SM Supermalls hosts COMELEC Mall Voting on May 12

 

Heads up, voters! The countdown to the May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections has begun—and this year, casting your vote just got a whole lot easier.

Voters fill the venue at SM North EDSA during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections in 2023.

In partnership with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), SM Supermalls is proud to roll out the Mall Voting Program (MVP) in 20 select SM malls nationwide, bringing democracy closer to home—literally.

Gone are the days of sweltering heat and overcrowded school gyms. This May 12, eligible voters assigned to MVP locations can head to their designated SM mall to vote in a secure, accessible, and air-conditioned environment. Whether you’re a busy parent, a working professional, or a senior citizen looking for comfort and ease, the MVP is designed to improve your voting experience—one step (or escalator ride) at a time.

Who Can Vote in the Mall? 

Only voters whose precincts were officially transferred to a mall. This is indicated in the final list from COMELEC.

How Can I Confirm If I Vote in a Mall? 

Check any of the following: 

• precinctfinder.comelec.gov.ph 

• Your Voter Information Sheet (VIS)

• Mall posters or tarps 

• Barangay caravans or your local COMELEC office

Voting Hours at the Mall: 

• 5:00 AM – 7:00 AM — Priority: Seniors, PWDs, Pregnant voters

• 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM — Regular voting hours

Can I Bring Someone to Help Me Vote? 

Yes, a relative (up to 4th degree) or Electoral Board member may assist.

Can My Companion Vote at the Mall Too? 

Only if their precinct was also officially transferred to the same mall.

Here’s a list of the participating SM Supermalls where you can conveniently vote this coming May 12:

1. SM City Manila

2. SM City North EDSA

3. SM City Fairview

4. SM City Sucat

5. SM City Bicutan

6. SM City BF Parañaque

7. SM City East Ortigas

8. SM City Southmall

9. SM City Cauayan

10. SM City Baliwag

11. SM City Tarlac

12. SM City Batangas

13. SM City Santa Rosa

14. SM City Puerto Princesa

15. SM City Legazpi

16. SM City Iloilo

17. SM City Consolacion

18. SM CDO Uptown

19. SM CDO Downtown

20. SM City Butuan

SM Supermalls offers a convenient mall voting experience for the 2025 elections, with 20 SM malls where people can vote.

From Luzon to Mindanao, SM Supermalls is proud to open its doors—rent-free—for the benefit of Filipino voters. And don’t worry, COMELEC’s got the backend handled: trained election personnel, full compliance with electoral rules, and tight coordination for logistics and security.

Why mall voting works

The goal? A smoother, more inclusive voting experience—especially for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, and pregnant voters. Think ramps, elevators, comfortable seating, and spacious voting areas—all in a familiar and accessible setting.

“We believe democracy should be inclusive, convenient, and secure,” shared Junias Eusebio, Vice President for Mall Operations at SM Supermalls. “By offering our malls as voting venues, we’re not just making it easier to vote—we’re helping empower every Filipino to make their voice heard.”

People sit and observe the proceedings, awaiting the election results at SM North EDSA.

Democracy meets convenience

This isn’t SM’s first time teaming up with government agencies. Through the SM Government Service Express (GSE), select SM malls already offer one-stop access to services like ID processing, permits, and more. The MVP is yet another way SM Supermalls is stepping up to serve the public in meaningful ways.

Plan ahead

Eligible for mall voting? Expect an official advisory from COMELEC about your assigned voting venue. Then, on May 12, head to your designated SM mall, bring a valid ID, and vote with ease.

Let’s all do our part—vote smart, vote safe, and vote comfortably.

Find your precinct number easily at precinctfinder.comelec.gov.ph. 

For more info and real-time updates, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on social media.

About SM Supermalls Government Services
SM Supermalls' Government Service Express (GSE) makes essential government services more accessible to Filipinos by bringing key agencies together in select malls nationwide. This one-stop hub offers ID applications, renewals, business registrations, permits, and more—all within a safe and convenient mall environment. Through strong partnerships with government agencies, SM Supermalls champions efficiency, inclusivity, and ease of access, redefining public service to better serve communities.

