Latest news with #Anti-GraftandCorruptPracticesAct
GMA Network
12-07-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
DepEd vows to cooperate with Ombudsman amid order to file graft charges vs. Briones, Lao
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Saturday said it is fully committed to cooperating with the Office of the Ombudsman after its order to file graft and falsification charges against former Education Secretary Leonor Briones, former Budget Undersecretary Christopher Lao, and several former education officials regarding the 'pricey' P2.4 billion laptops purchased in 2020. 'DepEd reiterates its full commitment to cooperate with the Office of the Ombudsman in the expeditious and fair resolution of this case. The Department is ready to provide all necessary documents, information, and other forms of assistance to ensure accountability and to protect the interest of the public,' DepEd said in a statement. DepEd said it was already informed of the filing of an Information for Violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Falsification by Public Officers under Article 171 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), and Perjury under Article 183 of the RPC against several of its former officials. 'Officials subject of the charges no longer hold any position in or maintain any connection with the Department,' DepEd said. The laptops, priced at P58,300 each with an outdated Celeron processor, were purchased by the Department of Education for the implementation of distance learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It was deemed 'pricey' by the Commission on Audit. 'The new bidding parameters, i.e. lower quantity and higher unit price, were reflected in the bidding documents and was used in the bidding process... These parameters facilitated the overprice and the consequent undue injury and gross disadvantage to the government,' the Ombudsman said. The Ombudsman said that the approved series of requests for extensions to deliver the laptops, requests to change payment terms, and other adjustments to the contract terms and conditions which, taken together, 'betray an unusually deferential treatment and favor towards the Joint Venture consortium.' The Ombudsman added that the DepEd supply officers often received feedback stating that the computers they had purchased were: overpriced vis-à-vis the outdated or inferior technical specifications; unable to handle multiple applications at the same time; defective or fast-draining battery; quite slow to boot-up; and immediately returned by the recipients, who opted to wait for better laptop models. —Jamil Santos/ VAL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
01-07-2025
- GMA Network
7 Manila cops arrested for robbery-extortion
Seven personnel of the Manila Police District (MPD) were arrested after taking a man into custody under "fabricated" drug charges, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said on Tuesday. In a statement, the NCRPO said the arrested police officers were assigned to Police Station 5's anti-drug unit, including one lieutenant, three staff sergeants, and three patrolmen. 'The arrests were carried out following the swift validation of reports and complaints that exposed the involvement of the said personnel in illegal activities while in the performance of their duties,' the NCRPO said. 'Appropriate charges are now being filed against the individuals involved, who are currently under restrictive custody,' it added. Based on the initial investigation, a 49-year-old man reported that the police officers arrested him under fabricated drug charges on June 20. 'While in custody, the involved officers allegedly extorted P50,000 from the complainant's spouse in exchange for release. Although only P20,000 was eventually paid via mobile transfer, the complainant was freed without charges,' the NCRPO said. According to the NCRPO, the cops allegedly returned the money to dissuade the complainant from pushing his legal action. Recovered from the arrested cops were seven mobile phones used in the alleged extortion, five official police IDs, screenshots of digital transactions and conversations, and remittance records of the extorted amount. The NCRPO said the police officers allegedly committed robbery-extortion, grave threats, arbitrary detention, and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act as well as obstruction of justice. 'Under the Chief PNP's core leadership pillar on police accountability, there will be no second chances for police scalawags,' NCRPO chief Police Major General Anthony Aberin said. 'NCRPO will not allow these criminals to taint the integrity and dedication of those who are doing good in the service. Rogue policemen will be arrested, detained, charged and remove from the service, based on due process of law,' he added. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
26-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
DepEd vows accountability, clean hiring, no ‘pay-for-position'
