Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Sen. Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero has sought the disbarment of a lawyer over ‘speculative’ and ‘malicious’ social media posts regarding his supposed insertions in the national budget.

In a complaint submitted to the Supreme Court (SC) on Monday, Escudero asked the justices to disbar lawyer Jesus Nicardo Falcis, who was found guilty of direct and indirect contempt in a 2018 case that sought-but failed-to push for the legalization of same-sex marriage in the country.

Aside from being cited for contempt by the high tribunal, Falcis was also fined P5,000 for allegedly failing to observe provisions on propriety and fidelity under Canon VI of the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability.

Escudero, likewise a lawyer and member of the Philippine Bar, enumerated several instances in which Falcis made public posts on Facebook that contained ‘accusatory, defamatory, demeaning, speculative, hateful, and/or malicious statements and remarks’ against him.

‘Unfortunately, and as will be shown hereunder, such statements and remarks are actually gratuitous instruments of contempt designed to publicly humiliate [the] complainant. As such, their irresponsible and unrestrained character serves to provide a bad and scandalous example of how a lawyer should not behave publicly,’ Escudero said.

In a statement, Falcis said it was Escudero who should be disbarred for publicizing the disbarment proceedings, which, according to the Rules of Court, should be private and confidential.

‘He is a Senator of the Republic. I am but one of the many Filipinos who are calling out his reprehensible actions as a public official,’ Falcis said.

July 21 post

In his petition, the senator pointed to a July 21 post of Falcis that said: ‘Ang kapal ng mukha ni Chiz Escudero na pagalitan ang House of Representatives for budget insertions and pork barrel pero siya pala mismo, hitik na hitik ang insertions! (The nerve of Chiz Escudero to scold the House of Representatives over budget insertions and pork barrel when he himself is loaded with insertions!)’

Escudero likewise cited a Sept. 6 post of Falcis about his alleged political ties with Lawrence Lubiano, saying that it ‘sweepingly’ suggested that the lawmaker’s supposed insertions in the 2025 national budget for projects in Sorsogon were a ‘quid pro quo’ for Lubiano’s campaign donation in the 2022 elections.

Lubiano, the president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., is being investigated by the Commission on Elections after he was found to have donated P30 million to Escudero when the latter ran for the Senate in 2022. The poll body has also asked Escudero for an explanation.

Under the Omnibus Election Code, candidates cannot source any ‘contribution for purposes of partisan political activity . directly or indirectly’ from, among others, people who hold government contracts or subcontracts.

Escudero also mentioned in his petition another post by Falcis on Sept. 24, which went: ‘Chiz Escudero is in an emergency meeting with his lawyers and crisis managers in BGC (Bonifacio Global City) today in preparation for tomorrow’s Senate Blue Ribbon.’

Public conviction

‘The unrestrained tone above is rendered in so-called gotcha fashion, which can virtually ‘convict’ [the] complainant in the public mind. Again, this lack of civility and non-observance of fairness compromises the image of [the] legal profession,’ Escudero said.

The ‘irresponsible conduct and vitriolic language’ of Falcis, he added, prompted him to urgently raise the matter before the SC.

‘A victim like [the] complainant is virtually ‘sentenced’ in the bar of public opinion that now exists also in cyberspace. Be that as it may, clearly at stake here is not only complainant’s good name and reputation but also the integrity and honor of the legal profession,’ Escudero added.

He noted that his status as a public official does not give Falcis an ‘unbridled discretion’ to attack him and put him in ‘public ridicule.’

Roberto Bernardo, a former Department of Public Works and Highways official, told the Senate blue ribbon committee last week that he delivered P160 million to Escudero’s friend and campaign contributor, Maynard Ngu, representing the senator’s supposed cut from infrastructure projects.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has issued an advisory for possible minor sea-level disturbances following a magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu Tuesday evening. In its advisory, Phivolcs urged the public to be on alert for unusual waves, noting that people should ‘stay away from the beach and not go to the coast’ of the following provinces until the advisory is lifted:

Leyte

Cebu

Biliran

‘People whose houses are located very near the shoreline of these provinces are advised to move father inland,’ the Phivolcs said.

