Dev Flores

The Commission of Elections (COMELEC) confirms that a President can nominate from the Senate or House of Representatives just in case the position for Vice President becomes vacant. 

“Nakalagay po sa probisyon ng Article 7 of the constitution dahil sa impeachment ang pinag-uusapan, in case of vacancy sa posisyon na halimbawa po ay Vice President. Halimbawa, in case of vacancy, ang papalit po diyan ay pipili ang Pangulo ng isa sa mga miyembro ng senado o mababang kapulungan,” according to COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia.

This concern is linked to the question – if Vice President Sara Duterte is proven to have committed a violation, who will replace the position?

The President’s choice will be voted by the Senate and House members, according to COMELEC Chairman Garcia. Whoever secures the majority votes from the separate decisions of both chambers will assume the office.

Aside from this process, a special election is also possible. However, Garcia noted that this would require a huge amount of fund.

“Kapag nagpatawag ka nationwide kahit isang position, 19 billion po iyon na gastos,” he said

Recently, the OVP has confirmed they received the summons from the Senate impeachment court against Vice President Sara Duterte.

With reports from JP Nuñez

The House of Representatives has approved the Komprehensibong Alalay sa Livelihood, Inflation, Negosyo at Goods Assistance Act (KALINGA Act) on second reading.

House Ways and Means Committee chairperson and Marikina 2nd District Rep. Miro Quimbo stated that this bill can reach affected households and sectors by providing different assistance, including:

• Cash
• Food
• Fuel
• Electricity
• Transport
• MSME
• Labor
• OFW-related support

The bill also aims to create a national emergency relief and stabilization and resiliency framework through a combination of short and long-term programs, according to Quimbo via press release.

“Recyclable mo, palit grocery ko” – a new program launched by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority in Pateros under the Yes To Ayos campaign.

For each recyclable waste brought by a resident, there is an equivalent grocery item in return. There are corresponding points per recyclable material that will be turned over to MMDA collecting centers, and those points will be utilized to get grocery items.

The new program aims to reduce solid waste in waterways by collecting recyclable waste.

MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III stated that this program may help to encourage residents to be responsible in waste disposal.

“Isa sa mga estratehiya natin para makuha rin ang cooperation ng mga tao, eh maramdaman din nila na ang gobyerno ay katuwang nila. So kasama diyan sa recycling natin, ini-encourage natin ang pagdala ng mga recyclable materials sa ating mga collection centers in exchange for groceries,” he said

[“One of our strategies to get the cooperation of the people, to feel that the government is their partner. So, what is included in our recycling, we are encouraging them to bring recyclable materials to our collection centers in exchange for groceries.”]

He also confirmed that there is a systematic way of getting incentives in exchange for residents’ cooperation.

“Merong mga points diyan. May sistema tayo na nagbibigay sa kanila ng insentibo na magdala nitong mga recyclables para sila naman ay may direct na pakinabang,” he added

[“There are points there. We have a system that provides them incentives when they bring recyclables, so they can contribute.”]

Pateros Mayor Gerald German welcomed this program and also appreciated the purpose of the constant reminder to residents about responsible waste disposal.

“Ito ay advocacy program kung saan ay nire-revive at ini-instill yung disiplina sa ating mga Pilipino dito sa Pateros. Although maayos naman kami rito, pero yung mabibigyan ng paalala, constant reminder,  'yung aming mga kababayan na talagang disiplina ang kailangan para sa ikauunlad ng bayan eh napakaganda non,” he said

[“This is an advocacy program that revives and instills the discipline in our fellow Filipinos here in Pateros. Although we are doing well here, but to give a reminder, a constant reminder, to our fellow citizens that discipline is what we truly need for our nation’s progress, that’s totally the best.”]

The MMDA will next visit Quezon City and San Juan to implement the same campaign.

With reports from Asher Cadapan Jr.

Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel filed a complaint to the Ombudsman against six officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and several contractors over alleged ghost farm-to-market road projects in Davao Occidental, amounting to 94 million pesos.

According to the DA, the case centers on ghost farm-to-market road projects in Brgy. Caburan.

“The case centers on a “ghost” FMR project in Brgy. Caburan, Jose Abad Santos, which was allegedly paid in full at P11.94 million despite not being implemented,” DA said

“According to the complaint, the respondents falsified Statements of Work Accomplished (SWA), Certificates of Payment, and Disbursement Vouchers to make the project appear complete, thereby facilitating the release of public funds,” DA added

The same case is also found in Brgys. Culaman, Datu Danwata, Demoloc, Tical, and Manuel Peralta.

“These cases concern FMR projects in Brgys. Culaman, Datu Danwata, Demoloc, Tical, and Manuel Peralta, with contract values ranging from P10.02 million to P14.92 million,” according to DA

“The DA alleges that respondents conspired to submit falsified SWAs, Certificates of Payment, Project Status Reports, and Disbursement Vouchers to make the projects appear completed, thereby securing payments for not implemented FMR projects,” they added

DA Secretary Tiu Laurel calls on the Ombudsman to begin the investigation and hold the involved persons accountable.

With reports from Mia Alonzo

Department of Justice (DOJ) Frederick Vida confirms that the Philippine National Police (PNP) and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) now have authorization to arrest Senator Ronald Bato Dela Rosa, since the International Criminal Court (ICC) already issued a warrant.

Also, the Supreme Court didn’t grant the favor of Bato regarding a temporary restraining order (TRO) to block the implementation of the warrant against him.

“I would like to confirm the Philippine law enforcement agencies, which would include the PNP, the National Bureau of Investigation are now tasked to effect the arrest of Senator Bato Dela Rosa,” Vida said

Vida also confirmed that they already obtained leads concerning the location of the Senator, but he refused to disclose the full details.

He also declined to disclose the details of Senator’s custody once arrested, but the DOJ said that the ultimate objective is to bring him to the ICC.

“These are operational matters that I cannot discuss so that we don't defeat the purpose of the arrest, which is the ultimate objective is to bring him to the ICC,” he said

DOJ Secretary Vida also stated that “Senator Bato is fugitive from justice”.

Senator Bato Dela Rosa has not yet issued any statement regarding the matter. 

This is a developing story.

With reports from Benedict Samson