Rest Week 1 of Vice President Sara Duterte's Impeachment Trial

Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial has been put on hold for three weeks until November 9th while the Senate deliberates on the budget. That does not mean there is no news to report.  The prosecution has filed their formal offer of evidence. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2327498/prosecutors-file-formal-offer-of-evidence-in-sara-duterte-impeachment-trial

House prosecutors have submitted their formal offer of evidence to the Senate impeachment court in the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, prosecution adviser Robert Ace Barbers said on Wednesday.

Barbers said the prosecutorial panel submitted its evidence on Tuesday evening, providing the Senate with bank, tax and corporate records.

The team also filed net worth disclosure filings to support the prosecution’s case that Duterte allegedly amassed unexplained wealth and reportedly failed to truthfully disclose her net worth.

The Senate impeachment court set an Oct. 23 deadline for the formal offer of evidence, with Duterte’s lawyers given 10 days to review the filing before mounting its defense, when proceedings resume on Nov. 9.

Barbers said the prosecution submitted its portfolio of evidence before the deadline because “that’s how prepared the panel is.”

“We just tied up some edges, some loose strings, formalized it and submitted it,” he told the Inquirer. “Why would we wait for the deadline, at the last minute?”

Prosecutors alleged that Duterte engaged in unlawful business dealings while in office and misstated her net worth. 

Forensic financial analyst Alexander Cabrera, a prosecution witness, testified that Duterte may have hidden at least P817 million in assets since 2022.

“It’s going to be a difficult task for the defense to be able to rebut all this information,” Barbers said.

The defense has ten days to respond to this formal offer evidence. With 3 article removed and only the article pertaining to alleged unexplained wealth in Sara's SALN that is a lot less evidence needing a response. 

The prosecution is so sure the SALN issue is a slam dunk that they are hoping the trial will be over by December rather than extending into next year. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2325633/prosec-hoping-for-sara-duterte-impeachment-verdict-by-november-december

House prosecution panel member and Manila Rep. Joel Chua is hoping that the Senate impeachment court will be able to rule on Vice President Sara Z. Duterte’s case by late November or early December now that only the alleged unexplained wealth article remains.

Chua said prosecutors narrowed the case partly because they expected the defense to stretch its presentation into the following year.

“We hope they will extend the article,” Chua told the Saturday News Forum at Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City.

He warned that a prolonged trial could weaken public attention to the evidence already presented.

Chua said the defense could determine how to present its case, subject to the court’s control.

Prosecutors would raise objections if they considered the proceedings needlessly prolonged.

“If we think what we are doing is just delaying, I think the impeachment court will give us a chance to hear our case,” he said.

The defense presentation on Article II is scheduled to begin on November 9.

“Hopefully by the end of November or at least at the latest, first week of December, we will be able to make a decision,” Chua said.

The fact that the prosecution is set on hastening the end of proceedings has alarmed Senator Imee Marcos. She thinks the prosecution is running to the goal in order "improve the country’s international standing."  

https://mb.com.ph/2026/10/22/hindi-maganda-yan-chua-sees-bias-in-imee-marcos-rushed-tag-on-impeachment-trial

Manila 3rd district Rep. Joel Chua said Senator Imee Marcos may have betrayed her bias as a senator-judge after she suggested that Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial was being hastened to improve the Philippines’ image before the international community.

According to Chua, Marcos’ remarks could give the impression that she was favoring one side despite the commitment of senator-judges to remain politically neutral throughout the proceedings.

"I don't think it is appropriate for a senator-judge to make this kind of comment, considering that they had promised to remain politically impartial," Chua said in a recent press briefing.

“Because of these words, it seems she is taking sides," he added.

Chua was reacting to Marcos’ reported remarks in a Senate interview wherein she raised that the impeachment trial was being hurried to improve the country’s international standing.

Marcos reportedly cited the House prosecution’s withdrawal of three impeachment articles against Duterte, leaving article II, which involves allegations of unexplained wealth and financial disclosure violations, as the sole remaining charge.

House lead prosecutor Batangas 2nd district Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro, however, stressed that the prosecution had no control over the pace of the proceedings.

"It is the impeachment court that has the authority, or is in a position, to control the proceedings. That is not in the hands of the prosecution," Luistro said.

Chua also urged senator-judges to exercise restraint in publicly commenting on the case, citing the impeachment court’s adoption of a sub judice rule.

"I believe that the sub judice rule should not apply only to us, but also to the senator-judges," he said.

Chua maintained that the responsibility to avoid statements that could affect the proceedings should apply to both the prosecution and defense, as well as the senator-judges tasked with deciding the case.

