Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Sen. Rodante Marcoleta’s explanation for the gaping hole in his campaign finance report is as comical as it is absurd. The neophyte senator revealed that his P112 million election war chest came from friends who requested secrecy, prompting him to write ‘zero’ in his statement of contributions and expenditures (Soce).

Such logic, coming from an allegedly brilliant legal mind, boggles the imagination. The Omnibus Election Code requires candidates to disclose donors’ identities, but even the law is apparently no match for friendly favors or inventive bookkeeping, as far as Marcoleta is concerned.

Under Section 94 of the Code, a ‘contribution’ is defined broadly – ‘a gift, donation, subscription, loan, advance or deposit of money or anything of value . made for the purpose of influencing the results of the elections.’ Section 98 states that: ‘No person shall make any contribution in any name except his own nor shall any candidate or treasurer of a political party receive a contribution or enter or record the same in any name other than that of the person by whom it was actually made.’

However one interprets it, the law makes it clear that in campaign financing, there’s no room for hidden benefits or mystery donors, because public office is not a private enterprise.

Self-incriminating Net25 interview

For this reason, Marcoleta’s argument that the wish of his financial backers to remain anonymous trumps statutory requirements is not only laughable but illegal.

Last week, the chair of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said the senator would be summoned to explain his remarks in that self-incriminating Net25 interview. ‘After all, the SALNs (statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth) have become public because our senators have released it, and at the same time, we have copies of the Soces,’ George Garcia said.

In his SALN, Marcoleta had declared a net worth of P51.96 million, as of June 30, less than half of the P112 million he reported spending for his campaign, as poll watchdog Kontra Daya pointed out.

Still, the Comelec’s ‘show-cause order’ must not be the end of it. The public, now less tolerant of high politicians who look at the poll guidelines as ‘rules for thee, not for me,’ expects a thorough and transparent investigation of Marcoleta’s alleged infraction.

The same standard must apply to Sen. Francis Escudero, who similarly faces Comelec scrutiny for accepting a P30-million donation from Lawrence Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., which has bagged major infrastructure contracts in the former’s home province of Sorsogon.

Blatant conflict of interest

While his lawyer has argued the donation was legal and fully declared, Escudero can’t deny the blatant conflict of interest in a former governor receiving funds from his province’s top contractor to run for the Senate. Escudero’s alleged offense is soon to be resolved by the Comelec en banc, according to Garcia.

Meanwhile, the poll chief has warned that untruthful Soces could lead to falsification and perjury charges. Republic Act No. 7166 requires every candidate to file a ‘full, true and itemized’ account of contributions and expenditures within 30 days after election day.

But candidates who fail to do so or file inaccurate reports routinely get away with paying fines of P1,000 to P30,000 for the first offense. Even second offenses, which should trigger both higher fines and perpetual disqualification, rarely result in meaningful consequences. In 2016, some 95 politicians who failed to file Soces were reportedly able to run again in the general elections.

Thus, it’s no surprise that Comelec’s track record has conditioned the political elite to believe, quite correctly, that Soce rules are just suggestions in the absence of strict enforcement.

Reputation for leniency

The outcome of such conditioning is clear to see: a senator allowed to erase millions in donated funds on account of friendship, and another who accepts a multimillion-peso donation from his contractor friend with impunity.

The Comelec is now in the middle of investigating these cases, but its investigation must produce more than feeble requests for clarification and its usual recourse of sweeping offenses under the rug, especially when the offenders belong to the high echelons of government.

Whether Marcoleta and Escudero face administrative charges or criminal liability, the public deserves proof that the rules apply not only to losing candidates or small-town aspirants but to these senators whose influence has long excused them from scrutiny.

Ultimately, this is a test of Comelec’s backbone.

The poll body must enforce this basic transparency requirement to prove that it is serious about holding to account erring candidates who make a mockery of election law. This is a moment for Comelec to transcend its own reputation for leniency toward those in power, or those who rose to power because of its leniency.

Young gun Karl Eldrew Yulo has stamped his mark as one of the fastest rising stars in gymnastics today.

He solidified his case at the end of the 2025 Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championship, when he won two medals in the global competition against fellow young gymnasts from all around the world.

