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Plunder, other raps filed vs Recto, Ledesma over PhilHealth fund transfer

PHOTO BY MIKE GONZALEZ

A MULTISECTORAL group on Monday filed technical malversation, plunder, and grave misconduct complaints against Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto and former Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) President Emmanuel R. Ledesma, Jr. over the 2024 transfer of P60 billion in reserve funds.

The complaint-affidavit was lodged before the Office of the Ombudsman by the Save the Philippines Coalition, which accused Mr. Recto, as former Finance secretary, and Mr. Ledesma, former PhilHealth chief, of violating laws governing PhilHealth funds, while noting that the Supreme Court’s ruling declaring the transfer illegal did not impose criminal or administrative liability on Mr. Recto.

“Only the National Prosecution Service or the Office of the Ombudsman can determine whether there is probable cause to hold a person liable for a crime,” Irene Ann C. Caballes, one of the petitioners told reporters.

“Let’s leave it to these offices to decide if probable cause exists.”

Mr. Recto, for his part, said he remains committed and focused on his work, undeterred by political distractions.

“Will not get distracted by political noise. The work of improving government performance and services is my priority,” he told BusinessWorld via Viber.

He reiterated in a separate statement that he respects citizens’ right to seek redress before the courts and vowed full cooperation with the Office of the Ombudsman should it conduct a preliminary investigation.

“With the able representation by the Solicitor General, I welcome the opportunity to clarify the issues, prove my innocence, and debunk the allegations put forth,” he said.

“In my more than 30 years in government, this is the first case of such kind that I have confronted, and view it as part of public service,” he added.

Mr. Ledesma did not immediately reply to message seeking comment.

The high court earlier declared special provision 1(d) of the 2024 national budget and the related Department of Finance Circular 003‑2024 void, ruling the full P89.9-billion PhilHealth fund transfer unconstitutional and ordering the return of both the P60 billion already remitted and the remaining balance.

The tribunal also noted that Mr. Recto is not criminally or civilly liable, as he acted in “good faith” while performing a ministerial duty mandated by the 2024 general appropriations act. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking

DoJ files charges vs Atong Ang over missing cockfighters

REUTERS

THE Department of Justice (DoJ) has filed criminal charges against businessman Charlie Tiu Hay Ang, also known as Atong Ang, in three regional trial courts (RTCs) in Southern Luzon over the missing cockfighters case, the agency said on Monday.

Justice Spokesperson Raphael Niccolo L. Martinez confirmed the filing of criminal charges last Friday, Dec. 19, before the RTCs in Lipa City in Batangas, and Santa Cruz and San Pablo City in Laguna. The charges include 10 counts of kidnapping with homicide and 16 counts of kidnapping with serious illegal detention.

State prosecutors found “prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction,” paving the way to indict Mr. Ang and the other respondents.

Mr. Ang’s legal counsel has filed a motion for reconsideration (MR) seeking to overturn his indictment.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla, Jr. on Monday said in an interview with ANC that because the charges are non-bailable, the issuance of warrants, which could happen “anytime now,” would likely lead to the immediate detention of the accused.

Mr. Martinez, however, clarified that the issuance of arrest warrant remains at the discretion of the respective courts.

“Under the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure, the courts wherein the Informations are filed will issue the corresponding warrants of arrest upon its determination of the existence of probable cause based on the evidence submitted and the resolution by the panel of prosecutors,” Mr. Martinez told reporters in a Viber group chat.

The DoJ’s prosecution hinges on the testimony of whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, who has been admitted into the government’s Witness Protection Program.

Mr. Patidongan alleged that Mr. Ang orchestrated the abduction of the cockfighting enthusiasts, claiming the victims were killed and their remains were disposed of in Taal Lake.

In a message to reporters, his lawyer, Gabriel L. Villareal, maintained that the courts have a constitutional duty to thoroughly review the files before proceeding.

He noted that a motion for reconsideration is still pending before the DoJ and has not yet been elevated to the courts.

“The MR is before the DoJ; not yet with the courts. If the DoJ chooses to disregard the MR, they should be ready to take the consequences of their actions,” Mr. Villareal said.

“It is possible that the courts may overrule the disposition of the DoJ when they review the files.” — Erika Mae P. Sinaking

VP Duterte dismisses ties to self-confessed bagman

Vice President Sara Duterte arrives at the Department of Justice, May 9, 2025. — PHILIPPINE STAR/RYAN BALDEMOR

VICE-PRESIDENT (VP) Sara Duterte-Carpio has denied any ties to self-confessed bagman Ramil L. Madriaga, who claimed to have handled her campaign funds allegedly sourced from drug dealers and Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).

