RPPe Speaker Romualdez warns agricultural cartels: Tough prison terms for smugglers, price manipulators

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Friday issued a stern warning to agricultural cartels, vowing that those involved in price manipulation and the smuggling of essential goods—acts considered economic sabotage—will face not only massive fines but will also be thrown behind bars.

"Economic sabotage is a crime of the highest order. The law demands life imprisonment for large-scale agricultural smuggling, and we will make sure those responsible face the full force of justice. These cartels are not just committing fraud; they are endangering our food security and destroying the livelihoods of our farmers," Speaker Romualdez declared.

This warning comes after the recent identification of 12 key members of an onion cartel in the Philippines, now facing a staggering P2.4 billion in fines as an offshoot of a House of Representatives investigation initiated by Speaker Romualdez.

According to the Enforcement Office of the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC),

it had filed charges and recommended penalties amounting to P2.42 billion against 12 onion traders and importers for allegedly operating as a cartel since 2019.

Named respondents by PCC were Philippine Vieva Group of Companies Inc., Tian Long Corp., La Reina Fresh Vegetables and Young Indoor Plants Inc., Yom Trading Corp., Vegetable Importers, Exporters and Vendors Association of the Philippines, and Golden Shine International Freight Forwarders Corp.

PCC said the individual respondents are Vieva vice president and Golden Shine president Lilia Cruz; Vieva board member, Golden Shine corporate executive officer and Tian Long corporate secretary Eric Pabilona; Vieva board member, La Reina president and Yom Trading chair and president Renato Francisco Jr.

These cartel members were found to have orchestrated large-scale smuggling and hoarding operations, which artificially inflated

onion prices to record highs, squeezing consumers and devastating local farmers.

Speaker Romualdez made it clear that hefty fines are only the start, with criminal charges and long-term imprisonment guaranteed for these offenders.

“The imposition of P2.4 billion in fines is just the opening salvo. Smugglers and price manipulators will face not just financial repercussions, but serious jail time. We will not tolerate the sabotage of our economy and the exploitation of Filipino families,” he declared. 

The leader of the 300-plus-strong legislative chamber pointed to Republic Act No. 10845, or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016, which classifies large-scale smuggling as economic sabotage—a non-bailable offense carrying life imprisonment, alongside asset forfeitures and hefty fines. 

The Speaker assured that the investigation would lead not only to fines but also to full prosecution.

“The P2.4 billion in fines is just the start. The law is clear—those who manipulate agricultural prices will face long prison terms. Smuggling, hoarding, and price manipulation will receive the toughest penalties,” he stressed.

Speaker Romualdez assured the public that the House will maintain its aggressive stance against agricultural cartels, in close collaboration with agencies like the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Customs, to prevent a recurrence of these illegal activities.

“We are fully committed to wiping out these cartels,” the Speaker pointed out. “This is not just about onions—this is about safeguarding our food supply and ensuring that every Filipino has access to affordable agricultural products. Today, we struck a blow against one cartel, but this is only the beginning.”

The House chief also pushed for stronger legislative reforms to ensure that the penalties for agricultural smuggling are even more severe. 

“We will strengthen the laws, ensuring that those who sabotage our economy with price manipulation and smuggling face longer jail terms and harsher penalties. The days of leniency are over,” he declared.

The crackdown on the onion cartel comes after months of soaring prices caused by artificial scarcity through hoarding and manipulation. 

The P2.4 billion fine levied on the cartel members is a significant step in the government’s broader campaign against agricultural smuggling, but Speaker Romualdez made it clear that the consequences for those responsible would extend beyond financial penalties.

“The House will not stop until these cartels are dismantled and those responsible for hurting our farmers and consumers are behind bars. This is a fight we will win—for the farmers, for the consumers, and for the entire Filipino nation,” the Speaker concluded. (END)

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RPPe Speaker Romualdez seeks governors’ help in fighting poverty, other problems

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez met with 34 provincial governors on Thursday night to enlist their help in a whole-of-government approach to fight poverty and other problems the nation and their communities are facing.

The meeting was also attended by former Congressman Anton Lagdameo, who is special assistant to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., giving the governors the opportunity to discuss their concerns with him.

