Retards in the Government 448

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

 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/12/11/dswd-files-charges-vs-12-iloilo-city-village-officials-2-employees-over-aics-cuts

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) led by Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Thursday filed administrative complaints against 12 barangay officials and two Iloilo City Hall employees before the Office of the Ombudsman over alleged irregularities in the distribution of cash assistance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. 

The 12 barangay officials were Barangay Captain Rizaline Delmo of Quintin Salas, Jaro; Barangay Kagawad (councilor) Victoria Ruel of Quintin Salas, Jaro; Barangay Captain Amadeo Sultan of Simon Ledesma, Jaro; unnamed barangay kagawad of Simon Ledesma, Jaro; unnamed barangay treasurer of Simon Ledesma, Jaro; Barangay Captain Gina Elauria of Taytay Zone II, Jaro; Barangay Kagawad JingJing Pineda of Taytay Zone II, Jaro; Barangay Captain Visamin Cañal of Quezon, Arevalo; unnamed barangay kagawad of Quezon, Arevalo; Barangay Captain Remedio Bedia of Lanit, Jaro; barangay kagawad Huntado of Lanit, Jaro; and Barangay Kagawad Gonzales of Lanit, Jaro. 

The two respondents from Iloilo City Hall were Jobert Lim and Janicol Dizon. 

The barangay officials were accused of forcibly taking P8,000 out of the P10,000 cash aid to AICS beneficiaries during on-site payouts on Nov. 7, 11, and 12.

Beneficiaries were affected by typhoon ‘’Tino’’ in November and allegedly sought by barangay officials after they received the money from DSWD personnel and forced them to surrender the amount. 

“Their process seems systemic. They waited for the beneficiaries but what they imposed was a kind of tariff,” said Gatchalian. “It’s very sad. They were re-victimized and people of authority re-victimized them,” Gatchalian added. 

Gatchalian filed the complaints for violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, grave misconduct, and abuse of authority based on the recommendation of the fact-finding team led by DSWD Assistant Secretary for Regional Operations Paul D. Ledesma. 

Ledesma said the Iloilo City government requested AICS funding for victims of Tino. 

The DSWD distributed AICS totaling P21 million  at P10,000 each to 2,100 beneficiaries during the payouts. Of the 2,100 beneficiaries, only 14 were willing to execute complaint affidavits against barangay officials. 

Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas has condemned the deduction but has yet to issue a statement over the cases filed before the Ombudsman. The 12 barangay officials are known to be political allies of Mayor Treñas and her father, former Mayor Jerry Treñas.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development led by Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Thursday filed administrative complaints against 12 barangay officials and two Iloilo City Hall employees before the Office of the Ombudsman over alleged irregularities in the distribution of cash assistance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/12/11/bir-lawyer-shot-dead-in-mandaue-city

Motorcycle-riding assailants gunned down a Bureau of Internal Revenue lawyer early Thursday morning, Dec. 11, in Mandaue City, Cebu province. 

Duke Ramil Perral Lincuna was driving an Isuzu Crosswind when he was attacked around 6 a.m. on a busy road in Barangay Bakilid. 

A motorist was able to take a video of the attack. 

The video showed two men on a motorcycle shooting at the driver’s side of the vehicle. The gunmen, who wore helmets and jackets, drove off after the attack. 

Emergency responders brought the lawyer to the Mandaue City District Hospital where he was declared dead. 

The victim, a resident of Barangay Lamac, Consolacion town, Cebu, was on his way to work at the Bureau of Internal Revenue-Cebu City, when he was attacked.

Motorcycle-riding assailants gunned down a Bureau of Internal Revenue lawyer early Thursday morning, Dec. 11, in Mandaue City, Cebu province. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2154244/plunder-other-charges-filed-vs-vice-president-sara-duterte-15-others

Civil society leaders have filed multiple criminal complaints — including plunder, bribery, malversation, and graft — against Vice President Sara Duterte and 15 others over the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds.

A coalition of priests, academics, rights advocates and journalists, including Fr. Flaviano Villanueva, Fr. Roberto Reyes, and economist and former DOF Undersecretary Dr. Maria Cielo Magno, lodged the complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman on Friday afternoon.

The complainants claimed that respondents committed violations of Section 2 of the Republic Act (RA) No. 7080 as amended by RA 7659 (plunder); Article 219 and 212 of the Revised Penal Code (bribery and corruotion of public officials); Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code (malversation); Section 2(a) and (e) of the RA 3019 (graft); and Article XI, Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution (betrayal of public trust).

Aside from Duterte, the respondents named in the complaint are the following persons:

• Zuleika T. Lopez Undersecretary and Chief of Staff (Office of the Vice President)
• Lemuel G. Ortonio Assistant Secretary and Assistant Chief of Staff, (OVP)
• Rosalynne L. Sanchez, Director for Administrative and Financial Services, (OVP)
• Julieta L. Villadelrey Chief Accountant (OVP)
• Gina F. Acosta Special Disbursing Officer (OVP)
• Col. Raymund Dante P. Lachica Commander, Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group
• Michael Wesley T. Poa Former Undersecretary, Chief of Staff of the Office of the Secretary, and
• Head of Procuring Entity (Department of Education)
• Sunshine Charry A. Fajarda Director for Strategic Management Office and Former Assistant Secretary (DepEd)
• Undersecretary Annalyn M. Sevilla Undersecretary for Finance Service, Project Management Service, Education Program Management Service, Government Assistance and Subsidies Office  (DepEd)
• Gloria Mercado, former Head of Procurement Entity and Undersecretary for Human Resources and Regional Development  (DepEd)
• Ma. Rhunna L. Catalan Chief Accountant  (DepEd)
• Edward D. Fajarda, former Special Disbursing Officer (DepEd)
• Ret. Maj. Gen. Nolasco A. Mempin, former Undersecretary for Administration (DepEd)
• Lt. Col. Dennis Nolasco member of the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group
• John Does

The complaint alleged that the ₱612.5 million confidential funds were “diverted, misused and concealed through coordinated schemes” carried out across the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, which Duterte headed from 2022 to June 2024.

Broken down, the amount covers P500 million CFs allocated to OVP in 2022 and 2023 and P112.5 million during the time when she was the head of DepEd. 

