The Changing Leadership of the Philippine Senate and Its Implications for the Impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte

The Philippine Senate has once again found itself at the center of a major political development following the dramatic leadership changes that culminated on June 3, 2026. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian assumed the role of Acting Senate President after a 12-member quorum declared all Senate leadership positions vacant and elected him as Senate President Pro Tempore. This latest reshuffle marks another chapter in a series of leadership changes that have reflected deep political divisions within the country's highest legislative chamber.

The Senate's recent instability can be traced to the escalating controversy surrounding investigations into alleged corruption in flood control projects and infrastructure budget insertions. The impasse intensified when opposing factions within the Senate disagreed on how these investigations should proceed, resulting in prolonged deadlock and an inability of the chamber to conduct its normal legislative functions.

Prior to Gatchalian's assumption of the acting presidency, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano had taken over the Senate leadership on May 11, 2026 after replacing former Senate President Vicente Sotto III through a majority vote. Earlier leadership contests had also involved Senator Francis Escudero, demonstrating how fluid and contested Senate leadership has become over the past two years.

The June 3 session became historic when Senator Escudero broke the deadlock by joining the session, allowing the Senate to achieve the required quorum. The senators present voted to declare all elected positions vacant and reorganized the chamber. Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri was elected as Majority Floor Leader while Gatchalian became Senate President Pro Tempore and Acting Senate President. However, because the Constitution requires 13 votes to formally elect a Senate President, Gatchalian currently serves only in an acting capacity pending the formation of a larger majority coalition.

Impact on the Impeachment Trial of Vice President Sara Duterte

The most significant consequence of this leadership change concerns the upcoming impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.

First, the new Senate leadership effectively breaks the legislative paralysis that threatened to delay or obstruct the impeachment process. Under the previous impasse, the Senate's inability to convene raised concerns that constitutional responsibilities, including impeachment proceedings, could be postponed indefinitely. The restoration of quorum and reorganization of leadership now make it possible for the Senate to continue its constitutional duties.

Second, the change alters the balance of power within the Senate. The newly formed majority appears less aligned with Duterte allies than the previous leadership. This does not automatically mean that the Vice President will be convicted, but it increases the likelihood that the impeachment trial will proceed without procedural delays or political obstruction. The new majority has already demonstrated its willingness to challenge the previous leadership and assert control over Senate operations.

Third, the leadership shift may strengthen public confidence that the impeachment proceedings will be conducted more transparently. Critics of the previous leadership accused Senate officials of contributing to legislative gridlock at a crucial time. The election of new committee leaders and the reorganization of Senate structures suggest an effort to restore institutional functionality and credibility.

However, uncertainty remains. The legality of the June 3 leadership changes continues to be disputed by supporters of former Senate President Cayetano, who argue that the actions taken by the 12 senators were unconstitutional. If legal challenges arise, they could potentially affect Senate operations and create additional complications for the impeachment process.

The elevation of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian as Acting Senate President represents more than a simple leadership transition. It reflects a broader struggle over the direction of the Senate, the conduct of corruption investigations, and the institution's role in one of the most consequential political events in recent Philippine history—the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

While the new leadership has successfully ended a period of legislative paralysis, its long-term stability remains uncertain due to the unresolved dispute over Senate control. Nevertheless, the immediate effect is clear: the Senate has regained its ability to function, making it more likely that the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Duterte will move forward according to constitutional processes rather than be stalled by internal political deadlock.

Sara Duterte Impeachment

The ongoing impeachment proceedings involving Sara Duterte represent a defining stress test for Philippine democratic institutions, particularly the relationship between the executive branch and Congress. While impeachment is inherently a legal process, in the Philippine context it is equally political—shaped by alliances, public sentiment, and institutional interests.

At the center of the process is the House of Representatives of the Philippines, which has the sole power to initiate impeachment cases. Historically, impeachment complaints in the House are less about strictly adjudicating evidence at the early stage and more about whether sufficient political will exists to move the case forward. If a significant bloc of lawmakers—especially those aligned with the current administration or influential political coalitions—supports the complaint, it is highly likely to prosper.

From an analytical standpoint, the House’s decision will depend on three factors: coalition stability, executive influence, and public pressure. If Sara Duterte retains strong alliances within Congress or benefits from a fragmented opposition, the complaint could struggle to gain the necessary votes. Conversely, if political fractures emerge—particularly among dominant blocs—the House may advance the impeachment to signal accountability or recalibrate power dynamics.

Prediction for the House:

It is plausible that the House will approve or at least advance the articles of impeachment, especially if the issue gains sustained public attention or becomes politically advantageous for key leaders. The House, as a more politically responsive body, has historically been more willing to initiate impeachment proceedings when momentum builds.

Once transmitted, the case moves to the Senate of the Philippines, which serves as the impeachment court. Here, the dynamics shift significantly. Senators, elected nationwide and often with presidential ambitions, tend to weigh both legal merits and long-term political consequences more carefully. Conviction requires a two-thirds vote—a high threshold that typically demands broad, cross-party consensus.

In the Senate, several considerations come into play: evidentiary strength, public opinion trends, and the political cost of conviction or acquittal. Senators may be cautious about setting precedents or alienating key voter bases. Additionally, given the national profile of Sara Duterte, any decision will carry implications for future elections and alliances.

Prediction for the Senate:

A conviction appears less likely than an acquittal. While the Senate may conduct a thorough and highly publicized trial, the difficulty of securing a two-thirds majority—combined with political caution—suggests that acquittal is the more probable outcome unless overwhelmingly strong evidence emerges. The Senate often acts as a stabilizing body, and in ambiguous or politically sensitive cases, it has historically leaned toward outcomes that avoid institutional disruption.

In conclusion, the impeachment process underscores the dual legal-political nature of accountability mechanisms in the Philippines. The House of Representatives of the Philippines is likely to reflect immediate political currents and may move the case forward, while the Senate of the Philippines is more likely to deliberate cautiously and potentially acquit. Ultimately, the trajectory of the case will hinge not only on legal arguments but on the evolving balance of power within the country’s political landscape.