Several House members were also present in what was described as a multi-party coalition meeting led by Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, of which Speaker Romualdez is president.

Other political parties represented included Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, Nationalist People’s Coalition, Nacionalista Party, and National Unity Party.

During the meeting, Speaker Romualdez underscored the importance of cooperation between the national government and local government units to achieve meaningful progress in confronting poverty and other issues.

“The problems we face - poverty, lack of infrastructure, health and education disparities - require the collective will and resources of the entire government. I am calling on all of you, our provincial governors, to be our partners in this whole-of-government approach,” he said.

The leader of the 300-plus-strong House said President Marcos is targeting to reduce the poverty rate to single digit by the end of his six-year term in 2028.

“Let us help our beloved President to attain that goal, which means getting millions of Filipinos out of poverty,” he added.

He pointed out that governors and local officials can help in substantially reducing poverty by assisting the national government in keeping food prices down and improving agricultural productivity, and in efficiently delivering services to their communities.

Speaker Romualdez also expressed his intention to build stronger ties with local leaders and vowed to keep the lines of communication open.

“This event is just the beginning. I am inspired to reach out to more governors moving forward, and I want to assure you that my office in the House of Representatives will always be open to any governor who wishes to discuss solutions for their provinces,” he said.

For his part, Lagdameo echoed the call for cooperation, acknowledging the essential role of provincial governors in ensuring that national programs are successfully implemented on the ground.

The provincial governors expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to raise local concerns directly with Speaker Romualdez and Secretary Lagdameo.

The House leader concluded the meeting by reiterating his commitment to legislative support that will benefit the provinces and ensure that no Filipino is left behind.

The governors who attended the meeting are Ben Evardone (Eastern Samar), Sharee Ann Tan  (Samar), Victor Yu (Zamboanga del Sur), Alexander Pimentel (Surigao del Sur), Santi Cane (Agusan del Sur), Yvonne Cagas (Davao del Sur), Emmylou Mendoza (Cotabato), Bai Mariam Mangudadatu (Maguindanao Sur), Edwin Ongchuan (Northern Samar), Ysmael Sali (Tawi-Tawi);

Reynaldo Tamayo (South Cotabato), Dakila Cua (Quirino), Ramon Guico III (Pangasinan), Malou Cayco (Batanes), Jerry Singson (Ilocos Sur), Elias Bulut (Apayao), Enrique Garcia (Bataan), Jun Ebdane (Zambales), Melchor Diclas (Benguet), James Edubba (Kalinga), Jerry Dalipog (Ifugao), Bonifacio Lacwasan (Mountain Province);

Juanito Victor Remulla (Cavite), Jose Riano (Romblon), Ricarte Padilla (Camarines Norte), Nina Ynares (Rizal), Presbitero Velasco Jr. (Marinduque), Joseph Cua (Catanduanes), Eduardo Gadiano (Occidental Mindoro), JC Rahman Nava (Guimaras), Arthur Defensor Jr. (Iloilo), Jake Villa (Siquijor), Xavier Jesus Romualdo (Camiguin), and Imelda Dimaporo of Lanao del Norte. (END)

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RPPe Speaker Romualdez warns agricultural cartels: Tough prison terms for smugglers, price manipulators

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Friday issued a stern warning to agricultural cartels, vowing that those involved in price manipulation and the smuggling of essential goods—acts considered economic sabotage—will face not only massive fines but will also be thrown behind bars.

"Economic sabotage is a crime of the highest order. The law demands life imprisonment for large-scale agricultural smuggling, and we will make sure those responsible face the full force of justice. These cartels are not just committing fraud; they are endangering our food security and destroying the livelihoods of our farmers," Speaker Romualdez declared.

This warning comes after the recent identification of 12 key members of an onion cartel in the Philippines, now facing a staggering P2.4 billion in fines as an offshoot of a House of Representatives investigation initiated by Speaker Romualdez.

According to the Enforcement Office of the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC),

it had filed charges and recommended penalties amounting to P2.42 billion against 12 onion traders and importers for allegedly operating as a cartel since 2019.

