Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

An incumbent House of Representatives member and a former lawmaker have agreed with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s view that charges should only be filed against individuals when there is evidence pointing to their involvement in corruption.

In a statement on Friday, Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre said Marcos’ declaration is a welcome development since there have been a lot of accusations that have not been substantiated.

‘Accountability is not served when it is weaponized by selfish partisan interests and biases without factual proof or evidence. It is difficult. They got used to speculations and fake news,’ he noted.

‘The president has made it very clear: There is no evidence against former Speaker Romualdez. That should end all the manufactured blame and allow investigators to focus on the real anomalies that need answers,’ he added.

Marcos, in a press briefing on Thursday, was asked if former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez – his cousin – was part of the initial list of personalities who will be charged.

In response, Marcos said he did not think so, because there is not enough evidence that has been unearthed against the former speaker.

The president noted that while there are many suggestions on who else the government should file cases against, evidence must be presented first to support their claims.

Former Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, meanwhile, said that Marcos’ statements effectively ended the so-called ‘fall guy’ narrative.

Barbers was Romualdez’s former chief political officer and was the overall chairperson of the House quad committee during the 19th Congress, when Romualdez still headed the House.

‘With the president himself saying there is no evidence against former Speaker Romualdez, all scapegoating efforts collapse on their own. The fall guy narrative ends here,’ he said.

‘But of course, people would not stop to push for the former speaker’s inclusion into their narrative to blame him,’ he continued.

‘Now, the true work will start, because what the president said is clear – only truth and accountability should prevail,’ the lawmaker said.

‘The fight is evidence-based, not on mere speculations of individuals. Whatever allegation there is should be proven through clear and trustworthy evidence, not through hearsay or lies,’ he added.

On Thursday, House Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno said there appears to be not enough evidence to merit complaints against Romualdez.

Puno, in an online interview, said that lawyers approach the flood control mess with the mindset that complaints can be filed based on two grounds – malversation and plunder.

The House official explained that malversation points to the diversion of funds for a project, while plunder is conspiracy among involved personalities to steal public funds of at least P50 million.

However, Puno explained that evidence at hand would not implicate Romualdez as he was not a signatory of key flood control documents like the proposed budget or the General Appropriations Bill (GAB).

He said that accountability rests on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Commission on Audit (COA) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Puno also noted that testimonies made against Romualdez were questionable – referring to the statements made by Orly Regala Guteza who appeared before the Senate blue ribbon committee, claiming that he delivered luggage with money to Romualdez.

He pointed out that there were serious issues with Guteza’s testimony after a Manila court found his sworn statement as falsified, as notary public Petchie Rose Espera did not notarize the document and her signature and notarial details had been forged.

House Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V also said that Marcos’ statements should be a reminder that all investigations must be anchored on evidence and not mere speculation.

Romualdez has not been connected to any of the top companies doing the flood control projects, but he was one of the lawmakers named by contractor-couple Pacifico ‘Curlee’ Discaya and Cezarah ‘Sarah’ Discaya of allegedly receiving kickbacks from the projects.

Romualdez called out the Discaya couple’s claims, calling it ‘false, malicious and nothing more than name-dropping.’

Cynthia Erivo proved to be a friend to Ariana Grande after stepping in when a fan jumped on the pop star during the ‘Wicked: For Good’ premiere in Singapore on Nov. 13.

Videos circulating on social media show Grande walking arm in arm with Erivo and co-star Michelle Yeoh along a fenced-off fan line when a man suddenly vaulted over the barricade and grabbed the singer.

Erivo immediately pulled the individual off Grande as security closed in and escorted the man away. Yeoh and Erivo were then seen comforting the ‘Break Free’ singer, who was visibly shaken.

Grande has long been vocal about her struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety following a bombing at her 2017 Manchester concert, which left 22 people dead.

The intruder, identified as Johnson Wen, later claimed in an Instagram Story that he had been ‘freed after being arrested.’ According to The Straits Times, he was detained after leaving Sentosa. Authorities identified Wen as a known serial intruder who has disrupted several high-profile events, including Katy Perry’s Sydney concert in June, The Weeknd’s concert in October 2024, and the men’s 100m final at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Australian outlet 9News previously reported that Wen is unemployed, living in a backpackers’ hostel, and has amassed about A$20,000 in fines from past security breaches.

Meanwhile, ‘Wicked: For Good’ follows the success of 2024’s ‘Wicked: Part One,’ which opened to a record-breaking US$100-million domestic debut, the highest opening weekend ever for a musical film.

Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film stars Grande, Erivo, Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey and Ethan Slater, among others. It is set to premiere in Philippine cinemas on Nov. 19.

Without Justin Brownlee, the Meralco Bolts turned to another naturalized player to answer the call for their East Asia Super League stint.

Enter Ange Kouame.

While the Ateneo product didn’t necessarily have the most productive outing in the Bolts’ breakthrough win in the EASL over the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots, where he only scored three points and snagged four rebounds, he has a bigger challenge in tow.

With Brownlee still out for the Bolts, Kouame feels no pressure to fill the void.

‘There’s no pressure [in that spot]. Honestly, I’m not in competition with anybody, not even Justin,’ he said at Cebu Coliseum here on Friday.

‘Justin’s like a big bro to me and we all know that whether it’s him or me, it’s for the same goal. It’s for the country so no, I had no second thoughts.

Brownlee won’t play for the Bolts’ upcoming game against the Macau Black Bears on Saturday, and the longtime Ginebra import is also questionable for the squad’s EASL game in December.

Kouame said he didn’t hesitate to accept the chance to play for the Bolts again, not even when he was back in his hometown Ivory Coast when the call came.

‘I was in Ivory Coast before they called me and Meralco has always been a family to me,’ he said.

‘When coach Luigi (Trillo) called me, he was like, ‘Ange, do you want to play for us this year? I think we need you. I said, ‘why not?’ It’s kind of like representing the country at the same time too, playing for a local team. I didn’t hesitate nor think twice.’

The Bolts look to gain more dominant numbers from Kouame when they take on Macau on Saturday at the Queen City of the South.

It was an emotional sight in the Senate when former Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo implicated ex-DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan in the anomalous flood control scandal.

Reading his supplemental affidavit before the Senate panel on blue ribbon on Friday, Bernardo could not help but tear up.

The former DPWH Undersecretary said Bonoan is a long-time DPWH official whom he looks up to and considers a friend and mentor.

According to Bernardo, every year, including years 2023 to 2025, DPWH Usec. Cathy Cabral apportions the budget ceiling for the DPWH allocable National Expenditure Program (NEP).

And while she would make it appear that 100 percent allocable NEP had been apportioned, Cabral would reserve a substantial percentage of that allocable NEP for her and Bonoan’s preferred projects.

‘Sec. Manny Bonoan would, from time to time, ask me to take charge of part of his own reserved allocations,’ said Bernardo.

Bernardo stated that the value of the projects he handled for Bonoan was at least P5 billion per annum for the years 2023, 2024 and 2025, with an average commitment of 15 percent.

‘Of this 15 percent average commitment, Sec. Bonoan (75 percent) usually would give me 25 percent of the commitment, with the rest of the commitment shared between him and Usec. Cabral,’ said Bernardo.

Apart from these practices, Bernardo recalled how Bonoan, in separate instances, ordered him to submit a list of projects for possible inclusion in the NEP.

The project’s budget ranged in the millions, with recorded instances from 2022 to 2024.

As for Cabral, Bernardo said, as a general rule and with very few exceptions, it was Cabral – with the imprimatur of then DPWH Sec. Mark Villar, and later continued by Bonoan – who had control, at the DPWH level, to remove, include, add, deduct or modify insertions of items in the NEP for infrastructure or those pertaining to DPWH.

‘Usec. Cabral would tell me that she would communicate and meet legislators to inform them of the amount of their allocations and ask them for titles of projects that they want to include in the DPWH budget,’ said Bernardo.

He then emphasized that Cabral has total influence and authority in preparing and finalizing the NEP for infrastructure.

‘On multiple occasions, I personally delivered and also caused to be delivered cash to Usec. Cabral at her house at Tatalon, Quezon City and other places,’ said Bernardo.

The Rizal Provincial Prosecutor’s Office has affirmed its earlier finding that Julie ‘Dondon’ Patidongan, the whistleblower who had tagged businessman Charlie ‘Atong’ Ang in the kidnapping and disappearance of ‘sabungeros’ (cockfighting enthusiasts), should be prosecuted for frustrated murder.

