RPPe SPEAKER ROMUALDEZ THANKS FILIPINO PEOPLE FOR RISING TRUST, PERFORMANCE RATINGS

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Wednesday expressed his gratitude to the Filipino people for the continued increase in trust and performance ratings as indicated by the latest Pulse Asia survey for the month of June this year.

“Ikinagagalak nating malaman na patuloy ang pagtaas ng tiwala ng mamamayang Pilipino sa ating kakayahan bilang pinuno ng Kongreso. These results are a clear affirmation of the diligent work and dedication demonstrated by my colleagues here at House of Representatives,” Speaker Romualdez expressed.

“Leading this esteemed institution has been an honor, and your continued trust and approval inspires us to strive for excellence in all our endeavors. The welfare of the Filipino people remains our top priority,” the leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives said.

The latest survey of Pulse Asia showed a four-point increase in Speaker Romualdez's performance rating from 31% in March to 35% in June, while trust ratings also increased by four percent from 31% in March to 35% this June.

In terms of performance and trust ratings, Speaker Romualdez posted the highest gain in the latest survey among high public officials.

Speaker Romualdez said they remain committed to implementing policies, programs and projects that will have a genuinely positive impact on the lives of Filipinos, including working tirelessly toward lowering the price of rice, “ensuring that this essential staple remains affordable for all.”

“Patuloy nating pagsisikapan na maibaba ang presyo ng bigas at mga pangunahing bilihin. Dadagdagan natin ang pondo ng ayuda para sa mga indigent Filipinos. It is imperative that we support our most vulnerable citizens and provide them with the necessary resources to improve their quality of life,” he added.

The Speaker also vowed to continue funding programs and projects that spur economic growth in order to create more jobs and stimulate local economies.

“Mananatili tayong tapat sa ating sinumpaang tungkulin na aalagaan natin ang bawat pamilyang Pilipino. Itutulak natin ang pagkakaisa sa administrasyon ni Pangulong Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. na isulong ang interes ng mamamayan,” he stressed.

“The trust you have placed in us drives us to work even harder to meet your needs and aspirations. We are determined to deliver on our promises and to ensure that our policies translate into tangible benefits for every Filipino,” he continued. (END)

——

RPPe SPEAKER ROMUALDEZ THANKS FILIPINO PEOPLE FOR RISING APPROVAL, TRUST RATINGS

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Wednesday expressed his gratitude to the Filipino people for the continued increase in trust and approval ratings as indicated by the latest Pulse Asia survey for the month of June this year.

“Ikinagagalak nating malaman na patuloy ang pagtaas ng tiwala ng mamamayang Pilipino sa ating kakayahan bilang pinuno ng Kongreso. These results are a clear affirmation of the diligent work and dedication demonstrated by my colleagues here at House of Representatives,” Speaker Romualdez expressed.

“Leading this esteemed institution has been an honor, and your continued trust and approval inspires us to strive for excellence in all our endeavors. The welfare of the Filipino people remains our top priority,” the leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives said.

The latest survey of Pulse Asia showed a two-point increase in Speaker Romualdez's approval rating from 34% in March to 36% in June, while trust ratings increased by four percent from 31% in March to 35% this June.

In terms of trust ratings, Speaker Romualdez posted the highest gain in the latest survey among high public officials.

Romualdez said they remain committed to implementing policies, programs and projects that will have a genuinely positive impact on the lives of Filipinos, including working tirelessly toward lowering the price of rice, “ensuring that this essential staple remains affordable for all.”

“Patuloy nating pagsisikapan na maibaba ang presyo ng bigas at mga pangunahing bilihin. Dadagdagan natin ang pondo ng ayuda para sa mga indigent Filipinos. It is imperative that we support our most vulnerable citizens and provide them with the necessary resources to improve their quality of life,” he added.

The Speaker also vowed to continue funding programs and projects that spur economic growth in order to create more jobs and stimulate local economies.

“Mananatili tayong tapat sa ating sinumpaang tungkulin na aalagaan natin ang bawat pamilyang Pilipino. Itutulak natin ang pagkakaisa sa administrasyon ni Pangulong Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. na isulong ang interes ng mamamayan,” he stressed.

“The trust you have placed in us drives us to work even harder to meet your needs and aspirations. We are determined to deliver on our promises and to ensure that our policies translate into tangible benefits for every Filipino,” he continued. (END)

——-

RPPe House joint panel calls for crackdown on 402 illegal POGOs

A joint committee of the House of Representatives on Wednesday called for an immediate and decisive crackdown on 402 illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) across the country to put an end to the widespread criminal activities linked to them.

The call was made during the joint meeting of the Committee on Public Order and Safety and the Committee on Games and Amusements, as it began its motu proprio inquiry into the proliferation of criminal activities associated with illegal POGOs on the instructions of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.

Santa Rosa City Lone District Rep. Dan Fernandez, chair of the public order and safety panel, underscored the need for interagency cooperation to address the growing problem involving POGOs, as he highlighted the role of local government units (LGUs) in the effort.

