It's your weekly compendium of foolishness and corruption in the Philippine government.
Five Sangguniang Kabataan chairpersons here are facing administrative charges over alleged misuse of public funds, City Council Committee on Ethics and Good Governance Chairperson Councilor Arnulfo Cabling said.
Speaking during the Pulong-Pulong sa Dabawenyos media forum at the Sangguniang Panlungsod on Tuesday afternoon, May 5, Cabling said one of the respondents has resigned.
Cabling said that even if these SK chairpersons resign from their posts, administrative proceedings will proceed, as there are complaints and evidence.
"And we will continue to receive evidence and determine possible sanctions because this is an administrative case," Cabling stressed. "We want to make it clear that public office is not a game. These funds are meant for youth projects."
The councilor said most of those involved are from the third district. “Complaints largely involve financial concerns and alleged irregularities in the liquidation of funds and investigations and evidence-gathering are ongoing.”
He explained that cases referred to the committee go through a lengthy process similar to court proceedings, during which both complainants and respondents are allowed to present evidence and explain their positions before formal hearings begin.
Cabling said mediation and conciliation efforts are also conducted before formal hearings begin, allowing both parties an opportunity to settle disputes amicably before the case proceeds to full hearings.
The councilor said his committee is currently handling 35 ethics cases, including unresolved complaints endorsed by previous city councils.
Unlike other legislative matters that end when a council term expires, Cabling said that ethics cases continue once hearings start and evidence has been presented because the committee serves as a quasi-judicial body.
As of now, he said, around 10 cases have been recommended for dismissal or closure after complainants failed to pursue their cases while others were resolved after parties reached settlements on the barangay level.
Cabling noted that many newly filed complaints involve SK officials and allegations related to financial transactions.
Cabling said possible sanctions may include disqualification from holding future public office while questions involving the actual misuse or misappropriation of funds would require findings from the Commission on Audit.
The councilor emphasized that the SK system should help develop future leaders by teaching them accountability and public service, not expose young officials to corruption and poor governance practices at an early age.
"It is unfortunate because they are still young. We would rather guide and rehabilitate them than punish them," Cabling said, adding that the youth in general must learn proper governance and improve their sense of responsibility.
Cabling noted gaps in oversight. The City Council currently only confirms SK budgets after they are approved on the barangay level and has no direct authority to monitor spending afterwards.
To address this concern, the councilor said the council is proposing a mechanism that would require closer review of SK budgets alongside barangay budget approvals to strengthen checks and balances.
Cabling said the committee is drafting clearer rules on jurisdiction, authority, and procedures to improve accountability and ensure more consistent and transparent handling of future complaints involving youth officials.
Five Sangguniang Kabataan chairpersons here are facing administrative charges over alleged misuse of public funds, City Council Committee on Ethics and Good Governance Chairperson Councilor Arnulfo Cabling said.
Suspected shabu valued at P1 million was seized and a barangay tanod (village watchman) and his wife were arrested in a buy-bust operation in this city Tuesday.
The Iloilo City Police Office identified the suspects as alias “Walter” and his wife “Era” who were both classified as high-value individuals.
Recovered from the couple by the ICPO-Molo Police Station were 150 grams of shabu.
The couple was arrested in 2018 for drug-related and illegal firearm cases but were released in 2019 when they into a plea-bargaining agreement. Despite this, the suspects returned to drug peddling.
The Police Regional Office-6 under Police Brig. Gen. Josefino Ligan and ICPO led by Police Col. Wilbert Parilla lauded operating units for their achievement.
The suspects are facing charges for violating Republic Act No 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Suspected shabu valued at P1 million was seized and a barangay tanod (village watchman) and his wife were arrested in a buy-bust operation in this city Tuesday.
Police are hunting a barangay councilor here for fatally stabbing a delivery boy on Thursday evening, May 7.
The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) identified the suspect as Melvin Acebuque, councilor of Barangay Santa Filomena in Arevalo District.
Initial investigation led by Police Capt. Michael Tuburan, ICPO Station 6 chief, disclosed that Acebuque accused the victim, John Robert Sayno, 29 of stealing money from him. The amount and when the incident happened were not disclosed.
A heated argument ensued, during which the suspect got a knife and stabbed the victim. Witnesses did not intervene for fear that Acebuque would also stab them.
The 48-year-old suspect and his companion, Mark Anthony Banares, escaped and is now the subject of a manhunt.
Iloilo City police chief Police Col. Wilbert B. Parilla urged the suspects to surrender and face the consequences of their actions.
“ICPO assures their safety and guarantees fair treatment in relation to the incident,” Parilla said. “ICPO reiterates its stand that no one is above the law and reminds everyone that irresponsible actions carry corresponding liabilities,” Parilla added.
Sayno worked for Acebuque’s various businesses, including lending.
Police are hunting a barangay councilor for fatally stabbing a delivery boy.
Five suspects, including a dismissed policeman, were arrested in an anti-robbery operation in Caloocan City on Friday, May 8, which nearly erupted into a shootout after one of them allegedly pulled a firearm while trying to escape.
The operation was conducted by the Highway Patrol Group-Special Operations Division (HPG-SOD) Task Force Limbas in coordination with the Northern Police District (NPD) and the Caloocan City Police Station along A. Mabini Street in Barangay 32, Maypajo, based on a report that the suspects were targeting victims in the area.
Police said the suspects' group was involved in criminal activities such as “rent-tangay,” “gapos gang,” and “cake for mayor” schemes.
The suspects, including a man carrying a police identification card, were arrested during the operation.
One of the suspects, identified as dismissed Police Staff Sergeant “JR,” allegedly pulled out a firearm while attempting to evade arrest. He was injured after a police officer shot him in the leg to prevent his escape.
Police recovered from the suspects firearms, cellular phones, and a black multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) believed to be the group’s getaway vehicle.
The suspects will be charged with frustrated robbery and violation of Republic Act 10591 (The Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act), and other related offenses.
Police said the operation is part of intensified efforts against robbery groups and other criminal activities in Metro Manila.
A dismissed cop has been arrested for robbery.
Four regular employees of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) at the San Jose, Occidental Mindoro District Office have been placed under preventive suspension, while two job order personnel were terminated over alleged irregularities and corrupt practices.
In a letter dated May 5, 2026, addressed to LTO MIMAROPA Regional Director Francisco Ranches, Intelligence and Investigation Division Chief Renante Melitante ordered the immediate preventive suspension of the four regular LTO employees.
The same order, a copy of which was obtained by the Inquirer on Saturday, directed the termination of service contracts of two job order personnel “without prejudice to the filing of appropriate criminal cases.”
Melitante also instructed the regional office to ensure the immediate service and implementation of the suspension order and to report back for documentation and record purposes.
Sources at the LTO – San Jose said the investigation stemmed from complaints filed by several applicants who alleged irregularities in the issuance of driver’s licenses.
The complainants claimed they were required to retake examinations despite believing they had passed, and were charged an additional fee of P100 for the retake.
Four regular employees of the Land Transportation Office at the San Jose, Occidental Mindoro District Office have been placed under preventive suspension, while two job order personnel were terminated over alleged irregularities and corrupt practices.
A citizen’s complaint has been filed before the Office of the Ombudsman over two allegedly anomalous flood control projects in the 4th District of Camarines Sur.
Romeo Aguirre Penilla of Marilao, Bulacan lodged the complaint against Camarines Sur 4th District Representative Arnulf Bryan Fuentebella, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 4th District engineers Gemma Timbang and Nestor Gorimbao, and contractors Alfonso Rivero and Abner Ferrer.
The respondents are facing allegations of malversation of public funds, gross neglect of duty, grave misconduct, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, and violations of Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and Republic Act No. 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act.
The complaint stemmed from two allegedly anomalous flood control projects with a total amount of P84.19 million.
The first project involved a flood mitigation structure and drainage system along the Sagñay River in San Isidro-Nato, Sagñay town, funded under the 2018 General Appropriations Act (GAA) with a budget of P37.2 million.
The project, awarded to AC Rivero Development Corp., covered the period from May 17, 2018 to February 13, 2019, but was reportedly declared completed only on February 12, 2020.
According to the complaint, an inspection conducted on February 10, 2026 revealed “widespread structural deficiencies,” non-compliance with approved specifications, use of substandard materials, and poor workmanship.
“The omission of major structural components, which are indispensable to the stability and hydraulic performance of a flood control structure, cannot be dismissed as a mere technical oversight," the complaint read.
"At the very least, it constitutes gross inexcusable negligence; at worst, it indicates evident bad faith,” it added.
The second project involved the construction of a seawall structure from Barangay 1 to Barangay 4 in Garchitorena town, funded under the 2022 GAA with a budget of P46.99 million.
The project was awarded to Partido Construction & Supply and was reportedly declared 100% complete on June 5, 2023.
However, an inspection conducted on December 9, 2025 allegedly found deficiencies in design, materials, and workmanship.
