Friday, September 13, 2024

Retards in the Government 382

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

 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1232679

A police officer is facing dismissal from the service for shooting and killing a 19-year-old fisherman in General Santos City in February.

Inspector Gen. Brigido Dulay, Philippine National Police-Internal Affairs Service (PNP-IAS) chief, said Thursday he has submitted to the office of PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil the recommendation to dismiss the police corporal, whose name was withheld, after he was found guilty of grave misconduct.

“Their badge will not shield them from felonious behavior or conduct. As law enforcers, they are duty-bound to abide by and uphold the law, whether in or out of uniform,” Dulay said in a statement.

Witnesses said the incident occurred inside a videoke house in General Santos City on Feb. 21, where the police officer was drinking with a group of men last February.

The victim identified as Marvin Bahian and his companions were also drinking at another table outside the establishment.

For still unknown reasons, a heated argument ensued between the cop and the victim, with the suspect drawing his firearm and shooting the victim multiple times.

Bahian died instantly from several gunshot wounds, while the cop fled the scene.

Police eventually arrested the suspect on Feb. 22.

The suspect was charged with the administrative offense of grave misconduct while a criminal case for murder was filed against him by the General Santos City Prosecutor's Office.

Reports showed that the officer had previously been involved in another physical altercation while drunk.

A police officer is facing dismissal from the service for shooting and killing a 19-year-old fisherman in General Santos City in February.


https://mb.com.ph/2024/9/6/ex-aurora-gov-7-others-convicted-of-graft

The Sandiganbayan has convicted former Aurora governor Gerardo "Jerry" A. Noveras and seven others of their graft charge involving the irregular repair of a bridge and road in 2014.

Noveras, together with Provincial Administrator Simeon A. De Castro, Provincial General Services Officer Ricardo Q. Bautista, Provincial Budget Officer Norma R. Clemente, Provincial Legal Officer Paz L. Torregosa, Assistant Provincial Engineer Benedicto S. Rojo, Executive Assistant IV Isaias A. Noveras Jr., and private individual Manding Claro R. Ramos of RMCR Construction, were sentenced to six to 10 years imprisonment with perpetual disqualification to hold public office.

Their criminal act stemmed from the undue advantage given to RMCR Construction when the company was awarded the contract for the repair of the Dimalang Bridge Approach of the Casiguran-Dilasag Provincial Road and the Road Section of the Casiguran-Dilasag Provincial Road even though there was no public bidding conducted for it.

The prosecution said in the charge sheet that the accused "rigged the bidding process" for the said transaction, since RMCR had already implemented and almost completed the repair projects even before the procurement process was concluded.

"After a thorough review of the documentary and testimonial evidence on record, as well as the stipulations between the prosecution and the defense, the court finds that the evidence presented proved beyond reasonable doubt that accused Noveras, De Castro, Torregosa, Bautista, Rojo, Noveras Jr., Clemente, and Ramos violated Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019," the court ruled.

The court found that the prosecution was successful in proving that the projects were completed as early as Aug. 15, 2014, contrary to the Sept. 24, 2014 completion date stated in the Certificates of Final Project Completion.

"It is impossible for the Repair of Bridge and the Repair of Road to be finished in one day given that they were estimated to take between 30 and 60 calendar days to complete, respectively," the court said. "It was likewise impossible to have finished both projects on Aug. 15, 2014 because the Notices to Proceed allowed RMCR Construction to begin only on Aug. 25, 2014."

Since RMCR Construction started both projects early even before the bidding process began, the court said that manifest partiality was clearly given to the company.

The 49-page decision dated Sept. 4 was penned by Associate Justice Karl B. Miranda with the concurrence of Sixth Division Chairperson Associate Justice Sarah Jane T. Fernandez and Associate Justice Kevin Narce B. Vivero.

Noveras won as Aurora's vice governor in the 2022 elections; however, he was unseated by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) after it was found that he used the provincial government's tarpaulin printer to create his campaign materials.

The Sandiganbayan has convicted former Aurora governor Gerardo "Jerry" A. Noveras and seven others of their graft charge involving the irregular repair of a bridge and road in 2014.

A barangay councilor in Bogo City, northern Cebu was gunned down by two still unidentified gunmen on Saturday, September 7.

The police in Bogo City confirmed that a shooting occurred at Purok 6, Brgy. Cogon around 8:45 p.m. last Saturday.

The victim was later identified as Antonio Harry Godinez, a barangay councilor in the same barangay where the shooting happened.

Based on initial investigations, witnesses claimed seeing Godinez riding his motorcycle and heading towards his home around 8:30 p.m.

Suddenly, two men chased him down the road, with one pulling out the gun and firing it multiple times towards the barangay official from the back.

The suspects immediately left the scene on foot, reports added. Meanwhile, Godinez was rushed to nearby hospital, but the attending physician declared him dead on arrival.

The victim sustained at least six gunshot wounds on different parts of his body.

Police continue to conduct further investigation into the crime, including the possible motives behind it.

Another barangay councilor has been assassinated. 

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/coa-flags-mandaue-for-p62m-backhoe-rental-lapse

THE Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged the Mandaue City government for deficiencies in its P6.2 million backhoe rental agreement. 

The state auditor also scrutinized the City’s rental expenditures from 2021 to 2023, which exceeded P22.1 million. 

COA, in its 2023 audit report, a copy of which was obtained by SunStar Cebu, said that the City’s framework agreement with the supplier did not comply with the revised implementing rules and regulations or Republic Act 9184, which governs procurement practices. 

