Sandiganbayan clears ex-VP Binay, son of graft over P1.3-B school building

January 9, 2025 | 8:30 pm

THE PHILIPPINES’ anti-graft court acquitted former Vice-President (VP) Jejomar C. Binay, Sr. and ex-Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay, Jr. of graft charges in connection to the P1.3-billion Makati City Science High School contract, granting their dismissal request.

In an 86-page resolution issued on Dec. 13, the Sandiganbayan Special Fifth Division granted the demurrer to evidence against the Binays and their co-accused, citing lack of evidence against them.

“The prosecution’s evidence utterly failed to prove all the charges,” a part of the resolution penned by Associate Justice Rafael R. Lagos stated.

“The prosecution only propounded bare, unsubstantiated allegations that it was Binay, Sr. who ordered the rigging of the procurement process… and it was Binay, Jr. who intervened and agreed to the falsification of the other documents,” it added.

The Binays faced complaints over “alleged irregularities” in the procurement of P17.4-million architectural and engineering services and P1.33-billion construction services for the 10-story Makati Science High School building.

The anti-graft court said the prosecution relied on witnesses without direct knowledge of the allegations, weakening their case.

“All the purported key witnesses for the prosecution had a critical flaw: they lacked direct, first-hand knowledge of the truth regarding the charges against all of the accused,” the ruling read.

State prosecutors also failed to show that the accused acted in “bad faith” in the procurement of construction services for the school building, the court stated.

“The prosecution evidence is bereft of proof that [the] accused, in the performance of their respective functions… had acted in evident bad faith,” it stated in the ruling. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

ARTA, CoA urged to probe PhilHealth

January 9, 2025 | 8:29 pm

A LAWMAKER on Thursday urged the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) and Commission on Audit (CoA) to investigate what he described as management “inefficiencies” of state-run Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).

The government should conduct “special audits” on PhilHealth to determine the root causes of inefficiencies hounding the state health insurer, said Manila Rep. Rolando M. Valeriano.

“One way to find out why PhilHealth is inefficient in its remittances to hospitals and database management is for the ARTA and CoA to conduct either separate or joint audits on PhilHealth,” he said in a statement.

PhilHealth did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

Mr. Valeriano said audit discoveries by CoA could be used by ARTA and the audit commission to “determine underlying causes” for its alleged systemic issues, taking note of risks of duplicates in the state health insurer’s user information servers and lack of expanded policies for solo parents and those with disabilities. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Public support for VP ouster should press Congress to act, impeachment lawyer says

January 9, 2025 | 8:28 pm

VP Sara Duterte — VICE-PRESIDENT SARA DUTERTE-CARPIO — PHILIPINE STAR/ RYAN BALDEMOR

A WEDNESDAY survey result showing that four in 10 Filipinos are in favor of ousting Vice-President (VP) Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio should press the Philippine Congress to unseat her, according to a lawyer of impeachment complainants.

In a statement sent to reporters, impeachment counsel Armando Virgil D. Ligutan said that Ms. Duterte’s alleged misuse of public funds had “struck a nerve” among Filipinos, which should move lawmakers to remove her from public office.

“We reiterate our call to the members of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The Vice-President has clearly betrayed public trust,” he said. “Until when will Congress allow the Vice-President’s unabashed betrayal of public trust [to] go unchecked?”

Ms. Duterte found herself at the center of a political controversy that has developed after the collapse of her alliance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., a union that propelled them to two of the country’s highest posts.

The estranged vice-president has been the subject of impeachment moves due to her alleged misuse of P612.5 million worth of confidential and intelligence funds in 2022 and 2023, which she has refuted.

The Office of the Vice-President did not immediately respond to an e-mail seeking comment.

“The public’s support for the impeachment of VP Sara is growing stronger,” Party-list Rep. Percival V. Cendaña, who sponsored the first impeachment complaint against Ms. Duterte, said in a separate statement in Filipino. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Bill eyes interest-free loans for MSMEs

January 9, 2025 | 8:28 pm

A BILL seeking to promote the growth of Philippine micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by providing them with interest-free loans was filed at the House of Representatives last month.

House Bill (HB) No. 11212, filed by Zamboanga City Rep. Khymer Adan T. Olaso, mandated the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and Landbank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) to provide zero-interest loans with minimal collateral requirements to MSMEs.

Small-scale businesses must be registered with the Trade department and the Securities commission and have operated for at least six months to be eligible for a loan. They must also demonstrate the capacity to pay off the loaned amount through “reliable projected revenue streams.”

Micro enterprises could loan up to P500,000, with small businesses allowed to borrow for up to P2 million. Medium industries could lend a maximum of P5 million.