Representative Chua who is on the prosecution team says this indicates a bias against the prosecution. Yet, neither Chua nor Marocs tell us what was meant by "improving the country’s international standing." How would a verdict do that exactly especially if it was an acquittal? Perhaps it's just rhetoric from a blowhard who has already made up her mind that Sara is innocent. 

Two new surveys have revealed rather interesting opinions form the public about the impeachment trial. In the first one the majority say they need to see more evidence to make a judgement. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2327471/octa-most-filipinos-await-evidence-vs-sara-duterte-in-impeach-trial

While most Filipinos remained undecided on whether Vice President Sara Duterte should be convicted in her ongoing impeachment trial, more Filipinos expressed support for either her conviction or acquittal, results from a survey conducted by Octa Research showed.

Based on the results of Octa’s survey conducted Sept. 28 to Oct. 4, Filipinos who said they would need to see the evidence against Duterte first dropped to 47 percent from 55 percent in July.

“Combined, 46 percent now state a preferred verdict, up from 38 percent in July,” Octa noted.

Of the 46 percent, 21 percent have voiced their support for conviction—slightly lower than the 25 percent who said they believe Duterte should be acquitted.

Meanwhile, 6 percent of the respondents said they were either undecided or have no opinion.

Octa noted that these figures proved that Filipinos have yet to reach a consensus on the matter, as the gap between acquittal and conviction remain unchanged since July and that either side has yet to reflect a majority.

“The gap is too small to be read as a clear national lead, and the evidence-first group remains the single largest bloc,” Octa said.

In terms of regional variance, however, support for conviction rose the highest in Metro Manila from 19 to 34 percent, while acquittal slipped from 21 to 17 percent.

In contrast, acquittal jumped from 41 to 52 percent in Mindanao—reflecting the only major area where a verdict already commands a majority.

Octa’s survey results also highlighted how the shift in beliefs moved the most among young adults (18 to 24 years old), with those waiting for evidence dropping from 50 percent to 29 percent. 

Meanwhile, those supporting conviction among the youth rose from 26 percent to 36 percent, almost as much as acquittal from 16 percent to 27 percent. 

With these results, Octa noted that the next round of surveys will be the first to capture the public’s reaction to the prosecution finishing their presentation of evidence, including their decision to narrow the case to a single article. 

“It will show whether the evidence-first group continues to shrink, and whether those who leave it move toward one verdict or continue to divide,” Octa noted.

Octa’s survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews, with a total of 1,200 respondents aged 18 and above.

It had a ±3 percent margin of error at a 95% percent confidence level, with a ±6 percent margin of error each for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Plenty of evidence against Sara has been presented? What exactly are they waiting for? 

In another survey, 35% of the public said they don't believe the Senate will come to a fair verdict. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/10/22/35-of-filipinos-have-little-trust-in-senate-to-make-fair-call-on-vp-saras-conviction-sws

More than a third of Filipino adults have little trust in the Senate to make a fair decision on whether to convict Vice President Sara Duterte in her impeachment trial, based on a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted from Sept. 21 to 27.

In the survey results released on Thursday, Oct. 22, 35 percent of respondents expressed little trust in the Senate (16 percent ‘very little trust,’ 19 percent ‘somewhat little trust’), while 28 percent expressed much trust (13 percent ‘very much trust,’ 15 percent ‘somewhat much trust’), and 32 percent were undecided.

The survey question was: “Do you have very much trust, somewhat much trust, undecided if much or little trust, somewhat little trust, very little trust that the Senate would make a fair decision as to whether or not to convict Vice President Duterte of the charges filed against her?"

The Senate’s net trust rating was -7, computed by subtracting the 35 percent who had little trust from the 28 percent who had much trust.

“In past impeachment cases, more had much trust than little trust in the Senate to make a fair decision,” SWS noted.

For then-president Joseph Estrada, net trust was +9 (26 percent much trust, 17 percent little trust) in October 2000, before the House impeached him, then rose to +17 (32 percent much trust, 15 percent little trust) in December 2000 and +21 (36 percent much trust, 15 percent little trust) in January 2001, during the trial.

For then-chief justice Renato Corona, net trust was +11 (30 percent much trust, 19 percent little trust) in March 2012 and +21 (36 percent much trust, 15 percent little trust) in May 2012.

“The 2000-2001 and 2012 questions used a three-point scale (much trust, unsure, little trust), while the 2026 question used a five-point scale, so the comparison is only indicative,” SWS said.

Net trust negative in all areas

In the September 2026 survey, SWS found that the Senate’s net trust rating was negative in all four major areas, led by the Visayas at -13, followed by Metro Manila at -8, Balance Luzon at -6 and Mindanao at -3.

