—it was also a test of ideology, of truth, of humanity itself. His handling of COVID-19, the divisive rhetoric, and the anti-immigrant policies—including the continued push for a border wall—exposed just how much we were living in separate realities.

The most painful part? Watching family members and close friends justify those policies, despite the fact that I am an immigrant myself. The strain was undeniable. Conversations became battlegrounds, relationships eroded, and the very idea of community felt more fragile than ever.

Adjustment

In the midst of this political turmoil, the pandemic forced new adaptations. I was pursuing my master’s in nonprofit management at Antioch University in Culver City, adjusting to remote learning alongside my children, who were also navigating their own confined realities. House-hunting became an even more precarious endeavor, with the market demanding we waive contingencies in a high-stakes gamble for stability. Meanwhile, my kids were in the throes of individuation, retreating behind closed doors in an attempt to carve out space in a world that had collapsed into the walls of our home.

Despite the isolation, there were unexpected connections. My relationship with legendary actress Cherie Gil deepened during this time, as she embraced leading online classes and I joined her Master Class series, connecting with other artists about the craft of acting.

The shutdown, while severing so many ties, paradoxically strengthened some bonds in ways I had never anticipated. I joined Island Pacific Seafood Market right before the world shutdown, and my biggest challenge and accomplishment was helping to launch an e-commerce platform in under a month with my new associates at a time when online spaces became the primary means of survival for businesses.

And in the midst of uncertainty, we welcomed two pets—perhaps an instinctive attempt to inject warmth into a world that felt increasingly detached. The family and I spent regular meaningful time on walks with our animals around the block, which became the only moments I felt a sense of regularity in a precarious time.

Then there was the virus itself. I’ve had COVID three times since, and each bout was a brutal reminder of its relentless grip. The sensation of swallowing felt like sharp shards in my throat—a literal and figurative reminder of how deeply this pandemic cut into our lives.

Emotional minefield

The chasm between our realities deepened with the arrival of vaccines. For me, getting myself and my family vaccinated was a no-brainer—a logical step in protecting ourselves and our community. Yet, many close to me continued to vehemently contest the validity of vaccination, citing misinformation and conspiracy theories. It wasn’t just a difference of opinion; it felt like a fundamental divergence in how we understood science, trust, and even basic human responsibility.

These conversations were not mere debates, they were emotional minefields, filled with a sense of betrayal and a deep-seated fear that the very foundation of our relationships was crumbling. The constant barrage of anti-vaccine rhetoric, often fueled by the same sources that promoted political division, added an unbearable layer of tension.

It wasn’t just about the vaccine; it was about the erosion of shared reality, the fracturing of trust, and the painful realization that even in the face of a global crisis, deeply entrenched ideologies could divide us irrevocably. The feeling of being on one side of a deep divide, with those you love on the other, was a unique kind of isolation. And don’t even get me started on what the isolation meant for my gallivanting mother, whose daily exercise of walking and going to visit friends was curtailed and led to the severe decline of her health.

Now, five years later, what does it all mean? The pandemic didn’t just disrupt—it fundamentally reoriented us. It exposed the fragility of the systems we rely on, from healthcare to housing to education. It blurred the boundaries between work and life, between isolation and connection, between what we thought was stable and what was, in reality, always in flux.

Yet, perhaps the most significant shift has been internal. The collective trauma of COVID-19 reshaped our priorities, recalibrated our definitions of success, and forced us to reckon with impermanence. We learned to pivot, to adapt, to let go of assumptions about how life “should” unfold.

The pandemic was both a rupture and a revelation—a stark reminder not only of our vulnerabilities but also of our capacity to persist.

As I reflect on these past five years, I’m reminded that while we can’t always predict the disruptions ahead, we can choose how we emerge from them. And maybe that’s the greatest lesson of all.

This man had a very different experience than actual Filipinos in the Philippines. Many of the sentiments are the same though. 

Two businessmen based in Cebu have been linked to a $44 million dollar scam which ramped up during the pandemic when they exploited computer systems during a work-from-home arrangement. 


https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/632392/2-cebu-based-execs-held-linked-to-44m-scam-in-us-can-return-to-ph-if

Two Cebu-based business process outsourcing (BPO) executives, who are among three Filipinos implicated in the alleged $44-million publishing scam that defrauded hundreds of elderly writers in the United States, have a 99.99 percent chance of returning to the Philippines.

