How PSEi member stocks performed — September 25, 2025
Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Thursday, September 25, 2025.
Ex-DPWH official tags more senators in flood-control scam
By Adrian H. Halili, Reporter
A FORMER Public Works undersecretary has implicated more Philippine lawmakers in a multibillion-peso kickback scheme tied to flood-control projects.
At a Senate blue ribbon committee hearing on Thursday, former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto R. Bernardo named Senators Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero, former Senators Ramon “Bong” B. Revilla, Jr., and Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay as among those who benefited from budget insertions.
The lawmakers had demanded as much as 20% in commissions, he said, while also accusing Party-list Rep. Elizaldy S. Co of getting a cut from project funds.
Mr. Bernardo admitted his role in the scam. “I made a mistake and allowed myself to be used as a tool in wrongdoing,” he told senators.
In a 12-page affidavit, the former official of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) claimed that he had delivered P160 million, or 20% of a P800-million project, to an associate of Mr. Escudero.
He added that the project list was inserted into the 2025 General Appropriations Act.
The senator was replaced as Senate president earlier this month after he admitted receiving campaign donations from a contractor but denied influencing contract awards.
Mr. Bernardo also claimed that a staff of former Senator Binay, who is now Makati City mayor, requested about P37 million, or 15% from projects amounting to P250 million.
He added that he had personally delivered the money to Ms. Binay in a house in Quezon City.
“Engineer Alcantara collected 15% commitment or about P37 million which was turned over to me and which I then delivered to Senator Binay at a house in Quezon City,” he said.
According to Mr. Bernardo, he met Mr. Revilla in Makati City in 2024 where he gave a list of projects given to him by Mr. Alcantara.
“Senator Revilla asked for a commitment, which I suggested, and he then approved at 25% of the total amount of the projects,” he added.
He said that the request for additional funds was relayed to Mr. Alcantara as support for Mr. Revilla’s 2025 senatorial campaign.
The former undersecretary also claimed that Mr. Co negotiated kickbacks through ex-district engineer Alcantara.
“Engineer Alcantara then told me that Cong. Zaldy Co was asking for a 25% commission. Out of that amount, 2% was to be shared equally between Engineer Alcantara and myself,” he said.
“Furthermore, Engineer Alcantara would tell me every time that he made deliveries of cash to Cong. Zaldy Co in compliance with his commitment,” he added.
Mr. Revilla and Mr. Co were also among the officials named by Mr. Alcantara last Tuesday allegedly benefiting from funds from flood mitigation projects, along with Senators Jose “Jinggoy” P. Estrada and Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva. They have denied their involvement.
In a separate testimony, Mr. Co’s former security aide Orly Regala Guteza also implicated former House Speaker Martin Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and Benguet Rep. Eric G. Yap over the flood control scheme.
Mr. Guteza claims that he was part of a team that would deliver bags of money, which they referred to as basura (garbage), to the lawmakers.
“There are more occasions when we deliver ‘garbage’ to Speaker Romualdez’s house and Congressman Zaldy Co’s house because we have different detailed close-ins, backups, and advanced parties, which rotate,” he told reporters in mixed English and Filipino.
He also claimed that part of the team that delivered money to Mr. Co and Mr. Romualdez was the Benguet representative.
Mr. Romualdez earlier resigned from the speakership amid mounting criticism of his alleged role in the Philippines’ multibillion-peso flood control scandal. This came a week after the Senate leadership change.
WELL-ORCHESTRATED PLAN
Separately Mr. Escudero denied the allegations that he had any hand in acquiring funds from flood control projects.
“I vehemently deny the malicious allegations and innuendos made by former DPWH Usec. Roberto Bernardo in today’s Senate Blue Ribbon Committee,” the senator said in a statement. “By his own admission, he never had any contact with me directly regarding this matter—and I will prove that he is lying about my alleged involvement.”
He claims that there is a “well-orchestrated plan” to divert attention from the real perpetrators of the flood control scam by attacking the Senate and its members.
In a Facebook post, Ms. Binay also said that the accusations made against her were untrue.
“I am surprised and saddened that I am being implicated in the anomalies of the DPWH. The accusations against me are untrue,” she said.
She added that her name was being used to divert attention “from those who really need to be held accountable for this issue.”