Additionally, the contract was not recorded as payable, breaching International Public Sector Accounting Standard 1. 

These issues, COA said, have raised concerns about the transparency and accountability of the city’s procurement processes. 

The report highlights that the rental costs incurred over the two years could have been used more effectively. 

COA recommended that Mandaue City develop a plan to purchase its excavators, which would be a more efficient and cost-effective use of public resources. This suggestion aligns with Section 2 of Presidential Decree (PD) 1445, which advocates for the efficient utilization of public funds. 

COA issued several recommendations for Mandaue City’s management. These include the submission of a written explanation by the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) and other officials regarding the noted deficiencies. 

COA also advised that the city accountant prepare journal entries to acknowledge the payable amount. 

To prevent future issues, COA urged the BAC to conduct a cost-benefit analysis before entering into framework agreements to ensure they are “practical, economical, and beneficial to the City.” 

Additionally, COA has tasked the City Engineering Office with reviewing all projects involving backhoe excavators to determine if purchasing equipment would be more cost-effective than renting from private entities. 

In response, City Administrator Jamaal James Calipayan told SunStar Cebu via phone interview on Saturday, Sept. 7, that purchasing equipment would be disadvantageous due to higher maintenance costs over time. 

“Yes. We have answered this na. The only deficiency is the fact that in a usual framework agreement, delivery is staggered depending on the needs of the end user. While in our case, the delivery was done only once,” he said. 

“As we know, a motor vehicle is not an asset but a liability because of its increasing maintenance costs...How many times has the City purchased heavy equipment before? Due to the difficulty in maintaining it, it easily breaks down,” Calipayan said in a mix of English and Cebuano.

THE Commission on Audit has flagged the Mandaue City government for deficiencies in its P6.2 million backhoe rental agreement. 

A 23-year-old Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) chairman was shot and wounded on the Aringay-Tubao Provincial Road in Barangay San Simon East here on Sunday, September 8.

Police identified the victim as John Joaquin Macabinta, SK chairman of Barangay San Simon East.

Investigation said Macabinta was driving a motorcycle and stopped in an intersection to talk to the driver of a black Toyota Fortuner which was following him.

Macabinta left after a few minutes but the suspect fired at the victim thrice. 

Macabinta was taken to a hospital for a bullet wound in the body and is in stable condition.

The suspect escaped and the subject of a pursuit operation. 

A 23-year-old Sangguniang Kabataan chairman was shot and wounded in an assassination attempt. 


https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/09/10/2384148/bi-chief-sacked-over-guo-escape

Following the escape of dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo, the first head to roll is that of immigration commissioner Norman Tansingco.

President Marcos had vowed that “heads will roll” in the wake of Guo’s departure from the Philippines.

Tansingco’s dimissal “has already been approved by the President,” Secretary Cesar Chavez of the Presidential Communications Office said in a text message to reporters yesterday.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Marcos accepted his recommendation to sack Tansingco.

“Yes, the President and I have come to an agreement… He (Tansingco) will be replaced,” Remulla said, explaining that the recommendation he made was due to a number of issues, which include Guo’s escape despite being on the immigration lookout bulletin.

“I’m not satisfied. Marami kaming naging problema (We had a lot of problems),” Remulla told reporters.

He said among the problems was Tansingco’s inaction on the reported issuance of working visas to fake companies, which allowed undesirable aliens to enter the country.

“I called his attention to it, wala siyang ginawa (he did nothing),” Remulla said.

“I’ve completely lost any trust or confidence in him,” he said in a separate interview over ANC.

He said he also called out Tansingco for failing to inform him immediately about Guo’s exit from the country.

“That is why we are no longer on speaking terms. That kind of behavior, it is not right for him not to inform the DOJ secretary about what is going on with your office,” Remulla said.

Both MalacaƱang and Remulla did not say whether the Bureau of Immigration chief abetted Guo’s escape. In an interview last month, Marcos warned “heads will roll” if government personnel were found to have aided Guo’s escape.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian had said the BI was aware of Guo’s escape but it kept the President in the dark on her whereabouts.

Bureau of Immigration commissioner Norman Tansingco has been dismissed following Alice Guo's escape. 


https://mb.com.ph/2024/9/10/ex-baseco-board-member-convicted-in-p102-m-graft-cases

The Sandiganbayan has convicted former Bataan Shipyard and Engineering Corp., Inc. (Baseco) board member Agustiniana C. Avelino of 13 graft charges for the withdrawal of P102 million from 2008 to 2010 without proper justification.

Avelino has been sentenced to six to eight years imprisonment for each graft conviction and perpetually disqualified from holding public office.

She was also ordered to return and reimburse the government, through the Bureau of Treasury, the amounts of P500,000; P700,000; P31,466.66; P6,043,500; P6,042,168.72; P516,826.50; P33,214; P20,953,817.45; P20,000,000; P20,000,000; P10,000,000; P14,250,000; and P3,000,000 or a total of P102,070,993.28.

The case against retired Navy Capt. Proceso L. Maligalig, former president of the government-owned firm, had been dismissed in light of his death during the pendency of the Sandiganbayan proceedings.

Government prosecutors said that Maligalig and Avelino made the withdrawals "without prior authorization from the Baseco Board of Directors and without any justification for the said withdrawals."

They told the court that the accused also failed to "account for the same public funds, and thereafter diverting the amount to their personal use and benefit, to the damage and prejudice of the government in the afore-stated amount."

In her defense, Avelino told the court that the signatures on the 13 withdrawal slips were not hers, and she even affirmed that she was not familiar with the 13 withdrawal slips and has never been to the bank.

