mga ibinalita ni terencius

RPPe House leaders condemn Harry Roque’s defiance: ‘Flight is an indication of guilt’

TWO House leaders on Tuesday censured fugitive former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque for declaring that he would not surrender to the Quad Committee probing Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), illegal drugs, and extra-judicial killings (EJKs), both saying that “flight is an indication of guilt.”

Sta. Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez and Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, leaders of Quad Comm, hit Roque for not being man enough to appear before the Quad Comm, which cited him in contempt for failing to heed summons and refusing to submit subpoenaed documents related to his alleged involvement in POGOs.

Earlier, Fernandez and Barbers lauded the Philippine National Police (PNP) for joining the intensified manhunt against Roque, who was declared a fugitive after being cited in contempt by the House of Representatives.

Both House leaders emphasized that Roque’s refusal to cooperate with the House's investigation casts serious doubt on his innocence.

“Flight is often an indication of guilt,” said Fernandez, who also chairs the House Committee on Public Order and Safety.

“If Mr. Roque had nothing to hide, he would face the committee and submit the necessary documents. His refusal to comply only raises suspicions among lawmakers,” he added.

Roque, a lawyer by profession, was subpoenaed by the Quad Comm to submit documents, including his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), concerning allegations of undisclosed ties to illegal POGO operations.

The committee had been investigating the role of former officials in enabling or profiting from the illegal activities of offshore gaming operators.

"The House of Representatives is not acting arbitrarily. We are simply seeking the truth. Mr. Roque is responsible for clearing his name if he believes these allegations are baseless. Dodging the inquiry only raises more questions," Fernandez said.

Barbers, chair of the Committee on Dangerous Drugs and designated head of the Quad Comm echoed Fernandez's sentiments.

“If he truly believes in transparency and accountability, he should willingly face the Quad Committee and clear his name. Refusing to submit subpoenaed documents and avoiding the committee’s summons only deepens the shadow of doubt hanging over him,” he added.

For Fernandez, this behavior speaks volumes about the seriousness of the allegations against Roque.

“There’s an old saying – if you have nothing to hide, you hide nothing,” Fernandez said.

“His actions are telling. If he had no involvement with illegal POGO activities, he should have nothing to fear from cooperating with the committee,” he added.

Barbers reiterated the importance of complying with the rule of law, especially for public figures and those in positions of influence.

“Roque should set an example, not avoid accountability. If he continues to resist, it will only reinforce the public’s perception that he is guilty of the allegations,” Barbers stated.

He also emphasized that evading legal processes is detrimental not just to Roque’s credibility but also to the justice system's integrity.

"We are all subject to the rule of law. No one is above it, and no one can hide from it. Those who evade accountability are not serving the interests of justice, but their self-interest,” Barbers said.

Both lawmakers expressed their determination to continue the Quad Committee’s investigation, asserting that any attempt to undermine the process would be met with firm action.

They reiterated their call for Roque to comply with the legal procedures and respect the House's authority.

"At the end of the day, the truth will come out. The Quad Comm’s investigation will proceed with or without Mr. Roque’s cooperation," Fernandez declared.

"We urge him to do the right thing and face the committee – running from this will only damage his reputation further."

Bukidnon 2nd District Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores moved to cite Roque in contempt and order his detention, invoking Section 11(d) of the House Rules of Procedure Governing Inquiries in Aid of Legislation, which addresses refusal to comply with a subpoena and failure to submit required documents. The committee unanimously approved the motion.

Acting on a motion by Batangas 2nd District Rep. Greville "Jinky Bitrics" Luistro, the Quad Committee also denied Roque’s plea to quash the subpoena requiring him to submit various documents, including business records, tax returns, and SALNs, which he had previously committed to providing during the August 22 hearing.

This is the second time the Quad Committee has penalized Roque. During the August 22 hearing, he was cited in contempt for lying about his absence from the August 16 session in Porac, Pampanga. At that time, he received only a 24-hour detention and a stern warning that future "contemptible" behavior would lead to much harsher penalties.

Having missed the last three hearings, Roque was likewise issued a subpoena compelling him to appear and testify before the committee at its next scheduled hearing.

The committee and Luistro consider the documents required from Roque crucial to the investigation into his alleged ties to illegal POGOs.

