Iloilo Flash Report

23/09/2024

READ: Mayor Jerry P. Treñas' Statement on the Apprehension of the Suspects Who Ransacked the Public Order and Safety Management Office*

"I would like to commend the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) especially ang Police Station 1 under kay PCpt. Roque Gimeno kag sa direct supervision ni PCol. Kim Legada sa madasig nga action in apprehending the suspects involved in the recent incident at the Public Order and Safety Management Office. In less than 24 hours, they were able to apprehend those responsible.

Apang nakibot kita kay mga minors ang involved. Nagakinahanglan sang mabaskog nga intervention para magiyahan ang mga pamatan-on.

Rest assured, we are already strengthening the program specifically designed to address this concern, focusing on prevention and rehabilitation to ensure nga ang ini nga mga pamatan-on are given the opportunity to turn their lives around and become productive members sang syudad."



📷 CMO

23/09/2024

Ethics is a matter of choice, says SC justice

Is it ethical for court employees to receive ripe mangoes from an appreciative litigant? Or is it proper for a judge to engage in sports activities with lawyers whom he or she has been friends with for years?
These questions were posed before the magistrates of the Supreme Court (SC) during the fifth leg of the Ethics Consultative Caravan, known as the Ethics Caravan.
The Code of Conduct for court employees generally prohibits the acceptance of gifts, favors, or benefits from litigants.
These include even small or seemingly harmless gifts that can create the impression that the legal process might be compromised or that the litigant expects preferential treatment in return.
In the interest of maintaining public trust in the justice system, court officials and employees should decline such offers and politely explain the ethical constraints that prevent them from accepting gifts.
Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh, the chairperson of both the SC Sub-Committee for the Review of the Code of Conduct for Court Personnel and the Review of the New Code of Judicial Conduct for the Philippine Judiciary, recently shared a light moment with the participants of the Ethics Caravan at the Notre Dame of Dadiangas University in General Santos City.
Justice Singh told the participants that the Supreme Court wants to emphasize to judges and court employees that ethics “is always a matter of choice.”
“Everything is a matter of choice for you. When we speak about ethical behavior that is what it is all about. It’s always a matter of choice. You will never be placed in a position where you have to do something against your will. You always have the last say,” Justice Singh told the court employees.
Justice Singh stressed that the judges have “the most exacting job” and reminded them that ethics means always making the correct choice whenever they are confronted with a gray area.
She said that the thrust of the Court’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI) was to address this by making everything transparent and showing the public that they can hold everyone in the Judiciary accountable. The twin Codes, she stressed, are all about accountability.

23/09/2024

WATCH: GUGMA, IPALAPNAG TA!

Ginapangunahan ni Cong. Jam Jam Baronda ang distribution sang TESDA Toolkit padulong sa masanag nga palaabuton sang Tesda scholars.

23/09/2024

JUST IN: MPIW ANNOUNCES REVISED WATER SUPPLY SCHEDULE

Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW) announced that it will implement a temporary revised water supply schedule from Oct. 1 to 7, 2024, due to a planned preventive maintenance activity on the bulk water supply system. The adjustment will take effect starting at 8:00 AM on October 1.
This schedule aims to ensure that preventive maintenance is carried out efficiently while minimizing disruptions to customers.
“This is due to a regular preventive maintenance activity being conducted by one of its bulk water suppliers, Flowater Resources,” the MPIW said.
Regular preventive maintenance is conducted every 1-2 years to ensure maximum plant operations, hence improving the efficiency of the water supply delivery.
The revised schedule will be implemented in specific areas within MPIW's service areas.
"This is only a temporary schedule, MPIW highlighted that water supply scheduling will revert to the original schedule once Flo Water's maintenance activity is completed,” the firm’s statement read.
MPIW advises its consumers to prepare by storing enough water and planning accordingly during this period. Residents can also expect updates regarding specific timeframes for when water will be restored in their areas during the maintenance week.
MPIW also urges affected customers to store sufficient water for their needs in preparation for the intermittent water supply period.
Upon resumption of the water service, customers should let the water flow out for a few seconds until the water clears.
Below are the affected areas. Customers are also advised to visit the MPIW social media pages for the exact affected areas and the corresponding water supply schedule.

