It's your weekly compendium of foolishness and corruption in the Philippine government.
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| https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/961131/chiz-escudero-ethics-complaint-p30-million-campaign-contribution/story/ |
A complaint has been filed before the Senate Committee on Ethics against Sen. Francis "Chiz" Escudero over the P30-million campaign donation he received in 2022 from contractor Lawrence Lubiano.
According to a report on "State of the Nation," the lawyer-complainant alleged that the donation placed in jeopardy the integrity of the Senate as an institution.
Lubiano, the president of Centerways Construction and Development, Inc., told a congressional inquiry that the donation came from his personal funds and not from the company.
He said Escudero also disclosed his donation and his name as a campaign donor in the senator's statement of contributions and expenditures.
Under the Omnibus Election Code, those who have contracts with the government are prohibited from making contributions to partisan political activity.
In a statement, Escudero said he was no longer surprised by the complaint.
He said it was the consequence of his remarks against Speaker Martin Romualdez in a recent manifestation in the Senate plenary.
Escudero said the complaint was also part of the script and a desperate cover-up.
GMA News Online is trying to get Romualdez's comment.
In a statement, Romualdez said Escudero's manifestation that he was behind the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte was meant to position himself as an ally of the Vice President in the 2028 elections.
He said Escudero's remarks were from a Duterte Diehard Supporters' (DDS) script, calling them rehashed and false.
A complaint has been filed before the Senate Committee on Ethics against Sen. Francis "Chiz" Escudero over the P30-million campaign donation he received in 2022 from contractor Lawrence Lubiano.
A 55-year-old barangay councilor was gunned down inside his sari-sari store in Barangay 4 here on Thursday night.
Police said the victim, Darwin Tolentino, was tending to his store when two men appeared.
One of them disembarked and shot him. The suspects fled on board a motorcycle and the victim was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead.
The gunman was wearing a red shirt, white shorts, and black cap, and his companion was clad in white/gray T-shirt and maong pants.
Police are conducting follow-up investigation.
Meanwhile, a 33-year-old mechanic was killed after a wing van truck rammed his motorcycle Friday in Barangay Sala, Cabuyao, Laguna.
Police identified the victim as Eduardo Buella Lim Jr.
Investigation said the truck driven by Allan Castro, 45, overtook the vehicle ahead of him and collided with the victim’s motorcycle.
He was taken to the Ospital ng Cabuyao where he was declared dead.
Police arrested Castro who is now under the custody of the Cabuyao police for investigation and disposition.
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| https://www.philstar.com/nation/2025/10/04/2477489/sk-chairman-dead-relative-cop-hurt-cotabato-city-ambush |
Gunmen killed a Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairman and wounded two others, including a policeman, in an ambush at a busy thoroughfare in this city at noon on Saturday, October 4.
Prince Mohaz Rafsanjanie Matanog, SK chairman of Barangay Poblacion 5 and a third-year engineering student at Cotabato City State University, died instantly from multiple gunshot wounds.
His relative, Muamar Salvador Matanog, was seriously wounded in the attack.
The two were aboard a red Toyota Raize and were reportedly on their way to an undisclosed location when gunmen opened fire at the intersection of Jose Lim Sr. Street and Sinsuat Avenue — just a short distance from Cotabato City Police Precinct 1.
Also injured was Patrolman Norsaiden Laguiali, who was on duty and had responded to the incident when he was shot by the suspects.
The gunmen fled on motorcycles before police reinforcements arrived.
Cotabato City police director Col. Jibin Bongacayao and Brig. Gen. Jaysen De Guzman, director of the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, said investigators are coordinating with Matanog’s relatives and barangay officials to identify the assailants.
Police forensic teams recovered 92 empty bullet shells from the scene.
Gunmen killed a Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairman and wounded two others, including a policeman, in an ambush at a busy thoroughfare in this city at noon on Saturday, October 4.
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| https://www.philstar.com/nation/2025/10/04/2477309/dpwh-engineer-arrested-estafa |
Former Las Piñas-Muntinlupa district engineer Isabelo Baleros was arrested in his office at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Port Area, Manila for multiple counts of estafa, Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos said yesterday.
According to Santos’ office, Judge Tammy Ann Reyes Mendillo of the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 22 issued a warrant for Baleros’ arrest on Sept. 30 for violations of Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code.
Bail for Baleros’ temporary liberty was set at P48,000.