“It is the humble submission of this representation that the Quad Committee has established overwhelming circumstantial evidence showing the connection of Atty. Harry Roque to Lucky South 99, a POGO operation,” Luistro said during Thursday’s hearing.

Lucky South 99 is an illegal POGO firm in Porac, Pampanga, raided last June, where authorities uncovered evidence of human trafficking, torture, scam farms, prostitution, a porn hub, and various other illegal activities.

Roque denied involvement with POGOs, but Luistro pointed out the stark contrast between his modest government salary and the sudden surge in his assets, including shares in Biancham Holdings, a family-owned company.

Luistro argued that Roque's inability to explain the sources of his wealth would further bolster the evidence of his potential involvement in POGO operations.

She also noted that the investigation could pave the way for legislative reforms, possibly revisiting laws such as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, the Anti-Money Laundering Act, Corporation Law, and even the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability for Lawyers.

The committee has requested several documents from Roque, including the deed of sale for land in Multinational Village, Parañaque; documents on the transfer of Biancham shareholdings; the extra-judicial settlement of his aunt’s estate; SALNs from 2016 to 2022; and his 2018 income tax return.

During one of the previous hearings, Luistro questioned Roque’s business activities and financial records, pointing to significant inconsistencies between his declared assets and those of Biancham Holdings.

Roque’s assets reportedly surged during the POGO boom under the administration of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, which raised further suspicions.

He claimed the increase in his assets came from selling a family property in Parañaque City, but lawmakers remained skeptical.

Roque also denied being the lawyer for Lucky South 99, stating his client was Whirlwind, a POGO service provider. However, documents presented to the committee suggested he had dealings with both companies. (END)

————————-

RPPe Abante slams Roque for hiding: ‘Flight means guilt’

“Flight is an indication of guilt,” declared Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr., chairman of the House Committee on Human Rights, in response to former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s continued refusal to cooperate with a congressional investigation into his alleged involvement with illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).

Roque was ordered arrested and detained by the House Quad Committee after being cited in contempt for failing to submit subpoenaed documents crucial to the investigation, including his tax records and Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth.

Instead of complying, Roque has gone into hiding and vowed not to surrender.

“The law applies to everyone. Roque’s actions are not about standing up for his rights—they are about avoiding accountability. He is not above the law,” stressed Abante, one of the co-chairs of the Quad Committee.

Roque, in a statement, claimed that Congress had overstepped its authority and vowed to challenge his contempt citation in court.

But Abante dismissed the claims of Roque and pointed out that "Congress has the authority to investigate, and his defiance only fuels suspicion that he is trying to conceal evidence that can incriminate him.”

"Kasi kung wala namang issues sa documents na pinapasubmit sa kanya, bakit hindi sya mag comply? Kung talagang wala siyang kasalanan, bakit siya nagtatago?"

Abante noted that Roque had been given multiple opportunities to present his side and clear his name before the committee.

“Instead of cooperating, he has chosen to evade, delay, and now openly defy the lawful orders of Congress,” Abante said.

The lawmaker explained that "ang ginagawa namin dito ay pagtupad sa aming tungkulin na bigyang hustisya ang taumbayan at itaguyod ang batas. Walang sinuman ang maaaring umiwas o sumuway sa proseso ng Kongreso, lalo na sa mga isyung may kaugnayan sa ilegal na aktibidad.”

In the course of its hearings, the Quad Committee uncovered evidence linking Roque to Lucky South 99, an illegal POGO in Porac, Pampanga, which was raided last June, and where authorities unearthed evidence of illegal activities such as human trafficking, torture, scam farms, prostitution, and pornography.

The Philippine National Police has now joined the manhunt for Roque, who remains at large after an arrest order was served at his Makati office.

Abante made it clear the investigation would proceed, regardless of Roque’s cowardly attempts to evade justice—acts that are unacceptable given his former positions in government.

“Roque’s refusal to cooperate with the House shows that, one, he is afraid of what we may uncover; and two, that he believes that the law does not apply to him. This is unbecoming of a former cabinet member and a former member of Congress,” Abante said. (END)

———————-

RPPe House appropriations leaders call for swift passage of P6.352-T 2025 budget; highlight impact on Filipino needs, national progress

LEADERS of the House Committee on Appropriations on Monday formally endorsed the proposed P6.352-trillion national budget for 2025 to the plenary, kicking off crucial debates on the government's fiscal priorities for the coming year.

