COA: Cagayan de Oro misspent P11M PDAF from PNoy

 News
Jul 032013
 
COA: Cagayan de Oro misspent P11M PDAF from PNoy

Some P11.5 million from President Benigno Aquino III’s Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) has been misspent by the city government of Cagayan de Oro. In its 2012 report, the Commission on Audit (COA) said the fund was not used for its intended purpose, which was the “repair, rehabilitation and reconstruction of school buildings, irrigation systems, flood control and roads and bridges in areas affected by calamities.” Instead, the money was spent on the construction of Indahag Water System Phase 2, which the COA said was not included in the specific list of relief and rehabilitation projects approved by the Department of Budget and Management. The COA said while deviation from the list is allowed, a prior approval of the Office of the President is required by the rules. “As noted, construction of (the) water system is not among the projects or activities to be funded from the PDAF. Any proposed changes, modifications or revision of the defined uses or purposes thereof require prior consent and/or approval of the grantor, in this case, the President of the Philippines or his authorized representative,” the COA said. State auditors said the city administrator has explained that the city government viewed the PDAF allocation as a lump-sum subsidy, which was why it did not wait for the President’s approval when it implemented the water system project. Aquino set aside a total of P50 million from his PDAF for Cagayan de Oro City, one of the hardest-hit areas by flooding due to Typhoon Sendong in December 2011. The Read More …

Prosecutors press for Gwen Garcia's suspension anew

 News
Jun 242013
 
Prosecutors press for Gwen Garcia's suspension anew

Government prosecutors have asked the Sandiganbayan Second Division to order the suspension of outgoing Cebu governor Gwendolyn Garcia anew following the objections raised by her lawyers. In a reply, the prosecutors said Garcia could no longer formally challenge the validity of criminal informations filed against her as it was done almost two months after her arraignment. “(I)t is respectfully submitted that the Motion to Quash… was not filed within a reasonable time,” the prosecutors said, adding the filing of the motion by Garcia’s lawyers “creates an impression that she is using the Rules to unduly delay the proceedings.” In a motion filed last June 5, the prosecution moved for Garcia’s suspension, but her lawyers argued in a June 19 motion that she still has a pending motion to quash precisely challenging the validity of her indictment. But according to the prosecutors, Garcia’s motion requires an evaluation and appreciation of evidence that may only be presented during a trial. Garcia is facing two counts of graft and one count of malversation concerning allegations of fraud in the provincial government’s purchase of a 24.92-hectare property in 2008 for close to P94 million. Graft investigators later found out that approximately 80 percent of the property known as the Balili Estate lies underwater. Garcia, who won as congresswoman in the May 13 elections, will serve as Cebu governor until June 30, the same day her three-year term as a legislator starts. In an earlier petition, Garcia said the motion to suspend, which came after she served a Read More …

Ateneo de Davao grad tops 901 Architect Licensure Exam passers

 News
Jun 142013
 
Ateneo de Davao grad tops 901 Architect Licensure Exam passers

A graduate from Ateneo de Davao University topped the list of 901 passers of the Architect Licensure Examination given early this month, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced Friday. Kenneth Yap Hubiera garnered 86.00 percentage points, followed by Dale Jon Cortez Esconde of the University of the Philippines-Diliman with 85.90. Tied at third place were Justin Santos Roque from Holy Angel University and Patrick Andrew Tanhuanco Yuchenkang from University of Santo Tomas, both with 85.00. [Click here for the complete list of passers.] The rest of the Top 10 were: 4. LINDON ACENA  FONTEJON – UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES-VIGAN (84.90)    ROGER MENDOZA  SARMIENTO III – POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-MAIN-STA. MESA (84.90)    CLARISSA MAY MENDOZA  SEGURA – ATENEO DE DAVAO UNIVERSITY (84.90) 5. PEDRO MIRANDA  SANTOS JR – UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-DILIMAN (84.70) 6. MISAEL RENZ COSTALES  GRANIL – TARLAC STATE UNIVERSITY  (TARLAC COLLEGE OF TECH.) (84.20)    JAHZEEL VELOSO  MAGDADARO – UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-MINDANAO (84.20) 7. REBECCA ABODA  CANTALEJO – UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-DILIMAN (84.00)    CATHERINE MARIE TANCHICO  REYES – UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-DILIMAN (84.00) 8. ROBERT CRIS ZAMORA  BUNDANG – TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINES-MANILA (83.90)    VALERIE ANNE PATRICIA ADRIANO  CONSUNJI – UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-DILIMAN (83.90) 9. JANFOUR OLBOC  CUALES – UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS (83.80) 10. MARK JOSEPH ANTISODA  BAGONGON – MINDANAO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY-CDO (83.60) The PRC said a total of 1,767 took the exam that was given last June 7 and 9 in Manila. It said registration for the issuance of Professional Read More …