Named respondents by PCC were Philippine Vieva Group of Companies Inc., Tian Long Corp., La Reina Fresh Vegetables and Young Indoor Plants Inc., Yom Trading Corp., Vegetable Importers, Exporters and Vendors Association of the Philippines, and Golden Shine International Freight Forwarders Corp.

PCC said the individual respondents are Vieva vice president and Golden Shine president Lilia Cruz; Vieva board member, Golden Shine corporate executive officer and Tian Long corporate secretary Eric Pabilona; Vieva board member, La Reina president and Yom Trading chair and president Renato Francisco Jr.

These cartel members were found to have orchestrated large-scale smuggling and hoarding operations, which artificially inflated

onion prices to record highs, squeezing consumers and devastating local farmers.

Speaker Romualdez made it clear that hefty fines are only the start, with criminal charges and long-term imprisonment guaranteed for these offenders.

“The imposition of P2.4 billion in fines is just the opening salvo. Smugglers and price manipulators will face not just financial repercussions, but serious jail time. We will not tolerate the sabotage of our economy and the exploitation of Filipino families,” he declared. 

The leader of the 300-plus-strong legislative chamber pointed to Republic Act No. 10845, or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016, which classifies large-scale smuggling as economic sabotage—a non-bailable offense carrying life imprisonment, alongside asset forfeitures and hefty fines. 

The Speaker assured that the investigation would lead not only to fines but also to full prosecution.

“The P2.4 billion in fines is just the start. The law is clear—those who manipulate agricultural prices will face long prison terms. Smuggling, hoarding, and price manipulation will receive the toughest penalties,” he stressed.

Speaker Romualdez assured the public that the House will maintain its aggressive stance against agricultural cartels, in close collaboration with agencies like the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Customs, to prevent a recurrence of these illegal activities.

“We are fully committed to wiping out these cartels,” the Speaker pointed out. “This is not just about onions—this is about safeguarding our food supply and ensuring that every Filipino has access to affordable agricultural products. Today, we struck a blow against one cartel, but this is only the beginning.”

The House chief also pushed for stronger legislative reforms to ensure that the penalties for agricultural smuggling are even more severe. 

“We will strengthen the laws, ensuring that those who sabotage our economy with price manipulation and smuggling face longer jail terms and harsher penalties. The days of leniency are over,” he declared.

The crackdown on the onion cartel comes after months of soaring prices caused by artificial scarcity through hoarding and manipulation. 

The P2.4 billion fine levied on the cartel members is a significant step in the government’s broader campaign against agricultural smuggling, but Speaker Romualdez made it clear that the consequences for those responsible would extend beyond financial penalties.

“The House will not stop until these cartels are dismantled and those responsible for hurting our farmers and consumers are behind bars. This is a fight we will win—for the farmers, for the consumers, and for the entire Filipino nation,” the Speaker concluded. (END)R

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RPPe 203 House members troop to Davao City to witness BPSF in action

If sessions were held in Davao City last September the House of Representatives would have more than a quorum.

To witness the flow of government services and financial assistance at the grassroots level, a total of 203 lawmakers joined the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) in Davao City Thursday marking yet another successful service caravan in terms of the attendance of government officials.

The House of Representatives contingent to the Davao City BPSF is led by House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, with Tinggog Reps. Yedda K. Romualdez and Jude A. Acidre,  DUMPER PTDA Rep. Claudine Diana D. Bautista-Lim, PBA Rep. Margarita “Migs” Nograles, and MARINO Rep. Sandro L. Gonzalez taking point as co-organizers of the event.

“Ating ikinagagalak ang patuloy na pagtangkilik ng mga mambabatas sa ating BPSF. This is especially timely since we are now in the budget season and every House member here sees the importance of allocating funds for government services and financial assistance programs,” Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said.

"Ngayon, hindi na tayo mahihirapang kumbinsihin ang ating mga kasama sa Kongreso kasi nakikita naman nila ng personal kung paanong nakakatulong sa ating mga kababayan ang bawat pisong inilalaan natin sa ating social amelioration programs tulad ng AICS, AKAP, TUPAD at iba pa,” the leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives added.

Davao City is the 23rd stop of the BPSF, and the service caravan was locally spearheaded by Sec. Leo Tereso Magno, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chief.