Committee Chair Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and Senior Vice Chair Marikina City 2nd District Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo rallied their colleagues to prioritize the swift passage of House Bill (HB) No. 10800, or the General Appropriations Bill (GAB), following six weeks of intense budget hearings that shaped the proposed 2025 national budget.

In his sponsorship speech, Co underscored the budget’s importance as an exercise of Congress’ "power of the purse," highlighting its critical role in addressing the needs of the Filipino people and driving the nation’s development.

"Bilang kinatawan ng taumbayan, tungkulin nating tiyakin na ang yaman ng pamahalaan ay nakatalaga nang wasto, patas, at mahusay. Tinutupad natin ang sinumpaang tungkulin na mapaglingkuran ang sambayanan,” he said.

Co emphasized that all public funds must be utilized in accordance with the law to ensure transparency and accountability in government spending.

"Walang pera ang maaaring gastusin mula sa kaban ng bayan nang labag sa batas, kaya’t mahalaga ang pagpasa ng [GAB],” he pointed out.

Co said the proposed budget ensures the funding of public programs and projects, guaranteeing the delivery of essential services while supporting economic and social growth.

“Pinopondohan nito ang mga pampublikong programa at proyekto. Tinitiyak ang epektibong paghahatid ng mahahalagang serbisyo. At itinataguyod ang pag-unlad ng pambansang ekonomiya at lipunan,” he said.

Key focus areas in the budget include human and social development, job creation, and improving the country’s infrastructure and governance.

Education, as the top priority, is allocated P977.6 billion to ensure accessible, quality education for all Filipinos. Public works and highways are set to receive P900 billion, while the health sector will be allocated P297.6 billion to improve healthcare services nationwide. Human and social development programs will receive P2.120 trillion, representing 33.38% of the budget.

The 2025 GAB also supports President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s “legacy projects,” which focus on specialty hospitals, food security, and housing for the poor.

"Nakasentro ang atensyon ng pamahalaan na tiyaking may maayos tayong mga ospital para alagaan ang mga Pilipino, may sapat tayong pagkain, at may disenteng tirahan,” Co noted.

For her part, Quimbo emphasized that the national budget is not just a collection of numbers—it is a comprehensive plan to address the challenges faced by Filipino families every day.

“I stand before you today, not just as a public servant, but as a fellow Filipino, fully aware of the daily challenges our people face—the high cost of basic needs, especially rice and electricity, to unforeseen events such as illness, death, and job loss that can easily push a family into poverty,” Quimbo said.

Quimbo described the budget as a “book of solutions” designed to uplift the lives of Filipinos by addressing these critical issues.

In addition to education and healthcare, Quimbo stressed the significance of the P211.3 billion allocation for the agriculture sector, aimed at ensuring food security by supporting farmers and ensuring sufficient, affordable food for all Filipinos.

She also highlighted the P253.378 billion earmarked for social assistance programs under “ayuda,” which are designed to support families in crisis.

Quimbo pointed to the positive economic growth the country has achieved, noting a 6.3% GDP growth in the first half of 2024, driven by sound fiscal management.

She further cited the 3.3% inflation rate in August, significantly lower than last year’s figures, and the declining unemployment rate, which dropped to 4.7%, with more Filipinos securing higher-quality jobs.

According to Quimbo, the 2025 GAB is designed to continue the country’s growth trajectory while ensuring that the benefits reach the most vulnerable sectors of society.

“Narito tayo ngayon hindi para magturuan, kundi para tiyakin na ang badyet na ating tatalakayin ay magsisilbing gabay tungo sa mas maliwanag na kinabukasan,” Quimbo said. “Isang badyet na magbibigay ng tiwala sa bawat Pilipino na ang pamahalaan ay tapat na naglilingkod para sa kanilang kapakanan.”

She concluded, “Ang badyet na ito ay hindi lang mga numero—ito ay plano para matiyak na bawat piso ay magagamit nang tama at mararamdaman ng bawat Pilipino, lalo na ng mga pinaka-nangangailangan. Sama-sama nating isusulong ang badyet na magbibigay ng pag-asa at progreso.” (END)

———————-

RPPe Speaker Romualdez: House to hold public officials fully accountable in use of public funds

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez delivered a stern warning to public officials on Monday, declaring that the House of Representatives will not tolerate hypocrisy, evasion, or the misuse of public funds.