MMDA Honors Top Barangays in Results-Based Incentives Awarding for Solid Waste Management

Quezon City, January 10, 2025 – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) proudly recognized the top-performing project barangays of the Metro Manila Flood Management Project (MMFMP) for their exemplary implementation of community-based solid waste management (SWM) under the project's Results-based Incentive (RBI) scheme. The awarding ceremony took place at the Red Hotel in Cubao, Quezon City, highlighting the success of the barangays in managing solid wastes in their communities and contributing to the minimization of waste in waterways, which is critical for flood mitigation.

A total of 12 top-performing barangays from across the 85 project barangays of MMFMP in Metro Manila were selected based on agreed performance measures on community-based plans and practices in waste collection, segregation, and diversion. Under the RBI scheme, these barangays consequently underwent a performance validation process led by a technical working group composed of representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) and the De La Salle University.

After the evaluation, three barangays emerged as the top performers. The best-performing barangays, Barangay 136 in Manila, Barangay San Isidro in Makati, and Barangay 94 in Manila, each received major incentives and a Solid Waste Management Investment amounting to PHP 750,000 for their outstanding efforts in improving waste collection, segregation, and disposal practices. Meanwhile, the remaining top barangays received minor incentives, including solid waste management (SWM) tools worth PHP 50,000 each.

MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando S. Artes emphasized the significance of the RBI scheme, stating, “Our Results-Based Incentives scheme is a very tangible initiative with clear results rooted in the power of collaboration. The success of these barangays proves that with the right support, community engagement, and incentives, we can make significant strides in reducing waste in Metro Manila’s waterways, ultimately preventing flooding and creating cleaner, more sustainable neighborhoods.”

ACTUAL QUOTE: MMDA General Manager Undersecretary Procopio G. Lipana emphasized that “Since the launch of the RBI in 2023, we have partnered with various agencies to assess and evaluate the performance of barangays in managing their waste. I send my heartfelt congratulations to the twelve barangays that have demonstrated exemplary dedication and leadership in solid [waste] management. Your efforts are making a real difference, not only in your communities but across Metro Manila.”

“What we are doing now is all anchored on our ten-year roadmap to zero waste. Because that is now the trend, we have to remove the word ‘garbage.’ But we have turned the waste into a valuable resource. Pursuant to Republic Act 9003, we have to segregate at source,” he added.

The RBI program is part of the larger Metro Manila Flood Management Project (MMFMP) under Component 2, which aims to minimize solid waste in waterways. The program incentivizes barangays to improve their SWM practices, thereby reducing the volume of waste that accumulates in waterways and pumping stations, which can inhibit their flood control functions.

The top-performing barangays demonstrated innovative strategies and exceptional dedication to solid waste management, setting benchmarks for other communities. Barangay 136 of Manila implemented a robust waste segregation program, achieving approximately 90% household participation through ordinances, seminars, and social media campaigns. Barangay San Isidro, Makati formalized a subsystem for inaccessible areas, increasing waste collection coverage to nearly 100% and diverting more biodegradable waste since 2021. Meanwhile, Barangay 94 of Manila established a Barangay Materials Recovery Facility near its estero to streamline waste management and recycling efforts, ensuring proper waste disposal and promoting tie-ups with local junk shops and NGOs.

These barangays not only improved their local environments but also inspired sustainable practices among their residents, contributing significantly to Metro Manila’s waste management goals.

As the top performers were recognized for their solid waste management initiatives that not only improved waste collection and segregation but also fostered a culture of sustainability among its residents, the RBI program’s pilot implementation will continue to be refined, with plans for replication in more barangays across Metro Manila. The MMDA hopes to inspire other local government units to adopt the same model, further expanding the reach of community-based solid waste management practices.

Dir. Josias E. Syquimsiam, Jr., Director IV of the Solid Waste Management Office, said “"As public servants, we don't expect to be recognized for our service to the nation, as it is our sworn duty. However, MMDA chooses to give importance to these efforts. We understand the hardships and challenges you've endured in managing waste in your communities."