“I do not have a personal relationship with Ramil L. Madriaga, nor have I ever given him instructions of any kind,” she said in a statement on Monday. “I have never visited him in prison, nor have I spoken to him about anything at any time.”

In an affidavit filed before the Office of the Ombudsman, Mr. Madriaga recounted his introduction to Ms. Duterte in 2018 by then-President Rodrigo R. Duterte, whom he served as political and security adviser.

He said he was tasked to form the Inday Sara Duterte Is My President in 2020 to support her candidacy, and later the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group to provide security and intelligence work.

During this time, he claimed to receive instructions to deliver millions worth of funds to her supposed campaign financiers.

His legal counsel also claimed that the Vice-President made two visits in his detention cell at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City. Mr. Madriaga is currently facing kidnapping charges.

The lawyer added that these visits were meant to prevent Mr. Madriaga from exposing the Vice-President’s illicit activities.

“Mr. Madriaga has offered no proof — no documents, no corroboration — only accusations. Bare allegations, no matter how loudly repeated, amount to nothing more than noise,” Ms. Duterte said.

She also argued the photographs submitted by Mr. Madriaga were unrelated images taken during public events where Ms. Duterte was present.

“The photographs he submitted are unrelated images taken during public events where I was present,” she said.

She also dismissed Mr. Mardriaga’s claims as intended to undermine her presidential bid in 2028.

“He is now disseminating false statements to government authorities as part of a concerted effort to obstruct and undermine my possible candidacy for President,” she said.

Vice-President Duterte has been seen as a leading contender in the 2028 presidential elections, amid a mounting political feud with the Marcos administration.

She added that Mr. Madriaga, who is facing serious criminal charges and has a prior criminal record, was acting in desperation to secure his release from prison. — Adrian H. Halili

Rains to persist until Tuesday

DOST-PAGASA FACEBOOK PAGE

THE shear line and easterlies will continue to influence weather conditions and bring rains large parts of eastern and northern Philippines until Tuesday, according to the state weather bureau on Monday.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the shear line — the convergence of warm and cold air — is driving thick cloud cover over eastern sections of Northern and Central Luzon, while easterlies are bringing rain to parts of the Visayas and Mindanao.

Northern and Central Luzon, including Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Aurora, Quezon, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Rizal and parts of the Cordillera, are expected to experience scattered rain showers and thunderstorms.

Continued rainfall is also forecast over Ilocos Norte and other areas of the Cagayan Valley due to the northeast monsoon, locally known as amihan.

Southern Luzon — particularly the Bicol Region and Mimaropa — along with Palawan, the Visayas, and northeastern Mindanao, including Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte, will see cloudy skies with intermittent rain and thunderstorms due to the Pacific Ocean, PAGASA said.

Metro Manila and much of the western sections of Southern Luzon are expected to have generally fair weather, though isolated afternoon or evening rain showers and thunderstorms remain possible.

Looking ahead, weather conditions in the Visayas are expected to gradually improve on Tuesday as easterlies weaken, while rainfall will persist over Eastern Luzon, including Aurora, Quezon, Isabela, Cagayan and the Bicol Region.

From Wednesday to Thursday, much of the country may see fairer weather, although isolated thunderstorms remain likely in the afternoons and evenings.

A renewed surge of the northeast monsoon is forecast to begin on Thursday, potentially bringing cloudy skies and rain to parts of Cagayan by Friday.

Despite these developments, PAGASA said no low-pressure areas are currently being monitored, and the likelihood of a tropical cyclone forming in the coming days remains low, with generally fair weather expected across most of the country by Christmas. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

PHL warns against terror claims

People gather at the floral tribute at Bondi Beach to honor the victims of a mass shooting targeting a Hanukkah celebration on Sunday at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. — REUTERS

THE Philippines on Monday warned that unverified reports linking Mindanao to terrorism after the deadly shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach risks reviving outdated stereotypes about a region that has undergone years of peacebuilding and economic recovery.

In a statement, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. said suggestions that Mindanao served as a “terror hotspot” based on the alleged travel history of the perpetrators were unsupported by intelligence and unfair to local communities.

Not only are these claims not validated, he said, these are also “deeply unjust to the peace-loving people of Mindanao.”

“Such narratives ignore the monumental strides we have made in transforming the region from a theater of conflict into a bastion of peace and development.”

Last Dec. 14, a father and son opened fire at the Australian landmark, killing 15 people during Hanukkah. Australian police earlier said that the two suspected gunmen behind the country’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly three decades had previously visited Davao City in Mindanao, Philippines, and may have drawn inspiration from Muslim extremist groups.

