Senate OKs amnesty grant to former communists
BY RAYMOND AFRICA
THE Senate yesterday adopted a concurrent resolution which grants amnesty to former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, and the New People’s Army.
Voting 23-0-0, the Senate approved House Concurrent Resolution No. 20 which gives the amnesty to former CPP-NDF-NPA members who have committed crimes punishable under the Revised Penal Code and special penal laws in furtherance of their political beliefs.
“As I have said in my sponsorship speech, ‘Amnesty is the best policy.’ I call on the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), the National Amnesty Commission, Department of Justice, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Department of National Defense, and Philippine National Police (PNP) who graciously lent us their valuable time and expertise during the period of interpellation, to not let the amnesty measures remain just that — a mere policy,” said Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, chairperson of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification, and Reconciliation.
Citing data from the OPAPRU, he said additional applicants may be expected from over 17,000 surrenderers and over 22,000 individuals who withdrew support from the CPP-NDF-NPA.
“Let’s all make sure that this amnesty program, together with the amnesty programs for the MILF, MNLF, and RPMP-RPA-ABB which were earlier approved by Congress, will be implemented fully and faithfully towards its objective of transforming lives and communities, encouraging former rebels and combatants to return to the folds of the law and to participate in nation-building within the framework of peaceful and deliberative society,” he added.
As provided under Section 4 of the proclamation, the amnesty shall extinguish former communists’ criminal liability for acts committed in pursuit of political beliefs, and restore their civil and political rights suspended or lost by criminal conviction.
This, however, will not apply to those charged under the Human Security Act of 2007 and the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020; those who committed crimes such as kidnap for ransom, massacre, rape, terrorism, crimes committed against chastity, crimes committed for personal ends; violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002; grave violations of the Geneva Convention of 1949; as well as genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture, enforced disappearances, and other gross violations of human rights.
COA lifts disallowance vs Pagcor’s
P254M confidential, intel expenses
BY PETER J. G. TABINGO
THE Commission on Audit has lifted the notice of disallowance issued against P254.845 million in cash advances of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor) for its confidential and intelligence (CI) activities in 2012.
In a 10-page decision released only last week, the COA en banc granted the appeal filed on April 22, 2014 by Pagcor officials led by former chairman Cristino Naguiat Jr. after determining that the two principal points of the disallowance — lack of approval from the Office of the President and deficient documentation on the confidential and intelligence activities — have been fully addressed.
The director of the COA-Intelligence and Confidential Funds Audit Unit (ICFAU) issued the notice of disallowance in 2013 on several grounds including failure to address deficiencies raised in the July 2013 notice of suspension, non-submission of the most recent approved “Save The House” project, and incurring P48.2 million in expenses from January to March 2012 before the approval by the President of the CI budget which was issued in April 2012.
Further, the ICFAU noted that the same missions, operations, and intelligence projects enumerated in the liquidation of CI activities were also mentioned as accomplishments in the P1.44 billion security expenses drawn from Pagcor’s regular budget.
Held liable were Naguiat, vice president for Finance and Treasury Department Estela Ramos, assistant VP for Security Department Byron Tabangay, officer-in-charge of the Security Department Maichael Bailey, and AVP for Accounting Vidal Cabigon Jr.
In a supplemental motion for re-evaluation, the respondent officials said projects under “Save the House” were implemented through three main operations titled “Terrier,” “Aquarius,” and “Butete” although confidential details were withheld as allowed under COA Circular No. 2003-002.
Listed under Terrier were rental of safehouses, recruitment of human intelligence informants, purchase of information, police augmentation in all casinos, and upgrade of surveillance video equipment.
Aquarius entailed recruitment of Korean nationals as assets, inter-agency coordination with NBI and PNP Intelligence, and travel expenses of a team sent to Macau to coordinate and verify a card skimmers group operating in the country.
Butete was directed at uncovering Pagcor personnel who connive with other individuals in unlawful activities, recruitment and training of surveillance personnel, recruitment and support for civilian assets, build-up of intel networks, and training and equipment of personnel for detection of illegal online gaming,
In granting the appeal, the COA Commission Proper noted that letter of the Executive Secretary dated April 18, 2012 which clarified that Pagcor’s requests for funding of P281.17 million in 2011 and P277.32 million in 2012 in connection with Save The House was approved.