By educational attainment, net trust was positive among respondents who did not finish elementary school (+7) and elementary graduates (+4).

However, it was negative among junior high school graduates (-15), those who reached senior high school or college without graduating (-16), and college graduates (-2).

Meanwhile, net trust in the Senate was -1 among respondents who said the impeachment trial gave both sides the right consideration (32 percent much trust, 34 percent undecided, 33 percent little trust).

SWS said it was lower among those who said the trial was too liberal with the lawyers of Vice President Duterte, at -12 (30 percent much trust, 28 percent undecided, 42 percent little trust), and among those who said it was too liberal with the prosecutors, at -16 (28 percent much trust, 28 percent undecided, 44 percent little trust).

Most Filipinos say trial ‘too slow’

On the pace of the trial, 39 percent said it was much too slow, 31 percent said it was moving at the right pace, and 22 percent said it was too much in a hurry. 

The remaining 7 percent did not give an opinion.

“In January 2001, a majority of 52 percent said the Estrada trial was moving at the right pace, while 35 percent said it was much too slow,” SWS said.

“Larger shares found the Corona trial much too slow: 49 percent in March 2012 and 46 percent in May 2012,” it added.

Only 12 percent in January 2001, 11 percent in March 2012, and 9 percent in May 2012 said the trial was too much in a hurry, compared to 22 percent in September 2026.

The Third Quarter 2026 SWS survey was based on face-to-face interviews with 1,500 adults nationwide.

The sampling error margin was ±3 percentage points for national results, ±4 points for Balance Luzon and ±6 points each for Metro Manila, the Visayas and Mindanao.

Funny that the Senate's trust rating is down generally. But who could blame anyone for not trusting the government? 

Petty Pinoy Politician Strips Office Bare

It's happened again. Another Filipino politician who has been ousted from his office has stripped his office bare leaving nothing for his successor. This time it is disgrace Senator and former Senate president pro tempore Jinggoy Estrada. Despite being behind bars awaiting trial on plunder charges Estrada was able to organize his men to do his bidding and remove everything but the walls, ceiling and floor of his former office. 

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/10/07/2561459/jinggoy-stripping-office-its-standard-practice

Detained Sen. Jinggoy Estrada yesterday denied there was anything wrong with stripping bare the office of the Senate president pro tempore, calling it “standard practice.”

Estrada issued a statement yesterday in response to news reports that he ordered the office he would vacate and turn over to his successor Sen. Vicente Sotto III stripped bare of all fixtures, tiles and even the toilet, making it look like a construction site.

Estrada claimed his office had notified Sotto’s office that “the fixtures, furnishings and materials in the office would be brought along to the senator’s new office.”

He said the items removed from the office – like floor tiles, glass panels, lighting fixtures and cabinets – “were acquired using personal funds, as the budget provided by the Senate was insufficient to cover all the expenses incurred.”

Estrada said no public funds were used in removing all the fixtures from the office.

“It bears noting that standard practice in the Senate is for the senator occupying an office to renovate the space based on the budget provided, with any expense beyond that shouldered entirely by the occupant. Let it be stressed, in no uncertain terms, that not a single centavo of public funds was wasted,” Estrada said.

“In fact, the Senate will bear no cost whatsoever for office supplies and materials, as most, if not all, of those used in the previous office will simply be re-used in the new one. If anything, this practice reflects prudence and efficiency, not controversy,” he added.

Estrada asked that the “routine administrative transition… not be unnecessarily politicized, sensationalized or made into a manufactured controversy where none exists.”

Sen. Panfilo Lacson came to the defense of Sotto, as he belied Estrada’s claim it was standard practice to turn over a bare office to the successor.

“Poor Senate President Pro Tempore Tito Sotto. Using a monobloc table and chair and gas lamp,” Lacson said, tweeting an AI-generated photo of Sotto writing on a plastic table beside a lampshade.

“I take exception to the statement pertaining to the state or condition of the same Pro Tempore office that I turned over to Sen. Estrada in 2022. Nothing was removed nor destroyed, precisely because government funds were used when I refurbished it when it was turned over to me,” Lacson said.

The excuse Estrada gives is that he spent his own personal funds furnishing the office because the Senate dud nor provide a sufficient budget. Immediately several questions arise:

1. Were there no fixtures in the office before Estrada assumed it in 2024?

2. What state was the office in that the budget provided was not enough for Estrada to repair what needed to be repaired?

3. How will floor tiles and other fixtures be reused in a new office when their removal necessarily entails damage that makes them unusable? 

4. How did no one realize this was happening until it was over? Did Estrada's men work during the dead of night? Ripping up floor tile is a noisy job requiring a jackhammer and other tools like a wheelbarrow and a crowbar. No notice sent by Estrada can excuse turning a Senate office into a demolition site. 

