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Sereno returns to SC as quo warranto case looms

By Dane Angelo M. Enerio
CHIEF Justice Maria Lourdes P.A. Sereno on Wednesday resumed her duties at the Supreme Court two months after being directed by her peers to take an indefinite leave beginning March 1.
According to lawyer and spokesperson Anacleto “Jojo” A. Lacanilao III, Ms. Sereno will preside over the special en banc session on Friday but will inhibit herself from the quo warranto case against her which is anticipated to be on Friday’s order of business.
“She wants to be there (so) she’ll be there,” Mr. Lacanilao said.
“This quo warranto petition may not be the only item in the agenda… but with due respect to the other matters (to) be included in the agenda, she would preside over (them),” said Carlo L. Cruz, another lawyer and spokesperson of Ms. Sereno.
When asked why the top magistrate chose to return now, Mr. Lacanilao replied, “She is fully prepared already, so balik na siya sa trabaho (so she’s back to work.)”
He added: “Matagal na pong ready si chief justice (the chief justice has long been ready)… she’s not going to back down, she’s not resigning,” Mr. Lacanilao said.
Mr. Lacanilao also clarified, “Hindi po niya kailangang magpaalam although ang alam ko nag-usap sila ni (Acting Chief) Justice (Antonio T.) Carpio…hindi po yun pagpapaalam kung babalik siya kasi.” (She doesn’t need permission although from what I know she has talked with Justice Carpio…not to ask for permission to return.)
In its statement on Wednesday, the Coalition for Justice (CFJ) said Ms. Sereno’s return to the SC “is in accordance with the Constitution and in defense of the Constitution.”
Research and advocacy non-government organization (NGO) Action for Economic Reforms (AER) in its statement said, “The quo warranto proceeding is not the constitutional way to remove the Chief Justice or for that matter any member of the Supreme Court.”
“The Constitution is clear on this matter: Impeachment is the mechanism to remove a sitting Justice,” the statement also read.

Isko Moreno named DSWD undersecretary

By Arjay L. Balinbin, Reporter
MALACAÑANG announced on Wednesday, May 9, President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s appointment of actor-politician and former Manila vice-mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso as Undersecetary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Mr. Domagoso was appointed in July 2017 as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the North Luzon Railways Corporation (Northrail).
In October last year, he submitted his resignation to the Office of the President, citing “personal reasons.”
Mr. Domagoso also lost in his senatorial bid in 2016.
Sought for comment, Mr. Domagoso said he is grateful to the President “for trusting him again.”
“Malaking trabaho at responsibilidad po ito ngunit gagawin ko po ang lahat upang magampanan ang aking tungkulin inatang satin sa abot ng aking makakaya para sa mga nangangailan natin mga mahihirap na kababayan,” he also said in a text message to Palace reporters.
(This is a big responsibility, but I will do my best to carry out my duties to the best of my ability for our poor countrymen.)
Asked whether he plans to run for mayor of Manila next year, Mr. Domagoso said: “Wala pa po” (None yet).
Mr. Duterte signed Mr. Domagoso’s appointment on Tuesday, May 8.
The President also signed the appointment papers of Gerard M. Camiña as member of the Board of Directors of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA); Antonio Joselito G. Lambino II as Assistant Secretary of the Department of Finance (DoF); and Sherwin S. Rigor as Undersecretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Lesson from Boracay: DBM to ease approval for projects in tourist spots

