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The PACQ Saga : Justice in the works

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CLEMELLE L. MONTALLANA,DM, CESE ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR III
CLEMELLE L. MONTALLANA,DM, CESE
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR III

If only denials and the invoking of rights against self-incriminations made by people are enough to take away their sins . Then the hearing and the secrets being revealed every time can be simply shrugged off as a television movie or series, but the public is discerning enough to knew that. They knew when you are right or wrong.

Quiboloy’s alleged victims have bravely come forward, revealing their real identities during Senate hearings. These hearings have been a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice, as the victims faced Quiboloy for the first time, shedding light on the harrowing experiences they endured. The testimonies of these survivors have been crucial in building a case against Quiboloy, who has vehemently denied all accusations.

The legal system is now actively working to hold Quiboloy accountable for his actions. He faces multiple charges, including non-bailable qualified human trafficking and violations of the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act. The Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality has been instrumental in pushing forward the investigation, ensuring that the voices of the victims are heard and their stories validated1.

1www.gmanetwork.com2newsinfo.inquirer.net3www.msn.com disclosed that:

The recent developments in the Quiboloy case highlight the importance of a robust legal system in addressing crimes of such magnitude. The courage of the victims to come forward and the dedication of the authorities to pursue justice serve as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the pursuit of truth.

As the legal proceedings continue, the nation watches closely, hoping for a just resolution that will bring closure to the victims and serve as a deterrent to others who might commit similar crimes. The Quiboloy saga is a reminder that no one is above the law, and that justice, though sometimes slow, will eventually prevail.

When a congregation infuse fears and covers with lies, evil prevails. When the fear and covers are removed, the truth comes and later healing does.

Army’s Reserve Command holds convention for RRU commanders, ROTC forum in Visayas

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The Philippine Army’s Reserve Command (RESCOM) recently held significant events in the Visayas region aimed at bolstering the capabilities and coordination of its Reserve Force on October 26-27, 2024.

The events included a convention for Ready Reserve Unit (RRU) commanders and a forum for Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) leaders simultaneously conducted at the 301st Infantry Brigade Headquarters, Camp Hernandez, Dingle, Iloilo

The RRU Convention and Leveling focused on equipping Reserve Unit Commanders with the latest policies and procedures in Reserve Force Management. The event aimed to enhance their understanding of how to effectively support Infantry Divisions and Brigades. RRU commanders from the 6th, 7th, and 8th Regional Community Defense Groups (RCDGs) participated in the event.

The convention featured presentations and discussions on a range of topics, including the Reserve Force Development Program, RESCOM Command Thrusts and Accomplishments, the Command Relationship/Role of Ready Reserve Infantry Brigades and Battalions, and the 3ID Campaign Plan and Reserve Force Development Program. Following the discussions, the Civil-Military Operations Regiment (CMOR) facilitated workshops and presentations of outputs.

Meanwhile, the ROTC Forum was centered on RCDG Operational Evaluation. It brought together ROTC Commandants and Corps Commanders from these units to discuss strategies for promoting cohesion, aligning efforts across units, and enhancing operational readiness. The forum included interactive discussions and workshops.

Both events were attended by Major General Romulo Manuel Jr, Commander, RESCOM; Brigadier General Benjamin Hao, Commander of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment; Colonel Lennon Babilonia, the 3rd Infantry Division’s Assistant Division Commander for Reservist and Retiree Affairs; commanders of the three RCDGs in Visayas, and other officers from the Reserve Command.

The leadership of the 3rd Infantry Division expressed gratitude to RESCOM for conducting these events, which will significantly strengthen the Reserve Force within the Division’s Area of Operations.

“The role of the Reserve Force is crucial to our journey towards establishing a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) in Western and Central Visayas. They are an indispensable force multiplier, and their readiness and capability are vital to our goal. This convention and forum are just one way that RESCOM is working to ensure our Reserve Units are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to effectively support our operations. We need to ensure our Reserve Force is ready to respond to any challenge, whether it’s a natural disaster, a humanitarian crisis, or a security threat. This means providing them with the best possible training, equipping them with the latest technology, and fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork. I am confident that our Reserve Force is up to the task, and I am proud to be working alongside them to achieve a peaceful and progressive Visayas,” said Major General Marion R. Sison, Commander, 3ID. (PR)

DPWH Northern Samar First DEO constructs alternate route in Brgy. Macagtas, Catarman

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CATARMAN,Northern Samar-The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Northern Samar First District Engineering Office (NSFDEO) is currently undertaking the construction of a vital road in Brgy. Macagtas, Catarman, Northern Samar.

The project amounting to P19.78 million, involves the construction of a 360-meter-length concrete road, which includes embankment and slope protection structure reinforced box culvert and concrete median.

The newly constructed road will serve as an alternate route for Catarman Diversion Road II, which is struggling to accommodate the increasing volume of vehicles in the area.
District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio expressed optimism about the project’s impact.