“This Commission finds the appeal meritorious. Finding substantial compliance with the documentary requirements under COA Circular No, 2003-002, this Commission concludes that the PAGCOR’s utilization of its CIF is proper,” the COA declared.
UFEC sees disposal of remaining
assets completed within the month
BY Peter Tabingo
THE United Foreign Exchange Corp (UFEC), a government-owned or controlled corporation (GOCC), has assured the Commission on Audit that the disposal of its last remaining assets in the form of 25,000 San Miguel Corporation Series 2 (SMC2) preferred shares and 20,000 Ayala Land Inc (ALI) common shares can be completed within the month.
The sale of the investment assets is part of the liquidation plan of the government firm following the termination of its corporate life as of December 31, 2023.
UFEC was created in 1994 as a wholly owned subsidiary of the UCPB Leasing and Finance Corp. (ULFC) “to engage in dealing of foreign currencies and financial instruments.”
In turn, ULFC is wholly owned by the United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB) which ceased to exist after the merger with Land Bank of the Philippines in March 2022, with the latter emerging as the surviving entity.
According to the 2023 audit of UFEC, it was able to sell 25,000 SMC 2 shares for P1.836 million on May 25, 2023 or half of the 50,000 SMC2 shares it still owned.
As of the yearend, the UFEC informed the COA that all of its liabilities have been settled even as it eyes the disposal of its remaining SMC2 shares on the maturity date of March 2024 with a full stock price of P75 per share.
On the other hand, it expects a high value for its ALI shares which has a total book value of P2.624 million.
The GOCC added that it had submitted its application for business closure with the Makati City Treasurer’s Office on January 30, 2024, which is now under evaluation.
“The applications for closure of TIN (tax identification number) and BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue) certificate of registration were not yet filed awaiting the complete disposal of the UFEC’s investments in stocks, while the BIR Tax Clearance was only released on January 12, 2024,” the COA noted.
DepEd: Teachers can suspend classes due to El Niño heat
BY ASHZEL HACHERO
THE Department of Education (DepEd) yesterday reiterated its reminder that school heads have the authority to suspend classes due to extreme heat brought caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon.
Education Assistant Secretary and Deputy spokesperson Francis Cesar Bringas noted announcements made by the state weather bureau PAGASA that the phenomenon is likely to persist until the end of May this year.
PAGASA said the public may expect an average temperature of 37°C to 38°C with an average heat index of 40°C to 43°C in Metro Manila up to May this year.
“Since they are the school managers, meron silang ganoong authority na naibigay sa kanila at ine-expect natin that they will exercise very wise discretion when it comes to suspension of classes (Since they are the school managers they have the authority and we expect that they will exercise very wise discretion when it comes to the suspension of classes),” Bringas said in a television interview.
At the same time, he said school heads may give “intervention activities” to make up for the missed days if classes are suspended.
Schools may also switch to alternative distance mode or blended learning if the environment is not conducive to learning.
Bringas likewise advised students to wear more comfortable clothing, aside from their regular uniforms, to enable them to cope with the heat while they are inside their classrooms.
Last year, more than 100 students of the Gulod National High School-Mamatid Extension in Cabuyao, Laguna were hospitalized when they showed signs of dehydration and heat exhaustion after taking part in a surprise fire drill in the searing afternoon heat.
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers said a survey they conducted from March 24 to 27 last year showed that classes really suffer with the scorching summer heat.
ACT chairperson Vladimir Quetua said then that 87 percent of the 11,706 teachers nationwide who participated in their online survey said that students cannot focus on their lessons due to the intolerable heat in public schools.
About 37 percent of those surveyed said the summer heat triggered the existing medical conditions of teachers and students, while 40 percent noted that more students missed classes since the summer season started.
Quetua said 97 percent of the respondents said their classrooms relied only on electric fans for ventilation while only one percent have air conditioners and two percent depend on natural ventilation.
Meanwhile, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian flagged the delay in the implementation of the P23.5 billion Metro Manila Flood Management Project which he said is a critical preventive tool ahead of the forecast La Niña phenomenon.
In a statement, Gatchalian called on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to come up with a catch-up plan to bring the completion rate of only 6.52 percent to a much higher level.
“It’s quite discouraging to see that the implementation is only 6.52 percent versus a target of 91 percent, or a slippage of 84.48 percent,” Gatchalian said.
