MANILA – Lejun dela Cruz, a nominee for the Magsasaka party-list, was arrested in Pasig City on Sunday (02 Feb 2025) in connection with a 1992 murder case.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) denied claims of abduction or assassination attempts, clarifying the circumstances surrounding the arrest.

During a press briefing at Camp Crame on Monday, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo stated that dela Cruz was apprehended on a murder warrant issued by a Las Piñas court.

Dela Cruz, a former commander of the Alex Boncayao Brigade, a notorious urban assassination unit linked to the New People’s Army, attempted to flee when police tried to arrest him. The pursuit ended in Pasig.

Dela Cruz’s team claimed he fled after plainclothes officers, who were not in uniform, attempted to stop him and fired shots. Fajardo countered, stating that it was actually dela Cruz who caused damage during his escape, crashing into several vehicles and injuring a police officer, who is now hospitalized with a fractured pelvis.

The PNP clarified that the officers were in civilian clothing as part of a discreet operation.

“It’s crucial for officers to be in plain clothes for such a warrant service to avoid compromising the mission,” Fajardo explained, adding that uniformed backup officers were present during the arrest.

Currently in the custody of the Eastern Police District in Marikina City, dela Cruz faces additional charges, including violations of the election gun ban, malicious mischief, and illegal possession of firearms. Fajardo stated that the arrest would have been smooth had dela Cruz cooperated.

In a separate matter, Fajardo confirmed that Senior M/Sgt. Timothy Joseph Virtucio, a vlogger, was placed under restrictive custody at the Police Regional Office-Calabarzon in Calamba, Laguna, after a rape complaint was filed against him. Investigations are ongoing, with the victim currently in ICU. Fajardo noted that the victim’s mental condition is unstable, and further details are pending.

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Teofilo Guadiz III, the chair of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), has been suspended by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. following reports of alleged corruption.

In a statement issued by the Presidential Communications Office, President Marcos made it clear that he does not tolerate misconduct within his administration and has called for an immediate investigation into the matter.

The statement also emphasized the President’s strong condemnation of dishonesty and duplicity in public service.

The Department of Transportation has initiated an investigation into Guadiz’s actions, and he has been instructed to provide an explanation regarding the allegations of misconduct related to the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista underscored the agency’s commitment to rooting out corrupt officials who misuse their positions.

In a statement, Bautista revealed that the investigation was prompted by allegations of corruption and other irregularities, particularly concerning the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.

“We have launched an investigation into the accusations against the LTFRB. While we are in the process of evaluating the alleged irregularities involving Chairman Guadiz, we have also issued a notice to explain to him, asking for clarification on the allegations,” Bautista stated.

He further emphasized the Department’s unwavering stance against corruption and its readiness to impose severe sanctions when warranted by the evidence.

Guadiz responded to the allegations with a statement on the same day, asserting that the agency remains committed to delivering efficient and equitable service to its stakeholders.

“As of this morning, I am in my office, and I am unaware of any official charges filed against me. However, if there are any, I will address them because I maintain my innocence,” he declared.

The suspension of Guadiz followed revelations by a former senior executive assistant who exposed alleged corrupt activities within the LTFRB. (ai/mnm)

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By Liezelle Soriano

THE Commission on Elections and Department of Justice stressed the importance of evidence in complaints regarding vote-buying.

The barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) will be held on October 30.

Comelec Commissioner George Garcia and Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla inked a partnership on the “Kontra-Bigay” program, which was initiated by the Comelec.

“Presumptions can work if the evidence is treated properly,” Remulla said.

“Yung presumptions naman yung nakalagay sa guidelines natin plus other evidence, hindi lang pwedeng mag-rely ang prosecution sa presumption, plus other evidence,” Garcia said.

Garcia then said that Comelec is expecting help from the DOJ to prosecute those who will be caught vote-buying.

“Yun po kasing investigation part pagsasama-samahin natin iyon pero iyong prosecution part medyo mas mahirap po iyan, talagang aasa kami sa tulong ng DOJ,” he said.

On the other hand, Remulla admitted that vote-buying through e-wallets would be challenging. (ai/mnm)