Repayment of the loaned amount could range between one to five years, with “borrowers entitled to a grace period of up to six months before repayment begins.”

“This bill seeks to address these pressing issues by institutionalizing a zero-interest loan program tailored for MSMEs. The program will enhance their financial capacity, promote entrepreneurial innovation, and enable them to scale operations,” the bill’s explanatory note stated.

“By eliminating interest charges, the government effectively reduces the cost of capital, making it accessible to small entrepreneurs who traditionally face financial exclusion,” it added. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

SWS: 6 in 10 Filipinos in favor of House ‘quad committee’ probe

January 9, 2025 | 8:27 pm

SIX in 10 Filipinos are in favor of the congressional probe by the House of Representatives into illegal drugs, extrajudicial killings and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), according to a November-December survey by the Social Weather Station (SWS).

The survey showed that 61% of Filipinos support the investigations being done by the House quad committee, which is examining alleged illegal activities that have since been implicated to the government of ex-President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

It added that 11% of Filipinos are against it, while 24% are lukewarm to the House probe.

“Support is strongest in the National Capital Region (NCR), where 73% of respondents favor the investigations. This is followed by Balance Luzon at 66% and the Visayas at 59%,” Stratbase Group said in a statement, which came attached with the SWS poll result.

“Support is lowest in Mindanao at 46%, a known bailiwick of the Duterte family, who had been implicated in the investigations,” it added.

The survey results also showed what Filipinos want the quad committee to achieve, with 37% expecting the probe to identify officials linked to crimes and 27% looking forward to new laws addressing identified issues.

“11% want the investigations to result in the prosecution and conviction of those involved in these criminal networks,” it added. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

BCDA unit to run La Union seaport

January 9, 2025 | 8:25 pm

BAGUIO CITY — State-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) authorized its subsidiary, Poro Point Management Corp., (PPMC), to manage the interim operations of the San Fernando Seaport in La Union following the lease contract expiration of the seaport’s previous operator.

BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joshua M. Bingcang and PPMC President and CEO Felix S. Racadio signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) granting PPMC interim operational control over the seaport and ensuring the continuity of operations and provision of services in the seaport area.

The lease contract of the Poro Point Industrial Corp., (PPIC) expired on October 31, 2024.

“The BCDA recognizes the vital role played by the San Fernando Seaport in facilitating international trade, boosting supply chains, and supporting various industries in La Union and Northern Luzon. The seaport has been a key driver of growth, generating jobs and livelihood for the community,” Mr. Bingcang said.

“That is why there is a need to ensure that services in the seaport are uninterrupted. We thank the PPMC for taking on this task on an interim basis.”

PPIC was formed by the BCDA, PPMC, and Bulk Handlers Inc. (BHI) in 1999 to manage the San Fernando Seaport.

Prior to the expiration of PPIC’s lease, BCDA offered the company a three-month holdover authority to ensure uninterrupted operations of the seaport while it is preparing for a competitive bidding for a new operator. However, PPIC declined the offer.

To ensure continuity, the BCDA Board of Directors authorized PPMC to take over interim seaport operations effective November 6, 2024. This MoA formalizes this interim arrangement until a new operator is selected.

“With the trust that the BCDA has given us, PPMC assures that it will perform our task of managing the seaport well,” Mr. Racadio said.

Under the MoA, PPMC should ensure the continued provision of key services, including cargo handling, customs brokerage, warehousing, and equipment rentals. It is also tasked to oversee the safety and security, environmental protection, trade facilitation, and labor regulations in the seaport. It shall maintain and repair all the structures in the area. — Artemio A. Dumlao

P3.4-M drugs seized in PDEA-BARMM operation

January 9, 2025 | 8:25 pm

COTABATO CITY — Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) seized P3.4 million worth of crystal meth (shabu) from a couple entrapped in Barangay Poblacion 5 in Cotabato City on Wednesday.

Gil Cesario P. Castro, director of PDEA-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), told reporters on Thursday that the suspects are now in their custody, to be prosecuted for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

PDEA-BARMM agents immediately frisked and detained the duo after selling them half a kilo of shabu during a tradeoff along a busy street in Barangay Poblacion 5.

He said the operation was launched after they received information from confidential tipsters about the large-scale peddling by the two suspects of shabu in different barangays in Cotabato City and in nearby towns in Maguindanao del Norte. — John Felix M. Unson

Cignal rocked by departure of stars Molina, Meneses

January 9, 2025 | 6:27 pm

THE CIGNAL HD Spikers’ Premier Volleyball League title bid was dealt a massive blow after two of their pillars — Ces Molina and Riri Meneses — shockingly left the team recently for undisclosed reasons.