Fernandez said that the mayors and heads of Business Permits and Licensing Offices (BPLO) in cities and municipalities hosting POGO hubs must take responsibility for verifying and enforcing the closure of these illegal operations.

“Inimbitahan natin ang mga mayors, BPLO heads para at least magtulungan tayo para mapasara ang 402 na ito kasi kung iisa-isahin ito ng national government at PNP (Philippine National Police) mahihirapan tayo. That’s the reason why we need the interagency action on this. And that’s the reason why inimbita din natin ang mayors,” he said.

Leyte 4th District Rep. Richard Gomez underscored the critical responsibility of LGUs in ensuring the cessation of illegal POGO activities.

“So since they’re still operating sa mga iba-ibang LGU, it is also the responsibility of the mayors to make sure that they’re not operating anymore,” Gomez said. 

He continued, “The BPLO must ensure that they’re also not operating, that they should be canceled, they should be closed. ‘Yan ang trabaho ng LGU. So tumatakbo pa rin sa mga LGU. That also must be investigated, must be questioned.”

It was revealed during the hearing that while there are 78 legal POGO operations supervised by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR), a significant number of illegal operators continue to function. 

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) provided intelligence on the locations and operations of 402 illegal POGOs across the country.

Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz, the PAOCC executive director, said the 402 includes canceled POGOs, as well as identified scam farms.

The role of LGUs was particularly emphasized following recent raids on POGO hubs in Bamban, Tarlac, and Porac, Pampanga. 

These operations uncovered extensive illegal activities, including human trafficking and other criminal enterprises, highlighting the need for local authorities to be vigilant and proactive.

Fernandez reiterated that the involvement of LGUs is essential to effectively shut down these illegal operations. 

He pointed out that national agencies alone cannot handle the task and that local authorities must ensure these operations are closed and not allowed to continue. (END)

——-

RPPe House launches inquiry into crimes tied to illegal POGOs

The House of Representatives on Wednesday initiated a comprehensive investigation into the proliferation of criminal activities associated with illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).

The joint meeting of the Committee on Public Order and Safety and the Committee on Games and Amusements began its motu proprio inquiry in aid of legislation, following the instructions of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez. 

The Speaker called for the inquiry as part of the government’s commitment to curbing illegal activities and ensuring that existing regulations are effectively enforced.

"We cannot allow these rogue POGO operators to persist. It is imperative that we identify and unmask the masterminds and protectors behind these operations so they can be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," the leader of the 300-plus-strong House said.

Santa Rosa City Lone District Rep. Dan Fernandez, chair of the public order and safety panel, said the probe seeks to identify and address the “evils of POGOs.” 

Fernandez detailed a litany of heinous crimes reportedly connected to POGO hubs, including homicide, human trafficking, torture, prostitution, forcible abduction, kidnapping, serious illegal detention, robbery, extortion, and drug trafficking.

“Ito ang mga karumaldumal na krimen na nababalitaan nating nangyayari sa mga POGO hub. Idagdag pa natin ang mga cybercrime, money laundering, tax evasion, and other fraudulent practices na sinasagawa ng mga illegal na POGO operators," Fernandez said. 

Aligning with Speaker Romualdez, Fernandez said the inquiry aims to hold these operators accountable and ensure they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

“These are heinous crimes and serious human rights violations that affect both our citizens and the foreign workers who are forced to work at these illegal POGOs under cruel and inhumane conditions," Fernandez said.

Cavite 6th District Rep. Antonio Ferrer, chair of the House Committee on Games and Amusements, echoed Fernandez's concerns and underscored the importance of a collaborative effort to address the issue. 

“The proliferation of illegal POGOs and their associated crimes is a serious threat to our society. It is imperative that we work together to eliminate these operations and protect the welfare of both our citizens and foreign workers," Ferrer said.

Fernandez cited alarming statistics, revealing that around 300 illegal POGOs continue to operate across the country, employing approximately 40,000 undocumented Chinese workers. 

He noted that some workers, including Filipinos and foreign nationals from Vietnam, Malaysia, and other neighboring countries, are being forced to work against their will, with some reported as missing.

Recent raids conducted by authorities have highlighted the severity of the issue. 

In Pasay City, a raid on a POGO hub uncovered numerous undocumented workers and led to multiple arrests. 

Similar operations in Bamban, Tarlac, and Porac, Pampanga, exposed large-scale human trafficking rings and illegal activities within these establishments, further underscoring the urgent need for government intervention. 

In Bamban, the involvement of Mayor Alice Guo was brought to light, raising questions about local complicity in these illegal operations.

During the hearing, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission showed video footage of workers being physically abused at a POGO hub in Pampanga. 

These heinous offenses are apart from the illegal entry of thousands of Chinese as tourists, who were eventually found to be working in POGOs.

Fernandez called on local government units (LGUs) to take a proactive role in regulating internet gaming operators within their jurisdictions. 

“We need LGUs to look into the situation in their localities. If these are licensed internet gaming operators and the corresponding local permits have been issued to them, the LGUs should ensure that their regulations are stringently observed," he said. 

