Billions in Budget Scandal? Duterte Allies Drop Bombshell Graft Case Against Speaker Romualdez!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a significant political development, allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte have filed graft and falsification complaints against House Speaker Martin Romualdez and other key lawmakers. The complaints, lodged before the Office of the Ombudsman, allege unauthorized insertions amounting to approximately ₱241 billion in the 2025 national budget.

The Allegations

The complainants, led by former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, along with Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, PDP-Laban senatorial candidate Atty. Jimmy Bondoc, and Citizens Crime Watch president Diego Magpantay, accuse Romualdez, House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, former House Appropriations Committee Chairperson and Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co, and Marikina 2nd District Representative Stella Quimbo of falsifying legislative documents. They claim that these lawmakers inserted substantial amounts into the 2025 national budget without proper authorization, leading to 12 counts each of falsification and graft charges. 

Details of the Complaint

According to Atty. Topacio, the alleged insertions occurred 12 times, as evidenced by discrepancies in the bicameral conference committee report. He emphasized that the approved report contained zero allocations in certain sections, which were later altered to include significant sums. Topacio stated, "You can’t put zero and make it ₱90 billion or ₱80 billion, even ₱10,000 or ₱1. It’s just zero. So we counted 12 times of such insertion." 

Response from the Accused

House Majority Leader Dalipe responded to the allegations by asserting that the passage of the 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) was a constitutional duty of Congress and not an act of wrongdoing. He dismissed the complaints as politically motivated, especially given the proximity to the upcoming elections. Dalipe stated, "The approval of the 2025 GAB is not an act of wrongdoing but a constitutional duty of Congress." 

Context and Implications

This legal action underscores the escalating tensions within the Philippine political landscape, particularly between allies of former President Duterte and the current House leadership under Speaker Romualdez. The rift has been evident in recent months, with disputes over budget allocations and allegations of corruption.

Notably, in November 2024, Vice President Sara Duterte publicly threatened to have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife, and Speaker Romualdez assassinated if she were killed, highlighting the deepening divisions within the country's leadership. 

Furthermore, Vice President Duterte has faced multiple impeachment complaints, with the most recent filed on February 5, 2025, accusing her of corruption, plotting to assassinate the President, involvement in extrajudicial killings, and incitement to insurrection. This complaint garnered the support of 215 members of the House of Representatives, including Speaker Romualdez. 

Looking Ahead

The filing of these graft and falsification complaints adds another layer to the complex political dynamics in the Philippines. As the 2025 elections approach, the outcomes of these legal battles and the internal conflicts within the government will significantly influence the country's political trajectory.

Marcos Fills Comelec with Loyalists? Meet the 2 New Power Players Shaping PH Elections!

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In a significant development for the Philippines' electoral system, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed two seasoned insiders to the Commission on Elections (Comelec), completing its seven-member en banc ahead of the May 12 national and local elections. The new commissioners, Maria Norina Tangaro-Casingal and Noli Rafol Pipo, bring decades of experience within the Comelec, promising continuity and expertise in the commission's operations.

Profiles of the New Commissioners

Maria Norina Tangaro-Casingal has dedicated 27 years to the Comelec, culminating in her role as the head of the Legal Department since 2016. Her extensive legal background and deep understanding of election laws position her as a valuable asset to the commission. Upon her appointment, Tangaro-Casingal took her oath before Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia and will serve in the First Division alongside Commissioners Aimee Ferolino-Ampoloquio and Ernesto Ferdinand Maceda Jr. 

Noli Rafol Pipo's tenure with the Comelec spans 32 years, beginning as an election officer in Bangued, Abra, in 1993. He advanced to become the provincial election officer for Ilocos Sur in 1996 and later served as the regional director for Region 1. Pipo's extensive field experience provides him with a comprehensive perspective on the electoral process. He is set to take his oath on Wednesday and will join the Second Division with Commissioners Rey Bulay and Nelson Celis. 

Implications of the Appointments

The appointments of Tangaro-Casingal and Pipo fill the vacancies left by the recent retirements of Commissioners Socorro Inting and Marlon Casquejo, respectively. Their inclusion means that five of the seven Comelec commissioners are now appointees of President Marcos Jr., following his earlier appointments of Chairman Garcia, Commissioner Celis, and Commissioner Maceda in 2022. By February 2027, the entire Comelec en banc is expected to consist of Marcos appointees. 