In a forceful statement at the opening of plenary deliberations on the proposed P6.352-trillion national budget for 2025, Speaker Romualdez signaled that the House would take a zero-tolerance approach toward those who undermine accountability while conveniently ignoring their own malfeasance.

He told his colleagues that “we cannot ignore the reality that there are those who seek to undermine our work - critics who speak of accountability while conveniently ignoring their own misuse of public funds.”

“To these individuals, I say, let us be clear: this chamber will not tolerate hypocrisy, nor will it stand idle in the face of such blatant disregard for public trust,” he said.

“Hindi maaaring magturo ng daliri ang may sariling kasalanan. Sa harap ng Kongreso, lahat ay dadaan sa tamang proseso, at walang makakatakas sa pananagutan,” he said, underscoring that the House will demand full transparency from all.

Speaker Romualdez emphasized that the House has long upheld the principles of transparency and accountability, ensuring that every government expenditure is scrutinized with precision and aligned with national priorities. He reinforced that public funds must be used solely for the benefit of the people, not for personal enrichment.

“Ang pera ng bayan ay hindi para sa pansariling pakinabang ng iilan. Tungkulin natin na tiyakin na bawat piso ay ginagamit para sa kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan,” Speaker Romualdez stressed.

The Speaker assured the public that the House would remain uncompromising in its defense of good governance, fiscal responsibility, and the protection of taxpayers’ money. He made it clear that no individual or special interest would be given undue favor or consideration.

“This House answers to no one but the people. We will stand firm against pressure or influence, and we will guard every peso as if it were our own. The eyes of the nation are on us, and we will not fail them,” Speaker Romualdez said.

“Walang makakalusot sa ating pagsusuri. Tayo ang boses at mata ng taumbayan, at sa kanilang pangalan, tayo ang magbabantay laban sa pag-abuso at korapsiyon,” he added, reiterating the House’s commitment to its role as the people’s watchdog.

Speaker Romualdez commended his colleagues for their “diligence and commitment to defending public coffers,” telling them that their priority “is the Filipino people, ensuring that public funds are responsibly allocation, well spent and protected from abuse.”

“As legislators, we are not only guardians of the national purse, but also stewards of the people’s trust. Every peso we allocate in this budget carries with it the sweat and sacrifice of millions of Filipinos, and it is our duty to ensure that these resources are spent wisely, effectively and with absolute accountability,” he said.

He said the budget policy “is designed to achieve fiscal discipline, while addressing the urgent needs of our people.”

“It reflects the aspirations of the nation and serves as a roadmap toward stability, progress and shared prosperity,” he said.

As the House opens plenary debates on the 2025 budget, Speaker Romualdez urged House members to “work with confidence and urgency,” since they have a duty to pass the proposed budget “swiftly, and to do so with integrity, ensuring that the nation’s goals are met and that every Filipino benefits from the fruits of our labor.”

“Patuloy nating itaguyod ang responsableng pamamahala sa pondo ng bayan, palakasin ang ating ekonomiya, at itaguyod ang kaunlaran ng bawat Pilipino tungo są isang Bagong Pilipinas,” he said.

“Together, we will deliver a budget that serves the best interest of the people, fulfills the goals of the eight-point socioeconomic agenda and contributes to the realization of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028,” Speaker Romualdez said. (END)

————————

RPPe House starts plenary debates on P6.352-trillion 2025 budget tomorrow; Speaker Romualdez says outlay to support PBBM’s Agenda for Prosperity programs

THE House of Representatives will start plenary debates on the proposed P6.352-trillion 2025 national budget this Monday.

On the eve of the deliberations, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said the outlay would support the Agenda for Prosperity and Bagong Pilipinas programs of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.

“It will be our instrument in directly helping the poor through various social protection, financial aid and medical programs, and in keeping food prices down, particularly the price of rice which has fallen to P42 a kilo,” Speaker Romualdez said.

The leader of the 300-plus-strong House said through the budget, “we hope to help our farmers and fisherfolk increase their harvest, which in turn will mean adequate food supply and lower prices for the benefit of all Filipinos.”