However, the court junked her defense as it ruled that the signatures in the withdrawal slips and bank documents were "unquestionably" hers. 

It said that if Avelino truly believed her signatures were forged, she should have referred it to a handwriting expert but she failed to do so.

"The Court finds that the prosecution has sufficiently proved that the accused withdrew or caused the withdrawal of Baseco funds from its Peso Savings Account No. 049112000852 with PS Bank - Paco Branch without prior authorization from the Baseco Board of Directors," the decision stated. 

"The injury to the government is apparent considering that the prosecution was able to prove that the amount withdrawn in Baseco's Peso Savings Account No. 049112000852 with PS Bank - Paco Branch was without justification and the accused failed to account for the stated amounts," it added.

The 92-page decision was written by Associate Justice Ronald B. Moreno with the concurrence of Presiding Justice Amparo M. Cabotaje-Tang and Associate Justice Bernelito R. Fernandez.

The Sandiganbayan has convicted former Bataan Shipyard and Engineering Corp., Inc. board member Agustiniana C. Avelino of 13 graft charges for the withdrawal of P102 million from 2008 to 2010 without proper justification.

A joint anti-illegal drugs operation by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Philippine National Police busted on Friday evening the meth-vending activity of a school teacher in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

PDEA-9 regional director Maharani Gadaoni-Tosoc confirmed the arrest of Gemma Lahaman Isnain, 59, of Kong-Kong Laminusa village in Siasi, Sulu, during a buy-bust operation in Poblacion, Ipil.

Operatives seized three heat-sealed sachets containing about 150 grams of suspected meth with an estimated market value of P1.02 million.

A case for violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act is being prepared against the suspect, Tosoc said

A teacher has been busted for selling drugs. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/9/11/sandigan-affirms-graft-conviction-of-ex-dotc-execs-businessman

The Sandiganbayan has affirmed the conviction of four former Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) officials and a private individual over the irregular purchase of P6 million worth of cellular telephones in 2005.

Denied were the motions for partial reconsidetration filed by former DOTC directors Ildefonso T. Patdu, Jr., Elmer Soneja, and Rebecca S. Cacatian; legal officer Geronimo V. Quintos, and businessman Samuel Jonathan L. Ng.

The former DOTC officials were sentenced to five to 10 years imprisonment because of the manifest partiality given to Ng's company, which was awarded the contract for the procurement of mobile phones even without the conduct of public bidding. The Commission on Audit (COA) even flagged Ng's company, West Island Beverages Distributor, for not being an authorized dealer of cellular phones.

The main accused, former Iloilo 2nd District Rep. Judy J. Syjuco, already entered into a plea bargaining agreement with the prosecution and pleaded guilty to defrauding the public treasury.

In their motions, those convicted claimed there was no act of conspiracy to commit graft, as they insisted that the purchase of cell phones was done in accordance with the procurement law and rules.

However, the anti-graft court found their motions lacking in merit. The court said that the accused cannot "feign ignorance" regarding the procurement law. As members of the bids and awards committee, the court said that they should have, at the very least, held an independent determination to verify the exclusivity of the source of the cell phones - which is the only time direct contracting is allowed.

"In sum, the Court finds no new and/or substantial arguments raised by the accused-movants in their partial motions for reconsideration that would warrant a reconsideration of the Court's Decision promulgated on June 7, 2024," the court said.

The 25-page resolution was written by Presiding Justice Amparo M. Cabotaje-Tang with the concurrence of Associate Justices Bernelito R. Fernandez and Ronald B. Moreno.

The Sandiganbayan has affirmed the conviction of four former Department of Transportation and Communications officials and a private individual over the irregular purchase of P6 million worth of cellular telephones in 2005.

Five garbage collectors from the Department of Public Service (DPS) of the Cebu City government were caught allegedly stealing steel components of a bridge that they tried to hide in a garbage truck by covering the stolen items with garbage.

This was however found out by personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Central Visayas (DPWH-7) and they made a citizen’s arrest and held the 5 suspects, whom they turned over to the policemen of the Mambaling Police Station.

The theft attempt was done inside the compound of the DPWH-7 compound at the South Road Properties (SRP) in the afternoon of September 10.

The 5 suspects are currently detained at the Mambaling Police Station.

According to Police Major Efren Diaz Jr., chief of Mambaling Police Station, the suspects were garbage collectors and subcontractor personnel of DPS who were detailed at DPWH-7.

They were caught in the act of stealing the steel components of a bridge stocked at the DPWH-7compound, were arrested by DPWH-7 personnel, and turned over to the Mambaling Police Station.

Diaz said that this was the first time the suspects committed the crime.

However, based on the information from the DPWH-7, they noticed that some of their construction materials went missing for several days.

The construction materials that they stole were sold to a junkshop.

“Worth 300,000 ang mga materyales nawala kagahapon”, Diaz said.

(The materials that were lost yesterday were worth at least P300,000.)

Five garbage collectors from the Department of Public Service of the Cebu City government were caught allegedly stealing steel components of a bridge that they tried to hide in a garbage truck by covering the stolen items with garbage.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1982382/ex-palawan-gov-joel-reyes-wanted-for-killing-broadcaster-surrenders

Former Palawan Governor Joel Reyes, who was wanted for his alleged connection with the killing of broadcast journalist Gerry Ortega in 2011, has turned himself in before the National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) office in Metro Manila.

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) made the announcement in a Facebook post on Wednesday evening, which it said came from a source it did not name.

According to the task force, it will provide more details later.

Citing reports, PTFoMS said Ortega was a “well-known critic of local government corruption during the term of Reyes.”