Patidongan sought a reinvestigation of the case against him-a petition granted by the Morong, Rizal Regional Trial Court (RTC)-after the prosecutor’s office indicted him earlier this year.

The case stemmed from a shooting incident over six years ago that started with an argument about a pathway built by the victim. During an argument on Feb. 25, 2019, Patidongan allegedly drew a gun on the victim, who reported him to barangay officials.

On March 10, 2019, Patidongan allegedly shot and wounded the victim, who was standing on a side street. The victim, however, survived.

Prima facie evidence

In an affirmation of the previous resolution, Associate Provincial Prosecutor Maria Victoria Lirio-Marmol stated that the information for frustrated murder filed against Patidongan before Branch 158 of the Morong, Rizal RTC ‘stands and stays.’

‘After a careful evaluation of the evidence presented, the undersigned finds prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction against the respondent,’ Lirio-Marmol said in a resolution dated Sept. 16 but made public only on Thursday.

The resolution was approved by Prosecutor II Brend Virgilio Vergara and Provincial Prosecutor Raymond Jonathan Lledo.

The prosecutor stated that a qualifying circumstance of evident premeditation and abuse of superior strength exists, as noted by the previous investigating prosecutor.

In the resolution, the prosecutor noted the previous altercation between the two parties and how Patidongan alighted from his vehicle quickly and suddenly before shooting the victim in March 2019. This, the prosecutor added, showed ‘evident premeditation.’

For his part, Patidongan denied the allegation, saying he had no motive to shoot the victim. He claimed it was a case of mistaken identity because the assailant’s name was listed as Joey Padungan, alias ‘Dondon.’

But the prosecutor said that his defense, being ‘evidentiary in nature, can be well scrutinized during trial.’

The prosecutor added that Patidongan also failed to submit evidence that he was in Lipa City, Batangas, on the day the victim was shot.

Issa Pressman recalled texting Nadine Lustre to seemingly ask for the latter’s ‘blessing’ before she and boyfriend James Reid came out about their relationship.

Pressman recently sat down with Karen Davila for her first tell-all interview, in which she recalled that she texted Lustre, Reid’s former girlfriend and onscreen partner, out of respect for their past relationship.

‘Before we went out in public, I messaged Nadine. Of course, out of respect for them, I told her, ‘We started dating. I really want to see where this is gonna go.’ She was so kind [as to say,] ‘Good morning. To be honest, that’s been a lifetime ago, but I appreciate you telling me. I wish you guys the best of luck,” she recalled.

‘From then, everything’s clear, everything’s good, let’s go out in public, and so we did. We went to a Harry Styles concert because it was so casual, nothing to hide. Suddenly, all the bashing came again,’ she said.

Pressman, who was alleged to be the third party in Reid and Lustre’s breakup, noted that Reid had been single for two years and had also dated another woman before her after his breakup with Lustre.

Reid and Lustre broke up in 2020. Three years later, Reid and Pressman confirmed their romance to the public.

Pressman, who openly discussed her battle with cyberbullying, depression and self-harm, said that she attempted multiple times to end her relationship with Reid given the bashing she had been receiving from netizens.

‘I gave up so many times. I tried to leave so many times. He never ever gave up. Kasi ayoko na, walang gana in life. But he never really left, no matter how ugly it got. It made us so much stronger. Like, the more they pulled us apart, the closer we got,’ she said in tears.

An additional P86.24-million worth of allegedly smuggled cigarettes has been recovered from two boats intercepted by authorities in the waters off Zamboanga City, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Friday.

The PNP previously noted that it intercepted the boats near Santa Cruz Island on Wednesday, initially finding 300 master cases of cigarettes worth P21 million.

‘The progress report now confirms that a follow-up inventory, carried out at 8:00 a.m. on the same date, uncovered a much larger shipment on the Jungkung M/B Zhyryne,’ the PNP said in a statement.

‘The vessel was found carrying 800 master cases of Soda Red and 382 master cases of Soda Menthol, amounting to P86,240,000.00,’ it added.

The PNP further noted that the total number of confiscated master cases from the two intercepted boats is now 1,532, worth a total of P107 million – ‘one of the most substantial cigarette-smuggling interceptions in Zamboanga City this year.’

