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Tia Andaya flourished in her first start for Choco Mucho as she continues to adapt to the style of play in the PVL Reinforced Conference.

The rookie setter finished with 15 excellent sets and eight points, including three blocks to help Choco Mucho sweep Nxled, 25-23, 25-19, 25-22 on Tuesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

‘Obviously, when you have a new setter, it kind of mixes things up a little bit because it’s a different flow so I think we worked really well to kind of find that flow,’ said Andaya, who also played a crucial role in the Flying Titans’ first victory at the expense of Cignal last Oct. 13.

‘You can tell in the first set we were still trying to find it, but once we got it all in, I think we came together well and I’m excited to see how it continues to progress.’

The 24-year-old playmaker admitted she’s still in the adjustment period, but added she’s grateful to her teammates for making her transition easier.

‘Every game is gonna be a new challenge, every game has different obstacles and just facing adversity but I think, having solid teammates who are doing their job consistently, it makes my job so easy,’ Andaya said.

‘I think you’re always gonna have to sharpen that connection with someone at some point in time, and I do think it’s gotten better, it’s getting better for sure. As you can see, we have a lot of moving pieces, so we’re all working to get these connections. Everybody’s a little bit different, but I can see we’re moving in a positive direction, so I’m happy about it,’ she added.

Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin is thrilled to have the Filipino-American talent as the team’s other setter and one who also complements main playmaker Deanna Wong.

‘I think that’s the main difference between Deanna and Tia in our situation. Tia still needs more game time to build a better connection with the players. Deanna, on the other hand, is always ready; whenever we need her, she knows how to perform without needing too much adjustment. But for this game, we really needed Tia more, which is why she was the one on the court,’ he said in Filipino.

After leading her team to its second win in three games, Andaya seeks to build on her breakout game to keep contributing to Choco Mucho in their upcoming matches.

‘We got the win. That’s a confidence booster for everybody, but just seeing how we continue to get better throughout the match, that’s a really positive thing for us,’ she said.

A cultural and peace advocate urged the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Tuesday to investigate the alleged connection between first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Maynard Ngu, the tech billionaire behind Cherry Mobile, who some sectors have linked to the widening flood-control controversy.

John Santander went to the ICI building to submit his letter of sentiment addressed to ICI chair Andres Reyes.

He said ICI Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka received his letter asking the commission to investigate the alleged ties between Marcos and Ngu.

In an interview with reporters after submitting the letter, Santander showed two photos showing Marcos and Ngu together.

‘We are not pro-Marcos. We are not DDS [Die-hard Duterte Supporters], and we are not Kakampink. This is our own perspective as a part or as individuals living in our country,’ he said.

Ngu was recently tagged as the alleged bagman of Sen. Francis Escudero, one of the lawmakers implicated in the anomalies.

Earlier, former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo alleged that he had coursed P160 million in kickbacks through Ngu.

This, according to Bernardo, was allegedly meant for Escudero.

‘FL Liza may have benefitted from Ngu as well’

Based on his letter of sentiment shared with the media, Santander alleged that there is a ‘possibility’ that the first lady also ‘benefited’ from Ngu and/or vice versa.

Santander cited a report wherein Ngu ‘recommended appointments to the Palace, based on lists allegedly provided by the First Lady to former Executive Secretary Atty. Vic Rodriguez even before he can take oath and officially assume the role of Executive Secretary.’

He likewise attached the list that allegedly comes from Rodriguez’ book ‘The Kingmaker:’ ‘In such list, it can be seen that it was Maynard Ngu who recommended DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo to be appointed as a Senior Undersecretary of the [DPWH],’ Santander pointed out.

‘This gives more credibility to the allegations by Bernardo that Maynard Ngu is the bagman of Senator Chiz Escudero, given that it was Ngu who lobbied for Bernardo to be placed in such position,’ he said.

He also told the commission that the appointment of Ngu as special envoy to China for trade, investment and tourism was allegedly brokered by or on the strength of his connections with the first lady.

‘History of friendship’

In the letter, Santander said Marcos and Ngu have a ‘close relationship,’ citing the public events they attended together.