In 2023, a regional trial court (RTC) in Puerto Princesa, Palawan issued an arrest warrant against Reyes.

Palawan RTC Branch 52 Presiding Judge Angelo Arizala signed the arrest warrant on July 20, 2023, after the Supreme Court first division released its March 29, 2023, ruling ordering to rearrest Reyes and subsequent resumption of the murder trial.

Based on previous reports, Ortega was shot and killed in a thrift store in Barangay San Pedro on January 24, 2011,  after his radio program.

Former Palawan Governor Joel Reyes, who was wanted for his alleged connection with the killing of broadcast journalist Gerry Ortega in 2011, has turned himself in before the National Bureau of Investigation’s office in Metro Manila.

https://mb.com.ph/2024/9/9/soldier-shot-dead-in-zamboanga-del-sur

A soldier on furlough was gunned down in Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur on Saturday, September 7.

Police identified the victim as Private First Class Mark Leo Jay Capute of the 44th Infantry Battalion.

Capute was shot in the head and died on the spot.

Police are conducting follow-up investigation and hot-pursuit operations against the gunman.

A solider on furlough was gunned down. 

Thursday, September 12, 2024

Coronavirus Lockdown: Quarantine Center Activated, STEM Expo Returns, and More!

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

After four years the STEM Expo has returned to UP Diliman.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/09/06/tmt-newswire/stem-expo-returns-to-up-diliman-after-4-year-hiatus-due-to-pandemic/1969443

STEM Expo 2024 is set to return, showcasing innovations by young scientists across the Philippines. Organized by the Philippine Society of Youth Science Clubs (PSYSC), this two-day event will be held on September 7 to 8, 2024, at UP Diliman, Quezon City. With the theme "Rebooting Filipino Innovation, Reinventing the Next Generation," the expo will focus on using science and technology to address national issues now and in the future.

The event will feature various activities aimed at promoting public understanding of science, technology, and the environment (Puste). Attendees can look forward to innovation project competitions, an investigatory projects fair, science journalism, and public lectures on science, technology, and design. More than 400 participants from public and private schools are expected.

Another event that could have returned sooner but for some reason did not. 

Cebu City is reactivating its quarantine center for any real and suspected monkeypox cases.


https://qa.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-news/2024/09/07/2383495/quarantine-center-activated

The Cebu City government has activated the Cebu City Quarantine Center (CCQC) at the North Reclamation Area as an isolation facility for suspected and confirmed Mpox cases, if any.

The CCQC had served as an isolation facility during the Covid-19 pandemic and served as a temporary and isolation home for health workers and other frontline responders.

After the pandemic, a portion of the facility was also utilized as shelter for abused women and children.

With the reported cases of Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in the country, the city government has decided to re-active CCQC as an isolation facility for this disease even if it is not needed yet.

Though no confirmed or suspected Mpox cases have been reported in Cebu City at present, acting Mayor Raymond Alvin N. Garcia, in a report by the Public Information Office, organized an interdepartmental task force at City Hall for it to come up with and implement measures, in the possibility that Mpox could reach Cebu.

Dr. Daisy Villa, City Health Department head, said that the task force will implement measures similar to what were initiated during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Aside from the CCQC, she said the CHD also prepared all barangay health centers and their personnel for the possibility of them accepting Mpox cases within their level.

Villa also urged the public to continue to be vigilant.

She said that what were followed during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly hand washing, constant disinfection, and wearing of face masks, can help prevent the spread of Mpox.

This is the same isolation center used during the COVID-19 pandemic. The public is also being told to follow COVID-19 protocols to prevent the spread of monkeypox. 

The DOT has recored 4 million visitors and P362 billion in revenue from foreign visitors so far this year. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1232828

The Philippines is halfway through its arrival target for the end of 2024 after recording 4.08 million international visitors as of Sept. 5.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco disclosed the latest number at the opening of the 35th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) in SMX Convention Center on Friday.

The tourism chief said this figure, while still 3.61 million short of its target of 7.7 million by yearend, already reflects “sustained interest in the Philippines”.

In terms of receipts, Frasco said the sector has achieved full recovery of pre-pandemic figures, yielding PHP362 billion from January to August 2024, at least 111.17 percent higher than the PHP326 billion it recorded in the same period in 2019.

“This financial rebound underscores the growing appeal of the Philippines and the robust recovery of the tourism sector,” she said.

Frasco said the DOT would continue diversifying its portfolio to further attract international tourists to travel and discover the Philippines.

“We are pioneering new approaches such as experiential tourism and diversification of tourism products. We are moving beyond traditional tourism by inviting travelers to engage with the Philippines on a deeper level,” she said.

“We are offering unique and immersive experiences that connect visitors to the heart and soul of the Philippines,” she added.

This shows a full recovery of the tourist sector. 

On the other hand AirAsia is halting flights to China because no one was is flying.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/919824/airasia-philippines-to-halt-manila-china-flights-in-q4-2024/story/

AirAsia Philippines is set to halt its flights between Manila and China this year, as the carrier said it will focus more on other destinations following the low demand from the service.

According to AirAsia chief executive officer Ricardo Isla, the sales of the carrier has yet to bounce back to levels seen prior to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, moreso for its Manila and China flights.

“Transparently, by fourth quarter, no more China flights for us. At the end of the day, we have to also make sure that we are building profitability,” he said.

Isla said China accounted for 30% of AirAsia Philippines’ passenger traffic in 2019, when it flew to about seven cities in the country. This declined to four in 2023, and has since gone down even further to two.