“This is a very important project considering that Metro Manila always experiences flooding during the rainy season or when there is intense rainfall,” Gatchalian said at a recent meeting conducted by the Congressional Oversight Committee on Official Development Assistance (COCODA), presided by him and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has each provided $207.60 million in concessional loans to finance the project. The loan became effective on March 2018 and is scheduled to close in November this year.
Gatchalian noted that cumulative loan disbursements now total P6.92 billion or 29.44 percent of the total project cost, while cumulative loan drawdowns stand at $72.78 million, accounting for only 17.53 percent of the total loan amount of $415.20 million.
Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, asked the DPWH for an alternative plan that would enable it to achieve its goal of minimizing solid waste.
He also asked the DPWH to submit its plans on how to modernize drainage areas.
Based on a report from the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), this component of the flood management project requires the rehabilitation of 36 pumping stations and the construction of 20 new ones.
To date, however, only seven new pumping stations have been rehabilitated with 14 others undergoing rehabilitation. Only four pumping stations of the 20 new ones are for procurement while 16 others will not be pursued due to right-of-way issues.
Another component of the project is the participatory housing and resettlement which calls for the resettlement of around 2,500 households. – With Raymond Africa
Comelec, Miru vow to face lawmakers
BY GERARD NAVAL
A DAY after earning the ire of some lawmakers, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and its automated election system (AES) service provider, Miru Systems, yesterday vowed to face the House of Representatives to answer their questions and demonstrate the technology set to be used in the May 2025 national and local polls.
In an interview, Comelec chairman George Garcia said the poll body and Miru Systems are prepared to attend the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms hearing as early as next week.
“We are making a commitment that, in the next hearing, we will direct Miru to attend and answer the concerns of our lawmakers… We have already conveyed to Miru that they should hold the demonstration next week,” said Garcia.
This was seconded by Miru Systems in a statement, saying they will closely coordinate with the Comelec on the matter.
“We understand that the House of Representatives would like to observe the base machines and discuss with us any concerns they may have. We will coordinate with the Comelec so that we may immediately schedule this session soonest, as we are ready and committed to showing the integrity and performance of our machines,” said Miru.
The poll body and the South Korean firm also issued separate apologies to the lawmakers for not attending the hearing last Tuesday.
“The Comelec received the invitation so we sent our representatives. But we have no intention to disrespect our congressmen,” said Garcia.
“Miru Systems would like to apologize for not being able to attend the scheduled demonstration with the Philippine House of Representatives today. We meant no disrespect to the honorable members of Congress,” said Miru.
On Tuesday, the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms held a hearing to get updates on the preparation for the May 2025 midterm elections.
Comelec Commissioner Marlon Casquejo led the team from the Commission, while Miru had no representatives during the session.
According to Garcia, there is no truth to allegations that the 2025 AES, particularly the Full Automation System with Transparency Audit and Count (FASTrAC), was tailor fitted to Miru Systems.
He stressed that the FASTrAC is a system borne out of the “wish list” of the Comelec as well as the suggestions of poll watchdog, such as the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting and the National Movement for Free Elections.
“The Terms of Reference is a product of the knowledge of the Comelec and our partners. Tailor fitting happens when a company has a machine and the Terms of Reference is made based on that machine,” he said.
“I am proud to say that this system cannot be seen anywhere in the world. There is no tailor fitting that happened here,” added Garcia.
The poll chief also said that the public bidding conducted by the Special Bids and Awards Committee (SBAC) was above board.
“Our bidding process was orderly, transparent, live-streamed, and our Terms of Reference was posted in our website as early as last year. We didn’t get any opposition and objection concerning it,” said Garcia.
To recall, the Comelec conducted a public bidding for the 2025 AES with the joint venture led by Miru Systems eventually winning the project.
Last Monday, the Comelec and Miru Systems joint venture signed the contract for the FASTrAC project.
Palawan Rep. Salvame, 61
BY Wendell Vigilia
PALAWAN First District Rep. Edgardo Salvame passed away early morning yesterday, his family announced on social media without revealing the cause of the lawmaker’s death. He was 61.
“Manong Egay lived a life of purpose and adventures. Lumaki sa isla, nagsumikap na magtagumpay sa buhay, hanggang sa tinawag ng tadhana upang magsilbi sa ating bayan (He grew up in the island, strived hard in life until he was called to serve our country),” the family said in statement posted on the Salvame’s Facebool page.
