Author: gqSbgCfmna

Several boxes were allegedly brought for former Sen. Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr., Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, and ex-Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) chief Manuel Bonoan, a witness told the Sandiganbayan on Thursday.

Vergel Niño Garcia, a former driver and aide of state witness and ex-DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, made the revelation during the anti-graft court’s Third Division’s bail hearing for the malversation case of Revilla and several of his co-accused.

Revilla, Estrada, and Bonoan are respondents for plunder cases, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Garcia also said he allegedly delivered similar boxes and suitcases intended for late DPWH Undersecretary Maria Catalina ‘Cathy’ Cabral, former Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar, a certain ‘Carleen Villa,’ and a building in Manila.

This information was gleaned after a series of questions from Associate Justice Karl Miranda, who is the Third Division chairperson.

However, Garcia said he personally did not know that the ‘maleta’ and boxes contained cash, which he only learned when the investigation into flood control anomalies began.

During the deliveries, he told the court that the boxes were sealed and the suitcases were locked, and he did not open them.

It was also Bernardo who told Garcia that the boxes were intended for senators, DPWH officials, and other personalities.

Garcia said he delivered 12 boxes intended for Revilla in the ‘White House’ in Cavite in February 2025.

In November 2024, Garcia said he delivered 12 boxes intended for Estrada at the ‘Artiaga Building’ in San Juan. Garcia said he personally saw Estrada during the delivery.

For Bonoan, he said he delivered a total of 55 boxes: 15 boxes at a posh hotel in Manila in November 2024; 20 boxes at a certain location in March 2025; and another 20 boxes at a restaurant in Tomas Morato St. in Quezon City in June 2025. Garcia said these boxes were allegedly received by Bonoan’s driver, whom he identified as a certain ‘Joni.’

He also said he delivered boxes for Cabral twice in 2023: one paper bag in her residence in ‘Tatalon’ in Quezon City, and one ‘smaller’ box in the parking area of Quirino Grandstand, during which Cabral’s driver fetched the package while the late undersecretary was present during the transaction.

As for Olaivar, Garcia said the former DepEd official personally received the boxes and luggage from him. In total, Garcia said Olaivar has received 15 boxes and four pieces of luggage across three deliveries between 2023 and 2024.

Meanwhile, Garcia said that Villa received eight boxes from him personally in January 2025.

Garcia also said he delivered six boxes in a building in Manila ‘in first quarter of 2025.’ However, Garcia said Bernardo did not tell him for whom the delivery was.

Associate Justice Ronald Moreno asked Garcia: ‘Did you not wonder or worry that the boxes contain illegal items?’

‘No, your honor,’ Garcia said.

‘I trust that he would not put me in jeopardy,’ he said of Bernardo.

Inquirer has reached out to Bonoan and Estrada but has yet to respond as of posting time.

Sergio Veloso’s era with Ateneo Blue Eagles has come to an end.

After three seasons, the Brazilian coach handled his final game in the UAAP-and in the Philippines-as Ateneo absorbed a heartbreaking 22-25, 23-25, 25-12, 25-21, 15-10 loss to Far Eastern University to close its Season 88 campaign on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

According to reports, Veloso has already decided to leave after this season. Tiebreakertimes broke the news.

‘This is my last season in Ateneo. I am leaving the Philippines. I’ll work. I am part of the FIVB program. And now in this situation, I am now out of the PNVF,’ Veloso said.

‘For this time, Ateneo decided not only this season. This decision started in the last year, when change came in the PNVF.’

Veloso finished his final season with a 2-12 record.

Under his belt, Ateneo missed the chance to end a four-year Final Four drought. His first two seasons ended with identical 5-9 records when Lyann De Guzman and AC Miner were still leading the team.

Veloso was brought in by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation in 2023, handling the Alas Pilipinas squad in the Southeast Asian Games and Asian Games before Angiolino Frigoni replaced him for the FIVB Volleyball World Championship.

‘I want to thank Ateneo, thank the PNVF, for this opportunity to share my knowledge and my players. Not only for the girls, but for the national men’s team too, and for me, it’s so glad,’ said Veloso. ‘When I look at the end of the match, all the players, and the former players AC, Lyann, and Roma (Doromal). They give me nicknames, they call me ‘dad.’ And this for me is so good, because I know I can touch the players.’