“For AirAsia Philippines, from 2023 to 2024, we have surpassed 2023 significantly. The improvements were significant. However, versus 2019, we are not there yet,” he said during the EJAP-SMC Aviation Forum in Makati City.

“As a matter of fact, the challenge is international. We are only approximately about 65% to 70% of international. For domestic, we’re almost hitting 2019 levels. The challenge to us is China,” he said.

Sought for more details, Isla said there would be no more departing and arriving flights to and from China and Manila by the fourth quarter, but passengers can still book connecting flights passing through Kuala Lumpur.

“We just have to concentrate on the other destinations. The demand’s not yet there, but we’re hoping. Tignan natin (Let’s see),” he said.

Only 2% of AirAsia's passengers are flying the China to Manila route. That is a steep decline. 

Confidence among Filipino CEO's is the highest it has been since the pandemic. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1232974

Filipino business leaders are becoming more optimistic since the pandemic, according to the Philippine CEO Survey of PwC Philippines and the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP)

At the press launch of the result of the survey in Makati City Monday, PwC deals and corporate finance partner Trissy Rogacion said 86 percent of the chief executive officer (CEO) respondents are confident about their industry’s prospects for the next 12 months.

“Even during the pandemic our CEOs are optimistic… But this year is the highest since the pandemic,” Rogacion said.

The survey also showed that 85 percent of CEOs are confident that their company will experience revenue growth in the next 12 months.

She clarified that large companies, representing the majority of the respondents, are more optimistic than the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as the former have a larger war chest than the latter.

Rogacion said CEOs are also expecting that the Philippine economy will continue to grow over the next 12 months driven by infrastructure development, domestic consumption, and foreign direct investments.

“The CEOs say that our government is doing a good job in pushing for infrastructure development, forging stronger relationships with other nations, and also managing inflation,” she added.

Despite this optimism, the CEO survey revealed that the current geopolitical uncertainties are keeping them awake at night.

PwC Philippine chairman and senior partner Roderick Danao said market and supply chain diversification is the key to mitigate the impacts of geopolitical uncertainties.

“All of these have to be backed up by long term risk management, plans for the company to adopt and proactively manage the impact of the geopolitical conflicts,” he said.

Meanwhile, nearly half or 46 percent of the CEO respondents said their businesses are no longer viable in 10 years if they will not adopt current technologies, especially generative artificial intelligence (GenAI).

“We are seeing that the gap between optimism and actual adoption may be because of the investments needed and also the upskilling initiatives that they need to conduct within their employees,” Rogacion said.

The survey was done from July 8 to Aug. 9, with 168 respondents —68 percent of which are large enterprises, 21 percent are medium enterprises, 7 percent are small, and 5 percent are micro.

But what about inflation? Of course they aren't worried about that because people will continue to consume. 

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Selfies With Wanted Fugitives

Despite disgraced former Mayor Alice Guo's attempt to flee justice she was finally caught in Indonesia. DILG Secretary Abalos and PNP Chief Marbil flew to Indonesia to accompany her home. While in Indonesia both Abalos and Marbil took a selfie with Alice Guo which was then posted online. This picture caused a lot of anger.


https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3277509/philippine-officials-under-fire-after-smiling-selfies-fugitive-alice-guo-spark-anger

Philippine officials are facing a storm of criticism after images surfaced of authorities treating infamous fugitive Alice Guo with what many described as undue “deference” during her extradition, sparking allegations of double standards in the country’s justice system.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr on Friday shrugged off the anger directed at officials who appeared to be enjoying photo opportunities with the former mayor, as he insisted the Philippines was called the “selfie capital of the world”.

Guo, wanted for failing to assist a Senate investigation into her alleged connection to Chinese organised crime groups, was extradited from Indonesia to the Philippines on Thursday following her arrest in Jakarta.

Outrage erupted on social media overnight after photos and videos were posted showing Guo smiling and posing for selfies with officials including Department of Interior and Local Governments Secretary Benhur Abalos and Philippine National Police Director General Rommel Marbil, as well as arresting officers from the National Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Immigration.

One photo with over a million views and dozens of angry comments showed a beaming Guo making a double peace sign while seated between a smiling Marbil and Abalos.

PNP Spokesman Col. Jean Fajardo explained the purpose of the picture as a means to document her capture. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/9/8/nagpa-cute-pala-pnp-tells-the-story-behind-viral-photo-of-alice-guo-abalos-and-marbil

The supposed success story in the hunt against dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo was clouded  by her controversial photo with two of the ranking officials of the Philippine government.

On Sunday, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo apologized anew and narrated the story behind the photo which went viral on social media.

In an interview over dzBB, Fajardo said that when Guo was turned over to the Philippine authorities in Indonesia, her first request was for an exclusive meeting with Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos and PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil.

Abalos and Marbil went to Indonesia to personally oversee the transfer of custody of Guo to Philippine authorities after she was arrested in Tangerang City. 

It was during that meeting that Guo told Abalos and Marbil of the death threat she has been receiving.

This was the reason, according to her, why she decided to go out of the country.

But during the meeting, there was a decision to document it and it was then that an official photographer was asked to take a photo of the three.

“It’s normal for us to smile whenever we or somebody take a photo of us,” said Fajardo in explaining why Abalos and Marbil were seen smiling.

“But they are not aware that she (Guo) made a cute pose,” she added.

While the photo was supposed to be for documentation, it was not immediately clear how it leaked and was uploaded on social media.

As a result, the photo went viral and both Abalos and Marbil were ridiculed and bashed on social media for having a photo opportunity with a “fugitive”.