This is according to their legal counsel, Oliver Baclay Jr., in a press briefing on Friday, April 11, where he vehemently denied the involvement of his clients to the alleged $44-million publishing scam.

Lawyer Baclay was referring to Mike Sordilla, CEO of Innocentrix and founder of Hiyas Pilipinas; and Bryan Tarosa, vice president of Innocentrix.

Innocentrix is the BPO firm set up by Sordilla in Mandaue City.

Both executives and California-based Gemma Traya Austin are facing charges in the U.S. of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy for operating a book publishing scam that ran for 7 years.

Baclay claims that Sordilla and Tarosa had no criminal liability, and that the U.S. charges stemmed from the unauthorized actions of two rogue sales agents who exploited the company’s systems during a work-from-home arrangement at the height of the pandemic.

“Mike denies any criminal liabilities. All the accusations stated on the DOJ website—and later carried by various news outlets—were the actions of sales agents who acted without authority, exceeded their authority, or accessed the IT infrastructure of Innocentrix without authorization.

 All those actions were contrary to the policies of Innocentrix,” Baclay told reporters during a press conference.

Sordilla and Tarosa are currently detained at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in San Diego after they were arrested in the U.S. in December 2024.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) alleges that the three operated a fraudulent scheme under the name PageTurner, Press and Media LLC from September 2017 to December 2024, promising elderly authors that their books would be turned into Hollywood films in exchange for thousands of dollars in fees.

The operation reportedly defrauded over 800 victims of a total of $44 million (roughly P2.5 billion in today’s rates).

But Baclay maintained his stance that the accusations were “unfounded and exaggerated.”

He said the DOJ’s basis came from unauthorized actions of specific employees, not company policy.

He also addressed suspicions over Sordilla’s purchase of more than 10 iPhones in the U.S., which authorities believed could be tied to the alleged fraud.

(Mike intended to buy those gadgets for Thanksgiving, and he intends to make his Innocentrix family here happy.)

(Those gadgets are not meant to commit scams. If the intention is to use those cellphones to scam people, then it should have been bought here—why would they be bought in the US? So, there’s some sort of socio-cultural difference, no? Because what those in the US saw of someone having several phones may not be culturally accepted, or that [not being] common for them.)

They are currently being held in San Diego. 

Another businessman, not Filipino, has been accused of running a scam during the pandemic. 


https://sea.mashable.com/tech/37206/tech-ceo-promised-ai-but-hired-workers-in-the-philippines-instead-fbi-claims

The former CEO of fintech app Nate has been charged with fraud for making misleading claims about the app's artificial intelligence technology — or lack thereof. 

In a bizarre twist from the usual AI narrative, the FBI alleges that this time human beings were doing the work of AI, and not the other way around.

According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of New York, Albert Saniger has been indicted for a scheme to defraud investors. “As alleged, Albert Saniger misled investors by exploiting the promise and allure of AI technology to build a false narrative about innovation that never existed," Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said in the release.

Government attorneys say Nate claimed to use AI technology to complete the e-commerce checkout process for customers. In reality, they allege the company hired a team of human contractors in the Philippines to do the work. In total, Saniger raised more than $40 million from investors.

"In truth, Nate relied heavily on teams of human workers — primarily located overseas — to manually process transactions in secret, mimicking what users believed was being done by automation," said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia. "Saniger used hundreds of contractors, or 'purchasing assistants,' in a call center located in the Philippines to manually complete purchases occurring over the Nate app."

The much-hyped AI industry promises to reduce labor costs and increase efficiency across industries. In turn, this has incentivized sketchy startup practices as opportunistic entrepreneurs market their apps based on future-facing potential.

The Information first reported that the Nate app might have "exaggerated tech capabilities to investors" back in 2022. At the time, e-commerce was experiencing a "pandemic-fueled shopping boom," the outlet reported, making fintech startups irresistibly appealing to venture capitalists. According to the new indictment, Saniger "concealed" the app's near zero percent automation rate from investors and even his own employees, restricting Nate's automation data as a "trade secret."

The "fake it till you make it" mentality is a well-established doctrine in the startup playbook, but clearly a risky one, at least, according to the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Instead of raising money, Saniger is now facing one charge each of securities fraud and wire fraud; both charges carry maximum sentences of 20 years in prison.

The pandemic fueled online shopping which caused Albert Saniger to exaggerate the capabilities of his app. Instead of the app fulfilling orders he had Filipinos doing all the work.