JUST IN: Plunder raps filed vs. Sen. Marcoleta over non-disclosure of P75-M in campaign donations

[0:00] With the Office of the Ombudsman filing a plunder charge against Senator Rodante Marcoleta [0:04] over his admission, he received 75 million pesos in campaign donations, which he did not declare [0:10] in official records. Cassandra Salonga on the line now to lead us off. Cass, over to you. [0:16] Yes, Carmina. Senator Rodante Marcoleta, former lawmaker Mike Defensor, and two businessmen [0:22] are facing plunder charges before the syndican buy-in over the alleged non-disclosure [0:26] of 75 million pesos in campaign donations. Representatives from the Office of the Ombudsman [0:32] filed the charges before the anti-graph court this morning at around 10.20 p.m. when they [0:37] appeared earlier. Carmina, additional security enforcement arrived from the Philippine National [0:44] Police as well. Their plunder case was immediately raffled off to the court's 3rd Division, chaired [0:50] by Associate Justice Carl Miranda, who also handled former Senator Ramon Bonavie Jr.'s [0:56] malversation case over the alleged gross plot and show project in Pandi, Bulacan. The court's [1:02] 4th Division, led by Associate Justice Michael Musi, will handle Marcoleta and Defensor's rap [1:08] involving violation of Presidential Detree No. 46, which punishes public officials from receiving [1:14] gifts and private persons from giving gifts. The same case filed against businessman Joseph [1:20] Espirito was raffled off to the 6th Division, chaired by Associate Justice Sara Fernandez, [1:26] which also hears the malversation case involving fugitive former lawmaker [1:32] makers, Dalito, involving the allegedly anomalous road-back project in Nauhan, Mindoro. [1:38] Businessman Aristotle Ziray also faces the same raps on receiving and giving gifts, handled [1:44] by the 1st Division, which is led by Associate Justice Maria Mendoza-Arcega, who fears the [1:50] graph trial of former QC Mayor Herbert Bautista over the allegedly anomalous purchase of a hospital [1:57] information system. Termina, it is up to these divisions when they will release the warrant of [2:04] arrest against the respondents after it makes a judicial determination that there is probable cost [2:10] to issue it against the respondents. In a statement, the Office of the Ombudsman said it recognizes [2:16] the case has steered intense public debates and said it respects every citizen's right to an opinion, [2:23] to rally, and to demand accountability. The office said Marcoleta retains the presumption of innocence [2:29] and every right to defend himself before the court. The case stems from allegations that Marcoleta, [2:35] who was then a sitting congressman, accepted 75 million pesos in campaign donations from Defensor [2:42] Viray and Espirito and failed to declare the funds in a statement of assets liabilities in net worth or [2:47] fallin. Under the Anti-Plunder Act, public officials may be held liable if they amass of these 50 million [2:54] pesos in ill-gotten wealth. Assistant Ombudsman Mico-Clavana earlier said, the alleged receipt of private funds [3:02] may still constitute plunder if accepted by a public official under circumstances prohibited by law. [3:08] Marcoleta previously admitted in a television interview that he did not disclose the contributions [3:13] from his contributors during the 2025 midterm elections because the donors wanted to remain [3:21] anonymous. In a contract he gave it, Marcoleta argued that the donations came from private individuals, [3:28] not public funds, and that the correspondent donors' taxes had been paid and accepted by the Bureau of [3:35] Internal Revenue. He also argued that because the donations were made in January 2025, [3:41] before the official campaign period, they were not required to be included in the statement of [3:47] contributions and expenditures or so that he filed with a commission on elections. Marcoleta further [3:53] said the donation was not declared in his file-in because it had already been spent on election-related [3:58] expenses and no longer formed part of his assets when he filed the declaration. He also alleged the [4:04] non-dealable case against him was part of a coordinated effort to prevent him from participating in [4:11] the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, which is set to begin on July 6th. The Ombudsman, [4:16] however, maintained that the alleged campaign donations exceeded the nominal gifts public officials are [4:21] allowed to receive and should have been declared in Marcoleta-Salin, regardless if the funds had already been [4:27] converted into other assets. Back to you, Carmina. Thanks a lot. Cassandra Salonga there