Speaker Romualdez stressed that the proposed spending program “will also serve as our roadmap for expanding infrastructure and supporting education by funding the building of more road networks and classrooms, especially in underserved communities.”

“It will be our tool for sustaining our country’s economic growth, which we hope to keep at six percent or higher in line with the forecasts of international lending institutions,” he added.

Speaker Romualdez thanked House Committee on Appropriations chairman and Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co and senior vice chairperson and Marikina City Rep. Stella Quimbo of Marikina City for finishing its hearings and endorsing the budget on time.

Under its budget deliberation schedule, the House is devoting eight days for plenary debates, which start at 10 in the morning and will last until the agenda for the day is finished.

It is scheduled to pass the proposed budget on third and final reading on September 25, after tackling funding for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Office of the President, and Congress.

The turno en contra (remarks against the spending proposal) and period of amendments are also scheduled for that day.

Tomorrow’s deliberations kick off with a sponsorship speech by Co, followed by debates on general principles and the budgets of the Department of Finance, Department of Justice and National Economic and Development Authority, including their attached agencies, the judiciary, and lump sums.

On deck on Tuesday are the Office of the Ombudsman, Commission on Human Rights, including Human Rights Violations’ Memorial Commission, and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Tourism, and Development of Labor and Employment, and their attached agencies.

Wednesday will see the House tackling the budgets of the Commission on Elections, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Trade and Industry, and several executive offices and state colleges and universities.

On Thursday, the House will tackle the budgets of the Department of National Defense, Department of Migrant Workers, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and their attached agencies, and budgetary support to a number of government corporations.

On Friday, it will be the turn Presidential Communications Office, Department of Science and Technology, Metro Manila Development Authority, and more executive offices and government corporations to defend their funding.

Between Sept. 23 and 25, the budgets of the remaining departments and agencies, and executive offices will be discussed.

These include the departments of agriculture, health, energy, education, social welfare and development, and transportation, Civil Service Commission and Commission on Audit.

Quimbo will take turns in sponsoring the defending the agency budgets.

The recommended reduced funding for the controversial Office of the Vice President (OVP) will be tackled on September 23. (END)

————————-

RPPe More lawmakers believe Duterte, Sara, Bato can be held liable for harboring fugitive Quiboloy

THREE more lawmakers have expressed belief that former president Duterte, his daughter Vice President Sara Duterte, and Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, and others could be held liable for allegedly coddling and obstructing the arrest of then fugitive pastor Apollo Quiboloy.

1Rider Partylist Rep. Rodge Gutierrez, House Deputy Majority Leader Jude Acidre, and House Assistant Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V said the triumvirate were allegedly instrumental in hiding the evangelist-leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ for several months from authorities.

“The way that we see it, if indeed it is true that they have prior knowledge on his whereabouts, and then they intentionally hid him, there will be criminal liabilities for that,” Gutierrez, a member of the Bar, told newsmen specifically mentioning harboring a fugitive and obstruction of justice.

“Whether or not they are liable, we leave it to the Department of Justice to properly seek if there is indeed probable cause, and the proper cases would be filed,” he explained further.

Acidre advised that government focus on the most important aspect of the case. “As far as we are concerned, we should not forget that this issue is not about the perpetrator. It’s about the victims. “

“It’s about the people who were trafficked, those minors who were sent abroad and who were forced to marry to those who committed the crime. If pastor Quiboloy is liable, then it is up to the court to decide so that we can say that finally, justice can prevail,” Acidre said.

Ortega, for his part, was wondering if KOJC members can also be held accountable for their role.

“Were they defending (Quiboloy) or were they just conducting the public hearing? It is because they conducted a public hearing, that is my immediate question. Were they adopted members of KOJC? So, were they representing or were they adopted members?” Ortega asked.

Last week, Reps. Joel Chua of Manila’s third district and Raul Angelo “Jil” Bongalon of Ako Bicol party-list hinted Duterte can be sued for harboring a fugitive and for obstruction of justice, on the basis that he feigned innocence on the preacher’s specific whereabouts.

“Duterte, serving as the administrator of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound where Quiboloy was apprehended, cannot simply distance himself from this troubling situation,” remarked Chua, chairman of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability.

