Reelectionist Misamis gov asked to explain sexist, anti-Moro remarks

April 7, 2025 | 8:39 pm

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday ordered a gubernatorial reelectionist in Misamis Oriental to explain his discriminatory remarks against nurses and Moros during a recent campaign event.

Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia, in a document shared with reporters in a Viber chat, shared the poll body’s anti-discrimination panel’s show cause order issued against reelectionist Peter M. Unabia.

The order cited Mr. Unabia’s statement at a campaign rally in Villanueva, regarding his administration’s nursing scholarship program, claiming it was “only for beautiful women” and not open to men or “unattractive” females. He added that unattractive nurses could further deteriorate a patient’s condition.

Separately, Mr. Unabia warned the crowd that their communities could be overtaken by Maranaos if his political slate and allies lost the election.

He accompanied his remarks with slides displaying images of ambushes and attacks in the Bangsamoro region, warning voters against the spread of “this kind of criminality” to the predominantly Catholic province of Misamis Oriental.

“In view of the foregoing, you are hereby ordered to show cause in writing within a non-extendible period of three days from the receipt thereof and to explain why a complaint for election offense and/or petition for disqualification should not be filed against you,” the order read, citing links of social media posts and news reports about the statements.

The Comelec noted that under Comelec Resolution No. 11116, election offenses include discrimination against women, gender-based harassment, and labeling.

The Comelec task force gave him three days to provide an explanation as to why a formal petition for his disqualification should not be filed.

In a Facebook post on April 4, Mr. Unabia claimed his Maranao remarks were taken out of context and accused his political opponents of exploiting the issue for their own gain.

“We recognize that our words may have been open to various interpretations and could have been perceived as lacking the necessary sensitivity. It was never our intention to cause offense or to undermine the rich history, identity, and dignity of the Maranao people,” he added. Mr. Unabia has yet to address his remarks against nurses.

PASIG CONGRESSIONAL BET
Also on Monday, the Gabriela National Alliance of Filipino Women asked the Supreme Court to sanction Pasig City congressional bet Christian G. Sia after his misogynistic remarks against single mothers.

In an interview, Gabriela Secretary General Clarice A. Palce said the move aims to inform the court that a lawyer made “lewd” and “misogynistic” remarks during a campaign rally.

“We are here to urge the Supreme Court to take action or impose sanctions regarding this matter, as we believe that Atty. Christian Sia, a candidate for congressman in Pasig, has committed multiple violations,” she said in Filipino.

Last week, Mr. Sia went viral on social media after making a sexual comment about single moms.

In a press conference, he apologized, saying that it was just a joke and vowing that it would not happen again.

According to Ms. Palce, Gabriela believes that this is not an isolated incident, pointing out that Mr. Unabia also made a joke targeting women during his campaign rally.

“We believe that steps need to be taken, not just by the Supreme Court, but also by the Comelec. It is high time that misogynistic and sexist remarks, which directly trample on the rights and dignity of women, should serve as grounds for the disqualification of traditional politicians,” she added.

Comelec last week also ordered Mr. Sia to explain his actions. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Qatar drops case vs 17 Filipinos

April 7, 2025 | 8:38 pm

Claire Castro — CLARISSA A. CASTRO — PCO.GOV.PH

SEVENTEEN Filipinos who were nabbed in Qatar for protesting the arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte have been cleared of illegal assembly charges upon the request of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to Qatar’s envoy in Manila, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said on Monday.

“Through the President’s discussion with the Qatari government via the Qatari Ambassador, we were granted the release of our fellow Filipinos who were detained, and they were not charged with a case,” PCO Undersecretary Clarissa A. Castro told a news briefing in mixed English and Filipino.

Last week, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac announced that the overseas Filipino workers were granted provisional release as authorities looked into the pro-Duterte rally that went on without a permit.

The former President, who was arrested at the request of the International Criminal Court, is being investigated for crimes against humanity in relation to his deadly drug war that has killed thousands.

Under Qatari law, those found guilty of illegal assembly may face up to three years of imprisonment and fined by as much as 50,000 Qatari riyals (P783,718.03)

“We can see how quickly our President works, which contradicts accusations from others that nothing is happening in our country,” Ms. Castro said.

“This matter was closely monitored by our President to provide assistance to our 17 fellow citizens in Qatar, and this is the result — the case has been dismissed, and they will be released.” — John Victor D. Ordoñez

House eyes PSA records in CIF probe

April 7, 2025 | 8:37 pm

VP Sara Duterte — VICE-PRESIDENT SARA DUTERTE-CARPIO — HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PHILIPPINES FACEBOOK PAGE

THE House of Representatives may launch an investigation into the individuals with records at the Philippines statistics body listed as recipients of Vice-President Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio’s secret funds for 2022 and 2023, a congressman said on Monday.