Covid-19 Vaccines create 9 new billionaires

COVID vaccines create 9 new billionaires with combined wealth greater than cost of vaccinating world's poorest countries

Figures for vaccinating all poorest countries is based on countries defined as ‘Low Income’, for which the population is 775,710,612 (according to UN Population 2020). The average vaccine cost, $19, is based on the  average mid-range cost per course of vaccination of the 5 leading vaccine producers. However, the prices should be far lower and the $19 is for illustration purposes and is in no way an endorsement of these unacceptably high prices. The wealth of the new billionaires could vaccine all Low-Income countries 1.3 times. The population of India (according to UN Population 2020) is 1.38 billion and the increase in wealth of the 8 existing billionaires could vaccine everyone in India 1.2 times. All figures based on a two-dose regimen. Vaccine doses in low income countries data from Our World in Data.

At least nine people have become new billionaires since the beginning of the COVID pandemic, thanks to the excessive profits pharmaceutical corporations with monopolies on COVID vaccines are making, The People’s Vaccine Alliance revealed today ahead of a G20 leaders Global Health Summit.

The 9 new vaccine billionaires, in order of their net worth are: 

1. Stéphane Bancel, Moderna’s CEO (worth $4.3 billion)
2. Ugur Sahin, CEO and co-founder of BioNTech (worth $4 billion)
3. Timothy Springer, an immunologist and founding investor of Moderna (worth $2.2bn)
4. Noubar Afeyan, Moderna’s Chairman (worth $1.9 billion)
5. Juan Lopez-Belmonte, Chairman of ROVI, a company with a deal to manufacture and package the Moderna vaccine (worth $1.8 billion)
6. Robert Langer, a scientist and founding investor in Moderna (worth $1.6 billion)
7. Zhu Tao, co-founder and chief scientific officer at CanSino Biologics (worth $1.3 billion)
8. Qiu Dongxu, co-founder and senior vice president at CanSino Biologics (worth $1.2)
9. Mao Huihua, also co-founder and senior vice president at CanSino Biologics (worth $1 billion) 

Topping the list of new billionaires who have cashed in on the success of COVID vaccines are the CEOs of Moderna and BioNTech, each with a wealth over $4 billion or more. The list also includes two of Moderna’s founding investors and the company’s chair as well as the CEO of a company with a deal to manufacture and package the Moderna vaccine. This is despite the fact the vast majority of funding for the Moderna vaccine was paid for by taxpayers. The final three new vaccine billionaires are all co-founders of the Chinese vaccine company CanSino Biologics.

The rights to manufacture vaccines are currently held by a small group of pharmaceutical companies making extraordinary profits by controlling the global supply. While over 1.74 billion vaccine doses have been administered worldwide, the difference in vaccination programmes between countries is stark, with dozens –- including Madagascar, Nicaragua, Cuba, Chad, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Eritrea, and Tanzania -- yet to report a single jab being delivered.

I have a new morning alarm these days: the alert on my phone to book a COVID vaccine. It’s the same routine every day. Within seconds of trying to book an appointment, I am told there are “0 slots”. Securing a vaccine in India is an impossible game of fastest finger first.

But this game is only for people like me in urban India with access to technology. Even with these benefits, there is no guarantee that I will get a jab because of the extreme shortages of vaccines.

The rights to manufacture vaccines are currently held by a small group of pharmaceutical companies making extraordinary profits by controlling the global supply. While over 1.74 billion vaccine doses have been administered worldwide, the difference in vaccination programmes between countries is stark, with dozens –- including Madagascar, Nicaragua, Cuba, Chad, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Eritrea, and Tanzania -- yet to report a single jab being delivered.

India’s second wave is still ravaging the country, pushing hospitals and people to a breaking point. It will take a generation to recover from what we’ve seen in our communities, our hospitals and our families. Shortage of oxygen, hospital beds, overburdened crematoriums and crumbling public health infrastructure have left my country gasping for breath.

For the past few months, I’ve been on late-night calls trying to help the sick get hold of oxygen, a hospital bed or COVID medication. There are thousands of volunteers, mostly young, working around the clock to help their communities and families. For them, and for myself, the constant sense of devastation when the people we are trying to help don’t make it is taking its toll.

This nightmare can quickly spread. The so-called Indian variant is between 30% to 100% more transmissible than the UK variant and is now present in 44 countries worldwide. With new variants emerging, we cannot end the pandemic without vaccinating the whole world.

In the United States, 50 per cent of the population has received at least one vaccine dose. India has administered the first dose to only 11 per cent of its population. Meanwhile, Africa has the slowest vaccination rate of any continents, with some African countries yet to start mass vaccination campaigns. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 87 per cent of vaccine supply has gone to higher-income countries.

The UP-DND Accord

In his Jan. 15 letter, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told UP President Danilo Concepcion that his office has decided to abrogate the 1989 UP-DND agreement, which he said had been a “hindrance in providing effective security, safety, and welfare of the students, faculty, and employees of UP.”

Sec. Lorenzana added that the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, New People’s Army (NPA), both tagged as terrorist organizations by the Anti-Terrorism Council, have been recruiting students inside the campus.

Sec. Lorenzana said also that the agreement was a "hindrance in providing effective security, safety, and welfare of the students, faculty, and employees of UP."

According to the defense chief, he ended the deal on his "own volition" and not because President Rodrigo Duterte instructed him to.

The defense department said that they find the previous agreement a "hindrance in providing effective security, safety, and welfare of the students, faculty, and employees of the University of the Philippines (UP)." Lorenzana also claimed that there is an "ongoing clandestine recruitment inside UP campuses nationwide for membership in the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People's Army."

The agreement between UP and DND was inked on June 30, 1989 between constitutionalist and UP President Jose Abueva and then-Defense chief Fidel Ramos.

An earlier agreement in 1982, known as the Soto-Enrile Accord, was signed between student leader Sonia Soto and and then-Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile. The agreement prohibits members of the police or military from entering UP campuses “except in cases of hot pursuit and similar occasions of emergency.”

• Prior notification shall be given to the UP administration by the military or police before they could conduct any operations inside the UP campuses.
• Except in "cases of hot pursuit and similar occasions of emergency," no military or police shall enter the premises of the UP campuses.
• When the UP administration asks for security assistance from the troops, only uniformed personnel of the military and police can enter the campus premises.
• Members of the military and police "shall not interfere with peaceful protest actions" by the UP community in their campus.
• The service of search warrants to any UP student, faculty, employee, or invited participant in any UP activity shall as far as predictable be done after prior notification to the UP President, or Chancellor of the campus, or the Dean of the regional unit.
• The arrest or detention of any student, faculty, or employee anywhere in the Philippines, shall be reported immediately to the UP administration. No members of the UP community shall be subjected to custodial investigation without prior notice of the university administration.
• A joint monitoring group composed of the UP Faculty Regent, UP Student Regent, UP administration officials, and officials from the military and police shall meet twice a year to determine compliance [with] the agreement.
• Nothing in the agreement "shall be construed as a prohibition against the enforcement of the laws of the land."

