MANILA — A lawyer who ignored for 11 years the order of the Supreme Court (SC) suspending him from the practice of law has been disbarred by the High Court. In a decision released recently, the SC ordered Renato B. Pagatpatan disbarred following a complaint of Rev. Fr. Jose P. Zafra III. Zafra had sued two […]
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Duterte to fire more corrupt officials before China trip
DAVAO CITY (April 12) —President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said he will fire more corrupt officials in government before he leaves for an official trip to China. “Next week, when I fly back to report to work, before I leave for China, marami akong tatanggalin,” Duterte stressed. This, as he encouraged the public to report […]
Immigration revamps staff at detention center, surprise inspection yields cache of contraband
DAVAO CITY (April 1) — Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente announced the revamp of the BI Warden Facility Protection Unit (BIWFPU) in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig, after the surprise inspection which yielded contraband. In a statement, the BI said the surprise inspection was conducted after they received reports that a number of detainees have […]
2 PIA officers resign over ‘financial irregularities’
MANILA — Two personnel of the state-run Philippine Information Agency (PIA) have reportedly resigned from their posts after an internal fact-finding inquiry launched by the office revealed irregularities involving its Finance Management Division. Denying information that he had fired key finance personnel in PIA, Director General Harold Clavite, in an interview on March 26, confirmed that […]
Sandiganbayan convicts ex-Maguindanao gov Ampatuan to 40 years for graft and corruption
Davao City (March 24)— The Sandiganbayan convicts former Maguindanao Governor Sajid Islam Ampatuan after finding him guilty of graft, falsification and malversation in connection with the alleged anomalous purchase of PHP35.7-million worth of construction materials in 2009. On Friday, March 22, the anti-graft court sentenced Ampatuan to 40 years imprisonment. In a 36-page resolution, the […]
SC reinstates raps vs. Parojinog over anomalous building contract
MANILA — The Supreme Court (SC) reinstated the graft case against embattled Ozamiz City Vice Mayor Nova Princess E. Parojinog-Echavez in connection with irregularities in the contract for the renovation of the city’s multi-purpose building 10 years ago. In a decision penned by Associate Justice Diosdado M. Peralta dated February 11 and released Monday, the SC […]
Duterte to sit down with Ombudsman, COA over circuitous rules, delaying government projects
DAVAO CITY (March 9) – –– President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, said he wants to sit down with the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) and Commission on Audit (COA) to discuss the possible crafting of a procedure to attain effective and efficient delivery of public services. “Maybe if I have time…I am so busy…I’d like […]
Duterte fires PCSO General Manager due to serious corruption allegations
DAVAO CITY (March 8) — President Rodrigo Duterte fired Alexander Balutan, the general manager of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Friday. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said, Balutan was fired “due to serious allegations of corruption”, but he did not elaborate. But Balutan’s deputy spokesperson Florante Solmerin told reporters, Balutan resigned for personal reasons. Balutan, […]
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for milking client over annulment fee
DAVAO CITY (February 24) — The Supreme Court has suspended a 78-year-old lawyer for asking his client P50,000 in connection with his annulment case nine years ago. Aside from suspension, the resolution handed down by Justice Marvic Leonen dated January 8, ordered lawyer Wilfredo Lina-ac to return the money with interest to Everdina Angeles, with […]
BOC personnel warned vs. ‘campaign solicitation’ scam
MANILA — Officials and employees of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) have been warned against unscrupulous individuals who are using President Rodrigo Duterte’s name to solicit or accept campaign funds or materials supposedly for senatorial candidates he is endorsing. Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero issued the warning Thursday after receiving reports that certain individuals have been […]
Ex-Laguna mayor faces 8-year jail term for graft
DAVAO CITY (January 9) — The Sandiganbayan has sentenced former Cabuyao, Laguna Mayor Isidro Hemedes Jr. to eight years imprisonment for holding office in a private bank while serving as City Mayor at the same time. The anti-graft court sentenced Hemedes for being a member of the Board of Directors of Luzon Development Bank, a […]
School gym collapsed with two workers on top minutes after the recess
MISAMIS ORIENTAL (January 27) —-Horrified and traumatised, this how learners of Linangkayan Elementary School in Linangkayan, Naawan, felt as their still unfinished covered gym collapsed minutes after they returned to their classrooms from the morning recess on Friday January 25. The incident prompted school authorities and Barangay leaders to suspend classes, as children trembled and […]
Cebu Customs intercepts 4 luxury cars from japan
DAVAO CITY (January 7) — Authorities from Bureau of Customs Cebu City discovered four (4) of luxury motor vehicles inside a container from Japan which was misdeclared. The shipment imported by Kylemelan General Merchandise with office address at Malabon City arrived in the Port of Cebu last 19 December 2018 under Bill of Lading No. […]