It's your weekly compendium of foolishness and corruption in the Philippine government.
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| https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/773220/coa-flags-lapu-lapu-hospitals-over-unreplenished-drug-stocks-in-2025 |
The Lapu-Lapu City Government failed to replenish several drugs and medicines in 2025, affecting the city’s hospitals and health services.
Based on the observation report from the Commission on Audit (COA), the state auditor said that ensuring the adequate supply of medicines in government hospitals is indispensable to fulfilling the LGU’s obligation to promote the general welfare and safeguard the health of its people.
According to the quarterly inventory report of drugs and medicines for calendar year (CY) 2025 of the Lapu-Lapu City Hospital and Sta. Rosa Community Hospital, 16 different medicines in the former and 54 in the latter had zero ending balances.
Aside from this, a review of records from the first quarter of 2024 showed that 12 or 75 percent of the 16 medicines in Lapu-Lapu City Hospital and 32 or 59.26 percent of the 54 medicines in Sta. Rosa Community Hospital previously had balances in earlier quarters.
Although stock levels of various medicines gradually declined and eventually went out of stock for one or more quarters, procurement for replenishment in CY 2025 was undertaken for only a few of these medicines.
However, upon verification with the pharmacist at the Lapu-Lapu City Hospital, the pharmacist explained that these medicines were no longer frequently prescribed by attending physicians due to their preference for more effective and/or less expensive alternatives.
“As such, monthly procurement is prioritized for fast-moving or commonly prescribed medicines to prevent wastage due to expiration,” the report read.
The pharmacist further explained that medicines, such as Ibuprofen and Montelukast, were scheduled for repurchase in the first quarter of CY 2026, following their inclusion in the PhilHealth Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (Yakap) Gamot List under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.
However, Aminophylline 25 mg/ml ampule was noted to be out of stock when prescribed, while Lactobacillus sachets were substituted with Bacillus clausii respules.
Meanwhile, the pharmacist at the Sta. Rosa Community Hospital disclosed that PRs for medicines are prepared on a quarterly basis. It was also stated that 14 prescribed medicines were dispensed using substitute medicines.
Six prescribed medicines from the said hospital were also out of stock and were instead purchased from pharmacies outside the facility.
“The absence of a formal re-order point in both hospitals represents a gap in internal control over medicine inventory, as it prevents management from initiating procurement while stock levels are still insufficient to cater to incoming prescriptions until delivery from suppliers,” the report added.
The state auditor recommended the submission of a certification substantiating the medicines with zero-ending balances in CY 2025 that were not prescribed, to confirm their non-utilization.
The auditor also urged the city to strengthen the coordination between pharmacists and attending physicians to regularly review prescribing trends, update the hospital formulary, and align procurement plans with actual utilization patterns; and to establish re-order points for drugs and medicines to ensure timely and responsive procurement.
The Lapu-Lapu City Government failed to replenish several drugs and medicines in 2025, affecting the city’s hospitals and health services.
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| https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/773350/coa-flags-lapu-lapu-city |
The Commission on Audit (COA) flagged Lapu-Lapu City for inappropriately displaying the local chief executive’s (LCE) name and motto on government properties.
COA’s observation report noted the displays of the name and motto of the mayor on various motor vehicles distributed to several barangays and offices of the city, which were procured at a total cost of P18 million.
The display of the name and motto was inconsistent with COA Circular No. 2013-004 and DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2010-101, which prohibit the installation of billboards, signages, and other informational materials bearing the names, initials, or images of government officials in connection with the government’s programs, projects, and activities (PPAs).
Based on their review, the state auditor disclosed that on March 12, 2025, the city paid P18 million for the procurement of 15 motor vehicles, which were subsequently distributed to barangays and city offices.
In their inspection of the distributed vehicles, they found that these bore the name and motto associated with Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cindi King-Chan.
They also observed that the Hoops Dome, a government-owned facility, displayed the mottos associated with both the previous and current city mayors on portions of the court flooring.
“Accordingly, government properties should not be utilized as platforms for the display of names, mottos, symbols, or similar identifiers associated with elected officials, consistent with the policy embodied in COA Circular No. 2013-004 and DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2010-101,” the report read.
The COA added that the display of such identifiers on government-funded properties may create the impression that the projects and assets are attributable to particular public officials rather than funded through public resources and implemented by the city government in the discharge of its functions.
The state auditor recommended removing existing displays of the name and motto of the LCE from all government-funded PPAs and refraining from engaging in similar practice.
On January 26, 2026, the City Administrator issued a memorandum to all barangay captains directing the removal of the name, picture, motto, color motif, initials, or other symbol or graphic representation associated with the city’s top leadership or any city officials displayed on motor vehicles, infrastructure projects, and other properties turned over to the respective barangays.
Likewise, in a letter dated March 19, 2026, the OIC-City General Services Officer informed the City Accountant of the initial steps taken to address the issue, including the removal of the stickers and the non-issuance of fuel to vehicles bearing such stickers.
The city also directed the OIC-City Engineer to safely remove the display at the Hoops Dome.
The Commission on Audit flagged Lapu-Lapu City for inappropriately displaying the local chief executive’s name and motto on government properties.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2320304/ombudsman-finds-former-bohol-exec-guilty-of-serious-dishonesty/ |
The Office of the Ombudsman has found former Bohol provincial board member Vierna Mae Boniel-Maglasang guilty of “serious dishonesty,” thereby imposing a penalty of dismissal from service.
In a news release on Thursday, the agency said it also imposed on Maglasang the accessory penalties of cancellation of eligibility, perpetual disqualification from holding public office, being barred from taking civil service examinations, and forfeiture of her retirement benefits.
The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Bohol 3rd district Board Member Dionisio Joseph Balite, alleging that Maglasang used 100 liters of gasoline allocated for a government vehicle in 2024 for private vehicles.
In its 13-page decision, the Ombudsman found Maglasang guilty of two counts of serious dishonesty, saying her act of charging fuel expenses for a vehicle not covered by the authorized government fuel allocation system “clearly demonstrates intent to circumvent established accounting and auditing rules” and an intent to obtain material gain that all constitute acts related to graft and corruption.
In the agency’s news release, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said that Maglasang’s case should serve as a warning for government officials and employees against using public resources for private purposes.
“Acts like this destroy the image of (the) government,” Remulla said.
The Inquirer sought Maglasang’s reaction to the Ombudsman ruling, but she had not responded as of Thursday afternoon. Last year, Maglasang told journalists that the allegations against her by Balite were just “a figment of his imagination” and were allegedly made to politically harass her because she was a critic of Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado.
Maglasang joined politics in 2019, after then-President Rodrigo Duterte appointed her to replace her brother, Niño Rey Boniel, who resigned after being detained in connection with the alleged killing of his wife, former Bien Unido Mayor Gisela Bendong-Boniel, in 2017.
Maglasang was later elected to the provincial board representing the second legislative district in the 2019 and 2022 elections. She failed to secure another term in 2025.
The Office of the Ombudsman has found former Bohol provincial board member Vierna Mae Boniel-Maglasang guilty of “serious dishonesty,” thereby imposing a penalty of dismissal from service.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday filed a complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman against Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chair Richard Palpal-latoc and three others for allegedly claiming travel allowances for a trip that was already funded by a donor.
The other subjects of the complaint were CHR General Administration Office director IV Onesimo Cuyco, Accounting Division chief Maria Teresa Dolor and Russel Mani.Mani’s designation was not immediately clear as his name does not appear on the CHR’s website.
All four were accused of violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and of Gross Misconduct in connection with their alleged role in processing the travel claims. Based on a portion of the complaint shared with reporters, the case has been filed to the Ombudsman for the conduct of a preliminary investigation.
According to a statement from the NBI, the case stemmed from Palpal-latoc’s attendance at the 54th International Institute of Human Rights Summer School 2025. It was a month-long training event where expenses for airfare, accommodation, meals and subsistence were shouldered by the German organization Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom.However, the NBI noted that Palpal-latoc still claimed daily subsistence allowance and representation expenses for the trip despite the costs already paid for by a donor, violating Executive Order No. 77.
Section 16(b) of the EO “specifically disallows representation expenses for officials attending trainings or travelling on donor-funded trips,” the NBI said. Moreover, the NBI found that the disbursement voucher contained “no disclosure of the foreign donor” and it was supported with the program agenda for a different event. “Despite missing mandatory documents, the mismatched program documentation, the prohibited claims, and the undisclosed sponsorship, the voucher passed through every control point,” it said. The NBI noted that Mani was the one who certified as complete, the supporting documents of the voucher. Meanwhile, Dolor certified that funds were available and Cuyco approved the voucher for payment. In response to the allegations, CHR spokesperson and commissioner Beda Epres said in a statement that the commission is “aware of information circulating online.”He said the CHR “recognizes the seriousness of these concerns, particularly as they relate to the responsible use of public funds and the accountability expected of government officials,” and assured the public that the commission remains “guided by the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability.” “At this time, the CHR has not received any formal complaint concerning the allegations. Nevertheless, the Commission recognizes the importance of establishing the facts through appropriate processes, consistent with applicable government accounting and auditing rules and the requirements of due process,” it said. “The CHR remains committed to ensuring that the concerns raised are addressed through the proper channels and will provide further information as appropriate,” it added.
Commission on Human Rights chair Richard Palpal-latoc and three others have been charged with graft for allegedly claiming travel allowances for a trip that was already funded by a donor.
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| https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/773794/coa-flags-lack-of-clear-targets-for-mandaues-p55-5m-christmas-aid-program |
The Commission on Audit (COA) has called out the Mandaue City government over the lack of clearly identified societal issues or development gaps that its P55.5-million “Gugma sa Pasko” program in 2025 aimed to address.
The program distributed Christmas food packs to 100,000 households in December 2025. In its audit report, COA said the city’s supporting documents did not clearly establish how the distribution addressed specific socioeconomic concerns or development needs that required government intervention.
The city distributed packs worth P595.25 each to households, regardless of whether they were registered under the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS).
Each pack contained 10 items: fruit cocktail, cream, spaghetti noodles and sauce, Chinese luncheon meat, carne norte, sausage, beef loaf, pork and beans, and cheese.
The audit report placed the transaction at P55.525 million, which was recorded as accounts payable in 2025 and remained unpaid as of the report.
“While the goods may have provided short-term assistance or seasonal benefits to recipient households, … while it may be true that these were distributed indiscriminately to households, whether CBMS-registered or non-registered, such circumstance, by itself, does not sufficiently demonstrate how the expenditure contributed to the attainment of any defined developmental objective or addressed any clearly identified socioeconomic need requiring government intervention,” COA said.
COA recommended that the city consider refraining from undertaking programs that do not address clearly defined societal issues or gaps. Instead, it urged the city to prioritize allocating resources to projects or programs that generate the highest developmental and socioeconomic returns in line with government priorities. These, it said, should help enhance Mandaue City’s economic competitiveness, environmental sustainability, and social inclusiveness.
In the report, city management explained that the program supported residents’ general well-being and promoted public trust by allowing constituents to directly experience the benefits of government assistance. It also agreed to consider COA’s recommendations.
Following the audit observation, the city is considering clearer guidelines for selecting beneficiaries.
City Administrator Atty. Gonzalo Malig-on Jr. said Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano had asked the City Council, through Councilor Joel Seno, to draft an ordinance identifying the program’s target sectors.
Malig-on said the proposed guidelines would prioritize vulnerable groups, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, and low-income households. The proposed ordinance has passed its first reading.
“We are doing something about it. We have no choice but to comply with the concern raised by COA that the assistance should not be given indiscriminately to just anyone, including those who can afford it and may not necessarily need it. I think that is their sentiment, which we are taking note of,” Malig-on said.
He acknowledged that the number of recipients could change under the proposed system, as the distribution would no longer automatically cover all households.
“First LGU in Cebu who is doing that. That is not something unique to Mandaue. Other cities, such as Pasig and Quezon City, also have similar programs, and Cebu is just the first to do so here. So, it is not something unusual that should be questioned. However, COA may have a point that the beneficiaries should be properly targeted."
During the interview, however, Malig-on clarified that the funds used for the previous distribution came from the city’s General Fund, not the 20% Development Fund, as stated in the COA report.
Malig-on said not all households may receive food assistance under the revised guidelines, but residents could still benefit from the city’s services and development projects, including infrastructure improvements and street lighting, among others.
The Commission on Audit has called out the Mandaue City government over the lack of clearly identified societal issues or development gaps that its P55.5-million “Gugma sa Pasko” program in 2025.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2026/10/11/retired-military-doctor-arrested-over-unlicensed-m1-carbine-in-manila |
A 65-year-old retired military doctor was arrested in Sampaloc, Manila, after a concerned citizen reported an gun-toting incident, leading police to seize an M1 carbine rifle he reportedly could not support with the required documents.
The suspect, identified by the Manila Police District (MPD) as alias "Allyson," was arrested in front of his residence on Blumentritt Street in Barangay 529, Zone 52, at around 10:25 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 9.
According to a police report, a concerned citizen went to the Police Community Precinct at around 9:55 a.m. to report the alleged incident.
Responding officers proceeded to the area, where they found the suspect inside his house. They sought assistance from barangay officials and spoke with him.
After what police described as a lengthy but peaceful conversation, Agpoon voluntarily surrendered himself and the firearm to the responding officers.
Police said the suspect failed to present the necessary documents for the firearm when asked, prompting his arrest for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act of 2013.
The seized weapon was described as an M1 carbine, caliber .30, bearing the marking “U.S. CARBINE CAL .30 M1 INLAND DIV. 6369313.”
A complaint for violation of RA 10591 is being prepared for inquest proceedings before the Manila City Prosecutor's Office. The suspect remains under police custody.
Police said the confiscated firearm will be submitted to the PNP Crime Laboratory for ballistic cross-matching and verification.
The suspect's side was not included in the police report.
A retired military doctor was arrested for toting around an unregistered rifle.
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| https://www.philstar.com/nation/2026/10/11/2562293/ex-village-chief-slain-batangas-gun-attack |
A former barangay chairman was killed in an attack by unidentified motorcycle-riding men in Tanauan, Batangas on Friday afternoon.
Emeterio Awitan, 66, former chairman of Barangay Bañadero, was traveling in the nearby village of Talaga on a motorcycle when he was killed at past 5 p.m.
Awitan suffered four gunshots to the chest and died at the scene of the attack, probers said.
Police have yet to determine the motive for the killing and identify suspects.
A former barangay chairman has been assassinated.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2321820/maguindanao-del-norte-village-chair-shot-dead-in-sultan-kudarat |
A village chair of Maguindanao del Norte was shot dead in Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat, on Sunday, police confirmed Monday.
Maj. Jeffrey Lazaro, chief of the Esperanza Municipal Police Station, identified the victim as Datu Manalao Mangelen Nur Sr., chairperson of Barangay Dados in Datu Odin Sinsuat town.
Nur was aboard his black Nissan Navara pickup traversing the Sultan Kudarat provincial road when shot by two unidentified suspects riding pillion on a motorcycle at about 11 a.m.
The victim was heading to his farm in Esperanza town when he was attacked.
Responding villagers and police rushed the victim to the hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Datu Odin Sinsuat Liga ng mga Barangay has condemned the attack on Nur and called for a speedy, impartial investigation.
“The loss of Chairman Nur is not only a great loss to his family but also to the people of Barangay Dados and the entire municipality,” the association of village chairpersons said in a statement.
Police said the motive of the attack remained unknown as of posting while the investigation is continuing.
A barangay chairman has been assassinated.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2322150/village-councilor-shot-dead-in-broad-daylight-in-maguindanao-del-norte |
An unidentified gunman shot dead a village official in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, on Monday morning.
Capt. Steffi Salanguit, spokesperson for the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), identified the victim as Amil Beno, a kagawad (council member) of Barangay Bungued, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
The crime scene was near the town’s public market in Barangay Poblacion Dalican.
Salanguit said Beno was riding a tricycle, locally known as a payong-payong, along the Bungued-Dalican farm-to-market road when he was attacked by unidentified gunmen riding a motorcycle.
He sustained a gunshot wound to the back and died at the scene.
Salanguit said police were still determining the motive for the attack and the identities of the suspects.
Beno was the second village official in Datu Odin Sinsuat to be gunned down in two days.
Barangay captain Datu Manalao Mangelen Nur Sr. of Barangay Dados, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, was shot dead in Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat, while on his way to his farm on Sunday, Oct. 11. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.
Another village councilor has been assassinated.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2026/10/14/police-sarge-ex-soldier-nabbed-in-pangasinan-gunrunning-buy-bust |
Joint operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and local police of Pangasinan arrested a police sergeant and a former soldier for alleged gunrunning activity following a buy-bust in Villasis town on Tuesday, Oct. 13.
Nabbed were Police Chief Master Sergeant Rogelio Ordonio, assigned at the Cuyapo Municipal Police Station in Nueva Ecija; and, 41-year old Edwin Estonilo, a former member of the Philippine Army.
Seized from them were a Bushmaster 5.56mm rifle with bullets and a magazine, a .45 pistol with bullets and magazines and the marked and boodle money used in the operation. Also confiscated was the service firearm of Ordonio.
The arrest prompted Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), to issue a warning on policemen against colluding with criminal groups and elements in the conduct of illegal activities.
“I will not allow the wrongdoings of the few to taint the integrity and professionalism of the entire police organization. This successful operation should serve as a stern warning that we will be swift in running after erring policemen who are in cahoots with criminal elements that they are supposed to put in jail,” said Nartatez.
“I commend all our personnel who took part in this operation who worked hard to identify and eventually arrest these people. This is proof that the PNP itself does not tolerate the illegal activities of its own personnel,” he added.
Nartatez said he already ordered the start of summary dismissal proceedings Ordonio, and vowed to act swiftly on the administrative case, which has a maximum penalty of dismissal from service, without compromising the due process.
A police sergeant and a former soldier have been arrested for gunrunning.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2323813/coa-flags-travels-of-sandiganbayan-officials-with-insufficient-documents |
The Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged the Sandiganbayan over the insufficient documentation of the foreign travels undertaken by its officials and employees.
In its 2025 audit report, COA noted that a total of P11.87 million worth of cash advances were granted last year to the Sandiganbayan for the foreign travels of its officials and employees.
However, the state auditor found that some of the documents required for the granting of the cash advances were not submitted. These documents include letters of invitation, plane fare quotations and flight itineraries.
“The absence of these documents limited the audit team’s ability to verify the necessity, propriety and official purpose of the foreign travel,” according to the report.
COA also noted that the liquidation reports of P7.16 million worth of cash advances were not accompanied by the required narrative reports.
According to the commission, the lack of narrative reports limits the “documentation necessary to substantiate the activities undertaken and the outcomes achieved during the trip.”
COA further noted that the roundtrip airfare tickets of three Sandiganbayan justices who went to Budapest, Hungary, for training had “inconsistent” and “insufficient” supporting documents.
It said the plane tickets that were submitted indicated premium economy seats, but the boarding passes were under business class.COA indicated in its report that the court’s accountant explained that officials and employees who choose to fly under business class instead of economy are required shoulder the cost difference.
The state auditor, however, further questioned the accuracy of the reported airfares because it discovered that there were no premium economy class being offered for the said route to Hungary.
“Such uncertainty could have been avoided had the requests for the subject travels been supported by complete and appropriate documentary requirements,” said COA.
As part of its recommendations, COA urged the Sandiganbayan to direct its accounting division to ensure that claims for airfare comply with the authorized travel class and that the required supporting documents are properly submitted.
The Commission on Audit has flagged the Sandiganbayan over the insufficient documentation of the foreign travels undertaken by its officials and employees.