So far, in the one-year history of the BPSF, the one in Tacloban was by far the largest in terms of the attendance of House members, as it reached a total of 242 representatives, 12 governors, three vice governors, nine mayors, and 16 officials from the Executive Department.

For the Davao City BPSF, the guests include Sen. Bong Revilla, Guimaras Gov. JC Rahman A. Nava, Cotabato Gov. Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza, Misamis Oriental Gov. Peter M. Unabia and Zamboanga del Sur Gov. Victor J. Yu.

Among the House leaders present are Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales, Deputy Speakers Yasser Alonto Balindong, David “Jayjay” Suarez, Raymond Democrito Mendoza, Roberto Puno, Kristine Singson-Meehan, Duke Frasco, Tonypet Albano, and Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe.

“Nanggaling pa sa iba’t ibang panig ng Pilipinas ang mga mambabatas na pumunta sa Davao City at nagpakita ng suporta sa BPSF, mula sa Luzon, Visayas at Mindanao. At nakita ng ating mga kababayan ang unity ng mga opisyal ng gobyerno sa Ehekutibo at Lehislatura. Ito ang esensya ng Bagong Pilipinas,” Speaker Romualdez said.

A total of P1.2 billion worth of government services and financial aid was rolled out to 250,000 beneficiaries during the BPSF in Davao City. (END)

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RPPe PBBM’s BPSF delivers a whopping P1.2 billion in govt services, cash aid to 250,000 Davaoeños

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) has traveled to the heart of the Davao region and rolled out a whopping P1.2 billion in government services and financial aid to 250,000 beneficiaries Thursday until Friday in Davao City.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, the main proponent of the BPSF, said the service caravan in Davao was in partnership with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and carried the theme, “MindaNOW: Serbisyo Para sa Mindanao.”

“Nagbalik tayong muli dito para ipabatid ang mensahe ni Pangulong Marcos na mahalaga ang mga taga-Mindanao sa Bagong Pilipinas. No one is left behind. Iyan ang nais ipabatid ng ating mahal na Pangulo sa lahat ng nabisita ng BPSF sa ating bansa,” Speaker Romualdez said.

Speaker Romualdez represented President Marcos during the opening of the Davao City BPSF, which was held at the University of Southeastern Philippines.

“At dahil sa pagkakaisa ng mga opisyal at kawani ng pamahalaan, kasama ang mga miyembro ng Kongreso, muli tayong nakapaghatid ng serbisyo’t tulong sa mga taga-Davao. Isusulong natin ang Bagong Pilipinas na ang lahat ng programa ng gobyerno, nadadama ng bawat Pilipino,” the leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives added.

The BPSF in Davao City is the 23rd installment of the service caravan and was locally spearheaded by MinDA Sec. Leo Tereso Magno, in coordination with Tinggog Reps. Yedda K. Romualdez and Jude A. Acidre, DUMPER PTDA Rep. Claudine Diana D. Bautista-Lim, PBA Rep. Margarita “Migs” Nograles, and MARINO Rep. Sandro L. Gonzalez.

The program aims to cover all 82 provinces nationwide, bringing with it the advocacy of a “Mabilis, Maayos, Maginhawa at Masayang Serbisyo Publiko.” 

This was the 3rd BPSF in the Davao Region, with the first being in Monkayo, Davao de Oro during the nationwide launch last September 2023 and in Tagum City, Davao del Norte last June 2024.

According to House Deputy Secretary General Sofonias “Ponyong” P. Gabonada, Jr., an official of the BPSF, P1.2 billion was spent for government services and financial assistance to 250,000 beneficiaries, with 38 participating agencies rolling out 57 programs. P1 billion of this amount was in the form of cash aid to indigent citizens.

He said a whopping 150,000 beneficiaries benefited from DSWD’s Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), while 50,000 citizens received cash aid under DOLE’s Tulong Pang-hanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program. 

True to his nickname, Mr. Rice, Speaker Romualdez bared that almost half a million kilos of rice was distributed to various beneficiaries within the two days of the BPSF in Davao City.