“His (Duterte’s) role within the KOJC compound places him at the center of this unfolding scandal, and the public deserves clear answers about his involvement,” Chua added, noting that Quiboloy’s own TV network Sonshine Media Network International designated Duterte as “caretaker.”

“The former president can – I think - fit in the definition of an accomplice,” Bongalon pointed out.

The Bicolano legislator also said that as a lawyer, Duterte should know whereof he speaks. “Being a lawyer also means being an officer of the court. Simply put, he should not be one who should be instrumental in the violation of the country’s laws.”

“It can even be a basis for a petition for disbarment, more so if it can be proven that he did this deliberately – it means not to serve the ends of justice, which is obviously an infraction of the law,” Bongalon said. “Remember, he – for all intents and purposes – was a former president.”

He hinted that Duterte’s daughter, VP Sara, along with their good friend Senator dela Rosa, can also be investigated, and even charged, for obstruction of justice for trying to divert policemen’s attention in serving Quiboloy’s warrant.

“As far as I’m concerned, the same principle applies to both of them. If the former president – who used to be the chief implementor of the country’s laws – can be charged for helping Quiboloy hide, then so should his daughter and the former PNP chief who is now a senator,” he explained.

“Let us remember that the VP herself declared that the good pastor has already left the country. And now with Quiboloy’s arrest, what does that make of her? Did she or did she not protect him and obstruct the administration of justice by diverting police’s attention?” Bongalon asked. (END)

————————

RPPe Sen. Bong Go’s role in Garma’s PCSO appointment exposed in Quad Comm probe

SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go played a significant role in the transition of controversial former Police Col. Royina Garma from a career in law enforcement to becoming the General Manager of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) during the time of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

This came to light during the fifth hearing of the House Quad Committee, which is investigating alleged extrajudicial killings tied to the Duterte administration’s brutal war on drugs and its connections to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), and drug trade.

During her interpellation, House Assistant Majority Leader and Taguig City 2nd District Rep. Pammy Zamora questioned Garma about the process of her application to the PCSO, uncovering the key role played by Go, who was then the Special Assistant to the President.

“I submitted my application... to now Sen. Bong Go,” Garma told Zamora. “I wrote a letter addressed to the President applying for the position.”

Zamora probed further into Garma’s relationship with Go, asking if the former police colonel knew him personally.

“Lahat po ng police sa Davao kilala si Sen. Bong Go…Wala pong police na hindi nakakakilala sa kanya, lalo na po officers,” Garma replied.

Her response highlighted the deep familiarity law enforcement officials in Davao had with Go, largely due to his close association with Duterte.

Garma shared that after submitting her application to Go, she was informed that the former President would review it.

Zamora then remarked, "Babasahin ni President, and obviously nabasa niya kasi ikaw ang napiling General Manager, tama po ba?" Garma confirmed this with a yes.

She also confirmed that former President Duterte personally gave her instructions during her time as PCSO General Manager.

Garma was implicated by at least four Quad Committee resource persons as the individual who allegedly relayed instructions from former President Duterte to execute three suspected Chinese drug lords inside the Davao Prison and Penal Farm in 2016, at the onset of the previous administration’s bloody drug war.

The killings of the Chinese prisoners, as corroborated by several witnesses, are cited as evidence of the widespread extrajudicial killings linked to the controversial anti-drug campaign.

It wasn't the first time Go's name came up during the Quad Committee hearing. In a previous hearing, Lt. Col. Jovie Espenido, known as a "poster boy" of Duterte's drug war, revealed that cash rewards for cops who killed drug suspects allegedly came from POGOs and government intelligence funds.

Espenido admitted that officers benefited from a reward and quota system during Duterte’s administration, with a P20,000 reward "per kill."

He claimed the funds were allegedly funneled "downward from the level of Bong Go" and sourced from POGOs, government intelligence, and small-town lottery or "jueteng" operators.

During Thursday’s Quad Committee hearing, lawmakers took turns questioning Garma about her “closeness” to former President Duterte, pointing out the key positions she held in the police force before her appointment as PCSO General Manager.

Garma—who previously served as Davao City Police Chief, Regional Chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Region VII, and Cebu City Police Chief—was seen by lawmakers as having benefited from her close ties with Duterte, which they suggested played a role in her career advancement.

