THE Philippine government has yet to receive a formal extradition request from the US government for Apollo Quiboloy, founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), despite his facing serious charges in the US, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on Wednesday.
DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo, during a Senate panel probing Quiboloy’s alleged abuses, stated that while the Philippines has an extradition treaty with the US, no formal request has been received to date.
Quiboloy is facing charges of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, sex trafficking of children, conspiracy, and bulk cash smuggling in the US. A US court issued a warrant for his arrest in November 2021.
Quiboloy surrendered to Philippine authorities in September this year following a 24-hour ultimatum and days of police searches at the KOJC compound in Davao City.
While the US Department of Justice (DOJ) has declined to comment on extradition matters, the DFA has outlined its process for handling such requests. Should a request be received, the DFA will first verify its compliance with procedures before referring it to the Department of Justice for action.
Meanwhile, Manalo also revealed that no foreign service posts in the US have received any requests or assistance from individuals claiming to be victims of human trafficking related to Quiboloy’s case.
The absence of a formal extradition request from the US leaves the legal status of Quiboloy in the Philippines uncertain, prompting questions about the next steps in the case.
The Philippine government has still not received a formal request from the US government to extradite Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy for him to face his charges there, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Wednesday.
“As you know the Philippines has an extradition treaty with the United States of America. I wish to report that as to this date, the DFA has not received a formal extradition request,” DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo told a Senate panel probing Quiboloy’s alleged abuses.
Quiboloy is facing charges of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, and sex trafficking of children; conspiracy; and bulk cash smuggling in the United States. He was issued a warrant of arrest by a US court in November 2021.
Quiboloy turned himself in to government authorities in September this year after he was given an ultimatum to yield within 24 hours following days of police search in KOJC compound in Davao City.
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) earlier said as a matter of policy,it will not comment on extradition matters. Should the government receive a request, Manalo said the DFA will first look into whether a request is in accordance with the procedure. Afterward the agency will refer it to the Department of Justice for action.
Meanwhile, Manalo said that no foreign service posts in the US has received any request or assistance from individuals who may be victims of human trafficking in relation to Quiboloy’s case.
Nograles, Duterte undergo hair follicle drug tests amid political rivalry
PBA party-list lawmaker Migs Nograles and Davao City Representative Paolo Duterte both underwent hair follicle drug tests on Wednesday, seemingly in response to a growing political rivalry.
Nograles, who is challenging Duterte for the Davao City First District Representative seat in next year’s elections, took the test in a laboratory in her hometown of Davao City, the Dutertes’ political stronghold.
“This is for accountability, transparency,” Nograles told reporters, downplaying the challenge posed by Duterte. Duterte, meanwhile, took the same test in Mandaluyong City.
Nograles welcomed Duterte’s decision to take an updated drug test after he challenged her to do the same by releasing a video of his August 2024 hair follicle drug test. “I haven’t seen him in Davao, but at least we were able to do it (take the drug test), even if not in the same area,” Nograles added.
The two politicians, daughter of late speaker Prospero Nograles and son of former president Rodrigo Duterte respectively, are now locked in a high-stakes political battle for the Davao City First District seat. The drug tests, while seemingly routine, are seen as a move to bolster their respective campaigns and address concerns about their fitness for office.
Nograles, Duterte take drug tests
PBA party-list lawmaker Migs Nograles subjected herself to a hair follicle drug test in Davao City on Wednesday, meeting the challenge posed by Davao City Representative Paolo Duterte.
Nograles, who will be running for Davao City First District Representative against Duterte next year, took the drug test in a laboratory in her hometown of Davao City, the bailiwick of the Dutertes.
“At the end of the day, I don’t take it as a challenge. This is for accountability, transparency,” Nograles told reporters.
Duterte also took the same hair follicle drug test in Mandaluyong City also on Wednesday.
Nograles said it is good that Duterte decided to take an updated drug test after challenging her to do the same by releasing a video of an August 2024 hair follicle drug test.
“I haven’t seen him in Davao, but at least we were able to do it (take the drug test), even if not in the same area,” Nograles added.
Nograles is the daughter of late Speaker Prospero Nograles while Duterte is the son of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Quad Comm subpoenas Bong Go’s aide, 6 others named in Garma affidavit
THE House Quad Comm has issued a show cause order for seven individuals, including a close aide of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, to explain why they should not be cited for contempt after failing to attend Tuesday’s hearing despite receiving invitations.
The individuals named are Irmina Espino, Peter Parungo, Rommel Bactat, Rodel Cerbo, Michael Palma, Lester Berganio and Sanson Buenaventura, all mentioned by former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office General Manager Royina Garma in her affidavit confirming a police reward system during the brutal war on drugs under former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
Garma’s testimony revealed that the drug war operated through a reward system incentivizing police officers to kill individuals on Duterte’s controversial “drug list,” contributing to thousands of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) and human rights violations.
As a retired police officer with close ties to Duterte, Garma detailed how the campaign was executed under the former president’s direct orders, with Go and retired Police Col. Edilberto Leonardo playing key roles.
She explained that the nationwide campaign replicated the “Davao Model” used when Duterte was mayor, compensating officers only for killings during operations, with cash rewards ranging from ₱20,000 to ₱1 million based on the target.
Garma recalled that shortly after Duterte was elected president in 2016, he asked her to find a Philippine National Police (PNP) officer to implement the war on drugs, leading her to recommend Leonardo, chief of the PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Region 11.
Leonardo later became Undersecretary at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Commissioner of the National Police Commission (Napolcom).
Garma testified that Leonardo formed a task force with operatives like Bactat, Cerbo and Palma, responsible for intelligence gathering and overseeing police operations.
Reports were processed by Berganio, who maintained a list of drug personalities for Leonardo to evaluate and assign rewards.
Espino, known as “Muking” or “Moking,” was identified by Garma as a key figure in the financial operations.
A staff member in Go’s office during Duterte’s term as Davao mayor, Espino reportedly continued to work with Go as an Assistant Secretary at the Office of the Special Assistant to the President.
Garma revealed that Espino contacted her for Leonardo’s contact details and later became instrumental in financial transactions related to the rewards.
Garma noted that the task force’s initial structure was simplified over time, and although she had limited involvement, she facilitated early meetings between Go and Leonardo.
Garma also disclosed that the national drug trade was embedded within the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), recounting a conversation she overheard between Leonardo and BuCor officer Supt. Gerardo Padilla about drug activities in the Davao Penal Colony.
She specifically named Peter Lim as being involved in the drug network in the Visayas, underscoring the extensive control drug lords had over operations across the country.
Tropical Storm Kristine claims lives in Bicol region
THE aftermath of Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) has left a trail of devastation in the Bicol Region, with three confirmed deaths reported by the Police Regional Office 5 (PRO5) on Wednesday.
Police Brigadier General Andre Perez Dizon, Bicol regional police chief, revealed that one person remains missing and six others sustained injuries as of 6 a.m. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported one fatality in Palanas, Masbate, where a falling tree branch struck a victim.
The OCD also reported seven missing individuals, including three fishermen from San Fernando, Masbate, three from Daanbantayan, Cebu, and one from Pilar, Cebu. Five people were injured, including four in Northern Samar and one in Labo, Camarines Norte, who was involved in a vehicular accident.
While the NDRRMC reported slightly lower numbers, with only three missing individuals in Bicol and one injured, the impact of the storm is undeniable. A total of 382,302 individuals or 77,910 families have been affected across Bicol, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, and Zamboanga Peninsula.
Over 12,000 people are currently seeking refuge in evacuation centers, with hundreds more staying in alternative shelters. The NDRRMC reported floods, landslides, vehicular accidents, and uprooted trees across the affected regions.
The storm has also caused significant damage, including 57 houses (49 partially and eight totally) and one structure. Power outages have been reported in 36 areas, along with communication line issues in one area.
Due to the storm’s impact, 34 seaports across various regions have suspended operations, stranding thousands of passengers, cargo vehicles, vessels, and motorized bancas. Classes in 602 areas and work schedules in 164 areas have also been suspended.
Authorities have provided P169,685 worth of assistance to victims.
Three people were reported dead in Bicol Region due to the impact of Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami), according to the Police Regional Office 5 (PRO5) on Wednesday.
Bicol regional police chief Police Brigadier General Andre Perez Dizon told reporters about the development, adding that one person was missing and six others were injured as of 6 a.m.
In a situation briefing with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday morning, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported that one person was reported dead in Palanas, Masbate after getting hit by a falling tree branch.
According to OCD data, seven people were reported missing, including three in San Fernando, Masbate who went fishing; three in Daanbantayan, Cebu; and one in Pilar, Cebu.
Five people were injured including four in Northern Samar, and one in Labo, Camarines Norte who figured in a vehicular accident, the OCD said.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), meanwhile, reported fewer figures with only three people missing in Bicol.
In its 8 a.m. report, the NDRRMC also said one person was reported injured in the region.
A total of 382,302 individuals or 77,910 families have been affected by Kristine in Bicol, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, and Zamboanga Peninsula, the NDRRMC said.
Of the affected population, 12,334 people or 3,095 families were staying in evacuation centers while 364 people or 96 families were taking shelter in other places.
The NDRRMC said floods, landslides, a vehicular accident, and an uprooted tree were reported in the affected regions.
Fifty-seven houses were damaged, 49 partially and eight totally. One structure was also damaged.
Power outages were experienced in 36 areas and communication line issues were reported in one area.
Operations in 34 seaports in CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol, Central Visayas, and Eastern Visayas were suspended due to Kristine. As a result, a total of 4,753 passengers, 703 rolling cargoes, 26 vessels, and 13 motorized bancas were stranded.
Classes in 602 areas and work schedules in 164 areas have been suspended due to the threat of Kristine, according to the NDRRMC report.
So far, a total of P169,685 worth of assistance has been provided to victims.
Speaker attributes drop in self-rated poverty, hunger to PBBM’s anti-poverty efforts
SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Wednesday welcomed the latest decline in self-rated poverty of OCTA Research, saying the efforts of the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. in addressing poverty through a whole-of-government approach is slowly bearing fruit.
Speaker Romualdez lauded the Marcos administration for the latest Tugon ng Masa (TNM) survey results from OCTA Research, which showed a significant decrease in self-rated poverty and hunger levels during the third quarter of 2024.
“The reforms and programs being implemented by President Marcos Jr.’s administration are now bearing fruit. The latest survey shows that over a million Filipino families no longer consider themselves poor, which can only mean one thing: the Marcos administration is succeeding in its mission to reduce poverty,” Speaker Romualdez said.
“Atin pong ikinagagalak ang magandang balitang ito. Hindi po nasasayang ang ating pagsisikap na mai-ahon ang ating mga kababayan sa Bagong Pilipinas campaign ng ating mahal na pangulo,” the leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives said.
The OCTA Research survey, conducted from Aug. 28 to Sept. 2, 2024, revealed a 5-percentage point drop in self-rated poverty, with an estimated 1.4 million Filipino families now considering themselves “not poor.”
Additionally, self-rated hunger also fell from 16% to 11%, meaning approximately 1.3 million families no longer experience hunger.
“Despite the global challenges brought about by conflicts and supply chain disruptions, our administration continues to prioritize the welfare of the people, especially the marginalized,” Speaker Romualdez said.
“Nakikita na natin ang resulta ng mga programa ng Pangulong Marcos, at ito ay nagbibigay ng pag-asa sa mas maraming pamilyang Pilipino,” he added.