23/09/2024

DOTr, LTFRB directed to act on PUJ operators’ appeals

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) have been directed to address appeals from jeepney drivers and operators regarding the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), previously known as the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
Naealla Bainto Aguinaldo, deputy executive secretary to the Office of the President, directed Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista and Teofilo Guadez, III, LTFRB chairman, to take “appropriate action” on the resolution of the Iloilo City Council, which sought to review the implementation of program and resolve the concern raised by affected operators and drivers in the city regarding the financial viability of the said program.
These drivers and operators are seeking a review of the program's implementation, which mandates the transition to modern, eco-friendly jeepneys as part of a broader effort to upgrade the country’s public transport system.
The program has faced strong opposition from transport groups due to concerns over the financial burden of purchasing new vehicles and the impact on livelihoods. Many drivers and operators feel that the modernization plan is expensive and unaffordable, despite government subsidies. They have called for more inclusive consultations and better financing options.
The DOTr and LTFRB are now expected to carefully evaluate these concerns and ensure that the program's implementation balances modernization with the protection of the affected sectors’ welfare.

23/09/2024

WATCH: Mayor Jerry Treñas, through his spokesperson, Joy Fantilaga, issues a statement on the alleged ransacking of the Public Order Safety and Management Office over the weekend.

“The ICPO is on top of the situation. Police Col. Kim Legada has provided me with a detailed report on the incident, and I have directed him to give this matter special attention, particularly given that a government office is involved.“

22/09/2024

“Res ipsa loquitur” ❤️❤️❤️

22/09/2024

Mabilog: No regrets in entering politics

Former Iloilo City mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog admitted that politics deeply affected his personal and professional life, especially after being included on former President Rodrigo Duterte's list of "narco-politicians" in 2017.
During a recent press briefing, Mabilog likened his experience in politics to a building hammered against his head, emphasizing the heavy burdens he has faced since his initial run for public office in 2003.
Did he regret entering politics? “I have no regrets at all. Why? Look at Iloilo City now? Antes ako naging public servant, nakita ko ang Iloilo City kag nakita nyo pag pungko ko as mayor kon ano natabo sang aton nga syudad,” said Mabilog.
Mabilog's inclusion in Duterte’s list led to a political and personal downfall, forcing him to seek political asylum in the United States amid intense public scrutiny and threats to his life.
Rather than pursuing a political comeback, Mabilog stressed that he plans to use his experience in politics to help current public officials improve their towns or cities by serving as a resource speaker.
“Ang akon nga lesson nga sang una, tanan pirme gina plano ko. Plano ko sa kabuhi, plano ko sa programa, plano ko sa mga proyekto. Gali indi gid dapat akon plano, dapat plano sang Ginoo. Parehos sang natabo sa akon, way ko man to gin plano. Isa lang ka pitik sang sintas, na pulitika ako,” said Mabilog.
Mabilog also said that he would leave it up to God to decide whether he would return to politics.
“So indi na ako mag plano sang akon kabuhi, preparer lang kita tanan sa Ginoo. Kay kon ano gusto niya matabo gid ina. All you have to do is submit to the will of God and trust the Lord,” he said.

20/09/2024

WATCH: CONCERT KING JED?

Former Iloilo City mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog serenades over 7,000 beneficiaries of the DOLE Tupad program recently held at the Iloilo Sports Complex, sparking a mix of emotions among the crowd and feelings of nostalgia and admiration for his time as mayor.

The program was carried out in coordination with the office of Congresswoman Julienne "Jam-jam" Baronda, whose presence adds further political weight to the event, showing her continued influence and potential alignment with figures from Iloilo's political past.

20/09/2024

LOOK: SULONG GUGMA, SULONG ILOILO!❤️

Opisina ni Cong. Jam Baronda kag DOLE, nag hiwat sang pinakadako nga orientation para sa beneficiaries sang TUPAD Program sa Iloilo Sports Complex.

Naglab-ot sa 7,500 ka beneficiaries ang nagtambong sa orientation subong nga hapon sa Iloilo Sports Complex sa La Paz district.

Sa idalum sang programa, pulo ka adlaw nga magatrabaho ang mga beneficiaries sa apat ka oras (6am - 10am) kada adlaw kag magabaton sant P4,800 nga cash bilang sweldo.