"Today, the MMDA recognizes the steps you have taken to maintain order and cleanliness, not only in your respective barangays but for the entire Metro Manila. We hope this continues and that the initiatives you have chosen to establish serve as a model, enabling us to do what’s right for our shared environment. We are beyond grateful to be your partner in providing an ecological, systematic, comprehensive, and, most importantly, sustainable solid waste management program for the people of Metro Manila," he continued.

The ceremony also included presentations from the winning barangays, showcasing their innovative SWM initiatives and plans, as well as sustained improvements in waste management practices. The event concluded with a commitment from the MMDA and partner barangays to continue working together in achieving a cleaner, flood-resilient Metro Manila.

For more information about MMDA’s Results-Based Incentives program and other initiatives under the Metro Manila Flood Management Project, visit the MMDA website or follow @MMDA on social media.

About MMDA: The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is responsible for coordinating service delivery and implementing projects aimed at improving infrastructure, flood control, waste management, and urban planning in Metro Manila. Through the Metro Manila Flood Management Project, MMDA seeks to enhance flood prevention efforts by addressing solid waste management and other critical issues affecting the region’s drainage systems.

Controversy Surrounds Asia's Man and Woman of the Year Awards Over Alleged Paid Sponsorships

Recently, a controversy surfaced on social media regarding the alleged fees associated with receiving awards from the "Asia’s Man and Woman of the Year" awards. Among those mentioned in this issue is Angelica Yulo, the mother of renowned world-class gymnast Carlos Yulo, who was one of the recipients of the said award. According to a viral post by a netizen, the sponsorship packages for the award-giving body were shared, with tiers reportedly ranging from ₱30,000 and above, implying that such payments could potentially influence the award's outcome.

The post suggested that there is a required payment for receiving the awards, with a list of packages detailing various amounts that nominees, their partners, or friends could sponsor to increase their chances of being awarded. This has sparked concerns that the awarding process may not solely be based on merit or achievements, but rather on the ability to sponsor.

The news quickly garnered reactions from netizens, raising questions about the credibility of the "Asia’s Man and Woman of the Year" awards. For many, the idea that awards can be bought or sponsored undermines the integrity of those receiving such honors. Some netizens pointed out that if the allegations are true, the objectivity of the selection process for awardees is called into question.

This led to an in-depth online discussion about the integrity of awards across various industries. Some argued that such issues are not new and that award-giving bodies have long been criticized for questionable standards in selecting recipients. For awardees, this controversy could have a negative impact on their reputation, especially if they cannot prove that their recognition was based on actual contributions or accomplishments.

Despite the growing controversy, there has been no official statement from Angelica Yulo's camp or the organizers of the said award. The public continues to await any clarifications or responses regarding the issue. The lack of an official reply has left room for speculation and further fueled the controversy.

It remains unclear whether other recipients of the "Asia’s Man and Woman of the Year" award went through the same process. This has become a key question among those observing the situation. On the other hand, some supporters of the awardees argue that not all award-giving bodies operate under the same system, and it's unfair to judge all awardees based solely on the allegations.

With the rapid spread of information on social media, news like this becomes easily accessible. However, it’s important to exercise caution in interpreting such reports, focusing on official statements or clarifications from those involved before jumping to conclusions or reacting strongly.

This controversy serves as a reminder, not only to the public but also to award-giving bodies, to maintain transparency and integrity in their processes to avoid such issues. Many people hold awards and recognitions in high regard, making it crucial for the standards to remain clear and untarnished by controversy, so that these honors can continue to inspire recipients, their supporters, and their communities.

As questions remain unanswered, this issue could pave the way for a more thorough examination of the processes behind awarding systems and how they affect the public’s perception of those who receive such recognition.

Robin Padilla underwent heart procedure

Senator Robinhood Padilla assures his supporters and admirers that his health is unaffected.

He noted that his blood pressure always increases following an election.

His response to the media included the following quote: "I am not sick of anything.

