Filipinos Prepare for Trump 2.0

Filipinos both in the Philippines and the USA are preparing for Trump's second term as President. His cornerstone proposal is to put a halt to illegal immigration and deport all illegal aliens currently living in the USA. Illegal Filipinos are being urged to self-deport.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/11/08/2398606/philippine-ambassador-warns-mass-deportation-under-trump

The Philippines' ambassador to the United States has called on undocumented Filipino workers there to start the process of obtaining legal status before US President-elect Donald Trump assumes office next year. 

With an estimated 250,000 to 300,000 undocumented Filipinos currently in the US, Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez advised them to immediately seek legal aid or face deportation, which could permanently bar them from re-entry.

Trump secured a return to the White House in a decisive electoral victory earlier this week after leading a campaign that promised "the largest deportation effort in American history." 

On Friday, November 8, Trump told NBC News that his administration has "no choice" but to carry out that promise and that it will not have a price tag.  

"My advice to many of our fellow men who actually are still here but cannot get any kind of status, my advice is for them not to wait to be deported," Romualdez said in a forum with international and local media on Friday.

The ambassador said it is likely that Trump will proceed with his plans of deporting illegal immigrants en masse. But this will "take a lot of resources," he added.

The increased exchange of information among American immigration authorities now makes it nearly impossible for undocumented individuals to remain undetected, Romualdez said.

He estimated that nine out of 10 "TNTs" (tago nang tago or always hiding) — a term coined for Filipinos abroad who are in hiding or overstaying — "will be discovered at some form or another." Different US departments from immigration to the transportation security administration (TSA) are now interconnected, he added.

"Plus, anybody can just simply send a picture of you or whoever it is to the [US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.] That's the one that goes after illegal immigrants, and then you have a problem," Romualdez said.

The Philippine ambassadors advice to self-deport comes with the caveat "if you cannot get any kind of status." Lucky for all those illegals the Pilipino Worker's Center is holding free legal clinics to educate illegal Filipino aliens of their rights. You see, they can't simply be deported. 

https://usa.inquirer.net/160023/mass-deportation-help-hotline-free-legal-clinics-for-undocumented-filipinos

The Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) has announced initiatives to support undocumented Filipinos as Donald Trump’s return to the presidency sparks anxiety among immigrant communities.

“(Trump’s) return is causing a lot of anxiety, fear and stress among many in our communities,” said PWC Executive Director Aquilina Soriano Versoza during a virtual post-election town hall Friday night.

“We gather here to prepare to protect and stand strong for our communities, especially the immigrant families.”

PWC announced the launch of a rapid response hotline that undocumented Filipinos can call for deportation defense.

The center will also hold free legal clinics and “Immigration Know Your Rights” trainings, and launch new communications plans “to make sure that our community is able to have up-to-date information.”

Versoza has urged undocumented immigrants “not to panic and self-isolate” and to make sure they are “connected to reliable information.”

She reminded undocumented immigrants that “ICE can’t just deport you…there’s a legal process and that’s why it’s important to connect to legal support.”

Versoza also stressed that undocumented immigrants should not feel they need to voluntarily leave the United States to avoid deportation as “they have rights and don’t need to leave.”

She was reacting to the statement of Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez advising undocumented Filipinos to voluntarily leave the US instead of facing deportation.

“There are real economic reasons why (undocumented immigrants) are here,” she said. “They don’t have to self-deport. There are resources…and pathways to citizenship and we’re ready to support the immigrant community.”

PWC is preparing for their legal advisors “to be paired” with their 24/7 rapid response hotline, Versoza said.

Perla Santos, one of the more than 100 town hall participants, shared that “many of our kababayans are feeling downhearted” in the face of Trump’s mass deportation plan and the shifting immigration policies.

“We’re not liabilities. We are assets,” Santos said, bewailing Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric.

Looks like there is no need for illegal Filipino aliens to panic. The PWC has their back. All they have to do is reach out and grab that lifeline. 

Trump's 2nd term is also being seen as bad for remittances. This would seem to be related to the mass deportations of illegal Filipino aliens but this article does not make that very clear. 

https://business.inquirer.net/489317/trump-2-0-seen-bad-for-ph-remittances

Remittances to the Philippines and receipts from the business process outsourcing sector could take a hit from US President-elect Donald Trump’s hardline immigration policies, while the possibility of diminished security support from Washington could stir up more tensions in the West Philippine Sea, said Japanese investment bank Nomura.

Those are the channels where the Philippines is most vulnerable after Trump won the race to the White House again following a divisive Nov. 5 election.

Zooming out, Nomura said in a commentary that Trump 2.0 will be negative for growth in Southeast Asia, albeit at varying degrees.

“The Philippines does not have a similar cushion and will be at risk from the impact on workers’ remittances from a possible tightening of US immigration policy and on the outsourcing sector,” Nomura said.

“Increased geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea due to the lack of US security support could put the Philippines on the front line. This could be an issue for the broader region, if China’s assertiveness in the disputed waters intensifies,” it added.

There are thousands if not millions of legal Filipinos in the USA working in every sector sending big bucks to the Philippines. What are they worried about exactly. Besides this just goes to show how fake much of the Philippine economy is as it relies so much on remittances.

Senator Escudero is urging the government to prepare for a Trump presidency. 

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/255157/escudero-urges-ph-govt-prepare-for-trump-presidency

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Monday urged the national government to start preparing for potential policy shifts in the US with the looming fresh administration of  Donald Trump.

Escudero referred to Trump as a “major macroeconomic assumption” that the Philippines must be “one step ahead” because his moves as US president would impact not only Americans but also Filipinos.

He pointed out how Trump has always been transparent about his plans as US president, encouraging the Philippine government to assess his promises and see how they would affect the Philippines.

“From trade to security to immigration, what he said he plans to do, some on day one of his administration, would certainly impact us,” the Senate president stressed.

For one, Escudero pointed out Trump’s commitment to carry out mass deportation of illegal immigrants. The Senate leader noted there are 300,000 undocumented Filipinos in the US.

“How many of the estimated 300,000 vulnerable Filipinos will be in the first wave of expulsion?” Escudero asked.

According to the Senate president, even if the US deported only one percent of the 300,000, it would already require 10 big airplanes.

He also suggested that the national government think about how Trump plans to impose high tariff walls and how it would affect the Philippine economy, especially how almost $1 of every $7 in its economy comes from its trade with the US.

“If because of him the dollar will strengthen, what effect will it have on us if it causes the peso to weaken? The value of our foreign debt is sure to balloon,” Escudero said in mixed Filipino and English.

Escudero further urged the national government to revisit the US-Philippines relations, noting that the alliance was only boosted because of the Biden administration.

“On the security front, will a second Trump administration be hawkish or dovish against China?  We must be ready in case they have a new position in Washington,” he said.

“There is no reason for the Philippine government to be caught flatfooted and stand helpless as the ground beneath it caves in,” he added.

Escudero is out of his mind! He's thinking too much about all those illegal Filipino aliens that might be deported calling them "vulnerable." Is he going to stop the Philippines' deportation of illegal aliens who are here to work, most notably the Chinese? Of course not. 

As for his questioning as to whether or not Trump will be hawkish or dovish against China, has he listened to a single thing Trump has said? US-Philippine relations weren't boosted becasue of Biden. They were great under Trump who was a good friend of Duterte. He even visited the Philippines in 2017 for the ASEAN meeting. EDCA was signed into law while Trump was President. 

Ambassador Romualdez has a different take on Philppine-US relations under Trump. 

https://www.reuters.com/world/philippines-confident-us-alliance-under-trump-amid-china-tensions-envoy-says-2024-11-07/

The Philippines expects U.S. policy in the Indo-Pacific and support for its treaty ally amid South China Sea tensions to remain steady under Donald Trump, driven by bipartisan resolve in Washington, its ambassador to the U.S. said on Thursday.

Both Democrats and Republicans prioritise countering China’s influence, including in the South China Sea, Jose Manuel Romualdez said, suggesting that military cooperation, economic ties and security commitments with the Philippines will continue.

"It is in their interest that the Indo-Pacific region remains free, peaceful and stable, especially given the economic part of it, with trillions of dollars passing through the South China Sea," Romualdez told Reuters in an interview.

U.S.-Philippine security engagements have deepened under President Joe Biden and Philippine counterpart Ferdinand Marcos Jr, with both leaders keen to counter what they see as China's aggressive actions in the South China Sea and near Taiwan.

Marcos said in a congratulatory message after Trump's victory: "I am hopeful that this unshakeable alliance, tested in war and peace, will be a force of good that will blaze a path of prosperity and amity, in the region, and in both sides of the Pacific."

Under Marcos, the Philippines has increased the number of its bases accessible to U.S. forces to nine from five, some facing the South China Sea, where China has built artificial islands equipped with runways and missile systems.

The U.S. has proposed $128 million for infrastructure improvements at those bases, in addition to a $500 million pledge for the Philippine military and coastguard.

Romualdez expressed confidence that these commitments, including joint U.S.-Philippine maritime exercises that began last year, would continue under Trump.

"We have very strong bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress where the money comes from. Every single one of our friends in the Republican side has signified their concern and strong support for whatever we're doing right now in relation to the challenges we face with China today," Romualdez said.

He suggested potential changes under Trump would be "minimal" and could even be favourable.

During Trump's previous term, the U.S. dispelled any doubts about its defence commitments when then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo assured Manila in 2019 that Washington would defend its ally if attacked in the South China Sea, reinforcing the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty. 

Beijing claims much of the South China Sea, where about $3 trillion in ship-borne trade passes annually, with the area becoming a flashpoint for Chinese and U.S. tensions around naval operations. There have been recent clashes over territorial claims between China and the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia.

Romualdez emphasized Manila's intent to manage disputes peacefully, and "will continue to dialogue with China as long as it's not detrimental to our interests."

"We're not at war," Romualdez said, adding there are many areas where Philippines and China can work with.

How much more reasonable is Romualdez thats Escudero. It seems Chiz forgot he was a Senator during Trump's first term and everything was fine.

President Marcos has assured the nation PH-US relations will be normal under Trump. After all he did get the overwhelming support of the Filipinos-AM community.

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/255960/marcos-calls-to-congratulate-trump-cites-fil-am-votes-he-got

President Marcos said he had personally congratulated US President-elect Donald Trump in a “very friendly and productive” phone call on Tuesday morning, where he expressed his desire to see the Philippine-American alliance enduring under Trump’s second term.

Marcos said he reminded the incoming Republican president that Filipino Americans “overwhelmingly voted for him” and that “I’m sure he will remember that when we see each other.’’

“I expressed to him our continuing desire to strengthen that relationship between our two countries, which is a relationship that is as deep as can possibly be—because it has been for a very long time,” Mr. Marcos said.

“[I]t was a very good call; it was a very friendly call, very productive. And I am glad that I was able to do it, and I think President-elect Trump was also happy to hear from the Philippines.”

The conversation, he said, did not touch on Trump’s immigration policy, a key issue of his campaign that can potentially affect the Fil-Am community.

“We didn’t talk about that. It was just a congratulatory call,’’ he said when asked if the subject came up. “But, of course, our ambassador (to Washington, Jose Manuel Romualdez) is already working on that.”

“The overwhelming support of Filipinos in the United States on your triumphant win is a testament to the deep and enduring friendship between our nations.”

Democrats and liberals in the USA are losing their minds over Trump's election and Filipinos also seem to be losing their minds or are at least being cautious. But there is nothing to worry about. Philippine-US relations were great under Trump. Mass deportation of illegal Filipino aliens won't be so easy and there is legal help available for them. Remittances will likely not change because there are many legal Filipinos slaving away for their deadbeat families in the Philippines. It's very doubtful Trump 2.0 will change the status quo.

Phillippine Political Spit Swapping

In the Philippines swapping isn't just for pleasure. It is a way of doing politics. Families and friends team up to grab as much power as they can. In one election cycle they run for certain posts then when their term limits are up they switch positions. 

Here are two examples. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1235058

The Nava couple led the slate of the National Unity Party (NUP) in Guimaras in filing their certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the 2025 midterm elections on Tuesday.

Governor JC Rahman Nava will run for representative of the Lone District of Guimaras, swapping posts with his wife, Rep. Ma. Lucille Nava, who will seek a gubernatorial post.

In a press conference, Governor Nava said their candidates came from various parties but with the alliances at the national level, they decided to run under the NUP.

He added that their governance will be guided by their “Kabataan” FIRST agenda, which is focused on the youth.

FIRST stands for focused trade and investments, tourism and employment; integrated infrastructure development; responsive healthcare and social services; sustainable economy; and trusted bureaucracy.

“When I am in Congress, we can work hand-in-hand again to realize these initiatives,” he added.

In the meantime, Rep. Nava said they will only have one direction toward the developmental goals they have set before.

“Everything is aligned, coordinated, supported and with the consensus of all officials,” she said.

JC Rahman Nava was a governor between 1998-2007 and a member of the House between 2007-2016. He was elected to his current governorship in 2022. His brother Felipe held the same position between 2007-2013. His wife Lucille followed him to the House in 2016 and has been there ever since.

Now that her term is ending the couple will swap positions. Apparently JC Rahman wants back in the House where he will have more power and earn more money. He says there is a consensus among all officials and that this arrangement will assist with the developmental goals they have set. Who are these officials? Does this mean there is no opposition to either of these candidates? In effect this is a conspiracy for the Nava family to remain in power in Guimaras. Sure there are platitudes about development but we all know how that goes. There is hardly any change in the day-to-day life of the average Filipino while families like the Nava's rake in the big bucks.

Bacolod City is also being subject to the swapping whims of local politicians. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1235059

Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and Lone District Rep. Greg Gasataya here switched posts, running for congressman and mayor, respectively, under Team Asenso Bacolod in the May 2025 elections.

Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran is challenging Gasataya for the mayoral post as both are set to finish their three terms after the elections next year.

“I thank Mayor Albee and the Team Asenso for the trust they have given me. It’s not that Mayor Albee is going to leave us; it’s only that when you’re in a team, you have to play different roles with one common objective. That is, do everything that we can to make Bacolod a super city,” Gasataya said during a press conference at SMX Convention Center after filing their certificates of candidacy before the Commission on Elections on Tuesday.

Benitez’s move is expected to pave the way for his return to the House of Representatives after serving as congressman of the neighboring Third District of Negros Occidental from 2010 to 2019. 

“At this stage, I will make sure that all the legislations and congressional acts that I’ll be doing are aligned with ensuring the acceleration of the mission to make Bacolod a super city,” Benitez said.

Benitez will have a rematch against former mayor Evelio Leonardia, who is also running for congressman, after losing his reelection bid to the incumbent mayor in the 2022 elections. 

Greg Gasataya began his political career in 2001 as a councilor. In 2013 he was elected as Vice Mayor and served as acting Mayor between 2015-2016. Since then he has been a member of the House. Now that Gasataya's term is ending he is running for Mayor while his party mate, the current mayor, is running for Gasataya's seat in the House. 

Benitez began his political career in 2010 winning a seat in the House for the fourth district of Negros Occidental. His term ended in 2019. After changing his address from Victorias to Bacolod in 2021 he ran for Mayor of Bacolod in 2022. He is also an American having been born in Palo Alto, California. 

Benetiz's son Javi is currently mayor of Victorias and is also in the running for a seat in the House. His mother had some illuminating words.

Third District Congressional Bet Javier Miguel "Javi" Benitez was accompanied by his mother Nikki Lopez-Benitez with all the mayors under the district showed their support for him and trooped to the Comelec Provincial Office.

"We will continue the Benitez's legacy. I will quote the late President Ramon Magsaysay, those who have less in life should have more in law, and that's what we'll push for in the legislative position.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/major-political-figures-in-the-province-file-coc 

What's all this "We" stuff? She's not running for office. She won't be pushing for any legislation. But the fact is when one member of the family is in office all members of the family are in office. The family legacy is of the utmost importance to these people. 

So you see all the political merry-go-round happening just in these two situations. House members can only serve three consecutive three-year terms while Senators can only hold two six-year terms. After sitting out a term they are free to run again. These term limits are what enable the constant switching in the Philippine government. It's the same old faces coming back around again. It's the same old Philippines subject to their whims. 

Political Grab Bag: Two Mayors

Here are two stories from the Philippine political landscape that don't fit anywhere but need to seen. These articles showcase the ridiculousness of the situation in the Philippines. While they aren't directly about corruption they do illustrate the effects of corruption.  

Disgraced ex-mayor Alice Guo is back in the Philippines after a brief respite in Indonesia. She is facing human trafficking charges related to POGOs. The charges are non-bailable so it appears her home for the foreseeable future will be an extremely cramped jail cell. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1233927

Former Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo will be the 45^thoccupant of a cramped detention cell at the Pasig City Jail female dormitory once she is transferred Monday.

In a radio interview Sunday, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) spokesperson Supt. Jayrex Bustinera said security has been beefed up as they prepare for the turnover from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

The BJMP also formed a response team, composed of female jail officers, who will stick to Guo when she is transported to her court hearings.

Bustinera assured Guo will be safe at the BJMP-supervised Pasig City Jail.

"We had special arrangement for security. We provided additional personnel. We tightened our security because of her. The BJMP assures her safety and security," Bustinera said.

He said the female dormitory of the Pasig Jail currently houses 135 detainees, way above its ideal capacity of 36.

Guo’s cell, built to accommodate only nine detainees, has an industrial fan and comfort room and is well-maintained, according to Bustinera.

The BJMP also did a background check on Guo’s would-be cellmates.

"They are not violent PDL (persons deprived of liberty) or high risk," Bustinera said.

On Friday, the Pasig Regional Trial Court ordered the transfer of Guo from Crame custody after finding probable cause to hold her and her co-accused for trial of human trafficking, a non-bailable case.

Her counsels said they will file a petition to post bail before the arraignment on Sept. 27.

Alice Guo will be housed an a jail which is built for 36 yet houses 135 detainees. Her cell is built for 9 but she will be the 45th occupant! That is crazy. How are people supposed to sleep let alone even move around? Here is a diagram from the BJMP for a cell designed to hold 10 people.

https://www.scribd.com/document/437683030/Minimum-Standard-for-BJMP-Jails

Can you find a way to fit 45 people in that cell?

The Mayor of Tobias Fornier has been suspended for six months without pay for punching Vice Mayor Jose Maria “Jojo” Fornier for handing out food packs without asking permission. If that's not bad enough someone torched his vehicles. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/9/22/suspended-antique-mayor-s-hummer-mustang-torched

Three cars of suspended Tobias Fornier town, Antique province Mayor Ernesto “Toto” Tajanlangit III were set on fire before dawn on Sunday, September 22.

Tajanlangit posted a Facebook a live video of the incident that occurred at past 1 a.m. at the parking garage of his house.

The burned vehicles were a Hummer H2, a Ford Mustang, and a Suzuki Ertiga. The total value of these vehicles was not disclosed but a Hummer vehicle costs at least P2 million, a Mustang, P3.5 million, and Ertiga, P900,000 in the Philippines.     

“These things of sentimental value may have been burned and lost, but it’s important we are safe,” said Tajanlangit in a statement. “Thank you, Lord, for protecting me and my family,” Tajanlangit added. 

The Tobias Fornier Fire Station is investigating the incident. 

The incident occurred days after Tajanlangit temporarily stepped down after the Office of the Ombudsman suspended him for grave abuse of authority, conduct unbecoming of a public official, and grave misconduct. 

Tajanlangit was suspended for six months without pay for punching Vice Mayor Jose Maria “Jojo” Fornier on April 29 after he allegedly did not ask permission from his office to distribute food packs for El Niño victims. He allegedly waited for the Fornier in a police checkpoint.   

Videos of the incident showed Tajanlangit blocking and going inside a truck containing the relief goods and punching Fornier. 

Fornier is acting mayor of the town.

Who did it? Could it have been an ally of the Vice Mayor? It appears the Forniers have their own political dynasty with the town being named after former Congressman Tobias Abiera Fornier. His brother Jose was also a diplomat and a Congressman while his wife was Governor of Antique. It is not out of the realm of possibility that someone close to the Vice Mayor committed this deed. 

Mandaue City Garbage Crisis: A Study in Incompetence

Recently Mandaue City recalled two garbage trucks from Barangay Guizo because the barangay failed to collect garbage in a timely manner and dispose of it properly. 

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/mandaue-city-to-recall-2-garbage-trucks-from-guizo

FOR allegedly failing to properly manage waste within its jurisdiction, Barangay Guizo will lose its two garbage trucks owned by the Mandaue City Government. 

This was confirmed by Guizo Barangay Captain Jesus Neri Sr. in an interview with SunStar Cebu on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. 

Barangay Guizo reportedly violated the city ordinance on proper waste management as it continue to dispose of mixed waste in unauthorized areas. 

The City Government ordered the recall of the garbage on Thursday, Sept. 5, heeding the recommendations from the Mandaue Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro). 

Neri, however, requested the City to recall the garbage trucks on Tuesday, Sept. 10. 

The City, he said, will assume the garbage collection in Guizo as the barangay-owned truck is not functional. 

Multiple citations have been issued to Barangay Guizo. The most recent violation, recorded on April 3, 2024, showed the barangay’s failure to comply with the city ordinance that mandates that waste be disposed of only in designated facilities.

Despite a P5,000 fine being imposed, the penalty remains unsettled, prompting City officials to issue a first and final notice demanding immediate payment.

According to Cenro, Barangay Guizo has been subjected to multiple citations since March 21, 2019, for its repeated waste management violations. 

Cease and desist orders were issued on Jan. 12, 2024, and Jan. 4, 2024, directing the barangay to halt improper waste disposal methods.

The village chief said that waste management is a challenge in Guizo, as they are using only one garbage truck because the other truck is under repair. 

Two important things here need to be noted. The first is that the Barangay Captain, Jesus Neri Sr., requested that the city recall the trucks. Despite his admission that this happened at his request he is calling this act "political harassment" on the part of Mandaue City. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/9/11/village-officials-in-mandaue-city-cry-foul-over-recall-of-garbage-trucks-collectors

Officials of a barangay in Mandaue City, Cebu have cried foul over the recall of city-owned motor vehicles and city-paid job order employees for garbage disposal services.

Barangay Guizo Captain Jesus Neri Jr. said the move of the city government, through city administrator James Calipayan, recalling the barangay’s two drivers and one garbage collector has severely affected its garbage collection.

“We only have one garbage truck and it cannot be avoided that there are times that it breaks down, that's why garbage is not collected timely,” Neri told reporters on Wednesday, September 11.

The vehicles and the workers were recalled by the city government on September 3.

With a population of more than 10,000 people with three major hospitals, hospitals, and a mall, Guizo needs to have adequate personnel and a working garbage truck to prevent uncollected garbage from piling up.

“Before Guizo had only 44.3 hectares but it has expanded to more than 80 hectares now,” said Neri.

Neri added that their workers tasked to collect garbage have complained of delayed salaries.

During the press briefing, Neri showed uncollected garbage that had piled up beside the barangay hall.

“We have a weekly clean up drive, we tried to ask assistance from the city but we were just told their garbage trucks are defective. So what can we do?” said Neri.

Neri described  the recent move by the city government as political harassment.

“It is clear that what they did was political harassment,” said Neri, an ally of Mandaue Rep. Emmarie “Lollipop” Ouano.

Ouano is rumored to be running against Mandaue Mayor Jonas Cortes, who is currently serving a one-year suspension.

Neri said he has been bashed on social media for the uncollected garbage in the barangay.

“I have been repeatedly ridiculed on social media. I was accused of being remiss in my job. It was in 1997 when I first became a barangay captain here. I wouldn’t last this long if I was not doing my job well. It is not easy to manage a barangay,” said Neri.

Neri appealed to the city government, now headed by acting Mayor Glen Bercede, to reinstate the recalled job-order employees.

He also asked the city to fulfill its promise of helping the barangay in its garbage collection.

If Neri requested the trucks be recalled how is this an act of political harassment? Neri also claims he asked the city to assist with garbage collection but he was told their garbage trucks are defective meaning they cannot offer any help. That is in contradiction to his previous statement Mandaue City will assume garbage collection. How will they do that if their trucks are defective? These statements are contradictory.

The second important thing to note is Barangay Guizo has two garbage trucks but only one is in operation. But who owns these trucks? The Barangay or the City? It would seem the City since they recalled the trucks. Why not simply repair the trucks if that is the problem?

Another issue affecting this situation and indicating the City owns the trucks is job order employees claiming their pay has been withheld for several months. 

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/594924/mandaue-some-guizo-job-order-workers-say-their-salaries-delayed

Some city paid job order employees in Barangay Guizo have complained about the delay of their salaries.

Antonio Abellanosa, a garbage truck driver and Arjay Serafin, a garbage collector said that usually they could not receive their P4,000 monthly honorarium on time.

(There are days that these will be delayed, there are times two months. Those two months it will not be given in full [they will give that] in two months, they will skip a month and so.]

(It will reach 2 months, it could have been better if the salary is given in full, only one month’s worth of salary will be given. The second pay will be given every two months. And it will be again delayed.)

Abellanosa and Serafin were appointed by the city as job order employees and paid on honorarium basis at P435 daily under the Tourism Department and Promotion Program of the Barangay pursuant to Sangguniang Panlungsod Ordinance no. 16-2023-1837. 

Guizo Barangay Captain Neri said that since February 2023, Lawyer Jamaal James Calipayan designated the first first barangay councilor as the signatory of the Daily Time Record of the city government paid Job Order and Clean and Green Personnel assigned in the barangay instead of him.

Calipayan said that they authorized Arnulfo Capacite because the city trusted him but the supervision and control would still be in the Barangay Captain. 

Capacite is an ally of suspended Mayor Jonas Cortes while Neri is an ally of Congresswoman Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon.

For his part, Capacite denied the two months delay of the honorarium. 

If there would be a delay, the longest time would be two weeks, he said.

He said that he would immediately sign after they would fill up their DTR. 

Calipayan also denied the allegation of Neri that politics was behind the recall of the truck.

Calipayan said that Neri was given enough time to improve their garbage collection system. 

He added that the environmental citation was issued to the barangay since 2018 from a previous administration.

Neri said that they had been trying their best to collect garbage in the barangay. 

He planned to ask for a garbage truck to Mandaue Rep. Ouano-Dizon.

And here is where the alleged political harassment comes in.  Mandaue City Administrator Jamaal James Calipayan does not trust Barangay Captain Neri and they are allied with differing politicians. It is, allegedly, a case of partisan politics. That is, of course, if one ignores the fact Barangay Guizo has been cited for faulty garbage collection since 2018 and Neri has been given plenty of time to improve garbage collection. 

Neri says he has been Barangay Captain since 1997 which is 27 years. That is quite a long time for any one man to hold onto power. He says he would not last so long if he had not been doing his job. However, the garbage woes of Barangay Guizo date back at least 10 years if not more. In 2014 it was reported trash was piling up in Barangay Guizo.

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/46181/garbage-left-piling-up-near-guizo-barangay-hall

More than 50 sacks of uncollected garbage awaits motorists and visitors passing through A.S. Fortuna Extension in barangay Guizo, Mandaue City.

The bulk of the garbage, mostly plastic items, are found within walking distance from the Guizo barangay hall.

Guizo barangay chairman Jesus Neri Jr. said they don’t have garbage trucks to collect the trash from these areas.

To reduce the smell, residents covered the garbage with a tarpaulin.

“We’ve called Mandaue City to also collect our garbage but sometimes no one arrives,” Neri said.

“There were times that we told the residents to bring out their garbage, but when no one comes we have no choice but to leave that there,” he said.

Engr. Ricardo Mendoza, chief of Mandaue City Hall’s Solid Waste Management Board, said the garbage trucks run on fixed schedules to collect trash from the city’s 27 barangays.

He said it is each barangay’s responsibility to collect the garbage of their constituents.

In a meeting with some of the barangays, Mendoza said garbage trucks usually prioritize the collection of garbage from commercial firms.

“Instead of the households, they first collect garbage from the companies. Since they have recyclables, they’ll bring these to the junkshops and not to the landfill. It takes them so long to back for the household,” Mendoza said.

“We told the drivers to collect in the afternoon for companies and prioritize the households,” he said.

Mendoza said they tag every household who turn over their garbage to collectors in order to distinguish them from the residents who dump garbage anywhere.

Ten years ago Neri claimed the Barangay had no trucks to collect garbage. It's not certain if that means they had two trucks but both were in the shop for repairs. If the City owns the trucks and they are loaned to each barangay that would place the problem squarely in the lap of Mandaue City. 

Clearly there are a lot of issues going on in this situation. Garbage needs to be collected and it is the Barangay's duty to make sure that happens. Not only is Barangay Captain Neri doing a poor job at ensuring the garbage is collected but he is also divided from the City administration due to having different political allies. What's needed at the very least is better communication between the City and the Barangay. Yet Neri had ten years and more to fix the situation and it has only deteriorated. And who suffers? The people. 

Selfies With Wanted Fugitives

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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