RPPe Quad Comm probes Alice Guo’s alleged ties to ‘Fujian gang’

Is dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, connected to the notorious Fujian gang?

This question emerged during Thursday’s House Quad Committee hearing as Guo's business dealings and potential links to criminal syndicates were scrutinized.

Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville "Jinky Bitrics" Luistro pointed to several suspicious links between Guo and individuals from Fujian, a region in China associated with the gang.

The Fujian gang refers to a crime syndicate similar to triads that includes both immigrant gangs in Hong Kong and local networks in Fujian.

One key piece of evidence was a congratulatory poster from Manila-based Chinese businessmen, originally from Fujian, celebrating Guo’s election as the “first Chinese mayor in the Philippines” in 2022.

“This (congratulatory poster) came from businessmen here in Manila who originated from Fujian, China,” Luistro revealed.

Further concerns arose from Bureau of Immigration records, which identified Guo as a dependent of her mother, Lin Wen Yi, also from Fujian. 

Luistro also noted that two of Guo’s business partners and fellow incorporators of Bamban-based Baofu Land Development Inc.—Lin Baoying and Rujin Zhang—who were both convicted of anti-money laundering in Singapore are also from Fujian.

“Based on research, Mr. Chair, the two incorporators by the name Baoying Lin and Rujin Zhang, both convicted of anti-money laundering in Singapore, are all from Fujian, China,” Luistro told the Quad Committee, led by Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers.

The congresswoman questioned whether these connections were mere coincidences or indicative of Guo’s involvement in illegal activities tied to the Fujian gang. “I wonder, Mr. Chair, if these are merely coincidences?” she asked.

When asked, Guo denied any knowledge of the Fujian gang. “Your Honor, I’m not aware. First time ko po siya narinig ngayon araw. Thank you po,” Guo responded.

The Quad Committee’s investigation has revealed that Guo is indeed a Chinese national who exploited loopholes in Philippine legal and identification systems to set up businesses supposedly linked to illegal syndicates. 

Luistro’s interpellation revealed Guo’s ties to Lin and Zhang, who were convicted of laundering $3 billion in Singapore, along with another incorporator, Huang Zhiyang, who was implicated in cybercrimes following a raid in 2023.

All four were involved in operating Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), specifically Hongsheng Gaming Technology and Zun Yuan Technology, which were linked to human trafficking and money laundering.

It was likewise discovered that Guo fraudulently obtained a Philippine birth certificate and passport through the late registration of birth system, allowing her to run for public office and establish businesses. 

“This fictitious birth certificate paved the way for Ms. Alice Guo to solicit identification cards from different government offices, including the DFA, the BIR, and the LTO,” Luistro said.

Luistro called for immediate reforms to block foreign nationals from exploiting these weaknesses and recommended that the Securities and Exchange Commission implement a stronger monitoring system to verify the legitimacy of corporations. 

“The layering of various documents to make it appear that these are legitimate corporations complicates the government’s ability to verify and monitor the illegal activities of these foreign nationals,” she warned.

She also emphasized the need for stricter anti-money laundering laws, noting that illicit POGO operations thrive due to unregulated financial transactions. 

“Illegal activities and illegal POGOs will not proliferate if they are not able to transfer money. So I humbly suggest as well, Mr. Chair, that we tighten our rules on anti-money laundering,” Luistro added.

The revelations surrounding Guo’s activities and her possible connections to criminal syndicates have raised serious concerns about how easily foreign nationals can manipulate Philippine systems for illegal gain. 

Lawmakers are now pushing for swift reforms to close these loopholes and protect the country from further exploitation. (END)

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RPPe Mabilog exposes plan to falsely accuse Roxas, Drilon involvement in drugs during Duterte's presidency

FORMER Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog appeared before the House Quad Committee Thursday to reveal a disturbing plot to falsely implicate former Senators Mar Roxas and Franklin Drilon in illegal drugs during the Duterte administration. 

Mabilog, who had been in self-imposed exile for seven years, testified about the political pressure he faced after being included in President Rodrigo Duterte’s "narco-list."