joining us on the line. [4:33] And back here in the newsroom, the son of Senator Marcoleta, Sagip party list representative [4:38] Paolo Marcoleta, criticizing the plunder complaint filed against his father. In a statement, [4:44] Congressman Marcoleta said, the complaint is defective, legally incompatible and politically [4:49] suspect. He adds, no public funds, government contracts or public projects were involved and that his father [4:56] did not grant any favor in exchange for the donations. Congressman Marcoleta goes on to say, [5:03] the filing of the complaint is meant to silence his father, who has been vocal about the flood control [5:08] corruption scandal. The Iglesia de Cristo rally has finally ended after three days of protests at the [5:17] People Power Monument in Edsa and Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila. The demonstration was triggered by the [5:23] Office of the Ombudsman's announcement. It is filing a plunder complaint against church member [5:27] Senator Rodante Marcoleta. The rally caused heavy traffic along Edsa Tuesday. By the third day on [5:34] Thursday, protesters were forced to move to Liwasang Bonifacio after the Quezon City government [5:40] withdrew the permit for the Edsa gathering. More than 8,000 attended the final day of the rally. [5:46] Naniniwala tayo na naiparating nating malinaw sa mga kinauukulan ng ating mensahe. [5:54] Loobinawa ng Diyos na maghari ang tunay na katarungan sa ating minamahal na bansa at [6:00] wag nawang magtagumpay ang sino mang bumabaluktot sa batas para lamang sa kanilang makasariling [6:07] kapakanan kahit na ikapariwara ng ating bansa. [6:14] The 3D Iglesia de Cristo rally was just another refer to defend the Dutertes. That assessment from [6:19] political analyst Professor Edmund Dayo na he believes the group's actions contradict [6:24] its claim. The rallies were meant to demand greater government accountability. [6:28] It has already evolved into a pro-Duterte protest action. The intent really was just to show the [6:39] government that they cannot arrest Senator Marcoleta. If they were calling for true accountability, [6:46] in other words, walang sinisino, walang pangalan, walang iniendorse ang grupo, [6:50] sigurado maraming sasali dyan. Pangalawa, kung hindi halata na meron silang pinoprotektahang [7:00] particular personality in this particular case, Senator Marcoleta, maraming makukonsider. [7:09] You know, you can just imagine, Iglesia de Cristo is always proud to declare the millions of [7:18] followers. Pero hindi umabot ng kalahating milyon yung pumunta doon sa kanilang patawag na [7:25] rallies. Kung talagang totoong accountability yung kanilang pinapanawagan, hindi lalabas doon yung [7:31] suporta nila sa kalabang grupo. Halatang halata mo na hindi naman ito, this is not, this is really [7:42] not for accountability. This is plain and simple, no, using the issues of the day, no, to, you know, [7:53] to the advantage of their chosen, of their chosen political group. [7:58] Meanwhile, Tayaw also says pro-Duterte groups and their allies are becoming more urgent and more [8:06] vocal as Vice President Sarah Duterte's impeachment trial draws closer. [8:14] The ultimate objective now is no longer conviction. Kasi expected na nang with the number of votes [8:23] required by law, I don't think conviction is still possible. But what really everyone is looking [8:30] forward to is for the trial to happen. And this is what the Duterte group is trying to prevent. [8:41] Kasi pag nangyayari na yung trial, lalabas na, hihimayin na yung mga ebidensya. And this time around, [8:47] this is really going to be public. So everyone will now know what's going to happen. I'm not inclined to [8:53] think that the so-called strength of the Duterte name remains. Siguro malakas pa din sila sa Davao, [9:03] but for the rest of the country, medyo, hindi medyo, wala na yung kanilang dominance. [9:11] Maingay sila sa social media. It would appear that they still have the numbers, pero actually [9:15] puro ingay na lang yan. Nagmamadali silang mag-takeover si Vice President Sarah kasi hindi na sila [9:21] sigurado sa 2028. Senate President Sherwin Gatchelian confirming he will preside over the [9:30] impeachment trial of Vice President Duterte. His announcement puts to rest speculation [9:36] Senator Francis Escudero would be tapped to preside over the historic proceedings. Gatchelian [9:41] says the Senate is all systems go for the trial, which is set to begin Monday, July 6. [9:47] Handa na tayo at patuloy pa rin naghahanda dahil maraming mga bagay na nagbabago na dapat [9:57] rin natin paghandaan. So tuloy-tuloy. In fact, the other day nagkaroon kami ng meeting with the [10:05] security cluster kasama ang