By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Who’s afraid of the feisty Vice President Sara Duterte?
Apparently, not Parañaque City’s 2nd district Representative Gus Tambunting who chairs the House committee that scrutinized the franchise of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, founding leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC).
On Wednesday (13 March 2024), Tambunting denied that Quiboloy — wanted by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for alleged “conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, and sex trafficking of children, conspiracy, and bulk cash smuggling” — is being given unfair treatment at the lower chamber.
The Parañaque City lawmaker maintained that Quiboloy is being accorded due process, contrary to the claim of VP Sara that the self-proclaimed “Appointed Son of God” is being “given unfair treatment.”
“We respect her (VP Duterte) opinion, but our topic here in Congress is the SMNI franchise,” said Tambunting, who chairs the House Committee on Legislative Franchises.
SMNI is the broadcasting arm of KOJC, although SMNI lawyers claimed that Quiboloy is not involved in its operations.
Tambunting’s committee has voted to revoke the franchise of SMNI —formally known as Swara Sug Media Corporation — over its alleged willful dissemination of false information and the transfer of ownership without congressional approval.
“This franchise was given by Congress. Kongreso rin po lang ang puwedeng bumawi po nito at iyon naman pong proseso, and as far as due process is concerned, dito po sa hearing namin, six months has been given, five months of hearing, six hearings were conducted and palagay ko mas maraming sinabi ang kampo ni SMNI kesa po sa mga Congressmen,” Tambunting explained.
He added: “Lahat po ng kanilang paliwanag ay ating pinakinggan at pinagbigyan po natin lahat ng katanungan nila.”
Quiboloy, a close friend of the Duterte political family, has been cited in contempt for skipping the hearings despite a subpoena against him.
Last Friday (8 March 2024), SMNI announced former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s appointment as KOJC administrator.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Saying it’s “silly,” former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has denied the accusation by a former landscaper Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy that he and his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, once received firearms from the controversial televangelist.
Vice President Duterte, on the other hand, had dismissed the claim as mere “attacks” against her, possibly by those who want to be the next president of the country, apparently referring to Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez who heads the House of Representatives that stripped the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) of P650 million total of confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) in the proposed 2024 budget.
“Kami magtanggap ng baril kay Pastor Apollo Quiboloy? Ako pa mag-deliver sa kaniya ng kanyon bukas, o machine gun,” Duterte blurted out at a press conference in Davao City on Tuesday night, as reported by GMA-7 Unang Balita on Wednesday.
A certain “Rene” who claimed to be a former landscaper of Quiboloy testified before a Senate committee on February 19 that he once witnessed FPRRD and VP Sara receiving “bags of guns” from the controversial religious leader in Davao City.
“Bakit pa si Pastor ang magbigay ng baril sa akin? Saan siya magkuha? Kung magsabi siya wala siyang baril, bigyan ko siya,” the feisty former president said.
The Senate is now investigating Quiboloy and KOJC in aid of legislation for alleged sexual abuses and human trafficking activities.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Saying that her name was only being dragged into the “Tokhang'” issue so that she would be included in the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation, Vice President Sara Duterte has challenged confessed member of the original Davao Death Squad (DDS) retired Senior Police Officer Arturo “Arthur” Lascañas to file a murder case against her before a Philippine court.
At the same time, the feisty Vice President said she has no plans to file a case against Lascañas, who accused her of being the brains of “Oplan Tokhang” in Davao City.
“Wala akong balak mag-sampa ng kaso sa kanya (Lascañas). In fact, siya ‘yung tsina-challenge ko na mag-sampa ng kaso sa akin ng murder doon sa Pilipinas,” VP Duterte told reporters in a chance interview in Malaysia.
Lascañas claimed to have submitted a 186-page affidavit to the ICC containing information on the alleged killings perpetrated by former President Rodrigo Duterte and the involvement of his daughter Sara in the extrajudicial killings in Davao City.
“Siya (Sara Duterte) nga ang pasimuno nitong Oplan Tokhang nung naka-upo siya as mayor nung 2012 in-appoint nya si Bato Dela Rosa as chief of police ng Davao City,” said Lascañas, referring to former Davao City police chief and now Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio slammed the accusations of her alleged involvement in “Oplan Tokhang” during her term as a Davao mayor, saying that it was a “new script.”
Duterte-Carpio said that it was the first time that she was linked to the said issue.