The agreement also stipulated that the university strengthen its "own security, police, and fire-fighting capabilities."

The UP campuses have been a refuge for student activism since the 1980s – a result of a long history of student disappearances, killings, and police and military violence within the vicinity of the campuses.

Meanwhile, Reyes said that the termination of the deal has implications on youth activism in the country.

"Everything that the accord prohibits, the DND now wants allowed. 'Yung dating bawal, puwede na. 'Yung dating safeguards, wala na (Those that were prohibited are now allowed. The past safeguards are now gone.) That is the implication of the accord's termination," he said in a Facebook post

What can you say?

PhilHealth mafia

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered Undersecretary Jesus Melchor Quitain to conduct the probe, the Palace said Friday.

A “mafia” involving the whole of Philippine Health Insurance Corp.'s executive committeee has stolen some P15 billion from the agency using different fraudulent schemes, resigned PhilHealth anti-fraud legal officer Thorrsson Montes Keith alleged during a Senate investigation on Tuesday, Aug. 4.

Malacañang is investigating the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation after a lawyer resigned from the agency, citing widespread corruption and other irregularities.

A whistleblower on Tuesday claimed that Health Secretary Francisco Duque 3rd was the “godfather” of the alleged mafia in the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).

Thorrsson Keith, the state insurer’s former anti-fraud officer, made the claim when he physically attended the resumption of the Senate investigation of alleged anomalies in PhilHealth.

Morales stressed that there’s no massive corruption in PhilHealth and challenged Keith to “come up with the evidence and file the case.”

Keith also opposed the PhilHealth contribution being imposed on overseas Filipino workers, but Morales said this is still being discussed in the government, particularly by a joint oversight congressional committee.

Sen. Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros said Duque must explain his alleged links and inaction on PhilHealth corruption.

“As Health Secretary and as Chairman of the PhilHealth board of directors, Secretary Duque cannot wash his hands of the corruption in PhilHealth and the billions of pesos in public health funds that have been abused and misused,” she said.

“He can’t say that he doesn’t know of any irregularities, because it is his duty to know and stop such things,” Hontiveros said

She noted that at a Senate hearing in August 2019, Dr. Roy Ferrer, former acting PhilHealth president, said that Duque knew about the so-called PhilHealth mafia supposedly exercising inordinate influence in the agency.

Another PhilHealth official, Senior Vice President Dennis Adre, also testified that he wrote a letter to Duque in February 2018, after the DoH secretary asked for advice on what measures may be taken “to deal with fraud in the agency.”

Amid the coronavirus crisis, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon questioned PhilHealth’s “overpriced” COVID-19 testing package, saying the government could lose ₱8 billion. PhilHealth later slashed the price, saying supply and demand have improved.

Several hospitals complained that PhilHealth owed them billions of pesos, but the agency's officials said this may be due to the denial of some claims due to lack of data and other requirements.

Phil​Health also figured in a “ghost” dialysis scam last year, where government funds were allegedly used for nonexistent kidney treatments. Duterte asked for the resignations of top PhilHealth officials following the insurance fraud scandal, which led to the hiring of Morales as its new chief.

Pastillas Scheme

In a Senate hearing that probed sex trafficking and prostitution rings linked to POGOs, Hontiveros showed a video and screenshots of Viber groups of immigration employees facilitating the entry of Chinese persons. The screenshots contained names, flight details, and photos of the arriving Chinese.

BI authorities said that it was the first time for them to hear of the systematic practice, which the senator said was called pastillas because payouts are rolled in bond paper. Now compensation is more sophisticated, with payouts placed in envelopes and free lunch provided by the Chinese.

A whistleblower on Thursday, February 20, said that majority of immigration officers are already part of the "pastillas scheme" or the modus in airports allowing Chinese workers of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) to enter the country seamlessly.

At the marathon hearings on POGO operations, Immigration Officer Allison Chiong said that he had personally witnessed the scheme which started when there was a "dramatic increase" in Chinese entering the Philippines sometime around 2017.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, who chairs the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality which held an inquiry on the issue, revealed earlier this week that Chinese nationals pay ₱10,000 “service fee”, rolled in a bond paper like the wrapping of the milk-based candy, to have a special treatment as they enter the country.

“To cope with the substantial deduction of their salaries, some immigration officers decided to offer ‘VIP services’ for immigrants who are casino high-rollers,” said Chiong.

From the ₱10,000 paid by the Chinese nationals, only ₱2,000 goes to the immigration officers on the ground and the remaining P8,000 is split among the foreign tour operator, its partner in the country, and the syndicate running the corruption scheme in local airports.

“This VIP service involved immigration officers accepting Php 2,000.00 for each high-roller, in exchange for the latter's convenient and seamless immigration.” said Chong.

In a week, Chiong said that involved immigration officers assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 receive around ₱20,000 while those in Terminal 3 receive ₱8,000.

Aside from money, Chiong noted that Chinese organizations and personalities also give free lunch meals to immigration officers.

Duterte on Thursday ordered the relief of all Immigration officials and employees believed to be involved in the “pastillas” operation. 19 have so far been put under floating status as BI continues its probe.

Commissioner Morente admitted he has limited authority in the appointment of division heads in the bureau.

The commissioner explained that it is the Justice Secretary who assigns the heads of divisions while he submits the shortlist of recommendations, as stated in the Philippine Immigration Law of 1940.

"I do not even have disciplinary powers... that 's why I am working for the passing of a new immigration law which would correct the system," said Morente.

Nevertheless, he said he already ordered an investigation into the incident as well as the firing of the personnel shown in Chiong's video.

Hontiveros said there is currently no sufficient evidence to tie Morente to the pastillas scheme. She added that her committee will also look into amending the immigration law.

The sacked employees "will most likely face cases," according to Panelo.

Trump impeachment

With the end of the impeachment trial now in sight and acquittal assured, a triumphant Mr. Trump emerges from the biggest test of his presidency emboldened, ready to claim exoneration and take his case of grievance, persecution and resentment to the campaign trail.

