PNP Chief Marquez opens the "White House"

President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino recently appointed PNP Chief Director General Ricardo Marquez as the new PNP Chief to replace the dismissed former PNP Chief Director General Alan Purisima. During Purisima’s term, the so-called “White House” (the official residence of the PNP chief in Camp Crame) became controversial after reports came out that the re-construction in 2013 allegedly cost P25 million. But it was denied and the PNP claimed that only P11 million was spent for the renovation and generously donated by Purisima’s friends in the Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines. The newly appointed PNP Chief Marquez opened the said house to guests and media people as a part of transparency under his leadership.

I have heard the speech of PNP Chief Marquez and all I can say is that may he be able to fulfill most, if not all, of his objectives before his retirement in August 2016. May he be able to dump the “bata-bata” (patronage system) among men in uniform, cleaning up of the scalawags, salary adjustment and benefits of the PNP, and more. But I guess the most difficult task of the new PNP chief is to regain the people’s trust over his people.

 

Supreme Court: PDAF is unconstitutional

It is UNCONSTITUTIONAL. The Supreme Court has declared the controversial Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), also known as the “pork barrel” as unconstitutional. With a unanimous vote of 14-0 (Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco Jr. inhibited because his wife is a party-list representative), they find the system as unconstitutional for allowing legislators "to wield, in varying gradations, non-oversight, post-enactment authority in vital areas of budget executions" thus violative of the principle of separation of powers. The ponencia was made by Associate Justice Estela Perlas-Bernabe.

For more information on the ruling visit: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/11/19/13/sc-pdaf-unconstitutional

Inquirer: 28 solons linked to scam

The week is being started with a big bang about 28 solons being linked to scam, according to a series of reports of Inquirer. The 4th installment reported that there were 5 senators and 23 members of the House of Representatives that were allegedly made available their Priority Development Assistance Funds (PDAF) or pork barrel worth over P10 billion to dummy non-government organizations for purported ghost projects over the past decade. Said information was according to the affidavits submitted by the whistleblowers to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

28 solons linked to scam
(First of a series) NBI probes P10-B scam
(Second of a series) ‘I am not involved in any scam’
(Third of a series) How P10-B racket works

Imee Marcos, Manny Villar & JV Ejercito Offshore Accounts?

Certain politicians, business people, professionals or people who worked for certain foreign companies landed in a partial list of more than 500 mostly private Philippine residents with ties to offshore corporations. Said list was made by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists or ICIJ in Washington, D.C., after a year-long multi-country investigation. Included in the list with offshore accounts are Imee Marcos, Manny Villar and JV Ejercito Estrada.


Imee Marcos, sons tied to offshore trust in Caribbean
Manny Villar, JV Ejercito linked to offshore accounts

Cebu Governor Garcia suspended for 6 months

Suspension of Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia emanated from the Office of the President. The 6 months suspension was confirmed by Malacañang and said that it has nothing to do with politics. Secretary Ricky Carandang, from the Presidential Communications Development and Srategic Planning Office (PCDSPO), cleared that the suspension was part of the process involving a case filed against the governor.

Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez filed a case against the lady governor for allegedly withholding the budget for his office. Governor Garcia was also allegedly did not act on a petition for the contract renewal of 57 employees in the vice-governor’s office.

It was the late DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo who was given order by President Aquino to conduct an investigation but the results of the probe were forwarded to Malacañang only this year.

Roxas confirms Garcia's suspension 
Cebu governor suspended 
Gwen Garcia drops Senate bid 
HDO issued vs Gwen Garcia 
Cebu gov, 6 others face graft raps 

House: RH Bill was approved on 2nd reading

With a close vote of 113-104, House Bill 4244 otherwise known as the Reproductive Health (RH) bill was approved in the House of Representatives on the second reading. The votes were tallied past 2 a.m. Thursday. 

Prior to voting pro and anti RH bill flooded in the gate of the House of Representatives to watch the scheduled voting by lawmakers. Initially they voted on the bill via viva voce but later proceeded to nominal voting and representatives were given 3 minutes each to explain their vote.