Santander specifically mentioned the recent attendance of Marcos at the event of Ngu’s Cherry Mobile and when the first lady ‘wined and dined’ with Ngu, Escudero and his wife Heart Evangelista in a bar reportedly owned by the businessman.

He then cited a report that on March 24, 2022, Ngu’s bar hosted a ‘high-value fundraiser’ for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who at that time was a presidential candidate.

‘During the 2022 Elections, Liza Araneta-Marcos was widely described as her husband’s campaign strategist and the brains behind everything. It would be impossible that Maynard Ngu’s fundraiser for Marcos Jr. was not coursed through and/or permitted by the First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos,’ Santander recalled.

He emphasized that the report cited that ‘each person who attended the fundraiser contributed or donated P5 million – including Maynard Ngu himself.’

‘Is this the reason why Maynard Ngu was appointed as Special Envoy and why the First Lady would refer to Atty. Vic Rodriguez a list of appointments recommended by Maynard Ngu?’ Santander wondered in the letter.

Reporters sought the comment of Malacañang on the letter of Santander to the ICI but it has yet to respond as of this writing. /apl/abc

SB19 – consisting of Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken and Justin – returned to Japan’s ‘The First Take’ for a live performance of ‘DAM,’ the focus track from their third EP ‘Simula at Wakas.’

The P-pop powerhouse appeared on ‘The First Take’s’ 602nd episode on Monday, Oct. 20, with the quintet entering the studio with excitement for their return before performing the track.

‘They will be performing the song that drew worldwide attention, achieving 4 million views within 24 hours of its MV release – the second-highest record ever for a Filipino artist – and becoming the first Filipino act to reach No. 1 on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart. ‘DAM,” the Japanese music platform said in its description.

‘While rooted in hip-hop, the track weaves in diverse musical elements as well as touches of traditional Filipino music, creating a truly one-of-a-kind sound. This unique piece is performed in a one-take session,’ it added.

The platform also shared photos of Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken and Justin in a shoot.

‘In episode 602, SB19, the boy group from the Philippines, makes their return after a year,’ the post read.

Making history as the first Filipinos on the series, this marks SB19’s third performance on ‘The Take.’ They previously graced the music platform to sing their hit songs ‘Gento’ and ‘Mapa’ in July 2024.

‘The First Take’ is a Japan-based platform that invites artists from different parts of the globe to sing their songs with a ‘single take,’ this means there are no do-overs or rehashes of their performance. A typical setting usually consists of the artists – usually in casual wear – performing on a plain background with the microphones on display.

Other international artists who graced the music platform were Harry Styles, Stray Kids, IVE, Tate McRae, Laufey, aespa, Seventeen’s Jeonghan x Wonwoo, ITZY, BTS’ V, and Avril Lavigne, to name a few. /ra

The province of Capiz has officially been placed under a state of calamity following the approval of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (provincial board) of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office’s (PDRRMO) recommendation in its session held Monday afternoon.

The declaration came after Tropical Storm ‘Ramil’ (international name: Fengshen) battered Western Visayas over the weekend, unleashing torrential rains that caused massive flooding, infrastructure damage, and loss of lives across the province. The move allows the provincial government to mobilize calamity funds and expedite relief, recovery, and rehabilitation efforts for affected communities.

The PDRRMO reported that numerous barangays across Capiz, particularly in Roxas City, Pontevedra, Panit-an, Sigma, Pilar, and Ivisan, remain reeling from extensive flood damage. Roads and bridges in several areas were rendered impassable, while hundreds of families were forced to evacuate to higher ground as floodwaters rose swiftly.

Earlier reports indicated five fatalities, highlighting the severity of the situation. As floodwaters gradually recede, local authorities have begun clearing operations and assessing the extent of damage to homes, crops, and public infrastructure.

Rescue and relief teams continue to deliver food packs, water, and medical aid to flood-affected areas, while local government units are coordinating with DepEd, DSWD, and DPWH for damage assessment and rehabilitation planning.

As Capiz transitioned from emergency response to recovery, authorities urged residents to remain cautious and cooperative as clearing, rebuilding, and rehabilitation operations continue across the province

A low pressure area (LPA) was spotted near Batanes on Tuesday, according to the state weather bureau.In its Tuesday evening update, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported that the LPA was last located some 436 kilometers north-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes and has a ‘medium chance’ of intensifying into a storm.

‘In the coming days, the chances of it developing into a full-fledged storm may increase, or it may indeed fully intensify into one,’ said Pagasa weather specialist Charmagne Varilla in a forecast.

Should the LPA intensify, Varilla said Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals may be hoisted in Batanes as it moves southwest.

‘We can see that it is moving southwest and may come closer to or pass directly over Batanes and approach parts of Ilocos Norte,: Varilla said.

Meanwhile, no other storms are being monitored in and around the Philippine area of responsibility.

Three weather systems, however, will continue affecting the country, the northeasterly windflow, easterlies and the intertropical convergence zone. /gsg

For the Philippines to achieve genuine inclusive progress, it must confront its most destructive obstacle: systemic corruption. This disease drains public funds, weakens trust in institutions, and traps citizens in poverty. While anticorruption bodies exist, they are critically underfunded. To effectively eradicate graft, the government must make a decisive investment by significantly increasing the budgets of its two key anticorruption agencies: the Office of the Ombudsman and the Sandiganbayan.

While the mandate of the Ombudsman is enormous, its resources are inadequate compared to the clever, well-funded networks it investigates. A small, overworked team faces an endless flood of cases, leading to massive backlogs. These delays allow the accused to manipulate the legal system, intimidate witnesses, and evade justice.

A transformative, fourfold increase in the Ombudsman’s budget is essential to break this cycle. This investment would directly fund two critical needs.

More investigators mean more cases can be pursued simultaneously and thoroughly. Complex graft cases require deep forensic accounting and evidence gathering. A larger team can work on multiple investigations at once, speeding up the process from complaint to filing and preventing evidence from being lost or tampered with.

Filing cases is not enough; winning them is what counts. Currently, Ombudsman prosecutors are often outmatched by the high-priced private lawyers hired by wealthy accused officials. A bolstered roster of specialized prosecutors would ensure every case is rigorously prepared and presented, leading to more convictions.

A higher conviction rate transforms corruption from a low-risk, high-reward activity into a high-risk gamble with one’s freedom and reputation. When the certainty of punishment increases, the temptation to engage in graft decreases.

The Sandiganbayan, the specialized antigraft court, is the final arbiter of accountability. Yet, it is crippled by delays and an overwhelming caseload. Doubling the Sandiganbayan’s budget is a necessary investment to modernize and expand the court.

Funds would drive a comprehensive digital transformation, replacing cumbersome physical files with efficient electronic systems. This would reduce errors, allow for real-time case tracking, and speed up all procedures. Furthermore, it would support hiring more administrative staff-legal researchers, IT support, stenographers-creating a proficient workforce that is the backbone of an efficient judiciary.

A doubled budget would allow for the creation of new divisions and the appointment of more justices, which would enable the court to hear a greater volume of cases concurrently, ensuring each one receives the thorough and timely attention it deserves.

A modern, efficient Sandiganbayan has the ‘teeth’ and speed to punish wrongdoing, acting as a powerful deterrent to potential offenders.

Critics may claim that simply increasing budgets is not a solution. However, operational capacity is a prerequisite for political will. Even the most determined leaders cannot eradicate corruption if the enforcing institutions are organizationally weak. This budgetary investment must be part of a broader reform package that protects the independence of the Ombudsman and the Sandiganbayan.

Eradicating corruption requires more than rhetoric; it demands tangible, institutional empowerment. By strategically investing in both the Ombudsman and the Sandiganbayan, the Philippines can build a powerful, end-to-end anticorruption machinery.

Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte has rushed to the defense of his sister, Vice President Sara Duterte, after a Makati Business Club (MBC) official cited the country’s second-highest official’s alleged misuse of confidential funds (CF) to show that corruption is a security threat.

Rep. Duterte, in a statement on Tuesday, said that MBC Executive Director Rafael ‘Apa’ Ongpin should first try running a city or learning about governance before commenting on such issues, like the CF misuse allegations thrown at the vice president.

‘Before you start barking, maybe try running a city first, so you’d actually understand what governance means, Sir,’ he told Ongpin.