71 of 138 pass Environmental Planner Licensure Exam — PRC

 News
Jun 072013
 
71 of 138 pass Environmental Planner Licensure Exam — PRC

A total of 71 out of 138 examinees passed the Environmental Planner Licensure Examination given in Manila and Lucena city in Batangas this month, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) said Friday. [Click here for complete list of passers.]    The PRC said registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card (ID) and Certificate of Registration will be on June 25.  Meanwhile, the date and venue for the oathtaking ceremony of the new successful examinees in the said examination will be announced later, the PRC said. — KBK, GMA News   

PNoy satisfied with results of Serendra blast probe

 News
Jun 072013
 
PNoy satisfied with results of Serendra blast probe

President Benigno Aquino III is satisfied with the results of the investigation on last Friday’s explosion at the Two Serendra condominium building in Taguig City that left three people dead, Malacañang said Friday. Aquino, however, asked investigators to continue being vigilant to truly determine the source of the gas leak that resulted in the explosion, said deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte. “The president was updated last night [and he] was satisfied with the results,” Valte said at a press briefing in Malacañang. “Kung matatandaan ninyo po ang mahigpit na bilin ng pangulo doon sa interagency task force ay siguraduhin that the findings will stand the scrutiny of anyone and that findings will be based on the evidence that was gathered on site,” she added. Earlier in the day, Interior and Local Goverment Secretary Mar Roxas II announced based on the result of the investigation, a gas leak and not a bomb caused the deadly blast. Valte said Aquino has instructed the investigators to continue their probe with the same thoroughness. “Itutuloy po ‘yung thoroughness, hindi pa ho tapos ‘yung imbestigasyon. Na-rule out na po that the explosion was caused by any device, na-rule out na po ‘yon at nandoon na po sa stage na nasasabi na po ng mga imbestigador na this is attributable to a gas explosion most likely LPG (liquefied petroleum gas),” she said. PNoy to attend Ayala-hosted luncheon Meanwhile, despite the ongoing investigation on the property owned by Ayala Land Inc., Valte said Aquino, who is in Read More …

No categorical resignation from Sotto as Senate adjourns sine die

 News
Jun 062013
 
No categorical resignation from Sotto as Senate adjourns sine die

Although he announced early Thursday that he will resign as Senate majority floor leader, Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III came short of categorically quitting his post during the chamber’s last session day. In the last few minutes before the Senate adjourned sine die, Sotto only said, “As the curtain falls on the 15th Congress, as its legal life draws its breath end of June, please consider my position co-terminus therewith.” After the session adjourned, Sotto explained that his pronouncement was in essence a resignation,so that he will no longer have to perform his job as majority leader when the 16th Congress opens next month. Under Senate rules, officers will end their terms only when their successors have been elected. “If I did not say that and I didn’t do that, I will be a carryover until 16th Congress until July 22. E ayoko na nga e,” Sotto said. “As of today, I consider myself resigned… Gets na nila iyon,” he added. Sotto also said he came short of immediately resigning for the sake of his employees, who will lose their jobs if he did so. Sotto’s statement was in contrast with that of Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, who categorically said in a privilege speech Wednesday that he is quitting his post as Senate president. Sotto and Enrile’s moves came amid news of an impending change in the Senate’s leadership next Congress. Sen. Franklin Drilon, an administration ally, is eyeing to replace Enrile as Senate president after the ruling party secured Read More …

1,542 out of 3,601 pass Civil Engineer Licensure Exam — PRC

 News
May 092013
 
1,542 out of 3,601 pass Civil Engineer Licensure Exam — PRC

A total of 1,542 out of 3,601 passed the Civil Engineer Licensure Examination given in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi and Lucena this month, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced Thursday. The PRC said the results of examination with respect to two examinees were withheld pending final determination of their liabilities under the rules and regulations governing licensure examination. [Click here for complete list of passers in Civil Engineer Licensure Exam.] Registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card (ID) and Certificate of Registration will be from May 20 to May 22, 2013, the PRC said. The date and venue for the oathtaking ceremonies of the new successful examinees in the said examination will be announced later, the PRC added. — KBK, GMA News