"I just so happened to have high blood pressure following the elections, and it hasn't decreased since I've been in Spain.

"At Cardinal Santos [hospital], endoscopy and colonoscopy tests were performed to examine the inside; all were successful.

"The 2D echo of the heart was done, and they identified something that has to be evaluated by a Cardiologist. The pulmonary test was also done, and everything passed.

"I visited the Asian Medical Center.

"I underwent a cardiac operation after my stress test revealed what they described as a clogged heart.

Praise God, my heart is extremely normal; thus, I'm simply keeping an eye on my blood pressure right now.

The statement from Senator Robinhood "Robin" C's team is provided below. Yesterday in Padilla:

"This Saturday, October 1, 2022, Senator Robinhood "Robin" C. Padilla underwent a cardiac surgery at the Asian Hospital in Muntinlupa City. He is doing well and has been permitted to return home.

"Sen will unwind. Padilla is anticipated to resume his employment and regular activities as soon as feasible after this weekend.

"Sen. Padilla appreciates all the well-wishes and encouragement for a quick recovery.

"We'll give you a reliable report on Sen. Padilla's health. I want to thank you again.

Sen. Robin Padilla informed News5 on Sunday, October 2, that a blocked area of his heart had been discovered, necessitating a cardiac operation.

The senator said, "His high blood pressure, which began after the election, is the only issue they are now monitoring."

“Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng mga nanalangin at sa mga salmo ng pag-aalala,” Facebook post ni Sen. Robin nitong Sunday night.

Dominic Roco was among the five arrested in the drug buy-bust operation in Quezon City

Photo from Rappler

On the first day of the month of October, showbiz news focused on Dominic Roco's arrest by members of the Quezon City Police District.

In Quezon City, the actor took part in a buy-bust operation.

The Philippine Entertainment Portal got in touch with Station 14 of the Quezon City Police District this morning at 10 a.m. since Roco and his four co-accused are now being detained there.

The policeman claims that at 1:20 a.m. when the buy-bust operation took place in a townhouse in Don Antonio Heights in Barangay Holy Spirit at first light on Saturday, October 1.

Bembol Roco's seasoned actor's son hasn't yet made an official remark on the matter he's involved in.

Dominic and the accused, who comprise three men and a woman, would be the subject of a complaint from the Quezon City Police district for violations of Republic Act 9165, often known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The False Positive television series, starring Xian Lim and Glaiza de Castro, is Dominic's most recent endeavor.

The actor, 33, has a twin brother named Felix, whose most recent film or television project was in 2019.

Vhong Navarro's immediate transfer to Taguig City Jail is demanded by the Deniece Cornejo camp

The legal team for Deniece Cornejo filed an urgent demand to move TV personality and actor Vhong Navarro right away to a jail cell.

Deniece's attorneys Howard Calleja and Maria Concepcion Claire Jennifer J. Aquino submitted the three-page petition on Thursday, September 29, 2022, at Taguig City's Regional Trial Court Branch 69.

"Comes now, the complainant Deniece Cornejo, through the undersigned counsel and unto this Honorable Court, respectfully moves for the immediate transfer of the place of detention of the accused from NBI detention center to Taguig City jail," reads part of the petition, according to The Daily Tribune.

In a non-bailable rape case, the petition further demands that the arresting officer transfer the defendant right away to the closest police station or jail.

"Furthermore, the only individuals who may be imprisoned at the NBI are those apprehended for in flagrant delicto," the petition adds.

"Flagrant delicto" refers to crimes, notably sexual abuse, that are observed in progress.

The Bureau of Jail Management's policies mandate that an accused person be held in the location where the warrant was obtained.

The petition demands that Ferdinand "Vhong" Navarro, who is charged, be held at Taguig City jail since he would be tried there and because the arrest warrant was issued there.

The Cornejo camp has politely requested that the court issue an order telling the appropriate official at the NBI detention facility to promptly transfer the accused from the NBI detention center to Taguig City prison.

The Vhong camp has not yet responded to this.