“The required steel sheet piles and precast concrete piles were not observed during inspection, and the specified pavement thickness was not complied with,” the complaint stated.
The complaint further alleged that the release of full payment for a “structurally deficient and partially collapsed” flood control project pointed to possible irregularities in the determination of probable cause.
It added that certifying the project as 100% complete despite alleged structural deficiencies reflected “gross and flagrant indifference” to engineering standards and government rules.
Penilla also sought the preventive suspension of the respondents while the investigation is ongoing.
He likewise requested a lifestyle check on the public officials involved, including scrutiny of their Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN), bank records, and other financial documents.
GMA News Online has reached out to the respondents and will update this story once their responses are received.
A citizen’s complaint has been filed before the Office of the Ombudsman over two allegedly anomalous flood control projects in the 4th District of Camarines Sur.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Sunday said it had issued a show-cause order against a government agency after a vehicle registered under it went viral for using a suspected fake red plate.
The LTO said it ordered the agency’s authorized representative and the driver of the vehicle, a Ford Explorer, to appear before the LTO Central Office to explain why they should not be held liable for the administrative offenses of unauthorized improvised plate and compulsory registration.
It also ordered the driver to answer charges for reckless driving and being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle.
“No one, whether a private individual or a government agency, is exempt from the enforcement of traffic laws and LTO regulations. Anyone proven to have violated them will face the appropriate penalties,” LTO chief Markus Lacanilao said in Filipino.
“Government agencies should serve as good examples in complying with and enforcing the law,” he added.
Lacanilao also stressed to the government agency that failure to appear at the scheduled hearing will be considered a waiver of their right to be heard.
The vehicle has been placed under alarm status, while the driver’s license has been suspended for 90 days, with its immediate surrender also ordered by the LTO.
Lacanilao reminded vehicle owners and users to ensure compliance with existing laws and regulations in order to maintain order and integrity on public roads.
The Land Transportation Office said it had issued a show-cause order against a government agency after a vehicle registered under it went viral for using a suspected fake red plate.
THE policeman who went viral over a physical altercation with his live-in partner was relieved from his post and was placed under restrictive custody pending investigation.
In a press conference in Camp Crame, Malolos City Police chief Lieutenant Colonel Rommel Geneblazo said charges for violation of Republic Act 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act, is being prepared against a police Corporal assigned at the said police station.
In a viral video, the policeman was seen punching his live-in partner, who posted the footage, in the face and in the body several times after she slapped him.
After a punch in the stomach, the woman slowly fell on the ground face down asking for help.
After a few minutes, she stood back and hit the policeman again, triggering him to pin her down on the ground, choking her, while supposedly trying to draw his gun tucked in his waist.
Geneblazo said based on the account of the victim, the incident happened on the evening of March 12, 2026.
She said it was the second time that the police hurt her physically.
(Yesterday, his issued firearms, along with his PNP identification card, were already confiscated, and he is now under the administrative holding section of the Bulacan Police Provincial Office. When I spoke to our police officer, he said he was also shocked by what happened.)
“Ayon sa aming imbestigasyon ay nag ugat ito sa tampuhan nila ‘yung pag off nung location nung ating pulis na ikinagagalit nung ating babae,” he added.
(Based on our investigation, this stemmed from a misunderstanding between them after the police officer turned off his location, which angered the woman.)
Geneblazo said the victim is currently staying in the police station for her protection after the video went viral.
Geneblazo said the administrative complaint against the cop may result in his dismissal from the service.
The policeman who went viral over a physical altercation with his live-in partner was relieved from his post and was placed under restrictive custody pending investigation.
A police officer listed on the drug watchlist was arrested during a buy-bust operation conducted by authorities in San Fernando City, Pampanga on Tuesday, according to the Police Regional Office in Central Luzon (PRO-3).
The suspect, a 28-year-old patrolman, was apprehended at around 11:49 a.m. in Purok 5, Barangay San Jose of the city.
The operation was carried out jointly by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) and other police units, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 3.
Authorities confiscated 105 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP714,000.
The arrested police officer was brought to the PDEU office for proper documentation and disposition, along with the seized evidence.
Charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being prepared against the suspect.
PRO-3 regional director Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez said the operation reflects the organization’s firm commitment to internal discipline and accountability in the police force.
“The arrest of a police officer included in the drug watchlist sends a clear message that no one is above the law. Regardless of rank or position, those who violate the law will be held accountable,” Mendez said in a statement.