The president was impeached in December for abuse of power over pressure on US ally Ukraine to announce investigations that would have helped him politically, including into Joe Biden, a leading challenger for this year's presidential ballot.

Biden is among the candidates Monday in the Iowa caucuses that choose the state's Democratic nominee and mark the official start of election season.

The selection process in largely rural Iowa, coinciding with final impeachment arguments in Washington, will be closely watched as a sign as to which of 11 Democratic candidates are gaining early momentum to challenge Trump in November's election.

At only the third impeachment trial of a US president, Trump is all but assured of being acquitted Wednesday, the day after his annual "State of the Union" speech, which the president said will carry a "very, very positive message."

Republicans hold 53 seats in the Senate to 47 for the Democrats, but a two-thirds majority, or 67 senators, is needed to remove him from office.

A day before the first contest of the 2020 election, two days before Mr. Trump’s State of the Union address and three days before his expected acquittal, they and other Republicans appeared to be coalescing around a more nuanced argument: Mr. Trump’s efforts to push Ukraine into investigating a political rival while withholding critical military aid might not have been appropriate. But that did not warrant the president’s removal from office for the first time in American history.

Adam Schiff, the leader of the House prosecutors, known as impeachment managers, told CBS on Sunday that it was "pretty remarkable" that senators on both sides had acknowledged that Democrats proved their case against the president.

Mr. Alexander first took that position last week, when he announced that he would vote against the consideration of new witnesses and documents in Mr. Trump’s trial. He acknowledged the merits of the House case for removing the president on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress: that the president had withheld nearly $400 million in military aid to pressure Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and other Democrats.

Republican Senators Lamar Alexander and Joni Ernst on Sunday said Trump's behavior was troubling but not impeachable.

Alexander, of Tennessee, suggested Trump had been naive in asking a foreign ally to look into Biden and his son Hunter's business dealings in Ukraine, which Republicans have claimed without evidence were corrupt.

Then he added: "The bottom line: it's not an excuse. He shouldn't have done it."

But a senior administration official briefing reporters on Friday said the president will use his State of the Union address to celebrate “the great American comeback” and present “a vision of relentless optimism” encouraging Congress to work with him. Mr. Trump plans to pursue an agenda of cutting taxes again, bringing down prescription drug prices, completing his trade negotiations with China and further restricting immigration.

Crab Mentality on SEA Games 2019

The Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) chairman called for unity amid rumors that the country might lose its hosting rights of the regional showpiece.

Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano yesterday hit back at former president Benigno Aquino III and Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon for their criticism of the P6-billion budget for the 30th Southeast Asian Games to be hosted by the country, branding it as “hypocrisy.”

At a press conference in Tarlac, Cayetano slammed the opposition leaders for their double standard in criticizing the Duterte administration’s expenditure on the SEA Games, particularly the P55-million cauldron for the opening and closing ceremonies that they said is an “unnecessary extravagance.”

Cayetano, also chairman of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC), reminded Aquino and Drilon of the P10-billion budget spent for hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in 2015 during the previous administration.

Crab mentality has been the reason behind the issues hounding the Philippines' hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, Alan Peter Cayetano stressed.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said the PHP 50-million cauldron that will be used for the opening of the SEA Games was an "unnecessary extravagance."

In a press conference during the inspection of the SEA Games sports facilities at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, Cayetano pointed out that when he was Senate Majority Leader, the Aquino administration asked for a PHP10-billion budget to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Manila in 2015.

The House leader also twitted Drilon for bringing up the classroom issue since it was during Aquino’s time that the shortage worsened.

He said before bringing up the cauldron-classroom issue, Drilon was asking for PHP50 million for the Cultural Center of the Philippine (CCP), for the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra to conduct a world tour.

He also pointed out that it was Drilon himself who said the cauldron may not be overpriced.

The Speaker said they are asking for another gold medal that will be up for grabs.

Ninja Cops

Retired police official Rudy Lacadin said Gen. Oscar Albayalde called him up to inquire about the case of the so-called "ninja cops" who were ordered dismissed over the raid.

Lacadin then claimed Albayalde told him that some of the drug loot went to him but "only a little."

The Senate on Wednesday, October 9, ordered the arrest of one the policemen involved in a questionable drug operation in Pampanga, after he again failed to appear at the blue ribbon committee hearing on "ninja" cops.

As the roll call started at the Senate hearing on alleged drug recycling among police, Senator Richard Gordon noted that Master Sergeant Ronald Bayas Santos was again not at the hearing.

But former PNP - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief and now Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who blew the whistle on Albayalde, backed Lacadin’s claim.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency chief Aaron Aquino has testified that Albayalde, who was then Metro Manila’s top cop, called him in 2016 to seek updates on the case of the Pampanga cops.

Aquino also revealed that Albayalde asked him not to implement the dismissal order against Baloyo and his men.

Maintaining innocence in the allegations against him and defending his call to Aquino, Albayalde has rejected calls for his resignation ahead of his Nov. 8 retirement.

The best way for the chief PNP to show that he does not have anything to do with them is to complete the proposal of the dismissal and file the necessary cases,” Sen. Sotto told in a forum at the Manila Hotel.

The Senate is probing the alleged recycling of crystal meth, or shabu, seized by 13 Pampanga police officers in an anti-drug operation in November 2013.

The officers were subordinates of Albayalde, who was then the chief of the  Pampanga Police Provincial office.

Albayalde and his former subordinates were accused of benefiting from the 2013 operation against a certain Johnson Lee, wherein the police team allegedly seized some 200 kilograms of shabu but only declared 36 kilograms as evidence.

The Pampanga officers were also allegedly paid to make it appear that the Chinese drug lord had escaped.

The release of "Janet Lim Napoles"

Janet "Jenny" Luy Lim-Napoles (born Janet Lim y Luy; January 15, 1964) is a businesswoman who is believed to have masterminded the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) Scam. She was convicted of plunder for her involvement in the PDAF Scam and is facing charges for alleged involvement in the misuse of the Malampaya fund for disaster response operations.

Alleged pork barrel scam queen "Janet Lim Napoles" was among the inmates released due to the good conduct time allowance (GCTA) law, according to the list submitted by the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) to the Senate.

Based on records, the "Janet Lim Napoles" released in the list was not the one facing plunder trial and detained at the Correctional Institution for Women.  Instead, the one release in November 2018 was convicted for rape.