VP Sara Duterte's mandarin speech draws flak from netizens

Vice President Sara Duterte decided it would be appropriate to address the nation days before the People's Republic of China's 73rd anniversary celebration — and in Mandarin, no less.

A video of the vice president giving a speech in Mandarin that news organizations released quickly went viral on social media.

According to reports, Duterte is the first Philippine leader to deliver the majority of a speech in Mandarin, much less a vice president in office. She called China a "kind neighbor" and praised it for helping the Philippines' economy recover from the epidemic in the brief address, which was made public by the Chinese Embassy in Manila.

Although we were unable to locate any information on the VP's knowledge of the language or whether she had previously obtained the assistance of a language coach, her remark sparked much discussion online, particularly among Filipinos who understand Mandarin.

Due to the fact that certain Chinese words' meanings can change significantly depending on the tones employed, several people said that Duterte's erroneous intonation and accent made it difficult for her to be understood and even put listeners at danger of being offended.

"I hope she used the appropriate words and accent. Because Mandarin is difficult, it's fine to be adorable, but you better know what you're saying, one user commented.

One person remarked, "I speak Mandarin and I did NOT understand a word she said... her accent is terrible."

There are four tones in Mandarin. Two are all I can hear. It doesn't help that there's no rhythm. Finally, there are pronunciation problems, as noted by legal professor Christopher Lao.

Another countered that if Duterte was having trouble with the language, she could have easily communicated in English and hired a translator to translate, or she could have just used subtitles.

Some questioned the VP's decision to make the effort now, given that China and the Philippines are currently engaged in a territorial dispute over the West Philippine Sea and that the Philippines is still recovering from the worst typhoon to hit the country so far this year. However, speaking to another country in their language can be seen as a sign of diplomatic goodwill.

The user said in Filipino, "She actually placed China first above her fellowmen who suffered from the hurricane."

Regardless of how one feels about Duterte's Mandarin message, one user reminded internet users that making fun of the vice president's accent is no different than making fun of Filipinos who insult English speakers with strong regional accents.

WATCH: Sara Duterte's Mandarin speech

Vhong Navarro's plea for reconsideration in the Cornejo rape case is rejected by the Court of Appeals

On September 25, the Court of Appeals (CA) dismissed actor Vhong Navarro's request for the DOJ to reconsider its decision to prosecute him with rape by sexual intercourse and acts of lasciviousness.

Recall that on July 21, the CA overturned and annulled the DOJ's earlier decisions from 2018 and 2020 that had dismissed model Deniece Cornejo's 2014 lawsuit alleging Navarro of attempting to rape her.

The CA was charged with "unwarranted interference" in Navarro's application for reconsideration, which also alleged that Cornejo had not offered any new evidence to support her allegations and that the charges against him had already been appropriately dropped.

Navarro argued that the DOJ's earlier dismissals constituted res judicata, which is a legal doctrine that forbids a party from bringing up an issue or offering evidence on a fact that has already been adjudicated by a court. In addition, he asked for a status quo ante order, citing his rights to due process and the need to exhaust all of his legal options while waiting for the outcome of his move for reconsideration.

The CA rejected Navarro's assertion of res judicata, stating that "judicial review is admissible where it is demonstrated that the public prosecutor committed grave abuse of discretion," and that the DOJ's dismissal of the complaints could not be regarded as verdicts on the issues raised.

After the court ordered his detention in connection with the case on September 20, Navarro turned himself in to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). He is still being held at the Manila detention center of the NBI.

Vhong Navarro Mugshot

Blind Item: Who is this Marcos Admin creditor and depositor?

Photo from BusinessWorld Online

Who is this high government official who has two (2) special personnel who act as cashiers and depositors?

According to our source, the kubrador is the one who directly negotiates to cover the money for his so-called "Boss", the Government official.

Kubrador is the one who ensures that the money collected is given at the right time and another staff member is the one who will deposit the high official's bank account.

The negotiation and exchange of text messages took place in the months of June and July this year, where the parties spoke separately about the multi-million dollar amount they were going to claim from the project that should benefit the poor.