A police officer has been arrested in a buy-bust operation.
With 257 affirmative votes, 25 in the negative and 9 abstentions, the House of Representatives on Monday voted to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte, approving the House Committee on Justice report transmitting the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate for trial.
The vote far exceeded the 106 votes, or one-third of the constitutional threshold, required to impeach a public official and even surpassed the original 240 lawmakers who backed the first impeachment bid against Duterte in the 19th Congress.
Committee on Justice chairperson Rep. Gerville Luistro of Batangas delivered the opening statement and presented the articles of impeachment against the Vice President.
She said the vote will not be merely about numbers, but about whether the Constitution has been upheld, proper processes were followed, evidence exists and truth is ultimately sought.
“If there are serious doubts on the utilization of public funds, on the veracity of the Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth, on the behavior and the manner of speaking of a leader — the House of Representatives cannot remain silent,” Luistro stressed.
“We cannot pretend to be deaf. We should not be afraid. We cannot conspire with silence,” she added, describing the impeachment as a matter of moral and constitutional concern.
The approved articles of impeachment contain four major charges against the Vice President, including alleged misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery and grave threats tied to public statements against top government officials.
Article I deals with the alleged systematic misuse, misappropriation and irregular liquidation of PHP612.5 million in confidential funds under the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education.
The article cites the compressed disbursement of PHP125 million in late 2022, Commission on Audit disallowances, questionable liquidation reports, National Bureau of Investigation handwriting findings on acknowledgment receipts, Philippine Statistics Authority verification issues involving listed names, and the use of unauthorized intermediaries.
Article II concerns alleged unexplained wealth, SALN discrepancies, and continued business interests during Duterte’s vice presidency. It traces her declared net worth from PHP7,250,497 in 2007 to PHP88,512,370.22 in 2024 against estimated salary earnings of about PHP30 million, and cites PHP6,771,227,712.95 in covered and suspicious transactions reflected in AMLC records involving Duterte and her spouse.
Article III involves alleged bribery and cash payments to Department of Education officials, including allegations involving cash envelopes reportedly received by Gloria Jumamil-Mercado, Resty Osias and Runna Catalan.
Article IV pertains to the alleged assassination plot, grave threats, and inciting to sedition tied to Duterte’s public statements and related acts. Central to the charge was her November 2024 video press conference, where she said she had contracted an assassin to kill President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former Speaker Martin Romualdez.
All House members were provided with electronic copies and USB storage devices containing Committee Report No. 261 on House Resolution No. 989, entitled “A Resolution Setting Forth the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte,” along with the attached evidence. The complainants, the respondent and her counsel were likewise furnished with the same materials.
The Senate is expected to convene as an impeachment court once the articles of impeachment are transmitted to conduct trial proceedings. A conviction would require a two-thirds vote of all senators, or at least 18 votes.
If a conviction is reached, Duterte would become the first vice president in the Philippines to be impeached, removed from office and disqualified from holding public office, effectively ending her presidential bid for the 2028 elections.
Vice President Sara Duterte has been impeached for the second time.
A police staff sergeant was taken into custody on Wednesday for allegedly hitting a civilian motorcycle rider along C5 Road in Pasig City and fleeing, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said.
The implicated police officer was riding a red-black Yamaha motorcycle late Tuesday afternoon when he allegedly pushed the rider, according to the NCRPO in a statement.
It did not name the officer but said he was assigned to the Quezon City Police District (QCPD).
A video shared by the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) showed the rider falling on the road after being supposedly pushed by a police officer.
The rider had filed a blotter report at the HPG on Wednesday, its spokesperson, Lt. Nadame Malang, told reporters in Camp Crame.
“There was a truck there in the area. This rider took over the truck, which irritated the police officer,” Malang explained.
“When the police officer caught up with the rider, he had the chance to push the rider’s top box,” he added.
Although police investigators are working to obtain security footage from the area to determine the circumstances of the purported incident, Malang said the rider had submitted several spliced clips to them.
According to the HPG spokesperson, one of the submitted clips showed the implicated police officer was riding a motorcycle that had a dilapidated license plate.
The police officer was taken into custody by the QCPD and is awaiting both criminal and administrative charges, the NCRPO said.
Malang, however, stated that the police investigators may file cases for reckless imprudence resulting in physical injury, as well as for the use of a dilapidated license plate, under Department of Transportation Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-001.
A police staff sergeant was taken into custody on Wednesday for allegedly hitting a civilian motorcycle rider along C5 Road in Pasig City and fleeing.