“Bigla na lang nagkaroon ng testigo laban sa akin nang mahalal ako na Vice President. At kabilang na nga ako ngayon sa mga akusado sa International Criminal Court,” she said.
“Maliban sa tiyempo, malinaw na sadyang pinilit lang na maidugtong ang pangalan ko sa isyung ito para ako maging akusado sa ICC,” Duterte-Carpio added.
The Vice President told the witnesses to file a case against her in the Philippines.
“Wala na itong debate, sa testigo at mga tao na nakapalikod sa kanya magfile kayo ng kasong murder laban sa akin dito sa Pilipinas,” she said.
Earlier, former Davao City police Arturo Lascañas linked Duterte-Carpio to the Davao Death Squad.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Who’s afraid of Inday Sara?
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr. has displayed statesmanship despite the verbal attacks on him by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Zimmerman Duterte as he designated Vice President Sara Duterte as the country’s caretaker while the Chief Executive is in Vietnam for a state visit.
On Monday (January 29), Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil confirmed VP Duterte’s designation as Marcos Jr. left for Hanoi.
Marcos will be in Vietnam until Tuesday (January 30).
During the previous administration of the elder Duterte, then Vice President Leni Robredo was never designated as government caretaker. Never.
Even if Robredo was the constitutional successor, Duterte would always designate his former classmate Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea to take his post while he was on a foreign trip.
Just before he boarded PR001, Marcos Jr. was seen stopping to shake VP Sara’s hand and gave her a “beso-beso” or buss on the cheek.
On Sunday night (January 28), FPRRD and Davao City Mayor Baste lambasted PBBM, calling him a drug addict and daring the President to resign “if he has no love and aspirations for the country.”
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio addressed her brother, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte’s recent call for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to resign, stating that it stemmed from a place of “brotherly love.”
In a statement released on Monday (29 Jan 2024), Duterte-Carpio expressed her interpretation of Mayor Duterte’s sentiments, “I can only surmise that Mayor Sebastian Duterte is driven by brotherly love, combined with a shared sentiment that I do not deserve the disparaging treatment I am receiving from some factions within the President’s inner circle.”
During a forum in Davao City on Sunday, Mayor Duterte remarked, “Mr. President, if you lack love and aspirations for your country, resign.”
He further criticized the President, stating, “You are lazy and lack compassion… They prioritize politics and the preservation of their political lives over their duties to the people. They are neglecting their responsibilities.”
Meanwhile, Duterte-Carpio expressed her continued belief in the public’s vote as a bestowed “trust.”
“I believe that the people’s vote is a manifestation of trust that I will work and serve solely for the Filipino people. Along with this trust comes the confidence that I can withstand any attacks, black propaganda, character assassination, and other challenges hurled at my person,” she asserted.
Acknowledging the difficulties, she added, “While not easy, I draw strength and inspiration from the trust bestowed upon me by our fellow countrymen. I take heart in the people’s confidence in my ability to work and thrive amidst chaos.”
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio urged the public to remember the heroism and sacrifice of the 44 members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF).
The 44 members were killed in a firefight in Mamasapano, Maguindanao in January 25, 2015.
In her message, she said that the dedication and love for the people of SAF 44 who gave their lives for the peace of the country cannot be compared.
“We shall forever draw inspiration from the sacrifices you made to safeguard the honor and liberty of our nation, shielding our fellow Filipinos from the threats and consequences of terrorism,” Duterte-Carpio said in a statement.
“We pledge to never forget. Together, we march onward, united by the spirit of resilience, unwavering in our pursuit of a peaceful and prosperous Philippines.”
Meanwhile, former PNP-SAF chief Getulio Napeñas Jr. said that justice has not been served to the victims.
This was his response when asked if he thinks that justice has already been served for the SAF members.
“Not yet. Was there a case filed against those people who killed the 44? Until now, not yet,” he said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio on Sunday (21 Jan 2024) called on Filipinos to maintain their unwavering devotion to God, fostering spirituality in all aspects of their lives.
In her message during the Sinulog-Sto. Niño Festival celebration, she emphasized, “Let us cherish the festival as a reflection of our prayers and dedication to the Holy Child, reinforcing a timeless tradition that forms the foundation of our identity as a people and a nation.”