At one point, Garma admitted that she could directly visit former President Duterte in Malacañang by coordinating through Go.

Antipolo 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop, a former police general, grilled Garma and other police officials on who among the Philippine National Police (PNP) had the closest ties to Duterte.

While National Police Commission Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo and Police Brig. Gen. Noel Sandoval—both Garma’s peers in Davao—cited former PNP chief and now-Senator Ronald dela Rosa as the person closest to Duterte, Acop challenged this assertion.

“I believe otherwise, Colonel. You know why? Narinig ko na minsan ‘yong sinabi ni Bato (dela Rosa), meron pang isang opisyal na mas malapit sa tenga ni former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” Acop remarked, hinting at Garma’s closer connection to the former president.

Acop confronted Garma directly about reports that she bypassed her superiors to gain direct access to Duterte through Go.

“Madam Garma, you have always denied na close ka sa Presidente. Pero there had been reports na ikaw, nakaka-deretso do’n sa Malacañang basta dumaan ka kay Senator Bong Go. Would that be correct?” Acop asked.

“Yes, your Honor,” Garma admitted, confirming her close ties to Duterte through Go.

The Quad Committee later decided to cite Garma in contempt for repeatedly evading questions from lawmakers and providing unclear answers during the hearing, particularly on her closeness with Duterte.

On a motion by Abang Lingkod Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano, chair of the House Committee on Public Accounts, the Quad Committee cited Garma in contempt under Section 11(c) of the House Rules of Procedure Governing Inquiries in Aid of Legislation.

The joint panel, following a motion by 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez, then ordered Garma’s detention at the House facility until the investigation is concluded.

Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, chair of the Committee on Dangerous Drugs and overall head of the Quad Committee, clarified that Garma could be released from detention if she decides to cooperate in the probe.

“If she changes her mind and she suddenly cooperates, then the committee will be more than willing to accommodate her motion for reconsideration,” Barbers said. (END)

———————-

RPPe DepEd’s unused P2.08-B Disaster Fund during VP Duterte’s stint as secretary puts students’ lives in danger

THE failure of the Department of Education (DepEd) to utilize P2.08 billion or more than one-half of its 2023 Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) funds amounts to criminal negligence as it exposes young Filipino learners and public school personnel at risk, House Assistant Majority Leaders Paolo Ortega and Jay Khonghun said Sunday.

Under the agency’s 2023 budget during the administration of Vice President Sara Duterte, Congress allocated P2.14 billion for Disaster Preparedness and Response Program (DPRP) and P2 billion for Quick Response Fund (QRF) or a total of P4.14 billion.

The said amount was in addition to P2.24 billion DRRM Funds still unused from prior years at the beginning of 2023.

Despite the availability of these huge amounts, Ortega and Khonghun said the DepEd failed to ensure that proper facilities and equipment are in place in government schools to mitigate the impact of disasters and reduce risks to the health and lives of students, teachers, and school support staff.

“In Mindanao, there are hundreds of learners in public elementary schools who had no choice but to attend classes in school buildings that were already weakened and rendered unsafe by a recent Magnitude 6 earthquake. Millions in taxpayers money was already spent on Temporary Learning Spaces (TLS) but these were not put to good use,” Ortega said.

The COA report said in Region 11, under the Schools Division Office (SDO) of the Island Garden City of Samal, cracks were found in classrooms and school buildings that were still being used. The report identified the Libertad, Guilon and Cogon elementary schools.

In San Jose National High School still in the same SDO, the TLS could not be used because the electricity was not transferred so that despite the present hazard, students went back to using the old building.

“The students cannot use the newly-built TLS because the equipment being used for their classes were not moved. Teachers were understandably worried the televisions, projectors and other equipment would be lost. These are basic stuff that should have been anticipated and properly addressed,” said Khonghun.

The DepEd Department Order No. 024 s. 2021 states that TLS were built to minimize interruptions of classes in the event of disasters or emergencies while providing safe learning facilities.

Auditors warned that poor planning and improper handling of funds to complete the TLS have left the students little option but to use classrooms that are already unsafe and “may result in additional casualties if another high-magnitude earthquake occurs.”

Out of the P2,138,322,997.59, the DepEd Central Office transferred P2 billion to various regional offices while it retained the balance of more than P138 million.