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday reaffirmed its zero tolerance policy against "pay-for-position" schemes, condemning all forms of corruption involving appointments, promotions, and designations within the agency. In a statement, DepEd emphasized that all personnel movements must be based strictly on merit, fitness, and competence, in line with civil service laws and established rules. 'Any act of soliciting, offering, or receiving money, favors, or undue advantage in exchange for an appointment, promotion, or reassignment is a grave offense,' the agency warned, noting that such acts are punishable under Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and may lead to administrative, civil, and criminal penalties. The department called on educators, staff, and the public to report any such corrupt practices directly to the Office of the Secretary, the DepEd Central Office, or law enforcement agencies such as the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)and the Philippine National Police (PNP). 'The Department guarantees that all complaints will be treated with strict confidentiality,' the statement read, adding that whistleblowers will be protected through appropriate safeguards. In a separate message, Education Secretary Sonny Angara gave a firm warning against individuals exploiting the system for personal gain. 'Sa ilalim ng aking pamumuno, hindi ko pahihintulutan ang anumang uri ng katiwalian sa loob ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon, kasama diyan ang mga nababalitang pagbebenta ng posisyon o pagtanggap ng kapalit para sa trabaho, promosyon, o puwesto,' Angara said. (Under my leadership, I will not tolerate any form of corruption within the Department of Education, including reports of selling positions or receiving favors in exchange for jobs, promotions, or assignments.) 'Hindi makatarungan na may mga gustong paikliin ang proseso kapalit ng pera o impluwensiya, habang dumadaan ang karamihan sa maayos, patas, at legal na paraan. Dapat tayo ay may kakayahan, integridad, at malasakit sa bansa at kabataang Pilipino,' he added. (It is unjust that some people try to shortcut the process using money or influence, while others go through it fairly and legally. We must be guided by competence, integrity, and compassion for our country and the Filipino youth.) 'Kung may sinumang lalabag, asahan ninyong hindi kami magdadalawang-isip na isuplong sila sa kinakaukulan. Papanagutin sila ng ating batas at papatawan ng nararapat na parusa,' Angara said. (If anyone violates this, you can be sure we will not hesitate to report them to the authorities. They will be held accountable and punished under the law.) DepEd urged all its personnel to remain vigilant and uphold the values of integrity and professionalism, stressing: 'Positions in the Department are earned—not bought." — Sherylin Untalan/BM, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
01-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Ruffy Biazon to appeal Sandiganbayan ruling on graft case
The team of reelected Mayor Ruffy Biazon said they will be filing a motion for reconsideration, seeking the anti-graft court to re-examine the ruling and citing his right to due process. Muntinlupa Mayor Rozzano Rufino 'Ruffy' Biazon over the weekend said he will appeal Sandiganbayan's ruling that found him, along with five other respondents including businesswoman Janet Napoles, guilty of graft in connection to the alleged misuse of the priority development assistance fund (PDAF) in 2007. In a statement issued by his spokesperson Atty. Mitchell-David Espiritu, the reelected mayor's team said they will be filing a motion for reconsideration, seeking the anti-graft court to re-examine the ruling and citing his right to due process. 'We respect the Sandiganbayan's decision as part of our justice system. However, we are surprised by the outcome, especially since Mayor Ruffy was previously acquitted of similar charges involving public funds,' Espiritu said in Filipino in a post on Biazon's official Facebook page. 'We remain hopeful that, like the earlier cases, Mayor Ruffy will ultimately be acquitted once due process has been completed. We intend to explore all legal remedies, beginning with a motion for reconsideration,' he added. Biazon, along with businesswoman Janet Napoles and former government agency Technology Resource Center (TRC) officials Dennis Cunanan, Maria Rosalinda Lacsamana, and Evelyn De Leon were sentenced to six to eight years in jail and perpetual disqualification from public office after being found guilty of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Court records showed that whistleblower Benhur Luy said Biazon received some P1.950 million through an authorized representative, and the public funds from Biazon's PDAF went to Napoles-run Philippine Social Development Foundation Inc. (PSDFI), a corporate entity that could not have been physically located at its declared address. Biazon, for his part, argued that he merely endorsed the non-government organization (MGO) to the TRC, and that his signature was forged by the whistleblower. The court meanwhile found that Biazon's endorsement functioned more as an instruction than a recommendation, and that there was no substantial evidence that he took steps to dispute or report the alleged forgery. 'Mayor Ruffy will continue to uphold the law — the same law that grants him the right to defend himself and to clear his name of these accusations,' Espiritu said. 'According to the law, Mayor Ruffy will stay in his post and fulfill the mandate entrusted to him by the people of Muntinlupa,' he added. —RF, GMA Integrated News
Gulf News
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Gulf News
Marcos siblings at loggerheads over Duterte arrest: What the media is not saying