PNP, ang AFP, MMDA, Pasay LGU at pinag-usapan namin yung mga [10:14] pwede mangyari sa lunes. At marami rin naman nagsignify na gusto na lang magpahihwating ng [10:22] kanilang mga boses at saluobin. So yan din po ay pinaghahandaan rin mo natin. [10:29] Sa first day, yung mga administrative, preliminaries, papakilala yung defense, [10:35] papakilala yung prosecution, magbibigay rin sila ng kanilang mga opening statements. [10:40] Patuloy pa rin namin inaayos yung mga aktividad on the first day. [10:49] Meanwhile, Gatchalian says he expects all senators to take part in the proceedings. He also weighed in [10:54] on the debate over lowering the conviction threshold as Senator Jingoy Estrada remains in detention [11:00] while Senator Ronald De La Rosa is in hiding amid an ICC arrest warrant for him. [11:07] Ina-expect ko naman mag-participate. Lahat nang kayang mag-participate. [11:11] Alam naman natin yung iba ay hindi makakapag-participate. For example, si Senator Jingoy, [11:17] hindi siya makakapag-participate. Si Senator Bato De La Rosa, matagal nang hindi nakakapunta sa Senado. [11:26] So lahat ng physically pwedeng mag-participate, inaasahan natin magpapasok ng Monday. [11:32] Kung 22 po yan, paano yung count po natin ng threshold? [11:36] Hindi ba kailangan natin ng porsyento for conviction? Paano po yun? [11:43] Hindi pa naman pag-uusapan yan on Monday. May tamang araw at tamang panahon para pag-usapan yan. [11:55] The Senate Impeachment Court has notified Vice President Duterte to appear in person or through counsel [12:01] when her trial begins on Monday. [12:04] Our very own Victoria Tulad now joins us with details. Victoria, over to you. [12:07] Carmina, the Senate Impeachment Court has issued a notice to Vice President Sarah Duterte [12:13] that the impeachment trial against her will begin at 2 p.m. on July 6 [12:18] and directed her to appear before the court in person or through her counsel. [12:23] The notice was issued on July 2 and signed by the court's presiding officer, [12:28] Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian. [12:29] The notice was sent to Duterte's counsel for Tul Nervasa and Salazar. [12:33] A copy was also furnished to the public prosecutors. [12:36] In a separate notice, Impeachment Clerk of Court and Senate Secretary Renato Bantuk Jr. [12:42] notified the House of Representatives that the Senate is ready to proceed [12:46] with the impeachment trial at the Senate's session hall. [12:50] Meanwhile, Senators held an all-Senators caucus at the Senate lounge today [12:54] to discuss the impeachment trial of Vice President Duterte. [12:58] Present were Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, [13:01] Senate President Pro Tempore Vicente Soto III, [13:04] Majority Floor Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, [13:06] Senators Pankilo Lacson, J.B. Ejercito, Lisa Ontiveros, [13:10] Erwin Tulfo, and Francis Escudero. [13:12] Also in attendance were Senators from the Minority Block, [13:16] Senators Robin Hood Padilla and Loren Legarda. [13:19] Tulfo earlier appealed to his colleagues to attend [13:21] so that they will have or they will be on the same page come Monday. [13:26] He mentioned that the matter of the presiding officer [13:28] may also be discussed in the caucus. [13:30] The caucus, Carmina, finished just a couple of minutes ago [13:33] and we tried to ask Senator Tulfo what was discussed, [13:37] but he kept mum and he said that he cannot divulge anything that they talked about. [13:42] We are still awaiting if other Senators will come out [13:45] and will give us an interview at this time. [13:48] Carmina? [13:48] All right, Victoria, just a question before we let you go. [13:52] Senator Rodante Marcoleta charged [13:54] by the Office of the Ombudsman with plunder [13:58] along with some other people. [14:00] Have you seen the Senator there at the Senate today? [14:05] Senator Rodante Marcoleta was not present [14:07] in the old Senators' caucus, Carmina. [14:09] We also tried to get information from his staff [14:12] if he would be attending or if he would be coming to the Senate, [14:16] but the staff is not able to give us any information as of this time. [14:22] We also tried to ask Senator Tulfo for his comment [14:24] on the case against Marcoleta, but he refused to comment. [14:28] So we are awaiting if Senators would be commenting [14:31] on the case of Marcoleta and if he would be coming here. [14:36] But as of this time, there's no information regarding that. [14:39] All right. Thanks a lot, Victoria Tula. [14:41] They're joining us on the line back here in the newsroom. [14:44] A retired Supreme Court justice and a former Senate president [14:47] believe the country's high court may