Family of murdered Pangasinan mayor clears solon, governor

 News
Apr 302013
 
Family of murdered Pangasinan mayor clears solon, governor

No less than the family of slain Infanta, Pangasinan mayor Ruperto Martinez have said that suspect Pangasinan governor Amado Espino Jr. and Pangasinan Rep. Jesus Celeste could not have been involved in the killing. In a sworn statement submitted during Tuesday’s preliminary investigation of the murder complaint, the victim’s widow, Crisanta Martinez, admitted being “surprised” when the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) informed them that Espino and Celeste were implicated in the killing. “Pilit kaming pinapipirma ng reklamo ng NBI laban kina Governor Espino at Congressman Celeste subalit kami ay tumanggi dahil alam namin na walang katotohanan ang paratang na iyon,” Mrs. Martinez said. “Sinabi namin sa NBI na imposible ang paratang na iyon dahil sina Governor Espino at Congressman Celeste ay parehas malapit at kaalyado ng aming ama sa ilalim ng partidong Nationalist People’s Coalition,” she added. The Martinez family claimed that it was even Celeste who immediately contacted the NBI to seek help for the killing that happened last December 12, 2012 in Infanta. “Hindi kami naniniwala o sumasangayon sa pagsampa ng NBI kay Gov. Amado Espino at Congressman Jesus Celeste dahil ito ay pawang walang katotohanan,” the widow said. She said her family had already asked the NBI to instead investigate lawyer Florante Miano, who the family thinks is the man behind the killing. They said Miano was the victim’s “known political foe.” Mrs. Martinez, however, said the NBI investigators refused to heed their request. “Sa halip, isasampa daw nila ang kaso kahit ayaw namin,” she said. Read More …

Court orders arrest of ex-AFP comptroller Ligot

 News
Apr 252013
 
Court orders arrest of ex-AFP comptroller Ligot

The Sandiganbayan First Division on Thursday has ordered the arrest of former military comptroller Lt. Gen. Jacinto Ligot in connection with the 11 counts of perjury charges filed against him. The Sandiganbayan also prohibited Ligot from leaving the country without clearance from the court. “After perusing the Informations and evaluating the resolution of the prosecutor, the evidence in support thereof and the records of the preliminary investigation attached thereto, it appears that sufficient grounds exist for the finding of probable cause for the purpose of issuing a warrant of arrest against the accused charged in the instant cases,” the anti-graft court said in its resolution. Ligot’s bail bond was set at P6,000 per count, or a total of P66,000. The charges, filed by the Office of the Ombudsman last April 13, were related to a forfeiture case earlier filed against Ligot, his wife Erlinda, their children Paulo, Riza, Miguel, and relatives Edgardo Yambao and Miguela Paragas for the recovery of unexplained wealth allegedly worth at least P135.28 million. Graft investigators said the former military general concealed assets by omitting them from his Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) for the years 1993 to 2003. Ligot, retired since 2004, served as Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) comptroller from July 1999 to March 2001. He and his family were accused of amassing P135,280,822.11 in unexplained wealth, including several hectares of land in Bukidnon and Rizal, posh condominium units, houses and lots in the United States, several vehicles, and millions Read More …

Arroyo to testify in her own plunder case

 News
Apr 242013
 
Arroyo to testify in her own plunder case

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will testify for her own defense in the trial of her plunder case at the Sandiganbayan First Division. Arroyo, the incumbent congresswoman of Pampanga’s second district, is the only witness on the defense list, according to her pre-trial brief filed Wednesday. In the seven-page brief, Arroyo’s lawyers said she’s the sole defense witness since the individuals who have personal knowledge of the fund transactions cannot be compelled to take the witness stand as they are her co-accused in the case, which concerned allegations of fraudulent handling of P366 million confidential intelligence funds of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). Arroyo’s co-defendants were PCSO general manager Rosario C. Uriarte; former PCSO Board chairman Sergio O. Valencia; PCSO board directors Manuel L. Morato, Jose R. Taruc V, Raymundo T. Roquero and Ma. Fatima A. S. Valdes; PCSO budget and accounts manager Benigno B. Aguas; former Commission on Audit chairman Reynaldo A. Villar; and former COA-Intelligence Fund Unit head Nilda B. Plaras. Arroyo, who is seeking re-election in next month’s midterm elections, said she has no personal knowledge about “the release, disbursement, use and liquidation” of the PCSO confidential intelligence funds. For this reason, Arroyo said she would rather wait for her co-accused to finish their own presentations before starting her own defense. “She thus prays that… she be allowed to present evidence last so that she may adopt the testimonies of her co-accused who may testify in their behalf or of such witness as they may present during trial,” her lawyers said. However, Read More …

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