‘You talk as if confidential and intelligence funds are some kind of secret stash. You clearly don’t know the nitty-gritty of how it works. Allow me to educate you a bit,’ Rep. Duterte said.

‘These funds are used strictly for information-gathering, security coordination, surveillance, and confidential operations,’ he noted.

‘Every disbursement requires proper documentation, liquidation, and is subject to COA post-audit. These are funds not simply used by anyone – contrary to your usual gossip-based conclusions,’ he added.

Ongpin earned the ire of Rep. Duterte after the former appeared in an interview on Bilyonaryo News Channel’s ‘At the Forefront’ program, to discuss the recent statement from several business groups, including MBC.

MBA had asked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to resolve the recently discovered corruption issues.

At one point in the discussions, Ongpin was asked about why corruption can be considered a security threat, to which the MBC official responded by mentioning corruption claims in the CF expenditures of Vice President Duterte’s offices from 2022 to 2023.

‘In another sense, I mean, look at, for instance, this NTF-Elcac, you know. And the confidential funds spent by the vice president, supposedly to investigate this or that. But, you know, those are supposed to be for security, right? They’re misspent,’ Ongpin observed.

‘They’re not being spent on national security. She can’t show where the money went, you know,’ he said.

‘And what (are the) results of the investigation? I don’t see them. So, yeah, I mean, when you’ve budgeted money for security, you better spend it on security. Not on, you know, Mary Grace Piattos,’ he suggested.

But Rep. Duterte stressed that her sister’s office is not the only government agency that got CFs, as other offices like the Office of the President, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine National Police received these allocations too.

Furthermore, the Davao lawmaker said that the vice president is hated for using these CF to end the communist armed insurgency.

‘Why do you think leftist groups hate the VP? Because of the efforts of the vice president as DepEd (Department of Education) chief to end recruitments by the NPA (New People’s Army) from the grassroots level and strengthening the education sector,’ Rep. Duterte said.

‘And before you question the vice president’s office, maybe look around first. You think only the OVP gets confidential funds?’ he asked.

Piattos is one of the names that were seen as signatories of acknowledgement receipts (ARs) for CF expenses made by Duterte’s offices – the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and previously, the Department of Education (DepEd).

ARs are documents submitted to the Commission on Audit to prove that funding for projects reached its intended beneficiaries, which in this case, are confidential informants.

During the hearings of the House committee on good government and public accountability during the 19th Congress, Antipolo City 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop noticed that one of the individuals who signed the ARs was named Mary Grace Piattos, which he said is a name similar to a restaurant and a potato chip brand.

Later on, Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong showed two ARs – one from OVP and another from DepEd – which were both received by a certain Kokoy Villamin.

However, the signatures and handwriting used by Villamin in the two documents differed.

Both Piattos and Villamin’s names were also not found inside the Philippine Statistics Authority database for live birth, marriage, and death.

Since this discovery, more weird names were found: Deputy Speaker and La Union 1st District Rep. Paolo Ortega V released different lists containing names resembling those of public officials, multiple ‘Fionas,’ a ‘Magellan’ and another individual with the surname ‘Ewan,’ which is a Filipino slang for ‘I don’t know.’

Ortega also released a set of names said to be from a grocery shopping list, while there were some names that sounded like a phone brand – Xiaome Ocho.

Aside from Vice President Duterte, several public officials and companies have been at the hot seat recently due to corruption allegations.

In his fourth State of the Nation Address last July 2025, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. condemned government officials and contractors who allegedly benefited from flood control projects at the expense of the people.

Eventually, Marcos inspected several projects which were then revealed to be either substandard or completely non-existent.

Investigations from different bodies – including Congress – followed suit, and several lawmakers were implicated as either having interests in the companies that do flood control projects, or were accused of diverting funds for such purposes. /apl

Some days, you can’t be bothered to throw on athleisure, drive 30 minutes, and attend a yoga class. Other days, sitting down to write a full journal entry feels like a Herculean task. While these are the common ideas that come to mind when you think of the phrase ‘mental health,’ they can require a little more effort on some days.

This October is Mental Health Awareness Month, and also a timely occasion to remember that taking care of our minds doesn’t have to be through expensive therapy or complicated routines. Because sometimes, the tiniest, laziest habits can make all the difference (even if you’re horizontal, under the covers in bed).