Police officers, who briefed Santos on the case, said Baleros’ co-accused – Ferdinand Villar, Dennis Aguilar and Tony Espi – remain at large.
According to Santos’ office, they are investigating whether Ferdinand Villar is related to former senators Manny and Cynthia Villar and are verifying if Dennis Aguilar is a former Las Piñas councilor.
“This is the tip of the iceberg. If DPWH really wants to prove it is serious about reforms, they must not only fire but also jail these officials. The P450 million stolen from Las Piñas is not just a number – it’s the people’s hard-earned money. We will not let this go unanswered,” Santos said in a statement.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon earlier issued a show-cause order against Baleros and nine other engineers over allegations of lavish lifestyles and involvement in substandard projects.
The officials were given five days to submit their explanations.
A DPWH engineer has been busted for estafa.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2025/10/03/sandiganbayan-affirms-with-modification-conviction-of-5-ex-pagcor-officials |
The Sandiganbayan has affirmed with modification the conviction for graft and malversation of public funds of former chairman Efraim C. Genuino and four other officials of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).Instead of only imprisonment and payment of fines, Genuino and his group were also imposed civil liabilities equivalent to the fines imposed on them.In a resolution issued last Oct. 1, the anti-graft court denied the motion for reconsideration filed by Genuino and others as it granted the appeal of the prosecution.In its May 9, 2025 decision, the court convicted Genuino, former president and chief operating officer Rafael A. Francisco, former senior vice president for administration Rene C. Figueroa, former senior vice president for corporate communications services Edward "Dodie" F. King, and former assistant vice president for internal audit Valente C. Custodio guilty of five counts of graft and five counts of malversation.They were sentenced to six to 10 years imprisonment for each graft conviction and 10 to 17 years for three malversation convictions, and reclusion perpetua for the other two malversation convictions.They were likewise slapped with fines of P6,370,000, P4,761,875, P2,389,093.05, P11,907,500, and P19,740,930 as well as perpetual special disqualification from holding public office.On the other hand, they were acquitted of the other 14 graft and 15 malversation charges.Genuino and the others moved for the partial reconsideration of the court's decision, arguing that the prosecution failed to prove that they had ill, corrupt, or fraudulent intent in the subject transactions.They added that the prosecution failed to prove they misappropriated PAGCOR funds, and the exhibits presented by the prosecution, specifically those that bear Genuino's signatures, are mere unauthenticated photocopies."After an assiduous review of the records, the court finds that the accused failed to raise new and material allegations in the respective motions that would convince the court to reconsider its previous finding of guilt," the court’s resolution stated."Conversely, the court finds merit to the prosecution's Motion for Partial Reconsideration, warranting the imposition of civil liability against the accused," it added.Thus, the court held Genuino, Francisco, Figueroa, King, and Custodia liable, jointly and severally, to return and reimburse to the government, through the Bureau of Treasury, the amounts of P6,370,000, P4,761,875, P2,389,093.05, P11,907,500, P19,740,930 "which shall earn legal interest at the rate of six percent per annum computed from the finality of this decision until fully paid."The 28-page resolution was written by Associate Justice Ronald B. Moreno with the concurrence of Third Division Chairperson and Associate Justice Karl B. Miranda and Associate Justice Edgardo M. Caldona.The criminal charges stemmed from the illegal disbursement of PAGCOR funds for the purchase of promotional items such as shirts, caps, tarpaulins, and other items from 2005 to 2008 for BIDA Foundation, which was founded by Genuino.
The Office of the Ombudsman has placed San Simon, Pampanga Mayor Abundio “JP” Punsalan Jr. under preventive suspension for six months without pay in connection with two administrative complaints filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
The cases stem from an August 5 entrapment operation in which he allegedly accepted P30 million that he had demanded from a Chinese-Filipino businessman.
“Based on the evidence on record, it is preliminarily established that the guilt of [Punsalan] is strong and the charges against him involve grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service,” stated the Ombudsman’s order dated Sept. 30, and signed by acting Ombudsman Dante Vargas.
Vargas added that the penalty for such offenses is removal from service.
The NBI, along with Real Steel Corporation representatives Irwin Chua and Melodie Arellano, filed the administrative cases after also charging Punsalan in the Sandiganbayan with robbery by means of extortion, violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act following the entrapment operation.
Real Steel Corp. president Irwin Chua alleged that Punsalan lowered his demand from P155 million to P80 million and sought an initial payment of P30 million in exchange for allowing the corporation to continue operating in San Simon and for not interfering with the implementation of local tax incentive ordinances.
Vargas said there was “enough basis to conclude that his continued stay in office may prejudice the just, fair, and independent disposition of the present cases.” The preventive suspension was issued in accordance with Republic Act No. 6770, or the Ombudsman Act of 1989.Reached for comment, the mayor’s counsel, Atty. Raymond Viray, counsel for Punsalan, said: “We will reserve our arguments for the court. What is important is that the Mayor is cooperating fully and is committed to clearing his name.”
The Office of the Ombudsman has placed San Simon, Pampanga Mayor Abundio “JP” Punsalan Jr. under preventive suspension for six months without pay in connection with two administrative complaints filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Police arrested a 24-year-old Sangguniang Kabataan chairman wanted for rape in Batac City, Ilocos Norte.
The suspect tagged as the Ilocos region's eighth most wanted person was arrested on Monday by the Batac City Police Station.
The suspect was arrested on a warrant issued by a court in Batac City.
Ilocos police chief Police Brig. Gen. Dindo Reyes commended the Batac City Police Station for arresting the suspect.
Reyes reiterated the commitment of law enforcement to uphold accountability.
"The law applies to everyone. Public service demands integrity and respect for others. This arrest highlights our dedication to ensuring that no one is above the law."
A Sangguniang Kabataan chairman has been arrested for rape in Batac City, Ilocos Norte.
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| https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1260101 |
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Thursday announced that it has filed criminal charges against dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo and members of her family for falsification and violation of the country's anti-dummy laws in connection with the acquisition of property and the establishment of businesses in Marilao, Bulacan.
In a statement, the NBI-Bulacan South District Office (BUSDO) filed 30 counts of Simulation of Minimum Capital Stock (under Section 2 of Commonwealth Act No. 108, or the Anti-Dummy Law); four counts of falsification of public documents for falsifying applications for business, occupancy, and building Permits.
The charges were filed against Guo (Guo Hua Ping), Mire Zhang (Shiela Leal Guo and Mier Zhang), Seimen Guo and Lin Wen Yi.
According to the NBI, Guo and other family members are incorporators of several companies, including QJJ Group of Companies Inc.; QSeed Genetics Inc.; QJJ Meat Shop Inc.; QJJ Slaughter House Inc.; QJJ Smelting Plant Inc.; and QJJ Embroidery Center Inc., with the same principal address on Maligaya Street, Barangay Patubig, Marilao, Bulacan.
The property was purchased by Alice Guo on Oct. 5, 2010, for PHP2 million and covers an area of 4,636 square meters.
Further investigation by the NBI-BUSDO revealed that Alice, Shiela, and Siemen declared themselves as Filipinos in the Articles of Incorporation of the aforementioned companies, holding the majority of the shares.
Moreover, Guo Jian Zhong and Lin Wen Yi, Guo’s alleged parents, were co-incorporators in the said companies.
Meanwhile, the NBI said Guo was charged with an additional six counts of falsification of public documents for falsifying the deed of sale and the documentary stamp related to the ownership of the real property.
The National Bureau of Investigation announced that it has filed criminal charges against dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo and members of her family for falsification and violation of the country's anti-dummy laws in connection with the acquisition of property and the establishment of businesses in Marilao, Bulacan.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2025/10/07/2-dead-town-councilor-husband-wounded-in-north-cotabato-ambush |
A female municipal councilor in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and her husband were wounded in a daylight ambush here that left two dead and another resident wounded on Tuesday, police said.
Police Lt. Col. Oliver Pauya, municipal police station chief, identified the two fatalities as Udin Dalgan, 31, of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, and Rahib Wahab, 35, a tricycle driver and resident of Barangay Sambulawan, Kadayangan, Special Geographic Area (SGA-BARMM).
Injured were Kadayangan Municipal Councilor Saida Endaila; Madron Endaila Jr., 48, retired soldier and husband of the councilor, and Lani Yusop, 20, also of Kadayangan.
“Except for Wahab, all other victims were on a black Toyota Fortuner (NDC-3579), driven by Yusop from Kadayangan town to Midsayap town center, traveling along the national highway in Barangay Salunayan, Midsayap, when gunmen in a white minivan opened fire around 8:45 a.m.,” Pauya told reporters in an interview.