20/09/2024

Mabilog denies house in Molo bought using ill-gotten wealth

Former Iloilo City mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog denied allegations that their house in Barangay Tap-oc, Molo, which former President Rodrigo Duterte described as a "palace" and "more grandiose" than Malacañang, was acquired using ill-gotten wealth.
In a press briefing earlier today, Mabilog clarified that their property was legally obtained when his wife, Marivic, sold their house in Canada and used the proceeds to purchase their controversial house in Barangay Tap-oc, Molo.
He said the property was declared in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), prepared by his wife. She is a Canadian resident who has worked as a businesswoman and accountant abroad for many years.
“Ginbaligya ang balay sa Canada kay gusto sang asawa ko nga mapuli diri nga mag-upo na kami nga isa ka pamilya,” said Mabilog.
Marivic's earnings have been cited as a significant source of income for the family, and both she and her husband have consistently maintained that their wealth, including the controversial house in Barangay Tap-oc, Molo, was legally obtained.
“Nag-eskwela na siya gani, nag enroll na siya sa law, second year na siya. And balay nga ginbaligya niya amo ato ang ginpapatindog diri kag gindeklarar namn sang husto sa amon nga SALN,” said Mabilog.
He stressed they declared up to the last centavo of their earnings in their SALN. “Indi ato ill-gotten wealth kundi pinangabudlayan sang asawa ko sa Canada,” he added.
Likewise, Mabilog admitted they owned several franchises of Mang Inasal food chains.
“Per okay ginpatindog ang ini nga balay,nagpauli siya (Marivic) diri, nagin estudyante, may apat kami ka tienda sang Mang Inasal sa Laguna, Santa Rosa ka gang opisina lang ang ari diri kaya para nga ang taxes sang kita didto madiretso, makabulig sa syudad,” said Mabilog.
He said they are merely a middle-class family, and not rich.
"We were just living as a simple middle-class family. We were not rich. Lantawa ninyo bala ang balay kay kon layo, kon didto sa Esplanade te dako eh, pero kon ari kamo diri, wala unod,” said
lamented Mabilog.
Mabilog, who fled the country in 2017 after being linked to illegal drugs by former President Rodrigo Duterte, was initially dismissed from office by the Office of the Ombudsman due to allegations of his alleged P8.98 million unexplained wealth.
The Court of Appeals (CA) affirmed with finality Mabilog’s dismissal from service and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
In a resolution, the CA former special 16th division affirmed its August 2018 ruling dismissing Mabilog’s motion to reverse the Office of the Ombudsman’s decision finding him guilty of grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
In 2021, however, the appeals court reversed the lifetime ban of Mabilog from public office, as it absolved him in an administrative case relative to accusations of ill-gotten wealth hurled by libel convict Manuel Mejorada.
In a 22-page decision, the CA 19th Division granted Mabilog’s petition questioning the anti-graft office's August 29, 2017 decision and February 8, 2018 order that found him guilty of serious dishonesty.
The CA also called out the Ombudsman for ignoring evidence that explained the net worth increase.

20/09/2024

WATCH: ‘MY FAITH IS BIGGER THAN MY FEAR’

Former Iloilo City mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog talks to his supporters inside his residence in Molo.

20/09/2024

WATCH: Former Iloilo City mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog is greeted by his supporters in Molo church.

19/09/2024

19/09/2024

LOOK: RETURN OF THE JED!❤️❤️

Former Iloilo City mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog poses for a souvenir photo with Cong. Julienne ‘Jam’ Baronda upon arrival at the Iloilo International Airport at 5a.m.today.

19/09/2024

WATCH: MAYOR JERRY P. TREÑAS’ REACTION TO JED MABILOG’S APPEARANCE AT THE QUAD COMMITTEE HEARING IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

"We thank Congress for allowing Jed Mabilog’s side of the story to be heard. Everyone should have access to due process and fair treatment."

19/09/2024

Mabilog: Duterte wanted me dead

Former mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog became emotional and burst into tears when he finally appeared before the House of Representatives quad committee earlier today.
“Una po sa lahat, I declare that I was not and never will be a drug protector! I don’t know personally nor did I benefit in any way from any illegal drug personality in Iloilo or anywhere else,” said Mabilog in his opening statement.
Mabilog, who served as Iloilo City's mayor from 2010 to 2017, returned to the city after his self-imposed exile in the United States.
Mabilog returned home on Sept. 10 barely seven years after he fled after being publicly accused of protecting drug lords by former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2017, a claim that he has consistently denied.
Mabilog's inclusion in Duterte's list of alleged narco-politicians led to intense scrutiny and threats, prompting his departure to ensure his safety.
“I come before you today not merely to recount my sufferings but to highlight a critical flaw in our system—one that allows law enforcement agencies to be weaponized for political purposes, that illegal drug trade stems from the ills of our society-from poverty to corruption of government institutions including our law enforcement agencies,” said Mabilog.
After attending an international speaking engagement in Japan in 2017, Mabilog said he decided not to return home after his inclusion on the drug list.
At that time, Mabilog said Duterte even assigned Police Lieutenant Colonel Jovie Espenido to Iloilo City, who warned ‘mabuhi pa kaya siya?’
“Pinalad po ako na meron akong speaking engagement sa isang international conference sa Japan kaya nakaalis ako ng bansa. Paulit-ulit ang pagbabanta ni Presidente Duterte sa media, harap-harapang sinasabi na ipapa-patay daw ako,” he said.