In September 2024, Marikina 2nd District Rep. Stella Quimbo confirmed that the P125 million CF of the OVP in 2022 was spent in just 11 days — quicker than the initial reports of 19 days. 

Civil society leaders have filed multiple criminal complaints — including plunder, bribery, malversation, and graft — against Vice President Sara Duterte and 15 others over the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1265066

The city government here has filed administrative complaints against an assistant department head and 32 workers of the General Services Office (GSO) involved in the alleged mass falsification of documents in their application for Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) loans.

In an interview on Thursday, City Legal Officer Karol Joseph Chiu said Mayor Greg Gasataya has approved the investigation report, which includes the recommendation of filing formal complaints against those involved.

“The City Legal Office (CLO) has been appointed as the hearing officer of the administrative cases,” he said.

The CLO started the investigation last month after GSO department head Gilda Luisma submitted an incident report regarding the 32 employees who falsified their pay slips and net pay certifications to qualify for GSIS loan.

The said employees are facing administrative complaints for serious dishonesty, grave misconduct, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

Tiu said GSO assistant department head Franklin Andre Familiaran, who signed the supposedly falsified documents, has also been charged for 32 counts each of the stated administrative cases.

He said the mayor also ordered Familiaran to serve a 60-day preventive suspension without pay.

“This is pursuant to the constant follow-up of GSIS with regards to the reported mass falsification in the GSO department. The incident has reached them and they are following up and making the city explain about it,” Tiu said.

The city government here has filed administrative complaints against an assistant department head and 32 workers of the General Services Office (GSO) involved in the alleged mass falsification of documents in their application for Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) loans.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/969314/plunder-graft-filed-vs-momo-over-alleged-p1-4b-contracts-won-by-family-s-firm/story/

Plunder and graft complaints were filed Friday with the Office of the Ombudsman against Surigao del Sur Representative Romeo Momo Sr. over the alleged P1.4 billion worth of government contracts bagged by the construction firm owned by his family.

A group of Catholic priests and lawyers from Tandag, Surigao del Sur said that based on government records, Momo family’s Surigao La Suerte Corp. (SLSC) allegedly received P1.4 billion in fuel and infrastructure government contracts across the province while Momo was the company's director and a Surigao del Sur representative.

“SEC filings show Congressman Momo was listed as a director during periods when SLSC was obtaining government projects. The company's paid-up capital [also] increased dramatically, from P10 million in 2019 to P200 million in 2023. These are not ordinary circumstances," the group said in a statement. 

"This involves a former top DPWH official and House Infrastructure [Committee co-] chairman whose family-linked corporation benefited from billions in government projects. Multiple contracts and Notices of Award bear signatures of Momo family members, serving as corporate representatives for SLSC. These are government-signed documents, and they speak for themselves,” it added. 

In response, Momo denied the allegations and tagged them as politically motivated. 

“I would like to make it clear that there is no conflict of interest in my work as Surigao del Sur first district representative. Such imputation of using public office for personal gain is not true. Wala po itong katotohanan,” he said in a statement. 

“I had already, in fact, divested from the Surigao La Suerte Corp. a long time ago. I’m no longer part of this company. Besides, it’s not doing business in my congressional district. People and documents can attest to that. These baseless complaints are all political motivated. It is nothing more than a desperate attempt to link me to a supposed corruption scandal,” he added.

Momo then said he will answer the allegations with additional details before the proper forum and at the proper time.

“I have always been guided by the highest standards of integrity and principle enshrined in the Constitution: Public office is a public trust. I will never betray the people of Surigao del Sur, whom I have served, and shall continue to serve, with utmost responsibility and accountability,” he said.

Plunder and graft complaints were filed Friday with the Office of the Ombudsman against Surigao del Sur Representative Romeo Momo Sr. over the alleged P1.4 billion worth of government contracts bagged by the construction firm owned by his family.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/12/13/ex-barangay-captain-murdered-in-basilan

Police are investigating the murder of former Mangalut Barangay Captain Haji Malik Aru of Akbar municipality, Basilan province in Isabela City, Basilan on Thursday, Dec. 11. 

Investigation showed that the gunman approached the victim on the Lamitan-Isabela Highway in Sitio Pilar, Barangay Binuangan, and shot him. 

His body was discovered by responding lawmen. 

Officials have appealed to residents and eyewitnesses for information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect. 

Police are conducting follow-up investigation. 

Possible motives are personal and political.

A former barangay captain has been assassinated. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/12/14/leyte-cop-faces-dismissal-for-shabu-use

Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., acting chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered the start of the dismissal proceedings against a police corporal who was discovered using illegal drugs in Palompon, Leyte.

The policeman, a member of the Palompon Municipal Police Station, tested positive for illegal drugs during a targeted drug test conducted last Dec. 5 and according to the investigation, he was monitored for using shabu two months earlier.

After a series of validations which confirmed the information, the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group formulated Target Intelligence Packet “K9” to include him in a random drug testing held on Dec. 5 .

The drug test result, claimed on December 13, showed that the policeman tested positive for methamphetamine hydrochloride or “shabu.”

Nartatez directed the immediate filing of administrative cases in accordance with existing PNP rules, with dismissal from the service among the penalties being pursued should the charges be proven.

“Let this be a clear message that the Philippine National Police is no place for those involved or using illegal drugs. Our counter-intelligence operation and internal cleansing mechanisms are strong,” said Nartatez.

“We will run after you and make sure that you will suffer the consequences as part of our commitment to protect the integrity of the organization and the honor of the badge,” he added.

Nartatez also emphasized that criminal cases may follow if supported by evidence as he underscored that no one in the organization is exempt from accountability as he stressed that the PNP will act decisively against personnel who violate the law and betray the public's trust.

He added that while the incident is considered isolated, it is being addressed firmly and without hesitation.

As part of sustained internal reforms, Nartatez also ordered the expansion of intelligence-driven and random drug testing across police units nationwide, particularly those in frontline and operational roles. 

A PNP officer has been busted for using drugs. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/12/14/village-official-stabbed-by-colleague-in-ilocos-norte

A barangay kagawad was stabbed and wounded by a fellow village official during a parking dispute in Barangay Abucay here on Friday, police said.

Police Major Kristian Lee Badua, chief of the Piddig Municipal Police Station, identified the victim as Kagawad Baptista.