Manila: Senator Imee Marcos is urging the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate and potentially prosecute Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and several other top officials allegedly involved in the surrender of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC). The eldest sister of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., Imee (full name Maria Imelda Josefa Remedios Romualdez Marcos), currently chairs the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. President Marcos has signed off the arrest of Duterte in Manila and gave his nod to transfer the former president to The Hague. On Friday (May 2) she announced that she had officially submitted her committee's report to the Ombudsman, citing evidence that points to possible criminal and administrative violations committed by key government figures. 'During the course of the Senate inquiry, the Committee on Foreign Relations uncovered acts by high-ranking government officials which very likely constitute criminal and administrative offenses,' said Marcos. 'Thus, I am requesting that these officials, all of whom are named in the report, be investigated, and where appropriate, prosecuted and/or sanctioned in accordance with the applicable laws, rules, and regulations,' she added. President rejects sister's findings President Marcos has previosly rejected the findings of the Senate report led by Imee which claimed that the arrest of Duterte was "politically motivated" and intended to undermine him and Vice President Sara Duterte. 'Everyone's entitled to their opinion. I disagree,' the President told reporters on April 30. He said Duterte's arrest was neither a political attack nor a breach of Philippine sovereignty. 'We followed every single necessary procedure – the very good basis on which to serve that warrant and to read him his rights… So I'm confident that in further examination, you will find that it is proper and correct,' he told reporters during a late-night press conference at Malacañang. Marcos cited that the complaints against Duterte were filed in 2017, long before he assumed office in 2022. 'I don't see how that can be political persecution on my part because... it was initiated before I even came into the picture... I was still a civilian then,' he said. The president said the Philippines did not grant any request from the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding Duterte's drug war, but Marcos said the country could not ignore the request of the International Criminal Police Organsation (Interpol) to surrender the former president. For her part, Senator Imee Marcos' report detailed the following officials and their alleged liabilities: Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla Marcos stated that Remulla may be liable for usurpation of judicial functions under Article 241 of the Revised Penal Code and may have violated the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. She also noted there is 'reason to believe' that Remulla committed Grave Misconduct and acts Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service. Police General Nicolas Torre III According to the report, there is basis to hold the police general accountable for Arbitrary Detention, Grave Threats under Article 282, and the administrative charges of Grave Misconduct and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service. PNP Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil Marcos said that based on the hearings, there are "reasonable grounds" to charge the Philippine National Police chief with Arbitrary Detention as well as administrative offenses including Grave Misconduct and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service. Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla The DILG secretary, and brother of Justice Secretary Remulla, was also cited by Marcos for possible criminal liability under the Anti-Graft Law and for Arbitrary Detention. She further asserted that he should be held administratively liable for Grave Misconduct and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service. Special Envoy on Transnational Crime Markus Lacanilao Imee alleged that Lacanilao committed Usurpation of Official Functions, gave False Testimony, and committed Perjury in Solemn Affirmation. She also cited him for Grave Misconduct and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service. What the media isn't saying Much of the mainstream coverage has painted the rift as a simple disagreement between siblings. But behind the scenes, it signals a fracturing of the Marcos-Duterte alliance that helped deliver a landslide victory in 2022. The arrest was not just a legal move — but part of a calculated strategy seen as a way to weaken Duterte's influence, especially in Mindanao. Political equation The Marcoses dominate the vote-rich Ilocos region, while the Dutertes have both Visayas and Mindanao as their political bailiwicks. Analysts say this internal conflict may also affect candidate alignments for the 2025 Senate and congressional races. Imee is currently running as an independent, apart from the Marcos administration canditates. In the runup to May 12 mid-term polls, there are 12 lots open for Senator. A PulseAsia Research survey taken from April 202-24, 2025 shows Imee does not form part of the "Magic 12". She ranks between 14 to 18, just below boxer and former Senator Manny Pacquiao, and directly competing with actor Phillip Salvador, Rep. Rodante Marcoleta and former local government secretary Benhur Abalos. Imee, who orchestrated the Marcos-Duterte alliance that staged a landslide victory in 2022, is also trying to win the Mindanao votes. Vice President Sara Duterte, who has endorsed Imee's senatorial campaign, remains a strong potential 2028 presidential contender. The road ahead As the May 12 vote approaches, the nuances surrounding the rift within the Marcos family and its implications for the any possibility of a coalition between the top political clans from Mindanao will become more critical. Whether this division deepens or is patched over may determine not just the fate of the Marcos presidency, but the entire shape of Philippine politics in the post-Duterte era. In the meantime, the short-term geopolitical and strategic underpinnings of this feud remains. The current Marcos administration's increasing cooperation with the United States — a major shift from Duterte's China-friendly foreign policy — has not sat well with Duterte loyalists. The arrest, critics argue, is symbolic of the broader 'de-Dutertization' of government institutions. The media has largely downplayed this narrative.