Avior Talent Management, the agency handling Ms. Molina and Ms. Meneses, announced their departures on Thursday on social media.

“Ces Molina, Marivic Meneses and Avior Talent Management extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Cignal HD Spikers Management for the unwavering support and opportunities given to Frances Xinia Molina and Marivic Meneses over the past three years,” it said.

“Your dedication and guidance have been instrumental in shaping their careers and leaving a legacy of excellence.”

“Thank you for being an incredible part of their journey,” it added.

The departure of Ms. Molina, a former league MVP, and Ms. Meneses, a best middle blocker awardee, left a void in a Cignal team that was doing great at No. 3 in the standings with a 4-1 record.

Cignal is expected to dig deep into its bench and give more minutes to players like the power-hitting Vanessa Gandler.

Meanwhile, former Creamline stalwart Risa Sato could be headed to Chery Tiggo as she was recently seen in a photo dining with the whole Crossovers squad. — Joey Villar

Aguilar ready for Gilas callup after Sotto suffers knee injury

January 9, 2025 | 6:27 pm

LIKE a good soldier, Gilas Pilipinas alternate Japeth Aguilar is always ready to answer the country’s call.

Mr. Aguilar is being tipped to fill in after Kai Sotto went down with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) this week, preventing the 7-foot-3 slotman from joining the Nationals’ sorties for six months or so.

“You know, I’m just here,” said three-time FIBA World Cup veteran Mr. Aguilar, named by coach Tim Cone as a backup big man in case of injuries to Gilas regulars Mr. Sotto, June Mar Fajardo and AJ Edu.

“I mean, I feel like there are still other bigs like AJ Edu. Hope he stays healthy. June Mar is still there. We still have a lot of young guys. My role lang here is to guide the young guys.”

Mr. Aguilar’s familiarity with how Mr. Cone, his coach at Ginebra, runs things will come in handy as Gilas embarks on its next mission on the road in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers third window in February against Chinese Taipei and New Zealand.

“Basta ‘yung system namin, yung triangle ni Coach Tim, pinaka-important sa amin na ma-execute namin nang maayos. And also, kung anuman yung matulong ko sa kanila, ‘yun lang ang role ko,” said the 6-foot-9 frontliner.

Mr. Sotto’s absence from the qualifiers prolongs the realization of Mr. Cone’s dream of finally unraveling the exciting combo of Messrs. Sotto and Edu after the latter missed the 2024 campaign due to injury.

“I’ve said it before, until we get Kai and AJ together, the other countries won’t see our best Gilas team,” Mr. Cone said. “Looking forward to that day.”

Gilas stalwarts and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) led the well-wishers for the 22-year-old Mr. Sotto, who described this situation as probably “the darkest day of my basketball career.”

“I know he’s having a hard time right now, but we know he’s still young. Always trust in the Lord. Have faith. He has plans for you. Keep your spirit up and you will be back stronger. God bless you, Kai,” Mr. Aguilar said.

“Even though it is always a tough challenge to recover from an ACL injury, we’re confident that Kai will be back stronger and better than ever,” the SBP said. “The SBP family will be here to provide any support that Kai should need.” — Olmin Leyba

PBA slate headlines teams seeking turnaround wins

January 9, 2025 | 6:26 pm

MERALCO BOLTS — FACEBOOK.COM/PBAOFFICIAL

Games on Friday (Ninoy Aquino Stadium)
5 p.m. – Terrafirma vs Magnolia
7:30 p.m. – NLEX vs Meralco

MAGNOLIA, Terrafirma, NLEX and Meralco seek to turn their seasons around as all four feature in Friday’s PBA Commissioner’s Cup double-header at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The four are intent on escaping the loss column and pumping life into their respective campaigns.

The Hotshots, the runners-up last season who have only two wins in seven starts in the ongoing tournament, seek to start executing their turnaround plan in the 5 p.m. opener against the winless Dyip (0-8).

Reeling from a 99-101 heartbreaker to TNT Tuesday, Meralco (4-3) looks to regain traction against an NLEX side (3-4) that’s out to arrest a three-game slide in the 7:30 p.m. main event.

“Backs against the wall na kami. We have five remaining games so we cannot afford to lose any of them,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero.

“Ang pinag-uusapan namin dito, if we can win all of those, much better. Pero ang goal muna namin is to take them one game at a time starting with that one on Friday,” he added.

With the Dyip yet to hit their stride, this game could well be the Hotshots’ best chance to pick up an important W and spark their intended rise.

“Positive naman mga players, although ayun nga, masakit ‘yung mga talo namin,” said Mr. Victolero, whose team still feels the pain especially from that major meltdown from 22 points up that led to a 92-95 Christmas Day loss to Barangay Ginebra.