House passes RH bill on 2nd reading 
House votes on RH bill 
Pacquiao: I vote no to RH bill 
Pro-, anti-RH bill forces troop to Batasan 
Earlier Senate vote on RH bill eyed 
Lawmakers told: Give spirituality space in RH talks 
No compromises on RH bill - CBCP

DILG USec Rico Puno visits Robredo's condo & office

DILG Undersecretary Rico Puno has been reported visiting the condominium unit of the late DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo. Also, a visit was made in Robredo's office at the NAPOLCOM. In both visits, the undersecretary was unsuccessful to enter the condominium unit and the office.

But why USec Puno did this? Reports says that Sec. Robredo has many confidential and important documents in his possession regarding various investigations being conducted by his office and USec Puno is said to be one of the personalities being investigated too.

Such a mysterious act only USec Puno can explain...

Pres. Aquino vs CJ Corona

The hottest issue in the land now happened during the justice summit held at Manila Hotel where President Noynoy Aquino openly criticized the Supreme Court (SC) and Chief Justice Renato Corona. Others find it rude and disrespectful but it’s the opposite for many. Was this an insult or the president is just trying to send a strong message to members of the Supreme Court and Chief Justice Corona about their performance?

If respect is an issue here then I believed the president did nothing wrong. Why? The former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the Chief Justice Renato Corona never show that to now President Aquino. Days after the 2010 Elections, the former president appointed Corona as the 23rd Chief Justice of the Philippines. Why such an act? Why not give the honor to the incoming president of appointing the Chief Justice with the help of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)? Respect begets respect.

Of course I wanted the executive and judiciary branches of our country to work harmoniously for the benefit of the country but how will it happen if everything started in bad taste. Can we blame the president for mentioning the midnight appointment during the summit if from the start of his presidency he was deprived of appointing his Chief Justice, a true disrespectful act? Can we blame a president if he blatantly criticized the Supreme Court for questionable decisions or unattended jobs?

The Filipino people are thirsty for righteous leaders, someone who will fight for their rights and keep his promise. Many government agencies are used to wrongdoings and abuse of powers brought about by the former government. I guess that’s the reason why many Filipinos see nothing wrong about the justice summit incident.

If Chief Justice Renato Corona values transparency, justice and respect over the laws of the land then he will resign from his post. He from the very start had the choice of accepting or not the appointment but even if he did there still time to think it over. His resignation will not only give peace between the executive and judiciary branches of the land but an honorable act and a righteous example of a “diplomatic sacrifice” for love of country.

The people’s reaction over this issue must serve as a warning to other members of the Supreme Court. Being members of the highest court in the land, it is your utmost responsibility to interpret the laws in its essence and render decisions righteously and with all integrity apart from affiliations, interest or personal grudge.

GMA's electoral sabotage news & updates

Last Friday, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) filed electoral sabotage charges at the Pasay City regional trial court against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for the alleged massive cheating in the Maguindanao polls in 2007. Also charged with the non-bailable offense are former Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr., and former election supervisor Lintang Bedol.

The former president underwent the booking procedures inside her hospital today, Saturday, at around 2 p.m. wearing a hospital gown and a neck brace. It was facilitated by PNP Criminial Investigation and Detection Unit Senior Superintendent Joel Coronel.

I know it’s hard for the former president’s family, her friends and loyal allies in politics to see her on that very moment but the judicial process must takes its course. Charges are filed and as such will prevent her from travelling abroad to seek medical treatment.

Different issues on the said electoral sabotage had been in the news for months and many witnesses came out to divulge their participation. The trial for sure will take longer time to resolve in consideration also of the former president’s condition, aside from gathering enough evidences and witnesses on the alleged massive cheating. But I appreciate the gestures of President Noynoy Aquino to serve justice with a heart.

I never thought that President Aquino is politicking over the former president. It must be a must to every succeeding administration to prosecute any allegations towards former government to serve justice for the Filipino people. And to my fellow Filipinos, let us all be calm amidst these political issues.

Arroyo challenges arrest: lawyer
Gloria Arroyo under arrest
Ex-COMELEC chair Abalos rushed to hospital
Interactive timeline: The life of Gloria Arroyo
Police serve arrest warrant against Arroyo

Arroyos WLO & ADO: News & Updates

I first heard the news over the radio (DZMM) about the TRO issued by the Supreme Court (SC) allowing former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and his husband Atty. Mike Arroyo to travel abroad and seek medical treatment abroad immediately. SC Spokesman Atty. Midas Marquez said the judges ruled with 8-5 votes stating that the ban was unconstitutional due to lack of charges on any crime and its consistency with the constitutional presumption of innocence.

It is really hard to comprehend national issues like this if you do not understand the laws. If you are an ordinary Filipino thinking of what the Arroyos have been accused of, you will probably be one of those opposing the travel. On the other hand, you will allow such travel for humanitarian reason or for not believing the charges. Of course for our politicians, it depends on their political affiliations and personal stand on the matter. On the part of our government, they will exhaust all possible means to stop the Arroyos for fear of escaping from possible charges and not serving justice to the Filipino people for crimes believed to have been committed by the Arroyos.

All I know and understand right now is that as a Filipino people we must stay calm amidst this issue and let the legislative and executive resolve the issue. Let us always work hard every day, be the best we can and continue praying for our country.

Arroyos decide to leave on Thursday
SolGen files appeal on Arroyo travel ban TRO
BI: Arroyos should have asked de Lima to lift WLO
Clinton distances self from Arroyo travel woes
Topacio: I'll have my 'ball' cut off if Arroyos don't return
Lacierda tells Topacio: Have pity on your wife

DOJ rejected PGMA's ADO

A photo shows former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo wearing a halo vest as part of her recuperation from surgery. The photo is part of the petition submitted by Arroyo's lawyers to the Supreme Court to allow her to travel out of the country to seek medical attention. BUT the Department of Justice (DOJ) rejected the former president’s request for an allow departure order (ADO) to seek treatment abroad. According to Elena Bautista-Horn, spokesperson of GMA, under the Section 6 of the Constitution, an ADO can only be rejected if it involves national security, public safety or public health.

Doctors of the former president at St. Luke’s Medical Center have said that a tetracycline bone biopsy is unavailable in the country and that’s the reason why the former president needs to seek medical treatment abroad. Former President Arroyo was diagnosed with cervical spondylosis and hypoparathyroidism.

• Arroyo's rights violated, spokesman says
• DOJ rejects Arroyo request for travel
• Arroyo asks SC to nullify watch list order, asks for TRO
• DOJ denies Arroyo request for travel abroad
• GMA breaks silence: I need a cure
• GMA tells de Lima: I shall return to face the charges
• Ona, Horn lock horns over GMA treatment
• GMA not in any immediate danger: DOH chief

House Justice on Gutierrez: Sufficient in grounds

To impeach or not to impeach Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez? That’s the issue of showdown between allies of President Aquino and former President Arroyo in the House Justice Committee. They need to vote if the impeachment complaints against Gutierrez are sufficient in grounds. And the winner is… The committee declared the complaint filed by former Rep. Risa Hontiveros and endorsed by Akbayan sufficient in grounds with votes of 41-12. Same vote was casted in reference to the complaint filed by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) Renato Reyes and endorsed by Bayan Muna also sufficient in grounds.

What’s now left for the Ombudsman? I think Mercy should have had resign long after President Aquino resumed office. She’s been considered as an ally of PGMA and accused of not doing her job among the many cases of massive corruption during PGMA’s reign. I just hope that these congressmen will be fair and just as they bring the issue in the floor to give justice to many Filipinos.


* Solon optimistic Gutierrez will be impeached
* Belmonte: We have numbers to impeach Gutierrez
* Gutierrez seeks Supreme Court's mercy
* Ombudsman: My conscience is clear
* ‘Ombudsman’s stance will speed up impeach proceedings’
* House panel votes to proceed with Ombudsman impeachment

President Noynoy's first paycheck

President Noynoy Aquino just received his first paycheck for the month of July last Monday, August 2, as the president of the country amounting to 63,002.17 pesos. It is his net income following the mandatory salary deductions.

This is the first time for me to see a president showing his paycheck in public. To think that the job of a president is really a tough one, demanding and stressful, there are really few good people who want to show that even in this time there are still trustworthy public servants who can still live by example.

I just wish you Mr. President all the best and luck in this world that you will someday fulfill all the good things and changes you want for our country with the help of the Filipino people.

Registration for Barangay & Sangguniang Kabataan elections

The registration of voters for the barangay elections to be held on October 25 will be from August 4 to 13, 8am to 7pm, at the offices of Comelec election officers nationwide. Below are the following activities in Comelec offices during the registration period:

• Registration of new voters
• Reactivation of registration
• Transfer of registration
• Correction of entries or change of name
• Inclusion of registration records
• Reinstatement of name in the List of Voters

According to Comelec Resolution No. 9005, any Filipino citizen may register as a voter for the barangay elections, based on the following qualifications:

• At least 18 years of age
• Has resided in the Philippines for at least 1 year, and has been a resident of the place where he/she intends to vote for at least 6 months immediately prior to the elections
• Not otherwise disqualified by the law

"Any person who, on the day of his application for registration, may not have reached the required age or period of residence but who, on October 25, 2010, shall possess such qualifications, may register as a voter," the resolution read.

The registrant should bring to the Comelec office any of the following documents that will prove his/her identity:
• Current employee’s identification (ID) card, with the signature of the employer or authorized representative;
• Postal ID;
• Student’s ID or library card, signed by the school authority;
• Senior Citizen’s ID;
• Driver’s license;
• NBI/PNP clearance;
• Passport;
• SSS/GSIS ID;
• Licenses issued by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC); or
• Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID

"In the absence of any of the aforementioned identification documents, the applicant may be identified under oath by any registered voter of the precinct, or by any of his relatives within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity who are registered voters of the same city/municipality," the resolution stated.

The full rules for the registration procedure for the barangay elections can be found here.

Meanwhile, registration for voters in the Sangguniang Kabataan elections, which will also be held on October 25, will be from August 6 to 15, 2010, from 8 am to 7 pm.

Based on Comelec Resolution 9004, those who are eligible to register to be members of the Katipunan ng Kabataan - the official term for voters for the SK - are those who are:

• At least fifteen (15) but below eighteen (18) years of age on October 25, 2010;
• Actually residing in the barangay for at least six (6) months on election day;
• Not otherwise disqualified by law.

Registrants should bring one of the following documents:
• Certificate of Live Birth;
• Baptismal Certificate;
• School records; or
• Any other document that will establish his identity and other qualifications.

In the absence of the above documents, any person may, under oath, identify the applicant.

The full rules for the registration procedure for the SK polls can be found here.

For registrants for the barangay and SK polls, Community Tax Certificate and certification of barangay official shall not be honored.

For more information, you may call the Comelec Education and Information Department (EID):
525-9295 / 525-9302 / 525-9345 / 525-9296 / 525-9297 / 525-9301 / 525-9335 / 527-5575.

Bahay Pangarap awaits President Aquino

Bahay Pangarap is ready and just waiting for President Noynoy Aquino to dwell in. The one-bedroom residence, built to resemble a resort villa, was renovated to accommodate the president and his household staff. The travel time of the president will cut down significantly as Bahay Pangarap is just inside the Presidential Security Group (PSG) compound.

Who will win the Speakership & Senate Presidency on Monday?

Former Quezon City Mayor now Quezon City Representative Sonny Belmonte is almost sure to assume as House Speaker. Most of the Lakas-CMD members conceded for Belmonte’s candidacy for Speakership. On the other hand, the position for Senate President still hangs as to whom among Manny Villar, Kiko Pangilinan and Juan Ponce Enrile will eventually be voted by their fellow senators on Monday hours before President Noynoy Aquino makes his State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Lakas concedes defeat in battle for House Speaker