Here is a sample of Kubrador's text message "Request for P100M to include the cabinets, tables and chairs" and "On Friday there is a check release for (from SUBI) .. pls make sure Boss put P100M in his account Ty ” contents of a text on June 7, a few weeks before former President Rodrigo Duterte stepped down.

Government official is really a typhoon and bigtime because he is not a simple person who is a cobrador and a collector of stolen money, he is a tandem of a lawmaker and a businessman.

Mr. Kubrador official has a bad image because of the scandal it involved in the government, that's why it sucks in the current administration to get away with the cases.

According to our source, the amount collected by Kubrador is P100 million only for Government Official. P100 million seems to be the trend now in the administration of President Bongbong Marcos Jr.

The SUBI member of Kubrador's collection was also involved in a dispute between the families of politicians here in a famous city in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Kubrador is a lady solon from a province and the depositor or subi is skilled in Raket like his initial.

But the focus of our blind item is the Government official who was collected by Kubrador.

Clue: It has been reported that a government official is being investigated because of his secret bank account, not only in the Philippines but overseas, specifically by the Anti Money Laundering Council.

The official who has two minions who are kubra and subi or roommate in his bank account is nicknamed Mr. "Silidonyo", because "room here room there" of his lurking piles of money.

Miss Universe Organization to accept married women and mothers

 #MissUniverse BREAKING NEWS: According to the official instagram of the national director of Miss Universe Dominican Republic - the Miss Universe Organization will start accepting married women and mothers competing for the Miss Universe crown starting next year onwards!!

National directors received an email announcing this so that they can also implement in their rules from next edition on!

Award-winning character actress Cherie Gil has passed away

Award-winning character actress Cherie Gil has passed away, according to an Instagram post by actress-talent manager Annabelle Rama on Friday, Aug. 5.

Did Kiefer Ravena cheated on Alyssa Valdez?

 

Kiefer Ravena is trending on twitter, netizens accuse Kiefer on cheating to Alyssa Valdez that causes the breakup and now with a new girl immediately after their breakup  #KieferRavena #KieferRavenacheating #AlyssaValdez #KholeenOrtiz

Doubts and questions arise amid the appointment of Vic Rodriguez as Executive Secretary

"As Gold is tested in four ways bu rubbing, cutting, heating and beating - so a man should be tested by these four things: his renunciation, his conduct, his qualities and his actions."

This quote may be the best description as doubts and questions arise with the appointment of Vic Rodriguez as Executive secretary.

The Executive Secretary is often called the “Little President” because of the immense power that the position holds.

Among the Executive Secretary’s duties include: Implementing presidential directives, orders and decisions; supervise various agencies under the Office of the President, and appoint officials whose appointments do not need the President’s approval.

The Executive Secretary also has the power to sign papers such as executive orders “by authority of the President,” and decide on matters for and on behalf of the President if they don’t require the Chief Executive’s personal attention.

The post of Executive Secretary has been held by distinguished men since it was created in 1936. Lawyer Jorge Vargas, the first Executive Secretary, was appointed by President Manuel Quezon after serving as chief clerk of the Department of Interior and legislative secretary to then-Speaker Sergio Osmeña.

Manuel Roxas, the fifth President of the Philippines, also served as Quezon’s Executive Secretary from December 1941 until March 1942, just a month before he was captured by Japanese forces.

Experience is a major consideration in appointing the “Little President.” The Executive Secretary needs to hit the ground running, with barely any time to learn how to navigate the labyrinthine maze of the bureaucracy. Owing to the demands of the job, past Presidents picked Executive Secretaries who had proved their mettle through the posts they’ve held over the years.

Ernesto Maceda, a cum laude graduate of the Ateneo Law School, served as councilor of Manila—and was named Outstanding Councilor— before becoming the youngest Cabinet member of then-President E. Marcos as Secretary of Community Development at 29 years old. He served as Marcos’ Executive Secretary in a concurrent capacity as Chairman of the Commission on Reorganization from July 1969 to February 1970.