THE DEPARTMENT of Budget and Management (DBM) will now be “more tolerant” of budget proposals seeking to rehabilitate and develop tourist spots, following the temporary closure of environmentally-battered Boracay Island.
Budget Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno, in a media briefing on Wednesday, said the DBM will be more open to give fiscal space for similar rehabilitation programs, as they undergo evaluations for the Tier 2 budget proposals, or new projects requiring funding.
“I think from here on, we will be more tolerant of requests of this nature. Wherein you want to develop tourist destinations, making it more sustainable and more developed,” Mr. Diokno said.
“We will strongly consider that,” he added, noting that they will look at possible rehabilitation programs in Coron and El Nido in Palawan, and Siargao in Surigao del Norte.
He said the Budget department will give priority to new projects that deliver basic services for tourists such as health facilities with helipads.
“In Coron, there’s no hospital there. So when we develop a tourist destination, that should be part of the infrastructure that we have to build. To make it safe and secure for the tourists,» said Mr. Diokno.
The DBM has set a P362.3-billion cap for Tier 2 funding next year, which is equivalent to 10.4% of the proposed P3.78-trillion 2019 budget.
Moreover, he said that the DBM would likewise be open for additional funding in the 2019 budget for possible spillovers of rehabilitation efforts, such as the development of other areas in Malay, Aklan, and the relocation of informal settlers.
“Should agency programs or projects for the Boracay rehabilitation spill over into fiscal year 2019, agencies may also propose these in their Tier-2 budget proposals for the 2019 budget,” he said.
“There are many areas there that need to be improved after the rehab of the main area in Boracay. There are some informal settlers that need to be relocated so those activities might be spilled over to next year.”
Currently, expenses for Boracay’s rehabilitation program are sourced from the Environment and Tourism departments, as well as the P13 billion contingent fund and the P19 billion calamity fund.
Mr. Diokno said the DBM has already released some P448 million to the Department of Labor and Employment to cover the financial assistance of affected formal-sector workers, as well as the Boracay Emergency Employment Program, where affected workers are trained on online marketing awareness, screen printing, entrepreneurship.
The Trade and Tourism departments, along with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, has also launched trainings on crafts-making, financial literacy, tour-guiding, driving, welding, pipe-fitting, masonry, among others.
The Budget chief also said that the government is providing micro-enterprise assistance and employment support grants, the Balik-Probinsya transportation allowance, and the Trabaho, Negosyo, at Kabuhayan job fairs.
However, it is still seeking approval from the Office of the President to augment the budget allocation of the Boracay Circumferential Road Project to P490 million from P50 million currently.
“Rest assured that the government has a work plan in the temporary closure of Boracay Island. This plan does not only involve the physical rehabilitation of the once pristine island, but also extends to the social welfare of the residents and workers to be affected,” Mr. Diokno said.
President Rodrigo R. Duterte ordered the island of Boracay, which he earlier described as a “cessspool,” to be closed to tourists for six months starting April 26 for rehabilitation. — Elijah Joseph C. Tubayan

Senate to pursue hearings on ride-hailing services for transport law

SENATOR GRACE S. Poe-Llamanzares on Wednesday said measures on ride-hailing services must include competition provisions to ensure enough supply of vehicles and prevent monopoly in the industry following the Grab-Uber merger. “There are those who take unpleasant steps like monopolizing the industry so it’s good that many (transport network companies) are applying because competition is important. That needs to be in the law: how many (transport network vehicle services) we will allow in our roads, if we are going to add different modes of transportation,” she said in a radio interview. With the resumption of Senate sessions next week, Ms. Llamanzares, chair of the committee on public services said, she would continue hearings on ride-hailing services in order to craft a bill on the transportation sector. She also noted that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has yet to submit its data on TNVS to the committee. — Camille A. Aguinaldo

Beach landing

PHILIPPINE and US marine troops hold an amphibious landing exercise in San Antonio, Zambales on May 9 as part of the annual joint military exercises between the two countries called Balikatan, which means shoulder-to-shoulder.

Airport at San Vicente, home to PHL’s longest white sand beach, to be inaugurated today

SAN VICENTE is designated as the country’s pilot Tourism Enterprise Zone. — SAN VICENTE LGU FB PAGE

THE SAN VICENTE Airport, which took almost 10 years to complete, will finally be inaugurated on Thursday, May 10, the Department of Transportation announced. The P62.7-million project is expected to boost tourism in the coastal town that lays claim to the longest white sand beach in the country. The airport officially opened to light aircraft in June last year, while charter flights from Air Juan was launched in August 2017. San Vicente has been designated as the country’s pilot Tourism Enterprise Zone (TEZ), a program that aims to develop master-planned and integrated complexes around the country for sustainable tourism. Investors within the TEZ can get fiscal and non-fiscal incentives.