Mindanao, once the center of a decades-long separatist conflict, has seen a sharp decline in violence following the implementation of peace agreements and the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The government said former combatants have been reintegrated into civilian life, and development indicators have improved alongside greater security. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

2.55M NAIA passengers expected

NINOY AQUINO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (NAIA) Terminal 3 — PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

NEW NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), the operator of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), is expecting to accommodate around 2.55 million passengers this holiday season as the airport runs beyond its designed capacity.

NNIC said in a statement on Monday that passenger traffic from Dec. 20 to Jan. 4 is projected to increase by 5% compared to last year.

On Dec. 20 alone, NAIA recorded 171,306 travelers — the highest volume so far for a single day. Terminal 3 accounted for over 90,000 passengers, or more than half of the total volume.

Flight activity also hit a peak on that day, with NNIC reporting a total of 950 aircraft movements, referring to all takeoffs and landings.

The airport operator said that the strong holiday traffic comes as NAIA “continues to operate beyond its original design capacity.”

NNIC said that the operational and facility upgrades it made since it took over airport operations over a year ago “helped improve passenger flow and system efficiency during peak periods.”

These include the rollout of new biometric immigration e-gates and passenger processing systems, as well as the opening of additional passenger spaces at Terminal 3, including new food halls and waiting areas.

Despite strong passenger volume, the operator said airport operations remained stable, supported by coordinated airside management involving gate allocation, airside control, and ramp operations.

NNIC said that close coordination among government agencies and private sector stakeholders operating at the airport was critical in managing the surge, particularly in areas such as air traffic flow, immigration processing, ground handling, and terminal operations. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

DPWH asked to turn over Cabral’s devices

THE Office of the Ombudsman on Monday ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to immediately hand over all computer and electronic devices previously used by the late undersecretary Maria Catalina E. Cabral.

The Ombudsman’s subpoena duces tecum comes amid the ongoing investigation into the flood control scandal.

In a statement, the anti-graft body said the devices will undergo forensic examination by a law enforcement agency to determine whether any data may have been altered, deleted, or otherwise tampered with after the infrastructure anomalies was first made public.

“The Office expects prompt and full compliance with the subpoena in the interest of accountability and the integrity of the ongoing investigation,” the Ombudsman’s statement said.

No timetable has been provided for the completion of the forensic review. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking

Ion Hotel denies gov’t links

BAGUIO CITY — Ion Hotel has denied reports claiming it is connected to public officials and government flood control projects.

In an official statement, the hotel, through its legal counsel Enrique V. Dela Cruz, Jr., said articles published by Bilyonaryo News Channel “falsely linked it to the late DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) Undersecretary Catalina Cabral and Benguet Lone District Representative Eric Yap.”

The hotel clarified that neither Ms. Cabral nor Mr. Yap has ever been an owner, shareholder, or officer of Ion Hotel, and that they have no involvement in the hotel’s management or operations.

Ion Hotel also said it is not involved in any flood control projects and is not connected to the construction industry.

Ion Hotel added that spreading such claims is insensitive, especially following the recent passing of Ms. Cabral.

It further said it follows Philippine laws and ethical business standards and urged media outlets to report accurately.

The hotel also said it may take legal action to protect its reputation. — Artemio A. Dumlao

SMC waives toll fees on Christmas, New Year’s eves

COMMONS.WIKIMEDIA.ORG

SAN MIGUEL CORP. (SMC), through its infrastructure arm SMC Infrastructure, is waiving toll fees across its expressway network on Christmas and New Year’s eves to ease holiday travel for motorists.

Tolls will be waived from 10 p.m. on Dec. 24 until 6 a.m. on Dec. 25, and from 10 p.m. on Dec. 31 until 6 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2026, the company said in a statement on Monday.

SMC Infrastructure operates over 200 kilometers of expressways in Luzon, including the Skyway System, South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), STAR Tollway, Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX), and NAIA Expressway.

The company said it has placed safety and security personnel on heightened alerts and rolled out measures to manage the expected increase in traffic during the holiday period.

It has deployed patrol and security personnel in critical areas and placed emergency response teams on standby to immediately clear any road obstructions.

Roadworks that may affect traffic flow have been suspended from Dec. 20 until Jan. 4, 2026, to help ease congestion.

Tow trucks and other emergency vehicles have also been placed at strategic locations to ensure faster response to incidents. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Meralco on full alert for holidays, urges public to observe electrical safety

PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

POWER distributor Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has assured its customers that it is prepared to address any power concerns that may arise during the holiday break.

In a statement on Monday, Meralco said that its crews and personnel will remain on standby 24/7.