ultimately decide [14:50] the fate of Vice President Duterte's impeachment trial, [14:54] which begins next week. [14:55] RG Cruz reports. [14:58] While the Philippine Supreme Court does not have any role [15:00] in the impeachment proceedings, it may have a final say [15:03] on whether Vice President Sara Duterte [15:05] ultimately gets convicted or acquitted in her impeachment trial. [15:09] That is if the Senate insists on convicting, ousting, [15:12] and banning her from government even if it falls short [15:15] of the 16 Senators, or two-thirds of 24 needed for a conviction [15:19] due to the absence of some Senators. [15:22] In that case, supposing the threshold should be 16, [15:27] but the vote is only 15, [15:30] but the Senate tribunal enters a judgment of conviction [15:34] saying that the threshold has been met. [15:39] Then that can be questioned as a grave abuse of discretion, in my view. [15:45] So unless there is grave abuse of discretion, [15:49] the Supreme Court cannot intervene. [15:51] Example, if there are only 15 Senators who will convict, [15:57] the majority will say you are convicted [16:01] and therefore you are dismissed [16:03] from being removed as a Vice President, [16:08] the Vice President will go to the Supreme Court [16:10] and allege that the majority abused its discretion [16:17] and invoked the power of the Supreme Court [16:20] to correct abuses of judgment. [16:23] There were also less than 24 Senators [16:25] in the trials of then-President Joseph Estrada [16:27] and Chief Justice Renato Corona in 2000 and 2012, [16:32] following the election of some Senators to higher office [16:34] or the death and sickness of others. [16:37] But the voting threshold never became an issue [16:39] because the Estrada trial did not get to vote [16:41] on a verdict due to EDSA-DOS, [16:43] while Corona was convicted overwhelmingly. [16:46] The Duterte trial will see the extended absence [16:49] of Senator Ronald De La Rosa, [16:50] who is in hiding from an International Criminal Court warrant, [16:54] while Senator Jingo Estrada is suspended and detained [16:57] as he faces trial for plunder. [16:59] In my opinion, the suspension of a senator [17:02] does not remove that senator from the office. [17:06] He's still a member of the Senate. [17:09] What the Supreme Court said in one case [17:12] is that someone suspended cannot hold public office. [17:16] What it means is you cannot exercise the public office. [17:19] But the position is still occupied by him or her. [17:24] De La Rosa, however, points to the absurdities of not adjusting. [17:28] Suppose 10 Senators will resign. [17:31] Then you would only have 14 Senators. [17:35] If there are only 14 Senators, [17:38] are you telling me that we cannot enforce [17:41] an accountability measure in the Constitution, [17:45] which is impeachment. [17:46] In other words, [17:48] you defeat the constitutional power of Congress [17:54] to impeach an official [17:56] because there are less than 16 numbers [18:01] indicated in the Constitution. [18:04] There is a rule in statutory construction. [18:07] You cannot interpret a statute [18:09] to the point of absurdity. [18:12] The question remains, [18:13] will the public accept it? [18:14] Yun ang problema, no? [18:16] Dahil nga kasabi rin natin, [18:17] it is still the court of public opinion, no? [18:20] Ngayon, kung if the administration [18:22] will try to, you know, [18:25] take that crucial three-point shot [18:27] by eliminating all the pro-Duterte Senators, [18:32] no, baka hindi rin ito tanggapin ng publiko, no? [18:36] A warning shared by Senate Minority Leader [18:38] Alan Peter Cayetano. [18:39] Are we going to really have an impartial trial [18:42] or aayusin at luto na ito? [18:44] Are we going to tell them the truth [18:45] that dapat 16 to convict [18:47] or babawasan ba natin ang 6 na Senador [18:49] para maging 12 na lang? [18:51] Before these, [18:52] Senator Panfilo Laxon [18:53] and Senate President Sherman Gechalian [18:55] already stated their belief [18:56] that 16 Senators are needed for a conviction. [19:00] Laxon floated a proposal [19:01] to allow detained Senators [19:02] to still sit as judges in the trial. [19:05] R.G. Cruz, ABS-CBN News. [19:07] News, the Philippines and Canada [19:09] have taken their partnership [19:10] to the next level [19:11] following the bilateral meeting [19:13] between President Ferdinand Marcus Jr. [19:16] and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney [19:17] in Vancouver. [19:19] Arlene Delgado now joins us live [19:20] from Vancouver with details. [19:22] Arlene, over to you. [19:24] Hi, Carmina. [19:25] The Philippines and Canada [19:26] have formally elevated [19:28] its bilateral ties [19:30] to