“”We apologize to the people who were offended by that photo,” said Fajardo.

It is interesting that they don't know how the photo was leaked online. The pool of suspects isn't very deep. Also interesting is that Marbil and Abalos claim they did not know "she made a cute pose." Is their range of vision limited to only what is in front of them? Did they not review the picture after it was taken?

DILG Secretary Abalos and PNP Chief Marbil were not the only government officials who posed for a selfie with fugitive Alice Guo. Several NBI agents thought it was a good idea to snap a photo with her while driving her to jail. 

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/248055/hontiveros-on-alice-guo-lets-see-how-photogenic-she-is-at-mondays-probe

Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros criticized the suspected human trafficker and dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo for gamely posing for pictures, emphasizing that the Senate wants answers on her Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) links and not a photoshoot.

(After she hid from us, Alice Guo used her arrest as a fan meet. The only thing that’s lacking is a red carpet.)

(Let’s see how photogenic she is during our hearing on Monday. She’ll have unlimited pictures there.)

Before issuing these remarks, Hontiveros already issued a stern warning against government officials who were seen taking pictures with Guo.

Now-viral photos show some agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Bureau of Immigration posing for photos with Guo.

Some images likewise show Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos and Police chief Rommel Marbil with the dismissed local official.

(One reminder to our fellow government officials, we should not use the arrest of a fugitive involved in multiple cases of human trafficking, money laundering, fake identity, gross misconduct, illegal recruitment and detention, as well as corruption as a social gathering.)

Goodness knows what these people were thinking. President Marcos has brushed off these photos as no big deal because the Philippines is the "selfie capital of the world." This claim goes back to 2014 and you can read about it here in Time Magazine. 

So, why was Alice Guo all smiles knowing she was on her way to jail? She said she feels safe.  


https://globalnation.inquirer.net/248008/why-is-alice-guo-all-smiles-in-pics-i-feel-safe-she-says

Dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo appeared cheerful in photos despite her arrest in Indonesia after being on the run for months.

Guo, who returned to the Philippines through a chartered flight early Friday morning, said this is because she felt relieved under the custody of Philippine authorities.

“I feel safe,” she said in a media briefing upon her arrival when asked about her smiling in photos.

She also said she was “happy” to see Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. and Philippine National Police chief General Rommel Marbil whose help she sought after being subjected to death threats.

“As you can see in her picture earlier, she felt relieved,” Abalos said, partly in Filipino.

Photos circulating on social media showed Guo grinning while doing a double peace sign next to Abalos and Marbil who fetched her in Indonesia on Wednesday.

Another photo released by authorities showed Guo sporting a smile together with National Bureau of Investigation operatives inside a car.

However, Guo appeared somber when she faced the Philippine media.

Guo was wearing an orange shirt for detainees and was also handcuffed but she concealed it with a white towel.

She also refused to take her face mask off, despite being coaxed by the press.

When not being talked to, Guo turned away from the cameras and faced the wall.

If she feels so safe why did she refuse to remove her face mask and face the wall? Maybe she is simply putting up a good front. Why give the media a chance to publish photos of her sulking and looking angry? It's certainly a good publicity stunt. 

Alice Guo is not the only fugitive with whom government officials took selfies. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1981164/apollo-quiboloy-has-been-arrested-dilg-chief-abalos

Fugitive televangelist Apollo Quiboloy has been arrested, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. announced on Sunday.

Abalos bared the news in a short Facebook post, but he did not reveal details of Quiboloy’s arrest.

“NAHULI NA PO SI APOLLO QUIBOLOY,” his post said.

He likewise posted a photo of the religious leader with the same caption.

Well, it's not every day one gets a photo opportunity with the Appointed Son of God.

Years ago I wrote an article about how Filipinos love lawsuits. They will file a lawsuit and then pose for the cameras holding the suit for all to see. I think this explains the reason why government officials took selfies with fugitives Alice Guo and Apollo Quiboloy much better than saying the Philippines is the selfie capital of the world. These officials are showing off. 

Just be grateful none of these government officials made a TikTok video with Alice Guo. 

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Insurgency: Mindanao Insurgency at the ‘Outset of Extinction’

In 2023 the communist rebels and the Philippine government agreed to resume peace talks. These talks have not begun in earnest but that is not stopping the government from declaring they are confident a peace deal will be signed by the end of Marcos' term. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1979177/marcos-govt-confident-it-could-sign-peace-deal-with-cpp-npa

The Marcos administration is confident that it could sign the final peace agreement with the Communist Party of the Philippines-National People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP).

Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (PAPRU) Carlito Galvez Jr. made the pronouncement after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier declared that he would push for peace agreements with rebel groups.

“Very, very optimistic. Yes, within the term of the President – or even before the term ends,” Galvez said at a Palace briefing on Monday.

(So, right now our constituency building and exploratory talks are still ongoing.)

Galvez also said Marcos is “very committed” to finishing all agreements and implementing it during his term.

“So, that is his guidance to us and we are more than happy and inspired [that] we commit to the aspiration of the President and the national government that we will finish the final peace agreement with the CPP-NPA in the future,” he added.

Exploratory talks are still ongoing. That means nothing has changed. What would change? To recall the CPP-NDFP wants the CASER signed into law. That is a non-negotiable for them and a condition the government has rejected. So, on what exactly is the government hoping a peace agreement will be signed by the end of Marcis' term? Probably because ending the insurgency has been the stated goal of every President since Marcos Sr. 