Here’s a cheat sheet for low-effort mental health care.

1. Bed yoga

One of my favorites. When I’ve got to be on time for work, or I don’t feel like doing a full hour in a studio or even a 20-minute yoga video in our living room, I do it from my mattress, sheets unmade and all.

There are tons of videos for ‘bed yoga’ online that guide you gently, with mindful stretches, to rolling up and out of bed. From spinal twists to arm stretches, just a few minutes of bed yoga can wake up your body, release tension, and calm your mind before the day officially starts.

2. Lazy gratitude journaling

Forget essay-length journaling. If you already have a journal or any blank notebook at home, jot down three things you’re thankful for each day. You can do it from your phone, too. Bullet-pointing your mental health could be as short and simple as a good cup of coffee, a fun chat with a friend, or that you slept in that day.

If you already have a journal or any blank notebook at home, jot down three things you’re thankful for each day

An article by Jose, Paul et. al, in the Frontiers in Psychology journal describes these as ‘savoring strategies. an effective emotion regulation tool that can actively help individuals maintain and extend positive emotional states.’

3. Play affirmations in the background

Our brain often tends to focus on the negative, and a part of ‘savoring strategies’ includes positive words that affect your mindset subliminally.

Got YouTube Premium? Play motivational talks, prayers, or affirmations in the background while making your bed in the morning, on your commute, or brushing your teeth. These can train your brain to nurture self-compassion and reduce negative self-talk.

And you don’t have to sit upright, Indian-style, too. Incorporate these throughout your day, multitasking self-love without even really trying.

4. Raise it up or inward

When the daily grind starts getting you down, take it to the higher beings. Whether you’re religious or just like the idea of grounding yourself, silently talking to a higher power, like God, or even just connecting with your inner self, can help.

Whether you’re religious or just like the idea of grounding yourself, silently talking to a higher power, like God, or even just connecting with your inner self, can help

Not into half-hour meditations? That’s fine. You can whisper a ‘thanks’ to the universe, God, or your inner self while stuck in traffic in your Grab, standing in line for coffee, or waiting for water to boil.

As Marcus Aurelius suggested, ‘When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive-to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.’ Or emulate C.S. Lewis, as he wrote, ‘I pray because I can’t help myself. I pray because I’m helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time, waking and sleeping. It doesn’t change God. It changes me.’

5. Mindful movement (in front of the microwave) As you wait for the oven to preheat or the kettle to boil, do a few squats, calf raises, or gentle lunges, all in time with the microwave timer. Tiny bursts of movement boost endorphins, help release tension, and, as a bonus, could even count as your exercise if you’re having a ‘rest day.’ You can do this throughout the day, doing what are usually mindless tasks.

6. Stare at the trees

When we first moved into an apartment, I was feeling out of balance. In our family home, I would spend the morning looking out at the trees in the garden, before checking my phone. But our view from our apartment was just building after building. Now we have a little plant that suffices.

In a study conducted by Bangor University and Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, they found that those who focus on greenery feel more restored, with reduced anxiety

In a study conducted by Bangor University and Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, they found that those who focus on greenery feel more restored, with reduced anxiety.

7. Nap!

A quick 10- to 20-minute ‘disco nap’ can reset your mind and body without leaving you groggy. Harvard Health released a study that shows, ‘naps can enhance mood, reduce fatigue, and improve alertness.’

If you can’t lie down, just close your eyes in front of your computer, focus on your breathing, and let yourself unplug. Check out 432 Hz videos on YouTube, too, which subconsciously stabilizes your breathing into a steady rhythm.

8. Phone-free minutes

A study by Sonali Deshbhratar from the Journal of Population Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology proved the real results of ‘digital detoxes’ for better mental well-being, cognitive abilities, and sleep quality. Disconnecting just for a little bit every day can work wonders. Those group chat ‘pings’ and endless Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook scrolling can make your brain feel like it’s running a marathon, so scheduling minutes of ‘no-screen’ time while on your commute, eating, or before bed can make all the difference.

9. Don comfy clothes

Another simple reset is slipping into your coziest clothes. Go easy on yourself, and wear pajamas in the middle of the day, an oversized shirt, or that pair of sweatpants you’d never wear in public. Your loose clothes can signal your brain that it’s a good time to rest.

10. Military visualization

Sounds intense, right? It used to take forever for me to fall asleep. But then my husband told me about this YouTube video about how the US military falls asleep in two minutes in battle zones.

Called the ‘Military Sleep Method,’ you systematically imagine relaxing your body from head to toe, then envision a peaceful scene: by the beach, lying in a field, or in a boat in a still lake. I do the latter and I’m out like a light.

No-guilt rest days

Begone, fancy studios, marathon journaling with color-coded tabs, and guilt! You can find your own small, simple habits that fit into your life, wherever you are: in bed, in the kitchen, or even stuck in traffic.

Self-care and good mental health needn’t be complicated or expensive to work. Just like in the gym, rest days are important, and the chillest ways to take care of your mental health can be in sweatpants, in nature, or under a blanket.

Marlee Smith sustained her fine form and Tia Andaya shone in her first start as Choco Mucho swept Nxled, 25-23, 25-19, 25-22, to regain its winning ways in the PVL Reinforced Conference on Tuesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Smith delivered 20 points in her second game, as rookie Andaya tossed 15 excellent sets and scored eight points, including three blocks, to improve the Flying Titans’ record to 2-1 in Pool A.

‘It was a good game for us. Although, we’re still adjusting to our new setter Tia and Marlee. But slowly, we’re getting our rhythm,’ said Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin in Filipino.

Choco Mucho rested star middle blocker Maddie Madayag due to a swollen knee. Madayag will be available to play in the squad’s next game against unbeaten Farm Fresh, according to Alinsunurin.

Isa Molde was also instrumental with 11 points and 14 excellent receptions. Kat Tolentino chipped in six points and seven digs, as libero Thang Ponce tallied 17 digs and 14 receptions.

Choco Mucho takes on Pool A leader Farm Fresh on October 31 at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

Nxled remained winless in three games, with Spanish Paola Martinez being the lone bright spot with 20 points.

The Chameleons hope to end their slump against the Cignal Super Spikers on Saturday at Ynares Center Montalban.

‘You are barking [up] the wrong tree.’

These were the words used by Sen. Christopher ‘Bong’ Go when he addressed on Tuesday the plunder case and other charges filed against him by former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV.

In a press conference, Go said Trillanes’ filing of complaints against him and ex-President Rodrigo Duterte is a mere diversionary tactic to take the public’s attention away from the anomalous flood control scandal.

‘To Trillanes: You are barking at the wrong tree. If you are really serious, why don’t you file a case against corrupt officials? Why don’t you file a case against your financiers? Those contractors. You know that. We’ve been holding hearings here in the Senate about that for months now,’ said Go.

‘The truth is already coming out, and it has been revealed who the contractors were, who the owners were, who had contractors, and who earned. They are the contractors; they are also the congressmen. Go after them, Trillanes. You don’t want to go after them because they are your financiers,’ the senator pointed out.

Go then proceeded to allege that Trillanes’ funds, when he investigated Duterte in the past, might have come from flood control kickbacks as well.

‘Don’t act as if you’re clean. Do not divert the public’s attention from the truth. Let’s stay here in the truth. Seek the truth, not the script, not the playbook,’ Go said.

‘This is just old music from an old script. This is a recycled issue, and they are trying to revive it so that they can paint me black. My conscience is clean, unlike him,’ he added.

In the same forum, Go presented news items showing Trillanes’ repeated filing of cases against him. Go said this has been going on since 2018.

He even joked about the former senator’s white polo, which he called ‘rehashed.’

‘Today, the polo he wore bore the same color he used last year. Even his polo is rehashed. He used it again, and similarly, he’s using old topics to taint my name. To make himself appear clean, he used a white polo, and yet his intentions are very dirty,’ Go observed.

Trillanes filed plunder and several other criminal complaints against Go and Duterte before the Office of the Ombudsman on Tuesday.

The former senator is accusing Go of funneling nearly P7 billion worth of government infrastructure projects to firms owned by the senator’s family. /apl