After winning bronze in the floor exercise finals on Saturday, Yulo booked another podium finish 24 hours later, this time in the horizontal bar finals.

Amidst all the glory and newfound hardware, though, Yulo reminded everyone he’s still a kid after all.

‘I just want to have fun now, rest, swim, eat, unwind, and do it (compete) again and again. That’s the only thing on my mind right now,’ an ecstatic Yulo told reporters.

‘I’m so proud of myself, even though I only got bronze. People can say it’s ‘just a bronze,’ but this symbolizes my hard work too. This is for the blood, tears and disappointments I had before.’

The younger Yulo initially scored 13.900 points for his routine but was given a 0.100 score addition due to a stick landing bonus.

In the end, his 14.000 points-a total he achieved using a rare Cassina routine-was sufficient for a bronze.

Just missed podium

Colombia’s Vera Camilo and American Danila Leykin copped the top two podium steps, respectively, with 14.533 and 14.233 points.

Yulo came oh-so-close to going home with three medals but just missed the podium of the vault finals.

The young dynamo had a promising first routine in the vault apparatus after tallying 13.933 points. In his second attempt, though, he tallied just 13.500 points. Overall, the younger Yulo registered 13.716 points for a fourth-place finish.

Yulo needed only 0.300 points more to gain his second medal of the Manila games. Great Britain’s Evan McPhillips notched the bronze medal with 13.950 points.

Arsenii Dukhno won his second gold medal of this year’s Junior World’s with 14.433 points. British bet Scott Sol finished second with 14.066 points. INQ

In the continuation of the budget deliberations for the 2026 General Appropriations Bill, Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III raised questions to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) regarding the scholarships that should have been awarded to medical students, especially those in the countryside.

Sotto noted that, based on the latest data, only 12 students received CHED scholarships in two colleges in Cebu instead of the allotted 24, while the envisioned intake should have been almost double. ‘We were envisioning more or less an average of 40 students per SUC [State Universities and Colleges] with College of Medicine every year,’ he emphasized.

Citing his authored landmark measure, the Doktor Para sa Bayan Act, which mandates the provision of scholarships to medical students, the Senate President also emphasized the financial burden faced by aspiring doctors.

‘The reason we offer scholarships is because there is a shortage of doctors, nurses, and medical practitioners,’ Sotto said, describing the long and expensive journey medical students go through just to graduate.

CHED Sponsor Sen. Win Gatchalian assured the Senate leadership that they will endeavor to increase the number of scholars next year and beyond, noting, ‘para po marami tayong ma-produce na doctors and medical practitioners.’

‘We would need 185M in additional funds, which will generate 648 new scholars nationwide.’ Gatchalian agreed that additional funding may be required to meet the target, and that any excess budget from other provinces may be redirected to areas with insufficient funding to balance allocations and reach the target.

Cote d’Ivoire’s Olivia Yace has a ‘weak passport’ that played a role in her failure to bring home the Miss Universe 2025 crown, according to Miss Universe Organization president Raul Rocha.

Yace rescinded her title as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania in a statement issued on Monday, Nov. 23, or just two days after she was proclaimed fourth runner-up to Mexico’s Fatima Bosch during the coronation show held in Thailand on Nov. 21.

In a live video on Tuesday, November 25, Rocha explained in Spanish that Yace’s alleged ‘weak passport,’ or limited travel access, might be difficult for the MUO to find a workaround, noting that Ivorian passports need to secure a visa before entering 175 countries.

‘For those who say [why] Cote d’Ivoire didn’t win, there are many things that need to be evaluated. Cote d’Ivoire needs – go to Google, for [everyone who] has a cellphone – and look for how many countries need a visa to enter: 175!’ he said.

Since the Miss Universe titleholder will be traveling around the world for her duties, Rocha said Yace might ‘spend a whole year in [her] apartment’ should she win the crown.

‘The job is for one year of Miss Universe; 175 countries ask for visas for Cote d’Ivoire. Well, then, she is going to be Miss Universe who might spend a whole year in the apartment,’ he said.

Yace has yet to address Rocha’s claims, as of this writing. Passport requirement for Miss Universe delegates?