Speaker Romualdez emphasized the Marcos administration’s targeted support programs, including food assistance and social safety nets, have been instrumental in lifting Filipino families out of poverty.
He highlighted the government’s focus on ensuring that no Filipino is left behind, especially during these trying times.
“President Marcos has been consistent in his vision of building a resilient economy, one that is capable of withstanding the pressures of international disruptions. Through the administration’s interventions, we are seeing the positive impact on the lives of ordinary Filipinos,” Speaker Romualdez explained.
“Dito sa Kongreso, patuloy nating susuportahan ang mga pagsisikap ng administrasyon ni Pangulong Marcos sa pamamagitan ng pagpapasa ng mga panukalang magsusulong ng economic growth at dagdag social protection sa ating mga kababayan,” he added.
Speaker Romualdez also commended the administration’s approach to addressing food insecurity, which has led to the significant reduction in self-rated hunger.
He noted that the success of these programs should inspire continued support from both the public and private sectors.
“As we move forward, it is essential for everyone – government, private sector and civil society – to work hand in hand to sustain the momentum of our economic recovery. Dapat nating tiyakin na mas maraming pamilya ang makikinabang sa pag-unlad ng ating ekonomiya,” Speaker Romualdez said.
“Tuluy-tuloy ang suporta ng Kongreso sa mga polisiya at programa na makakatulong sa ating mga kababayan. We are committed to ensuring that the Marcos administration’s vision of a more equitable and prosperous Philippines becomes a reality,” he further stated.
“We have started to see the positive changes, but this is only the beginning. With sustained efforts, we can further reduce poverty and provide more opportunities for our people to thrive.”
PAGTAAS NG FDIS MAGDADALA NG MAS MARAMING TRABAHO – NOGRALES
JOEL O. AMONGO
PINURI ng chairman ng House of Representatives labor and employment committee ang pagtaas ng ‘foreign direct investments’ (FDIS) sa bansa na makatutulong para magkaroon ng mas maraming trabaho para sa mga Pilipino.
Sa datos na inilabas ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas kamakailan, lumalabas na ang FDI net inflows noong Hulyo 2024 ay tumaas ng 5.5 percent hanggang $820 million mula sa $778-million net inflows na naitala noong Hulyo 2023. Ito na ang pinakamataas na naitala mula sa $1.366 billion noong Pebrero ngayong taon.
“I am glad that other countries see the viability of business in the Philippines, and we must give credit to the national government led by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. for their efforts in convincing foreign partners to invest in nation,” ani Rizal 4th District Rep. Fidel Nograles.
Binigyan-diin ng mambabatas ang kahalagahan ng FDIs sa pagbuo ng trabaho lalo na bilang maramihang mamumuhunan ay nakadirekta sa sektor ng pagmamanupaktura, real estate at iba pang industriya.
Ang pagmamanupaktura ay nakapagtala ng 71 percent noong Hulyo 2024 FDIs, habang ang real estate ay 17 percent at iba pang industriya ay 12 percent.
Samantala sa datos ng BSP, lumalabas din na mula Enero hanggang Hulyo umabot sa 76 percent ang pagmamanupaktura, kasunod ng iba pang industriya na nakapag-ambag ng 13 percent, at real estate na may 10 percent.
“The surge of FDIs in these sectors, particularly in manufacturing which is one of the most important drivers of economic transformation, will help us scale up our output and create higher-value products, meaning there will be more and better jobs for Filipinos,” dagdag pa ni Nograles.
Optimisko ring ipinahayag ni Nograles na ang pamahalaan ay patuloy sa kanilang mga pagsisikap na alisin ang mga hadlang sa pamumuhunan ng dayuhan sa bansa.
“I believe that the government is intent on addressing deterrents such as taxes, high power rates, and red tape to encourage more foreign investors,” pahabol pa ng batang mambabatas.