As he leaves the country, Veloso brings precious memories not just from Philippine volleyball but from all the Filipinos he met.

‘When I think about the countries where I worked in the world, I stayed here three seasons, and if you ask me, out of my country, out of Brazil, here in the Philippines, I think it’s the best. Because the people, it’s more similar than Brazil. I tell them, the Philippines, they are Latin Asians, because the country has a lot of influence because it’s a Spanish-Latin country, and I appreciate it a lot,’ the outgoing Ateneo coach said.

BINI composed of Jhoanna, Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha and Sheena – has once again made a strong impression on the international stage after their guest appearance at the Grammy Museum’s Global Spin Live event.

The P-pop powerhouse was the guest of honor at the Global Spin Live gathering on Tuesday, April 21 (April 22 in the Philippines), where they spoke about their latest EP, ‘Signals,’ and treated the audience to a capella- and dance-themed performances.

Some of the songs that were performed in their set were ‘Blush’ and ‘Unang Kilig,’ per clips from Billboard.

Fresh off their Coachella debut, BINI perform new single ‘Blush’ at the GRAMMY Museum in LA pic.twitter.com/FYOswbV0j4

Aside from new music, BINI also shared how their five-year career has shaped them for the better and how the members have learned to navigate their journey as a P-pop act and as female artists.

‘Blushing, smiling, and still feeling the kilig after our @GRAMMYMuseum performance! Thank you for sharing this special moment with us. Huge thanks to @grammymuseum for the opportunity to share our music on your stage,’ they wrote after their latest appearance.

Travelers flying within and out of the Philippines are facing significantly higher airfares for the rest of April after the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) approved a Level 19 fuel surcharge, pushing additional charges to as much as P15,397 per ticket.

This new rate brings jet fuel surcharges close to the maximum Level 20 and marks a sharp increase from Level 8 imposed from April 1 to April 15.

Before the Middle East conflict broke out, Level 4 surcharge had applied.

Under Level 19, fuel surcharges for domestic flights now range from P627 to P1,834, up from P253 to P787 earlier in April-equivalent to increases of 147.83 percent and 133.04 percent, respectively.

For international flights, the surcharge rises to at least P2,070.77 and as much as P15,397.15, from P835.05 to P6,208.98 previously, representing a 147.98-percent increase.

CAB issued the advisory on Wednesday, although the new rates had taken effect for tickets issued starting April 16.

‘This interim measure shall be in effect until the current situation stabilizes, or as may be revised or revoked accordingly,’ it said.

These new rates will be applied at a conversion rate of P59.95 per US dollar.

Up 436% from prewar levels

This adjustment comes as global jet fuel prices remain high, reaching $184.63 per barrel as of April 17, from $99.40 per barrel prior to the Iran conflict, based on data from the International Air Transport Association.

Compared with prewar levels, Philippine jet fuel surcharges have now increased by 436 percent.

In March, carriers were unable to immediately reflect the price surge, as surcharges had already been set at Level 4 before hostilities escalated. At that level, domestic charges ranged from P117 to P342, while international surcharges were between P385.70 and P2,867.82.

Level 20 remains the highest allowable tier under CAB rules, with domestic surcharges ranging from P661 to P1,993 and international charges from P2,183.11 to P16,232.44.

On top of base airfare

Under CAB Resolution No. 25, Series of 2022, fuel surcharges are optional and charged on top of the base airfare. These may be removed if the one-month average price of jet fuel falls below P21 per liter.

In a statement, AirAsia Philippines said the increase reflects mounting cost pressures on carriers amid the ongoing conflict.

‘With the ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, our operational cost base has significantly exceeded initial forecasts-global jet fuel prices have surged to more than double 2025 levels,’ the airline said.