“We encourage our customers to do their part in ensuring a safe and joyful holiday season by practicing electrical safety. Rest assured, contingency measures are in place and our crews are prepared to respond to any possible electricity service concern,” said Meralco Vice-President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga.

The distribution utility reminded customers to observe safety precautions, such as unplugging Christmas lights and appliances when not in use and refraining from plugging multiple extension cords into one another to avoid overloaded outlets.

Meralco Business Centers will be closed on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) and Christmas Day (Dec. 25), but customers can still report electricity service concerns through the MyMeralco app and Meralco’s official social media accounts. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

SC affirms murder convictions in Kian delos Santos case

THE Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed the murder convictions of three police officers in connection with the 2017 killing of 17-year-old Kian Loyd delos Santos during the deadly drug war of former Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte, who is currently detained at the International Criminal Court.

In a 40-page decision by Associate Justice Jhosep Y. Lopez, the SC’s Second Division found officers Arnel G. Oares, Jeremias T. Pereda, and Jerwin R. Cruz “guilty beyond reasonable doubt of murder.” They were sentenced to reclusion perpetua (20 to 40 years in prison) and ordered to pay P275,000 in damages to Mr. Delos Santos family.

The incident occurred on Aug. 16, 2017, in Baesa, Caloocan City, where witnesses said the officers stopped and frisked Kian, physically assaulted him, and forced him into a vulnerable position before dragging him to a secluded area near a river. Mr. Oares and Mr. Pereda then shot the teen multiple times while Mr. Cruz stood guard.

The officers maintained that they were responding to reports of drug activity and claimed that shots were fired at them. Courts, however, rejected these claims, citing forensic evidence and witness accounts confirming that Mr. Delos Santos was unarmed and had no chance to defend himself.

The high court said that “the killing of a minor could not be considered standard in this operation” and that the “performance of duties does not include murder.”

The SC added that the killing involved treachery, Mr. Delos Santos was likely sitting or kneeling when shot, with bullets entering from the side and back of his head.

While affirming the conviction, the SC removed the phrase “without eligibility for parole” from earlier rulings, noting that the circumstances did not justify the death penalty, which is prohibited under Republic Act No. 9346. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking

Barangay Ginebra battles Converge on Christmas Day

BARANGAY GINEBRA — PBA

THE CAST is complete and it’s going to be a three-day calm before a fiery storm hits Smart Araneta Coliseum on Christmas Day to reveal the presents and fates of the featured teams in the PBA Season 50 quarterfinals.

There will be no love on the court from the four teams of reigning champion San Miguel, NLEX, Converge and crowd darling Barangay Ginebra when they tangle in the first quarterfinal bracket to continue the PBA tradition during holidays and keep their seasons alive.

TNT Tropang 5G (8-3), after a 94-83 win to spoil LA Tenorio’s debut as Magnolia’s player coach, sealed the third seed and gifted Converge the fourth spot (7-4) for the last two twice-to-beat incentives.

That win denied Barangay Ginebra a shot at the top 4, settling for fifth spot at 7-4 after a close 108-105 win against Titan Ultra (4-7) to end the elimination round.

And so it’s Ginebra on the big stage anew to treat the PBA fans a Christmas present, tackling Converge at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Big Dome before an expected jam packed crowd.

San Miguel, the No. 1 seed with a nine-game win streak at 9-2, takes on the eighth-seeded NLEX (6-5) in the first game at 5:15 p.m.

The other quarterfinal bracket features No. 2 seed Rain or Shine (8-3) against No. 7 Meralco (6-5) and No. 3 TNT (8-3) and No. 6 Magnolia (6-5) starting on Saturday at the same venue. Game 2s, if necessary, is on Sunday and on Monday, respectively.

The Beermen and the FiberXers, as the higher seeds, hold twice-to-beat incentives, sporting a pretty chance to send their foes packing for good for the rest of the holidays for quick seats in the Final Four.

But a staple never-say-die team during PBA’s iconic Christmas Day games in Ginebra is not keen on going home just yet, riding on a five-game winning streak to end the elims with a bang, in a bid to force a sudden-death Game 2.

“Christmas Day games are tough and they’re hard to lock into. That’s one of the challenges of being a coach, player of Ginebra or just being a Ginebra team,” said coach Tim Cone.

“You’re being out in these situations a lot but again, it’s out of our control. We just deal with what we can deal with so I think our guys are gonna get ready on Christmas Day.”

NLEX, for its part, will also have some morale boost with the return of ace guard Robert Bolick after a triumphant tour of duty with gold medalist Gilas Pilipinas in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand over the weekend. — John Bryan Ulanday

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