Mr. Yap had also denied allegations involving him in the multi-billion-peso scandal, noting that he had never accepted or authorized the delivery of cash from flood control funds.
“I categorically deny any involvement in the acts being alleged. I have never accepted, nor authorized, the delivery of money in connection with flood control projects. These claims are untrue,” he said in a statement.
Mr. Revilla and the Office of Mr. Co did not immediately reply to a Viber message seeking comment.
However, Mr. Revilla earlier denied any hand in the flood control scam, while Mr. Co, who is overseas, has called the allegations against him “false and baseless.”
Mr. Romualdez, meanwhile, said he was “deeply surprised” by the allegations, which he described as “an outright and complete fabrication.”
In a statement, he said the McKinley property where the witness claimed to have made deliveries to in December 2024 has been under renovation since January 2024.
“I repeat: I have never received or benefited from kickbacks in any infrastructure project. I have never authorized, instructed, or allowed anyone to engage in any conduct that would betray the people or taint my name,” he said.
The Philippine Senate is investigating irregularities in the Public Works agency’s flood-mitigation projects, which have received about P500 billion since 2022.
Critics have warned that corruption undermines disaster preparedness at a time when the Philippines, battered by an average of 20 storms annually, is ranked the world’s most disaster-prone country in the world.
PROTECTED WITNESS
Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla told reporters Mr. Bernardo has been granted provisional security as a “protected witness” while his application to the Witness Protection Program is under review.
Mr. Remulla urged senators to allow the Justice department to complete its assessment, citing the seriousness of the allegations. He said a protected witness is entitled to security and benefits while testifying, even before full admission to the WPP.
Becoming a state witness, however, requires a separate process and depends on the significance of the testimony in securing convictions.
“Once a person is granted state witness status, they are discharged from criminal and civil liability,” Mr. Remulla said. “That’s why our first demand is restitution, because once discharged, we have nothing more to gain.”
The agency earlier provisionally accepted five others as protected witnesses: contractors Cezarah Rowena C. Discaya and her husband Pacifico F. Discaya and three former DPWH engineers — Henry C. Alcantara, Brice Ericson P. Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza. The engineers remain under Senate custody pending evaluation, though Mr. Remulla said they would also be given security.
Mr. Remulla also confirmed the National Bureau of Investigation is set to file charges of indirect bribery, malversation against those implicated in the flood control controversy.
“It is the same recommendation to (names from Mr. Alcantara), indirect bribery, malversations, and other charges under (Republic Act No.) 3019,” Mr. Remulla told reporters.
The Justice secretary confirmed that among those they intend to charge were Mr. Escudero, Ms. Binay, and Mr. Romualdez.
He added that he has already informed the Anti-Money Laundering Council to potentially freeze the accounts of the individuals named by Mr. Bernardo.
Mr. Remulla added that Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co is being tracked and has been included in an immigration lookout bulletin order (ILBO) following a prior request by Public Works Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon.
“Yes, he’s being tracked already. We are trying to track him, and many people are helping.”
He added that reports of Mr. Co being in Spain are being verified with flight details received by the Justice department. — with Erika Mae P. Sinaking
Storm Opong triggers storm signals, class and gov’t work suspension in various areas
TROPICAL WIND signals were hoisted in more than a dozen areas, as Severe Tropical Storm Bualoi, locally known as Opong, approaches and threatens to bring torrential rains and strong winds, according to the state weather bureau.
In a 5 p.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) raised Signal No. 3 over Sorsogon and the northern portion of Masbate, including Ticao and Burias Islands, northern Samar and the northern portion of eastern Samar, and the portion of Samar, where storm-force winds pose a moderate to significant threat to life and property.
Placed under Signal No. 2 were the eastern portion of Batangas, the southern portion of Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Catanduanes, the rest of Masbate, Marinduque, Romblon, and Oriental Mindoro.
It was likewise in effect over the central portion of Eastern Samar and Samar, BIliran, and the northwestern portion of Leyte.
Meanwhile, Signal No. 1 was raised in wide areas, including the central and southern portions of Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, the southwestern portion of Mountain province, Benguet, the southern portion of Ilocos Sur, La Union, La Union, Pangasinan, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, the rest of Batangas and Quezon, Laguna, Occidental Mindoro, Cuyo Islands and Calamian Islands.