‘Owners of boats in harbors, estuaries, or shallow coastal water of the above-mentioned provinces should secure their boats and move away from the waterfront. Boats already at sea during this period should stay offshore in deep waters until further advised,’ it added.

The Phivolcs earlier said that the center of the magnitude 6.9 quake, which occurred at 9:59 p.m. and was initially reported as magnitude 6.7, was located 21 kilometers northeast of the City of Bogo, Cebu, at a depth of 5 kilometers.

The agency added that aftershocks are expected and property damage may occur./mcm

Power has been restored to most areas serviced by the Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative (ORMECO), with 100 percent of the province’s municipalities and Calapan City now energized, according to a report posted on ORMECO’s official social media page.

ORMECO general manager Engr. Humphrey Dolor confirmed that both the 13.8-kilovolt (kV) and 69-kV power lines are now fully operational.

As of the latest update, electricity has been restored to 342 out of 426 barangays-approximately 80.3 percent-and to 215,322 out of 265,765 households, or about 81% of the total.

‘Today, we are restoring power supply to the barangay (village) level. The restoration went smoothly and faster because of innovative ways and the support of some local government units (LGUs). We are working from 6 a.m. to midnight daily for construction works and 24 hours for line works,’ Dolor said.

Dolor also reported that damage caused by Typhoon Opong to the cooperative’s infrastructure had been estimated at P16,926,645

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday named former Philippine National Police chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. as special adviser and investigator of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).

Azurin replaces Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who had served only as ICI special adviser but not as an investigator.

‘The administration is confident that General Azurin’s experience and leadership will further strengthen the Commission’s mandate to uphold accountability and transparency in the use of public funds,’ a statement from the Office of the President (OP) on Monday read.

According to the OP, Azurin will formally assume his duties after completing his personal and administrative arrangements.

Meanwhile, the president expressed gratitude to Magalong for his service and contributions during his tenure.

The OP noted that Magalong’s efforts in safeguarding the integrity and credibility of the commission had been vital to the government’s campaign against corruption in infrastructure projects.

An llocano like Marcos, Azurin was the first PNP chief appointed under the Marcos administration, taking on the post a month into the president’s term.

He stepped down in April 2023 after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

Azurin is a member of the Philippine Military Academy ‘Makatao’ Class of 1989.

He served as commander of the Northern Luzon Police Area and the Southern Luzon Police Area and also held star-rank positions at Camp Crame, including as head of the Directorate for Comptrollership and the Directorate for Information and Communication Technology Management.

Role reviewed

In a briefing earlier on Monday, Palace press officer Claire Castro confirmed that Marcos had accepted Magalong’s resignation.

‘The president has received and respects Mayor Magalong’s decision. Our president acknowledges Mayor Magalong’s competence, but we pray that his resignation as special adviser will not affect the work of the ICI, as the commission is fully staffed,’ she said.

The Baguio mayor’s resignation from the ICI followed Marcos’ order to review whether he should remain as special adviser to the ‘super body,’ which is investigating questionable public works projects.

The review was prompted by a P110-million tennis court project in Baguio City, awarded in 2022 to St. Gerrard Construction, one of nine firms owned by contractor-couple Pacifico ‘Curlee’ and Cezarah ‘Sarah’ Discaya.

Labor groups also recently questioned Magalong’s role in the ICI, arguing that he cannot simultaneously serve as Baguio City mayor and special adviser to the commission.

Call for transparency

Also on Monday, past and present members of the House of Representatives urged the ICI to livestream its hearings on the controversial flood control projects so the public can monitor developments.

Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima, Akbayan Rep. Percival Cendaña, and former Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares separately asked the ICI to uphold transparency, noting that the people have been engaged in the latest corruption scandal.