Duterte-Carpio highlighted that Sinulog represents a spiritual journey marked by humility and personal transformation. She noted that the ceremonial dances and lively parades symbolize devotees’ aspirations to undergo inner change and embrace childlike modesty.
“The festival’s roots are deeply grounded in a profound respect for the Holy Child, symbolizing the strong bond between believers and the divine. At its core, Sinulog carries a deep reverence for the Holy Child, the Sto. Niño,” she added.
The Vice President emphasized that the event holds a special place in the hearts of Cebuanos, being one of the country’s most significant religious and secular gatherings.
According to the police, over 1 million people participated in the procession of Sto. Niño in Cebu.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Outraged by China’s latest aggressive actions against Filipino ships on resupply missions in the West Philippine Sea, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Sunday, December 10, minced no words in condemning the use of water cannons on a Philippine resupply convoy to Ayungin Shoal and the ramming of a civilian ship as “inhumane” and “a brazen disrespect for the rule of law.”
In contrast, the camp of Romualdez’s arch-political nemesis Vice President Sara Duterte was eerily silent on the latest China aggression in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
“The use of water cannons and long-range acoustic devices against our vessels, causing significant damage and distress to our crew, is unacceptable and unjustifiable,” Romualdez said in a statement.
It was gathered that Chinese ships also used aggressive maneuvers and water cannons to block a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) attempt to bring supplies to Filipino fishers near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough, Panatag) off Zambales.
“These actions by the China Coast Guard, in preventing our vessels from conducting a peaceful resupply mission to Filipino fishermen near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), demonstrate a brazen disrespect for the rule of law and established international agreements,” Romualdez stressed.
The House leader and Lakas-CMD president added that the “acts of intimidation and harassment” against Filipino fishermen “are not only a violation of their rights but also an affront to human dignity.”
“To prevent the distribution of humanitarian support, as was the case in this incident, is not only illegal but also inhumane,” Romualdez pointed out.
He boldly told China to stop the “aggressive activities” and uphold the principles of international law.
“We call upon China to respect our sovereignty, desist from actions that infringe upon it, and engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve disputes. The Philippines, as a sovereign nation, will continue to defend its rights and protect the interests of its people,” Romualdez said.
Political pundits told Maharlika NuMedia that with nary a whimper from the camp of VP Duterte on China’s “aggressive behavior”, it only reveals their true color of being subservient to the “one-party dictatorship under Xi Jinping” which has transformed China into a “social-imperialist” country that former paramount leader Deng Xiaoping had predicted several years ago.
“If one day China should change her color and turn into a superpower if she too should play the tyrant in the world, and everywhere subject others to her bullying, aggression and exploitation, the people of the world should identify her as social-imperialism, expose it, oppose it and work together with the Chinese people to overthrow it,” Deng Xiaoping said in his speech at the United Nations on April 10, 1974.
(ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — The body language tells it all that Vice President Sara Duterte and Senator Imee Marcos are up to something big as they visited two schools in Catanduanes fueling speculations that they will be teaming up in the 2028 presidential elections, five years from now.
On Thursday, November 23, they barnstormed two public schools in Catanduanes “spreading joy and goodwill.”
“Matapos mamahagi ng ayuda at regalo para sa mga kabataan sa probinsya ng Catanduanes, binisita namin ni VP Inday Sara Duterte ang Palnab Elementary School noong Huwebes, Nov. 23,” Marcos said.
The Vice President from Davao City and the lady senator from Ilocos Norte engaged in a series of public activities, including giving aid and gifts to students.
Despite her recent denial, Duterte is expected to run for president in 2028, with Marcos as her running mate.
Ironically, Inday Sara will likely square off with Marcos’ first cousin Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.
In photos shared on social media, they took part in a tree-planting activity contributing to the greenery of the school surroundings.
“Nagtanim kami ng guyabano seedlings sa paaralan at personal na kinamusta ang mga guro at mga estudyante dito,” Marcos quipped.
(ai/mnm)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Monday (13 November 2023) lauded the decision of Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio to drop the confidential funds her office requested in the 2024 proposed national budget.
“I believe that’s the right decision and we hail VP Sara’s decision,” Romualdez said.
Earlier, Duterte-Carpio moved to drop the P500 million request for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and P150 million for the Department of Education (DepEd).
“The Office of the Vice President can only propose a budget to support the safe implementation of our programs, activities, and projects to alleviate poverty and promote the general welfare of every Filipino family,” Duterte-Carpio said and read by Senator Sonny Angara.