5. Most importantly when exactly do repairs paid out of pocket and which are permanently incorporated into someone else's property become not the property of the one who paid for them?

Estrada claims "that not a single centavo of public funds was wasted" in removing the fixtures, yet money from the Senate budget will certainly be used to make the office usable once more. That makes his claim untenable rhetoric. 

A similar scenario happened in 2019 when defeated Cebu City Mayor Osmeña left office. He stripped everything bare claiming he had paid for it all. Criminal charges were filed and tossed out by the court. 

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/07/11/22/ex-cebu-mayor-cleared-of-raps-for-leaving-office-bare

The Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed the criminal complaints against former Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña for leaving his successor with a bare office and an allegedly missing city seal in 2019.

In a copy of the resolution released to the media on Monday, the Ombudsman said the complaints were junked due to a lack of probable cause.

Osmeña, his executive assistants, department heads, and security guards had faced graft, theft, and malicious mischief charges for allegedly taking government property that belonged to the mayor’s office.

But the Ombudsman noted that Osmeña followed the procedure in restoring the office at the 8th floor of the Cebu City Hall to its condition in 2016 prior to his term.

It also found that the former mayor spent personal funds for the office's rehabilitation after the city council denied his request for a P2-million budget.

“There is insufficient evidence showing that public respondents acted with manifest partiality, evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence,” the resolution read.

The missing seal was also taken by the complainant, as reflected in the security guard’s logbook.

“The truth is finally out—former Tomas Osmeña was only taking what was his, and the approved plan was to restore the mayor’s office to its prior condition in 2016 when mayor Osmeña took office,” said his lawyer Amado Ligutan.

In 2019, then incoming mayor Edgardo Labella slammed Osmeña for leaving the office without tiles, tables, ceilings, and dividers. Labella had to work at the vice mayor’s office until renovations were completed.

The legal reasoning appears sound but does not answer question 5. Was the Cebu City Mayor's office in such a bad state of repair that 2 million pesos needed to be spent on it? Certainly the office was not left in the manner in which it was received. Perhaps Osmeña and Estrada could be sued for not replacing the new fixings with those that were initially removed. But why would anyone hang on to those old tiles and such? 

Even accepting the claims of both Estrada and Osmeña that they personally paid for the improvements, dismantling permanent improvements in a government office raises a basic question of proportionality and common sense. If the result is to leave a public office unusable and destroy or severely diminish the value of the improvements, the conduct is difficult to characterize as ordinary administrative housekeeping.

What needs to happen is the Congress needs to fashion a law concerning this matter. Hash out all the details and make it air tight. They need to legally define when repairs paid out of pocket and incorporated into government property cease to be owned by the one who paid for said repairs. What exactly constitutes government property when a private individual uses his own funds to improve it?

An ideal law would propose that any permanent improvement to a government office, regardless of funding source, becomes government property upon installation, with the outgoing official entitled only to remove movable furniture and equipment that can be taken without damage.

Public office is temporary. Government property is not. 

Retards in the Government 492

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

 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/10/14/lady-cop-sacked-after-nephew-uses-service-firearm-in-tacloban-shooting

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) en banc has ordered the dismissal from the service of Police Staff Sgt. Arla Ray Paciencia for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer after her service firearm, 9mm pistol, was used by her minor nephew in the shooting at San Jose National High School here in June, which claimed the lives of three students and injured several others.

In a statement, Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan said that the commission found out that Paciencia, although officially on duty during the shooting on June 22, 2026, at the Regional Finance Service Unit 8, deliberately left her service firearm at home.

It was only kept in a plastic gun box inside a plastic cabinet, rather than in the safety vault required by PNP rules on firearm safekeeping.

The commission ruled that her gross negligence in the custody of a government-issued lethal weapon set in motion the chain of events that led to the tragedy.

The order also noted that her numerous awards and commendations, including those for public safety, could not mitigate her liability but instead underscored the higher degree of care expected of her.

The penalty of dismissal carries with it the forfeiture of benefits and perpetual disqualification from public office.

“The unfortunate events in Tacloban and other parts of the country underscore the urgent need for stricter accountability. With this measure, we are reaffirming our standard: Every police officer must ensure their firearm is properly secured at all times in the interest of public safety," Calinisan said.

He reiterated that the responsible handling and safekeeping of issued firearms is a non-negotiable duty of every member of the police service, and that it will continue to hold accountable those who fall short of that standard.

Police Staff Sgt. Arla Ray Paciencia has been ordered dismissed from the service for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer after her service firearm was used by her minor nephew in the shooting at San Jose National High School in June, which claimed the lives of three students and injured several others.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/10/15/bulacan-cop-fired-for-assaulting-partner

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has dismissed a Bulacan police officer after finding him guilty of grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer for physically abusing his live-in partner.