There are about 942 names listed as beneficiaries of secret funds from the offices held by Ms. Duterte, such as the Education department and the Office of the Vice-President, that are in the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) data, said House Deputy Majority Leader and La Union Rep. Francisco Paolo P. Ortega V.

“We will probably conduct our own mini investigation,” he said in Filipino. “But since it’s already at the committee level, we can make a request there.”

The estranged vice-president has been subjected to congressional probes into the alleged misuse of P612.5 million worth of confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) under Ms. Duterte’s office in 2022 and DepEd in 2023, which has been used by lawmakers as an indictment for her impeachment.

Mr. Ortega alleged that of the 1,992 listed recipients of confidential funds from the Office of the Vice-President, 1,322 lacked birth records, he said in a statement; while the House good government panel, which has investigated Ms. Duterte’s secret fund use uncovered that 405 out of the 677 names listed as beneficiaries of the Education department’s confidential funds under her leadership have no birth records.

The Office of the Vice-President did not immediately respond to an e-mail seeking comment. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

NHA to start condoning debts in May

April 7, 2025 | 8:37 pm

THE National Housing Authority (NHA) encouraged housing beneficiaries to avail themselves of its condonation program starting May 1 until Oct. 31, its chief said on Monday, as part of its mandate to provide affordable housing for the poorest Filipinos.

In a briefing in Quezon City, NHA General Manager Joeben A. Tai said the deadline is firm.

“If the deadline were moved, the chances of Filipinos availing [our housing programs] would be smaller. 6 months right now is enough,” he said in Filipino.

“If there were no penalty, they would be able to pay [for the houses] because our houses are only around P500,000 to P600,000. That’s 800 a month, but for the P220,000, most of them are P500 to P600 a month, so I think they can afford it,” he added.

The condonation program will provide financial relief to housing beneficiaries by condoning penalty or delinquency interest and a portion of accrued or unpaid amortization interest, it said on its website. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Konektadong Pinoy bill pushed

April 7, 2025 | 8:35 pm

online-class-student — PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is hoping that the Congress will pass into law the Konektadong Pinoy despite warnings from groups and industry stakeholders over potential threat to national security and challenge to connectivity expansion.

“It’s a priority bill of the President and part of the legislative agenda. So hopefully by June, when Congress opens again, it will be passed,” ICT Director for National ICT Policy, Planning, and Standards Maria Victoria Castro told reporters on Monday.

The Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators (PCTO) has warned against the bill, noting that this poses threat to the country’s national security and poses a challenge to the government’s connectivity expansion ambition.

“Unfortunately, despite its good intentions, the Konektadong Pinoy bill disregards Constitutional provisions, undermines fair competition, and could stifle investment in the telecommunications sector. We should work towards a version that will protect our critical information infrastructure and benefit the Filipinos,” PCTO said in a statement on Monday.

The bill, which is one of the administration’s priority measures, aims to expand internet access in the country by relaxing regulations and allowing the entry of new players in the data transmission industry.

The current version of the bill said international gateway facilities, cable landing stations, and satellite service providers do not need a legislative franchise requirement.

This means any company can build and operate these facilities and stations without passing through the safeguards needed to ensure our national security.

“PCTO firmly believes that the franchise requirement should be retained and that the NTC should retain its quasi-judicial authority to assess the new players capabilities — legal, technical, financial, including cybersecurity and data privacy connections, that are not explicitly stated in the bill,” PCTO said. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Certify wage hike bill as urgent — Go

April 7, 2025 | 8:35 pm

A SENATOR on Monday urged President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to certify as urgent a bill that will impose a legislated national wage hike before the 19^th Congress ends.

“If this is not prioritized, there is a possibility that our workers will feel as if their demands have been ignored,” Christopher Lawrence “Bong” T. Go said in a statement in Filipino.

Mr. Go, who co-authored the Senate version, added that further delays and the lack of urgency from the President may “hinder progress on a long-standing effort to support Filipino workers.”

He said that the House of Representatives should work on the bill’s counterpart version, as it could avoid having to restart the process in the 20^th Congress with newly elected Senators and Representatives.

“With the Senate having fulfilled its part… the measure now awaits action from the House of Representatives and the Executive branch,” Mr. Go added.