“Marami tayong dapat ipagpasalamat at ipagdiwang. Nakaisang taon na ang BPSF at bilyun-bilyon na ang naipamigay ng administrasyong Marcos sa 2.5 milyong pamilyang Pilipino. Madami pa tayong aabutin sa mga susunod na araw at buwan, susuyurin natin ang lahat ng 82 na lalawigan,” Speaker Romualdez said.

The BPSF is now the embodiment of a convergence mechanism for a whole-of-government and a whole-of-nation approach to nation-building and reigniting national pride, a testament to President Marcos’ vision of ensuring that in the Bagong Pilipinas, no Filipino is left behind. (END)

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RPPe Over P1.2B worth of programs, services, aid in store for Mindanaoans as PBBM’s service caravan visits Davao City

Over P1.2 billion worth of government programs, services, and assistance packages are in store for residents of Davao City and nearby areas in Mindanao, practically right at their doorstep, with the staging of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF), the premier service caravan of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. 

This developed as the BPSF returns to the Davao region for the third time, this time in the City of Davao on April 5 and 6, with 38 participating agencies offering 57 programs and services, including P1 billion in cash assistance programs and over 250,000 beneficiaries expected to be served. 

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez will represent President Marcos, Jr. at the launch of the Davao City BPSF on Friday. At least 190 lawmakers from the House of Representatives are expected to join the Speaker during the event.

Staged through the partnership between the BPSF National Secretariat and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), the Davao City leg of the BPSF is dubbed “MindaNOW: Serbisyo Para sa Mindanao.”

“Nakikita namin na very important and critical partner ang MinDA dahil sila ang makaka-guide sa amin kung saan namin ina-navigate itong Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair sa far as Mindanao is concerned,” said Sofonias Gabonada, Jr., Lead, BPSF National Secretariat and House Deputy Secretary General in a joint press briefing with MinDA Secretary Leo Magno Wednesday afternoon.  

The Davao City BPSF is also made possible through close coordination with Rep. Claudine Diana D. Bautista-Lim of DUMPER PTDA Partylist, Rep. Atty. Margarita B. Nograles of PBA Partylist, Rep. Sandro L. Gonzalez of MARINO Partylist, and Reps. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez and Jude A. Acidre of TINGOG Partylist.

Sec. Magno expressed gratitude to President Marcos, Jr., Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, the lawmakers, participating government agencies, and all those who helped in bringing the BPSF to Davao City. 

“We would like to extend our thanks to the City Government of Davao for providing us with security and traffic management assistance,” added  DSG Gabonada, noting that a representative of the city government was present in every meeting of BPSF and MinDA regarding the service caravan rollout. 

As a component of the service caravan, the Department of Social Welfare and Development will be conducting continuous payouts under the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) for beneficiaries across the city of Davao in the coming weeks. 

Moreover, the Department of Labor and Employment will also be conducting continuous payouts to beneficiaries under the Tulong Pang-hanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD)Program. 

Likewise, in the next two days, almost half a million kilos of rice will be distributed to various beneficiaries across all events.

The Davao City BPSF is the 23rd iteration of the service caravan in the country. The first in the Davao region was staged in Monkayo, Davao de Oro during the nationwide launch last September 2023, followed by the one in Tagum City, Davao del Norte last June 2024. (END)

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RPPe VP Sara told: Own up to COA findings, stop dodging accountability

TWO House leaders on Wednesday demanded that Vice President Sara Duterte address the damning Commission on Audit (COA) findings from her tenure at the Department of Education (DepEd), rather than diverting attention with baseless accusations.

House Assistant Majority Leader and Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Jil Bongalon, one of the leaders of Young Guns, said that public service requires transparency and accountability, especially when faced with clear evidence of underperformance.

“The COA report paints an alarming picture of DepEd’s failures under Vice President Duterte’s leadership. Completing only 192 out of 6,379 target classrooms is not just a minor oversight—it’s a gross neglect of duty,” Bongalon, a lawyer, pointed out.

He condemned the Vice President for playing the blame game and pointing fingers at an alleged "Makabayan-Romualdez-Marcos alliance" instead of addressing the failures at DepEd under her watch.

“This is not about politics; it’s about the future of our children and the efficient use of public funds,” Bongalon stressed.

He further noted that while Duterte may have resigned from DepEd in July, she cannot simply walk away from the consequences of her leadership.

