By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Koko Pimentel urged the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to focus on catching large-scale money launderers in the country.
Pimentel made the statement during the plenary debate in the Senate on the proposed national budget for 2025, criticizing the AMLC for focusing on smaller cases while larger transactions continue to evade their attention.
“Hindi naman ata nagrereklamo ang Anti-Money Laundering Council sa level ng ating committee report, so we wish them all the best,” the senator said.
“Do a better job, basta do a better job. Kasi dapat kung may, kaya ko tinanong kung may nakasuhang maliit na tao, tapos yung mga malalaki na-discover na lang dahil pumutok na ang isyu. Medyo it doesn’t speak well of your agency, so do a better job. Dapat yung nagpapasok ng bilyon huli agad.”
Pimentel also emphasized that the AMLC should take a more proactive approach in combating money laundering.
While he supported the agency’s budget increase, Pimentel challenged it to “make the most of it.”
ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Koko Pimentel is urging President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to rejoin the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The Philippines withdrew from the ICC’s Rome Statute in 2018 under the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
“Let us rejoin the ICC. We should treat it as our ‘insurance policy’ in case our system fails us and we elect an abusive, tyrannical, heartless leader, and our justice system also fails,” Pimentel said Saturday (09 Nov 20024).
The senator emphasized that rejoining the ICC is an executive action, meaning it is within Marcos’ authority to do so.
In February, Marcos stated that he would not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction in the Philippines.
“It’s still those questions of jurisdiction and sovereignty. I haven’t seen a sufficient answer to them. Until then, I do not recognize their jurisdiction in the Philippines,” he said at the time.
Both chambers of Congress are investigating the war on drugs implemented during the Duterte administration.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Koko Pimentel expressed concern on Monday (Oct. 21, 2024) over Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent comments about the Marcos administration, advising her to confide in her close friends and family.
This was his response when asked for his reaction to Duterte’s latest remarks about the current administration.
“I’m worried about her… I think she needs to talk to some professionals and maybe some close friends and family to express what’s on her mind and in her heart,” Pimentel said during a press conference.
“It’s difficult if you don’t share what you’re feeling,” he added.
Previously, Duterte claimed that she had been used by the Marcos family to win the election against then-presidential candidate Leni Robredo.
Duterte revealed that she received a call from Senator Imee Marcos, asking her to run for Vice President as the running mate of Imee’s brother, which helped secure the Marcoses’ electoral victory.
She also warned that if political attacks against her persist, she would “throw the body” of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. into the troubled waters of the West Philippine Sea.
ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Koko Pimentel has voiced his support for the push to increase compensation for teachers and poll workers.
“Napakahalaga ng gampanin ng mga guro sa pagseseguro ng malinis, maayos, at matiwasay na halalan sa 2025. Sa mga ‘hot spots’ na lugar sa bansa, hindi maiwasang malagay sa panganib ang kaligtasan at buhay ng mga guro at poll workers,” Pimentel said in a statement on Saturday (October 12, 2024).
“Kaya huwag na nating ipagkait pa ang kakarampot na benepisyong ito. Itodo na natin ang honoraria na karapat-dapat sa mga guro at iba pang poll workers. Their election-related benefits should be tax-exempt,” the senator added.
Pimentel’s statement follows the proposal from the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) to increase the honoraria, allowances, and legal protections for teachers serving as members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI).
“We need to honor the sacrifices of our teachers and other poll workers. Their work during election periods is both difficult and dangerous. It is only right that we provide them with higher and tax-exempt compensation,” the senator emphasized.
Ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III is calling for an investigation into the backlog of national ID cards.
“The Philippine Identification System was designed to simplify and expedite the delivery of public services, but these delays undermine its purpose,” Pimentel said in a statement on Wednesday, September 18, 2024.
“The root causes of the delays must be uncovered to prevent further disruptions,” he added.
In Senate Resolution No. 1192, Pimentel calls for a comprehensive review of the implementation of Republic Act No. 11055, also known as the Philippine Identification System Act.
He aims to address delays in issuing Philippine Identification (PhilID) cards and emphasizes the need to develop and execute a catch-up plan to resolve the backlog.
“Republic Act No. 11055, also known as the Philippine Identification System Act, was enacted to establish a single national identification system called the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys). This aims to promote efficient, transparent, and seamless delivery of public services, as well as to enhance administrative governance and financial inclusion,” the resolution states.
As of August 2, 2024, the PSA has recorded over 89 million registrations under the PhilSys system but has distributed only about 53 million physical PhilID cards. Pimentel noted that the backlog of 32 million cards is largely due to the limited capacity of printing facilities.
Pimentel’s resolution also seeks to uncover the underlying causes of the delays and inefficiencies in the implementation of RA No. 11055.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Koko Pimentel has congratulated his wife Kathryna Yu-Pimentel following her appointment as Special Envoy to the United Arab Emirates for Trade and Investments.
“We are incredibly proud of you for this momentous achievement and we are all excited to support you every step of the way,” Pimentel said.
Yu-Pimentel took her oath of office before President Marcos on June 4. She was accompanied by her husband Sen. Pimentel and family members.