strategic partnership, [19:31] which means long-term [19:33] and deeper cooperation [19:34] on various areas [19:35] amid changing global landscape. [19:37] This comes after President [19:40] Ferdinand Marcus Jr.'s bilateral meeting [19:42] with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney [19:44] at the Vancouver Convention Center [19:46] as part of his four-day official visit [19:49] here in Canada. [19:50] The two leaders reaffirmed [19:51] their commitments [19:52] to conclude negotiations [19:53] for the free trade agreements [19:55] between Canada and the Philippines [19:57] and another with the Association [19:59] of Southeast Asian Nations [20:00] or ASEAN this year. [20:02] Carney called these free trade agreements [20:04] on the pipeline [20:05] as foundation of the elevated partnership [20:08] between the two nations. [20:11] I am pleased to announce [20:13] the elevation of our bilateral relationship [20:15] to a strategic partnership. [20:18] We have tasked our foreign ministers [20:19] to draw up a plan of action [20:21] to pursue our shared commitment [20:23] to work together [20:24] in adapting to shifting global realities, [20:28] addressing shared challenges [20:29] and building capacities [20:31] for future-ready partnership. [20:32] We are deepening our trade [20:34] and investment across ASEAN. [20:36] Critically, crucially, [20:38] we are also working hard [20:39] to finalize negotiations [20:40] on the Canada-Philippines [20:42] free trade agreement. [20:44] You and I committed [20:46] or intended last year [20:48] when we met [20:49] for the first time bilaterally [20:51] to look to conclude [20:52] that agreement this year. [20:54] We are making good progress. [20:56] The Philippines is one [20:57] of Southeast Asia's [20:58] fastest-growing economies [21:00] and if it is one [21:01] of Southeast Asia's [21:02] fastest-growing economies, [21:03] it's one of the world's [21:04] fastest-growing economies, [21:05] a population of almost [21:07] 120 million people. [21:10] We have a prospect [21:11] of tripling our bilateral trade [21:15] both directions by 2035. [21:18] Great opportunities for our business. [21:21] Carmina, the Philippines and Canada [21:22] also had an expanded bilateral meeting [21:24] which resulted in the signing [21:26] of new agreements [21:27] on various areas of cooperation. [21:29] These are joint declarations of intent [21:31] concerning energy and natural resources, [21:34] cultural cooperation, [21:35] and labor and migration cooperation [21:37] and a memorandum of understanding [21:39] on tourism cooperation. [21:41] Marcus Jr. also thanked Canada [21:42] for its vocal and consistent support [21:44] for a rules-based order [21:46] in the South China Sea [21:47] under the United Nations Convention [21:49] on the Law of the Sea [21:50] and in upholding the 2016 Arbitral Award [21:53] as final and legally binding. [21:56] While Carney also recognized [21:57] the contributions of Filipinos in Canada [21:59] and highlighted its endeavor [22:00] in deepening partnerships [22:02] with like-minded nations [22:03] such as the Philippines, [22:04] which he regarded [22:05] as one of the world's fastest-growing economies. [22:08] Meanwhile, Marcus Jr. said [22:10] he is not concerned [22:11] on the impact [22:12] of the World Bank's reclassification [22:14] of the Philippines [22:14] as upper-middle-income economy [22:16] in terms of receiving loans, [22:18] as he expressed confidence [22:20] that streams of investments [22:21] will come in instead. [22:23] I do not worry. [22:27] I don't think that it will lead [22:29] to an increase in interest rates [22:31] for loans, for example, [22:33] but we do believe the effect [22:34] will be on the grants [22:36] that are given. [22:37] But nonetheless, [22:38] that means in a way [22:41] that can be interpreted [22:42] as a World Bank saying [22:43] you no longer need that [22:44] and we will replace that [22:46] with investment. [22:47] And that, I think, [22:49] is a very, very important development [22:52] for the Philippines [22:53] and its economy. [22:54] After their meeting, [22:57] Marcus and Kearney [22:57] visited a popular Filipino [22:59] fast-food restaurant [23:00] here in Vancouver. [23:02] The two leaders [23:02] interacted with the customers [23:03] and staff of Jollibee Granville branch [23:06] and posed for photos. [23:08] The branch opened in March 2022 [23:10] as the fast-food restaurant's [23:12] first store here in Vancouver [23:13] and the 23rd in Canada. [23:16] However, Marcus Jr. [23:17] was met with protesters [23:18] outside of the store. [23:20] They criticized his visit [23:21] amid lack of jobs [23:22] in the Philippines [23:23] and called for