Philippine Senate Investigations and Legislative Updates

Investigation into Alice Goh's Escape

• Committees Involved:

  • Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights led by Senator Coco Pimentel
  • Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality led by Senator Risa Hontiveros
  • Panel on Public Services headed by Senator Rafi Tulfo

• Key Points:

  • Goh is confirmed to have left the Philippines.
  • Call for cancellation of her passport and seeking Interpol assistance to locate her.
  • Concerns about the broader implications of the Pogo-related crimes, identified as regional/global issues.
  • Questions arise regarding the official record of Goh's departure.
  • Malaysia confirmed her arrival, but doubts about her escape without assistance persist.

• Senate President Francis Escudero's View:

  • Doubts regarding the viability of cases against Guoh in her absence.
  • Legal implications: case may be archived; an alias warrant can be issued if she returns.

Vice President Sarah Duterte's Allegations

• Claims of Impeachment Plot:

  • Duterte alleges discussions in the House to oust her as part of a political scheme against her family.

• House Responds:

  • Lawmakers deny impeachment efforts, asserting that auditing her secret funds is standard procedure.
  • Emphasis on the lack of basis for impeachment discussions.

Funding Controversy Over Children's Book Project

• Proposal by Vice President Sara Duterte:

  • Plan to distribute her children's book "Isang Kaibigan" for 10 million pesos.
  • Aim: to foster reading habits among young learners, initiated during her tenure as Education Secretary.

• Criticism and Defense:

  • Opposition lawmakers question the necessity and budget allocation for the project.
  • Duterte's spokesperson defends the project's purpose, stating transparency in budget use.
  • Cost analysis indicates printing costs may be significantly lower than proposed.

• Senator Risa Hontiveros' Response:

  • Validity of questioning public fund usage highlighted.
  • Plans to realign funding in the budget.

Inquiry into National Debt Accumulation

• House Inquiry Request:
  • Focus on 7.2 trillion pesos debt during the COVID-19 pandemic under the Duterte administration.
  • Examination of fund usage during the pandemic response.

Health Updates and MPOC Surveillance

• Latest Health Reports:
  • Patient recovering from mild MPOC strain; close contacts quarantined.
  • Monitoring of high-risk contacts initiated.
  • Assurance from Health Chief that MPOC outbreak will not lead to another pandemic.

Environmental Concerns: MTKR Taranova Oil Spill

• Extraction Efforts:
  • Philippine Coast Guard reports on ongoing extraction of industrial oil from the sunken tanker.
  • New pumps expected to expedite oil recovery.

Commemoration of Ninoy Aquino Jr.

• 40th Anniversary of Assassination:

  • Family and supporters hold a mass at Manila Memorial Park despite changes to Ninoy Aquino Day.
  • Criticism of rescheduling holiday for tourism purposes.

• Legacy and Political Implications:

  • The assassination catalyzed the EDSA People Power Revolution against Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
  • Bam Aquino addresses rumors of alliances for the 2025 elections, clarifying independent candidacy and collaboration on national issues.

• National Commemorations:

  • Offerings and flowers laid at Ninoy Aquino International Airport to honor his legacy.