Senate Bill No. 2534 seeks to impose a P100 national wage increase for private sector workers, has been approved for third and final reading last year.

The House version or House Bill No. 11376, which was approved on second reading in February, mandates a P200 daily wage increase.

“We should not postpone things that have a direct impact on the lives of our workers. May their call be heard, while we still have the opportunity to respond,” he added. — Adrian H. Halili

Coal phaseout in APAC raises need for reskilling, new green jobs

April 7, 2025 | 8:34 pm

chimneys-2058_1280 — STOCK PHOTO | Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay

THE Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is accelerating efforts to phase out coal as part of a broader Just Energy Transition, with regional stakeholders highlighting the need for skill development, social protection, and inclusive policy dialogue to ensure no one is left behind in the shift to clean energy, the International Labour Organization (ILO) said on Monday.

At a two-day regional workshop held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from March 18 to 19, representatives from governments, employers, labor groups, civil society, and academia gathered under the newly formed Community of Practice (CoP) on Just Energy Transition in Asia, the ILO added in a statement.

“We recognize that this transition must be just and equitable. It is essential to ensure that workers and communities affected by the transition are supported through reskilling programs, social safety nets, and the creation of new green jobs,” Bernard Paul M. Mangulabnan, Acting Chief Labor and Employment Officer at the Department of Labor and Employment of the Philippines.

Delegates from Indonesia, Mongolia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam exchanged progress updates and shared strategies for managing the social and labor impacts of transitioning away from fossil fuels.

The workshop, organized by the ILO and the United Nations Office for Project Services Energy Transition Partnership, emphasized the importance of workforce reskilling, income protection, and multilateral dialogue to prevent inequality from widening as fossil fuel jobs disappear.

Despite momentum, participants acknowledged significant hurdles. Workers in fossil fuel-dependent sectors face displacement, skill mismatches, and wage instability, while access to retraining remains limited.

Participants flagged economic diversification, carbon pricing, corporate social responsibility grants, and policy coherence as key pathways to a smooth and equitable transition. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

LEB orders closure of law program in Manila university

April 7, 2025 | 8:34 pm

THE Legal Education Board (LEB) on Monday ordered the closure of the University of Manila-College of Law, citing the school’s failure to meet the minimum standards set by the board.

In a Facebook post, the LEB ordered the closure order due to the University’s dismal performance in the Bar examinations, failure to meet the prescribed curriculum and academic standards for legal

Education, and deficiencies in institutional facilities and resources necessary for quality legal instruction.

“This decision was made after a thorough evaluation of the legal education institution’s compliance with legal education standards and regulatory requirements,” the LEB added.

It said the university’s College of Law has been notified of the closure order since June 5, 2024.

“However, the LEB has received reports indicating that the school continues to accept enrollees,” it added.

As a result, the board issued this notice to inform the public that the LEB does not recognize enrollment at the institution.

The university did not immediately respond to an e-mail seeking comment. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Maguindanao del Norte municipality placed under Comelec

April 7, 2025 | 8:33 pm

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday issued Resolution No. 11126, placing the municipality of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, under the immediate and direct control and supervision of the poll body.

This is authorized by Section 99 of Comelec Resolution No. 11067, which allowed the Commission En Banc to place any political division, subdivision, unit, or area under its control if it is affected by political instability or other factors that could impact elections.

The resolution said that the Comelec took this action due to Section 101 of Comelec Resolution No. 11067, which pertains to areas that pose “threats that tend to disrupt the holding of free, peaceful, honest, orderly, and credible elections.”

The resolution further mentioned the death of Election Officer Mohammad Nabil M. Mutia and his wife on March 26, in Makebo village, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, as a contributing factor necessitating Comelec control in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.

This is in line with GSC Resolution No. 2025NLE-001, recommending Comelec control to prevent further violence and lawlessness affecting election officers.

Under this control, the Comelec shall exercise immediate and direct supervision over national and local officials and employees in the area, ensuring they perform their duties and adhere to prohibitions concerning conduct in the political division.

The poll body will also have full control and supervision over all national and local law enforcement agencies, including the military, to ensure free, peaceful, orderly, honest, and credible elections.

The resolution outlined the roles of various government agencies in support of Comelec control.

Commissioner Noli R. Pipo has been designated as the Commissioner-in-Charge for the Comelec Control of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, and will exercise oversight functions as the direct representative of the Commission En Banc for this purpose.

This resolution takes effect immediately. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Cops seize P1.7-M drugs in Maguindanao del Norte sting

April 7, 2025 | 8:33 pm

COTABATO CITY — Policemen confiscated P1.7 million worth of crystal meth (shabu) from two dealers entrapped in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte on Sunday afternoon.