Napolcom said on Thursday, Oct. 15, that Police Corporal Almar was held administratively liable for repeatedly striking and punching his partner until she lost consciousness on March 12, 2026.

The commission said its ruling was based on closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, the victim’s statements, and the officer’s public admission acknowledging that his actions were wrong.

The investigation also cited a separate incident in June 2025 in which Dela Cruz allegedly kicked and verbally abused his partner.

Despite the complainant’s subsequent submission of an affidavit of desistance, Napolcom ruled that the administrative case would proceed, stressing that private settlements do not erase liability when substantial evidence establishes misconduct.

The dismissal carries the cancellation of Dela Cruz’s police eligibility, the forfeiture of retirement benefits except for accrued leave credits, and perpetual disqualification from re-employment in any government office or government-owned or -controlled corporation.

Napolcom Commissioner Rafael Vicente R. Calinisan said a police uniform does not exempt an officer from accountability for violence, even when the incident occurs in private.

“The uniform is not a license to hurt or abuse others. A police officer who commits violence betrays both the person who trusts them and the public they swore to protect. There is no place in the service for such behavior,” said Calinisan.

He added that an officer’s fitness to remain in the service must be maintained throughout their career, regardless of whether a complainant later withdraws or settles a case.

The commission said it would continue to hold police personnel accountable for abusive conduct and uphold discipline within the Philippine National Police.

A cop has been dismissed from service for beating his domestic partner. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/10/15/santo-tomas-city-village-dad-gunned-down

Unidentified gunmen shot and killed an incumbent barangay chairman on Thursday morning, Oct. 15, in a subdivision in Barangay Anastacia here.

Police identified the victim as Dennis Austria, chairman of Barangay Anastacia. 

Investigation said he was in his house when he was attacked.

He was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead.

Austria is the No. 1 barangay kagawad who replaced the former barangay chairman who was appointed as city administrator.

Police are conducting follow-up operations. 

Mayor Jhun Aguilar Marasigan said a reward will be given to people for information on Austria's killers.

Another barangay chairman has been assassinated.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2324666/p21500-settlement-cut-lands-ex-fiscal-in-jail

The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has found a former Taguig City senior assistant prosecutor guilty of three counts of violating the code of conduct and ethical standards for government workers after he took P21,500 as his “share” of the settlement in a homicide case in 2014.

In a decision handed down on Oct. 13, the court sentenced Cesar dela Cruz to imprisonment of up to two years for each count of violating Section 7 of Republic Act No. 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Aside from being disqualified from holding public office, he was also ordered to pay back the complainant, Lilia Abequibel, a vendor.

Based on the court records, Dela Cruz handled in 2014 the case of Abequibel, who had sued three minors over the killing of her son. She later agreed to a settlement of P110,000 with the parents of the suspects.

Dela Cruz, however, claimed P21,500 as part of his share of the settlement, prompting the vendor to file a complaint against him with the National Bureau of Investigation.

The NBI referred its findings to the Office of the Ombudsman which then filed a complaint against Dela Cruz.

In its ruling, the antigraft court’s Fifth Division said there was “strong evidence” showing the full settlement amount was not given to Abequibel.

It noted that the parents of the suspects had left the money with Dela Cruz after he asked them to leave the room. He then allegedly took his share of the payment before handing the rest over to the complainant.

The court said that when Abequibel testified in court, she provided a “natural, positive and straightforward” narration of the events while “her assertions [were] direct and explicitly buttressed by her demeanor that impresses spontaneity.”

It also pointed out that Abequibel did not have a reason to “concoct a story of extortion against the accused,” given her background as a “modest and soft-spoken Yakult vendor” who chose to settle with her son’s alleged assailants “for peace.”

In addition, her statements were corroborated by the parents of the suspects, who confirmed that they left the room after placing the money on Dela Cruz’s table, the court said.

Dela Cruz, it noted, “tried to destroy Abequibel’s credibility” by focusing on how she failed to immediately complain about his taking a portion of the settlement. The court, however, said that Abequibel had initially believed it was “proper” for the prosecutor to take a cut.

“It is worthy to echo that holding a public office comes with necessary restrictions. Personal interests are shelved for the sake of preserving the unquestioned integrity of one’s public office. The facts of these cases certainly show that the accused had failed to live up to this standard,” it added.