‘This is very disappointing and frustrating – a body with limited powers to investigate anomalous flood control projects, and which is merely a recommendatory board, is not fully accessible to the public,’ De Lima said in a statement.

‘When everyone is fully engaged on the issue of corruption as revealed by the congressional hearings, here comes ICI denying what the public wants. Saang banda ang transparency dun (Where is transparency there)?’ she added.

‘Now that Filipinos are aware of a huge conspiracy and corruption in flood control and other government projects, we should not deprive them of the chance to understand details and join discussions,’ De Lima said. -With a report from Gabriel Pabico Lalu

Students in storm-prone regions such as Cordillera, Cagayan Valley, and Ilocos missed up to 44 percent of scheduled school days in the first quarter of School Year 2023-2024, according to new data from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2).

In the Cordillera Administrative Region, students lost 35 out of 80 school days, meaning nearly one out of every two scheduled days was spent out of class. Cagayan Valley (33 days lost) and the Ilocos Region (31 days lost) posted similar figures, compressing what should have been a full quarter of instruction into just over a month.

Metro Manila also experienced significant disruption, with 20 school days lost due to weather-related class suspensions – equivalent to one in every four days.

At the other end of the spectrum, Mindanao and Visayas regions reported minimal disruptions. Northern Mindanao, Caraga, and SOCCSKSARGEN each lost only three days out of 80, while the Davao Region lost five days. ‘The country is hemorrhaging learning time as storms and policy collide,’ said Dr. Rogelio Alicor Panao, INQUIRER Metrics data scientist and associate professor at the University of the Philippines, in his analysis of the dataset.

‘What began as a precaution has calcified into habit: when a typhoon threatens, schools close whether or not damage occurs, and there is no clear plan to reclaim lost days,’ he added.

Panao noted that continued class suspensions-particularly in regions hit hardest by storms-could weaken students’ mastery of basic skills, widen learning gaps, and normalize the idea among children that schooling is optional during the rainy season.

In response to the growing challenge, the Department of Education (DepEd) last July highlighted the rollout of Learning and Service Continuity Plans (LSCPs) in all public schools.

These include alternative delivery modes (ADMs) such as online classes, self-learning modules, and activity sheets, along with protocols for storing learning devices and training teachers for rapid shifts in instruction.

These efforts are part of DepEd Order No. 022, s. 2024, which revised class suspension guidelines and directed schools to update LSCPs regularly as part of emergency preparedness.

Despite these measures, EDCOM 2 data indicates that many regions-particularly in northern Luzon-remain especially vulnerable to extended academic stoppages.

Without stronger implementation of existing policies, improved infrastructure, and more robust recovery mechanisms, education experts warn that repeated weather disruptions may continue to reduce classroom contact time in the most affected areas.

‘Without swift flood-control action and aggressive catch-up programs,’ Panao warned, ‘the next storm will not only inundate streets-it will wash away the nation’s fragile promise of education.’

I was stunned by the headlines in American media this Monday morning, the breaking news being a multi-pronged attack on a Mormon (Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) church.

It was Sunday morning in Michigan, with worshippers inside the church. A gunman crashed his vehicle into the church, set the church on fire, then began shooting, killing at least four people and wounding another eight. The gunman was killed in the exchange of fire with the police.

Mass shootings in schools have become all too common in the United States, but places of worship are increasingly vulnerable as well-churches, synagogues, mosques.

The attacks on schools and places of worship create more anxiety about the situation in the US, reflecting an epidemic of bloody and deadly violence triggered by differences in beliefs, religious and secular. The attacks on places of worship are more specific, reflecting a polarized nation, now driven by hatred.

The news from Michigan got me thinking about our own situation. We have had attacks on mosques and churches, mainly in Mindanao. As far as I can remember, we have not had shootings in schools, but let’s not forget that schools have been attacked by military and paramilitary units in Mindanao, almost all involving schools put up for lumads (indigenous peoples of Mindanao), and which have been Red-tagged as institutions for communist indoctrination. The government attacks have resulted in many of the lumad schools being closed down, with an estimated 10,000 students now deprived of schooling. (These schools are put up by religious groups, mainly Catholic, and students are scholars.)