The boats were intercepted during a seaborne police patrol operation, according to the PNP.

Seven men aboard the boats were arrested and brought to the Zamboanga City Police Station for proper disposition. The PNP did not identify the individuals nor provide details about their backgrounds.

Mugshots shared by the PNP show the suspects awaiting charges for violation of Republic Act No. 12022 or the Anti-Agricultural Sabotage Act.

The private lawyer who filed graft and other criminal complaints against Sen. Francis Escudero said his fight against alleged corruption is personal but not motivated by any axe to grind, emphasizing that the case is about justice.

Lawyer Eldrige Marvin Aceron said this in an interview with reporters on Friday after he filed a complaint against Escudero and other officials of the Sorsogon provincial government, accusing them of orchestrating ‘systematic corruption’ and financial irregularities amounting to more than P352 million during the senator’s tenure as the province’s governor.

‘It’s my personal fight, but I am not alone. I have at least 370 people with me, and we will make this happen. We will continue until we get justice. He’s the senator with many anomalies. So we are filing charges against him,’ Aceron said.

‘I don’t even know him. I never met him. I’ve never been in a room with him. So there’s nothing personal. He’s the senator with many anomalies, and we are filing charges against him. No personal axe to grind. I don’t care who he is,’ he added.

Escudero was named as a respondent for possible violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019) and provisions of the Revised Penal Code, including technical malversation, fraud against the public treasury, and falsification of public documents.

Other respondents include members of the Bids and Awards Committee, Acting Provincial Accountant Rena Garcia, Provincial General Services Officer Rosalina (surname not provided), and the provincial treasurer, whose name has yet to be determined.

Sen. Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa and his legal team turned to the Supreme Court Thursday to reiterate their plea for a temporary restraining order (TRO) and prevent the government from arresting him in connection with the charges he faces at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

They took the preemptive step five days after media reports quoting Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said the ICC had already issued an arrest warrant against Dela Rosa. The former Philippine National Police chief is accused of being a co-perpetrator responsible for the thousands killed in the so-called drug war waged by then-President Rodrigo Duterte.

They went to the Supreme Court even though Remulla’s statement remained unconfirmed by other concerned agencies, including the Department of Justice, which he formerly headed.

In a 25-page, very urgent manifestation, Dela Rosa and Duterte – both represented by lawyer Israelito Torreon – cited the media reports about the supposed issuance of the ICC warrant, as disclosed by the Ombudsman on Nov. 8.

The pleading said Remulla is a high-ranking official who previously served as justice secretary, making his statement credible enough to trigger the ‘operational machinery of law enforcement agencies that may construe such information as authorization to coordinate with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) or execute the warrant.’

It also told the high court that Dela Rosa and Duterte received information on Nov. 9 that the ICC had issued a ‘diffusion order’ against the senator, which is a direct request from an international entity to share intelligence or seek assistance in criminal investigations, but one that does not require legal scrutiny.

‘Cautionary precedent’

‘The petitioners respectfully submit that the risk of petitioner Dela Rosa’s illegal arrest, surrender, or turnover to ICC authorities has now become imminent and real,’ the pleading said.

The arrest of Duterte by Philippine authorities and his turnover to ICC custody on March 11 were done without court approval and should now be viewed as a ‘cautionary precedent,’ it said.

The executive branch, it said, could once again act unilaterally under the guise of comity or cooperation with the ICC.

Aside from seeking a TRO, the petitioners urged the Supreme Court to take judicial notice of Remulla’s statement about the ICC warrant, as well as the DOJ’s continued cooperation with the ICC.

They also cited Remulla’s earlier interview when he was still justice secretary, where he said the ICC had contacted three to four drug war witnesses who were under the DOJ’s Witness Protection Program.

Confirm or deny

Dela Rosa and Duterte also asked the tribunal to require, within 72 hours, sworn certifications from the DOJ and the Department of Foreign Affairs confirming or denying any ICC-related warrant or communication.

The pleading submitted on Thursday was a reiteration of their main petition filed on March 11, the day of Duterte’s arrest, a last-ditch effort to keep the ex-president from being flown to The Hague in the Netherlands.