“Nonetheless, we will no longer pursue the Confidential Funds. Why? Because this issue is divisive, and as the Vice President, I swore an oath to keep the country peaceful and strong,” she said.
Meanwhile, Romualdez remains hopeful that the working relationship between the House and the OVP will smoothen out.
“I’m always…very, very hopeful,” the House speaker said.
“As they always say, there will always be differences but we will always work towards resolving those differences for the service of the Filipino people, that’s our primordial concern,” he said.
(ai/mnm)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio will no longer pursue the request of the Office of the Vice President for P500 million in confidential and intelligence funds for 2024.
This was disclosed by Senator Sonny Angara on Thursday, saying that his office received the statement from Duterte-Carpio.
“Your honor we received a statement from the VP [and] we discussed [it] earlier. According to her, the OVP can only propose a budget to support the safe implementation of its programs to alleviate poverty and promote [the] general welfare of Filipino families,” Angara said.
“Nonetheless, they will no longer pursue the confidential and intelligence funds or the confidential funds. The reason is that it seems to be divisive, and as the VP, she swore and [took an] oath to keep the country peaceful and strong,” said the chair of the Senate Committee on Finance and sponsor of the 2024 national budget bill.
Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III commended the Vice President for her act.
“Given this manifestation of the Vice President, I commend her for now categorically stating to this House that it is not a deferral to our wisdom. She does not want it anymore,” Pimentel said.
The OVP has asked for P500-M confidential funds while the Department of Education, also headed by Duterte-Carpio, requested P150-M confidential funds.
The House of Representatives has stripped the confidential funds of five agencies and realigned the funds to security offices.
(ai/mnm)
By Liezelle Soriano
FORMER President Rodrigo Duterte disclosed that Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio planned to use the proposed confidential and intelligence funds of the Department of Education for the implementation of mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.
The former leader said that he learned of his daughter’s plan when he scrutinized documents in relation to CIF.
“Binasa ko ang rationale. Ang plano niya — unahan ko na lang, so I’m sorry I have to divulge this because ibinigay mo naman sa’kin, then I just make it public — gamitin niya ang pera, it’s only P125 million, gamitin niya sa mga PMT, palakasin niya sa high school, pati ibalik talaga niya ang ROTC. Make it compulsory,” he said in an interview with SMNI.
The Office of the Vice President sought P500 million in confidential fund for 2024 while the Department of Education which Duterte-Carpio heads requested for P150 million.
However, the House of Representatives removed the confidential funds of the OVP, DepEd, Department of Agriculture, Department of Information and Communications Technology and Department of Foreign Affairs and realigned the budget to agencies tasked to secure the country’s security.
By Liezelle Soriano
EDUCATION Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio vowed to expedite the investigation of the case of Francis Jay Gumikib, who died after he was allegedly slapped by his teacher.
Duterte-Carpio visited the teen’s wake and assured his parents of the Department of Education’s help.
“Ang Regional Office ay binigyan lamang ng hanggang Lunes, October 9, 2023, upang tapusin ang fact finding investigation nito at mag issue ng formal charges na may pansamantalang pagsususpinde laban sa mga sangkot sa isyu. Kasama sa usapan ang posibleng kaso ng child abuse dahil sa pananampal,” she said in a post.
She said DepEd will assist the parents in filing criminal charges if there is basis.
The Vice President added that DepEd will provide psychological first aid for the parents and siblings of the victim.
The mother said that her son came home from school on September 21 crying and reported the alleged slapping of his teacher.
He later complained of severe pain in the ear and headache until he vomited and he was then rushed the hospital. He died several days later.
By Liezelle Soriano
GENDER equality group Enough Is Enough PH condemned the alleged negligence of Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio in addressing the rising number of victims of campus predators.
“How much funds were used to make campuses safe spaces?” EIE lead convenor Sophia Reyes said.
The group made the statement after Duterte-Carpio defended the use of confidential funds, saying that those who are against CIF are enemies of the state.
The EIE said that her statement is clearly “fallacious and similar to her father’s tirades during his term as president.”
“We have gone down this road before and ordinary folks have already learned from her father’s hard hitting but empty rhetoric,” Reyes said.
“For gender equality groups such as EIE, we are baffled by her proposal of P650 million CIF for the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education when she has nothing to show for it. Her negligence in addressing the rising number of victims of campus predators and enablers in her Department is condemnable,” she added.