“These problems are now left to her successor, Secretary Sonny Angara, who is expected to clean up the mess she left behind,” Bongalon said. 

He added: “The COA findings are a call to action, not an opportunity for diversion. We need answers, and more importantly, we need solutions."

House Deputy Majority Leader and Tingog Partylist Rep. Jude Acidre echoed these concerns, pressing the Vice President to confront the issues head-on.

“The COA’s findings on the minimal completion of Last Mile Schools and the inefficient use of the Basic Education Facilities Fund are not just numbers on a page—they represent broken promises to our most vulnerable students,” he said.

Acidre continued, “Vice President Duterte's attempt to shift the focus to rising food prices and political conspiracies is a disservice to the millions of students who rely on DepEd to provide a conducive learning environment. She must account for these failures, and we expect no less."

Echoing Bongalon, Acidre said that Duterte’s resignation from DepEd “does not absolve her of responsibility,” insisting that “stepping down and leaving these challenges to her successor is not enough.”

“The Filipino people, especially the students, deserve an explanation for why only 3.41% of the Last Mile Schools were completed and why so many classrooms remain unfinished or unrepaired,” Acidre said.

“Leadership is about owning up to shortcomings and taking concrete steps to rectify them, not about making excuses,” he concluded. (END)

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RPPe Criminal negligence to feed schoolchildren with spoiled milk, nutribuns

It is criminal negligence to allow the feeding of spoiled milk or nutribuns to schoolchildren, members of the Young Guns bloc in the House of Representatives said Wednesday.

This may be the crime committed by education officials who permitted the delivery of expired milk or bread to public schools last year during the time of Vice President Sara Duterte as education secretary, Reps. Jay Khonghun of Zambales and Paolo Ortega V said Wednesday. 

They said the “principal” may be as guilty as her underlings under the principle of command responsibility.

Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Rizaldy Co, who is House Committee on Appropriations chairman, said those responsible for the irregularities reported by the Commission on Audit (CoA) in the implementation of the P5.7-billion school-based feeding program of the Department of Education (DepEd) last year should be made to account for their misdeeds.

“Kawawa ‘yung mga bata sa ating public schools na intended beneficiaries. Sana di sila nakainom ng sirang gatas or nakakain ng bulok na tinapay, pero baka nagutom sila,” he said.

Co supported calls for his colleagues for an investigation of the mess to ensure that it is not repeated.

Ortega said the school-based feeding program aims to help schoolchildren get proper nutrition, especially when they are in school.

“Eh kung sıra ang gatas at nutribun o tinapay na dineliver, anong kinain ng mga bata? Wala. Kung ako ang magulang ng mga apektadong bata, magagalit ako,” he said.

Khonghun said the failure of DepEd officials under VP Duterte to implement the laudable program properly not only deprived the children of getting appropriate and adequate nutrients but also of the opportunity to learn well.

“Kapag gutom ka, kumakalam ang sikmura mo - maging bata o matanda - ay di ka makakapag-focus sa pag-aaral o sa anumang ginagawa mo,” Khonghun said.

“That is why we say this is criminal neglect on the part of the implementers of the program, from the highest level at DepEd to the level of the school-recipient,” Ortega and Khonghun both stressed.

They said the culpability becomes heavier if there was a pupil who got sick because of the expired milk or nutribun delivered.

“Sana, wala namang na-ospital sa kanila,” they said.

“The suppliers are equally guilty and they, too, should be punished,” they added.

The two lawmakers pointed out that thousands of schoolchildren were affected since the delivery of spoiled milk and nutribuns with molds or insects, as reported by the COA, took place in 10 of the country’s 17 regions.

“Karamihan nitong sampung rehiyon ay nasa Mindanao. Mistulang pinabayaan ng tanggapan ni VP ang mismong kanyang mga kababayan doon,” they stressed. (END)

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RPPe VP Sara Duterte’s DepEd spent its 2023 confi funds fast, but its regular funds slow: Quimbo

THE Department of Education under Vice President Sara Duterte spent its 2023 confidential funds of P112.5 million fast, but its regular funds so slowly that it is jeopardizing Filipino learners’ future, Rep. Stella Quimbo (2nd District, Marikina) said Monday.

