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

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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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In response to legal action taken by Lenka’s team, Shaira Moro’s agency voluntarily removed her viral hit song “Selos” from streaming platforms due to copyright concerns.  The song, which gained popularity on TikTok, utilized the melody from Lenka’s “Trouble Is a Friend” without proper authorization. Moro’s recording label, AHS Channel, confirmed the infringement and stated that they are in contact with Lenka’s team to secure a cover license for “Selos.” Despite the setback, Moro’s agency expressed gratitude to fans and hinted at upcoming original music releases from the rising singer.

AHS Channel acknowledged the unauthorized use of Lenka’s melody and is actively working to secure a cover license for the song. Despite this setback, they expressed pride in Moro’s rising success and teased upcoming original music releases. The agency thanked fans for their support and hoped for continued love and acceptance upon the re-upload of “Selos” once proper licensing is obtained.

Shaira appeals to fans to stop hate comments vs Lenka

‘Shaira, the “Queen of Bangsamoro Pop,” stated that Lenka’s team has been in close coordination with them while dealing with the copyright issues surrounding her song “Selos.” she also noted that she understands her fans’ sentiments and expressed gratitude for their support. She also emphasized that Lenka did the right thing.

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“I also want you to know that Lenka’s team approached us politely, and that they talked to us in an appropriate manner. We know that they just did what’s right and lawful.” 

“I hope that the bashing and hate comments thrown at her will stop, and that we instead show the public that we are peace-loving citizens. Let’s just spread good vibes.” 

Source: gmanetwork, inquirer

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