National

Dad of slain lawyer to NUPL: ‘Sana ang anak ko na ang huli, huling biktima’

Published

1 year ago

March 8, 2024

Jerome Carlo Paunan of Philippine Information Agency

Photo by NTF-ELCAC Media Bureau

“Sana ang anak ko na ang huli, huling biktima.”

This was the grieving message of Mr. Eutropio Cesista to the group National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) whose young daughter Hannah Jay was killed in a recent encounter between state forces and the New People’s Army (NPA) in Bohol.

The elder Cesista, during an interview with the media, believed his daughter was a victim of recruitment and radicalization by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

“Ang medyo may hinanakit lang ako kaunti lang doon sa sinalihan niya na pinipigilan ko pero pumilit siya, ‘yung NUPL. Pumayag ako na sumali siya dahil ang explain sa akin na lawyer daw ‘yung mga kasamahan niya kaya pumayag ako tapos sabi ko mag-ingat ka” he said.

He had reservations about his daughter joining the organization but eventually allowed her and advised her to be cautious.

“Isa lang alam ko, member siya ng NUPL, other than that blanko ako”, he said.

Cesista admitted, though, that Hannah joining the NPA stunned the family.

“Napakasakit, walang kasing sakit ang nadarama ng tulad ng nadarama namin,” he continued.

Obviously deep in anguish, Cesista said her daughter’s educational attainment as a bar passer was everyone’s dream for him, his wife, and their eldest daughter.

“Parang nasa tuktok na, biglang bumagsak,” he said.

Meanwhile, National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Executive Director and Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. strongly criticized NUPL for the latter’s attempt to distort facts about the Bohol encounter that led to the death of the young Cesista.

As reported by various media outlets, NUPL has peddled a scenario that the terrorists were tortured and summarily executed.

On February 23, 2024, state forces from the military and police engaged a rebel group at around 6:50 a.m. in Sitio Matin-ao 2, Barangay Campagao in the town of Bilar. The soldiers and policemen went to the rebels’ hideout to serve a warrant of arrest of Domingo Jaspe Compoc alias Silong, a known leader of the New People’s Army (NPA). Compoc was wanted for a string of criminal cases like rebellion, homicide, multiple murder, and robbery and had a P2.6 million government’s bounty for his capture.

Killed during the firefight was Police Corporal Gilbert Amper. Patrolman Gerard Rollon was wounded. On the NPA side, Compoc perished along with Parlito Segovia alyas Aldrin, Marlon Omosura alyas Darwin, a certain Juaning, and surprisingly, Hanna Jay Cesista alyas Maya/Lean.

Data showed the recovery of high-powered firearms such as an M653, R4 and M16 assault rifles and 3 cal. 45 pistols, all from the communist terrorists.

“NUPL’s unfounded accusation is not only preposterous but also a deliberate attempt to cover up one of its members as an armed NPA combatant” Torres said.

Torres then challenged the group demanding an explanation for why one of its members was involved with the NPA.

“Such disinformation being peddled by the group to the media and therefore the public not only violates the lawyer’s code of ethics and professional responsibility but also a deliberate travesty of justice,” he said.

He reminded the group of possible legal implications of spreading disinformation, particularly by individuals or organizations entrusted with upholding the principles of justice and truth.

“We challenge NUPL to explain to the legal community, in particular, and to the Filipino people, in general, why one of its members was a communist terrorist. The burden of proof rests on them. There is no amount of disinformation and deception to obfuscate the evidence that one NUPL member died during a legitimate encounter between government troops and the NPA,” Torres said.

“Read between the lines, indeed. The radicalization and recruitment of Cesista into the NPA underwent a premeditated and arduous ideological indoctrination by communist front organizations (CFOs), Torres, referring to the statements issued by the Cesista elder, added.

He explained that continuing along the path of rebellion leads to fruitless outcomes and perpetuates conflict, whereas embracing dialogue and reconciliation offers a more promising way forward.

“Furthermore, people who continue to be involved with the NPA run a great chance of becoming involved in illegal activities and being exposed to dangerous situations that could endanger their lives. By opting for peaceful avenues of engagement and seeking solutions through lawful channels, individuals can safeguard their well-being and contribute to the overall stability of our nation”, Torres said. (PR)

News credit to: Philippine Information Agency (PIA)

National

Senate Proposes July 30 Start for VP Sara Duterte’s Impeachment Trial

Published

1 month ago

February 27, 2025

News Team

Photo by Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Senate has proposed to start the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on July 30, following a structured pre-trial process to ensure a fair and orderly proceeding, Senate President Francis Escudero announced on Thursday.

Escudero confirmed that preparations would begin on June 2, when the Senate resumes session. Prosecutors will present the Articles of Impeachment, and senators will approve revised trial rules.

On June 3, the Impeachment Court will convene, and senator judges will take their oaths. By June 4, the Senate is expected to issue a summons to Duterte.

From June 14 to 24, the prosecution and defense will exchange legal pleadings. Pre-trial proceedings will take place from June 24 to July 25, establishing the trial framework and organizing the presentation of evidence.

With the 20th Congress set to open on July 28, after the May 12 midterm elections, newly elected senators will take their oaths on July 29, officially seating them as Impeachment Court judges. The trial will begin on July 30, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.

Escudero said the Senate is implementing security measures, logistical arrangements, and legal preparations to prevent delays.

“We are ensuring that all necessary resources – from security protocols to legal support – are in place before proceedings begin,” he said.

The Senate has procured robes for senator judges, improved court documentation procedures, and engaged external legal consultants to assist in the case.

The House of Representatives transmitted the verified impeachment complaint against Duterte to the Senate on Feb. 5, triggering its constitutional role as an Impeachment Court.

Escudero assured the public that the Senate will uphold due process and impartiality throughout the proceedings.

“The integrity of this impeachment trial is paramount. We are duty-bound to conduct the process with professionalism and transparency,” he said. (PIA)

National

Former Senator Trillanes Files 2nd Plunder Case Against FPRRD and Sen. Go Over Frigate Deal

Published

8 months ago

August 8, 2024

News Team

Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV shows a copy of his plunder complaint files. Photo by Inquirer.net

MANILA — Former President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Bong Go are facing a second plunder complaint filed by former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV. This new complaint, submitted to the Department of Justice, is connected to the P16-billion Philippine Navy Frigate Acquisition Project (FAP) from 2016.

Trillanes, who is running for mayor of Caloocan City, also accused Duterte and Go of graft, culpable violation of the Constitution, and betrayal of public trust. Additional individuals named in the complaint include former defense undersecretary Raymundo Elefante, former budget undersecretary Lloyd Christopher Lao, retired Navy Admiral Robert Empedrad, former Department of National Defense acquisition chief Leodegario Dela Paz, FAP legal officer Marlon Dayao, and Hyundai Heavy Industries officers Kisun Chung, Ki Young Sung, Joung Woo Byun, and Sandra Han.

Allegations of Intervention and Ill-Gotten Wealth

Trillanes alleges that Duterte and Go intervened in the selection of the Combat Management System (CMS) for the frigates, favoring Hyundai Heavy Industries against the recommendations of the FAP Project Management Team and the Philippine Navy. This intervention supposedly led to the selection of a CMS by South Korean firm Hanhwa, against the objections of the Navy.

The complaint claims that this intervention resulted in significant financial gains for the respondents, with at least P50 million of ill-gotten wealth, meeting the threshold for plunder. Trillanes highlighted a P700 million price difference in the CMS deal for the BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Antonio Luna from the original P16 billion budget.

Political Implications and Responses

Trillanes argues that the current political environment is more conducive to pursuing these cases, implying that they would have been dismissed during Duterte’s presidency. He is calling for a preliminary investigation and subsequent court action by the DOJ.

Senator Bong Go has dismissed the accusations as “rehashed” and “black propaganda” aimed at influencing upcoming elections. He noted that a previous Senate investigation found no anomalies in the frigate deal and that Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana had cleared him of any wrongdoing.

“This issue has once again been rehashed and recycled for obvious politicking purposes. This is a clear case of destructive politics and a sure sign of desperation out to malign me and the former President. Nevertheless, I welcome these moves to finally put an end to these lies,” Go stated.

Source: ABS-CBN News, Inquirer.net

National

VP Sara, Thanks to the Indigenous People and Moro Who Expressed Their Willingness to Ensure Her Safety

Published

8 months ago

August 8, 2024

News Team

VP Inday Sara Thanks to the Indigenous People and Moro Who Expressed Their Willingness to Ensure Her Safety Photo

Photo by Sara Duterte Official Facebook Page

Here is the Vice President’s message translated into English:

MESSAGE FOR MY MUSLIM BROTHERS AND SISTERS

August 7, 2024

To my Muslim brothers and sisters,

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my fellow citizens who belong to the six Muslim Tribes from Davao City.

Thank you very much to my brothers and sisters from Iranun, Kagan, Maguindanao, Maranao, Sama, and Tausug for fearlessly expressing your support and willingness to help ensure me and my family’s safety.

There are no words to express my gratitude to you.

However, at this point, my personal security is not what’s important, but the safety of our nation.

The Philippines should be led by people who have the compassion and ability to promote good governance and national development. Unfortunately, the Philippines is currently led by people who lack commitment to their sworn duties. This results in a pervasive fear for the future of our children.

As an archipelago hit by typhoons annually, the Philippines should have a comprehensive plan and robust infrastructure against disasters. However, the current administration admits that we do not even have a flood-control master plan.

The Philippines should have a healthcare system that truly protects every Filipino’s health and reduces medical expenses during disasters. However, the current administration is taking funds from PhilHealth, which should be strengthening the system, to use for non-health-related matters.

The Philippines should have representatives in Congress who understand the true cause of the police-to-population ratio shortage — a figure that cannot be solved within our lifetime due to the annually increasing population and lack of budgetary resources to hire more personnel. The country should have representatives who understand that, to fully address the shortage, there is a need to leverage available technology and advance into a future where policemen are equipped with the best security products that do not always require their physical presence. However, the current administration has representatives who, instead of passing progressive laws, insist on meddling in other issues.

The Philippines should have airport officials striving to achieve world-class facilities that prioritize the security and privacy of all passengers, especially minors. However, the current administration has airport officials who remain silent on security threats and fail to conduct thorough investigations when there are threats, such as publicly releasing video footage, flight details, and other sensitive passenger information, including that of minors.

The Philippines, as a free nation, should stand against foreign interference in our domestic affairs. However, the current administration quickly bows down and complies with the desires and meddling of foreigners, such as the ICC.

My fellow citizens, with the hard work and talent of Filipinos, our country should be leading among our neighboring countries.

However, the current administration has left the Philippines hungry, suffering, and sinking due to deceptive practices to secure positions of power.

We are tired of seeing our nation left behind, treated as insignificant, unappealing, and subservient to other races. We, Filipinos, deserve more than what we are hearing and seeing from the government right now. We, Filipinos, deserve better.

We, Filipinos, should be the best.

Allahu Akbar!

Shukran.
SARA Z. DUTERTE
Vice President of the Philippines