SC: Maynilad, Manila Water can’t pass taxes to consumers Rody as anti-drug czar? Sen. Go floats idea to PNP

humbled himself so that the policemen would tell the truth about the drug bust, led by then Master Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo Jr., in which 42 of the 990 kilos seized went missing.

Mayo, who has been detained at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig after being cited for contempt, has been accused of being behind a cover-up that involves other police officials as well.

Dela Rosa’s committee cited in contempt five other policemen: National Capital Region Drug Enforcement

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

FORMER President Rodrigo Duterte as the anti-drug czar?

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Duterte’s erstwhile longtime assistant, broached the idea to Philippine Nation- al Police Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. on Tuesday during a Senate hearing on the multimillion-peso shabu drug haul last year.

“If ever.... it’s the prerogative of the President (Ferdinand Marcos Jr.), the appointing authority, if ever, can former

President Duterte help in case he will be designated as drug czar?” Go asked Acorda in the hearing chaired by Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa – the police chief in the previous administration. Acorda said he did not know if he

“In accordance with our committee rules, that is confidential,” Espares said. Espares said his committee will stop its proceedings against Teves if the congressman decides to return in the coming days.

Espares made the announcement after his committee deliberated on the continued absence of Teves in congressional proceedings amid murder and other related complaints filed against him in connection with the March 4 assassination of Degamo.

Teves’ 60-day suspension over his continued absence despite an expired travel authority expired on May 22.

“We all know this is about his continuing absence. He is outside the country on an expired travel authority. That is an unauthorized absence,” Espares told reporters.

“If he comes home, maybe the committee won’t proceed,” Espares added.

On March 22, the. House voted to suspend Teves for 60 days over his continued absence despite an expired travel authority.

Rep. Ria Vergara of Nueva Ecija, vice chair of the House committee on ethics, for her part, said “Teves’ continuous unauthorized absence is continuous disorderly conduct.”

Meanwhile, three more detained suspects recanted their testimonies in which they admitted their role in the killing of Degamo and nine others, and implicated Teves as the mastermind, joining Jhudiel R. Rivero, who took back his account earlier.

Lawyer Danny Villanueva, counsel for the four suspects, said on Tuesday his clients have executed their affidavits of recantation.

Villanueva said he represents suspects Rivero, Dahniel P. Lora, Romel A. Pattaguan and Rogelio C. Antipolo Jr.

He declined, however, to show journalists copies of their affidaits before they are submitted to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

In the case of Rivero, his counter-affidavit submitted to the DOJ recanted an affidavit in which he admitted his participation in the Pamplona killings, saying he was forced by the police to implicate Teves.

Villanueva said the affidavits of recantations were supposed to be attached to the counter-affidavit of Rivero.

“However, the panel of state prosecutors required us to submit the sworn statements executed by the PNP (Philippine National Police) of Negros Oriental as well as those allegedly executed by our clients before the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation),” he said.

During the preliminary investigation on Monday, May 22, Villanueva recalled that he argued that it should be the panel which should provide the copies of the sworn statements since these are being used against his four clients.

Explaining Rivero’s affidavit of recantation, Villanueva said: “It is not true that he changed his statements because his admission that he was part of the group did not come from him. It is not true that he is linking other people in the crime includ- ing Mr. Teves,” he added.

The NBI has filed before the DOJ 10 murder, 14 frustrated murder, and four attempted murder complaints against Teves. The DOJ has not acted on the complaints.

Teves, who opted to stay abroad despite the expiration of his official travel last March 9, has denied the allegations against him.

The Philippine National Police brushed off Rivero’s claims that he was tortured and forced to implicate Teves.

“While self-serving motives can influence testimonial evidence, our reliance on objective facts and forensic findings provides an unassailable foundation,” PNP said in a statement.

“We place paramount importance on ensuring that justice is served, and we will not allow any distractions or attempts to undermine the investigation’s integrity,” it added.

Rivero on Monday, said that he was threatened to point to Teves as the mastermind behind the attack on Degamo that resulted in the death of the governor and nine others.

Three other suspects followed suit.

The PNP, however, assured the public that the recantations will not affect the development in the case and the national force remained committed to upholding human rights.

“The pursuit of justice, coupled with the protection of human rights, will remain our top priority, and we will leave no stone unturned in our quest for truth and accountability,” said PNP.

“As Degamo’s multiple murder case progresses, it is crucial to emphasize the unwavering commitment of the PNP to upholding human rights. We firmly believe that protecting and promoting human rights are fundamental principles that must be maintained in all our operations,” the statement added. coverable operating expenses, a practice that jacked up the price of water through the years.