Badua said the suspect, Kagawad Nicolas, allegedly blocked a parking area, prompting the victim to reprimand him.

A heated argument erupted, during which the suspect went home to get a knife and stabbed the victim.

The suspect was arrested and the victim was taken to a hospital in Batac City, Ilocos Norte.

The victim and the suspect were allegedly drunk at the time of the incident.

Badua said the suspect has expressed remorse but refused to say anything further about the incident.

The victim has expressed intention to file charges against the suspect.

Police said they will coordinate with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and refer the matter to the Liga ng mga Barangay.

A barangay kagawad was stabbed and wounded by a fellow village official during a parking dispute in Barangay Abucay.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2154960/retired-policeman-shot-dead-inside-cockpit-in-calbayog-city

A 57-year-old retired police officer was shot dead while watching a cockfight inside the Ipao Sports Complex, a cockpit arena, in Barangay San Policarpo, Calbayog City, Samar, on Saturday night, Dec. 13, according to the Police Regional Office in Eastern Visayas (PRO 8).

Based on the initial report from PRO-8, the victim, identified only as “Nonoy,” a resident of Barangay Monbon, Sta. Margarita, Samar, was inside the sports complex at around 8:03 p.m. when the incident occurred.

Police said an unidentified male suspect, described as wearing a gray long-sleeved shirt, black short pants, and a violet cap, approached the victim from behind and shot him three times. The suspect then reportedly fired two more shots before fleeing in an unknown direction.

Personnel of the Calbayog City Police Station immediately responded after receiving information from a concerned citizen and conducted an initial investigation at the scene.

Responding personnel from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office rushed the victim to the Calbayog District Hospital, but he was declared dead on arrival at around 9:20 p.m. by his attending physician.

PRO 8 said the Calbayog City Forensic Unit processed the crime scene and recovered five fired .45-caliber cartridge cases, one unfired .45-caliber cartridge, and a .45-caliber pistol with an inserted magazine found in the possession of the victim. 

Two additional magazines with ammunition were also recovered from the victim’s sling bag, along with other personal belongings.

The victim’s body was later brought to St. Peter Funeral Home in Sitio Talahib, Barangay Trinidad, Calbayog City.

A 57-year-old retired police officer was shot dead while watching a cockfight.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2155733/davao-sur-village-chief-aide-nabbed-in-drug-sting-operation

Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-11) launched a drug buy-bust operation in Sulop, Davao del Sur on Monday, December 15, that resulted in the arrest of a village chief and his aide.

The village chief, identified only as “Kap,” was caught in the act of selling illegal drugs when a PDEA agent, posing as buyer, successfully bought one sachet of suspected meth during the sting operation that took place in Barangay Roxas at around 10:15 p.m. on Monday.

Agents claimed that the drugs contained in the sachet is worth some P8,000.

On the other hand, alias “Dionisio,” who was with the suspect, was also arrested in the operation.

The PDEA-11 office said four more sachets of suspected meth weighing around 23 grams, with an estimated street value of P156,400, were seized from the possession of the suspects. The marked money used by the poseur-buyer was also recovered by the operatives during the body search.

The suspects are now placed under the custody of the PDEA Regional Office 11 in Davao City.

The operation was done in coordination with the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU), and personnel of Sulop municipal police station. 

A village chief and his aide have been busted for drugs. 

Coronavirus Lockdown: Lost Classics, Computer-Assisted Instruction, and More!

More news about how the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines is being handled by the public and the government. 

The Asian Development Bank has issued a report on computer-assisted learning during the pandemic. 

https://www.bworldonline.com/economy/2025/12/08/717229/technical-snags-hindered-phl-efforts-to-roll-out-computer-assisted-instruction-during-pandemic/

THE Asian Development Bank (ADB) said computer-assisted instruction improved math but not English outcomes among students in remote Philippine locations during the pandemic.

The bank said the program was hindered by poor internet connectivity and the instability of operating systems in low-cost tablets.

In a working paper, the ADB, together with the Department of Education, said it conducted a 42-school randomized trial of computer-assisted instruction in remote areas.

“We find that the intervention increased student learning in mathematics, but not in English,” it said.

The tablets were the main source of instruction for 2.5 months before schools reopened, after which they served as a supplement to, rather than a replacement for, in-person instruction.

Filipino students were among the world’s weakest in math, reading and science, according to the 2022 Program for International Student Assessment. The Philippines ranked 77^th out of 81 countries and performed worse than the global average in all categories.

“During implementation, schools and teachers faced challenges. Schools lacked staff with the skills to administer the servers, as they had no dedicated IT personnel,” the ADB said.

The bank added that power outages affected connectivity, despite the installation of solar panels and batteries.

It also said the Wi-Fi networks struggled to provide connectivity to synchronize the digitized learning modules with the tablets, particularly when classroom instruction resumed as the networks had been designed to enable connectivity from outside the schools.

The ADB also noted that the tablets provided to students were “relatively low-cost” and experienced operating system crashes and instability, which prompted teachers to assign static PDF file handouts, rather than using the interactive materials available.

“When teachers used static PDFs… server logs indicate little use,” it added. 

It turns out Philippine schools lack the proper infrastructure to use tablets for learning. That is a big challenge for the nation which will certainly continue to leave Filipino students far behind their international peers who do have the proper infrastructure to use tablets and other computer systems. 

Philippines foreign investments have reverted to COVID-19 lockdown levels. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/12/10/foreign-direct-investments-sink-to-over-5-year-low-in-september-amid-flood-control-corruption-scandal

Largely due to a mix of onshore concerns stemming from the flood-control graft scandal, net inflows of brick-and-mortar foreign direct investments (FDI) in the Philippines dropped to $320 million in September—the lowest level since the $313.8 million recorded in April 2020, when the most stringent Covid-19 lockdowns were first imposed.

The latest preliminary data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Wednesday, Dec. 10, showed that September FDI inflows fell by over a quarter from $432 million in the same month last year.

Japan emerged as the primary source of FDIs during the month, with the manufacturing sector receiving the largest inflows.

Japan was likewise the top source of equity capital placements since January, followed by the United States (US) and Singapore.

“Industries that received most of these investments were manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, and real estate,” the BSP said.