On the list, the charge attached to Napoles was rape, not plunder.

Sen. Richard Gordon, chair of the blue ribbon committee, said he was disappointed with the revelation.

ustice Undersecretary Deo Marco, who heads the committee responsible for reviewing activities at Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), said an investigation is underway.

"Either na nasa listahan talaga si Napoles hindi lang natuloy, or nagkamali sa encoding, especially, rape ang sinabing kaso d'yan ni Napoles. I will ask BuCor to explain," Marco said.

“There is an attempt to release as many people as they can, including Napoles,” he said, adding that he would raise the matter at Thursday’s resumption of the Senate hearing on Republic Act No. 10592 that he leads.

The good conduct law drew scrutiny from lawmakers for nearly benefiting rapist-killer Antonio Sanchez whose release on supposed good behavior was aborted amid public outrage.

Napoles was among 2,160 convicts serving time for heinous crimes but released on good conduct time allowance under the 2013 law.

A list from the Bureau of Corrections obtained by the Inquirer showed that a ‘Napoles, Janet y Lim,’ prisoner N211P-2332, was among “persons deprived of liberty” who were freed under the current administration.

Napoles was number 275 in the group of convicts charged with rape who were freed on Nov. 12, 2018.

The release of Antonio Sanchez

Director General Nicanor Faeldon admitted that he signed a release order for former Calauan mayor Antonio Sanchez, but insisted that he “stopped the process” for his release.

Faeldon made the admission after repeatedly denying during the Senate committee on justice and human rights hearing Monday that he signed a release order.

He insisted that what he signed was a memorandum to start the process of Sanchez’s release.

When presented by Senator Panfilo Lacson with a copy of the release order for Sanchez which bore his signature, Faeldon still insisted that it was a memorandum greenlighting the start of the release process.

Lacson, however, pointed out that the fourth paragraph of the memorandum dated August 20, 2019 gave the directive to submit a report on the compliance of the order.

He insisted that the release process for Sanchez was not completed.

Sanchez, who was convicted for the rape and murder of Mary Eileen Sarmenta and the killing of Allan Gomez, would have been among the estimated 11,000 persons deprived of liberty (PDL) who are said to have qualified for a reduced prison term based on good conduct time allowance (GCTA).

The GCTA system allows a PDL, including those convicted of heinous crimes based on the existing implementing rules, to apply for a reduction of his prison term on good conduct.

Good conduct, based on the implementing rules, means participation in any of six programs and not violating any of the 45 offenses listed, Faeldon said.

Faeldon said the recommendation to release Sanchez and several others reached his office on July 20, 2019.

He said he had reservations about releasing Sanchez and that he had been discussing with the BuCor legal office on how to legally stop the former mayor’s release from jail.

But he said he was advised that a case would not be filed against him if he releases Sanchez because there is legal basis for this. But if he holds Sanchez and other PDLs, a case would be filed against him.

Reports on the impending release of Sanchez sparked public outrage.

Gordon questioned the GCTA granted to the former mayor, considering that he was reported to have committed several violations in prison, including not wearing a PDL’s uniform.

RA 10592 was passed in 2013 under then President Benigno Aquino III with the goal of decongesting prisons and giving a second chance to reformed convicts.

The Supreme Court ruled in June that this law should be applied to prison sentences given even prior to its passage.

A total of 1,914 prisoners convicted of heinous crimes have been granted early release since 2014 under the GCTA law, BuCor data showed. Under the Revised Penal Code, any release order granted cannot be revoked.

More than two decades since he was convicted, Sanchez still maintains innocence, saying he was a victim of a frame-up by his political enemies.

Bea Alonzo & Julia Barretto w/ Raffy Tulfo

The issue started when several photos of Gerald and Julia together circulated online, which garnered different reactions from the netizens.

Meme Photo of Bea Alonzo & Julia Barretto w/ Raffy Tulfo Goes Viral

Meme photo of Bea Alonzo and Julia Barretto together with the veteran broadcaster Raffy Tulfo goes viral after it was posted online.

Over the past few days, Filipino celebrities such as Bea Alonzo, Julia Barretto, and Gerald Anderson have been the most controversial personalities on social media.

The speculations regarding the rumored affair of Pinay actress Julia Barretto and actor Gerald Anderson brought the social media by storm.

Inimbitahan ni Raffy Tulfo sina Bea Alonzo, Gerald Anderson, at Julia Barretto sa kanyang radio program upang “ayusin” ang kanilang problema.

Sa kanyang TV program na Aksyon sa TV5 nitong Miyerkules ng gabi, August 7, sinabi ng broadcaster na mas mainam kung maghaharap-harap ang tatlong Kapamilya stars.

Sabi ni Raffy, “Alam mo 'yan, solusyon niyan, itong si Bea, 'tsaka si Julia, 'tsaka si Gerald, pumunta sa Wanted sa Radyo. Ayusin namin 'yan.”

Tinukoy ni Raffy ang kanyang radio program, na umeere tuwing weekdays ng hapon sa Radyo5 92.3 News FM.

Dinadagsa ng mga karaniwang tao na may problemang nais maresolba, inimbitahan ng broadcaster ang tatlo sa kanyang programa para “malaman natin kung sino ang may kasalanan.”

Sabi ni Raffy, “Lahat ng problema ay may solusyon. Para malaman natin talaga kung sino ang may kasalanan.”

Trending at lalo pang tinututukan ng publiko ang kontrobersiyang kinasasangkutan nina Bea, Gerald, at Julia makaraang magkasunod na maglabas ng pahayag ngayong linggo sina Gerald at Julia tungkol sa isyu.

Arroyo vs Alvarez

The power shift happened with the knowledge — if not blessing — of President Rodrigo Duterte, who was forced to wait a full hour before delivering his State of the Nation Address (Sona) to a joint session of Congress as the leadership row played out on national television.

Former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who is now Pampanga 2nd district representative, has been named the new Speaker.

When President Rodrigo Duterte arrived at Batasan for his State of the Nation Address (SONA), before 4 pm, it was still Alvarez who welcomed him, along with Senate President Vicente Sotto III.

The President's SONA was delayed for more than an hour since he had to speak separately with Alvarez and Arroyo, according to congressional sources.

An agreement was reached to let Alvarez sit with the President during the speech, and to formalize Arroyo's election as Speaker through a proper resolution.