In the Visayas, Signal No. 1 covers the rest of Eastern Samar, Samar, and Leyte, along with Southern Leyte, northern Cebu including Bantayan and Camotes Islands, northern portion of Negros Occidental, northern Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, and the northern portion of Antique. In Mindanao, it covers Siargao, Bucas Grande, and Dinagat Islands.
PAGASA noted that the highest Wind Signal it may hoist is Wind Signal No. 4 throughout the passage of Opong.
Packing maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 135 kph, Opong was last spotted 195 kilometers east northeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, moving westward at 15 kph, according to PAGASA’s 5 p.m. advisory.
The Southwest Monsoon is also expected to exacerbate the effects of Bualoi, bringing torrential rains that have prompted several rainfall warnings in large parts of Luzon and the Visayas.
CLASS, WORK SUSPENSION
This has also prompted Malacañang to announce government and class suspensions on Thursday through Memorandum Circular No. 102 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin.
The Palace suspended government work and class suspensions in the following areas: Metro Manila, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Samar, Masbate, Romblon and Sorsogon.
The circular noted agencies for vital and health services, preparedness and response duties must continue.
Meanwhile, class suspensions were announced for the following areas: Aklan, Albay, Antique, Batangas, Bataan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Capiz, Cavite, Catanduanes, Guimaras, Iloilo, Laguna, Leyte, Marinduque, Negros Occidental, Oriental Mindoro, Rizal and Quezon.
The circular said the localized cancellation or suspension of classes and work in government offices may be imposed by their respective local mayors.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported via Facebook that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is preparing by sending thousands of family food packs to areas that may be affected, such as Sorsogon and Camarines Sur.
Several cities in Metro Manila and more than a dozen areas also announced the suspension of classes in preparation for the storm’s impact. These include the cities of Las Piñas, Manila, Marikina, and Muntinlupa.
The Philippine government has also ordered the full implementation of its 2024 National Disaster Response Plan (NDRP) as the country braces for more storms during the peak of the typhoon season.
Mr. Bersamin signed Memorandum Circular No. 100 on Sept. 23, directing the NDRRMC, through the Office of Civil Defense, to lead the rollout of the plan, Malacañang said in a statement on Thursday.
“It is imperative for all National Government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, and LGUs to support and cooperate towards the successful implementation of the 2024 NDRP,” MC 100 read.
“In accordance with their respective mandates, all concerned agencies and instrumentalities of the National Government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, are hereby directed, and all LGUs are hereby encouraged, to undertake efforts in support of the implementation of 2024 NDRP, and the plans and programs specified therein,” it added.
The directive also requires the Presidential Communications Office to coordinate with the disaster council in ensuring the plan is disseminated to concerned agencies.
The NDRP, adopted on the NDRRMC’s recommendation, outlines strategies for disaster preparedness, response, and early recovery.
It aims to save lives, provide rapid assistance, and mitigate the socioeconomic impact of natural calamities that regularly batter the country.
The Philippines, among the most disaster-prone nations globally, is hit by about 20 tropical cyclones every year. — Edg Adrian A. Eva and Chloe Mari A. Hufana
New law creates framework, body for safe nuclear use in PHL
PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. signed a measure establishing a national framework for the peaceful and secure use of nuclear energy, expected to accelerate its integration in the country’s power mix.
Signed on Sept. 18, Republic Act No. 12305, the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act, creates the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM), an independent quasi-judicial body tasked with overseeing all nuclear and radiation activities in the country.
Under the law, PhilATOM will hold sole and exclusive jurisdiction over the regulation of nuclear energy and radiation sources in the Philippines, ensuring their peaceful, safe and secure use.
The new body will consolidate regulatory functions from other agencies and serve as the country’s official counterpart to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Its leadership will consist of a Director General, appointed by the President for a five-year term, supported by four deputy directors general who are likewise presidential appointees.
The PhilATOM will have the power to craft implementing rules, safety standards, and guidelines, and to enforce them through inspections, violation notices, and penalties.
It may also suspend, modify, or revoke authorizations following due process in cases of noncompliance with the law or its regulations.
The new measure affirms the government’s commitment to promoting the peaceful, safe, and secure use of atomic energy to advance national interests in areas such as power generation, healthcare, scientific research, agriculture, industry and education.
At the same time, it imposes a strict prohibition on military or non-civilian applications, making clear that nuclear energy may only be used for peaceful purposes and that any facilities or activities related to nuclear weapons, radiological dispersal devices, or other non-peaceful uses are expressly forbidden.
