By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Key leaders of the House Quad Committee have asserted that evidence contradicts the denials of Senators Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and Bong Go regarding a cash reward system linked to extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during the Duterte administration.

This was the contention of Representatives Dan Fernandez of Sta. Rosa City, Robert Ace Barbers of Surigao del Norte, and Bienvenido Abante Jr. of Manila, who led the four-committee panel, known as the Quad Comm.

The committee is currently investigating issues involving EJKs, Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), and illegal drugs.

“Ang ebidensiyang nahukay sa Quad Comm ay sumasalungat sa pagtanggi nina Senador Bato at Bong Go ukol sa pagkakasangkot sa EJK o sa pagkakaroon ng reward system na alam ng publiko noong nakaraang administrasyon, lalo na sa Philippine National Police (PNP),” said Fernandez, Chair of the House Committee on Public Order and Safety.

Fernandez noted that at least two witnesses—retired police colonel and former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) general manager Royina Garma, and Police Lt. Col. Jovie Espenido—testified that a payout system for hitmen targeting drug suspects existed.

“Hindi lang ito umiiral; pinamamahalaan pa ito ng mga nasa itaas, ibig sabihin, ng Malacañang (Duterte administration),” he added.

Barbers, lead chair of the Quad Comm and head of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, highlighted Espenido’s testimony that millions, possibly billions, in rewards “flowed from the level of Sen. Bong Go, a close aide of former President Rodrigo Duterte.”

Quoting Espenido, Barbers said the reward system was funded through money from jueteng and other illegal gambling activities, intelligence funds, PCSO’s controversial small-town lottery (STL), and POGOs.

“Our impression is that intelligence funds came from both the Office of the President and the PNP. Once these funds are audited, we’ll know who is telling the truth: Sen. Bato and Sen. Bong Go, or Garma and Espenido,” Barbers said, adding that he leans toward believing the two witnesses over the senators’ denials.

Regarding funds from POGO, jueteng, and STL operators, Abante, co-chair of the committee and head of the House Committee on Human Rights, emphasized that evidence suggests “these funds indeed flowed from the top.”

Abante also pointed out that testimony established that in 2016, Dela Rosa and Go were seen in a meeting with President Duterte, senior police officers including Garma, and now-National Police Commission Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo. The meeting reportedly took place at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office in Davao City.

According to Abante, witnesses claimed the “Davao City EJK template and reward system” was discussed during that meeting. A few weeks later, killings of drug suspects by police and riding-in-tandem gunmen began. “Hindi mahirap i-konekta ang mga pangyayari,” Abante remarked.

ia/mnm

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Senator Bong Go has joined the celebration of Filipino Youth Day, citing the importance of the occasion to provide opportunities for the youth to reach their “full potential.”

“Ito ay isang mahalagang okasyon upang bigyang halaga ang sektor ng kabataan at tiyaking mabigyan sila ng sapat na oportunidad upang maabot ang kanilang buong potensyal,” Go said.

“Ang selebrasyong ito ay kasabay ng kapanganakan ni Dr. Jose Rizal, na kilala sa kanyang pagkilala sa potensyal ng mga kabataan bilang pag-asa ng ating bayan.”

Go continues to support various initiatives that strengthen the potential of the youth.

In January, the senator pushed an increase in funding for the 2024 National Youth Commission budget.

“Our youth are not just the future of our nation but are also its present strength. By empowering them through the Philippine Youth Development Plan Advocacy Project, we are ensuring that they have the tools and opportunities they need to contribute meaningfully to our society,” he said.

(el Amigo/mnm)

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Senator Bong Go has extended additional aid to the fire victims in Mandaue City in Cebu wherein his team distributed food packs, shirts, masks, vitamins, meals, and sports equipment, including basketballs and volleyballs to 99 affected families.

“Magdasal po tayo at ipagdasal po natin ‘yung mga mahal natin sa buhay. Ang gamit po ay nabibili. Ang pera po ay kikitain din po natin, magsipag lang tayo. Subalit ‘yung perang kikitain ay hindi po nabibili ang buhay. Ang nawalang buhay po ay wala na. A lost life is a lost life forever.”

This effort is part of ongoing initiatives to aid disaster victims in their recovery and rebuilding processes, Go said.

The National Housing Authority (NHA), through the Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP), which Go advocated for and continues to support, provided financial assistance to the victims to help rebuild their homes.

“Isinulong natin ang programang EHAP noon at patuloy ko itong sinusuportahan ngayon upang matulungan ang mga biktima ng sunog at iba pang sakuna na makabili ng materyales para sa bahay tulad ng yero, pako, semento, at iba pang pangangailangan,” Go explained.

The senator has been emphasizing the significance of modernizing the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to effectively enhance its capabilities in responding to emergencies.

(el Amigo/mnm)

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Senator Bong Go has introduced a bill aiming to provide hazard pay to personnel of Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices, Barangay Risk Reduction and Management Committees, and all accredited community disaster volunteers.

“Many volunteers will benefit from this initiative. Your volunteering efforts will save numerous lives. You are the heroes during times of crises such as the pandemic,” remarked Go.

According to Senate Bill No. 1709, titled the Hazard Pay for All Disaster Personnel and Volunteers Act, throughout the state of calamity declared by the President in respective provinces, cities, and municipalities, the local government unit will allocate hazard pay of P3,000 per month to all personnel of the local disaster risk reduction and management office, regardless of their employment status.

Go emphasized that by collaborating with the government during disasters, countless lives can be spared.

“Through the collective efforts of the government and our fellow citizens, many lives will be saved,” the senator added.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla announced that a total of five senators have signed a manifestation objecting to the Senate’s arrest of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.

The senators who signed are Senators Cynthia Villar, Imee Marcos, Bong Go, JV Ejercito, and Padilla himself.

Padilla also disclosed that he had conversations with Sens. Grace Poe and Raffy Tulfo, who provided explanations for their decision not to support his attempt to halt Quiboloy’s detention.

Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Senators Nancy Binay, Pia Cayetano, and Mark Villar are among the other committee members who have not yet taken a position on the matter.

Earlier, Sen. Risa Hontiveros cited Quiboloy in contempt for failing to attend any of the Senate hearings on the alleged child abuse and human trafficking involving the pastor.

Villar expressed her familiarity with Quiboloy, describing him as a good person.

“Kaibigan ko si Pastor Quiboloy. Mabait siya sa aming pamilya…Matagal ko na siyang kilala. Parang ‘di naman siya ‘yung gagawa ng ganon. Kami ni Imee pareho naming siyang kilala. Pati ‘yung mga Mindanaoan. Maayos naman siya… nakakahiya naman na ako pahuhuli ko siya. Diyos ko. You don’t do that to a friend,” Villar said.

(el Amigo/MNM)