As of end-September, net FDI inflows dropped 22.2 percent to $5.54 billion from $7.12 billion in the same period in 2024. It can be noted that year-to-date inflows were lower year-on-year since January.

Measured against the Philippines’ FDI target of $10 billion this year, the nine-month total now stands at 55.4 percent. This year’s target is higher than last year’s $9.44 billion in attracted investments.

FDI refers to cross-border investments where a nonresident investor owns at least 10 percent of the equity in a local enterprise and may take the form of equity capital, reinvested earnings, or intercompany borrowings.

FDI net inflows as of end-September, the BSP said, were equivalent to 1.6 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) during the period.

Private-sector economists believe the decline in FDIs could be attributed to both global and local developments.

Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) senior research fellow John Paolo Rivera argued that while global uncertainty is a contributing factor, a more serious drag stems from onshore developments “due to the corruption scandal that stalled government spending, weaker-than-expected GDP growth, and the resulting dip in investor confidence.”

“These created hesitation among foreign firms, especially those assessing long-term projects in manufacturing, infrastructure, and services,” Rivera said, adding that the wild swings of the peso, compounded by delays in project approvals, contributed another layer of cautiousness to sentiment.

SM Investments Corp. (SMIC) group economist Robert Dan Roces said the over-five-year-low FDIs could be attributed to investors’ cautiousness amid slower economic growth domestically and still-elevated global interest rates.

Growth slowed sharply to four percent in the third quarter of the year due to dampened business sentiment and tightened government spending. GDP expansion averaged five percent in the first three quarters of 2025, below the government’s 5.5- to 6.5-percent goal.

Jonathan Ravelas, senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong & Co., said the decline reflects “global uncertainty, high borrowing costs, and lingering policy gaps,” noting that a strong rebound in the last quarter is needed to hit the central bank’s target.

Looking ahead, Ravelas expects “modest inflows in manufacturing and real estate if confidence improves.” He also asserted that “now” is the appropriate time for businesses to “push clarity and competitiveness to attract capital.”

Roces believes inflows to the country remain “positive, but momentum will likely stay moderate until borrowing costs ease and reforms gain traction.”

Rivera said the drop implies that “investors are waiting for clearer governance signals, more stable policy execution, and stronger economic momentum before committing fresh capital.”

It's more proof that corruption is more destructive than a virus which caused economically crippling lockdowns.

During the pandemic one author wished she could read classics. However, libraries were closed. That's when she decided to start her own press.

https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/arts-and-culture/2025/12/10/2493016/filipino-author-brings-lost-classics-food-books-new-readers-collectors

At a time when most people would rather scroll through their phones than read an actual book, it’s surprising to find a local publishing house adamant on bringing lost classics back to the forefront. Mara Coson is the writer and visionary behind Exploding Galaxies who has made this her goal. 

A published author herself — her first novel “Aliasing” (Book Works, 2018) has a magic realism vibe and is situated in a town peopled with unique characters — Coson’s realized her mission during her stint as a part of the editorial staff of Rogue Magazine more than a decade ago. 

“We once did a story on weeklies like The Philippines Free Press and Mr. And Ms. That’s where I first encountered the stories of Greg Brillantes, Resil Mojares, Wilfrido Nolledo, and many other writers,” she told this writer in an email interview. 

Moved to locate these writers’ published works, she met with twin roadblocks: they were either hard to find in bookstores or she needed to arrange a visit to a library. “It was always a matter of going to libraries, or finding a rare copy, but during the pandemic, libraries were closed! That’s when I decided it was time to start a press focused on just that.”

In 2023, Exploding Galaxies published its first book, Nolledo’s “But for the Lovers” (1970) described as the author’s magnum opus that challenges the idea of liberation in World War II Manila. 

Important work

“I wanted to share Nolledo’s writing with more people because it’s such an important work of Philippine literature. It’s crazy to think that [the novel] had not had an edition people could really easily access in over 50 years,” Coson said.

This was followed by Linda Ty Casper’s “The Three-Cornered Sun” (1979) that tells the story of the Philippines on the brink of Revolution against Spain in 1896; and Erwin E. Castillo’s “The Firewalkers” (1992) that is set in Cavite in 1913 after the Philippine-American War.

“With the novels, I found readers who were also struggling to find these rare titles. I hope they’re no longer considered rare these days,” Coson quipped. 

Last month, Exploding Galaxies published two books containing essays on food and Philippine culture by Doreen G. Fernandez and Edilberto Alegre, “Sarap” (1988) and “Palayok” (2000). 

“With ‘Sarap’ and ‘Palayok,’ the interest seems far broader because people love connecting with and through food. We have been getting readers across different generations, people who were readers of Fernandez or Alegre’s newspaper columns, or who have been wanting a copy of ‘Sarap,’ or who knew them in some way. [There are also those] who love food and are discovering these two voices for the first time.”

The two books (sold on the Exploding Galaxies' website and at select National Book Stores and Fully Booked branches) can be purchased separately or as a set in a slipcover case. The second option clicked with collectors who have since added the books to their respective libraries. Exploding Galaxies’ managing editor Sam Marcelo told this writer that the slipcased books have since sold out online although there are plans to make them available again. 

It's another story of resilience during and after the pandemic. 

The transfer of funds from PhilHealth to the national treasury has been a scandal. Former Finance Secretary and now Executive Secretary Ralph Recto says some of those funds were used to pay healthcare allowances.

https://politiko.com.ph/2025/12/12/philhealth-fund-used-to-pay-healthcare-workers-allowances-during-covid-19-pandemic-recto/politiko-lokal/

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said that part of the P60 billion funds transferred from the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to the National Treasury was used to pay the allowances due to healthcare and non-healthcare workers who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an interview on Bilyonaryo News Channel’s On Point, award-winning broadcast journalist Pinky Webb asked Recto where the transferred fund was used.

“We wanted to have health to health lahat. Apparently, possibly hindi napunta hindi napunta heath to health. But a big portion of that was used to pay the public health emergency benefits and allowances for health care and non-healthcare workers during COVID-19,” he said.

“In fact, we paid more than, from programmed and unprogrammed, more than a P120 billion.

Ito yung mga pinangakuan natin to pay them during the pandemic na hindi nabayaran. So under our administration, we paid them from programmed and unprogrammed,” Recto added.

Asked for clarification, Recto said about P28 billion was used to pay the allowances.