Republic Act No. 12305 mandates authorization for all nuclear-related projects, including the construction, operation, commissioning, and decommissioning of nuclear or radiation facilities and their associated activities.
To strengthen preparedness for nuclear or radiological emergencies, the law calls for a national response plan — integrated into the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council framework — to mitigate the impact of incidents both within and beyond Philippine territory.
In line with the country’s commitments under the IAEA Safeguards Agreements and Additional Protocol, the law requires oversight of all nuclear activities.
The PhilATOM is tasked with creating a national registry of radioactive waste and spent fuel, covering regulation, documentation, and long-term oversight of disposal sites.
POWER MIX
The Department of Energy (DoE) expects the measure to help boost the integration of nuclear energy into the national power mix.
“The passage of RA 12305 strengthens the regulatory framework that will enable the safe and secure peaceful use of nuclear energy in the country. The law modernizes nuclear regulation consistent with the latest International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards and global best practices,” Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said in a statement on Thursday.
The DoE said that the creation of PhilATOM is crucial to “ensuring that all aspects of nuclear energy infrastructure, such as site selection, construction, licensing, safety, and eventual operation are thoroughly and effectively regulated by a competent authority.”
The generation of electricity from nuclear energy will remain subject to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act and under the regulatory oversight of the DoE and the Energy Regulatory Commission.
The Philippines has been elected to the board of the IAEA, an international organization that works to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
As one of only 35 member-states represented on the board, the Philippines will help steer key decisions on safeguards and technical cooperation.
“The Philippines’ participation in the IAEA Board and the passage of the PhilATOM law demonstrate the country’s commitment to science, innovation, and sustainable development,” Ms. Garin said.
Under the Philippine Energy Plan, the country’s first nuclear power plant is set to be built by 2032. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana and Sheldeen Joy Talavera
Marcos underscores little progress in SCS as he bids Chinese envoy farewell
By Chloe Mari A. Hufana, Reporter
PHILIPPINE President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Thursday expressed appreciation to outgoing Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian, acknowledging his service in Manila while noting the little progress in resolving tensions in the South China Sea (SCS).
“It’s unfortunate we didn’t make much progress of the difficulties that we have in the South China Sea, West Philippine Sea,” he said during the ambassador’s farewell call in Malacañang.
“Considering how difficult the situation was, that we have managed to keep things at least away from too much problem,” he added.
Both countries have been engaged in a diplomatic standstill as China continues to harass Philippine vessels in the disputed waterway despite a 2016 arbitral ruling in favor of Manila.
Diplomacy lecturer at De La Salle-College of St. Benilde Josue Raphael J. Cortez said the Philippines and China have made progress since the Ramos administration’s adoption of the Declaration of Parties on the South China Sea, with the 2017 Bilateral Consultation Mechanism serving as a testament to their efforts to manage relations.
However, Beijing continues to disregard the 2016 Arbitral Award and Filipino fishing rights in the South China Sea, leaving much to be addressed, including the need for a binding Code of Conduct and respect for Manila’s territorial integrity, he noted.
Mr. Marcos aims to push for a legally binding Code of Conduct in the waterway when Manila assumes chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026.
While economic relations may deepen given the role of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and Chinese state-owned enterprises, Beijing is unlikely to concede sovereignty, as this would be seen as weakness and undermine the Party’s credibility amid internal challenges and an unclear succession plan, Mr. Cortez added.
“However, concerning the dispute over the West Philippine Sea, the CCP would not easily give away and honor the sovereignty of the Philippines as it would also show ‘weakness’ for their part,” he said via Facebook Messenger.
“With no clear succession plan for the next Chinese regime, this is something that CCP would not want to happen: that they show respect for the country’s territorial integrity over the disputed waters, which in turn could further challenge the Party’s credibility given the internal challenges China currently faces.”
Mr. Huang has been China’s envoy to the Philippines since 2019. During his tenure, he was repeatedly summoned by the Department of Foreign Affairs to explain Beijing’s actions in the disputed territory.
Fighter jets plan still in limbo
THE Philippine Defense department’s plan to procure multi-role fighter jets remains in limbo due to persistent funding shortfalls, a congressman said on Thursday, delaying the selection of jets needed for the military modernization program amid lingering tensions in the South China Sea.