After the President's SONA, lawmakers stayed to hold a session.

Alvarez also made powerful enemies.

He slapped graft charges against his former bosom buddy, Davao del Norte Rep. Antonio Floirendo Jr., one of the top campaign contributors of the President.

Alvarez supported Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas in the latter’s political feud with the Marcoses in Ilocos Norte.

“Everybody had their own issues [with him],” Nograles said. “The zero budget was an issue for some of them, so was the removal of chairmanships from those who voted against the death penalty [bill],” he said.

While Alvarez was making enemies, Arroyo was consolidating her forces.

Of the 184 who voted for her, several were her former Cabinet officials, including Andaya, who was her budget secretary, and Bohol Rep. Arthur Yap, who was her agriculture secretary.

Another close ally is Minority Leader Danilo Suarez, who has joined the new supermajority.

Alvarez did not respond to requests for comment on Tuesday.

Pakisabi sa kanya magtago lang siya..

"Sabi ko sa anak ko, i-text mo iyan kasi tuwing negte-text ako, hindi na siya nag-rereply kasi eh, kaya itong mga anak ko pina-text ko. Ang reply niya sa anak ko, 'Huwag mo siyang pa-attend... Huwag siyang umattend diyan, pagkakaguluhan lang siyan diyan. Sabi niyang ganun, 'Pagtatawanan lang kaming dalawa, magiging kahiya-hiya lang kami diyan na dalawa,'" he said.

Ronnie Dayan, the former driver-bodyguard of Senator Leila De Lima, admitted Thursday that his former boss-lover urged him to go into hiding to avoid a House of Representatives inquiry on the alleged drug trade inside the state penitentiary.

Dayan said that when his sister received a subpoena summoning him to the House probe, he talked to his daughter to contact De Lima because the senator was not replying to his text messages.

He said he wanted to attend the investigation, but De Lima -- whom his family allegedly calls "Tita Lai" or "TL" -- told his daughter that he should go into hiding.

"Gustong-gusto ko pong attendan iyung hearing pero ang sabi ni Ma'am sa text niya sa aking anak na si Hannah Mae Dayan: 'Pakisabi sa kanya magtago lang siya... Papipiyestahan lang siya at silang dalawa kapag nag-appear siya sa hearing."

His daughter, Hannah Mae Dayan, also read the text messages which she allegedly got from de Lima last October 1, 2016.

House Majority Floor Leader Rudy Fariñas said the text messages allegedly from De Lima are "bordering on obstruction of justice and contempt" for interfering in the proceedings.

An arrest warrant was issued against Dayan after he failed to appear in a House inquiry on the alleged narcotics trade inside the national penitentiary, where several witnesses said De Lima asked convicted crime lords to sell drugs to beef up her campaign kitty for the 2010 senatorial elections.

ANG BAGONG LIPUNAN CURRENCY

THE P1000 PESO GOLD COIN OF PRES. MARCOS UNDER THE KILUSAN NANG BAGONG LIPUNAN."

LET ME SHARE TO YOU THE EXCELLENT PLAN OF PRES. MARCOS TO " MAKE THIS NATION GREAT AGAIN.!! "

PRES. MARCOS UNFORGETTABLE REMARKS -

"This Nation can be great again. This I have said, over and over. This is my Articles of Faith and Divine Providence (Gold reserve) has Willed that You and I can translate this Faith into deeds."

Here is the Factual events in the Line of Historical study as qouted in the Secret documens. .

" Pres. Marcos grand plan is, He wanted to Re-established the former Grandeur of MAHARLIKA and the whole Region of South East Asia Region, the former MALAYAN EMPIRE. .

In June 1983, Marcos appeared before the first world leader in Toronto. He announced his plan to boost economy of the South East Asia Region by ' CREATING ASIAN DOLLAR.' .

This would be backed up by the 400,000 metric tons of Gold in Central Bank. .

The ASIAN DOLLAR, backed up by the 2/3 of all gold in the World that was in the Maharlika, would make the Maharlika money ' MORE VALUABLE AND STRONGER THAN AMERICAN DOLLAR.'

This was his Vision to raise South East Asia to be par with the rest of the first world countries. .

There is a plenty of Solid evidence of a program Marcos worked on with American Pres. Ronald Reagan, which reffered to as ABL or ANG BAGONG LIPUNAN program. .

Under this program, some 250 sets of gold, documentation and related ANG BAGONG LIPUNAN CURRENCY were to be shipped to various countries around the world. .

To this day, the 400,000 metric tons of gold are still in the Central Bank in East Avenue, Quezon City.

NO BODY CAN MOVED IT, it because it insured it with the LLOYDS OF LONDON and its agents are guarding it. .

BUT THE PRESENT GOVERNMENT DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE ITS EXISTENCE. .

Not only have succeesive governments of the Philippines failed to acknowledge the existence of the gold, they have Conspired to keep this information from being known to the Filipino people. .

WE ASSUME, THIS IS BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN WORKING AT FOR WAYS TO CONVERT THE GOLD FOR THEIR OWN SELFISH GAIN. .

PROBABLY, IN CONSPIRACY WITH THE INTERNATIONAL BANKING CARTEL. ."

THE ADMIN DOES NOT WANT YOU TO LIVE IN GRAVE IGNORANCE. .

THE YELLOW PROPAGANDA MAY CONTINUE TO SPREAD OUT TO CONVINCE THE DEPRAVED MIND THAT PRES. MARCOS IS " MAGNANAKAW ". .

THEN, IF THE FILIPINO WILL BELIEVE,

THE TRAPPED OF YELLOW DUNGEON WILL CONTINUE TO DARKEN THE MINDS OF IGNORANT FOR THEIR ADVANTAGE TO REMAIN AND TO MAINTAIN THEIR POWER. .

THE YELLOW ENEMY OF PRES. MARCOS MUST CONTINUE TO PERPETRATE PROPAGANDA TO DESTROY HIM. .

BECAUSE, THEY KNOW IF THEY WILL STOP DESTROYING PRES. MARCOS,

THE ENLIGHTENING WILL COME INTO THE MINDS OF FILIPINO. .

IF THAT CASE WILL HAPPEN, THEN THE DECREE OF THE APPOINTED TIME WILL KNOCK AT THE DOOR UNLEASH THE GLOBAL ASSET THAT CAME FROM THE SPRINGS OF GOLD RESERVE. .

AND THE DIVINE JUSTICE OF THE INVISIBLE ARMS OF PROVIDENCE WILL MOVE--

TO MAKE THIS NATION GREAT AGAIN.!!!

Lawmakers pay tribute to Miriam Santiago

A 'pillar' of PH politics

Most legislators at the House of Representatives consider her one of the "pillars" of Philippine politics, staunch in her defense of the country's sovereignty and revered for her campaign against corruption.

Lawmakers grieved over the passing of former senator Miriam Defensor Santiago

"I extend my deepest sympathies to the family of Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago. With her passing, we lost one of the country's most vocal and feisty defenders of our nation's sovereignty and national interest, as well as one of the most feared campaigners against corruption in government.

"We would also miss not only her trademark colorful language that stung foes and chastised incompetent officials, but also for her cutting intelligence and wit that endeared her to a horde of youthful followers.

"We will forever be grateful to Senator Santiago for dedicating her life to the service of our nation." - - Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, Davao del Norte 1st District

"We lost a pillar in the Senate. The passing of the senator and looking at her performance on the background of how she performed during all these years, it may be difficult to find somebody that can somewhat duplicate what she has done. A good reformist and fiscalizer, and somebody who did not take advantage of her position. Loyal and dedicated as a public servant." - Minority Leader Danilo Suarez, Quezon 3rd District

"We join the nation in mourning the loss of a remarkable parliamentarian, Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago. Her wit and humor will be truly missed. Our sympathies to the family." - Deputy Speaker Raneo Abu, Batangas 2nd District

"I join the whole nation in grieving the death of a dear and true friend and loyal ally, Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago.

"Senator Miriam's life is the epitome of courage, brilliance, eloquence, dedication to public service and commitment to good governance. The Philippines has lost a truly outstanding and irreplaceable leader in Senator Miriam!

"I extend my deepest sympathies to Atty Jun Santiago, their children, and their whole family. She will be truly missed." - Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Pampanga 2nd District

"She is a great loss. With her sterling and exemplary performance as part legislature, legal mind, and leader, her departure to join her Creator has created a missing link, that finding a replacement is not an easy task." - Deputy Speaker Fredenil Castro, Capiz 2nd District

"We mourn the passing of a giant cultural icon. She will be remembered not only for being an unparalleled legislator but for her meteoric personality, her acerbit wit, and deep intolerance for the stupid. Unlike many of her contemporaries, she managed to capture the idolatry of people from all ages, specially the young. Her appeal was age- and gender-proof. I continue to wish that someone, just even a 10th of her, were present in today's political circumstances. Typhoons have Yolanda. Politics has Miriam." - Deputy Speaker Romero Quimbo, Marikina City 2nd District

"It's a sad day for the Philippines. We have lost a brilliant stateswoman who has captured the hearts and the imagination of the Filipino people with her courageous yet witty remarks and ideas that helped shape and build our strong nation. She will be greatly missed. #WalaKangKatulad." Cristal Bagatsing, Manila City 5th District

"My family and I are saddened by the passing of Senator Miriam Santiago, whom I maintained a cordial relationship with through the years. I was also godfather to her son who passed away.

"Philippine politics will not be the same without the staunch and feisty Miriam. We will miss her intelligence, wit, and vast legal expertise, which she has shared as university professor and earned for the country the distinction of being the first Asian elected judge to the International Criminal Court.

"It was a privilege to have worked with Miriam and we thank her for her dedication to the country, having served well in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches ofour government.

"To Atty Jun Santiago and the rest of her family who fought this difficult cancer battle with her, my deepest sympathy and prayers." - Feliciano Belmonte Jr, Quezon City 4th District

"This end of an era of erudition, eloquence, and equanimity. Agree with her or not, her thoughts and her means of expression demanded respect." - Teddy Baguilat Jr, Ifugao

"We mourn the loss of a distinguished legal scholar and an exemplary public servant who [is] hard to come by in every generation. She will always be an inspiration for our youth and to us public servants." - Rodel Batocabe, AKO Bicol

"Maalala natin siya bilang isa sa pinakamahusay nating public servant. Napakatapang, napaka-vocal sa napakaraming issues, lalung-lalo na nakikita natin siyang isang inspiration sa paglaban para sa ating pambansang soberanya. Maaalala natin na isa siya na nanawagan para sa abolition ng mga ‘di pantay na kasunduan ng Pilipinas at ng Estados Unidos. Kaya naman ang mga kabataan ay gagawin siyang modelo at talagang inspirasyon sa pagpapatuloy ng laban para sa soberanya ng ating bansa, sa pagpapatuloy ng laban para sa ganap na kalayaan para sa bansa." - Sarah Elago, Kabataan

"Even as a young law student in Ateneo then, I am one of the biggest admirers of former Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago. Her legal intellect is legendary among the young and idealistic, and this is the very reason why the core of her political support comes from the youth. When I entered public service, I came to know Senator Miriam as someone who does not only have a brilliant mind, but also someone who has a pure heart and one with unparalleled compassion to serve our people. I remained a big fan of Senator Miriam and despite our partisan divide, I continued to look up at her for giving life and color to our boring and mundane work as a legislators. Despite her demise, Senator Miriam's legacy will live forever. Her life will continue to inspire many young people like I was to work hard to serve our people and our nation." - Karlo Nograles, Davao City 1st District

"The people of Samar join the entire nation in mourning the passing of former Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago. Even to a political neophyte like myself, Senator Miriam is an inspiration to do only what is good and what is right.

"She is one of the country's great political figures who worked hard to achieve excellence in all the tasks given to her in the field of public service.

"She will be sorely missed by the entire Philippines not only because of her witty punchlines but because of her selfless dedication to public service. Paalam, Senator Miriam." - Edgar Sarmiento, Samar

"Up to her last breath, former Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago showed to all of us the grit and the spirit of a true Ilongga. She fought her disease just like the way she fought to change the many wrongs in our present political system. Despite her passing, she is immortalized by everything that she stands for and everything that she did for the country. She will continue to inspire us to fight for what is right even of everybody else thinks otherwise. She will continue to be an Ilonggo pride." -Jerry Treñas, Iloilo City

"Today is a sad day for the entire nation as we all grieve for the passing of one of the most iconic personalities in Philippine politics.

"Throughout Senator Miriam's entire political career, she has inspired so many Filipinos, especially the youth. Your wit and brilliance, which we all admired, will surely be missed. Senate proceedings wouldn't be the same without the presence of a feisty legislator like you.