Rocha’s claim has opened discussion on whether passport strength is a requirement for candidates before joining the global tilt.

Inquirer Entertainment has reached out to the Miss Universe Philippines organization to seek clarification but has yet to respond, as of this writing.

Since the launch of Miss Universe, there has been no announcement of passport strength or travel history as a requirement for candidates who want to represent their countries in the global tilt.

A native of Cote d’Ivoire, Yace is a daughter of a diplomat, Jean-Marc Yace, who, incidentally, currently serves as an honorary consul of the United Mexican States in Ivory Coast. As a former naval officer, Jean-Marc is also the current mayor of the Cocody commune of Abidjan.

The Ivorian beauty queen also reportedly holds a US passport, although she has yet to address the allegations, as of this writing. The US passport ranks 11th on the Henley Passport Index and has visa-free access to 180 countries.

Henley Passport Index is a global ranking of countries according to the travel freedom allowed by those countries’ ordinary passports for their citizens

On the other hand, Cote d’Ivoire is on the 83rd spot of the database and can enter 58 countries without obtaining a visa. Like Rocha, Bosch also holds a Mexican passport which has visa-free access to 157 countries. It holds the 23rd rank on the Henley Passport Index.

Rounding up the final five of Miss Universe 2025 are Thailand’s Praveenar Singh, Venezuela’s Stefany Abesali, and the Philippines’ Ahtisa Manalo, whose passports have visa-free status in 80, 118, and 64 countries, respectively.

According to the Index, Thailand, Venezuela, and the Philippines rank 62nd, 48th, and 76th.

The passport of Bosch’s predecessor Victoria Theilvig, who hails from Denmark, can enter 187 countries without needing a visa.

‘Racist excuse’

Hours after Rocha’s claim, Guadeloupe’s Ophely Mezino stood up for Yace and her other pageant sisters in a lengthy Instagram Story, where she accused the MUO president of making up a ‘racist excuse’ to justify the Ivorian beauty queen’s fourth runner-up finish.

‘Are you trying to find a racist excuse for the fact that you didn’t choose someone who was highly qualified for the job? Did you even read our biographies when we [submitted] all our visa information? My girl has an American passport! What are you talking about?’ she said while referring to Yace. Mezino added that Rocha’s claims is a form of ‘injustice,’ which added insult to injury for candidates whose chances were ‘stolen’ from them.

‘You steal the money of small territories. You steal the hope of millions of people who don’t understand why they are not in the Top 30/12/5. This is the worst excuse I have ever heard. I have followed pageantry for a decade now. This is humiliation, a lack of respect for the contestants, the families, the representatives who just put so much energy into your brand. How do you disrespect those countries like that?’ she said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized Tuesday the Philippines’ readiness to expand its networks to achieve stronger progress in science and technology.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) International High-Level Forum on Nuclear Technology for Controlling Plastic Pollution in Pasay City, Marcos highlighted that growth in science does not happen in isolation.

‘Science does not progress in isolation. It advances through networks of regulators, scientists, investors, and community stakeholders. The Philippines is committed to building such networks, locally and across all borders,’ he said.

‘The world is undergoing a technological shift as consequential as the industrial revolution. The leaders of this century must not only adopt new technologies, they must ensure that these technologies are aligned with human well-being, with ethical standards, with environmental integrity, and with sustainable growth,’ Marcos also said.

The two-day forum, which runs until November 26, is organized by the IAEA in collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute.

It positions the Philippines as an active partner in advancing nuclear and radiation technologies for practical, science-based solutions.

This year’s agenda covers three main areas: Circular Economy and Innovation, using radiation technologies to turn plastic waste into durable, valuable materials; Environmental Protection and Ocean Science, improving microplastic detection to support better coastal and marine policies; and Partnerships for Sustainable Development, uniting governments, industries, and innovators in a collaborative network.

The IAEA, founded in 1957 and based in Vienna, Austria, leads worldwide cooperation on nuclear science, safety and security under the motto ‘Atoms for Peace and Development.’

The Philippines has been a member since 1958 and was elected to the IAEA Board of Governors for 2025 to 2027. /das

Karl Eldrew Yulo almost did not doubt that he would finish on the podium during the horizontal bar event of the 2025 Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships.