The same man hopeful for a peace deal says the insurgency in Mindanao is almost extinct. 


https://mb.com.ph/2024/9/4/mindanao-insurgency-at-the-outset-of-extinction-galvez

Gone are the days that Mindanao has scary connotations of conflict and terrorism.

Thus, said Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Wednesday, Sept. 4, as he expressed belief that the insurgency problem that has hounded the country’s southern island group is now coming to an end.

“Yes, I can say that the insurgency there is already at the outset of extinction considering that the Bangsamoro people already decided to reconcile with the government,” Galvez said during the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel media forum.

The peace adviser shared that the gains were the result of the national government’s efforts to win back Moro separatist groups, beginning with the signing of the 1976 Tripoli Agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to establish the now-defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), up to the inking of the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which led to the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Following the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) in 2018, which serves as the basis for the creation of the BARMM, Galvez said that incidents of kidnappings and other terror attacks have gone down.

“There are a lot of members of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), our sisters and brothers from the Maute and BIFF [Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters], they decided already to lay down their firearms and reconcile with the government,” he noted.

Since the BOL’s ratification, Galvez said that 26,145 combatants from the MILF and 1,200 ASG and Maute fighters have been decommissioned while more than 4,000 firearms were decommissioned.

“We have seen that the people want to embrace peace because they realized that Mindanao has a lot of potential,” Galvez said.

According to Galvez, no major conflict has occurred in Mindanao since the 2017 Marawi siege.

He said that Sulu and Basilan have already been declared ASG-free while Tawi-Tawi is already conducive to national development after receiving “billions of investments” from the Asian Development Bank. 

Now that peace has started to set in, Galvez said that economic development is starting to follow.

He said that Bangsamoro’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2021 reached 7.5 percent, making it the second fastest moving region in terms of economic mobility. On the other hand, the poverty incidence went down from 56 percent to 26 percent.

“We have seen that the economy in Bangsamoro is improving. The whole Mindanao is really booming. The conflict is now ending and there is now a new beginning of peace and development in Mindanao,” Galvez said.

This declaration goes beyond the NPA and includes the Muslim Insurgency. While Galvez declares the insurgency is ending he seems to forget the ever present assassinations and ridos which plague the area. Mindanao is by no means conflict free and it won't be for some time. 

The fight against the NPA goes on. In Panay 19 rebels were neutralized from July 29th to August 31st. 


https://mb.com.ph/2024/9/3/19-npa-rebels-in-panay-negros-neutralized

Nineteen New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were neutralized in the islands of Panay and Negros from July 29 to August 31.

The 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army engaged communist rebels in 14 encounters.

Thirteen of the NPA fatalities were from Panay Island and six were from Negros Island.

“When the loudest clarion call sounds, we rise above any situation and deliver the best results, no matter the circumstances,” said Major Gen. Marion Sison, 3rd ID commander.

“The quality of our work remains consistent and unprecedented, leading to victories one after another,” added Sison.

Among the NPA rebels killed was Maria Concepcion Araneta-Bocala or “Ka Concha.” She died in an encounter with the 82nd Infantry Battalion under the 301st Infantry Brigade on August 15 in Lambunao, Iloilo.

Bocala, former secretary general of the NPA in Panay Island, was considered the most wanted communist rebel in the Visayas with a bounty of P5.3 million.

Two other key NPA leaders were neutralized along with Bocala – Vivian Torato Teodosio and Vicente Hinojales.

Soldiers also captured 30 firearms from the NPA during the period.

Neutralized here appears to mean killed and not surrendered. 

In Northern Samar the AFP continues to clash with the NPA. After a recent incident they were able to recover a few weapons and important documents. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1232683

The Philippine Army has recovered a banned anti-personnel mine, a rifle, and personal belongings after a clash with the New People's Army (NPA) in the upland Roxas village in Catubig, Northern Samar on Wednesday.

The Army's 20th Infantry Battalion reported on Thursday that clearing operations after an armed encounter have led to the recovery of an explosive, an M653 assault rifle, 11 backpacks, a mobile phone, a tablet, and several important documents.

"The recovery of components for anti-personnel mines is a clear violation of international law and underscores the ruthlessness of this terrorist group," said the Philippine Army's 20th Infantry Battalion commander, Lt. Col. Richard Villaflor.

The official believes that rebels left the explosives, firearms, and personal belongings to flee from pursuing soldiers after a 15-minute clash on Wednesday.

Villaflor emphasized the severe threat these banned weapons pose to both military personnel and civilians.

"Their use of these inhumane weapons endangers innocent lives and directly undermines our efforts to secure peace and development in the Second District of Northern Samar," he added.

In response to these findings, the 20IB has reiterated its call for all communities within its area of operations to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or the presence of armed groups.

"We urge our communities not to hesitate in reporting similar incidents. Your cooperation is vital to our mission to protect our people and maintain peace," Villaflor added.

Soldiers traced the location of rebels belonging to the NPA sub-regional guerilla unit of the front committee-15 through information from residents of Roxas village. No one was hurt during the brief clash between soldiers and rebels.

In Laguna the AFP uncovered a whole cache of weapons after being led to them by a former rebel. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1232475

A former communist terrorist group (CTG) supporter helped the Army's 80th Infantry Battalion seize a significant number of firearms and explosives in Barangay Puray, Rodriguez town, Rizal province on Sunday.

Brig. Gen. Cerilo Balaoro Jr., commander of the 202nd Infantry Brigade, said in a statement Monday that information from the ex-rebel supporter led to the discovery of the war materiel belonging to the former Komiteng Larangan Gerilya Narciso (KLG-Narciso) under the Sub-Regional Military Area 4A (SRMA-4A) of the Philippine Army.

The recovered items included two M16 rifles, one M653 rifle with ammunition and magazines, one shotgun, and one improvised explosive device (IED), according to Balaoro.

The operation highlighted the commitment of the 80IB to maintain peace and security in the region, as well as the resolve of former CTG supporters to prevent violence from resurfacing in their communities, he added.

“We remain steadfast in our mission to protect the people and uphold peace in our area of responsibility,” he said, even as he urged the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to authorities.

He called on the remaining active CTG members and their supporters to choose the path of peace and reconciliation.

This kind of event, a former rebel leading the AFP to a weapons cache, happens very often. That means there are likely many more caches buried throughout the nation.

There's a new member of the NTF-ELCAC.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1980567/explain-this-dost-part-of-anti-red-task-force

This one might really take rocket science to explain.

The head of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on Thursday told lawmakers that it was now part of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac), a body dating back to the previous administration and long criticized for “Red-tagging” perceived supporters of the leftist insurgency.

However, Science Secretary Renato Solidum admitted in a public hearing that “In reality, it’s not really very clear to me” what the DOST is supposed to contribute to the task force.

Speaking at a House committee deliberations on the proposed DOST budget for 2025, Solidum said it was “likely” the agency was “tapped” to help communities prioritized by the task force for disaster management, environmental protection, health and nutrition, and education.

“We do have projects, whether they’re here or there; whatever (the beneficiaries’) beliefs are, we assist them,” he said in answer to questions from Kabataan Rep. Raoul Manuel.

“We have various programs, especially community empowerment through science and technology, so I think they needed us to look into how we could help further improve those communities we were already serving,” Solidum added.

The DOST, he said, received a letter late last year from the NTF-Elcac chair, national security adviser Eduardo AƱo, that it would now become part of the task force.

But Solidum said he had yet to attend any of its meetings.

“So it was not the DOST that volunteered to be part of the task force?” Manuel asked. “Is it more that the DOST was tapped?”

“The letter was sent to me asking if we could be a member,” Solidum replied.

Manuel raised the matter after Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) Chair Prospero de Vera III last week also confirmed that his agency had also been included in the task force to help it “disseminate information in universities and colleges.”

According to the party-list youth representative, the NTF-Elcac did not publicize the amendments to Executive Order No. 70, which was issued during the Duterte administration to create the task force.

“So what is happening is that it appears that the selection of which agencies will be part of the task force is arbitrary or highly discretionary,” Manuel said.

He and the other Makabayan bloc members—ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro and Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas have long been calling for NTF-Elcac’s “defunding.”

Its budget, they said, should instead be realigned to “genuine” social welfare programs or those not tied to what they called the “militarization” of communities rife with poverty and social injustice.

Aside from the DOST and CHEd, the Department of Migrant Workers was among the last agencies to be included in the task force.

But it appears the Department of Science and Technology was made a member of the NTF-ELCAC without their consent. The DOST Secretary has not even attended any meetings. Is this what the government means by the whole-of-nation approach to defeating the insurgency? 

Monday, September 9, 2024

Cebu City's Proposed Ordinance to Prevent Construction Site Accidents

Construction sites in the Philippines are unsafe and deadly. Cebu City has a new proposal to prevent accidents on construction sites. CCTV cameras.

To improve safety for construction workers in Cebu City, Councilor Rey Gealon proposed installing CCTV cameras.

This proposal was discussed during the City Council’s regular session on Wednesday.

His proposed ordinance is named the “2024 OBO Central Monitoring System of the City of Cebu.”

Gealon proposed using CCTV cameras to monitor construction activities in Cebu City, aiming to ensure worker safety and compliance with regulations.

If approved, the ordinance would regulate CCTV use to protect privacy, with footage accessible only to the Office of the Building Official (OBO) and authorized personnel.

The cameras would help ensure construction meets safety standards and adheres to the National Building Code of the Philippines (PD 1096), which aims to safeguard life, health, and public welfare by setting minimum standards for building construction and maintenance.

Gealon’s proposed ordinance requires CCTV cameras for all construction, demolition, and renovation projects in Cebu City with a gross floor area of at least 250 square meters or buildings that are at least 2 stories high.

These cameras must operate 24/7 and be repaired immediately if damaged to avoid penalties.

The Office of the Building Official (OBO) will issue Certificates of Compliance for CCTV installations and collect related fees: P250 for inspection, P5 per camera for processing, and P100 per certificate.

Penalties for non-compliance include:

  • P1,000 for a first offense
  • An additional P3,000 if non-compliance continues for one month
  • P5,000 for each additional month of non-compliance

Violators may also face imprisonment of 6 to 12 months or fines ranging from P3,000 to P5,000.

The ordinance has been sent to the Council’s Committee on Laws, Ordinances, and Styling for review.

This proposal is stupid. It is a waste of money and places an undue burden on construction companies. There are also several questions here:

Who will be reviewing the CCTV footage and how often will they be reviewing it? 

Where will the CCTV footage be stored?

Are there any statistics that back up this proposal as a means of ensuring compliance with safety standards? 

This proposal is also unnecessary as laws already exist to protect construction workers. They are called the Occupational Health and Safety Standards. 

https://library.laborlaw.ph/r-a-11058-occupational-safety-and-health-standards/

How are often are these standards enforces? How often are construction sites inspected? Are there enough inspectors to go around? I don't know the answers to any of those questions but before a new ordinance is passed it ought to be investigated as to why the current laws are not enough to protect construction workers and the public.

The Philippines does not need more laws when the current laws are not being enforced.