When asked by Quad Committee co-chairman Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano to identify the political figures mentioned in his affidavit, Mabilog confirmed, "Yes," when asked if they were former Senator Mar Roxas and his cousin, former Senator Franklin Drilon.

Mabilog explained that his inclusion in the narco-list was purely politically motivated. 

"It is all about politics," he said. 

He emphasized that the Duterte administration’s list was used as a weapon against its political enemies, without any proper vetting or validation, describing it as a "hit list." 

Mabilog firmly denied any involvement in the illegal drug trade, stating, "Una po sa lahat (First of all), I declare that I was not and never will be a drug protector! I don’t know personally nor did I benefit in any way from any illegal drug personality in Iloilo or anywhere else."

The former mayor recounted a terrifying series of events that began in 2017, shortly after his name was included in Duterte’s list. 

He detailed an invitation to meet with then-PNP Chief Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa at Camp Crame, which was abruptly followed by chilling warnings about a threat to his life.

"At around 5 p.m., a PNP colonel called me in a voice that sent shivers down my spine... warned me not to go to Camp Crame because my life was in danger," Mabilog revealed.

That same evening, Mabilog’s wife received a text message, further intensifying their fears. 

"Do not proceed, there are 20 men surrounding your house. And if you go to Camp Crame, they will kill you," the message read, according to Mabilog. 

He described the terror he felt, saying, "The terror was paralyzing, I couldn’t believe it. My life and my family’s life was hanging by a thread."

Fearing for his safety, Mabilog fled the country, taking the first available flight to Japan. Upon arriving, he received a call from General Dela Rosa, who expressed sympathy and assured Mabilog of his innocence. 

"Mayor naaawa ako sayo, tutulungan kita, inosente ka (Mayor, I pity you, I will help you, you're innocent)," Dela Rosa reportedly said.

Despite Dela Rosa’s reassurance, another high-ranking general soon warned Mabilog to stay abroad. 

"The accusations against you are all fabricated, but if you go to Crame, you’ll be forced to point fingers to an opposition senator and a former presidential candidate as drug lords," Mabilog recalled the warning he received.

In the end, Mabilog chose not to return, resisting the pressure to falsely implicate political figures in Duterte’s drug war. 

His testimony Thursday shed light on the Duterte administration’s use of the narco-list as a political tool, rather than a legitimate law enforcement measure. (END)

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RPPe Iloilo ex-mayor: Fake drug list used to persecute and eliminate political rivals

IN his testimony before the Quad Committee investigating the extrajudicial killings (EJKs), former Iloilo Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog on Thursday exposed how the Duterte administration used a fabricated drug list to persecute political rivals, with personalities unjustly included without investigation or due process. 

Mabilog revealed that his placement on President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s so-called narco-list was politically motivated and a result of his affiliation with political figures who opposed Duterte, an allegation the former Iloilo mayor vehemently denied as it had no basis.

"Despite my hard work and dedication to public service, I was unjustly, baselessly included in former President Duterte's so-called narco-list. This inclusion was made without any evidence, investigation, or due process," Mabilog stated during the hearing. 

Before former President Duterte’s inclusion of Mabilog’s name in the drug list, law enforcement agencies such as the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency did not include the former Iloilo mayor’s name in any list.

When asked by Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel why he thought he was included, Mabilog shared his assumptions with the committee.

“Actually, your honors, I really made several attempts to see then-President Duterte. Just to ask kung ano po talaga ang reason kung bakit po ako naisama sa lista. So, gumawa na lang po ako ng assumptions ko for what these reasons are,” he said. 

Mabilog surmised that his political ties, particularly being a relative of former Sen. Franklin Drilon and his lack of support for Duterte in the 2016 elections, were factors in his inclusion.

He explained that Iloilo City had consistently been compared to Davao City, especially during Duterte's tenure as mayor. 

He provided media articles showing the comparison between the two cities and speculated that this could have contributed to his being targeted. 

