By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Senator JV Ejercito expressed his belief that Alice Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, is not the “most guilty” party involved in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

“I’m not siding with Alice Guo, but I believe she is not the most guilty. I think she’s just a pawn in a web of international criminal syndicates. What’s important here is to identify the mastermind,” Ejercito said during a radio interview.

“I don’t think she has the capacity to be the mastermind behind all these crimes,” he added.

Ejercito mentioned that he would be open to holding an executive session with Guo if she is willing to reveal the names of those behind the illegal POGOs.

“If she’s really willing to expose the big bosses behind these criminal syndicates, then perhaps we could consider it,” the senator noted.

Last week, at least three senators rejected Guo’s request for an executive session.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, who is leading the Senate investigation, stated that Guo needed to present facts publicly before any closed-door session could be approved.

The Senate is scheduled to resume its session on Tuesday.

ia/mnm

By Liza Soriano

Senator JV Ejercito has expressed his divorce support, stating that “no one deserves to be miserable in life.”

Ejercito acknowledges the Church’s defense of the sanctity of marriage but argues that Filipino couples should not be trapped in loveless and unworkable marriages.

“Sometimes things just don’t work out. I believe that everyone deserves another chance to be happy in life. No one deserves to be miserable,” the senator said.

“This is a difficult issue. As a representative of the people and a Catholic, I am currently in the process of discernment. I intend to listen and actively participate in the Senate deliberations,” he added.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada previously surveyed senators regarding the divorce bill.

In the survey, six senators voted in favor of divorce while five opposed it.

The divorce bill has passed the third and final reading in the House of Representatives.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Senator JV Ejercito supported the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to ban the government officials from using sirens, blinkers, and similar flashing devices.
“It seems that the use of sirens, blinkers, and even Highway Patrol Group escorts in a convoy had become a trend among government officials. The feeling of entitlement!” Ejercito said on Friday (April 12, 2024).

“I never have and never dream of using any of them because it’s embarrassing for ordinary Filipinos,” he added.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando Artes also clarified that only Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), other law enforcement agencies and emergency vehicles may use sirens and blinkers.

“Sa atin pong kautusan ng Pangulo, PNP, AFP, tsaka mga law enforcement services lamang at emergency vehicles, ‘yun lamang po ‘yung nakalagay at ‘yun naman po ay susundin natin at strictly i-eenforce,” Artes said.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Senator Pia Cayetano and JV Ejercito have voiced their support for the proposed ban on the sale of disposable vapes.

“I fully support the banning of disposable vapes… Vapes pose significant dangers… One should not buy into the notion that it is a safer or healthier alternative. There is currently no scientific evidence proving its safety,” said Cayetano, Senate health committee vice chairperson.

“This disposable variety is even more detrimental to the environment as it is discarded after a single use, much like single-use plastic bags, correct? Young people are already aware. They are taking steps themselves to reduce waste,” she added.

Meanwhile, Ejercito pointed out that some vape shops are not paying taxes, a clear violation of the law.

“It turns out they are not paying taxes. That’s already a blatant violation. It’s like everything is smuggled… It really should be banned. First of all, it’s unhealthy, and on top of that, they’re not paying taxes,” Ejercito remarked.

Earlier, the Department of Health (DOH) expressed its support for the Secretary of Finance’s proposal to ban disposable vapes due to their harmful effects on health and the environment.

(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)

MANILA — According to Ejercito, numerous challenges in the country demand immediate focus even as he expressed concern that engaging in early political debates and constitutional amendments (Cha-cha) could potentially hinder the achievement of established goals.

“I would personally prefer to concentrate on overcoming these challenges,” he said, “instead of focusing my attention on Charter change.”

Ejercito’s comments were prompted by reports of a purported nationwide signature campaign for Charter change.

Senator Imee Marcos also criticized the alleged gathering of signatures, labeling it as a people’s initiative for Cha-cha in exchange for government aid or assistance.

“I condemn this offer because our Constitution is not for sale. It appears that they are linking it to the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s assistance to individuals in crises, the Department of Labor and Employment’s TUPAD or assistance for our disadvantaged/displaced workers, and the Department of Health’s medical assistance to indigent patients program,” Marcos stated.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Senator JV Ejercito on Tuesday (05 Dec 2023) encouraged Vice-President Sara Duterte to speak with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. about his opposition to the peace talks with the National Democratic Front (NDF).

According to Ejercito, this is to put an end to speculations that they have a conflict and that they will part ways in politics.

The Senator added that it is not the right time for Marcos and Duterte to clash as the country faces problems and challenges that need to be focused on.

This is Ejercito’s reaction after Duterte announced that the administration’s plan to revive the peace talks with the NDF was “agreement with the devil.”

Meanwhile, former Senator Leila de Lima, spokesperson of the Liberal party, said that the problem with Duterte’s statement about the peace talks is that she is still a member of the Cabinet.

De Lima further explained that the issue of peace talks is not the main competence of his position as Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd).

(ai/mnm)