By Liezelle Soriano
THE ADMINISTRATION of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed to continue its support to the education sector, including the teachers, to ensure that quality education will be provided to the students.
“The Marcos-Duterte administration will remain hard at work in addressing the needs of our schools, our teachers, and our students,” President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said in a post.
Marcos made the commitment as he paid tribute to the teachers.
“As National Teachers’ Month comes to a close, we pay tribute to the heroes of children’s education! As we thank you for all that you do, we also continue to work harder to improve your lives,” he said.
On Sunday night at the Malacañang complex, Marcos attended a concert honoring Filipino teachers alongside Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio.
The concert in Malacañang is part of celebration of National Teachers’ Month.
Ni Liezelle Soriano
BUMABA ang approval ratings nina Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, ganoon din ang sa dalawang pinuno ng dalawang kapulungan ng Kongreso, ayon sa pinakahuling survey ng Pulse Asia na inilabas ngayong araw ng Lunes (02 Oct 2023),
Mula sa 80 porsiyento sa survey noong Hunyo, bumaba sa 65 porsiyento ang approval rating ni Marcos, habang bumaba naman si Duterte-Carpio mula 84 porsiyento sa 73 porsiyento sa parehong panahon.
Gayunpaman, ang approval rate ni Duterte-Carpio ay nananatiling mas mataas kaysa kay Marcos.
Sinabi ng Pulse Asia na nangangahulugan pa rin ito ng pagpapahalaga ng mga Pilipino sa kanilang pagganap sa trabaho bilang mga pinuno ng bansa.
Bumaba rin ang approval rating ng dalawang pinuno ng mataas at mababang kapulungan.
Bumaba ang trust rating ni Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri mula 56 noong Hunyo sa 50 noong Setyembre.
Bumaba rin ang approval rating ni House Speaker Martin Romualdez mula 52 sa 41.
Isinagawa ang survey mula Setyembre 10 hanggang 14, taong kasalukuyan.
(ai/mnm)
By Liezelle Soriano
A LUCKY student in Cebu got to visit South Korea with Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio, as one of the beneficiaries of the Office of the Vice President’s ‘You can be VP’ program.
Kester, a Grade 4 student of the Melecio Tito Elementary School in Danao City, Cebu, was the third participant of the program.
He joined Duterte-Carpio in several important meetings that she attended, including the Global Education Innovation Summit 2023.
‘You Can Be VP’ aims to give students the opportunity to see what Duterte-Carpion does as Vice President.
“Nais ng special project na ‘You Can be VP’ na mabigyan ng halaga ng mga kabataan ang edukasyon, magpursige silang isakatuparan ang kanilang mga pangarap sa buhay, at linangin ang kanilang leadership skills,” Duterte-Carpio said.
By Liezelle Soriano
EDUCATION Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio sought protection for teachers who will serve during the 2023 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
“Bilang Secretary of Education, nais kong masiguro na mabibigyan ng angkop na proteksyon at suporta ang ating mga guro na nagsasakripisyo para maisagawa ng matagumpay ang halalan sa ating bansa,” she said in a post.
The BSKE is set on October 30.
“Hindi po mangyayari ang isang eleksiyon kung walang mga guro,” Duterte-Carpio said.
“Nagsisilbi ang mga guro sa eleksiyon sa kabila ng mga panganib na hinaharap nila. Wala akong natatandaan na eleksyon na walang insidente ng pananakot, pananakit, pang-aatake sa mga guro at sa kanilang mga pamilya,” the Vice President added.
She issued the statement during the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between Commission on Elections Chairperson George Erwin Gracia and Public Attorney’s Office head Persida Acosta in Manila.
The MOA aims to have a system to protect the welfare of teachers who will serve in the Barangay and SK elections.
By Liezelle Soriano
VICE PRESIDENT and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio led the distribution of school supplies for Grade 1 to Grade 7 students of two schools in Northern Samar province.
The Vice President gave the supplies to the Las Navas National High School and San Jorge Elementary School in Las Navas.
Duterte-Carpio also provided dental kits for the students.
She urges the students to study hard and finish their studies.
She gave laptops to the teachers to help them deliver quality education.
In a post, the Vice President said she also talked to the principals and teachers to further know the needs of the schools. She also thanked them for their commitment to help the students.