Sugar Regulatory Authority (SRA) is just one of them.

The national police believed that the country’s judicial system will be competent and effective enough to uphold the principles of justice.

The PNP’s investigation was also aided by the National Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Justice, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Also on Tuesday, Teves’ lawyer Ferdinand Topacio filed a motion to dismiss the charges against his client for three murders in 2019.

“What we are pointing out is there is only one person saying congressman Teves is behind the alleged murders in the evidence submitted,” Topacio said.

A confession only binds the confessor, and that it is not believable if there is no corroborating evidence.

“The easiest thing to do in the world is to point fingers (at someone)… but without corroboration, it is unbelievable,” he said.

He said he hoped the prosecutors would not be influenced by the repeated pronouncements by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla that Teves was guilty.

“I still have faith [that] the DOJ is made up of prosecutors who are career officers and I hope that they will prove faithful to their duty to dispense justice without fear or favor,” he said.

“In sum, Manila Water and Maynilad may not recover [their] corporate income taxes as operating expenses during the lifetime of the concession agreements considering that they are public utilities. Even assuming that they are not public utilities, they cannot recover income taxes because they are not business taxes under Philippine law,” the Court ruled.

It said “allowing Maynilad to include its corporate income taxes in the rates chargeable to water consumers -taxes which, to repeat, do not inure to the benefit of water consumers -- will result not only in unjust but also inequitable rates.” which was supported by Bersamin.

“A large segment of the water consuming public will be made to pay for something that has no direct benefit to them, while some will enjoy water services without shouldering the same burden. This cannot be allowed,” the Court said.

Maynilad Water Services, Inc. said it has already accepted its status as a public utility when it signed the revised concession agreement, which came with a congressional franchise.

(DEG) OIC Lt. Col. Arnulfo Ibañez, Pol. Master Sgt. Carlo Bayeta, Pat. Rommar Bugarin, Pat. Hustin Peter Gular, Pat. Hassan Kalaw, and Pat. Dennis Carolino. They declined to share information on the arrest of Mayo in Bambang last year.

Senator Raffy Tulfo suggested to Dela Rosa to cite Ibañez for contempt for testifying that he was not aware of his subordinate’s activities.

Earlier, Ibañez claimed he was innocent and had no knowledge of Mayo’s movements, which Tulfo doubted.

Last week, Dela Rosa ordered P/ Capt. Jonathan Sosongco of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) to be detained for lying.

Visibly irritated with the “many lies” in Sosongco’s testimony, Dela Rosa directed the Office Of the Sergeant at Arms to escort Sosongco to the building’s detention facility in the basement.

During the hearing, Dela Rosa pressed Sosongco for information about the informant who tipped off P/ Master Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo about the drugs. But a cell phone number provided by Sosongco no longer worked.

At this juncture, Dela Rosa flared up and accused Sosongco of fooling the senators and wasting their time so he asked Senator Robinhood Padilla to ask the Senate panel that the police officer be cited for contempt.

Sosongco was among the policemen the PNP said should be charged for the cover-up involving the multi-billionpeso drug operation.

Padilla, meanwhile, has filed Senate Bill 2217 seeking the death penalty for law enforcers and elective officials involved in the drug trade.

A former Chief Justice, Bersamin also said the sugar import from Thailand that entered the country last March covered by Sugar Order No. 6 “was legitimate and fully authorized by the government.”

President Marcos directed the importation of sugar to arrest its high cost in local markets after he was told of a “sugar inflation.”

Repeatedly confronted by opposition

Senators Risa Hontiveros and Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on his earlier statement about the President telling him to import through “selected importers,” Panganiban insisted Mr. Marcos merely said, “Let’s import.”

Testifying to the Senate for the first time, Bersamin stressed nothing irregular in the most recent sugar importation, nor there was an effort for cartelization.

“This was undertaken by the government to address inflation in the months leading to January 2023. The administration made sure that there was buffer stock as a measure to regulate price increases. In a large way, the objective was realized,” Bersamin said.

He said the 440,000 metric tons of imported sugar under SO6 was legally covered by a presidential directive.

The Executive Secretary explained there are at least four ways of legally importing sugar, and an order from the

The three others are the use of Minimum Access Volume (MAV) program, the provisions of the Price Act, and a direct order from the President.

Bersamin noted that this is the case in the 440,000 MT of sugar from Thailand branded by Hontiveros as smuggled.

“Subsequently, the SRA issued SO No. 6 to cover this importation so that there will be proper documentation that would allow the Bureau of Customs and other concerned agencies to process and release the shipments,” said Bersamin.