“I am profoundly honored by the trust and confidence President Marcos has placed in me,” said Pimentel. “My mission is to help in the strengthening of our investment and trade relationship with the UAE.”
Pimentel brings a strong commitment to bolstering the economic ties between the Philippines and the UAE.
“There are many opportunities to deepen our ties with the UAE, most especially with the ongoing negotiations for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) that is expected to enhance bilateral economic relations, between the Philippines and UAE,” Pimentel added.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Koko Pimentel urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday (April 3, 2024) to swiftly prioritize the welfare of Filipinos in Taiwan who may be affected by the 7.5 magnitude earthquake.
“We must act urgently to extend necessary assistance and support to our OFWs and ensure their safety and well-being,” Pimentel emphasized.
He expressed solidarity with the people of Taiwan during this difficult time and offered unwavering support as they work to rebuild and recover.
Meanwhile, Senator Grace Poe extended her “deepest sympathies” to the people of Taiwan affected by the earthquake.
“Our support also goes to the many individuals providing emergency assistance and rescue efforts on the ground,” Poe stated.
“We are confident that with the resilience and hard work of the Taiwanese people, they will recover from this tragedy and rebuild their communities anew,” she added.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Koko Pimentel has urged the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to stop the pilot run of e-lotto.
This, Pimentel said, is to arrest possible risks in e-lotto and that should be anticipated.
“Pinapadali ba nito na mag-place ng multiple bets or posible ba na dahil sa computer system na ma-cover mo lahat ng combinations? Matayaan mo lahat ng combinations? Kasi pwede mong i-compute ‘yun eh, pwede ka na ring mag-risk doon,” the senator said.
“Kailangan maintindihan natin ito. Kaya ‘yan pilot testing nila, kung pwede ihinto na rin po ‘yan,” he added.
In December 2023, PCSO started the pilot run of e-lotto.
E-Lotto is a digital version of the traditional lottery games.
PCSO General Manager Mel Robles said that the pilot run of the game is a significant milestone for PCSO as people now embrace the digital era.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Koko Pimentel urged the members of the House of Representatives to stop the gathering of signatures for the people’s initiative to amend the Constitution.
“Sana manggaling sa kanila ang panawagan na ‘abandon ship’”. Itigil na kung anoman ang napag-usapan natin sa ibaba diyan, sa mga leaders o followers nila or mga people’s organizations. Itigil na ang pangangalap ng pirma,” Pimentel said in a radio interview on Tuesday (30 Jan 2024).
Pimentel said that all reports pointed to the leadership of the House of Representatives as the instigators behind the so-called people’s initiative.
“Ang ebidensya in the sense na umabot sa ‘min na report ay sila ang nasa likod. Magandang sabihin nila: sa lahat ng nakausap namin tungkol sa people’s initiative, abandon ship na. Huwag nang ituloy kung anuman ang instruction na naibigay namin sa inyo,” Pimentel said.
Earlier, the Commission on Election (Comelec) suspended all proceedings related to the people’s initiative.
Pimentel pointed out that the Comelec’s move was correct, however, he cautioned the public to remain vigilant, as the Comelec could lift the suspension as well.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Amid rumors that International Criminal Court (ICC) probers are already here in the country to investigate the “bloody drug war” of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III couldn’t care less.
He said there’s nothing wrong with the ICC probers’ entry into the country but hastened to add that they should coordinate with the government.
“What kind of investigation is that kung hindi mo kinakausap yung government or state you are investigating?” Pimentel asked.
He added that If indeed the ICC investigators are here, they should talk to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) for its internal investigation on the previous administration’s rights violations.
“Dapat kausapin nila ang CHR, what are the official figures for this period of time, ilan ba ang extrajudicial killings per government figures, ilan naman yung with explanations na mga killings. Dapat kausapin nila CHR on human rights complaints,” Pimentel said.
According to the estimate of government authorities, more than 6,252 people have been gunned down by the police and “unknown assailants” since Duterte won as president in 2016 but human rights advocates disputed the number, saying it could reach as high as 30,000 fatalies in what they call extra-judicial killings (EJKs).
Pimentel said he heard of the information on ICC probers’ entry in the country from former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.
“Ang info ko rin ay coming from Secretary Harry Roque. Nabasa at napanood ko lang. But my point is – anong masama doon? So what? Personally, I find nothing objectionable kung nandito na sila,” he added.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and an unnamed Minority leader of the House of Representatives are set to challenge the constitutionality of the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA) before the Supreme Court (SC).
Pimentel mentioned that discussions are already underway with the House member, who accordingly agreed to support the senator’s position.
While the Minority leader did not disclose the identity of the House member who will be joining him in filing the petition before the High Tribunal, the lawmaker from Mindanao clarified that the unnamed Lower House member is not Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman.
Pimentel stated that they are finalizing the outline detailing why the additional P450 billion approved by Congress, beyond the unprogrammed appropriation proposed by the President, is considered unconstitutional.
The senator expressed the hope of submitting the petition to the SC later this week, pending the readiness of their legal team.