“Our destiny is still in our hands. Sabi ko nga sa kanila, try to dig deep and grind it out in our next games and let’s see.”

The main tussle, meanwhile, pits a squad weary from playing its third game in six days — the Bolts — and a quintet that had the luxury of recharging over the last three weeks — the Road Warriors. — Olmin Leyba

Cleveland Cavaliers take down Thunder in battle of NBA’s best

January 9, 2025 | 6:24 pm

JARRETT ALLEN collected 25 points and 12 rebounds to lift the host Cleveland Cavaliers to a 129-122 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday in a battle of the top two teams in the NBA.

Evan Mobley contributed 21 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists for the Cavaliers, who have won 11 in a row overall and improved to 11-0 against

Western Conference opponents. Oklahoma City was riding a franchise-record 15-game winning streak into this matchup.

Cleveland’s Darius Garland scored 18 points and Max Strus sank five 3-pointers to highlight his 17-point performance off the bench. Ty Jerome had 15 points and Donovan Mitchell finished with 11 despite making just three of 16 shots from the floor for the Cavaliers.

Oklahoma City superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points and Jalen Williams added 25, plus nine assists.

Isaiah Hartenstein notched 18 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists, and Cason Wallace scored 15 points for the Thunder, who hadn’t lost since Dec. 1 at the Houston Rockets. They drop to 11-1 versus Eastern Conference foes.

Cleveland was clinging to a 125-122 lead before successfully challenging a foul called on Mitchell with 1:19 remaining in the fourth quarter. Officials deemed Mitchell did not make enough contact to warrant a foul while vying for a rebound, allowing his team to keep the ball.

Mobley made a running jumper in the lane and Garland added a finger roll layup with 27.1 seconds left to seal the win.

Oklahoma City weathered the storm after Gilgeous-Alexander committed two quick fouls to begin the third quarter, giving him four for the game. The Thunder held the fort and even forged a 100-100 tie on Aaron Wiggins’ tip shot with 47 seconds left in the quarter.

Kenrich Williams’ jumper gave Oklahoma City a 34-25 lead early in the second quarter before Cleveland responded with an 8-0 run. The Thunder maintained the advantage throughout the second before Allen converted an alley-oop.

Mitchell made his first field goal with an emphatic dunk to give the Cavaliers a 62-59 lead at intermission. — Reuters

Jimmy Butler put on notice

January 9, 2025 | 6:24 pm

Not a few eyebrows were raised when Heat President Pat Riley took erstwhile foundational piece Jimmy Butler to task for speaking out of turn during the 2024 National Basketball Association Playoffs. With the six-time All-Star sidelined due to a right knee sprain, the black and red found themselves eliminated by the Celtics in the first round. Yet, even as he convalesced, he took pains to note that both the victors and the Knicks would not have had a chance against them were he in the pink of health. “If you’re not on the court…, you should keep your mouth shut in your criticism of those teams,” the executive argued in response.

It’s anybody’s guess as to why Riley saw fit to air his grievances, and in the manner it was done. Clearly, however, he believed putting Butler on notice was worth the risk of triggering a Streisand effect. The latter was keen on getting an extension heading into the final year of a contract that would pay $48.8 million, and the head honcho did not seem to think his best player merits supermax figures while approaching the late thirties. Under the circumstances, a public castigation served to put the veteran in place.

To be fair, Butler did keep quiet in the aftermath even as he sought to let his playing do all the talking. At the same time, the Heat consciously began to implement sets that relied less on him and more on their twenty-something stalwarts Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. He strove to underscore his value, but effectively became hampered by a dwindling usage rate. As decent as his numbers remained, they paled in comparison to his usual norms. It didn’t help that he became injured anew, and, tellingly, posted anemic stat lines in his return. He then said he wanted to “get my joy back,” but “probably not” in Miami.

Riley’s reaction was as swift as it was shocking. Butler was meted a seven-game suspension for “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team,” after which the Heat formally acknowledged their willingness to entertain offers for him. Never mind that, just the week before, the franchise declared him to be untouchable. The point of no return was reached, and there would be no averting a breakup, similar to the cases of other notables in Biscayne Boulevard annals — Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O’Neal, and Alonzo Mourning included.

Considering Butler’s penchant for burning bridges once he sets his mind to leaving, Riley may well be justified in staying ahead of the curve. The fact that the Heat are floundering makes the ensuing transition more palatable. There’s just one problem, however: There is hardly any market for him. At this point, the future remains murky even as a parting of ways has become inevitable.

Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, oprerations and human resources management, corporate communications, and business development.