Just last week, I attended the inauguration of a commemorative photo exhibit at Adamson University about the lumad, part of a larger archiving project that documents how the schools were established and how they evolved.

After the inauguration, I talked with some young faculty, and the conversation shifted to the Sept. 21 rally against corruption in the Department of Public Works and Highways, focusing on one contingent of youth who were not with organized rallyists. Violence broke out mainly around Mendiola as police went after this group. At least two were killed in the attacks by the police.

Thinking of the attacks in the US and in the Philippines, I thought about how, in the 1970s, during martial law, systems were put in place among activist groups to protect rallyists. I remember the briefings by ‘veteran’ activists: observing a buddy system from start until finish, even accompanying others back to dorms and homes; following instructions from marshals (e.g., ‘dapa!’ meaning to crouch or squat, and the most serious, ‘takbo! (run!).’

First-aid teams were also in place, many of them medical and nursing students (and an occasional stray veterinary student). The activists also had networks in place with the hospitals and sympathetic hospital staff. Under martial law, any bullet wound had to be reported to the police or the Armed Forces, so hospital admissions had to be discreet.

There was a respite in the government’s violence after martial law, but under former President Rodrigo Duterte, violence resumed: beatings, illegal detention, disappearances. And now, under President Marcos, we see another surge in violence, like what we saw last Sept. 21, with corruption now drawing protesters of all ages.

Through all these years-more than 60 years if you think of the repressive responses even during democratic interludes-we never really tapped the concept of sanctuaries, which was strong in Europe and goes back to the Middle Ages. Both churches and universities offered sanctuaries for people being persecuted for daring to express dissent. These included political as well as religious protesters, for example, Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation leaders. Being within a church building or a university campus assured safety, if not one’s life.

Informally, university officials like me (as University of the Philippines Diliman chancellor), argued for sanctuary in the name of academic freedom. The lumad students who needed to continue their schooling were among those offered sanctuary, not just in UP but also in religious universities.

We now live in troubled times throughout the world, and we, in the Philippines, should think of ways to put up more sanctuaries, sacred spaces, safe spaces. Goodness, if we have sanctuaries for birds and threatened animals, then all the more we need them for our youth, and more. It’s not just sanctuaries but disaster preparedness of a different kind. Over the weekend, I talked with a grandmother in her 60s, not your usual street protester, who proudly related her Sept. 21 experience, and how she was planning to buy foldable seats to share with other senior citizens!

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday led the reopening of the newly renovated Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

The reopening is also ahead of the PICC’s 50th anniversary and the country’s hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in 2026.

As we open the newly renovated Philippine International Convention Center, we are revisiting a chapter of our nation’s history. We are gathered in a place where history was written, lives were celebrated, and where the future will once again be shaped,’ Marcos said.

‘Every brick, every beam, every hall of this building carries with it nearly five decades of stories,’ he added.

The First Couple was guided on a tour of the repaired and refurbished facilities of the PICC.

Among its notable new works are the repair of marble tiles in the lobby, repainting of the ceiling, laser cleaning of concrete walls, and restoration of pieces of furniture that date back to 1976.

‘The damaged tiles were all replaced, then all the new marble slabs were restored,’ PICC General Manager Nicolette Ann P. Cruz told reporters in an interview. ‘And now, it is what you see ngayon; there is just the right amount of shine, polish, reflection, and grandeur. It’s not enough para maging hazard,’ she also said.

The lawn was also restored to its original 1976 design, with 3,068 restored shining droplights that will welcome visitors in the lobby.

One of the major changes in the PICC was the revival of the courtyard’s original pebble wash flooring, the restoration of ponds, and improved landscaping.