Recto, who was the Finance secretary when the fund was transferred, explained that the responsibility of the Department of Finance was to look for funds and manage the deficit, and they had nothing to do with where it would be used.

“Our job is to raise the revenue, manage our debt…, determine the deficit target so revenue kami. Ang public works ang nagde-determine kung anong project ang ipa-fund. And it is the DBM who manages the expenditures,” he said.

Now, being the Executive Secretary, Recto said, “I have more visibility in all the departments, and my job now is to help clean the house, so to speak.”

“That’s why we changed the secretary of the DPWH. I am working closely with Sec. Vince [Dizon] to reform the system in DPWH. Same thing with the DBM, we have a new secretary, and we are all working together to improve government performance, maximize the department’s outputs, and monitor the performance of the departments. And to ensure that the departments follow the instructions of the President,” he added.

Too bad some people are still waiting on those allowances. 

Dog Cruelty Again

Generally speaking Filipinos love dogs and take care of them to the best of their ability. However, there are many outrages committed against dogs in the Philippines. From eating them to allowing them to run the streets, dogs have a hard time in the Philippines. Here are two recent stories of cruelty against dogs. 

In this first report a dog was beaten to death outside a public market by three men who chased him after he ate a gamefowl. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/969577/for-allegedly-killing-gamefowl-dog-beaten-to-death-outside-montalban-public-market/story/

Authorities are looking for three men who allegedly took turns in beating a dog until it died on the sidewalk of the Montalban Public Market in Rodriguez, Rizal earlier this month.

According to Vonne Aquino’s report on “24 Oras Weekend” on Sunday, CCTV footage taken on the morning of December 6 showed one of the men beating the dog with a piece of wood until it stopped moving.

The market’s employees and vendors said they had no idea as to the identity of the dog’s attackers. The dog reportedly killed a rooster used for cockfights.

"The dog allegedly killed a rooster used for cockfighting. So based on that scenario, it’s possible that they followed the dog here where the unfortunate incident happened,"  said Abdulbayan Intuan, the market inspector of the Montalban Public Market

He added that the three suspects were not vendors at the public market.

The dog’s remains eventually disappeared from the sidewalk as the remains were apparently taken away by unknown persons.

The authorities of Barangay San Jose are also investigating the act of cruelty that led to the dog’s death.

"We have also summoned the employees of the market so we can find out who did this," said Joel Patricio, head of the barangay’s monitoring department.

Meanwhile, the Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) reminded the public that it is illegal to hurt and maltreat animals like dogs even if the animal did something wrong.

"If you need to file a complaint before the barangay for damages, do that. Let us not take it out on the animal, let us not hurt or kill it," said lawyer Heidi Caguioa, AKF program director

The animal welfare group assured that it will help file charges of violating Republic Act 8485 or the 1998 Animal Welfare Act against the men who allegedly killed the dog.

GMA Integrated News attempted to search for the suspects but no one in the community knew their identities.

No one knows who the suspects are and no one tried to stop them from beating the dog to death. If no one knows who the suspects are then how do they know the reason they beat the dog to death was because it killed and ate a gamefowl? 

To add insult to injury the remains disappeared as they were taken away by unknown persons. Hopefully the dog was buried and not eaten. 

The second and final story is about a dog who had its tongue ripped out. At first it was labelled a case of animal cruelty but after investigation it turns out that is not the case. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/12/14/valenzuela-city-says-kobe-case-not-animal-cruelty-after-investigation

The Valenzuela City government has clarified that the incident involving a dog named Kobe in Barangay Balangkas does not constitute animal cruelty, following a thorough investigation by a joint task force.

Kobe had its tongue completely cut off on Tuesday, Dec. 9. 

Mayor Weslie “Wes” Gatchalian said the dog fight lasted for 19 seconds. 

"Five to six dogs were in a group. We saw that there was an altercation, one dog bit another dog. The bite was directly to the tongue,” he said in a press conference on Saturday, Dec. 13. 

Reports of an alleged animal cruelty case circulated online, causing fear in the community and drawing strong reactions from various animal welfare advocates. 

In response, the city government immediately formed a joint task force, dubbed “Task Force Kobe,” to conduct a comprehensive probe into the incident.

Based on the review of closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage and statements from eyewitnesses, authorities determined that the incident was the result of a dog-to-dog fight and was not caused by human intervention.

To support Kobe and the dog’s owner, the city government committed to providing medical assistance to the injured dog until his full recovery.

“From the Valenzuela City Government, we thank the cooperation of the dog owner, witness, animal welfare advocates, and concerned citizens to expedite the resolution of Kobe's case,” the city government said.

The local government also reminded the public to remain vigilant and discerning when consuming and sharing information online, and urged pet owners to continue complying with the Responsible Pet Ownership Ordinance No. 131, Series of 2014, to help ensure the safety and welfare of animals and the community.

Five to six dogs were in a group fighting? And one of them bit off the other dog's tongue! That is most certainly animal cruelty. It's called negligence. Allowing your dog to roam the neighborhood is not the mark of a careful loving owner. Nearly every house in the Philippines has a fence and the dogs must remain behind that fence where they are safe. There are laws about letting your dogs run wild. Sadly they are rarely if ever enforced. 

Insurgency: Safe Conduct Passes

The military claims to have "scored a major victory against the Islamic terror group Daulah Islamiyah" with the death of their leader during a clash. Fittingly enough this happened in the village of Satan. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2152492/islamic-terror-group-leader-slain-in-maguindanao-del-sur

The military believed they scored a major victory against the Islamic terror group Daulah Islamiyah (DI) when they announced the death of the group’s “amir” (leader or commander) in a clash with government troops in the village of Satan here at 5 a.m. on Sunday.

Ustadz Mohammad Usman Solaiman, identified as amir of the terror DI-Hassan Group, was the brother of Ustadz Kamaro Usman, a member of the DI-Hassan Group who was killed in a clash with government forces in Ampatuan town in March 2020; and a Commander Badi of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu, commander of the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade based in Ampatuan town, told the Inquirer on Monday.

According to Catu, Solaiman was known as the bomb maker of the DI-Hassan group and cousin of Basit Usman, the slain BIFF leader responsible for several attacks against government forces in Maguindanao del Sur.