At the House hearing of DepEd’s 2025 proposed budget, Quimbo said the department’s confidential funds for the first three quarters of 2023 were spent 100 percent in 190 days, making for a 143 percent efficiency rate. 

This, she noted, is a stark contrast to the Commission on Audit 2023 report which revealed that DepEd failed to utilize over P37 billion, or 5.13 percent, of its total adjusted allotments of P735.39 billion. 

“So ang efficiency pag dating sa spending ng confidential funds ay 143 percent. Congratulations po pero pag dating sa regular funds, napakabagal po,” she said.

State auditors said the low utilization rate of the 2023 DepEd budget is mainly due to the delayed, partial, or non-implementation of various programs, activities, and projects. 

Quimbo said that this low utilization rate, particularly of projects like the DepEd Computerization Program, aggravates the crisis in Philippine education and puts Filipinos at a disadvantage of competing for global jobs. 

“In a world that is flat, they have to compete globally. Kung kulelat tayo, hirap tayo. Hirap silang mag compete, yun ang kinakaharap ng ating Kalihim, ng buong Kagawaran, kaya kelangan natin tulungan ang DepEd,” she said. 

“May crisis. We cannot waste funds, we cannot waste time. Those are the two things. Pero pag dating sa COA reports, isa sa pinakamalaking findings ng COA report in 2023, ay low utilization. Ibig sabihin mabagal ang paggastos at may natitirang pondo, so wasted funds, wasted time,” she added. 

Quimbo questioned DepEd’s accomplishment report thus far of 44,638 Information and Communications and Technology (ICT) packages procured for delivery. She said procured for delivery is different from delivery and cannot be listed as an accomplishment. 

Ferdinand Pitagan, DepEd director for Information and Communications Technology Service (ICTS), clarified that the 44,638 ICT packages include those budgeted and allocated for previous years starting 2021. 

Pitagan said the catch-up plan would have all ICT packages delivered by December 2024, which Quimbo found unacceptable. 

Education Secretary Sonny Angara himself expressed shock that over 1.5 million laptops, books, furniture, and other school items have been stored in various warehouses for the last four years. 

Angara said he has asked the help of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to deliver the said items to the public schools around country. 

Angara also said that his office is considering some changes in the procurement process to facilitate the delivery of these materials, including devolving the bidding process to regional and division levels. (END)

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RPPe DepEd under VP Sara Duterte failed to deliver P9-billion laptops in 2023

The Department of Education (DepEd) under Vice President Sara Duterte failed to deliver almost P9 billion worth of laptops and other e-learning equipment in 2023, it was learned Monday. 

At the hearing for the 2025 DepEd budget, the department’s director for Information and Communications Technology Service (ICTS) confirmed the Commission on Audit (COA) 2023 report which observed for that year, DepEd only spent over P2.18 billion of its P11.36 billion budget for computers, laptops, smart television sets, and other e-learning equipment. 

Director Ferdinand Pitagan was responding to Batangas 2nd District Rep. Jinky Luistro, who asked about the low 19.22 percent utilization rate for the Department’s ICT packages. 

“Now, we have this P11 billion budget. You requested this for 2023. Bakit ang disbursement niyo ay P2 billion lang?” Luistro asked.

Pitagan explained that the 2023 DepEd Computerization Program (DCP) budget was barely spent for the year because DepEd was focusing on the previous year’s (2022) funds. He said the department is playing catch-up to these crucial deliveries.

“It's hard for me to appreciate the explanation that your priority is continuing, which is the budget from 2022,” Luistro said. 

“Why, therefore, did you request for P11 billion for 2023 if you're going to say now that your priority is 2022, that's why you didn't use the 2023? You know, Mr. Resource Speaker, doon po sa amin sa  Batangas, hindi po magkamayaw ang humihingi ng tulong na students, teachers, and even PTA officers lahat ang problema nila ay computers, laptops,” she said. 

When asked, Pitagan said the current student to computer ratio of 1 is to 9, and a teacher to computer ratio of 1 is to 30.

“That is almost saying impossible to facilitate an e-learning system having one computer for 30 teachers,” said Luistro, who blamed these delivery delays for the dismal performance of the Philippines in the global learning test PISA.