A former Taguig City senior assistant prosecutor has been found guilty of three counts of violating the code of conduct and ethical standards for government workers after he took P21,500 as his “share” of the settlement in a homicide case in 2014.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2324884/graft-cases-filed-vs-ex-pampanga-rep-gonzales

The Office of the Ombudsman on Friday filed three counts of graft against former Pampanga Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. over his alleged links to construction firms that secured Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) contracts while he was in office.

Ombudsman personnel went to the Sandiganbayan to file the informations containing the formal charges against Gonzales.

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano earlier said Gonzales was facing a conflict-of-interest complaint over reports that a firm linked to his family had secured hundreds of millions of pesos in DPWH contracts during his time in Congress.

Section 3(h) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits government officials from having direct or indirect financial interest in any business, contract, or transaction in which they intervene or take part in their official capacity.

Graft is a bailable offense, with bail set at P90,000 for the accused’s provisional liberty.

Three counts of graft have been filed against former Pampanga Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. over his alleged links to construction firms that secured Department of Public Works and Highways contracts while he was in office.

https://pna.gov.ph/article/city-mayor-vice-mayor-council-members-in-pangasinan-dismissed

The Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed top officials of Urdaneta City, Pangasinan from government service. 

Based on the Office of the Ombudsman's April 15, 2026 decision, Mayor Julio Parayno III and Vice Mayor Jimmy Parayno were dismissed for grave misconduct, and councilors Franco Paolo Del Prado Sr., Warren Andrada, Aurelio Agsalud, Franklin Villanueva, Jhan Hero Sumera and Alfonso Del Prado were dismissed for gross neglect of duty. 

Lawyer Gerald Gallardo, provincial director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government in Pangasinan, confirmed in a phone interview Friday that the decision was served on the respondents or their representatives.

He also confirmed that Bles Sumera was sworn in as mayor and Rio Esteves as vice mayor, while the replacements for members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) have yet to be named.

"They may file for a motion for reconsideration (MR) or appeal the decision, but pending the MR or appeal, the implementation of the decision of the Ombudsman will continue unless there is a temporary restraining order or suspension of the implementation of the decision, but as of now, there is none," he said.

Regarding vacancies at the city council, Gallardo said that because the dismissed councilors have no political party affiliation, the remaining council members could recommend any qualified person to fill the vacant positions, transmit the recommendation, and the governor will issue an appointment, in accordance with the Local Government Code for filling permanent vacancies. 

Aside from dismissal from service, the Ombudsman also cancelled their eligibility, disqualified from holding public office, barred from taking civil service examinations and forfeited their retirement benefits, pursuant to Section 63(A), Rule 10 of the 2025 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service.

The dismissal stemmed from the illegal dismissal complaint filed by Michael Brian Perez, president of Liga ng mga Barangay, against the Paraynos in 2022. The DILG ruled in Perez's favor.

In January 2025, former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin issued a 12-month suspension against the Paraynos, but they defied the order.

The Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed top officials of Urdaneta City, Pangasinan from government service for gross neglect of duty. 

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/776611/arrested-former-policeman-to-face-illegal-gun-possession-rap

A former police officer will be facing an illegal possession of a firearm charge after authorities found an unlicensed gun inside his house.

This was after the 40-year-old ex-cop was served a search warrant last Friday, October 16 in his house in a mountain barangay in Cebu City late Friday afternoon, Oct. 16.

The police operation was conducted by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Mandaue Field Unit.

They arrested the former policeman after their search yielded a loaded unlicensed .45 caliber pistol inside his house.

Authorities said that an illegal gun possession complaint will be filed today or within the week against the suspect.

The authorities said that the operation against the former police officer was conducted after they received reports that the suspect would allegedly frequently brandish his gun, especially when he was drunk, causing distress and fear among residents in the area.

After a series of verification operations confirming the report against the ex-cop, the CIDG-7 secured a search warrant on October 15, issued by Executive Judge Anacleto Debalucos of the Regional Trial Court Branch 17. 

The warrant was issued for violations under Section 3 in relation to Section 28 (a) of Republic Act 10591, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Police records show that “Lowell” was previously assigned to the Cebu City Police Office before being reassigned to Bohol province. 

He was reported Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL) in 2016, and he never returned to duty.

The suspect is currently detained at the CIDG Mandaue City Field Unit as authorities prepare to file formal criminal charges.

An AWOL op has been busted for possessing an illegal firearm.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/10/20/cavite-cop-relieved-for-allegedly-mauling-20-year-old-student

A police officer assigned at the Carmona Component City Police Station was relieved from his post after allegedly mauling a 20-year-old college student in Amadeo on Sunday, Oct. 18.

Initial investigation revealed that the victim attended his classmate’s birthday party, where the suspect, a relative of the celebrant, was also present.

As guests drank alcoholic beverages after dinner, one of the victim’s female classmates became intoxicated.

The victim and his peers helped her lie down on three chairs pushed together so she could rest.

At that point, the suspect approached the victim’s group and allegedly implied that they should take advantage of their drunk classmate.

Alarmed by the remark, the victim stood in front of his female classmate and faced the suspect to prevent him from approaching her.

The suspect confronted the victim and allegedly punched him, hitting the left side of his jaw and lip.

Following the altercation, the victim was taken to the hospital for medical treatment. 

In a statement on Monday, Oct. 19, the Cavite Police Provincial Office (Cavite PPO) said the incident is now under investigation, and the relieved personnel was placed under the Cavite Personnel Holding and Accounting Section.

Administrative and operational measures are reportedly being undertaken in accordance with existing policies.

“The Philippine National Police does not and will never tolerate any form of abuse. Those found guilty of violating the law will face appropriate administrative and criminal sanctions,” the statement read.

The Cavite PPO also reiterated that no one is above the law, even those entrusted to enforce it, and emphasized that they remain committed to upholding professionalism, integrity, and accountability.

The police, meanwhile, encouraged the public to report any incidents involving law violations or abuse of authority by police personnel.

 A cop has been relieved for mauling a student. 

https://pna.gov.ph/article/4-dpwh-officials-in-davao-cebu-sacked-dizon-says-more-heads-to-roll

Four local officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the cities of Davao and Cebu were sacked from their posts for various offenses.

According to DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, those that have been relieved from their posts effective Monday were Richard Ragasa, formerly assigned in Davao City; Lilibeth Sarmiento, assistant District Engineer; and Roberto Mamaril, head of the Construction Section.

The three were among those recommended by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for the filing of charges for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corruption Practices Act and Falsification by Public Officer in relation to flood control and other projects by the Genesis88 Construction in the said city.

On the other hand, Renato Catingub, head of the Construction Section of the DPWH 4th Engineering District in Cebu, was sacked from his post based on the complaints lodged by contractors in the province.

“Someone reported to me that a construction chief in Cebu is extorting money from contractors in Cebu,” Dizon said in an interview during the inspection of Diokno Pumping Station in Pasay City.

He noted that the relief of the four DPWH officials must serve as a stern warning that the department is serious in its campaign to bring back the trust and confidence of the people to the government.

“To everyone in the DPWH: If you commit any wrongdoing or face charges, you will be automatically dismissed immediately,” Dizon said.

“We are on a one-strike policy; once someone reports it, you are fired immediately,” he added.

Dizon said he will be announcing or identifying erring DPWH personnel in the coming weeks as investigations are still ongoing.

“There are ongoing investigations at the moment. I will make an announcement in the next few weeks involving District Engineers, Assistant District Engineers among others,” he said.

“Officials at the regional and district offices are currently finalizing reports from the Legal Service and the Internal Audit Investigations Service. I will announce the names of those who will be removed in the coming months,” he added.

Four local officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways in the cities of Davao and Cebu were sacked from their posts for various offenses.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2327716/cotabato-village-councilman-brother-killed-in-gun-attack

Unidentified gunmen shot and killed a village councilman and his brother in Barangay Lower Paatan, Kabacan, Cotabato, before dawn Wednesday.

The Kabacan municipal police office said the shooting of village councilman Patacpan Maganaka and his brother Ibrahim Maganaka occurred at about 1 a.m., during a village disco event, following an altercation between the official and an unidentified man.

Kabacan Mayor Evangelyn de Guzman, who visited and condoled with the family Wednesday morning, has condemned the shooting and directed the police to bring the perpetrators behind bars.

The elder Maganaka and his brother, Ibrahim, the barangay bookkeeper, were supervising the disco event in the village when they had an altercation with unidentified disco guests.

The man left but returned with a pistol and shot the siblings.  A minor was hit by stray bullet.

Guzman said she has already directed the Kabacan police to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure those responsible will be held accountable under the law.

“As the mother of the town, I join the call for justice for Barangay Kagawad Bayan Patacpan Maganaka and Barangay Bookkeeper Ibrahim Patacpan Maganaka,” Guzman said in a statement.

She said the siblings had long worked with the municipal government in implementing development and peace initiatives in Kabacan.

Guzman appealed to all groups to remain calm, noting that various sectors were working together to ensure justice for the victims.

She urged residents to continue respecting one another and working together to maintain peace and promote the municipality’s development.

The siblings were buried before 3 p.m. Wednesday in accordance with Islamic tradition.

Unidentified gunmen shot and killed a village councilman and his brother in Barangay Lower Paatan, Kabacan, Cotabato.

https://palawan-news.com/palawan-police-confirm-maritime-officer-boat-mechanic-dead-in-bataraza-shooting/

The Palawan Police Provincial Office (PalPPO) has confirmed that a PNP Maritime Group officer and a 46-year-old boat mechanic he allegedly shot died following a shooting incident in Barangay Rio Tuba, Bataraza, on Monday, October 19.

PalPPO spokesperson Maj. Ric Ramos identified the other fatality only as “Willy.”

Despite the suspect’s death, police are continuing their investigation to establish the sequence of events and the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

“Yes po, si alias Willy, victim, boat mechanic po, 46 years old, ito po ay patay,” Ramos said.

Ramos said the suspect allegedly fired his weapon and hit Willy. Police were still awaiting information on the number of gunshot wounds the victim sustained.

The Maritime officer, assigned to the 2nd Special Operations Unit, sustained gunshot wounds to his leg and body.

He was brought to the Rio Tuba Nickel Foundation Inc. Hospital and later transferred to the Bataraza Municipal Health Office, where the attending physician pronounced him dead on arrival.

The confirmation updates an initial PalPPO statement that reported the officer and Willy as wounded, with their medical conditions still being verified.

In that statement, signed by provincial police director Col. Joel Casupanan, police said Bataraza Municipal Police Station received information about a shooting involving a Maritime Group officer in Sitio Marabahay at about 11:50 a.m.

Bataraza police officers and PNP Maritime personnel proceeded to the area.

Initial investigation said the officer allegedly discharged his issued firearm inside his unit’s office at about 11:30 a.m.

He later left the premises and was reportedly roaming within Sitio Marabahay.

Police said the officer allegedly refused to surrender and fired toward responding personnel, prompting them to return fire.

Investigators recovered his issued firearm and a knife measuring about 11 inches, including the handle.

The motive had yet to be established.

A PNP Maritime Group officer shot and killed a boat mechanic in Bataraza, Palawan, after which responding fellow officers shot and killed the maritime officer.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2026/10/22/2564892/kagawad-nabbed-drugs

An incumbent barangay kagawad was arrested in an anti-narcotics operation in this town on Tuesday. The 42-year-old suspect was collared at his house in Barangay Mataguisi following a search by agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. The PDEA said the raiding team recovered shabu with an estimated street value of P7,000 from the suspect’s house. 

Charges for violating Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 will be filed against the suspect, the PDEA said.

A barangay kagawad was busted for drugs. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2328755/govt-worker-sued-over-p19000-cash-advance

The Office of the Ombudsman has called on government officials to properly liquidate any cash advance as failure to do so constitutes a violation of the Revised Penal Code.

It issued the reminder following the filing of a case against an employee of the Bogo Water District in Cebu accused of failing to liquidate a cash advance of P19,822.50.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Ombudsman said the case stemmed from a complaint filed by Bogo Water District General Manager Jose Brainard Mayol against the section head designate of the human resources management office, Kenneth Robert Obial Metante.

Mayol filed the complaint after the Commission on Audit (COA) issued an audit observation memorandum flagging more than P2.7 million worth of cash advances that were granted to water district employees which remain unliquidated as of the end of 2023.

Part of the cash advances were received by Metante in 2022 for a tree-planting activity, the Ombudsman noted.

In his complaint, Mayol alleged that Metante failed to properly account for and liquidate the funds.

The Ombudsman said it found “sufficient evidence” against Metante “for failure to render accounts,” noting that the cash advance also lacked a request for quotation.

It noted that Metante failed to show proof of liquidation although three years had passed since.

Citing COA Circular No. 2012-004, the Ombudsman stressed that “cash advances for field operating expenses, including expenditures for special projects such as tree-planting activities, are subject to liquidation requirements.”

Aside from Metante, Mayol had also filed a complaint against the former general manager of the Bogo Water District, Houdini Ancajas Jumao-as, who received a cash advance of over P222,000 for an overseas trip for training.

However, the Ombudsman said it dismissed the complaint against Jumao-as due to “insufficient evidence,” after the former general manager presented audit reports supporting his compliance with liquidation requirements.

“[G]overnment officials and employees entrusted with public funds are responsible for ensuring that cash advances are properly documented, accounted for, and liquidated within the prescribed period,” the Ombudsman said.

It also urged government agencies to “regularly monitor outstanding cash advances and ensure compliance with COA rules to avoid audit findings and possible administrative or criminal liability.”

“[F]ailure by an accountable officer to render accounts under circumstances covered by Article 218 of the Revised Penal Code may give rise to criminal liability,” it added.

A Bogo Water District employee in Cebu, Kenneth Robert Obial Metante, is being charged by the Ombudsman with failure to liquidate a ₱19,822.50 cash advance under Article 218 of the Revised Penal Code.