In an earlier statement, Pimentel deemed the 2024 GAA bill “unconstitutional” following the bicameral conference committee’s decision to increase unprogrammed appropriations by P450 billion. This move surpassed the original proposal of the Executive Department in the 2024 budget, set at P5.768 trillion.
(El Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III emphasized the impossibility and unconstitutionality of excluding the Senate from Charter Change (Cha-cha).
“It’s impossible and not just unconstitutional to exclude the Senate when amending the Constitution. Hindi lang po unconstitutional, impossible pa,” Pimentel stated in a CNN Philippines interview.
Pimentel reacted to the House’s proposal advocating for Charter change, suggesting that the Senate need not cooperate.
He also predicted that such an “attitude” from fellow lawmakers would lead to Senate rejection of the proposal.
“Kung ganyan kasi ang attitude ng ating mga kaibigan sa House at ina-announce nila ‘yan, all the more they will really lose support of the senators,” he remarked.
“You will even now see senators explaining the issue to the people and telling the people why what the House is doing is unconstitutional. So, ‘wag na nilang gawin ‘yan kasi palayo na tayo nang palayo sa mga real problems confronting our people,” he added.
Earlier, House Speaker Martin Romualdez indicated plans to revisit the 1987 Constitution in 2024.
“I believe 2024 will allow us again to revisit the whole issue of the Constitution because I think it’s timely that we revisit, and I’d say we’d like to focus very much on the economic provisions,” Romualdez said.
“We will be studying this during our Christmas break. And perhaps there might be some initiatives even during the break that would prepare us for the ensuing year, and perhaps what would be our legacy in the 19th Congress (2022-2025),” the Speaker added.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel has expressed concern about the country’s performance in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022.
Pimentel emphasized the urgent need to adjust the curriculum to cultivate Filipino students’ interest in mathematics, reading, and science.
“Our curriculum must evolve to meet the demands of the 21st century and address the root cause of this lackluster performance in the PISA assessment,” Pimentel said in a statement on Wednesday (05 Dec 2023).
“The Department of Education should realize the generational impact of these dismal results if not addressed immediately,” he added.
According to the 2022 PISA study, published on Tuesday and involving 690,000 students from 81 countries, the Philippines’ performance in the three subjects remained relatively unchanged compared to 2018 when it first participated in the assessment.
Pimentel stressed that if the country does not take immediate and resolute action, it will cast doubt upon the future competitiveness of the future generation.
(ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
DESPITE THE ANNOUNCEMENT of Vice President Sara Duterte that she would no longer pursue the P650-million total of confidential funds for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) for next year, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III has warned that the bicameral conference committee might still restore it.
“Yan ang hindi magandang katotohanan – sa bicam, anything goes. Theoretically speaking, the bicam has the power to introduce and restore anything,” Pimentel said. “Kaya kung interesado kayo sa issue, hanggang dulo ang pagbabantay until pagreport ng bicam.”
On Friday, November 10, Pimentel called for continued vigilance as the bicameral panel composed of senators and congressmen will meet to introduce amendments to the proposed 2024 General Appropriations Act after it hurdles the upper chamber.
The two “houses” of Congress will then have to adopt the bicam committee report before it is sent to Malacañang for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s signature to become a law.
Pimentel expressed hope that Duterte’s allies in Congress will no longer push for the reinstatement of her confidential funds.
“Sinabi na sa harap namin na ‘Ayaw ko na yan.’ Huwag na kami mag-aksaya ng panahon magdebate na bigyan natin ang taong may ayaw. We shouldn’t waste our time anymore,” Pimentel said, referring to VP Duterte’s own statement on giving up the P650-million confidential funds.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
SENATE Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III wants to conduct an investigation on the alleged corruption in the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) “if no one seriously pursues it.”
Pimentel, however, pointed out that if the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) investigates the matter, then the Senate’s probe will be unnecessary.
“If NBI will investigate then [okay] na pala. ‘Pag walang mag-take charge then Senate should come in because of the public interest issue,” Pimentel said.
“If no one seriously pursues this issue then I will file a [resolution] for the Senate to investigate this,” he added.
Meanwhile, Senator Grace Poe said that the retraction of the former LTFRB employee Jeff Tumbado should also be investigated, saying that his sudden act was dubious.
“Kaduda-duda na nag-retract. Ano ba ang tunay na dahilan na binawi ito[?] Dapat imbestigahan bakit niya binawi ang kanyang salaysay,” the Senate public services committee chairperson said.
“Kasuhan siya kung walang basehan at tingnan kung may nag-udyok sa kanya na bawiin ang kanyang mga nasabing alegasyon. Sabi nga, kung may usok, malamang may nasusunog,” she added.
Earlier, Tumbado recanted his corruption allegations against Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista and LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III.
“After a careful reflection and deliberation, it is my honest desire to reiterate whatever allegations may have been said during the press conference on October 9, 2023, where the public declaration was made were all unintentional and misguided,” Tumbado said in his affidavit.
“All of the things said were borne out of impulse, irrational thinking, misjudgment, poor decision making,” he then added.
(ai/mnm)