Catu said Solaiman and Norodin Hassan, the amir for military affairs of DI-Hassan Group, were candidates to replace alias Abu Azim, the slain leader of the DI and BIFF alliance.

Solaiman’s group has been tagged in the series of bomb attacks against civilian targets, including the bombing of Rural Bus in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte, on April 24, 2022; the bombings of Yellow Bus units in Tacurong City in Sultan Kuradat province and Koronadal City in South Cotabato on May 26, 2022; and the bombing of Yellow Bus unit on Nov. 6, 2022, in Tacurong City’s bus terminal.

The same group was also responsible for the bombing of a Husky double deck bus at the bus terminal of Isulan town in South Cotabato on April 17, 2023; the ambush of 40th Infantry Battalion Army troopers in Barangay Tuayan, Datu Hofer, Maguindanao del Sur; and the robbery-slay of three goat vendors from Batangas discovered buried in a shallow grave in Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao del Sur, in June this year.

Catu lauded the civilians brave enough to report Solaiman’s location to government forces.

“The civilian information helped our troops in locating the terrorist group in the village of Satan, Shariff Aguak,” Catu said.

Solaiman’s companions managed to escape during the skirmishes, the military said.

“We urge the remnants of DI and BIFF to avail of the government’s offer of peace,” said Maj. Gen. Vladimir Cagara, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, the mother unit of the 601st Infantry Battalion.

That still leaves "Norodin Hassan, the amir for military affairs of DI-Hassan Group" which means the DI is not leaderless. They are also allied with the BIFF. 

The Army claims more IS men will be surrendering after the death of Solaiman. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2153068/army-sees-more-is-men-to-surrender-after-death-of-leader

The Army command in Central Mindanao is expecting to see more local affiliates of the Islamic State (IS) terror network to surrender following the killing of Daulah Islamiyah (DI)-Hassan Group leader Ustadz Mohammad Usman Solaiman on Sunday.

Lt. Col. Ronald Suscano, spokesperson for the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said they were expecting that the fall of Solaiman, who led the group since 2022, would further tighten the screw against the remaining band of terrorists in the region.

“Their world has become smaller. And now, they are without a leader,” Suscano said in an interview with dwDD, a radio station run by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The Army, he added, hopes to wrap up its pursuit of the group before year-end.

Suscano said Solaiman was not accompanied by a group of armed followers when soldiers of the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade pursued him in Satan village in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur.

“That was an indication that the group was already losing adherents through earlier surrenders, and that they were on their own, dependent on their respective families to hide them from authorities,” he said.

Suscano added that Solaiman’s whereabouts were pieced from information shared by his followers who had surrendered to authorities.

He said that Solaiman, known as “Baby Bungos” and “Kikay,” had the option to surrender but he missed this chance, hence the launch of the military operation.

The Army bases the dissolution of the DI on the fact that "Solaiman was not accompanied by a group of armed followers" when he was pursued. There could be any number of reasons he was alone. In fact the PNP is on alert for any possible retaliation for his death. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1264833

Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., ordered all units in the central and western parts of Mindanao to be on alert for possible retaliatory attacks following the killing of a high-ranking leader and bomb expert of the terrorist group Dawlah Islamiyah–Hassan Group (DI-HG).

In a statement on Tuesday, Nartatez said the police are working closely with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“Our personnel on the ground maintain high level of alert and continuously strengthen defensive positions to deter any possible retaliatory attack while also ensuring the safety and security of the civilian population in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” said Nartatez. 

The military identified the suspected terrorist as Ustadz Mohammad Usman Solaiman, the pinpointed amir of DI-HG killed during an operation on Sunday in Barangay Satan, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur. 

Solaiman was believed to be an expert bomb maker. His group was allegedly behind a series of bomb attacks targeting bus units across Mindanao.

Nartatez appealed to the public to remain vigilant. 

“I urge the public to remain calm and immediately inform authorities if you have information about these lawless elements or other local terror groups,” he said.

That means there are followers of the DI remain and there are enough of them to launch a retaliatory attack. The statements from the PNP and the Army appear to contradict one another. 

The AFP says 1.928 NPA rebels and supporters have been neutralized between January 1st and December 4th, 2025. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1264830

Close to 2,000 New People's Army (NPA) rebels and their sympathizers have been neutralized since the start of the year until Dec. 4, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported on Tuesday.

Of the 1,928 total number of neutralized communist rebels and supporters, 1,729 have surrendered to authorities, 93 were arrested and 106 were killed in combat operations, the military said.

The AFP also said 1,042 firearms and 446 anti-personnel mines were either seized or surrendered, and 142 rebel encampments were captured.

In a statement, the AFP said these numbers reflect the growing loss of support of the NPA and its allies.

"Our focused military operations combined with community engagements and whole-of-nation efforts continue to dismantle armed groups and continue to secure communities," it said.

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) earlier said NPA strength across the country has been reduced to only 780 from as high as 25,000 in the 1980s.

Under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s peace agenda, former communist insurgents can avail of the national government’s socio-economic projects, as well as its amnesty program to address their legal concerns, enabling them to complete their transformative journey and successfully return to mainstream society.

In 2023, Marcos issued Proclamation 404, granting amnesty to former members of the NPA, as well as of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front, who have committed crimes punishable under the Revised Penal Code and Special Penal laws in furtherance of their political beliefs, among other offenses.

Again there is no breakdown of the number of rebels vs the number of supporters. That makes this number bloated and meaningless.

In Northern Samar ex-rebels have been given safe conduct passes so they can apply for amnesty. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1264792

Nine former rebels in Northern Samar and six others in Leyte have been issued safe conduct passes (SCPs), signaling continued progress in the government’s Amnesty Program aimed at promoting peaceful reintegration and reducing local armed conflict.

In Northern Samar, the National Amnesty Commission (NAC), through the Local Amnesty Board (LAB)–Catbalogan, released SCPs to nine beneficiaries during a ceremony held Monday at the headquarters of the Philippine Army's (PA) 19th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Opong, Catubig town.

The activity, conducted in partnership with the PA’s 803rd Infantry Brigade and the Northern Samar Provincial Police Office, formed part of intensified efforts to support former members of communist terrorist groups who are returning to mainstream society.

To date, 69 former rebels supervised by the 19th IB have filed for amnesty. Of these, 23 have already been issued SCPs, including the nine new recipients. Fourteen more applicants are expected to receive their passes in the coming days.

Lt. Col. Ricky James Rosalejos, commander of the 19th IB, welcomed the beneficiaries and emphasized the role of the amnesty program in strengthening peace and stability in the province.

“The issuance, done in close coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), demonstrated the government’s continuing commitment to a transparent and humane reintegration process,” Rosalejos said in an interview.

LAB–Catbalogan peace program officer Jazmine Odyssa Lutao and legal officer Gelyn Diaz-Omanito assisted in the processing of applications ahead of the program’s March 2026 deadline.

In Leyte, the LAB–Tacloban issued SCPs to six applicants during a Dec. 4, 2025 activity in Tacloban City.

LAB–Tacloban acknowledged the support of city police chief Col. Noelito Getigan for ensuring a smooth and orderly evaluation, as well as Bhea Janine Gozo, peace program officer and LAB–Tacloban secretary, for coordinating documentation and assisting applicants throughout the process.

LAB–Tacloban also expressed gratitude to all partners and applicants for their cooperation in the government’s ongoing peacebuilding and reintegration initiatives.

SCPs are documents that grant temporary protection from arrest, detention, or prosecution for covered offenses, allowing them safe passage and freedom to complete their amnesty applications and reintegrate into society.

These ex-rebels have been operating without them for so long one wonders why they need them? Is it merely symbolic and performative?

Two ranking NPA leaders have surrendered once more disproving the AFP's lie that the NPA is leaderless. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1264911

Two remaining leaders of the New People’s Army - North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NPA-NCMRC) surrendered to troopers of the Philippine Army’s 402nd Infantry Brigade (402Bde) in Agusan del Norte on Monday.

In a statement on Wednesday, the 402Bde identified the surrenderers as Ariel Galario Domino, the second deputy secretary of NCMRC, and Lorena Tomania Palda, the committee’s medic.

The 402Bde viewed the duo’s surrender as a major setback for the NCMRC’s weakening guerrilla network amid ongoing military operations in the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Misamis Oriental, and Bukidnon.

“As a ranking personality, Domino was reportedly involved in critical decision-making and operational planning within the NCMRC’s Sub-Regional Committee 1,” said Brig. Gen. Adolfo Espuelas Jr., the 402Bde commander.

He added that Palda is also responsible for providing combat medical support and training to NPA fighters under the committee.

“Their surrender was the result of the relentless operational pressure, combined with effective coordination with local government units, former rebels, and community organizations,” Espuelas said.

Of course this is "a major setback for the NCMRC’s weakening guerrilla network." Every time a leader of the NPA surrenders its a major blow or a major set back. And yet the NPA keeps trucking on. 

The NTF-ELCAC has dared the 780 remaining NPA rebels to condemn their own actions. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1264903

A ranking official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Wednesday dared the remaining New People's Army (NPA) members to condemn the killings perpetuated by the group.

"If you truly believe in human rights, then denounce the killings your movement ordered," NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. said in a statement marking International Human Rights Day.

He said the challenge also goes to the leaders of the NPA, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the National Democratic Front (NDF), their front organizations, and "ideological apologists."

"Condemn the executions your doctrine justified. Admit the unspeakable suffering your so-called revolution inflicted on the very people it claimed to liberate," Torres said.

The NTF-ELCAC official issued the challenge after noting that the CPP-NPA-NDF still refuses to confront "the darkest truth of its legacy," which resulted in the execution of thousands of Filipinos, including farmers, students, Indigenous People, activists, and even their own members.

Torres was alluding to the CPP-NPA's previous internal campaigns Oplan Zombie, Kampanyang Ahos, and Kadena de Amor, where thousands suspected of being government spies were killed.

He noted that the victims of the executions and their families deserve justice, stressing that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but also the "presence of justice, dignity, and respect for every Filipino life."

"As a nation, we must remain vigilant. The peace we enjoy today – felt in once conflict-stricken sitios, in classrooms finally safe for children, in barangays where commerce now hums – is a peace that must be sustained, protected, and deepened," he said.

Torres also called on the public and civil society groups to condemn the normalization of "NPA-style executions."

"We call on all sectors – academe, youth, civil society, faith groups, LGUs, and media – to reject the normalization of NPA-style executions and ideological violence. Defend human rights with truth, not propaganda," he said in a separate statement.

He added that human rights cannot be selective and invoked only when convenient or weaponized to shield perpetrators.

"The NPA's documented killings – including recent 'spy-tagging' executions – are not mere statistics; they represent shattered families and communities terrorized into silence," he said.

Torres earlier said NPA strength across the country has been reduced to only 780 from as high as 25,000 in the 1980s.

Now, Torres knows that is not going to happen. The NPA will find a way to justify their killings. Every communist rebels from Russia to China to Cuba has done the same. But it makes Torres and the NTF-ELCAC look like they have the moral high ground. Will he answer the COA's claim that the NTF-ELCAC has underutilized its budget thus undermining efforts to end the insurgency?

Vehicular Homicide Is NOT A Crime in the Philippines

I have written about this subject many times on this blog. While the Philippines does have laws on the books, they ultimaltey do not matter. They are not always enforced. If you commit vehicular homicide because you did not see the people you hit, well as long as you settle with the family you can get away scot free.

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/658257/mandaue-hit-and-run-victims-family-suspect-settle-amicably

The families of both the suspect and the victims in a recent hit-and-run incident in Mandaue City have reached an amicable settlement, the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) said. 

MCPO Spokesperson Police Lieutenant Colonel Mercy Villaro, confirmed that both parties met at the Traffic Enforcement Unit office on Friday afternoon, Sept. 19, accompanied by a legal counsel, and agreed to settle the matter privately. 

“Naa ang both parties ug abogado sa ilang aggreement. Nagkasettle ra sila,” said Villaro. 

The incident occurred at around 3:55 a.m. on Thursday, September 18, along M.C. Briones Street in Mandaue City. The Mandaue hit-and-run victims were identified as Leonie Longos, 37, and his wife, Rosal Longos, 39, residents of Barangay Tipolo. 

Leonie was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician, while Rosal sustained serious injuries and was referred to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City. 

According to the Mandaue City Public Affairs Office, Rosal is a city-paid Clean and Green personnel assigned to clean streets early in the morning. Leonie was merely accompanying his wife at the time of the accident. 