The local government of Calanasan in Apayao province was placed under a state of calamity on Wednesday due to the worsening socioeconomic effects of the ongoing energy crisis.In a statement, the local government said the town council has passed a resolution on the calamity declaration, and Mayor Shamir Bulut approved it.The resolution came as an offshoot of the recommendation from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC), which found that the current situation has ‘significantly disrupted local livelihoods, transportation, and the delivery of basic goods and services.’The crisis, driven by global oil supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East, has caused fuel prices to surge to unprecedented levels, the statement added.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) released funds amounting to at least P92.8 million for a flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan, linked to former Sen. Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr. and several others, despite alleged irregularities in billing documents, an official told the Sandiganbayan’s Third Division on Wednesday.

Testifying at the hearing for the malversation case against Revilla and his coaccused, DPWH finance director Genevieve Cuaresma confirmed alleged irregularities in the monthly certificate of payment and Statement of Work Accomplished (Sowa) for the project.

Cuaresma said the documents were not signed by former DPWH assistant district engineer Brice Hernandez and district engineer Henry Alcantara.

Hernandez is among the coaccused in the case, while Alcantara is a state witness.

The lack of signatures, according to Cuaresma, made the documents ‘incomplete, illegal,’ adding that the payments should not have been released as a result.

The Sowa also declared the project ‘95.17 percent’ complete but when Third Division chair Associate Justice Karl Miranda inspected the site last week, there were no visible structures aside from several steel sheet piles.

Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC) is venturing into Kazakhstan by acquiring a 20-percent stake in a company with interest in a copper mine, seeking to expand its footprint across Asia.

The listed mining company signed an agreement with Silk Road Resources Ltd., a private entity incorporated under the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), a financial hub in Astana and East Copper Production LLP.

NAC did not disclose the acquisition cost when asked for additional information, but only said the deal involved acquiring a 20-percent stake in East Copper, the sole legal and beneficial owner of GRK MLD LLP.

GRK, in turn, holds subsoil use rights for the Karchiga copper mine in Kazakhstan. The copper deposit is situated within the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, a globally recognized highly mineralized metallogenic domain.

GRK has an annual production capacity of 8,500 tons of copper sulfide concentrate and 2,000 tons of copper cathode.

Robust industry

Data from the AIFC showed that Kazakhstan’s mining sector contributed more than 12 percent of the country’s gross domestic product, amounting to 16.1 million Kazakhstani Tenge. It accounted for one-third of exports.

AIFC also noted that Kazakhstan is one of the world’s top 10 copper producers, holding a market share of 3.2 percent.

NAC said the transaction supports a broader goal of diversifying its business and growing its presence across the region.

‘This investment supports the company’s strategy to expand market capitalization and earnings by evolving beyond nickel into a diversified natural resources development platform with a growing presence across Asia,’ the firm said in a disclosure on Wednesday.

Due diligence

The sale is subject to the completion of the due diligence on East Copper and GRK, along with other closing conditions and the necessary regulatory approvals.

NAC reported an attributable net income of P6.27 billion in 2025, a 312 percent surge from a year ago, due to strong export prices and higher sales.

Revenues from saprolite and limonite ore rose by 39 percent to P27.25 billion.

Sarah Geronimo, through her production unit, denied speculation that she is planning to enter politics after a viral video showing her asking fans to ‘vote’ for her.

In a statement on Wednesday, April 22, G Productions, founded by Geronimo and her husband Matteo Guidicelli, addressed circulating clips that fueled online buzz about the actress-singer’s possible election bid, or if she were campaigning for her namesake, Vice President Sara Duterte, who has expressed her intention to run for president in 2028.

‘We have seen a few clips making the rounds suggesting that Sarah is gearing up for the next election, or at least testing the waters,’ the company began.

The production company clarified that the moment was taken out of context, explaining that the video came from a live event where the singer made a playful remark during her closing spiel.

‘For context: the video came from a live event where, as part of her closing spiel, Sarah playfully asked the audience to vote for her in the next election,’ the statement continued. ‘It was a lighthearted moment meant purely for fun and crowd interaction.’

G Productions stressed that Geronimo has no political plans at present, emphasizing that she remains focused on her career as a performer.

‘Sarah is exactly where she wants to be – on stage, doing what she loves, and inspiring people through her talent and artistry,’ it said, urging the public to ‘enjoy the moment for what it was and resist adding any political color to an onstage joke.’