According to the 2023 report on DepEd released by the Commission on Audit (CoA), DepEd regional offices in Central Luzon (RO 3), Eastern Visayas (RO 8), and Caraga (RO 13) reported unutilized amounts from the DRRM Funds.

Likewise, DepEd RO 8 failed to comply with the required distribution of DRRM fund of 70 percent for disaster preparedness and 30 percent for QRF.

“The problem is the Central Office was too slow in submitting the guidelines on the authority and approval of the downloaded funds. This creates the impression that no proper monitoring was undertaken to safeguard the DTTM Funds,” said Ortega.

This weak management by the DepEd under Duterte caused deterioration in fiscal discipline down the line as auditors found numerous irregularities in the utilization of disaster funds.

Among the documented anomalies were improper spending of DRRM for travel, accommodation, and seminars by SDO officials, shoddy workmanship on school buildings and support facilities, program of work on school structures were ignored, and falsified reports on work accomplishments and progress billings.

“The sheer absence of concern regarding the welfare of our young learners hints at an appalling level of incompetence by the person in charge. That so much resources were either unused or misused is simply disgraceful, but the fact that it is the public school students who were victimized is nothing short of criminal,”

Khonghun said. (END)

———————

RPPe Lawmakers tell Sen. Villanueva: Respect interchamber boundaries on OVP budget issue

TWO lawmakers on Sunday told Sen. Joel Villanueva to respect interparliamentary boundaries and not interfere in matters that are solely within the discretion of the House of Representatives, such as the chamber slashing by almost P1.3 billion the 2025 budget of the Office of the Vice President (OVP).

Deputy Majority Leader Jude Acidre and Assistant Majority Leader Jil Bongalon both issued statements censuring Villanueva for publicly attacking the decision of the House Committee on Appropriations to reduce to P733 million the budget of Vice President Sara Duterte for failure to address lawmakers’ concerns.

Acidre underscored the need for maintaining proper focus during the ongoing budget debates, saying Villanueva should just “concentrate on fortifying his arguments on the Senate floor, where the real discussions on the national budget will take place.”

“Rather than casting aspersions on the House for fulfilling its sworn duty, Sen. Villanueva should just allow us to craft the budget on our own terms and in the way we see fit. Darating din naman ito sa Senado so pwedeng doon niya ipahayag ang kanyang mga saloobin,” Acidre said.

“Kasi pag ngayon siya magsasalita laban sa desisyon ng House, baka maparatangan pa siya na ‘di niya kayang depensahan ang kanyang posisyon sa mga kapwa niya senador. Pangit po tingnan and we ask our dear senator to refrain from making statements to the media,” Acidre added.

Acidre noted that budget deliberations are central to the responsibilities of both chambers of Congress, stressing that the House has always exercised diligence in scrutinizing every aspect of the budget.

“It’s ironic that Sen. Villanueva criticizes the House for its handling of the OVP budget while failing to acknowledge that the Senate is also reviewing the same budget, including sensitive items,” Acidre added.

Villanueva recently criticized the House of Representatives for cutting the OVP’s proposed budget for 2025 from over P2 billion to just P733 million, raising concerns about the implications of the move, suggesting that the OVP should be shielded from political motivations.

However, House members have responded strongly, defending their actions as part of their constitutional mandate to review and adjust budget allocations to ensure accountability and proper use of public funds.

Bongalon, meanwhile, highlighted the violation of inter-parliamentary courtesy that Villanueva’s public comments represent.

"Senator Villanueva's remarks about the House’s treatment of the OVP budget blatantly disregard the long-standing tradition of inter-parliamentary courtesy. Each chamber has its autonomy, and we expect the Senator to respect the House's jurisdiction in the same way that we respect the Senate’s role," Bongalon asserted.

He also emphasized the importance of maintaining decorum in inter-chamber relations, noting that Villanueva's frustrations should be addressed within his own chamber.

“Instead of questioning the competence of the House, perhaps Sen. Villanueva should direct his concerns toward his fellow senators in their upcoming deliberations. Could it be that he anticipates difficulty defending his stance against more experienced and well-versed senators?” Bongalon questioned.

Both lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the integrity of the budget process, ensuring transparency, and holding all government agencies accountable, including the OVP. (END)