He also said the President issued the directive to import sugar in a meeting with DA officials. Following that, Bersamin said he issued a memo on January 13 and ordered the DA to implement its recommendations to the President on the 2nd Sugar Importation Program for the Crop Year 2022-2023.

He emphasized that Panganiban acted upon his orders.

“Neither was there any violation committed by any of the parties who are involved in these questioned transactions, and that new policies are probably needed to avoid confusion in importation procedures.”

Bersamin also denied rushing the importation or favoring certain traders. He said the three sugar importers were selected from among seven companies shortlisted.

In the same hearing, sugar traders who were accused of carrying out the so-called “government-sponsored terte administration would be put to waste considering the alleged involvement of some cops in the “recycling” of confiscated drugs. smuggling” also explained there was no irregularity in the importation because taxes and duties were paid for the imported sugar. could comment on that “and what will be the setup,” but assured the senators he would be supportive of any decision by President Marcos on the campaign against illegal drugs.

Michael Escaler, CEO of All Asian Countertrade -- one the three importers referred to in the hearing -- said he built a world-class Philippine trading company that helps small farmers.

“All Asian Countertrade is the largest buyer of sugar from Filipino farmers. It balances its earnings from the high prices of domestic sugar and the relatively low prices of international sugar,” he said.

“We need to keep local sugar production viable. We import sugar only to fill the gap that the domestic industry cannot supply. Strengthening local sugar production is key to the country’s food security,” Escaler said.

Meanwhile, Bersamin related that the SRA became part of the sugar importation regulation process in 2002 when a memorandum order expressly stated that no sugar will be imported without an SRA clearance.

Those without an SRA clearance will be referred to the Bureau of Customs for duties and charges, while SRA will perform market classification for its disposition pursuant to rules and regulations, the Executive Secretary said of the process.

“That’s why a sugar order is not needed prior to importation,” Bersamin said.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan and Trade chief Alfredo Pascual said they have established that the “tight” supply of sugar has been driving its price up since last year.

He mentioned that his case over the bloody drug war – which government figures said cost over 6,000 lives -- has now reached the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Duterte or the Palace have yet to comment on this possibility as of press time.

“Let’s not waste what former President Duterte started to fight against illegal drugs. When illegal drugs return, we know that criminality and corruption will return,” he said.

“The ruling merely affirms that our existing tariff does not include past or future income taxes; this principle has already been established in our past rate rebasing exercises. This means that corporate income tax is not part of our operating expenses,” the water company said Tuesday.

“Being a public utility basically means we cannot pass on corporate income tax as an expense, and fact is Manila Water has excluded CIT from its operating expense since 2013,” Manila Water said in a separate statement.

While Mawar – to be called “Betty” when it enters PH territory -- has no direct effect on the country’s weather yet, it may enter the PAR by Friday or Saturday, PAGASA said.

Mawar is also expected to enhance the southwesterly wind flow, which could bring rains to the western parts of Visayas and Mindanao.

It is not expected to hit land, but PAGASA said it will continue monitoring its movement.

The Marcos administration, meanwhile, assured the public on Tuesday that preparations are underway for the possible effects of Mawar, particularly in the Ilocos and Cagayan Valley regions.

In a press briefing in Malacañan Palace, Social Welfare Secretary Rexlon “Rex” Gatchalian said the department has already prepositioned goods in different parts of the country.

“We have worked with PAGASA on the modeling where it seems (the storm is) going to, it seems at this point, since it’s very early. It’s going to affect Regions II, Regions I, all the way to Batanes,” he said.

The DSWD has augmented the stockpile of food packs in northern Luzon in preparation for the storm, he added.

Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Chairperson Emeritus; Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, Executive Vice President; and Agusan del Norte Rep. Jose Aquino II, Secretary General attended the oath-taking ceremony at the House of Representatives.

Fourteen of the 19 new members physically attended the oath-taking ceremony while four others submitted their oath of membership.

Those who attended the oath-taking event were Roberto “Pinpin” Uy Jr. and former Zamboanga del Norte Gov. Roberto Uy Sr.; incumbent Mayors Lorrymir Adasa (Mutia), Marissa Manigsaca (Rizal), Rosendo Labadlabad (Sindangan), Allan Ferrater (Jose Dalman), Jose Micheal Meiko Wong (Katipunan), Eugene Caballero (Manukan), Ismael Renquijo Jr. (President Manuel Roxas), Alberto Bongcawel (Siayan), Salvador Antojado Jr. (Kalawit), Jelster Ed Tiu Quimbo (Labason), and Norabeth Tuse Carloto (Tampilisan); and Julita, Leyte Councilor Jude Andrei Romualdez.

Those who submitted their oath of membership were Evelyn Uy, and incumbent Mayors Eufracio Caidic (Sibutad), Darel Dexter Uy (Dipolog City), Eddie Justin Quimbo (Gutalac), Roberto “Jun” Uy Jr. (Liloy).

Lakas-CMD is now the largest political party in Congress.

Go raised his question after expressing concern that the efforts of the Du-

“What I feel bad about is that my case has reached the ICC because of our fight against drugs,” Dela Rosa said.

“Since ABS-CBN can no longer sustain TeleRadyo’s operations, ABS-CBN is left with no choice but to cease the operations of TeleRadyo effective 30 June 2923,” the company said in a statement.

However, ABS-CBN Corp. said Tuesday it signed a joint venture agreement with Prime Media Holdings Inc. to produce various content and programs.

The Lopez-led media and entertainment company said it would continue providing news to the public through a joint venture with Prime Media to produce various programs, which would be supplied to broadcasters and other third-party platforms including Philippine CollectiveMedia Corp. (PCMC).

“Under the agreement, ABS-CBN will have a minority stake in the joint venture, and Prime Media Inc. will be the majority stakeholder,” ABS-CBN said.

“This gives some of our former personnel a chance to find job opportunities. It is also a way to continue providing accurate and balanced news and information in the country,” its statement added.

Dela Rosa, who was the first PNP chief of the Duterte administration, also aired his frustration against the cops involved.

Prime Media said in a separate disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange the agreement is in line with its strategic plan to venture into media and entertainment by securing partnerships for content development, production, and distribution to expand its business.

Prime Media said the joint venture with ABS-CBN formalizes the agreement to develop, produce, and finance content, programs, and shows for distribution to local and international broadcast networks, channels, and platforms.

This will expand Prime Media’s business segments and provide streams of revenue such as equity investment and share in future projects, it said. Prime Media is trading under the PSE ticker symbol “PRIM.”

Under the agreement, ABS-CBN will have 49 percent equity with an initial subscription of 19.6 million shares for P19.6 million, and Prime Media will have 51 percent equity and an initial subscription of 20.4 million shares for P20.4 million.

The initial authorized capital stock of the joint venture amounted to P100 million, consisting of 100 million

“Despite this, all you think about is money. You are even in a syndicate,” the senator said, adding he could not stomach this happening to the police “where you join a syndicate.” common shares with a par value of P1.

Upon incorporation of the JVC, the board of directors will be composed of nine members, with five members appointed by Prime Media and four members by ABS-CBN.

ABS-CBN said the partnership with Prime Media would give its former personnel a chance to find job opportunities after it announced that TeleRadyo would cease operations next month.

“It is also a way to continue providing accurate and balanced news and information to the country,” ABS-CBN said.

ABS-CBN said that since 2020, TeleRadyo has been incurring financial losses to the already beleaguered media company.

TeleRadyo debuted in April 2007 as DZMM TeleRadyo, but went radio silent after the cease-and-desist order issued against ABS-CBN in May 2022.

A few days later TeleRadyo returned live, airing through YouTube and Facebook. In May 2020, the National Telecommunications Commission ordered ABSCBN to cease its operations due to the expiration of its legislative franchise.

Three years since ABS-CBN went off-air, numerous bills seeking to grant

“Right now, the average will be around 30,000 to 50,000 (packs) in those two regions, independently of each other. It has been prepositioned. But we are doubling it up. The goal here is to double it before the end of business tomorrow,” Gatchalian said, adding they will start mobilizing as early as this weekend. Vince Lopez and Rio Araja the broadcasting network a fresh 25-year franchise remain pending in Congress.

ABS-CBN said TeleRadyo had been incurring financial losses since 2020, and it could no longer sustain its operations.

“The company is deeply saddened by this closure and having to part ways with the many passionate and committed people who have made Teleradyo an important source of news and information for many Filipinos,” the firm said.

PCMC has been operating since 2009 and was recently granted a national franchise. It operates a television station in Tacloban and 13 radio stations under the FMR (Favorite Music Radio) network.

PCMC also has radio stations in Catbalogan, Calbayog, Catarman, Borongan, Ormoc, Iloilo, Camiguin, Zamboanga Sibugay, Butuan, Davao de Oro, Tagum and Iligan.

ABS-CBN is a media organization known for creating and producing programs for different platforms through partnerships with local broadcasters. It has a streaming service, third-party platforms, domestic and international theater chains, and co-production and syndication agreements with global streaming platforms, and international studios.