Hitman in Lapid slay wants to plead guilty to homicide

A SELF-confessed gunman in the killing of radio commentator Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa, has asked a Las Piñas court to be allowed to plead guilty to the lesser offense of homicide instead of murder.

“In the interest of justice and for the mutual benefit of the State and the accused, it is most respectfully prayed of this Honorable Court to allow accused Joel Escorial y Salve to enter into plea bargaining to lesser offense of homicide,” read his motion to plea-bargain, filed through his lawyer from the Public Attorney’s Office. Escorial faces a murder charge before the Las Piñas Regional Trial Court Branch 254 over Lapid’s murder, along with former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag and several others.

Three of his co-accused, all gang leaders from the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) where the killing was allegedly planned, had pleaded guilty as accessories to the murder. They were sentenced to up to eight years in prison.

Meanwhile, Bantag and his deputy, Ricardo Zulueta, remained at large. They have filed a petition before the Court of Appeals challenging the DOJ prosecutor’s resolution indicting them for murder.

Lapid was shot dead outside his subdivision in Las Piñas on the night of October 3, 2022.

Escorial surrendered to the police a few days later, after his face, captured through a surveillance footage, was shown on nationwide television.

“I had an exit conference with COA about a month ago, and I made a manifestation to the supervisor of COA in PAGCOR and there is no way we can collect that said P2 billion anymore,” Tengco added.

When he assumed office last year, he said he formed a team that would look into the case of the missing POGO.

Unfortunately he said the investigating team probe failed to track down the individuals involved in the said POGO licensee as they were all foreign nationals who have already left the country.

“Our investigation revealed the officers of the licensee already left the country, and that such licensee did not have a local incorporator. That is why during the last exit conference with COA, we asked them, (if it’s possible, that receivable be stricken off),” Tengco said. Maricel V. Cruz

The memorandum of understanding was signed during the launch of the Brigada Eskwela 2023 Makati High School, meant to educate and capacitate learners on the dangers of smoking, vaping, and secondhand smoke.

The MMDA Health, Public Safety and Environmental Protection Office will facilitate the lectures, which will also include an orientation on antilittering and basic first aid and disaster management.

The MMDA will capacitate students on training that will enhance their skills in using the website as a platform for educating young people on the ill effects of smoking and vaping on a person’s health. The project will be a continuing program and is set to end in June 2025.

Joel E. Zurbano

NHA cited for gender responsive practices

THE National Housing Authority (NHA) under general manager Joeben Tai, has bagged the 2023 GADtimpala Silver for Outstanding GenderResponsive Agency, and Exemplary GAD Focal Point System awards yearly commissioned by the Philippine Commission on Women.

The PCW’s GADtimpala Selection Process expressed its recognition of the NHA’s continued efforts in the practice of outstanding performance in gender mainstreaming and effective implementation of gender-responsive programs.

“It is another milestone for the NHA to be acknowledged and appreciated for GAD best practices and genderresponsive programs. Indeed, I am very proud that the Authority commits to promoting gender equality,” Tai said.

In more than 20 years, the NHA has spearheaded initiatives in promoting gender equality through its policies in its workplaces and housing programs. Rio N. Araja

LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE.

Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval manifests a typical case of leadership by example as she gamely joins a Brigada Eskwela roll out at the Malabon National High School. Andrew Rabulan