"Thank you for your service to our country, Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago. May you rest in peace." - Sherwin Tugna, CIBAC

"My deepest sympathy to an illustrious congressional leader and member of the legal profession. She's a great loss to the nation." - Reynaldo Umali, Oriental Mindoro 2nd District

"Sad news. Senator Miriam will always be remembered as a fighter and advocate of our democracy. She's indeed a stateswoman!!! Her death is a big, big [loss] to the Filipino people. Our deepest condolences to her family!" - Vilma Santos-Recto, Lipa City 6th District

"Senator Santiago defined what a true statesperson should be – fierce but compassionate, strong-willed but gentle in spirit, a principled advocate that never compromises in the face of adversity. Her passing away is a great loss, especially during these troubling times when voices like hers will surely send shivers to the powers that be. I join the nation in mourning her passing." - Tom Villarin, Akbayan

"The Iron Lady is gone but she had a well-ironed place in our history as a respected jurist, executive bureaucrat, legislator, international law expert, and, of late, a master par excellence in 'hugot lines.' More importantly, though, she's an ally in the campaign against pork barrel and against onerous foreign treaties like the VFA (Visiting Forces Agreement) and EDCA (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement). To paraphrase one of her hugot lines, 'Mahirap makipaglaro sa'yo ng taguan, because someone like her is hard to find. Requiescat in pace MDS!" - Carlos Isagani Zarate, Bayan Muna

Think before you speak

SENATOR  Leila de Lima has a “friendly” and “unsolicited” advice to President Rodrigo Duterte: Think before you speak.

De Lima was initially hesitant to comment on the President’s latest outburst, this time directed at United States  President Barack Obama, noting how Duterte would not like to be lectured  on by other people.

“Di ba nga sinasabi niya na ayaw siyang line-lecturan. Ayaw siyang pinagsasabihan. So mahirap…kasi ayaw ngang line-lecturan, ayaw sinasabihan. So maybe, this is just a friendly advice, unsolicited advice,” she said in an interview at the Senate on Tuesday.

“Kailangan ho kasi tandaan ng ating mahal na Pangulo na Pangulo po siya, and therefore, anuman po ang lumalabas sa bibig niya ay kailangan pinag-iisipin muna nang husto, at hindi padalos-dalos, na nagiging policy yan and official statement,” she said.

De Lima, who also traded barbs with  Duterte over her alleged involvement in the illegal drugs trade,  reminded that  a statement of any  president or  leader of  a state would   be  reflective  reflective of  his or her country’s  foreign policy.

“And therefore, hindi pupuwede yung ganyang style na nambu-bully, offensive din ang language,”   she said.

“Because pag ganun po, sa tingin ko po…I know, baka na naman po siya magalit if I say this – that yung mga ganyan po na mga offensive, intemperate language, does not only demean himself, but it also demeans his office and even the country in the eyes of the world. So kailangan po doble-ingat.”
The senator was referring to  Duterte’s  reported warning against anyone who would lecture him about human rights and extra-judicial killings during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit in Vientiane, Laos.

“You must be respectful. You just don’t throw question and statements. Putangina, mumurahin kita sa forum na yan,”  the President was quoted in the media as saying, supposedly referring  to Obama.
His remark was believed to be the reason Obama called off  his scheduled meeting with him this Tuesday. Duterte later expressed regrets for his comment.

De Lima was almost certain  that such an  incident  would have “repercussions either immediately or in the near future.”

In fact, she said, she  already received  some text messages  from her  former classmates, who are now based in the US, supposedly saying that they were  already  being insulted  there  by Americans.

“It’s just an advice, Mr. President…I’m not imposing on you. I’m not lecturing sa inyo. And siguro po yung ganitong sentiment, I’m almost sure or pretty sure, is being shared by many,”  the senator added.

-rappler

WHY SHOULD WE?

Her family could not vote for her and she's asking that we vote for her?

please share this sa inyong facebook !.

Gov. Alfonso Umali Jr. sentenced 10 years in prison

The Sandiganbayan yesterday sentenced Oriental Mindoro Gov. Alfonso Umali Jr. to 10 years in prison for his involvement in a P2.5-million transaction made 21 years ago.

Aside from imprisonment, the anti-graft court disqualified Umali from holding public office and forfeited his retirement benefits.

Records showed that the transaction was made when Umali was provincial administrator.

Umali, along with former governor Rodolfo Valencia and former provincial board member Romualdo Bawasanta, were ordered to reimburse the provincial government P2.5 million. 

The charges against the respondents stemmed from a loan with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), made under the name of the provincial government.

The Sandiganbayan said the respondents violated the Local Government Code when they used the money to repair, operate and maintain a boat owned by a private individual.

Valencia said they would appeal the decision.

He said that in 1993, the province was placed under a state of calamity after a series of typhoons left 149 people dead.

 “Because of the gravity and urgency of the situation, the provincial government applied for a loan with the LBP,” Valencia said.

He said the money was used to repair the ship in order to reach and help people in isolated areas.

Valencia said their political rivals criticized their action and charged them in court.

The decision was handed down by a Sandigan division previously chaired by dismissed Associate Justice Gregory Ong, who along with Associate Justices Oscar Herrera and Christina Cornejo, tried the case for 20 years.

Trillanes allegations vs Binay all lies

Trillanes allegations vs Binay all lies

Rico Paolo Quicho, Vice President Binay’s new spokesman for political concerns, said yesterday Trillanes is again maliciously attempting to sow intrigue and sully the Vice President’s name in attacking the Home Development Mutual Fund.

Trillanes tries to influence public perception through his reckless and unfounded statements but would necessarily fail “because he has no credible proof to offer,” he said.

Quicho said Pag-Ibig has shown a good track record and performance under the leadership of the Vice President and its president Darlene Berberabe.

“Innuendos and surmises cannot be the substitute of the truth,” he said. 

“It is obvious that these are being done not in aid of legislation but in aid of election,” she said.

Vice President Binay is concurrent chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC).

Binay said that her father was very careful in handling transactions within the Pag-Ibig Fund in light of past anomalies like the one involving Globe Asiatique.

Her father scrutinized all projects of Pag-Ibig, she added.

The latest allegations of Trillanes did not surprise her because of what she and her family had to go through last year with the Blue Ribbon subcommittee, Binay said.