There are also new infinity waterfalls, modern lighting, and a 30-speaker audio system.

The PICC is owned by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Constructed in 1976, the PICC is Asia’s first international convention center, famous for showcasing Filipino culture and excellence in every event it brings to life. It was designed by renowned Filipino National Artist, Leandro V. Locsin and is home to works of Filipino painters and sculptors.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) extension office here warned the public against the operation of investment venture ‘Infin8 Success Global’ in Soccsksargen region (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City).

According to the SEC Koronadal, an entity named ‘INFIN8 Success Global, INFIN8 Success-Global Health and Beauty Products Trading,’ operated by a certain Jerson Saballa, has been enticing the public to invest their money in its scheme with the promise of high monetary rewards or profits.

The SEC said the company maintained a physical office and conducted operations online through the webpage i8sucess.com and other digital platforms, where it enticed the public to be part of its business through what appeared to be a binary-like marketing scheme or recruitment-driven model, a structure commonly associated with illegal or unauthorized investment schemes that are inherently unsustainable and detrimental to the public.

‘[Based on] our records, INFIN8 Success Global/INFIN8 Success-Global Health and Beauty Products Trading is not a registered as a corporation and has no secondary license or authority to solicit investment from the public,’ the SEC Koronadal said in a public statement.

The SEC Koronadal explained that the mere registration of a corporation did not grant it the authority to solicit investments from the public.

Stop

It issued the advisory to urge the public to exercise extreme caution in dealing with entities that offer or promise earnings that appeared ‘too good to be true.’

The SEC advised the public not to invest in these schemes; and for those who have already done so, to stop.

It warned that any entity found soliciting investments without such a license, along with all individuals involved in its promotions, shall be subject to corresponding administrative, civil and criminal penalties under the law.

In 2016, a huge number of ‘investors,’ including those from Koronadal and South Cotabato, fell victims to the infamous ‘Kapa’ (Kabus Padatuon/Enrich the Poor) investment scheme, losing millions of pesos. The Kapa-Community Ministry International, founded by Pastor Joel Apolinario became one of the biggest investment fraud scandals in Philippine history.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday urged government officials to strengthen integrity and credibility in public service.

Speaking to newly elected and appointed officials of the League of Vice Governors of the Philippines in a ceremony in Malacañan Palace, Marcos stressed that ‘unscrupulous abuse of power and greed must come to an end.’

‘Many Filipinos are frustrated by the layer upon layer of issues that plague them every day,’ Marcos said in Filipino.

‘Our people are exhausted, they are disappointed, and they are angry. And as I have said before, their rage is valid. It is born from years of frustration at a government characterized by systemic dysfunction and unfulfilled promises,’ he added.

The President also called on leaders to ‘confront’ the anger of the public and be humbled enough to provide concrete solutions to the nation’s problems.

‘Let us not dismiss their anger. Let us confront it. Let us be humbled and provide concrete solutions. Alam naman natin ang mga mali, kaya dapat nating itama,’ President Marcos said.

Marcos also underscored his administration’s commitment to eradicating entrenched corruption, implementing useful reforms, and delivering an honest and accountable government.

The Anti-Money Laundering Council secured a third freeze order against individuals tied to flood control controversy, building on two earlier directives and collectively paralyzing 1,563 bank accounts, 54 insurance policies, 154 vehicles, 30 properties and 12 e-wallets.

The third order, granted by the Court of Appeals on Sept. 30, covered 836 bank accounts, 12 e-wallets, 24 insurance policies, 81 motor vehicles and 12 real estate properties, marking the most extensive asset freeze since the probe began.

‘By freezing a wide range of assets-such as bank accounts, e-wallets, vehicles, and properties-the AMLC is disrupting the financial channels used in corrupt activities,’ said AMLC Executive Director Matthew M. David.

‘Our goal is straightforward: prevent stolen public funds from being dissipated and misused, recover them for the National Government, and ensure that those involved in money laundering are held accountable,’ David added.