19/09/2024

LOOK: Mabilog proved his innocence, says Baronda

Iloilo City Lone District Cong. Julienne ‘Jam-jam’ Baronda hopes that the testimony of Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog before the House’s quad committee will “bring about justice and vindication for himself and his family, and the Ilonggo community.”
In a statement issued through her spokesperson, Pastor Stanley Flores, Baronda said Mabilog was able to prove his innocence, anticipating that his testimony may also “disabuse the minds of those who succumbed to the lie that Iloilo City was then the most shabulized city.
“I salute former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog for bravely recounting before God and country the ordeal and traumatic experience he and his family went through after he was publicly demonized and vilified as a drug protector, and threatened with assassination by the former dispensation,” said Baronda.
“As witnessed today, the dark and very painful episode in his life and that of his wife and childrenmay have taken place 7 years ago, but Mayor Mabilog’s spirit remains scarred. I pray that this opportunity granted by the Quad Committee of the House of Representatives contributes to his healing and that of his family.”

19/09/2024

MABILOG: ‘I WAS NOT AND NEVER WILL BE A DRUG PROTECTOR’

Former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog became emotional and burst into tears when he finally appeared before the House of Representative’s quad-committee hearing.
“Una po sa lahat, I declare that I was not and never will be a drug protector! I don’t know personally nor did I benefit in any way from any illegal drug personality in Iloilo or anywhere else,” said Mabilog in his opening statement.
Mabilog, who served as Iloilo City's mayor from 2010 to 2017, has been out of the country since 2017 after being linked to illegal drug activities by Duterte.
Mabilog returned home on Sept. 10 barely seven years after he fled the country after being publicly accused of protecting drug lords by former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2017, a claim that he has consistently denied.
Mabilog's inclusion in Duterte's list of alleged narco-politicians led to intense scrutiny and threats, prompting his departure to ensure his safety.
“I come before you today not merely to recount my sufferings but to highlight a critical flaw in our system—one that allows law enforcement agencies to be weaponized for political purposes,
that illegal drug trade stems from the ills of our society -from poverty to corruption of government institutions including our law enforcement agencies,” said Mabilog.

18/09/2024

JUST IN: RESUMPTION OF FACE-TO-FACE CLASSES TOMORROW, SEPT. 19, IN ILOILO CITY

Based on all available data and observations from PAGASA, Automatic Weather Stations, and other relevant weather forecasting sites, Iloilo City will still be experiencing cloudy skies with occasional rain showers and possible thunderstorms tomorrow. However, there is no significant amount of rainfall projected and all available data for projects only light rains for tomorrow.

There will be light rains prominent around 3-6 am and estimated to be intermittent throughout the day due to the prevailing Southwest Monsoon weather system. Cloud cover for Iloilo City is forecasted to peak at 62% around 8 am and is expected to have favorable weather for the rest of the day.
(Source: PAGASA, The Weather Channel, and Windy)

In this regard, due to the favorable weather conditions tomorrow September 19, 2024, the Iloilo City Emergency Operations Center does not recommend cancelation of face-to-face classes. However, the children and the general public are reminded to prepare for light drizzles and rain showers during the day. Remember to bring umbrellas, boots, and raincoats to keep yourself dry, and to prevent illnesses.

The general public is advised to closely monitor official weather updates, coordinate with your respective BDRRMCs and school management to ensure safety and minimize risks.

Be prepared and stay informed. Always stay tuned for further advisories particularly when there are changes in the forecast. (PIO)

18/09/2024

LOOK: CONG. BARONDA JOINS THE PLENARY HEARINGS OF 2025 GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS BILL

Iloilo City lone district Cong. Julienne ‘Jam’ Baronda joined the start of the plenary deliberations on the proposed P6.352-trillion national budget for Fiscal Year 2025 as contained in House Bill No. 10800 or the 2025 General Appropriations Bill.