The suspects are now locked in a police detention facility, to be prosecuted for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 using the 250 grams of shabu seized from them as evidence.

Brig Gen. Romeo J. Macapaz, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, told reporters on Monday that the suspects were immediately detained by policemen, led by Lt. Col. Esmael A. Madin, chief of the Sultan Kudarat Municipal Police Station.

Mr. Madin told reporters on Monday that his team was supposed to entrap the duo in Barangay Simuay in Sultan Kudarat, but the sting was laid in the town proper of Datu Odin Sinsuat after the duo requested to meet there instead. — John Felix M. Unson

Creamline guns for record 5-peat PVL crown against Petro Gazz

April 7, 2025 | 7:39 pm

CREAMLINE COOL SMASHERS — FACEBOOK.COM/PREMIERVOLLEYBALLLEAGUE

Games on Tuesday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4 p.m. – Akari vs Choco Mucho (Battle for Third)
6:30 p.m. – Creamline vs Petro Gazz (Finals)

CREAMLINE eyes a record five-peat feat and an 11^th Premier Volleyball League (PVL) title overall while Petro Gazz shoots for its third crown and first All-Filipino Conference championship when they collide on Tuesday at the start of their best-of-three title showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Cool Smashers should be the prohibitive favorites after having made the finale for a seventh straight time and 15^th in the last 16 conferences overall, both league marks, when they face the Angels at 6:30 p.m.

“I think Creamline has the slight edge in terms of chemistry,” said Ria Meneses moments after the Cool Smashers made it this far following a 25-19, 25-15, 25-15 thrashing of the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on Tuesday at the Big Dome.

But the separation between the two shouldn’t be that wide considering that the Angels made it to the finals first after sweeping the single-round robin semis in three matches including that emphatic 25-23, 25-22, 21-25, 25-16 win over the dynastic champions on March 29.

Hunger will also be a key role for Petro Gazz, winner of two Reinforced Conference titles but never one outside it, as it will aim for a breakthrough All-Filipino Conference after coming close to winning one before falling to the same foe in Creamline two years ago.

“It’s really different when it’s the All-Filipino,” said Petro Gazz star Myla Pablo, who was part of the last championship by the franchise three years ago. “In the Reinforced Conference, the focus is on the import, but here, everyone contributes and works together as a team.”

For battle-scarred setter Chie Saet, they would shoot for nothing but the crown.

“We’re extremely happy because every team dreams of becoming a champion,” said Ms. Saet, who was a vital cog to Petro Gazz’s sensational ascent this conference.

“We really worked hard for this. We sacrificed a lot. That’s why now, we’ll find a way — we’re going to finish what we started,” she added.

Meanwhile, Akari and Choco Mucho take on each other in the battle for third spot, which will also be in a best-of-three affair.

Game Two is set for Thursday also at the Big Dome while a decider, if necessary, is on Saturday at the PhilSports Arena. — Joey Villar

UPHSD Junior Altas eye NCAA high school cage championship

April 7, 2025 | 7:38 pm

UNIVERSITY OF PERPETUAL HELP JUNIOR ALTAS — FACEBOOK.COM/NCAA.ORG.PH

UNIVERSITY of Perpetual Help System DALTA (UPHSD) relied on a big second quarter run to overcome a slow start in downing San Beda University, 96-87, on Monday that completed its finals return in NCAA Season 100 junior basketball at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

In the best-of-three finals unfurling on Friday at the San Juan venue, the Junior Altas will be shooting for something they have never won — a high school cage championship.

UPHSD came a victory closer to claiming it last year when it forced a deciding Game Three but was denied by eventual winner Colegio de San Juan de Letran.

Dan Rosales paced the Junior Altas with 19 points including three booming triples while Lebron Jhames Daep did most of the heavy lifting with nine points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block. — Joey Villar

The scores:

UPHSD 96 – Rosales 19, Roluna 15, Pagulayan 13, Tabbuan 10, Daep 9, Callangan 8, Baldoria 7, Cristino 4, Borja 4, Corpuz 3, Nitura 3, Zanoria 1, Dela Cruz 0, Velasquez 0

San Beda 87 – Dollente 15, Medroso 14, Batongbakan 13, Uggadan 12, Vailoces 11, Winters 7, Wagan 6, San Juan 4, Reroma 3, Tauber 2, Garcia 0, Mondigo 0

Quarterscores: 21-24; 51-40; 80-65; 96-87