accountability. [23:24] on the flood control corruption. [23:28] Carmina, tomorrow, [23:29] July 3, here in Canada, [23:31] Marcus Jr. [23:31] will have a series [23:32] of business meetings [23:34] and also afterwards, [23:35] he will meet [23:36] with the Filipino community [23:37] here in Vancouver. [23:38] Back to you, Carmina. [23:39] Thanks a lot. [23:40] Arlene Delgado there [23:40] joining us live [23:41] from Vancouver. [23:43] Back here in the newsroom, [23:44] the affidavits [23:45] of eight alleged bag men, [23:47] fugitive former [23:47] Congressman Zaldico, [23:49] to be used by the country's [23:50] chief, Graf Buster, [23:51] and make that corruption cases [23:53] against former House Speaker [23:54] Martin Romualdez. [23:56] Cassandra Salonco [23:57] with that story. [23:59] Categorical and consistent. [24:02] This is how Assistant Ombudsman [24:03] Miko Clavano [24:04] described the testimonies [24:05] of eight former bodyguards [24:07] of fugitive [24:08] former lawmaker Zaldico. [24:10] Clavano says [24:10] their testimonies [24:12] will be used in the case [24:13] being prepared against [24:14] former House Speaker [24:14] Martin Romualdez, [24:16] who has been tagged [24:17] as the mastermind [24:18] in the multi-billion [24:19] peso flood control [24:20] corruption scandal. [24:21] Coe's self-confessed [24:22] Bagman had said [24:23] they delivered suitcases [24:24] of cash as part [24:25] of a kickback scheme [24:26] involving state funds. [24:28] Investigators have been able [24:29] to study siguro [24:31] the body language, [24:33] the demeanor [24:34] of the affayants, [24:37] and they are of the opinion [24:40] that we can use it. [24:41] Clavano, however, [24:42] notes they are still [24:43] waiting for the men [24:43] to sign their affidavits. [24:45] He said the affidavits [24:47] must be signed [24:47] before their testimonies [24:49] can be used in the case. [24:51] They asked for a week extension. [24:56] June 20 pa, [24:57] sana, napirmahan, [24:58] kasi that was the time [24:59] that they were here [25:00] and the 8 of the time [25:02] but until now, [25:04] they haven't been able to. [25:05] He seems to be [25:06] delaying the signatures [25:09] of the 18 Marines [25:10] and that's one of the things [25:13] that is delaying the case [25:14] also as against [25:17] former Speaker. [25:19] Meanwhile, [25:19] the camp of Romualdez [25:20] once again denied [25:21] the allegations, [25:23] saying there's no evidence [25:24] showing he took part [25:25] in the planning, [25:26] bidding, [25:26] implementation, [25:27] or release of public funds. [25:29] To insist that [25:30] Representative Romualdez [25:32] was the mastermind [25:33] would require the public [25:34] to believe [25:35] that one person [25:36] controlled every stage [25:38] of the process [25:39] from budget preparation [25:40] to project implementation [25:42] and fund release. [25:43] Representative Romualdez [25:45] is being portrayed [25:46] as the convenient excuse [25:48] and political scapegoat [25:49] despite the absence [25:51] of evidence [25:51] linking him [25:52] to the alleged [25:53] anomalous projects. [25:54] Ombudsman Isuse [25:55] Crispin Rimulia [25:56] earlier said [25:57] they will also use [25:58] the testimony [25:58] of former Public Works [26:00] Secretary Manuel Bonoan [26:01] against Romualdez. [26:03] The prosecution [26:03] has since asked [26:04] the Sandigan Bayan [26:05] to discharge [26:06] the plunder and gaffed [26:07] cases of Bonoan [26:08] so he can testify [26:09] as a state witness. [26:11] Meanwhile, [26:12] the Office of the Ombudsman [26:13] is also conducting [26:14] a preliminary investigation [26:16] on two other House lawmakers [26:18] who have been tagged [26:19] in the flood control mess. [26:21] Clavano earlier announced [26:22] they are looking [26:22] into allegations [26:23] of conflict of interest [26:25] involving [26:25] Tarlac 3rd District [26:26] Representative Noel Bon Rivera [26:28] and Usuag Ilong [26:30] Partilist Representative [26:31] Jojo Ang [26:32] after they were linked [26:33] to companies [26:33] that were awarded [26:34] government projects. [26:36] Clavano says [26:37] they will ask Rivera [26:38] and Ang [26:38] to respond [26:39] as part [26:39] of their preliminary [26:40] investigation. [26:42] Cassandra Salonga, [26:43] ABS-CBN News. [26:46] The Justice Department [26:47] advocating [26:48] for a comprehensive law [26:49] that deals with [26:50] nihilistic violent extremism [26:52] following the deadly [26:53] Tacloban school shooting. [26:56] Justice Undersecretary [26:57] Nicholas Felix T. [26:58] says they're working [26:59] with legislators [27:00] for such a law [27:01] but even without [27:02] the