Yulo said he was more than satisfied with his routine in the final of the high bar, which secured him a second bronze medal in the international meet.

‘I stuck the landing. That was the most difficult dismount I ever did and it’ll be the most beautiful one I’ll ever do,’ he proudly told reporters.

‘It’s not luck, it was about hard work. I really thought about it.’

Much of the younger Yulo’s confidence came from his execution of a rare Cassina trick during his routine.

‘As a matter of fact, I’m the first Filipino gymnast who did a Cassina with a full twist and a triple back dismount. I’m the first Filipino gymnast to do it,’ he said while smiling ear to ear. ‘I’m just sharing it because I’m so proud of myself.’

In the end, Yulo tallied a 14.000-point performance. Initially, he was given 13.900 points, but was awarded a 0.100 incentive after executing his landing perfectly.

Colombia’s Vera Camilo and USA’s Danila Leykin, who finished with 14.533 and 14.233 points, respectively, brought home the gold and silver medals in horizontal bar.

The holiday season arrived early as Festival Mall, Alabang, lit its towering 30-foot Christmas tree-a nostalgic display of capiz lanterns, nutcrackers, stockings, and warm golden lights that cast a soft glow across the bustling halls. This dazzling celebration is just the beginning. Soon, across all Filinvest Malls, visitors will be swept up in the same radiant holiday spirit, coming together to revel in the most wonderful time of the year while sharing in a milestone that inspires pride across the Filinvest family.

This year’s festivities feel bigger and brighter than ever as Filinvest celebrates its 70th anniversary-a group milestone shared with the communities, and a reminder of seven decades of dreams, memories, and meaningful connections.

Where everyday memories take center stage

As families return to their favorite Filinvest destinations this December-whether for a concert, a new restaurant, a last-minute gift, or simply to enjoy the glow of holiday lights-they’ll find the same warmth that has defined these well-loved destinations for years. In every shared meal, every small discovery, every familiar tune from a weekend choir, there is a reminder that Christmas is made of moments we hold dearest.

Ever guided by its enduring mission of moving dreams forward, Filinvest celebrates 70 years, creating spaces where these moments-and the Filipinos that enjoy them-can flourish. ‘At Filinvest Malls, kindness turns moments into memories. This Christmas, we celebrate connection, compassion, and the joy of being part of one community-a spirit that has guided the Filinvest Group for 70 years of enabling Filipino dreams,’ says Mitch Dumlao, first vice president and retail business unit head of Filinvest Malls. Through this enduring commitment, Filipino families can thrive, celebrate, and keep making new memories together.

A grand celebration for a grand milestone

Marked by its 70th year, this year’s holiday celebrations shine with an even deeper spirit of compassion and connection. At Festival Mall’s tree-lighting, children with special learning and developmental needs were welcomed as the season’s first guests of honor, immersing themselves in moments of pure holiday wonder. This heartfelt gathering, made possible with the Muntinlupa Social Services Department, served as a luminous reminder of what the season-and Filinvest Malls-is truly about: spreading joy where it matters most.

The celebration continues with the Lanterns of Dreams display at Festival Mall, where handmade lanterns crafted by Filinvest companies illuminate the halls in a radiant tribute to unity and shared purpose. These lanterns aren’t just lights-they represent the community’s collective aspirations, echoing the Filinvest group’s anniversary theme, ‘Moving Dreams Forward.’ Each glowing lantern reflects the idea that the brightest moments happen when communities come together.

As Filinvest celebrates seven decades, these moments bring that vision to life. The legacy of its founders continues to inspire the creation of spaces where families can thrive, connect, and make new memories, carrying the spirit of fun and community into the coming year. Through Filinvest’s decades-long dedication to uplifting Filipino families, that enduring spirit is alive in every lantern, every event, and every moment unfolding across the malls this season-a celebration of growth, generosity, and the magic of the holidays.

Spreading the christmas atmosphere across Filinvest Malls

While Festival Mall in Alabang kicked off the season with its official Christmas launch on Nov. 7, 2025, the holiday cheer has quickly spread across all destinations. It continues throughout November and December with the Holiday Hymns Concert Series on weekends, and Santa Meet and Greet sessions on Dec. 13, 14, 20, and 21, keeping the spirit alive for families across the community.

Each location brings its own unique holiday magic. Main Square Bacoor brings neighbors together with its Christmas Memory Raffle and the eagerly anticipated children’s carol competition, while Westgate Alabang offers intimate Yuletide moments through chorale performances on Nov. 29 and Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, and 20, complemented by Merry Moments with Santa on Dec. 7 and 14.

In Filinvest Malls Dumaguete, open spaces brim with Christmas bazaars from Nov. 24 to 30 and Dec. 15 to 21, alongside carol performances on Dec. 12, perfect for exploring local treats and gifts. Filinvest Malls Mimosa in Clark welcomes car lovers and weekend explorers with its Volks and Folks Car Meet and Flea Market on Nov. 29 to 30, while Fora Mall and IL Corso round out the season with food and gift fairs celebrating regional delicacies.

Signature Filinvest experiences: Play, sport, and adventure

The joy of shared play remains a hallmark of Filinvest Malls. Families can spend an entire day at Festival Mall in Alabang, enjoying its beloved amusement centers-Pixie Forest and X-Site. These spaces are designed for every age, from whimsical rides for children to interactive challenges for teens and adults. Birthday celebrants are treated to a complimentary Ride-All-You-Can pass, giving them and their friends extra reasons to celebrate, while all guests can take breaks at the dedicated Food Hub, which offers crowd-favorite snacks and quick bites for a convenient pause between rides and play.

This season, Roller Fever adds a new layer of excitement, now launching at both X-Site in Alabang and Fora Mall Tagaytay. Its neon-lit indoor skate rink, pulsing with K-pop energy, offers families a high-energy way to glide, spin, and share fun moments together. At Fora Mall, the Champion Sports Park provides space for fitness groups and weekend athletes to gather, compete, and enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle. Sports enthusiasts can also discover the pickleball court at Main Square Bacoor, a hidden gem perfect for trying a fun and fast-growing sport.

For curious explorers, the I Belong Museum in Festival Mall sparks wonder with its retro-futuristic theme ‘Yesterday’s Tomorrow, Today,’ blending education and play in a whimsical environment. Over in Cebu, IL Corso transforms the coastline into an adventure hub with Ultimate Watersports, including parasailing, jet skiing, banana boats, and wakeboarding-perfect for thrill-seekers and families looking for a holiday adrenaline rush.

Shop, discover, enjoy newly opened stores

Anchored by its founding mission, Filinvest Malls continues to create memorable experiences for its customers across all destinations. Shoppers can discover exciting new destinations at Festival Mall in Alabang, including Muji’s first branch in the South, the upgraded Asics flagship store for runners and fitness enthusiasts, and Nike, expanding the mall’s roster of global lifestyle brands.

Meanwhile, McDonald’s Cebu celebrates its 44th anniversary with the opening of its first green architecture branch, offering a unique dining experience amid the excitement at IL Corso.

About Filinvest Malls

Filinvest Malls is a group of malls that offers a wide range of shopping, dining, and leisure options for varied lifestyles-from regional shopping centers to community malls. These include Festival Mall in Alabang, Main Square in Bacoor, Fora Mall in Tagaytay, IL Corso in Cebu, and Filinvest Malls in Dumaguete. Today, Filinvest Malls bring together a redefined lifestyle of safety, comfort, and ease to the communities where they are located.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday said it has yet to receive a court order to cancel the passport of resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy ‘Zaldy’ Co.

DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona disclosed this in a text message to reporters on Monday after she was asked what the current status of Co’s passport was.

‘As of this morning, we have not received a court order instructing the DFA to cancel his passport,’ said Escalona.

Earlier, the DFA said it can only cancel passports issued to Filipino citizens upon receipt of a court order issued by a competent Philippine court.

‘This is pursuant to Sections 4 and 10 of RA 11983 or the New Philippine Passport Act. As of this time, the Department has not received such an order,’ Escalona said earlier.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., on Nov. 21, said the arrest warrants against Co and 17 others are now out in relation to their cases on the anomalous flood control projects.