On Tuesday, Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon said the DOJ would await the Supreme Court’s resolution on the petitions questioning Duterte’s arrest before acting on the reported warrant against Dela Rosa.

‘We want to be more careful because the circumstances then and the circumstances now are quite different. At that time, there was no petition yet that was raised or filed before the Supreme Court,’ Fadullon said.

There’s something quite magical about spending Christmas in the uplands.

The air is cool and crisp, laughter carries farther, and the scent of pine makes the season linger a little longer. And just beyond the mist and music of the holidays, that magic takes shape at Crosswinds Tagaytay, which once again transforms into a twinkling Alpine village for its much-awaited Trail of Lights.

Alpine Villas

This year, this festive holiday attraction opens on November 15 at the Lausanne Open Grounds, inviting guests to a magical evening of lights, music, and holiday cheer.

Families can send letters and meet Santa, toast marshmallows at the S’mores Station, and enjoy a taste of Filipino Christmas before the night culminates in a grand fireworks display. Add to that the soft flurry of the Snow Blast, the soul-stirring serenade of the Vocalismo Chorale Group, and the spirited performances of Soundbank PH and the Madison Christmas Musical-and you have a celebration unfolding beneath the pine-scented skies of Tagaytay’s rolling hills.

It’s these kinds of evenings that will make this year’s Christmas celebration with friends and loved ones even more magical and meaningful.

Joe’s Tavern

A holiday that lasts year round

In Crosswinds though, this feeling doesn’t fade with the season.

This is how life unfolds each day in this Swiss-inspired community, surrounded by pine-scented air and beautiful horizons. And while it feels worlds away, it’s closer than you think.

Just a short drive from Metro Manila, Tagaytay has long been the city’s favorite escape, with its cool breeze, lush landscapes, and sweeping views of Taal Lake.

This experience, however, can go beyond a weekend getaway. Here, 35,000 towering pine trees embrace a 124-hectare Swiss-inspired estate, made distinct by its chalet-style architecture, sloped roofs, and timber accents.

Residential neighborhoods are tucked within lush landscapes, offering individuals and families a private, serene yet sophisticated sanctuary. Its retail and dining village meanwhile evokes the spirit of a quaint European town, with cozy cafés and restaurants like Windmill Lausanne, Napa, Balustre, Joe’s Tavern, among others.

Windmill Lausanne

Its retail and dining village meanwhile evokes the spirit of a quaint European town, with cozy cafés and restaurants like Windmill Lausanne, Napa, Balustre, Joe’s Tavern, among others.

Exclusive enclaves

For those wanting to make this escape a part of their everyday life, Crosswinds presents an exclusive collection of residences that embody its signature Alpine charm. It offers move-in-ready homes that combine rustic elegance and modern comforts; spacious lots for bespoke Swiss-inspired homes; and low-density condominiums for those who crave quiet sophistication. Each neighborhood has been positioned for privacy, views, and connection with nature.

At Alpine Villas for example, life will feel intimate and elevated. Mid-rise buildings are nestled gracefully into the forested slopes, surrounded by pools, scenic walking trails, and pocket gardens that invite you to slow down.

At the crest of the estate, Lausanne meanwhile commands sweeping views of Tagaytay’s ridges, Laguna de Bay, and even the Manila skyline on clear days. Each lot in this neighborhood is an opportunity to create a legacy, an heirloom home that reflects your lifestyle and aspirations.

Within Lausanne, Deux Maison introduces a refined concept in paired residences-reimagining mountain living through chalet-style townhomes infused with modern design sensibilities. Inspired by the French term for ‘two homes,’ this exclusive collection is defined by sloped roofs, natural textures, timber accents, and expansive windows that frame the surrounding pine-covered slopes.

Deux Maison at Crosswinds

Life beyond the lights

The Crosswinds Trail of Lights may illuminate the mountains for a season, but the true distinction of Crosswinds lies in its year-round character, defined by tranquility, refinement, and harmony with nature.

Each day offers a balance of calm and vitality amid pine-lined landscapes and cool mountain air. Beyond its natural appeal, Crosswinds Tagaytay stands as a sound choice for discerning homeowners and investors, offering an address that combines lifestyle and long-term value.

For more information on Brittany’s collection of luxury properties, visit www.brittany.com.ph. You may also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.