“We support Speaker Martin Romualdez as he underscored that as stewards of the people’s trust, it is the House’s duty to ensure that the national budget is spent wisely, effectively, and with absolute accountability.

The Speaker emphasized that our national spending bill is designed to address the urgent needs of the Filipino people and shall be thoroughly scrutinized as it reflects the aspirations of the nation. It will serve as roadmap toward the country’s stability, progress, and shared prosperity.”

18/09/2024

LOOK: Iloilo City Council rejects Aboitiz’s bulk water offer

The Iloilo City Council rejected the request of Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. to authorize Mayor Jerry Treñas to sign a letter of intent (LOI) allowing the city government to secure water rights from the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project II (JRMP II).
Councilor Frances Grace Parcon, chairperson of the Committee on Rules, Styles, and Justice, presented her committee report during their session denying the company’s request for issuance of the council’s resolution granting authority to agree with the National Irrigation Authority (NIA).
“While it is true that Iloilo City is experiencing water shortage and reduced bulk water production, thus making the need for a more stable water supply urgent, we should not make rush decisions at the expense of our consumers,” read the committee report.

17/09/2024

14 City Hall coop execs sued over P31-M anomalous loan releases

The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) has filed administrative charges against 14 officers and members of the Iloilo City Government Employees Multi-purpose Cooperative (ICGEMPC). These charges are related to alleged anomalies in the release of loan transactions.
Antonio Escobar, CDA-6 director, filed the complaint against the respondents for serious dishonesty under Rule VII, Article VI (A) 8 and 9; grave misconduct under Rule VII, Article VI (B); disgraceful conduct under Rule VII, Article V (D); inefficiency under Rule VII, Article V (F); and violation of Article 39 and gross negligence or bad faith to Article 45 of Republic Act 9520, an act that amends the Cooperative Code of the Philippines.
Named respondents to the complaints are Leo Elevencione, former ICGEMPC chairman; Salome Villamor, Vice Chairman; and Board Members Cherie Ampig, Harriette Solis, Carmelita Orat, and Josie Castillo; Angelita Alvarez, audit committee chairman; Johana Pauline Vidal, audit committee member; Carmelita Garbillos, credit committee chairman; Evangeline de Juan, credit committee member/loan clerk; Irene Duliesco, general manager; Margaret Malban, bookkeeper; and Joy Bersamin, treasurer.
The case stemmed from the investigation the CDA Central Office aunched against officers and personnel of ICGEMPC over the irregular release of loans.
The agency probe centered on the cooperative’s governance, financial aspects, and other related issues.
ICGEMPC suffered huge financial losses due to dubious loan transactions that amounted to a whooping P31 million, which resulted in the reduction of the capital share of its members.
After conducting a special examination, the CDA’s evaluation team found out that some loan transactions of the cooperative lacked regular monitoring of the officers in the operation of the cooperative.
These include the granting of loans to the manager, treasurer, bookkeeper, and other staff, several times in a month.
The CDA’s audit team also discovered significant amounts of past due loans of the management staff, such as the treasurer, general manager, bookkeeper, loan officer, and staff based on the copy of the ledgers submitted by the examination team.

17/09/2024

WILL JED MABILOG SEEK EXECUTIVE CLEMENCY?

Talks are rife that former city mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog may seek executive clemency to allow him to run for public office once again.
Mabilog, who fled the country in 2017 after being linked to illegal drugs by former President Rodrigo Duterte, was initially dismissed from office by the Office of the Ombudsman due to allegations of his alleged P8.98 million unexplained wealth.
The Court of Appeals (CA) affirmed with finality Mabilog’s dismissal from service and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
In a resolution, the CA former special 16th division affirmed its August 2018 ruling dismissing Mabilog’s motion to reverse the Office of the Ombudsman’s decision finding him guilty of grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
In 2021, however, the appeals court reversed the lifetime ban of Mabilog from public office, as it absolved him in an administrative case relative to accusations of ill-gotten wealth hurled by libel convict Manuel Mejorada.
In a 22-page decision, the CA 19th Division granted Mabilog’s petition questioning the anti-graft office's August 29, 2017 decision and February 8, 2018 order that found him guilty of serious dishonesty.
The CA also called out the Ombudsman for ignoring evidence that explained the net worth increase. In resolving Mejorada's complaint, the Ombudsman found that Mabilog failed to explain how his net worth grew by P8.98 million between 2012 and 2013.
Mabilog failed to show proof of his wife’s huge income as a corporate comptroller in Canada, and the income of the business interests he disclosed in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs), the anti-graft office said.
But the CA disagreed with the Ombudsman, saying there was “no plausible explanation” to ignore the 2013 tax returns of Mabilog.
The appellate court gave weight to Mabilog's 2013 tax returns, which were accompanied by an affidavit of attestation executed by Mabilog’s wife and a certificate of authentication issued by the Philippine vice-consul in Canada.
“Absent any intent to commit a wrong, and having accounted for the source of the ‘unexplained wealth,’ one cannot be adjudged guilty of dishonesty,” the CA ruling stated.
Executive clemency, if granted, could clear any legal impediment for Mabilog to reenter the political arena, allowing him to regain eligibility to hold public office.
But Mabilog cannot run for any local elective post unless he can secure executive clemency before the filing of his certificate of candidacy (CoC) scheduled on Oct. 1 to 8, 2024.
The obstacle that bars Mabilog from running again for mayor is contained in Section 40(b) of the Local Government Code, which provides that those removed from office as a result of an administrative case are disqualified from holding public office.