The clarification came after a clip circulated online showing Geronimo telling the audience at Earth Day Run 2026, ‘iboto niyo po ako sa susunod na election,’ prompting speculation that the pop star might be considering a political run, or quietly endorsing Duterte.

Geronimo has been making headlines after she consistently slammed and expressed frustration with the alleged corruption in the government linked to flood control projects.

But while she has remained neutral in her political views, her husband Matteo has been associated as supporter of Duterte’s father, former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte through his involvement as an Army reservist, and when he openly expressed admiration for the former Chief Executive.

The elder Duterte is currently incarcerated in the Hague, Netherlands and is facing trial for crimes against humanity in connection with alleged thousands of extrajudicial killings that were committed during his administration in line with his anti-drug war campaign.

Arah Panique redeemed herself by leading National University to the No.2 spot ahead of the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball stepladder semifinals, anchoring the defending champion’s five-set comeback against University of Santo Tomas on Wednesday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Last Sunday, Panique’s costly net fault sealed La Salle’s five-set win to complete a 14-game sweep and clinch an outright Finals berth, sending the rest of the field into a stepladder.

The senior opposite spiker admitted she blamed herself for the crucial error.

‘I couldn’t help but blame myself before because it really was my fault,’ said Panique in Filipino. ‘So this game, I just gave my best to make up for the team and to help us secure that No. 2 spot so we won’t have a harder path and can also get some rest.’

‘I think we all know we could’ve won that game. We just fell short in closing it out. It also comes down to how we play together as a team,’ she added.

Against UST on Wednesday, Panique unleashed 24 points off 21 kills, two blocks, and an ace to help save NU from a two-set deficit en route to the 19-25, 23-25, 25-18, 25-18, 15-13 win.

‘For me, the main thing was to bounce back from our last loss. That’s really what motivated us. We’re also happy because you can really see our team effort and teamwork in this game,’ she said.

NU finished the elimination round with a 10-4 record and will have enough time to prepare for the last phase of the stepladder, where the finals berth against unbeaten La Salle is at stake.

UST and Far Eastern University will fight for the last semis berth on Saturday, with the winner taking on Adamson next on April 29.

The police have filed a criminal complaint against seven cadets and two police officers of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) in Silang, Cavite, over the alleged hazing of 22 plebes (first-year cadets) on April 3, Good Friday.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) filed the complaint for violation of Republic Act No. 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 with the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Imus, Cavite.

Among those charged were third-year PNPA cadets Harold Locop Heje, Lance Elroy Guinitaran Gayramon, Mhicco Legarda Escalante, Renz Matthew Abuhan Cutab and Renald Perfecto Brunio, as well as second-year cadets James Baldazan Bandao and Christopher Fernandez Dayag.

Also named in the complaint were the duty officers for the day, Maj. Mark Anthony Cailing and Senior Master Sgt. Silverio Dolorfino Jr.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, PNPA director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said that under the antihazing law, on-duty supervisors in training institutions tasked to directly oversee cadets or trainees may also be held criminally liable when such incidents occur.

Administrative liability

He added that the PNP Internal Affairs Service is also conducting an investigation into the police officers’ possible administrative liability under the principle of command responsibility.

Maranan said that based on their investigation, the on-duty officers who were supposed to supervise the activities of PNPA cadets were not on campus when the hazing occurred.

Following the incident, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered tighter anti-hazing measures across all systems within the PNPA, which is composed of two main branches: the Tactics Group and the Academics Group.

Maranan said that because the hazing occurred under the Tactics Group, it will be prioritized for reforms.

According to him, cadets have been segregated by class and assigned to separate barracks to ensure all interactions are supervised by tactical and assistant tactical officers.

Maranan said that closed circuit TV cameras will be installed in and around barracks, classrooms and other areas where cadets conduct various activities.

Tactical officers will also be required to use body-worn cameras so their actions can be properly documented and reviewed.

In a separate statement, Nartatez said the filing of cases against those involved in the alleged hazing ‘shows that the PNP’s system of discipline and accountability is working.’

‘Regardless of the people and the ranks involved, there will always be a certainty of facing the consequences of violating our rules and regulations, and the rule of law,’ he said.