PISA is the Programme for International Student Assessment. Luistro said that the Philippine education standard has remained low over the past five years. She noted that in 2018, out of 79 countries, the country ranked last in Reading and second to the last in Science and Mathematics. In 2023, out of 81 countries, the Philippines ranked 76 in Reading and Mathematics, and 79 in Science. 

The congresswoman from Batangas also noted that ICT technologies change quickly and the computers brought several years ago may become obsolete soon. 

According to the 2023 COA report, the DepEd Computerization Program (DCP) is designed to upgrade the ICT competencies of students and teachers. State auditors reported a dismal budget utilization rate of 50.07 percent with zero accomplishment for fiscal year 2023, further underscoring the department’s operational failures for that year. (END)

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RPPe Castro blasts VP Sara for leaving DepEd in crisis, burdening new chief Angara

House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro on Monday accused Vice President Sara Duterte of leaving a legacy of unresolved issues in the Department of Education (DepEd), placing an undue burden on her successor, former senator and now Sec. Sonny Angara.

Castro delivered her sharp critique during the House Committee on Appropriations hearing on the proposed P793.18-billion budget for the DepEd and its attached agencies for 2025. The Vice President resigned as DepEd Secretary effective July 19.

“In fairness naman kay Secretary Angara, teacher pa lang ako talagang malalim na ang pinagsamahan ng ACT Teachers at ni Secretary Angara. Si Secretary Angara, very accommodating, ang mga bills sa salary ng mga teachers ay talagang sinusuportahan niya. Ngayong Secretary na siya, mukhang mas maganda ito kesa noong nakaraan,” Castro said.

However, Castro quickly shifted focus to the challenges inherited from the previous administration.

“Kaya lang, Mr. Chair, nakakalungkot po, medyo iniwanan siya ng maraming problema ni Vice President Sara Duterte, lalong-lalo na po itong MATATAG curriculum,” Castro remarked.

She pointed out that the curriculum has placed significant strain on high school teachers, who are now handling 7-8 teaching loads per day, with each class lasting 45 minutes. 

“Talagang minaximize ang 6 hours,” Castro said, underscoring the excessive workload.

Castro urged an immediate review of the MATATAG curriculum, noting that its implementation was rushed and problematic. 

“Iniwanan kayo ng nakaraang administration ng ganitong problema, ngayon ‘yung mga teachers talaga natin problematic dito, sobrang pahirap itong MATATAG curriculum,” she said.

The party-list lawmaker also highlighted serious issues raised in the Commission on Audit (COA) report regarding DepEd’s Computerization Program (DCP).

“Medyo mahalaga sa akin ito, Madam Chair and Mr. Secretary, dahil gusto natin mabigyan ng laptop, mga computer ang ating mga teachers,” Castro noted, citing the COA’s findings on delays, non-delivery, and inefficiencies within the program, particularly the mishandling of DCP packages.

Moreover, Castro expressed concerns about unpaid remittances totaling over P5 billion to various entities, including the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), and Pag-IBIG Fund.

According to the 2023 COA report, unremitted taxes amounted to P1.3 billion owed to the BIR, P3.1 billion to the GSIS, P503 million to PhilHealth, and P182 million to Pag-IBIG.

Castro emphasized the impact on teachers and non-teaching personnel, particularly the delayed remittances to the GSIS, which could result in interest charges and surcharges against their accounts.

“Mahalaga po itong GSIS dahil pag na-late ang remittance ng premium loan sa GSIS, ang tatamaan ng mga interests ay ang mga teachers o ang mga non-teaching personnel,” Castro warned, stressing the financial burden on DepEd employees. 

“Kung hindi nababayaran sa tamang oras, meron nang interest and surcharge against the account of the teachers or the non-teaching personnel,” she added, calling for immediate action to address these financial obligations.

Angara and other DepEd officials assured that the COA observations, particularly regarding unremitted taxes and premiums, are being addressed through an ongoing reconciliation process.

Regarding the MATATAG curriculum, Angara said that a draft Department Order is already in the works. “Nakikinig po kami sa hinaing ng mga teachers,” he stated. (END)