“When this road project is complete, motorists will have easy access from Barangay Molave to Barangay Narra where the Catarman Public Market is located. This development aims to ease traffic congestion and provide a more efficient transport route for motorists.”

DPWH-NSFDEO anticipates Phase 2 of the project, the road will be expanded to four lanes to further enhance its capacity. Additionally, plans are underway to build a mini park along the road section, offering a recreational space for the community and adding aesthetic value to the area.

Once completed, the road will provide easier access and improve mobility between two Barangays, benefiting both locals and motorists. (PR)

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EVMC to undergo massive rehab works

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NEW EVMC. An annex of the Eastern Visayas Medical Center(EVMC) in Tacloban City will soon rise, expanding not only its medical services but also its bed capacity. Photo shows the perspective design of the EVMC annex located at Barangay Cabalawan with an initial funding of P800 million.(EVMC)

Bed capacity to increase to 1,500

NEW EVMC. An annex of the Eastern Visayas Medical Center(EVMC) in Tacloban City will soon rise, expanding not only its medical services but also its bed capacity. Photo shows the perspective design of the EVMC annex located at Barangay Cabalawan with an initial funding of P800 million.(EVMC)

TACLOBAN CITY – The national government has allocated an initial budget of P800 million for the construction of a new facility at the Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC).

The new facility, to be named the EVMC Legacy Tower or Legacy Building, will serve as the hospital’s specialty center, focusing on transplant operations, bypass surgeries, and housing additional operating rooms, as well as a helipad for patient transport.

This 12-storey building is designed to accommodate 600 beds and 600 chairs for outpatient laboratory patients.

It will also feature a covered crossway connecting it to the main hospital facility, ensuring easy access for patients, their guardians, and hospital staff.

“The funds have already been released by the Department of Budget and Management under the unprogrammed fund,” said EVMC Chief Dr. John Michael Jaro during a press conference at the hospital on Friday, October 25.

Jaro said that the expansion of the EVMC will result for the health facility to increase its current bed capacity of 500 to 1,500.

“We envision that EVMC will have a bed capacity of 1,500, potentially increasing up to 1,800 beds to accommodate more patients from across the region,” he said.

Jaro expressed his gratitude to House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez who represents Leyte’s 1st district which includes Tacloban City where the regional health facility is located.

For 2024, a total of P1.67 billion has been allocated under the unprogrammed fund for EVMC, which includes P800 million for the Legacy Tower, P700 million for EVMC rehabilitation, and P170 million for equipment procurement.

Construction of the Legacy Building is set to begin next year, following the clearing of the property in front of the hospital, which is currently occupied by vendors.

Dr. Jaro noted that since construction will commence during the election ban period, they will seek an exemption to ensure timely progress on the project.

“We need to start constructing this building because it will greatly benefit the region’s healthcare,” Dr. Jaro emphasized.

The total cost of the project is estimated at P5 billion, with an additional P2 billion expected in 2025 and another P2 billion projected for release in 2026.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Ormoc City wins Galing Pook Award for marine conservation initiative

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TACLOBAN CITY – Ormoc City has been awarded the prestigious Galing Pook Award for its initiative titled “Saving Kan: A Love Story in Ormoc Bay (Marine Mammal and Reptile Rehabilitation Center).”

This program tells the story of the city’s efforts to rescue and rehabilitate stranded marine mammals, reptiles, and other threatened species, while promoting a balanced marine ecosystem.

The initiative not only focuses on rescue and rehabilitation but also emphasizes environmental protection through measures like preserving the 557.58-hectare mangrove forest, enforcing the Single-Use Plastic Regulation Ordinance, and strengthening fisheries law enforcement, among others.

Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez and Leyte Rep.Richard Gomez (4th district) personally received the award from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the awarding ceremony in Malacañang on Sunday, October 27.

“As mayor, I put the highest priority in protecting our environment because people, animals, and everything are interconnected—we breathe the same air, walk the same land, and share the same water,” Mayor Gomez said during the presentation of their entry on October 23, 2024, at Landbank Plaza in Malate, Manila.

This marks the second time Ormoc has been a finalist for the Galing Pook Award, with the city’s commitment to marine life conservation recognized by the Local Government Academy of the Department of Interior and Local Government.

“No effort is ever too big, or too small. Gentle though this program may seem, we know that ours is more than just implementing a program—it’s a movement with long-term sustainable goals to safeguard marine life, from the smallest fish to the mightiest mammal. It’s a promise to preserve the beauty and balance of our natural world,” Mayor Gomez added.

The Marine Mammal and Reptile Rehabilitation Center, managed by a team led by Irish Belmonte, includes the Stranding Response Team, Medical Care Management Team, Bantay Dagat, City Veterinary Office, Philippine Coast Guard, deputized Philippine National Police personnel, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 8, the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network, and dedicated volunteers.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

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