Davide gets authority to negotiate P1.5-B DBP loan for building project

THE CEBU provincial capitol building — CEBU.GOV.PH

THE CEBU Provincial Board (PB) has approved a resolution authorizing Governor Hilario P. Davide III to negotiate with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) for a P1.525-billion loan that will be used to construct a 20-storey building. The “modern” building, which will be inside the Capitol compound, will house government offices and commercial establishments. The final deal between the provincial government and the bank will be subject to approval by the board. Meanwhile, Mr. Davide said in an interview that the National Historical Commission will be consulted on the planned edifice as the Capitol compound, located in Cebu City, is a declared heritage site. The governor said he is hoping to break ground for the project before the year ends. — The Freeman

Columbian Dyip inflict Rain or Shine first loss

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
THE Columbian Dyip are back on the winning track in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup and they did so by bringing down one of the early top teams in tournament in the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 104-96, yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Fell in their previous game, the Dyip made sure not to lose in consecutive times, holding tight in what was a competitive fight to improve to 3-2 while sending the E-Painters (3-1) to their first defeat.
Import John Fields and guard Reden Celda steered Columbian to early control of the match, with the team establishing a nine-point cushion, 23-14, with a little over four minutes left in the opening quarter.
But Rain or Shine would pick up its game as the frame wore on, narrowing its deficit to just three points, 31-28, after the first 12 minutes.
To open the second quarter the Dyip would go on a 15-10 run to create more separation, 46-38, with six minutes lapsing.
It was a spurt that Columbian capitalized on as it maintained the upper hand as the first half drew to a close, 58-53.
Making up for lost ground, Rain or Shine jump-started things in the third canto, going on a 6-0 blast, led by Ed Daquioag and Chris Tiu, in the opening minute to overtake Columbian, 59-58.
The E-Painters tried to pull away after that, extending their lead to as much as six points, 67-61.
But the Dyip would adjust their footing to stay within striking distance, 71-68, halfway into the quarter.
Their resilience paid off as the proceedings moved along, finding themselves on top anew, 78-73, with four minutes remaining with Jerramy King and Carlo Lastimosa providing the spark.
When the quarter smoke cleared, the Dyip continued to hold sway, 82-80.
With the outcome of the contest far from settled, the two squads jockeyed hard to take early control to start the payoff quarter.
The count was at 88-85 with Columbian ahead with eight minutes to go.
Columbian stretched its lead some more, 93-87, minutes later.
Rain or Shine tried to claw its way back, but Columbian would find ways to keep the former at bay.
The Dyip held a 99-94 lead with 1:57 to go before Mr. Fields made it a seven-point advantage, 101-94, with two free throws 30 seconds later.
It was a cushion that proved enough to stand on for Columbian as it went for the closeout and the win after.
Mr. Fields finished with 34 points, 11 rebounds and five assists with Rashawn McCarthy adding 23 and Mr. King 13 points.
Reggie Johnson led Rain or Shine with 30 points followed by Mr. Daquioag with 17 and Raymond Almazan with 16 points.
“This is the way to bounce back. After that horrible loss to Alaska last time around, we really talked about it and worked to correct our mistakes and this was the result,” said Columbian coach Ricky Dandan after their win, alluding to their 134-103 loss to Alaska previously.
Columbian returns to action on May 16 against the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok while Rain or Shine next plays on May 13 versus the San Miguel Beermen.

Presidential son and former vice-mayor facing Ombudsman cases

OMBUDSMAN CONCHITA Carpio-Morales said former Davao City vice-mayor Paolo Z. Duterte, a son of the President, is facing “cases pending investigation” at the Office of the Ombudsman. Ms. Carpo-Morales was not able to disclose any more details about the charges as she had long inhibited herself from cases involving the Duterte family, with whom she is related by affinity. But, a document obtained by reporters showed that Mr. Duterte is facing cases for graft, perjury, forfeiture, violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards, and administrative charges for grave misconduct and serious dishonesty, which are under preliminary investigation stage as of January 12, as reported by DZMM. Presidential Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, in a briefing, acknowledged the Ombudsman’s “power to investigate on its own and initiate proper action against public officers.” He said, “We see this as part of the Ombudsman’s constitutional mandate to ensure public accountability.” Mr. Duterte resigned from his post in late-December 2017. — Charmaine A. Tadalan