"Iloilo City was always compared to Davao City. I have here po all the newspaper articles with me that would show that even Solita Monsod compared myself to then Mayor Rodrigo Duterte," Mabilog stated.

Pimentel pressed further, asking Mabilog if he believed his inclusion in the list was politically motivated because Iloilo City did not support Duterte in the 2016 elections. 

“President Rodrigo Duterte got only 13.7% in the total number of votes in Iloilo City, which is his lowest percentage votes all over the country, while Manuel Roxas po won the majority in Iloilo City,” he said.

Mabilog recounted how, after his name appeared on the narco-list, his life changed drastically. His firearms were confiscated, and his security detail was withdrawn. 

“Yung lahat na security personnel na naka-detail po sa Mayor ay tinanggal. So yung ginawa ko is pumunta sa then PNP Regional Director na bagong assigned at kinausap ko siya kung ano ang dapat gagawin,” Mabilog said. 

Despite providing evidence of his anti-drug programs, Mabilog was given no clear explanation for his inclusion in the list.

When Pimentel asked if Mabilog inquired about his inclusion, the former mayor shared that the Regional Director had no answers and only referenced Duterte’s public announcement. 

“Sir bakit po ako nasali? Bakit po ang Iloilo most shabulized? Ito po yung mga programa po namin. Yung sagot niya po, nanggaling sa itaas yung lista, yung in-announce ng Presidente, wala pa pong lista nun,” Mabilog explained.

Pimentel emphasized that Mabilog’s inclusion in the list was not validated by local authorities and was solely based on Duterte’s public statements. 

“In short Mr. Chair, yung binabasehan lang ng Regional Director sa listahan na sinabi ng former Presidente, doon lang po niya nakuha ang pangalan ninyo without any validation, ganun po ba?” Pimentel asked, to which Mabilog confirmed, “Yes, Your Honor.”

Mabilog revealed that Duterte publicly singled him out multiple times, further increasing the threats to his life. 

“During in one forum, ito ba pinatotohanan mo? Doon sa isang event na sinabi niya, the Mayor of Iloilo City, I identified him. This was broadcasted. I said you're next,” Pimentel recounted, to which Mabilog replied, “Yes Your Honor as happened showed in the video po.”

Pimentel emphasized that Mabilog was a victim of baseless accusations under Duterte’s drug war. 

“In fact, nandyan po sa affidavit din ho niya because of the several threats and because of several calls from different police authorities telling him... ikaw ang susunod na papatayin. And that is why Mr. Jed Mabilog left the country to save his life and to save his family,” Pimentel affirmed. (END)

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RPPE Ex-President Duterte, Sen. Bato used drug war to silence political rivals, says former Iloilo mayor

Former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog revealed in today’s Quad Committee hearing how the Duterte administration’s bloody anti-drug campaign that killed thousands of Filipinos was not just a war on drugs but also a smokescreen to target and eliminate political rivals. 

Mabilog, whose name was placed on Duterte’s infamous narco-list, accused the previous administration of weaponizing law enforcement agencies, under then-PNP chief and now Sen. Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, to serve political vendettas.

In his opening statement, Mabilog firmly denied any involvement in illegal drugs. 

“Una po sa lahat I declare that I was not and never will be a drug protector! I don’t know personally nor did I benefit in any way from any illegal drug personality in Iloilo or anywhere else,” he stated, saying no drug-related cases were filed against him until now.

Mabilog pointed out that the narco-list became a "hit list" and accused the Duterte administration of using it to silence political opponents. 

“Pero kung inyong titingnang maigi, isinama ang mga pangalan ng kalaban sa pulitika sa isang validated list ng mga drug personalities sa kasunod na PRRD List,” Mabilog said.

“Sa kabila ng mga kuwestiyunableng impormasyong, walang validation o confirmation man lang na ginawa ng kahit na anomang ahensya ng gobyerno sa Malacañang initiated list,” he added.

“Itong PRRD list diumano ay naging isang ‘hit list.’”

The former mayor described how the threats against him escalated, eventually forcing him and his family into self-exile. 