17/09/2024

Health advocate and cardiologist Willie Ong, popularly known as Doc Willie, disclosed that he had experienced another life-threatening condition, following his sarcoma cancer diagnosis.

In his latest vlog uploaded Monday, Ong revealed that he was diagnosed with neutropenic sepsis on September 7, 2024, due to his very low white blood cell count, one of the side effects of his chemotherapy.

He was discharged from the hospital on September 13, 2024.I via Philstar
(YouTube/Doc Willie Ong)

16/09/2024

LOOK: TRIPLE Js SA 2025?

Mabilog still a ‘worthy’ opponent, admits Treñas

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas has acknowledged former mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog as a “worthy opponent” in politics.
In his press briefing today, Treñas expressed that if Mabilog were to return to local politics, it would make for a formidable and respectable rivalry.
“All our political opponents are worthy. My rule is that when it comes to politics, dapat politika lbg gid. We will do our best and we cannot say that we are strong kag indi ta pag tuod tuodon ang ubra ta. Basta politika, tuod tuodon gid na ya,” said Treñas.
Mabilog returned home on Sept. 10 barely seven years after he fled the country after being publicly accused of protecting drug lords by former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2017, a claim that he has consistently denied.
Mabilog's inclusion in Duterte's list of alleged narco-politicians led to intense scrutiny and threats, prompting his departure to ensure his safety.
Mabilog is set to testify in the House of Representatives’ quad-committee the hearing this week. The quad-committee has conducted a series of hearings on the proliferation of drugs and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) under the administration of Duterte.
Duterte tagged Iloilo City as the country’s “most shabulized” city and the “bedrock of illegal drugs” after accusing Mabilog of being a “drug protector.”

15/09/2024

2024 Bar takers told: ‘Believe in the power of your resilience, perseverance’

Some 10,483 aspiring lawyers will finish today their three-day digitalized and regionalized Bar exams, arguably the toughest professional licensure test in the country.
Supreme Court Associate and 2024 Bar chair Mario Lopez, has shared a brief inspiring message to the 2024 Bar examinees.
“To the Bar candidates, you are on the brink of turning your dreams into a reality. You’ve come this far because you already have what it takes. By this time, believe in the power of your preparation and the strength of your resilience and perseverance,” said Lopez.
“It is understandable that you feel tired and anxious. Your studies and review have brought you unprecedented pressures, but the exhaustion and anxieties are small pains compared to the lifetime of glory that awaits you,” he added.
Out of more than 12,000 registered applicants, about 10,483 examinees showed up on the first day of the Bar examination last Sept.8, according to Supreme Court Associate Justice Mario Lopez, this year’s Bar chair.
Lopez explained that several applicants were still finishing their final year in law school or taking refresher courses.
“Unfortunately, some did not graduate and encountered unforeseen circumstances that led to withdrawals,” Lopez said in a recent press briefing at San Beda College in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
Of the 10,483 examinees, only half or 5,234 are new applicants, 4,060 are previous takers, and 1,189 are refreshers, or those who failed thrice during the last exams.
The youngest examinee is 23 years old and the oldest is 78, which reflects the “wide range of individuals aspiring to join the legal profession,” Lopez said. Females outnumbered male examinees at a ratio of 6,108 to 4,375.
Likewise, Lopez said the Supreme Court accommodated 155 senior citizens and 313 examinees with special needs “to ensure that everyone has a fair opportunity to demonstrate their qualifications.” I via Gerome Dalipe/IFR