Dalgan was pronounced dead on arrival in a hospital, while Wahab, the tricycle driver, died on the spot after he was hit by stray bullet.Police are looking at a personal grudge or rido (family feud) as a possible motive in the ambush.
The perpetrators sped away in their vehicle toward Barangay Malingao, also in Kadayangan.A pursuit operation is underway against the suspects.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2025/10/07/ex-barangay-captain-gunned-down-in-negros-occidental |
A 63-year-old former barangay captain was shot dead in Sitio Tunga, Barangay Patun-an, Calatrava, Negros Occidental on Monday, Oct. 6.
Police said the victim Alex was driving a motorcycle on his way home when he was shot in the waist by an unidentified person on board a motorcycle.
The victim fell from his motorcycle and was declared dead in a hospital.
The gunman fled with an unidentified companion.
Recovered from the crime scene were a fired cartridge and fired bullet.
Police are looking into personal grudge as possible motive.
The victim was released from jail two years ago for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
Authorities are backtracking closed circuit television cameras to identify the gunmen.
An ex-barangay captain has been assassinated.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2121586/cavite-deputy-police-chief-held-for-allegedly-raping-detainee |
A deputy police chief in Cavite province — whom authorities did not name — was put into restrictive custody for allegedly raping a detainee in their station, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.
In a press briefing in Camp Crame on Wednesday, PNP public information chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said the relieved deputy police chief was taken into custody last Sept. 19 and charged last Sept. 23 for violating Republic Act No. 8353 or the Anti-Rape Law, Tuaño noted.
“This deputy chief of police, our suspect is currently in restrictive custody at the Cavite Police Provincial Office. Our victim is being considered to be moved to another custodial facility,” he detailed.
The PNP public information chief did not name the deputy police chief but said he had the rank of police lieutenant and was stationed at the Noveleta police station.
According to Tuaño, the rape incident allegedly occurred in the station early Sept. 4 morning.
The victim — a 34-year-old woman detained in Noveleta for drug-related charges — reported the incident to the police on Sept. 18, Tuaño added.
“BAs part of our zero-tolerance policy, that the Philippine National Police leadership will not tolerate these violations by their men, their police chief was replaced last Sept. 19,” Tuaño further noted.Additionally, Tuaño said the PNP was looking to file administrative cases against the relieved deputy police chief and his superior over the alleged rape incident.
A deputy police chief in Cavite province was put into restrictive custody for allegedly raping a detainee in their station.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has sanctioned 269 erring police officers and filed 239 cybercrime-related complaints in September.
In a statement on Wednesday, PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the cases against the police officers led to the imposition of 92 dismissals, 18 demotions, 117 suspensions, 2 forfeitures of salary, 27 reprimands, eight restrictions, and five withholding of privileges.
“Our zero-tolerance policy [among police personnel] remains non-negotiable... We made it clear: no violation goes unchecked. These actions show our determination to uphold accountability and restore confidence in the PNP,” said Nartatez.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño, meanwhile, said these resolved cases reflected the police force's continued efforts to cleanse the organization of unprofessional conduct and to enforce the highest standards of accountability.
“We remain steadfast in our mission to serve and protect every Filipino with honor and integrity. The PNP assures the public that it will continue to implement the directives of President [Ferdinand R.] Marcos Jr., ensuring that those who violate the law or compromise the honor of the police service are held fully accountable,” said Tuaño.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has sanctioned 269 erring police officers in September.
The police chief and two personnel of the E.B. Magalona Municipal Police Station in Negros Occidental were relieved from their posts after a 58-year-old rape suspect escaped from their custodial facility recently.
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) recommended the relief of Police Major Eric Doronilla and two jailers effective Oct. 1.
Police Lt. Col. Joem Malong, PRO-NIR spokesperson, said Doronilla was transferred to the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office headquarters here as deputy at the Provincial Operations Management Unit.
He was replaced by Police Capt. Jyan Carlo Mania, aide de camp of Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director.
Malong said the two jailers were moved to the Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit (RPHAU).
A motu propio investigation led by the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) is underway.
The three police officers were relieved to prevent influencing the ongoing investigation, according to Malong.
The escape of a fisherman was reported on Sept. 9, more than a week after he was arrested through an arrest warrant for qualified rape of a minor, with no bail recommended, in Barangay Tuburan on Sept. 1.
Police offered a P20,000 cash reward for any information that would lead to the recapture of the suspect but is yet to be arrested.
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