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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
The Philippines has been declared the number one exporter of Abaca globally.
In a Facebook post by SouthEast Asian Gallery, the country has been considered as the world’s top supplier, exporting 76, 961 metric tons, noting that Abaca is not just the strongest natural fiber, but world-class.
Other top abaca exporters include:
The Department of Agriculture (DA) expressed pride in the country’s capability to supply high-quality abaca in a global market. The agency also recognized the abaca as a symbol of the values and competence of Filipino farmers.
"Known as the strongest natural fiber, abaca showcases the excellence, resilience, and craftsmanship of Filipino farmers and communities who continue to sustain this globally recognized industry," according to DA
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) offers WiSUPPORT – a safe space for those seeking emotional, mental, and psychological support in times of need.
The DSWD assured the public that this platform is safe and has guidance from trained professionals.
The following sectors are encouraged to reach out to the WiSupport platform:
WiSPPORT is free and can be accessed online through Facebook, email, and the agency’s portal.
The following contacts are available here:
Email: wisupport@dswd.gov.ph
Website: wisupport.dswd.gov.ph
Facebook: wisupport@dswd.gov.ph
VALENZUELA CITY — Two more water pumps were installed in Wawang Pulo Pumping Station in Valenzuela City.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon stated these two additional pieces of equipment can pump water from the Polo River to the Meycauayan River.
“Nagpa-pump siya ng 5,000 liters additional, 5,000 liters per second from Polo River sa Valenzuela, palabas ng Meycauayan River dito sa Bulacan,” he said
[“It can pump 5,000 liters additional, 5,000 liters per second from Polo River in Valenzuela, going to Meycauayan River here in Bulacan.”]
The Secretary also noted that previously, the water from the Polo River couldn’t flow, making the flood-related concern highly critical.
“Critical na critical ito kasi yung baha sa Valenzuela. Mostly in the past nanggagaling sa pagpasok ng tubig sa Bulacan River dito sa Meycauayan River at hindi na ilalabas yung tubig from the Polo River,” he said
Aside from Wawang Pulo, nine pumping stations in the city are expected to operate and function next month.
Dizon also revealed that several pumping stations in Metro Manila are not connected to Meralco.
“Nalaman ko lang several months ago, yung palang mga pumping stations sa Metro Manila, marami dito, kaya hindi gumagana kasi hindi konektado sa Meralco. I think more than half hindi konektado sa Meralco. Genset lang ang nagpapatakbo,” he said
[“I only found out several months ago, those pumping stations in Metro Manila, many here, cannot function because it’s not connected to Meralco. I think more than half is not connected in Meralco. Only the genset runs the operations.”]
The Local Government Unit (LGU) also guaranteed to shoulder the operations and maintenance of the water pumping station.
So ngayon, LGU will guarantee, konektado siya sa Meralco, will guarantee yung maintenance nito. Yung operational expense, LGU na rin ang magbabayad. Para masisigurado natin na tuloy-tuloy ang operation at hindi masisira,” he added
[“So now, the LGU will guarantee that it will connect to Meralco, will guarantee the maintenance. The operational expense, the LGU will pay to ensure the continuous operation and prevent damage.”]
With reports from Asher Cadapan Jr.