Joker Arroyo held the record as the human rights lawyer who handled the most number of cases between 1972 and 1986 before becoming then-President Corazon Aquino’s first Executive Secretary in 1986. Franklin Drilon served as Labor Secretary for three years and Justice Secretary for one year before his appointment as Aquino’s Executive Secretary in 1991.

Teofisto Guingona, who went on to become Vice President under the Arroyo administration, served as senator for six years before his appointment as Executive Secretary. He also chaired the Commission on Audit from 1986 to 1987. Ronaldo Zamora worked under the Marcos and Aquino administrations prior to becoming President Joseph Estrada’s first Executive Secretary from 1998 to 2000.

The longest serving Executive Secretaries were appointed in the past three administrations: Eduardo Ermita, Paquito Ochoa and Salvador Medialdea held the post for six years under Presidents Gloria Arroyo, Benigno Aquino III and Rodrigo Duterte, respectively. Both Ochoa and Medialdea were lawyers while Ermita was a three-term congressman from Batangas who also handled the national defense portfolio under Arroyo.

Compared to his many of his predecessors, Vic Rodriguez’s resume comes up woefully short. He was barangay captain of Sacred Heart in Quezon City for 10 years before becoming special assistant to the chief of the Business Permits and Licensing Office in 2002 under then-Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. He later became the officer-in-charge of the city’s Community Relations Office.

Rodriguez’s profile rose when he became spokesperson and chief of staff of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the run up to the 2022 elections. He was named Executive Secretary shortly after Marcos won as President.

The administration’s recent blunders have shown Rodriguez’s ineptness for the job. The appointment of Archipelago Philippines Ferries-FastCat owner Christopher Pastrana as Philippine Ports Authority General Manager has been met with criticism owing to perceived conflict of interest and his company’s supposed P132-million debt to the Department of Transportation.

So far, Pastrana’s appointment remains in limbo. Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista has instead designated a long-serving ports manager to become PPA’s officer-in-charge GM until further notice.

Former Energy chief Raphael Lotilla’s appointment also hit a snag as Malacañang appeared to have been remiss in vetting his credentials. Republic Act 7638 or the Department of Energy Act of 1992 prohibited the appointment of an Energy Secretary who used to be an officer of a private company engaged in the energy industry within two years from his resignation or retirement.

Lotilla, however, was an independent director of Aboitiz Power Corp., and the oil and gas exploration firm ACE Enexor. The Department of Justice later affirmed his nomination as “valid and lawful,” but not after the Palace’s head-scratching clarification that Lotilla’s appointment was a “nomination” for now.

Rodriguez’s hand was also seen in Marcos’ veto of the bill creating the Bulacan Airport City ecozone, which disappointed lawmakers and investors. He claimed there were “defects” that should be remedied by passing an entirely new legislation.

Philippine Star columnist Jarius Bondoc said there’s no one but Rodriguez to blame for the administration’s recent snafus. “From murmurs in Malacañang, Rodriguez had it coming. Supposedly he re-centralized to his office functions formerly dispersed to other units. That made him powerful, if overloaded,” Bondoc said.

Rodriguez has apparently taken upon himself to vet candidates for thousands of presidential appointees. No wonder the announcement of appointments is moving at a snail’s pace, with a number of key vacancies still unfilled.

For all his talk about being close to Marcos, one would think Rodriguez wants nothing more than the administration to succeed. But he seems bent on bringing his principal down, one wrong decision at a time.

BLIND ITEM: Sino si “100 Million Man” ng Malacanang?

Malacanang - Photo from Tatler Asia

Sinetch itey?! na opisyal na maagang gumagawa ng raket sa palasyo?!