The suspect, a 21-year-old college student from Consolacion, surrendered to authorities around 12:30 p.m. on the same day. His mother first went to the police station alone at around 6:00 a.m. and later returned with her son. 

Villaro said the suspect, who was driving a pick-up, claimed he did not see the couple due to poor lighting in the area. Out of fear, he fled the scene after the accident. 

Because a settlement was reached, police will no longer pursue charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and physical injury against the suspect in the Mandaue hit-and-run. 

“The decision to file charges depends on the family. Since they have opted not to pursue a case, we will not proceed with filing,” Villaro said. However, she added that in cases where there are no next of kin, the police would be the ones to file charges. 

Meanwhile, the City Social Welfare and Services (CSWS) is conducting a three-to-four-day assessment to determine what assistance can be provided to the victim’s family.

Isn't that lovely? “The decision to file charges depends on the family." Nice legal system. Now, that miscarriage of justice could be chalked up to the parties being private persons. This next one cannot. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/12/01/passenger-bus-rams-bizman-dead-injures-senior-high-student

A 50-year-old businessman died and an 18-year-old senior high school student was injured after a Ceres Liner bus struck them in Barangay Galicia, Ilog, Negros Occidental on Sunday night, Nov. 30.

Police Major Randy Babor, Ilog police chief, said the bus was traveling from Kabankalan City proper, Negros Occidental to Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental, when it sideswiped the student, who was riding his bike home.

The bus also allegedly hit the businessman as he crossed the road from a nearby rice mill.

Victims sustained head injuries and were taken to a hospital, where the businessman was pronounced dead. The student is currently recovering.

Babor noted that the driver may not have seen the biker and had too little time to avoid the businessman due to their proximity.

He said that all parties have reached an initial settlement, resulting in the release of the 56-year-old bus driver, identified as Ram from police custody.

A bus driver killed a pedestrian and injured a cyclist. Yet, no charges will be field because all parties reached a settlement. That means no investigation into the matter. Perhaps the driver was on drugs as some are wont to be. Perhaps there are other factors including gross negligence due to the bus not being properly maintained. We will never know because “The decision to file charges depends on the family."

But let's see what the law says about vehicular homicide.

https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1957/ra_1790_1957.html

"Art. 365. Imprudence and negligence.— Any person who, by reckless imprudence, shall commit any act which, had it been intentional, would constitute a grave felony, shall suffer the penalty of arresto mayor in its maximum period to prision correccional in its medium period; if it would have constituted a less grave felony, the penalty of arresto mayor in its minimum and medium periods shall be imposed; if it would have constituted a light felony, the penalty of arresto menor in its maximum periodical shall be imposed.

"Any person who, by simple imprudence or negligence, shall commit an act which would otherwise constitute a grave felony, shall suffer the penalty of arresto mayor in its medium and maximum periods; if it would have constituted a less serious felony, the penalty of arresto mayor in its minimum period shall be imposed.

"When the execution of the act covered by this article shall have only resulted in damage to the property of another, the offender shall be punished by a fine ranging from an amount equal to the value of said damages to three times such value, but which shall in no case be less than twenty-five pesos.

"A fine not exceeding two-hundred pesos and censure shall be imposed upon any person who, by simple imprudence or negligence, shall cause some wrong which, if done maliciously, would have constituted a light felony.

"In the imposition of these penalties, the courts shall exercise their sound discretion, without regard to the rules prescribed in article sixty-four.

"The provisions contained in this article shall not be applicable:

"1. When the penalty provided for the offense is equal to or lower than those provided in the first two paragraphs of this article, in which case the courts shall impose the penalty next lower in degree than that which should be imposed in the period which they may deem proper to apply.

"2. When, by imprudence or negligence and with violations of the Automobile Law, the death of a person shall be caused, in which case the defendant shall be punished by prision correccional in its medium and maximum periods.

"Reckless imprudence consists in voluntarily, but without malice, doing or failing to do an act from which material damage results by reason of inexcusable lack of precaution on the part of the person performing or failing to perform such act, taking into consideration his employment or occupation, degree of intelligence, physical condition and other circumstances regarding persons, time and place.

"Simple imprudence consists in the lack of precaution displayed in those cases in which the damage impending to be caused is not immediate nor the danger clearly manifest.

"The penalty next higher in degree to those provided for in this article shall be imposed upon the offender who fails to lend on the spot to the injured parties such help as may be in his hands to give."

There is nothing in this law which renders it moot if the perpetrator and the victim come to an agreement. No law has such a clause rendering it moot if an agreement is reached with the perpetrator. The problem is that acts committed under this article are quasi-offenses. 

1. Quasi-Offense
   Under Philippine law, criminal negligence (or imprudence) is not treated as a separate crime for each specific result (homicide, serious physical injuries, damage to property, etc.). Instead, it is a “quasi-offense” under Article 365, which means it is characterized by the absence of intent to commit so grave a wrong but by the presence of negligence, carelessness, or lack of foresight on the part of the accused.

https://www.respicio.ph/commentaries/article-365-reckless-imprudence-resulting-in-homicide-in-the-philippines

Within Philippine jurisprudence that means the case can be settled. However, amicably settling civil liabilities does not extinguish criminal liabilities. 

6. Civil Liability and Settlement

Aside from the criminal aspect, reckless imprudence resulting in homicide also gives rise to civil liability. The victim’s heirs can claim damages, including:

• Actual or Compensatory Damages: Funeral expenses, medical bills (if the victim survived for some time before death), and other quantifiable expenses. 
• Moral Damages: Compensation for emotional suffering of the victim’s family. 
• Exemplary Damages: If the act was particularly wanton or reckless.

In many cases, an out-of-court settlement or amicable settlement is explored to address the civil aspect. Though it does not automatically extinguish criminal liability, it may influence the prosecution’s position or serve as a basis for a more lenient penalty (since it demonstrates good faith and willingness to rectify the harm caused).

https://www.respicio.ph/commentaries/defense-strategies-for-reckless-imprudence-resulting-in-homicide-charges

To not enforce the law is a grave injustice not just to the victim but to society at large. Now there is a a bad driver back on the roads in Mandaue. It is past time for the Philippine government to enforce the laws.