"Paulit-ulit ang pagbabanta ni Presidente Duterte sa media, harap-harapang sinasabi na ipapa-patay daw ako," Mabilog recalled, expressing his fear for his life. 

He recounted a chilling episode in 2017 when he received a call from then PNP Chief Ronald Dela Rosa, inviting him to Camp Crame. The meeting was repeatedly delayed, increasing his anxiety. 

"At around 5 p.m., a PNP Colonel called me and in a voice that sent shivers down my spine warned me not to go to Camp Crame because my life was in danger," Mabilog said. 

Later that day, Mabilog’s wife received a text message warning them that men were surrounding their home, prepared to kill him if he went to Camp Crame.

He added that he again received a call from a “general” who again warned him not to go to Camp Crame.

“Mayor, do not return. Your life is in danger. The accusations against you are all fabricated. But if you go to Crame, you’ll be forced to point fingers to an opposition senator and a former presidential candidate as drug lords,” he quoted the called as saying.

"The terror was paralyzing. I couldn’t believe it – my life was hanging by a thread," Mabilog shared, describing the intense fear that led him to leave the Philippines.

While in Japan, Mabilog received a call from Police Gen. Dela Rosa, who expressed sympathy and told him he knew Mabilog was innocent. 

"He told me he knew I was innocent that I wasn’t involved in illegal drugs and he promised to help me," Mabilog recounted. 

However, another general soon warned him not to return to the Philippines.

Mabilog stressed that law enforcement agencies were being used to serve political purposes, a practice that he said erodes public trust in the government. 

"Using state institutions to carry out personal vendettas or silence perceived enemies undermines the foundation of justice and democracy in our country," he said. 

Mabilog called for reforms within law enforcement agencies to ensure they are not manipulated for political gain.

 "Kailangan mapatibay pa ang mga institusyong ito upang hindi basta-basta magagamit o maimpluwensyahan ng pulitika," he declared.

Mabilog urged Congress to hold accountable those who abuse their power for personal and political gain. 

“No individual should be able to wield such unchecked authority regardless of their position or power,” he said.

"Accusations must be duly validated and authenticated first before any public announcement to avoid shaming and destroying the honor, reputation, and good image of a hardworking and innocent person," he added.

"Maraming salamat sa Quad Committee na ito dahil nabigyan ako ng pagkakataon na linisin ang aking pangalan at ng minamahal kong Iloilo.” (END)

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RPPe Barbers: Gov’t ‘traitors’ behind POGO syndicates will be exposed, held accountable

GOVERNMENT officials who betrayed the country by conspiring with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) involved in crimes such as drug smuggling, human trafficking, and money laundering will be exposed and held accountable, the overall chair of the House Quad Committee assured on Thursday.

Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers made this commitment in his opening statement during the sixth hearing of the joint panel investigating the interconnected issues of POGOs, the illegal drug trade, unlawful land acquisition by Chinese nationals, and alleged extrajudicial killings linked to the Duterte administration’s brutal war on drugs.

Barbers, who also chairs the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, condemned these officials for prioritizing personal gain over the nation’s welfare, enabling syndicates to flourish and commit heinous crimes, including murder, torture, and human trafficking.

“Di alintana ang kapahamakang idudulot sa bayan, itong mga traydor na ito ay hinayaang yumabong at lumaki ang impluwensya at kapangyarihan ng mga sindikatong ito, basta lamang mapuno ang mga bulsa ng kayamanang kapalit ng dangal ng bayan,” Barbers declared.

He noted that previous hearings have already exposed POGOs as fronts for numerous criminal activities, revealing that Chinese nationals operating these establishments falsely claim to offer overseas gambling services, despite gambling being illegal in China.

Barbers added that the Quad Committee uncovered how drug money was used to buy influence and corrupt government systems, enabling the acquisition of fake Filipino identities and allowing POGOs to acquire real estate and other properties, which are then used to launder the illicit funds.

“Lahat po ito ay nangyari sapagkat nakipagsabwatan sa kanila ang mga kawani ng gobyerno. Kapalit ang salapi, pumayag at hinayaan ng mga kawani at matataas na opisyal ng gobyerno na sila ay magamit bilang mga protektor, kinatawan, at mistulang nag-abogado para sa mga POGO na ito,” Barbers pointed out.

Barbers said the committee’s ongoing investigation aims not only to expose these wrongdoers but also to craft legislative solutions to prevent future abuses. 

Among the proposed legislative measures are the adaptation of the U.S. Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, amendments to the Anti-Dummy Law, and a review of the Special Investors Resident Visa Program.

Barbers addressed criticisms of the Quad Committee’s investigation, stressing that attempts to discredit the probe only confirm that the joint panel is hitting its targets and uncovering the truth.

“As we get more valuable information, Quad Comm has been getting dicrediting remarks, proof that the targets are hurting. Let me take this opportunity therefore to remind everyone that the power to conduct investigations in aid of legislation is a fundamental function of Congress, enshrined in Article VI, Section 21 of the Constitution,” Barbers said.

He added: “This is not a mere privilege but a duty to the Filipino people. Congress is empowered to investigate, to compel testimony, and to demand documents when it is necessary to fulfill our legislative mandate. These inquiries are designed to shed light on matters of public interest, to recommend policy reforms, and, ultimately, to legislate for the welfare of the nation.”

Barbers made it clear that contempt orders issued by the committee are not overreach but essential tools to ensure the compliance necessary for uncovering the truth.

The Quad Committee head concluded his opening statement with a firm assurance that the panel will not be swayed or hindered by baseless accusations of overreach or abuse of power, emphasizing that they have “the authority, the responsibility, and the will to pursue this investigation to its rightful conclusion, regardless of any obstacle.”

“The people of this country deserve nothing less than the truth. And let me assure you, this Committee will not be swayed by threats or distractions,” Barbers said. “Our mission is to uncover the facts and to ensure that those responsible for any wrongdoing are held accountable. Together, we will continue this fight until we finally get to the bottom of these issues.” (END)

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RPPe DBM: No confidential, intel fund item in OVP 2022 budget to support VP Sara’s P125M CIF request

THE House of Representatives was informed Wednesday that there was no confidential and intelligence fund (CIF) item in the 2022 budget of the Office of the Vice President that supported the request of Vice President Sara Duterte for P125 million in CIF.

“No such item or appropriation in the OVP budget,” DBM Undersecretary Rolando Toledo told the House committee on good government and public accountability chaired by Manila Rep. Joel Chua.

Toledo was responding to questions raised by ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro, who said the grant of CIF to OVP in 2022 was illegal since there was no item of appropriation in the OVP budget to support it.

Toledo said Vice President Duterte’s request for CIF was justified as part of her “governance engagement and socio-economic programs.”

He said the P125 million was taken from the contingent fund in the 2022 national budget, since there was no specific appropriation for the purpose.

The constitutionality of the grant of this amount in CIF to the OVP has been challenged before the Supreme Court.

The Commission on Audit (COA) has reported that the P125 million was used up in 11 days, or an average of P11.364 million a day, between December 21 up to the end of the year in 2022.

The COA has also found numerous irregularities in the use of the money and has in fact disallowed expenses amounting to more than P73 million, or almost half of the OVP CIF.

More than P59 million of the disallowed amount were for the purchase of “various goods” amounting to P34.857 million and “medicines” costing P24.930 million, which were declared as by OVP as “payment for rewards” for informants.

An additional P3.5 million described as “payment for chairs, tables, desktop computers, and printers” was also not allowed in audit.

A COA representative told the good government committee that Vice President Sara Duterte and two other OVP officials “liable” for the questionable expenses have the option of appealing the disallowance decision with the COA proper or return the money to the government.

The official said the Vice President has 180 days or six months to make an appeal, while the COA proper has two months to make a final decision.

The COA representative’s statement drew a rebuke from Abang Lingkod Partylist Rep. Stephen Paduano, who protested, “That’s a total of eight months. That’s too long!”

Cagayan Rep. Joseph Lara said the eight-month period in deciding on disallowances causes delays in the filing of criminal charges against public officers mishandling public funds.

“Worse, you are being perceived as in cahoots with these officials or employee, which is not fair to you,” he told COA representatives. (END)

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RPPe Valeriano calls for whistleblowers on OVP fund misuse in House probe

MANILA Rep. Rolando Valeriano on Wednesday urged potential whistleblowers to come forward with any information, evidence or testimony regarding the alleged misuse of funds by Vice President Sara Duterte amid questionable audit reports on the utilization of Office of the Vice President (OVP) funds.

Valeriano made this call in Wednesday’s opening of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability’s investigation into the OVP’s spending based on a privileged speech he delivered last September 3 in the plenary of the House of Representatives.

“If there are any whistleblowers with information, evidence, and testimony about the supposed OVP socioeconomic programs, they are most welcome to contact the Chairperson of this Committee, the Committee Members, or this Representation,” Valeriano declared in his opening statement.

In his privilege speech, Valeriano raised serious concerns about the lack of transparency in how the OVP used billions of pesos for its socioeconomic programs, highlighting the absence of supporting documentation, such as evidence of beneficiaries and partnership agreements. 

“She expected us to take at face value the figures in her presentation, when there is much reason for us here in Congress to doubt the veracity of the figures in the presentation. We have not seen any paper trail or electronic trail that would serve as evidence of beneficiaries and partnership agreements,” he said.

Valeriano criticized Duterte for her refusal to answer questions about the OVP’s proposed 2025 budget and the questionable spending patterns revealed by the Commission on Audit (CoA). 

“Her claim of leaving it to the House to do what it thinks is right is just a palusot, a smokescreen, a cover,” he added.

Valeriano further questioned the OVP’s claim of serving over two million beneficiaries in Metro Manila. 

He stressed that local government units and district representatives would have been involved or at least informed if such a large-scale program had truly been implemented. 

“Kung totoong may beneficiaries, imposibleng hindi mabalitaan ‘yan ng sinumang district congressman sa Metro Manila lalo pa't tinatayang dalawang milyong beneficiaries daw ang nakinabang sa loob ng dalawa't kalahating taon at ang halaga ng pondo ay halos FOUR BILLION pesos para sa 2022, 2023, at 2024,” he declared.

Manila Rep. Joel Chua, the panel’s chairperson, echoed Valeriano’s concerns in his own opening remarks, reminding the committee of Congress’ vital role in overseeing government spending. 

“We have to ensure that funds are spent solely for purposes for which they have been appropriated, kabilang dito ang pagsisiguro na ang pag-gasta ay may tamang awtorisasyon ayon sa legal intent at purpose,” Chua explained.

Chua emphasized the importance of Congress’ oversight function, which does not end with the passage of the General Appropriations Act (GAA). 

Valeriano also challenged the OVP’s transparency regarding its socioeconomic programs, which allegedly concentrated in Metro Manila but failed to present verifiable evidence.

“Mahigit three weeks na po mula noong unang OVP budget hearing, pero hanggang ngayon, hindi pa rin nagsusumite si VP Sara o sinuman sa Office of the Vice President ng solidong dokumento o detalye,” he pointed out.

Both lawmakers expressed hope that the inquiry will lead to greater transparency and accountability in the use of taxpayer money. (END)

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RPPe House panel launches full investigation into DepEd’s alleged fund misuse under VP Sara

THE House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability has initiated an investigation into the Department of Education’s (DepEd) questionable fund utilization during Vice President Sara Duterte’s leadership. 

The panel, often regarded as the House's counterpart to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, will probe potential "malfeasance, misfeasance, and nonfeasance" related to DepEd’s failure to deliver key projects, specifically the distribution of laptops and e-learning equipment.

Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua, chair of the committee, announced during Wednesday’s hearing that they had received authorization from the House Committee on Rules to proceed with a motu proprio investigation. 

This probe follows a motion unanimously approved by committee members, based on concerns raised by Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro during the September 10 House Committee on Appropriations hearing on DepEd’s budget.

“The committee, by a majority vote of all members, decided to conduct a motu proprio investigation on the September 10, 2024 manifestation of Luistro, particularly regarding DepEd's failure to deliver computers in good condition to end-users and other issues concerning its budget utilization,” Chua stated.

Chua responded to the manifestation of Cagayan 3rd District Rep. Joseph “Jojo” Lara, who expressed support for the investigation, highlighting DepEd's responsibility to deliver ICT equipment to teachers and students, as well as concerns over the proper utilization of funds.

“I wish to manifest that this committee, the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, determine whether there is misfeasance, malfeasance, or non-feasance, at kung may mga paglabag ang mga kawani ng naturang ahensya sa kanilang mga tungkulin bilang mga kawani,” Lara said.

The investigation focuses on Luistro’s concern over DepEd’s failure to utilize nearly P9 billion of its P11.36 billion budget for ICT equipment in 2023, resulting in a low utilization rate of 19.22%.

The committee will further examine the 2023 Commission on Audit (COA) report, which exposed serious operational deficiencies in DepEd’s Computerization Program. 

The report noted that only 50.07% of the program’s budget had been utilized, with no substantial accomplishments for the year.

Luistro linked these delays and inefficiencies to the Philippines’ poor performance in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and warned that the rapid pace of technological advancement could soon make the undelivered computers obsolete.

In tandem with the DepEd investigation, Chua’s panel has also begun its probe into the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) budget utilization, following the scathing privilege speech delivered by Manila 2nd District Rep. Rolando Valeriano on September 3. 

Valeriano criticized Vice President Duterte for lacking transparency regarding the use of public funds.

With these investigations underway, the House committee is determined to hold DepEd and the OVP accountable for their lapses and ensure that future allocations are effectively used to benefit the Filipino people. (END)

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RPPe VP Sara breaks rules and traditions, refuses to take oath to tell the truth

BREAKING the rules and traditions, Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday refused to take the oath, to tell the truth at the start of a House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability hearing on the alleged misuse by her office of millions in funds for socio-economic programs.

Even the late former Presidents Fidel Ramos and Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III took their oath when invited as resource persons during a congressional inquiry.

Upon direction by committee chairman Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua, the committee secretary asked all the invited resource persons from the Office of the Vice President, Department of Budget and Management, and Commission on Audit to rise to be sworn to tell the truth to the panel on matters they would be asked about.

The oath is usually given to all those invited as resource persons and witnesses in congressional hearings. 

It simply states: “Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth (in this inquiry)? So help you, God.”

Before the committee’s guests could take the oath, Duterte asked Chua if she, as a resource person, would be required to be given the oath.

She invoked the committee’s rules on inquiries in aid of legislation under which she said only witnesses were given the oath.

Chua replied that it is the practice in House hearings that both witnesses are considered resource persons and asked to be sworn to tell the truth and nothing but the truth.

Former president and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, an ally of the Dutertes, supported the Vice President’s stand on the issue.

The former president cited a Supreme Court ruling and a Senate precedent under which she said a witness is given more protection than a resource person since the former may find himself or herself as an accused.

However, Bukidnon Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores informed Arroyo that no person invited to the hearing could be classified as an accused yet.

Chua then ruled that the former president’s remarks were noted.

The Manila lawmaker then asked Vice President Duterte to deliver her opening statement.

The Vice President claimed that the hearing was part of an orchestrated attack against her and that the real objective was to impeach her.

At the end of her remarks, she asked Chua to terminate the hearing on Manila 2nd District Rep. Rolando Valeriano's September 3 privilege speech on supposedly questionable OVP expenses for its socio-economic programs in Metro Manila.

But the committee chairman told the Vice President he could not abruptly end the hearing because his panel had just decided to take cognizance of and jurisdiction over the Valeriano speech.

At one point, the Vice President requested a one-minute recess, during which she talked to Arroyo. 

She shook hands with Sagip Partylist Rep. Rodante Marcoleta before returning to her chair. (END)