Defense officials have yet to make progress in selecting the advanced jets, despite receiving offers from several defense suppliers, Negros Occidental Mercedes K. Alvarez said.
“The greatest challenge we face is that there is limitation on the funding,” she told the House of Representatives plenary.
The Philippines has been scouting for coveted multi-role combat jets as part of efforts to boost its inventory of air force planes, which mainly consist of turboprops.
Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. said in July the government is ready to make a decision on the advanced fighter jets, but funding gaps remain to be the biggest stumbling block to its purchase.
Manila has launched a $35-billion (P2 trillion) military modernization program aimed at bolstering its defense capabilities in the next decade, including the acquisition of advanced naval ships, planes and missile systems, as it pushes back against Beijing’s military might in the region. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio
NCR dev’t plan finalized next year
A METRO MANILA development plan is expected to be finalized by next year, providing planning authorities with a blueprint to manage the region’s growth, a congressman said on Thursday.
The Metropolitam Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has hired consultants to draft a comprehensive planning blueprint for the 14-million-strong metropolis, expected to be finished by March 2026, Makati City Rep. Monique Yazmin Maria Q. Lagdameo said.
The metropolitan authority will cascade the regional development framework to individual local governments to guide “physical planning” across the capital, she added, helping ensure alignment in infrastructure development strategies throughout the capital region.
“It will be a comprehensive and integrated regional physical framework plan which will serve as a blueprint in planning, implementing and managing programs, projects, and activities for Metropolitan Manila,” Ms. Lagdameo told the House of Representatives floor. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio
FNI chairman still detained
THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has not yet released Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc. (FNI) Chairman Joseph Sy, despite orders by the Court of Appeals (CA), the company said.
The CA on Wednesday ordered the immediate release of Mr. Sy, giving the bureau 5 days from the receipt of the resolution to comply.
“While, the BI has yet to comply with this directive, the Company views this development as a strong affirmation of the rule of law and the constitutional protection guaranteed by the writ of habeas corpus,” FNI said in a disclosure on Thursday.
“It underscores that the rights of citizens are safeguarded against overreach and that judicial institutions remain firm in upholding established legal principles.”
FNI issued the disclosure to clarify it has not received any official notification from the BI that it elevated the case to the Supreme Court as opposed to a Sept. 24 news article.
Mr. Sy was taken into custody on Aug. 21 for allegedly holding fraudulent Philippine documents and having biometrics that matched those of a Chinese citizen. — Andre Christopher H. Alampay
Classroom backlogs to widen
A TEACHERS’ group on Thursday said the classroom backlogs will continue to widen due to insufficient target construction for 2026, the rapid increase in enrollment rate, and substandard facilities.
“We need 50,000 annually to address the 165,000 classroom backlogs,” Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) National Capital Region President Ruby Ana Bernardo told BusinessWorld in a Facebook message on Thursday.
“During the budget hearing, the target classrooms for 2026 increased from 4,000 to over 13,000,” she said. “Far too slow to keep up with growing enrollment.”
Ms. Bernardo added that the situation has been aggravated by unfinished and substandard classrooms built by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“While billions are being wasted on corruption-riddled projects like flood control infrastructure, our schools continue to deteriorate and remain neglected,” she said. “How can we improve the quality of education if classrooms themselves cannot be built, and those that are built are substandard?”
Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara revealed that over 1,000 classrooms turned over by the DPWH to the Department of Education (DepEd) are incomplete.
In line with Mr. Angara’s statement, former DPWH assistant engineer Brice Ericson P. Hernandez said last Tuesday that all projects, including classrooms, in the first district of Bulacan from 2019 to 2025 are substandard or “under-designed.”
“This confession confirms what we have long suspected — that our students and teachers are being shortchanged by substandard school buildings built with taxpayers’ money,” Ms. Bernardo said.
“This is why many school buildings, aside from being unusable, are also hazardous and unsafe for students and teachers,” she added.
In the House version of DepEd’s 2026 budget, a special provision allows the department to implement school building projects through its own engineers, or in partnership with the DPWH, local government units, or public-private partnerships.