“Sa maiksing panahon na siya’y ating naging congressman, sinikap niyang gawin ang lahat ng kanyang makakaya upang magdala ng liwanag, tulong, pagbabago, pagmamahal at kalinga sa bawat isang Palawenyong kanyang sinumpaang tulungan. Siniguro niyang masimulan ang kanyang mga ipinangakong programa para sa bayan (During the short period that he was a congressman, he persevered in doing what he could to bring light, aid, change and love and care to every Palawenyo he swore to help. He made sure that the programs that he vowed to bring will gain ground),” the statement added.
The late lawmaker’s family said he gave his “life, abilities and heart to all of us,” adding that the task to continue his “good legacy and fight for the welfare of the people” was entrusted to his loved ones.
The statement said the details of the internment will be announced.
Speaker Martin Romualdez said the lawmaker’s “departure creates a significant gap in Congress, but even more so, it leaves a profound sense of loss within us.
“I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of our colleague and friend, Palawan 1st District Rep. Edgardo “Egay” Salvame. It is a personal loss for me and a huge loss for our community and the nation,” he said.
Romualdez said Salvame “was far more than just a fellow lawmaker.
“He was a true advocate for Palawan, a devoted public servant whose compassion and dedication resonated deeply with those he represented. His commitment, integrity, and ceaseless effort to advocate for his constituents have profoundly impacted all of us fortunate enough to have known and worked with him,” he said.
“Egay was not just a colleague; he was a trusted companion and a source of inspiration, leaving behind a legacy of service that will be celebrated and remembered for years to come,” the Speaker said.
“To Cong. Egay’s family, friends, and the people of Palawan, my heart reaches out to you. During this challenging time, I hope you find solace in the vast respect, admiration, and affection Cong. Egay garnered. His life was a testament to purpose and service, devoted to the betterment of others.”
DOLE chief renews commitment to tripartism
By Gerard Naval
AMID criticisms on being anti-workers, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma yesterday reiterated his commitment to the policy of tripartism and social dialogue.
In a statement released by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Laguesma said he is committed to collaboration and joint efforts from various stakeholders in creating policies.
“The administration is committed to tripartism, consultation, and social dialogue as representatives from employers’ organizations, labor organizations, marginalized or groups in vulnerable situations, and the informal sector take part in decision and policy-making,” said Laguesma.
He said a clear proof is the composition of the newly-formed Trabaho Para sa Bayan (TPB) – Inter-Agency Council (IAC).
“This law acknowledges the principle of tripartism, consultation, and social dialogue. Proof of this is that part of the council is the representatives of the marginalized and vulnerable sector, informal sector, labor organization, and employers’ organization,” said Laguesma.
Last month, Sen. Chiz Escudero questioned DOLE for doing the job of the Department of Trade and Industry, saying both are being “pro-business.”
Escudero said it should be the DOLE that is looking after the welfare of workers on the proposed legislated wage hike.
Observe `zero backlog’ policy, Remulla tells new prosecutors
BY ASHZEL HACHERO
JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla yesterday reminded newly-appointed and promoted state prosecutors to adhere to the department’s “zero backlog” policy by resolving cases with dispatch.
Remulla issued the reminder as he welcomed the promotion and appointment of 122 prosecutors in various Offices of the National Prosecution Service (NPS) nationwide.
“I congratulate the 68 newly-promoted and 54 appointed prosecutors. Your promotion and or appointment is very crucial to the DOJ’s commitment to strengthening the NPS, where you belong,” he said.
“I now urge you to perform your duties efficiently and with dispatch, maintain your zero-backlog policy, and sustain your high disposition rate,” he added.
Remulla said the appointment of the prosecutors is expected to address the heavy workload in the NPS and ensure the speedy resolution of cases to reinforce the people’s faith in the criminal justice system.
Of the 122, five were from the Office of the Secretary of Justice Prosecution Staff (OSJPS). The remaining 117 were promotions and original appointments for Regions I to IV and the National Capital Region.
The highest positions conferred were Prosecutor V and Prosecutor IV given to prosecutors assigned in the OSJPS, and regional, provincial and city prosecution offices.
Last year, Remulla said the DOJ will need 1,537 new prosecutors and prosecution attorneys to hasten the resolution of complaints and cases filed in courts.
The NPS had 2,466 prosecutors and 204 prosecution attorneys nationwide as of September 2023.