measure, [27:03] he says, [27:03] the DOJ can still [27:05] prosecute those involved [27:06] in online child [27:07] exploitation and grooming. [27:09] A recent Senate hearing [27:10] revealed the 14-year-old [27:12] shooter in Tacloban [27:13] may have been influenced [27:14] by the extremist group [27:16] known only as 764. [27:19] Punishing preparatory acts [27:22] both to the initial [27:25] and preparatory acts [27:26] to the culmination [27:28] of NVE, [27:29] culmination being [27:29] the mass casualty event. [27:31] So because we've seen [27:32] that we know [27:33] that the modus [27:33] of the groomers [27:35] under NVE [27:36] is to catch [27:39] these potential victims [27:41] in certain gaming applications [27:43] then migrate them [27:44] to chat applications. [27:45] And in these applications [27:47] there's a lot of grooming, [27:48] a lot of manipulation [27:49] that's ongoing. [27:51] There are some laws [27:51] that actually punish grooming, [27:54] punishing acts [27:55] if they're already [27:56] at the stage of grooming. [27:57] So that's one of the things [27:58] that we will champion [27:59] for a specific statute [28:01] against NVE. [28:02] And when we talk about [28:04] the comprehensive statute [28:05] on the NVE, [28:06] it's not just about [28:06] the criminal provisions. [28:08] We have to look at NVE [28:08] as a whole. [28:09] So we have to look [28:10] at aspects as well, [28:11] other aspects as well, [28:13] such as child protection, [28:15] the obligations [28:16] of internet intermediaries, [28:18] international relations, [28:20] and as well as [28:21] the agency or the body [28:23] that will serve [28:25] as the lead body [28:26] to combat this threat. [28:28] A brighter power supply [28:34] outlook for the Visayas [28:35] as authorities reveal [28:36] more transmission [28:37] projects in the region. [28:39] Annie Perez on the line [28:40] with that story. [28:41] Annie, over to you. [28:43] Yes, Carmina NGCP [28:44] in its latest report [28:46] said that one of its [28:47] major power plants [28:48] returned to normal supply [28:49] as of Wednesday afternoon. [28:51] To recall, [28:52] the Visayas grid [28:53] were issued [28:54] with red and yellow alerts [28:55] in the past month [28:56] due to unplanned [28:58] emergency outage [28:59] from four power plants. [29:00] The Visayas power grid [29:01] lost about 591 megawatts. [29:04] We talked to [29:04] Amado Otara, [29:05] the senior supervisor [29:06] for network operations, [29:08] and he confirmed [29:09] that Panay Energy [29:10] Development Corporation [29:11] resumed its full operations [29:12] on July 1. [29:14] So that's an addition [29:15] of 150 megawatts. [29:17] And since then, [29:18] there are no yellow alerts [29:19] issued for the Visayas grid. [29:21] They're hopeful [29:22] that two other power plants [29:24] that declared [29:24] that they're undergoing repairs [29:26] operated by Therma Visayas [29:28] would finish its repairs [29:29] by late August or September. [29:31] And they are in coordination [29:33] with the Department of Energy [29:34] to ensure that this [29:36] will be done on time [29:37] and the targets [29:38] are being met. [29:39] The lack of supply [29:40] in the past month [29:41] led to manual load drops, [29:42] if you recall, [29:43] and caused rotational blackouts [29:45] in some areas [29:45] of the Visayas. [29:47] For a long-term approach [29:48] to this problem, [29:49] Otara said that [29:50] they are looking [29:51] into a balanced energy mix [29:52] from both coal, [29:54] fire power plants, [29:54] and renewable resources. [29:56] As of this time, [29:57] they're not expecting [29:58] any more alerts [29:59] moving forward [30:00] because of this development. [30:01] Meanwhile, Carmina, [30:02] they also shared [30:03] that they have [30:04] a 55 billion worth [30:05] of projects [30:06] for Metro Cebu, [30:07] which will help [30:08] the Visayas power grid. [30:10] And this includes [30:10] the Cebu-Lapu-Lapu [30:12] transmission line [30:13] and a substation project. [30:15] There's also [30:16] a Cebu-Lapu interconnection line, [30:18] which is now [30:18] at its stage one. [30:19] And they're seeing [30:20] that this will increase [30:21] the transfer capacity [30:22] from the power plant [30:25] to the different distribution. [30:26] utilities. [30:27] And this will also [30:28] maximize power resource sharing, [30:30] not only in Visayas, [30:31] but also between [30:32] Luzon and Mindanao. [30:34] Although this will help [30:36] the distribution utilities, [30:38] MGCP still says [30:40] that they are facing [30:40] a lot of challenges [30:41] to ensure that [30:42] these projects [30:43] will be done on time. [30:44] And as we