Davao City plans sisterhood agreement with another Chinese city

THE DAVAO city government is planning to forge a sisterhood agreement with another city in China to further expand trade and cultural ties. The Davao City International Relations Board, in a statement Tuesday, said it is preparing the proposal for a deal with Qinhuangdao City to be submitted to the city council for approval. The city already has an agreement with Nanning City, while the sisterhood with Jinjiang City is already being processed. The board is part of the local government’s promotional system, together with the Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC). Lemuel G. Ortonio, DCIPC head, said the sisterhood agreements would strengthen links in “tourism and culture, trade and commerce, and education and technology.” City Planning and Development Office head Ivan C. Cortez, for his part, said these agreements would attract investments and trade, as well as encourage airlines to consider direct flights to and from Davao. “We need to explore the possibilities for us to be able to cash in on the interests that the Chinese investors have on us,” Mr. Cortez said. Early this month, Chinese Consul General Li Lin, who will be posted at the soon-to-be opened consulate in the city, said China is looking at the possible areas of cooperation between its investors and those in the city. Arturo M. Milan, president of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., told BusinessWorld that the Chinese are planning a trade mission to the city to assess possible joint venture projects in agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, among other areas. “We just need to prepare our local investors, particularly the micro, small and medium enterprises so that they will able to take advantage of the interest of these Chinese traders,” Mr. Milan said. — Carmelito Q. Francisco

CA junks Ampatuan petition for bail

THE COURT of Appeals (CA) has upheld a Quezon City Regional Trial Court’s (RTC) decision denying the bail petition of former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) governor Zaldy U. Ampatuan for his involvement in the 2009 Maguindanao massacre, where 58 people, including 32 journalists, were murdered.
CA Special Eight Division Associate Justice Marie Christine Azcarraga-Jacob, in a 23-page decision promulgated on April 18, dismissed for lack of merit Mr. Ampatuan’s plea to reverse the rulings of QC-RTC Branch 221 Presiding Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes on Sept. 15 and Nov. 15 in 2015.
The orders denied Mr. Ampatuan’s petition for bail based on strong evidence against him.
Mr. Ampatuan took it to the higher court, accusing Ms. Solis-Reyes of “gravely abusing its discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction,” the CA decision read.
“(Mr. Ampatuan) contended that the prosecution failed to present any credible evidence in support of its allegation that (he) was in conspiracy with 196 other accused in accomplishing the massacre,” it read further.
The CA, however, was not persuaded: “(H)istory will never forget the atrocities perpetrated on 23 November 2009, when 57 (sic) innocent civilians were massacred in Sitio Masalay, Municipality of Ampatuan, Maguindanao Province.”
“The tenor of (the) testimonies (against Mr. Ampatuan) appeared to be uniform and has consistently shown that (he) joined various discussions on the execution of the crimes,” the CA said.
The CA explained, “when the grant of bail is discretionary, the prosecution has the burden of showing that the evidence of guilt against the accused is strong. On this score, the determination of whether or not the evidence of guilt is strong, being a matter of judicial discretion, remains with the judge.”
“In the instant case, the evidence on record would suggest that, while there may be doubts as to (Mr. Ampatuan’s) overt act that may result in his criminal liability by reason of conspiracy, the presumption is great that he is probably guilty of the charges, therefore, bail should be refused,” the CA ruled.
Several members of the Ampatuan clan were accused of plotting the massacre, intended to thwart the political plans of their rival, incumbent Maguindanao Governor Esmael G. Mangudadatu, in the 2010 elections. Mr. Mangudadatu’s wife was among those killed in the massacre.
Out of the 197 accused, 15 were from the Ampatuan clan. Of the suspects, 115 have already been arrested, while 103 are still awaiting trial. — Dane Angelo M. Enerio

Another civilian freed, 2 cops still held by Abu Sayyaf

ANOTHER CIVILIAN hostage of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was rescued on May 8 by the Marine Battalion Landing Team 3 led by Lieutenant Colonel Ramil DC. Holgado in Panglima Estino, Sulu. Blas Jackosalim Ahamad was recovered by the military based on the information relayed by the other civilian held captive, Faizal Ahidji, who was left blindfolded by the ASG in a forested area in Bangkal Village last May 5. Mr. Ahamad received medical examination and underwent custodial debriefing. As this developed, the military reported that two ASG members were killed on Wednesday as the 4th Special Forces Battalion conducted pursuit and rescue operations for the two police officers, Police Officer 2 (PO2) Benierose Alvarez and PO1 Dinah Gumahad, who are still with the abductors. High powered firearms were also recovered, including two M14, one R4 assault rifle, and one M203 grenade launcher. — Minde Nyl R. dela Cruz

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