Chairman Garcia expressed gratitude to the President for the timely appointments, emphasizing the importance of a complete commission in making decisive rulings, especially with the upcoming elections. He noted that having insiders as commissioners boosts the morale of Comelec personnel and ensures that the appointees are well-versed in the intricacies of the electoral process. 

Looking Ahead

With the en banc now complete, the Comelec is poised to intensify its preparations for the May 12 elections. The commission has already made significant progress, having printed approximately 13 million ballots as of early February, surpassing its initial daily target. The inclusion of experienced insiders like Tangaro-Casingal and Pipo is anticipated to enhance the commission's efficiency and effectiveness in overseeing the electoral process. 

The appointments underscore the administration's commitment to strengthening the country's democratic institutions by entrusting leadership roles to individuals with proven track records and deep institutional knowledge. As the nation approaches the midterm elections, the reinforced Comelec en banc is expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring free, fair, and credible elections.

2025 Elections: Will Your Candidate Save the Planet or Destroy It?

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As the 2025 Philippine midterm elections commence, environmental advocacy groups are urging candidates to prioritize ecological issues in their platforms, emphasizing that genuine public service inherently includes environmental stewardship.

Environmental Watchdogs Call for Green Agendas

BAN Toxics, an environmental watchdog, has called on candidates to integrate robust environmental policies into their electoral agendas. Key areas of focus include addressing the waste crisis, mitigating plastic pollution, protecting the public from hazardous chemicals, and conserving natural resources through responsible practices in forestry and mining. Thony Dizon, BAN Toxics' Campaign and Advocacy Officer, stated, "Protecting the environment is synonymous with protecting the public from climate change-induced disasters and exposure to toxic chemicals. Candidates must recognize that environmental issues are not separate from public welfare—they directly impact health, livelihoods, and future generations." 

Echoing this sentiment, the EcoWaste Coalition has aligned with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in advocating for an ecological campaign that respects and cares for the environment. They urge candidates and their supporters to adhere to COMELEC guidelines to ensure that the midterm elections are environmentally responsible. 

COMELEC's Environmental Guidelines

COMELEC has issued guidelines encouraging the use of recyclable and environmentally friendly materials in campaign propaganda. Candidates are urged to avoid materials containing hazardous chemicals and substances, as outlined in Section 7 of COMELEC Resolution No. 11086. COMELEC Chairman George Garcia emphasized that the election season should not be an excuse for candidates to litter or dispose of garbage in public places. 

Legislative Advocacy for Environmental Action

Senator Loren Legarda has called for decisive action to tackle the mounting environmental crises facing the Philippines. She reaffirmed her commitment to addressing the "triple planetary crisis"—a term encompassing the interconnected environmental challenges of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. 

Recent Environmental Developments in the Philippines

The Philippines has been at the forefront of advocating for climate justice, pushing for accountability from major polluters due to its vulnerability to climate-related disasters. 

In a significant move towards sustainable energy, the Philippines and UAE's Masdar have signed a $15 billion renewable energy agreement to develop solar, wind, and battery storage systems, aiming to provide up to 1 gigawatt of clean power by 2030. This initiative aligns with the country's goal to reduce fossil fuel dependency and increase the share of clean energy in its power mix. 

Additionally, the Asian Development Bank has approved a $500 million loan to aid the Philippines in combating climate change. This funding aims to advance reforms for climate resilience and low-carbon adaptation in critical sectors such as agriculture, natural resources, energy, and transport. 

The Imperative for Environmental Commitment

As the campaign season unfolds, it is imperative for candidates to demonstrate a genuine commitment to environmental protection. This includes responsible use of campaign materials, adherence to environmental laws, and the integration of sustainable practices into their platforms. By doing so, they not only serve the people but also safeguard the environment for future generations.

BAN Toxics plans to release its own set of environmental agendas throughout the election period to guide candidates in integrating environmental protection into their platforms and to raise public awareness on pressing ecological issues that need urgent action. Their call is clear: serve the people, protect the environment.