Co was implicated in alleged anomalous infrastructure projects, particularly flood control works in Bulacan, after former district and assistant engineers testified that he was involved in budget insertions that ballooned to at least P35 billion from 2022 to 2025.

They further claimed that kickbacks were delivered to Co, including one alleged delivery of P1 billion in cash packed into more than 20 suitcases and transported in several vans to his penthouse unit at a luxury hotel in Taguig.

Environmental activist Francisco Dangla III, who was abducted last year by unidentified men in San Carlos City, Pangasinan, asked the Court of Appeals (CA) not to consider the investigation reports of the police on his disappearance.

He told the justices that the law enforcement agency failed to probe into his case with ‘extraordinary diligence’ and the cops reportedly even caused stress and anxiety to him and his relatives.

‘To render the respondents’ compliance and reports as sufficient compliance would substantially undermine the remedial character of the writ of amparo and contradict what justice and fundamental rights truly demand,’ Dangla said in his pleading filed on Monday.

He was represented by the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers.

He asked the CA not to consider the Oct. 23 submission of the respondents, which include Police Brig. Gen. Lou Evangelista, regional director of PNP Regional Office I; and Col. Jeff Fanged, provincial director of the Pangasinan Provincial Police Office.

Dangla, instead, urged the appellate court to direct the respondents to conduct a more ‘proactive and genuine’ investigation that would pursue one of the key leads in the case.

Dangla and fellow activist Joxelle Tiong were abducted in March 2024, when unidentified men forced them into a gray pickup truck after a community consultation in Barangay Polo, San Carlos City.

On Sept. 23, the CA ordered the police and military to further investigate his case to identify and prosecute those behind his abduction, even as it denied his petition for a writ of amparo.

In a counter-manifestation to the respondents’ compliance, Dangla alleged that the police failed to pursue what he described as one of the strongest leads in his case – the GCash number supposedly used to extort money from Tiong’s friend while they were missing.

He argued that the San Carlos City police prematurely terminated its investigation into the GCash number after being told that his and Tiong’s affidavits were required to apply for a warrant to disclose the owner’s data and identity.

Dangla added that his judicial affidavit, which contains all the information he knows on the identity of their perpetrators, is already a public record and available to the respondents.

‘Accordingly, it is inexcusable for the respondents to cite lack of cooperation on the part of the petitioner and his relatives as an excuse to evade their duty to fully and genuinely investigate any possible leads as to the identity of the petitioner’s abductors,’ he said.

The activist likewise lamented the respondents’ visits to his and his relatives’ homes, along with the questioning of them done without a lawyer present, which he said caused ‘much stress and anxiety’ to them.

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has released a copy of its November 21 referral to the Office of the Ombudsman, asking the anti-graft body to further investigate former House Speaker Martin Romualdez in relation to the flood control mess.

The referral includes Romualdez’s sworn affidavit, stenographic transcript, and related materials from his voluntary appearance before the ICI on October 14. It remains unclear whether this referral is the same joint report that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) submitted to the Ombudsman last Friday.

‘The Commission underscores that referring the matter at this stage is intended to permit the Honorable Office of the Ombudsman to promptly and immediately undertake its own fact-finding inquiry, consistent with established principles of coordination and to avoid duplicative or fragmented investigations,’ the document reads.

‘As the constitutionally designated disciplinary authority over public officials, the Office of the Ombudsman is better equipped to determine whether the circumstances, thus far disclosed, warrant administrative or criminal accountability under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards, and other applicable laws,’ it adds.

‘The ICI will continue to discharge its mandate under Executive Order No. 94. Any additional documents, evidence, or statements obtained in the course of its ongoing inquiries that bear upon this referral will be promptly transmitted to the Honorable Office of the Ombudsman,’ it further says.

The ICI referral contains only the report related to Romualdez. The joint referral last week, by contrast, included recommended charges against both the former House Speaker and former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co.

‘This is the referral of the ICI to the OMB last Friday. As stated in the referral of the commission, it submitted to the OMB documents and materials relative to former Speaker Romualdez and to aid the OMB in its investigation,’ ICI Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka said.