speak, [30:46] they're seeking support [30:46] from the different LGUs [30:48] to ensure that power [30:49] remains stable [30:50] in the Visayas [30:51] and other regions [30:52] here in our country. [30:54] And that's the latest [30:55] from Cebu, [30:56] to Annie Perez, [30:56] ABS-CBN News. [30:57] Thanks a lot, [30:58] Annie Perez there [30:59] joining us on the line. [31:00] And from there, [31:00] let's now get an update [31:01] on the weather [31:01] from ABS-CBN resident [31:03] meteorologist, [31:04] Ariel Orojas. [31:05] Ariel. [31:06] Termina, [31:07] the country will be [31:08] on a monsoon break [31:09] this weekend [31:09] through Tuesday next week, [31:11] July 7. [31:11] This is because [31:12] Tropical Storm Maisac, [31:13] locally known as Henry, [31:15] is pulling the [31:15] southwest monsoon [31:16] or Habagat [31:17] away from the country [31:18] as it approaches [31:19] Hainan [31:20] in southern China. [31:21] As such, [31:22] warm and humid conditions [31:23] will prevail [31:24] across the archipelago. [31:25] However, [31:25] afternoon or evening [31:26] rain showers [31:27] and thunderstorms [31:28] are still expected, [31:29] especially in northern [31:30] and central Luzon, [31:32] Mimaropa, [31:32] Panay, [31:33] Negros, [31:34] Samar, [31:34] and Mindanao. [31:35] Metro Manila [31:36] will be generally [31:36] warm and dry [31:37] this weekend, [31:38] with thunderstorms [31:39] becoming more likely [31:40] on Monday [31:41] and Tuesday. [31:42] But from Wednesday [31:43] next week, [31:43] Habagat is expected [31:44] to be back [31:45] due to the approaching [31:46] tropical cyclone [31:47] Bavi, [31:48] which intensified [31:49] into a typhoon [31:50] this Friday morning. [31:51] According to the [31:51] Japan Meteorological [31:52] Agency, [31:54] Bavi was approximately [31:55] 3,400 kilometers [31:57] east of southeastern [31:58] Luzon at 8 a.m. [31:59] this Friday. [32:00] It has maximum [32:01] sustained winds [32:01] of 120 kilometers [32:03] per hour [32:03] with gustiness [32:04] up to 150 kilometers [32:06] per hour [32:06] and is moving [32:07] westward [32:07] at 20 kilometers [32:09] per hour. [32:10] The weather disturbance [32:11] is forecast [32:11] to continue [32:12] to intensify [32:13] and may pass [32:14] through the northern [32:14] Mariana Islands [32:15] as a super typhoon [32:17] on Monday, [32:18] July 6. [32:18] It may sustain [32:19] its intensity [32:20] a super typhoon [32:21] when it enters [32:22] the Philippine [32:22] area of responsibility [32:24] late Tuesday [32:25] or early Wednesday. [32:26] It will be then [32:27] given the local name [32:28] Indai. [32:29] The potential [32:30] super typhoon [32:30] is not expected [32:31] to make landfall [32:32] over the Philippine [32:33] landmass [32:34] but may pass [32:35] close to Batanes [32:35] as it heads [32:36] towards Taiwan [32:37] Friday or Saturday [32:38] next week. [32:39] The storm [32:40] may enhance [32:40] the southwest monsoon [32:42] from Wednesday [32:42] through next weekend, [32:44] bringing widespread [32:45] rains over the [32:46] western sections [32:47] of Luzon, [32:48] Visayas, [32:48] and Mindanao. [32:49] including Metro Manila. [32:51] The heaviest rainfall [32:52] may be experienced [32:53] from next Thursday [32:54] to Saturday [32:54] in northern [32:56] Mimaropa, [32:56] Calabar Zone, [32:57] Central Luzon, [32:58] and Metro Manila [32:59] and likely to trigger [33:00] widespread flooding [33:01] and landslides [33:02] in hazard-prone areas. [33:03] The public is urged [33:04] to continue [33:05] monitoring updates [33:06] on the potential [33:06] super typhoon [33:07] as the forecast [33:08] may still change. [33:10] And as the latest [33:10] on the weather, [33:11] this is Arielle Rojas. [33:12] Happy weekend [33:13] and back to you, [33:13] Carmina. [33:14] Thanks a lot, [33:15] Arielle Rojas. [33:15] They're joining us live [33:16] and before we go [33:17] in sports, [33:18] Philippine tennis [33:19] says Alex Ayala [33:20] continues to make history [33:21] as she reaches [33:22] the third round [33:23] of Wimbledon. [33:24] Ayala rallied [33:25] from a set down [33:26] to defeat [33:27] Australia's Maya Joint [33:28] in a thrilling [33:29] three-set comeback. [33:30] The Pinay Phenom [33:32] showed incredible [33:33] tenacity, [33:34] completely shutting out [33:35] the Australian [33:36] in the decider [33:37] to win [33:37] 3-6-6-2-6-love. [33:40] The victory [33:40] also avenges [33:41] Ayala's howl, [33:42] make that heartbreaking [33:43] loss to Joint [33:44] at last year's [33:45] Eastburn final. [33:47] Up next for Ayala [33:48] is a familiar foe [33:49] defending Wimbledon [33:50] women's champion [33:51] Iga Schwantek.