Panoorin ang video na ito:

Alam nyo bang isang maimuwensiyang opisyal ng Marcos Jr. administration ang napakaagang gumagawa ng kababalaghan. Ito sa pamamagitan ng pagkamal ng sandamukal na salapi, mula kampanya hanggang paglalako ng mga posisyon sa pamahalaan. Ayon sa ating importante, si El Kapitan Nilalang ng administrasyon ay dikit sa Pangulo kaya naman kaniyang sinasamantala ang pagkakataong ito. Ang nakamangha ay humihingi ito ng tumataginting na one hundred million pesos (P100M) sa ilang nais na makakuha na puwesto sa gobyerno na maituturong na “juicy position”—na ang Ibig sabihin ay ang mga posisyon sa gobyerno ba madaling mapagkakitaan. Kung makakapagbigay ng P100 million pesos kay El Kapitan ay siya mismo ang mag aayos na papeles upang agad na maappoint Sa puwesto. Ang malupet sa lahat, kahit sa panahon ng kampanya, ganito rin ang modus operandi ni El Kupitan, abay halos lahat ng transaksiyon sa mga negosyante na gustong magbigay ng donasyon iisa ang kwento sa presyuhan, animoy eksena sa Storage War series ang bidding. Pati yung mga negosyanyete na maagang magpalapad ng papel kay PBBM dahil lamang sa survey, abay iisa ang kwento at parang template ang numero ibinibigay ni El Kupitan- itoy nagsisimula sa P100M at kapag sinuwerte lalo pat galante ang kausap , mas malaki pa ang hatag. Hindi lang yan, meron pang isang negosyanteng na nagboluntaryo naman mag-donate ng P100M ang sobrang nagulat dahil bank account ni El Kupitan ang ibinigay sa kanya. Hindi ngayon malaman ng negosyante kung nakarating ba ang kanyang donasyon o nagamit nakaraang kampanya dahil sa bank account ni El Kupitan pumasok ang P100M. Maliban sa bansag na “Mr 100 Million Man” may bagong pangalan si El Kupitan sa umpukan ng mga “Marisol” at “Marites” sa pamahalaan bilang “Silidonyo”, as in “silid dito, silid doon” sa garapon Kaya naman nabubuwisit na mismo ang mga mas malalapit kay PBBM dahil maaring ito ay makasira sa imahe ng Pangulo at sa buong administrasyon lalo pat usap-usapan kahit sa mga estero sa Palasyo ang modus ni El Kupitan. Clue. Kaya naman pala Raketista si “Mr 100 million Man”, alyas El Kupitan dahil meron letrang R

The questionable appointment of Christopher Pastrana as General Manager of the Philippine Ports Authority

The Republic of the Philippines is on to its next chapter as it welcomes its new President, Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos jr. Part of the transition of every new presidency comes with the appointment to several positions in the government, but even traditions must give way when very dangerous tendencies start rearing their ugly heads. And that is precisely what happened when incoming ES Vic Rodriguez announced the appointment of Christopher Pastrana as General Manager of the Philippine Ports Authority. 

The appointment reportedly caught the 2 other members of the screening committee, Naida Angping and Anton Lagdameo by surprise. More importantly, the appointment was announced at the same time as that of incoming DOTR Secretary Jimmy Bautista, even before the latter had even accepted. And that was critical, because since PPA is an agency attached to the DOTR, such shouldhave been vetted with him. 

Domestic Shipowner Pastrana founded the CAPP Group of Companies involved in the trading of bulk raw materials for the cement industry. In 2002, he ventured into tug and barge operations and in the same year, he started Philharbor Ferries and Port Services and APFC, which operates catarman-type roll-on/roll-off vessels. He has since expanded into ship management, repair, port operations and maritime training.

Pastrana is currently president of Philippine Inter-island Shipping Association, the umbrella organization of various shipping associations, and president of the Philippine RoRo Operators Association. He is also a director of Interferry, a shipping association representing the ferry industry worldwide.

These consideration should have legally disqualified Pastrana from being appointed to PPA, or to any other government agency that regulates his businesses. But it seems that ES Rodriguez failed to see this, even if Pastrana’s business partner is Dennis Trajano, Rodriguez’s bilas (their wives being sisters). Trajano, in fact, sits as Chairman of the board of both companies.

Watch the full interview of Ka-Tunying with Christopher Pastrana:

https://www.facebook.com/KaTunyingTaberna/videos/989541981734900/