The approved House budget for classroom construction is P22.5 billion, nearly seven times higher than the proposed P3.28 billion during the budget deliberations. — Almira Louise S. Martinez
Release of minors nabbed in Sept. 21 protest sought
HUMAN RIGHTS lawyers on Thursday filed an urgent motion before the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office seeking the dismissal of complaints and immediate release of individuals, including minors, arrested during the Sept. 21 protest actions.
In a joint filing, the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL), Public Interest Law Center (PILC), and Sentro para sa Tunay na Repormang Agraryo (SENTRA) argued that the respondents were apprehended without warrants and detained beyond the period allowed under Article 125 of the Revised Penal Code.
“As of the filing of the motion, those arrested have been in continuous police custody,” Atty. Julianne Agpalo of NUPL told BusinessWorld via Viber chat. “The majority only underwent inquest proceedings on Sept. 23, others just yesterday, and a few today. ALL must be released because that is beyond 36 hours.”
The lawyers added that the complaints — citing illegal assemblies, direct assault, resistance and disobedience, tumultuous disturbance, and the Public Assembly Act — fail to establish a prima facie case, meaning there is not enough evidence to proceed.
“Many of those arrested were peaceful participants or mere bystanders,” the lawyers said in a statement. They added that some were residents or passersby caught in the crackdown. They also alleged violations of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (RA 9344), stressing that minors should not have been subjected to criminal complaints.
Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” M. Domagoso earlier vowed to pursue criminal and civil cases against those arrested, citing damage to public and private property during the protests. The Manila Police District reported that masked demonstrators hurled projectiles, burned debris, and clashed with law enforcers in Rizal Park, Ayala Bridge, and Mendiola.
Rights advocates, however, described the crackdown as marked by arbitrary arrests, violence, and continuing rights violations.
The Sept. 21 mobilizations drew thousands in Manila in what was described as the biggest protest so far against the alleged multi-billion-peso flood control scandal, coinciding with the 53rd anniversary of the Martial Law declaration. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking
Rape, lasciviousness complaints filed vs Marikina lawmaker
THE Department of Justice (DoJ) on Thursday said it received two complaints of alleged sexual misconduct against a sitting lawmaker.
DoJ spokesperson Jose Dominic F. Clavano said in a statement that the complaints were filed against Marikina Rep. Marcelino Reyes Teodoro by two female police officers who worked as his personal security at different times. One alleged acts of lasciviousness, while the other accused him of rape and lascivious acts.
Mr. Clavano said the complaints will undergo case build-up and legal evaluation under DoJ Circular No. 20 (2023) to determine if there is enough evidence before a preliminary investigation. He added that the process ensures any action will be based on a complete and substantiated record.
The DoJ also said the lawmaker will be afforded due process, while the identities of the complainants are being withheld to protect their privacy and security.
In a response, Mr. Teodoro denied the accusations, calling them “malicious and untrue.” He said the allegations have no basis, were fabricated to damage his reputation, and appear to be a “politically motivated attack.”
The lawmaker added that he has not yet received a formal copy of the complaint and stressed that allegations are not evidence.
“I call and hope for an impartial, transparent, and open investigation to protect my reputation,” he said, noting that he has been facing “continuous attacks.” — Erika Mae P. Sinaking
Public school teachers among recipients of bonuses — DBM
THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said the Department of Education (DepEd) personnel and public-school teachers are among government workers set to receive performance-based bonuses along uniformed personnel.
In a statement on Thursday, the DBM confirmed that teachers will also be included to government officials set to receive Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) for 2023, initially announced for army personnel.
“I’m happy to announce to our colleagues at the DepEd, especially our teachers, that after thorough deliberation, they have been confirmed eligible to receive their Performance-Based Bonus for the year 2023,” Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said.
The DBM earlier approved the release of P1.64 billion for the PBB of 110,688 eligible Armed Forces of the Philippines — Philippine Army (AFP-PA) employees.
In the recent plenary deliberations on the General Appropriations Bill (GAB), the DBM, through House Committee on Appropriations Chair Mikaela Angela B. Suansing, confirmed that the Technical Working Group on Executive Order No. 61 is scheduled to meet on Sept. 30 to formally issue a resolution declaring DepEd eligible for the grant of the 2023 PBB.
“They will have a Technical Working Group meeting on September 30, during which, they will finalize this and they will come up with a resolution formalizing that fact — that the teachers are indeed eligible for the Performance-Based Bonus,” Ms. Suansing said. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante