Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Atty. Michael Poa has temporarily set aside his role as counsel and spokesperson for Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense team as he is set to take the witness stand before the Senate impeachment court.

Atty. Justin Nicol Gular, who serves as the deputy spokesperson for Duterte’s defense team in her impeachment trial, said Poa himself opted to temporarily step away out of respect to the impeachment court.

‘I think for the defense team, it’s just proper that considering that Atty. Michael Poa ay isasalang po sa impeachment court, common etiquette and property quorum dictates that we respect the impeachment court, and he needs to at the moment, step aside from serving as the defense team spokesperson,’ said Gular in a press conference.

In fact, Gular said he and the other defense lawyers last spoke with Poa on Aug. 26, after which both sides opted not to meet to avoid accusations of witness tampering following the prosecution’s decision to call him as a witness.

‘That’s the reason why, if you notice, Atty. Michael Poa is not in court, meaning wala siya sa side ng defense,’ said Gular.

‘And he is also not in our holding room, the one that the public does not see. Nasa ano po siya, kung saan po yung regular witness (he is where regular witnesses are held),’ he added.

However, Gular clarified that Poa’s absence is not permanent, stating that he will be back after taking the witness stand.

New spokesperson? No decision yet

‘I think this is still being considered and talked about between the defense team and of course the client, the vice president,’ said Gular when asked if the defense has already found a separate spokesperson outside the legal team itself.

‘But I’m pretty sure naman, if may mapipili na kami o may makikita na kami (once we pick someone), if that time comes, Atty. Michael Poa or the vice president herself will inform the media of this matter,’ he added.

Talks of having a new spokesperson began after presiding officer and Senator-Judge Francis Escudero implemented a stricter application of the court’s sub judice rules.

The Civil Service Commission (CRS) on Tuesday said that caps of employees under Job Order (JO) and Contract of Service (COS) in government agencies must be studied after lawmakers raised concern of its rising number.

During the House committee on appropriations’ briefing on the CSC’s proposed budget in 2027, Commissioner Ryan Alvin Acosta said that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) should assess the relevance of the Personal Services (PS) limitations on local government units (LGUs) to regulate workers under JO and COS.

‘And they should coordinate with DBM (Department of Budget Management) on how to use this PS cap to administer or to regulate the number of COS in LGUs. Each LGU has unique needs and unique capacities,’ Acosta added.

(‘And they should coordinate with DBM (Department of Budget Management) on how to use this PS cap to administer or to regulate the number of COS in LGUs. Each LGU has unique needs and unique capacities,’)

Acosta’s remarks are in response to the concern raised by Kamanggagawa party-list Rep. Elijah San Fernando on the increasing number of government non-permanent contractual workers.

The lawmaker further said that some government employees who work for more than five years remained contractual.

‘It is high time po, maganda na meron pong mga nailatag na mga proposals ang Civil Service Commission para matugunan itong problema sa patuloy na paglaki ng bilang ng mga job orders and contract of service workers natin,’ San Fernando stressed.

(‘It is high time-and it is good-that the Civil Service Commission has laid out proposals to address the problem of the continuously rising number of job orders and contract-of-service workers,’)

According to the CSC, the Department of Public Works and Highways has the largest number of non-permanent contractual workers with more than 44,000.

Also included in the government agencies with the highest number of contractual workers employed are the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Department of Education.

Acosta noted that the common ground of these agencies are involved in social welfare programs and projects.

He said that a factor in the rising number of contractual low-rank workers is because of mandatory department head positions that are beyond the LGUs capacity.

‘So, dahil may mga mandatory na matataas na position na hindi kaya sa budget ng LGU na mag-create ng mga ganitong position, hindi nagagawan ng plantilla positions ng ibang LGUs ‘yong mga utility nila na ang tagal nang nagtatrabaho sa kanila,’ he explained.

(‘So, because there are mandatory high-level positions that the LGU budget cannot accommodate, some LGUs are unable to create plantilla positions for their utility staff who have been working for them for a long time,’)

He added that the agency is currently studying positions that may be considered optional to lessen mandatory roles.

In this way, low-income LGUs may hire or create more plantilla positions for long-serving JO and CO employees, the commissioner said.

Acosta, moreover, suggested the establishment of an optimization committee to strengthen oversight in government agencies against the possible abuse in the employment of workers under COS and JO.

Creamline showed a preview of how dangerous an 11-time champion club could be when a towering and international player, Jaja Santiago-Minowa, joined their winning culture after winning their first two games in the PVL Invitational Conference.

With Minowa leading the balanced attack, Cool Smashers proved too much for Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City in the third set, leading as many as 18-1 and wrapping up the frame in just 12 minutes en route to a 25-18, 25-16, 25-6 sweep on Tuesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses has been enjoying the addition of the 6-foot-5 middle blocker on his ‘not-so-tall’ team, which has been the most successful club in the decade-old league.

‘Our team isn’t that big, so having Jaja in front is really intimidating for our opponents. Her presence alone makes it difficult when you’re playing against her,’ said Meneses in Filipino. ‘With her leadership and experience, our defense becomes much easier when she’s at the net.’

But the eight-time PVL champion and 2025 Coach of the Year believes that the best is yet to come.

‘We’ve only played two games with Jaja, so there’s still a lot more we can improve and hopefully we can keep getting better until the end. Of course, we also need to stay healthy every game. Having Jaja definitely makes things easier for Creamline,’ he said.

‘We’ll help each other every game because we won’t get the championship right away just by having Jaja. We still have to stay focused and work hard for it. All of us, especially Jaja, really want to win the championship, but it won’t be easy. We’ll have to work hard for it.’

Good thing for Meneses and the Cool Smashers, Minowa has been displaying not just her talent – honed in Japan since 2018 – but also her discipline, championship poise, and humility.

‘We knew we had the lead, but we couldn’t afford to become complacent because Vietnam can fight back at any time. We kept reminding everyone to stay focused and continue working hard on every ball,’ said Minowa in Filipino.

‘I think that’s the most important thing. No matter how big your lead is, or even if the opponent is ahead, we need to stay composed and focus on what we need to do.’

With four more days remaining in her limited time with Creamline before playing in the US next year, Minowa will continue to make the most out of her PVL homecoming.

‘For the first two games, my mindset has always been to contribute to the team, especially in attack and blocking. Whatever I can share with them-my experience, leadership and communication-I try to give consistently,’ Minowa said.

‘It’s not difficult because they’re doing the same thing. They’re also sharing their thoughts and experiences with me. Our connection and communication have been smooth so far.’

A senior New People’s Army (NPA) leader was killed in an encounter with government troops in Camalig, Albay province, on Monday night.

The slain rebel was described as the commanding officer of the Regional Special Operations Group of the Bicol Regional Party Committee by Army Lt. Col. Cliff Chester L. de Ocampo, commander of the 31st Infantry (Charge) Battalion of the 9th Infantry Division.

The encounter between troops of the 31st IB and the 5th Regional Mobile Force Battalion and NPA rebels took place in Barangay Magogon, he said.

During clearing and retrieval operations after the clash, government forces recovered a Glock 17 9mm pistol, personal belongings, and documents, de Ocampo said.

The purported rebel leader had been with the NPA for more than three decades and had held various leadership positions within the rebel organization in Bicol, he said.

The recovered firearm, personal belongings, and documents were subjected to documentation and examination as part of the ongoing investigation, de Ocampo said.

Security and clearing operations continued in the area in coordination with the police to ensure residents’ safety and maintain peace and order

The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) has invited the five senior associate justices of the Supreme Court (SC) to apply for the position of chief justice ahead of Alexander Gesmundo’s compulsory retirement on November 6.

In a statement on Tuesday, the JBC said it invited the following senior associate justices to submit their application:

Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen

Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa

Associate Justice Ramon Paul L. Hernando

Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul B. Inting

Associate Justice Rodil V. Zalameda

On Saturday, the JBC opened applications and nominations for the next Supreme Court chief justice.

It also set a deadline for the applications, along with the necessary documentary requirements, on October 13 at 4:30 p.m.

The JBC is a constitutional body that has a mandate to vet nominees to the president for vacant posts in the judiciary, the Office of the Ombudsman, and members of the Legal Education Board.

Since the early 2000s, the body has been practicing inviting the five most senior SC associate justices to apply for the chief justice post ‘as a matter of courtesy and in recognition of their seniority.’

The municipal government of Lubang in Occidental Mindoro has launched a research and documentation project aimed at preserving the history, movements, music, costumes and cultural significance of the Balsehan ng Lubang, a traditional cultural practice closely associated with the island town’s Mayohan Festival.

The project is being undertaken by the Lubang Municipal Tourism Office and the Municipal Tourism, Culture and the Arts Council (MTCAC), which are seeking the participation of residents, cultural practitioners and community elders who can provide information and historical materials about the tradition.

The local government said the Balsehan is more than a traditional dance or festival performance. It reflects the town’s history, faith, identity, music, traditions and collective memory.

However, much of the knowledge about the Balsehan has yet to be recorded and remains preserved largely through the memories and experiences of elders and cultural bearers, according to the tourism office.

The research team is collecting old photographs, videos, audio recordings, musical instruments, costumes, festival programs, newspaper clippings and other documents related to the Balsehan and Mayohan Festival.

It is also seeking information about former Balsehan dancers, choreographers, musicians, trainers, cultural bearers and elders who may provide accounts about the tradition’s origins, development and continued practice.

As part of the project, researchers conducted interviews and gathered information from residents of Barangay Maliig on Aug. 31.

The fieldwork focused on collecting community narratives, knowledge and personal experiences that could help establish the history and origins of the Balsehan and document how the tradition has evolved over the years.

The tourism office said every story, recollection and piece of information contributed by community members forms part of the effort to preserve and strengthen the Balsehan as an important part of Lubang’s cultural heritage and identity.

Residents who have old photographs, recordings, documents, memorabilia or other materials related to the Balsehan are encouraged to share them with the research team for documentation.

The tourism office said original materials may be brought or submitted temporarily for documentation.

Those who wish to contribute may contact the Lubang Tourism, Culture and Arts Office or email lubangtourism@gmail.com. They may also contact Tourism Officer Gina Tabor-Julaton through 0998-996-2878 or Facebook Messenger.

The municipal government appealed particularly to senior citizens, former Balsehan performers, musicians, choreographers, cultural practitioners and people who witnessed or participated in the tradition to share their memories.

It said their firsthand accounts are vital to building a more accurate and community-based record of the Balsehan ng Lubang for future generations.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) are seeking cheaper feedstocks as the government moves to increase the bioethanol blend to lower pump prices.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin recently met to find ways to lower feedstock costs, maximize idle distillery capacity, and expand local ethanol production to reduce import dependence.

Discussions focused on exploring different feedstock options to boost local ethanol production, such as molasses and sugarcane juice from the sugar industry and locally produced corn.

‘We are studying these options carefully, and there is potential for them to help bring down gasoline prices,’ Tiu Laurel said in a statement on Tuesday.

The recent meeting aimed to raise the bioethanol blend from 10 percent to 15 percent.

Government officials said locally sourced feedstocks cost more than imported supplies, while locally produced bioethanol prices are double those of imported bioethanol.

They also said every increase in feedstock costs can lead to a P1 increase in ethanol prices.

Tiu Laurel said the problem hinges not on corn availability, but on securing it at a price that makes ethanol commercially viable.

The DA noted that locally produced corn has become the primary alternative feedstock to molasses and sugarcane juice, which currently supply most of the country’s ethanol production.

Domestic ethanol producers estimate that they will produce between 325 and 385 million liters per year from sugarcane-derived feedstock. Meanwhile, existing plants have a capacity of more than 500 million liters.

‘Officials said that to protect the sugarcane industry, only the unused capacity could be sourced from corn, which would accommodate additional production without displacing existing agricultural output,’ it said.

The agency also said it is looking at bolstering corn output through better seeds, mechanization, and contract farming between producers and ethanol plants.

However, the DA warned that higher demand from ethanol producers could raise corn prices for livestock raisers.’Diversifying feedstock could also reduce pressure on any single agricultural commodity, and possibly lower local bioethanol prices,’ it added.

The mandatory 10 percent blend has been in effect since 2011, while the 20-percent bioethanol blend is voluntary.

Last month, the DOE said it is working on the necessary policy and technical preparations, including developing the Philippine National Standards, to introduce a 15 percent ethanol blend in gasoline safely and effectively.

It also said the DA has an ongoing proposal to amend Joint Administrative Order No. 2008-1, Series of 2008, which prohibits using corn as a feedstock for bioethanol production.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) must remain dedicated to controlling inflation and avoid ending its rate-hiking cycle too early, according to GlobalSource Partners.

GlobalSource Partners analyst Diwa Guinigundo noted that the peso’s decline to the 62-per-dollar level suggests the market doubts the BSP’s commitment to tackling inflation.

Guinigundo pointed out that real interest rates are still negative despite the BSP raising its key rate to 5 percent while inflation remains above 6 percent.

‘The issue is not simply whether the BSP should raise, hold or eventually cut its policy rate,’ Guinigundo said. ‘The more fundamental question is whether monetary policy is sufficiently restrictive in real terms to bring inflation back to target and keep expectations firmly anchored.’

Since April, the BSP has raised its policy rate by a total of 75 basis points. Gov. Eli Remolona Jr. called the recent hike a ‘preemptive’ measure against risks from El Niño and potential wage increases. Policymakers now project inflation will average 6.1 percent this year, still above the BSP’s 3-percent target.

Guinigundo emphasized that the upcoming October policy meeting will be crucial for the BSP and warned against prematurely declaring the tightening cycle over due to weak growth.

‘This is not an argument for indiscriminate tightening or for ignoring growth. It is an argument for recognizing the hierarchy of responsibilities,’ he said. ‘Asking monetary policy to compensate for weaknesses elsewhere risks creating the worst of both worlds: weak growth and persistent inflation

Lindon Bacquel is among the defense lawyers representing Vice President Sara Duterte before the Senate impeachment court.

Bacquel is a senior associate at the Fortun, Narvasa and Salazar (FNS) Law Firm, like many of his peers on the defense team.

He is one of the youngest members of the defense panel, having been admitted to the Philippine Bar only in 2022.

Bacquel has so far led the defense’s cross-examination of two prosecution witnesses: Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) former special disbursing officer, Gina Acosta, and Col. Manaros Boransing II, who began his testimony on Tuesday, Sept. 1

According to the FNS website, Bacquel earned his bachelor’s degree in Management, Major in Legal Management and Minor in English Literature, as well as his juris doctor at Ateneo de Manila University.

His law firm also states that he interned at the Public Attorney’s Office – Quezon City and the Ateneo Legal Services Center.

At present, Bacquel’s practice areas revolve around arbitration, immigration, litigation and dispute resolution.

Duterte is facing the impeachment trial amid allegations of misusing confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery and grave threats

One of the four missing passengers of the vehicle that fell in the Aug.29 Agana bridge collapse was found dead in Barangay Carael at Dagupan City in Pangasinan on Monday.

Fishermen helped retrieve the body of James Patrick Taborlupa, 30, who was a former staff nurse at the Jecsons Medical Center in Tarlac City.

Still missing are Paul Harvey Collado, nurse supervisor at the Jecsons Medical Center, Shanen Tuhao, and Shiela Mae Taborlupa, who were occupants of the SUV that plunged into the raging Tarlac River when the bridge was torn apart during very heavy rains.

The SUV’s lone survivor was Nataniel Dizon, 20, who shared a post about his uncle Taborlupa’s last advice: ‘Pagraduate ka na pala Not, papayamanin mo na si Ate Bel (Mama mo) nyan ha, kasi deserve nya, ka swerte nyo ni NatNat sa Mama nyo, sobrang bait, sya lang yung palaging naaasahan, at pinaka napalapit na pinsan namin na palaging nandyan.’

(You are about to graduate, Not, [Dizon’s nickname]. Make your mother rich. You are lucky to have her as your dependable mother and a cousin with whom we have grown close)

Agana Bridge, which was constructed in the 1980s, links Tarlac City to the towns of Sta. Ignacia, Mayantoc, Camiling and San Clemente, and is often used to reach the Pangasinan town of Mangatarem.

Dizon complained that the rescue efforts took a long time and he was not immediately brought to the hospital. Instead, bystanders kept taking videos and uploaded them as social media content.

‘Niligtas ko talaga ang sarili ko doon, ako lang, walang nag-rescue sa akin o sa amin. Mas inuna niyo pang mag-video,’ he posted on Facebook