"The committee shall scrutinize the business permits and licensing offices of the LGUs to determine whether they wittingly or unwittingly allowed such a criminal enterprise to enter their area of jurisdiction,” he added. (END)

——-

RPPe ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR PBBM’S 3RD SONA

THE House of Representatives is more than ready for next week’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., with Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez expressing confidence that they have set a grand stage for another historic presidential address.

Speaker Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus-strong chamber, said preparations for President Marcos Jr.’s SONA on July 22 have been successful, with the final interagency meeting among the Office of the President, both Houses of Congress, and other agencies held last Monday, July 15.

“The anticipation within the hallowed halls of this august chamber is palpable as we stand ready to hear and appreciate the accomplishments of the Marcos administration,” Speaker Romualdez declared. 

“It fills me with immense pride to recognize the significant role that the House of Representatives has played in crafting legislation and policies that promote the welfare of all Filipinos. We are excited for the President’s SONA because we know he has many positive developments to share with the nation,” he expressed.

Speaker Romualdez noted that while the SONA will largely reflect on the successes of the Marcos administration, it will also outline the President’s plans for the coming years, including the role of Congress in bringing government programs to fruition for the Filipino people.

“This important address will provide a comprehensive overview of the administration's progress and set the stage for future legislative initiatives that will shape the nation’s path forward,” Speaker Romualdez emphasized.

“And we, at the House of Representatives, are united with the President in his desire to advance the many reforms and programs he will announce during the SONA. This is a time for unity, and we fully support our President,” he added.

House Secretary General Reginald “Reggie” S. Velasco reiterated the Speaker’s statements and declared the readiness of the House of Representatives to receive President Marcos Jr., the senators led by Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Cabinet members, and other esteemed guests and dignitaries.

"I’m happy to report that the House of Representatives is ready, willing, and able to welcome all the guests to this third SONA of the President," Velasco said.

He highlighted that the preparations include traffic rerouting plans and the timely distribution of official SONA invitations to former leaders, government officials, major stakeholders, and other important guests, including members of the diplomatic community.

During Monday’s final interagency meeting, the arrival scenario and security measures were discussed, ensuring a comprehensive plan is in place to deploy law enforcement personnel to safeguard all attendees and maintain order.

House Sergeant-at-Arms retired Police Maj. Gen. Napoleon “Nap” Taas confirmed that detailed security arrangements have been made to ensure a peaceful and orderly event, involving multiple security agencies.

Moreover, Velasco stated that detailed medical protocols have been established to handle any health emergencies, with medical teams and facilities on standby to ensure the well-being of participants.

A walk-through of the route President Marcos Jr. will take on Monday was undertaken, with Velasco, Taas, and House Deputy Secretary General Grace Andres leading the party. (END)

——-

RPPe Ahead of SONA, Speaker Romualdez sets House agenda; 2025 budget a top priority

A week before President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) and the resumption of session, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Sunday assured that the House of Representatives is committed to passing the 2025 national budget, remaining Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) priority bills, and possible additional key SONA measures.

"The House is ready to take swift and decisive action to ensure these legislative priorities are met, paving the way for sustained development and progress under the administration of President Bongbong Marcos," Speaker Romualdez said.

He said the House eagerly awaits the executive branch's proposed P6.352-trillion National Expenditure Program (NEP), which will form the basis for the 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB), and aims to pass it before the end of September.

The leader of the 300-plus-strong legislative chamber said the swift and timely passage of next year’s national budget is a top priority.

"The 2025 national budget is essential for sustaining our nation’s growth and addressing the immediate needs of our citizens, and the House is ready to ensure its swift approval to support our development and progress," the Speaker said.

He added, "We are ready and determined to work hard to pass the 2025 GAB before we go on break at the end of September. We will ensure the timely transmission of the spending bill to the Senate for their consideration as well."

The 2025 national budget, which represents a 10-percent increase from this year’s P5.768-trillion allocation, is equivalent to 22 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.

The Department of Budget and Management is expected to submit the 2025 NEP to Congress on July 29, following its review by the full cabinet.

Under the 1987 Constitution, the NEP must be submitted to Congress within 30 days after the SONA. Once approved, it becomes the GAB, and then the General Appropriations Act when signed into law by the President.

In addition to the 2025 national budget, Speaker Romualdez said the House is ready to pass all the President’s priority measures during the remaining session days of the 19th Congress.

"We are fully committed to passing all the bills that President Marcos will possibly outline in his SONA. The House is ready and determined to work diligently to ensure these critical measures are enacted swiftly to support our nation's progress and development,” the Speaker said after the House of Representatives approved all the SONA measures asked by the President last year.

In his upcoming SONA, President Marcos is expected to outline key legislative measures aimed at addressing the country’s most urgent issues and driving its growth agenda.

“These SONA measures are crucial for addressing our nation’s immediate needs and promoting sustainable development,” the House chief said. “We will work closely with the executive branch to ensure their swift and successful passage.”

Speaker Romualdez said the bigger chamber is also dedicated to passing all remaining LEDAC priority bills. 

“We are committed to completing the legislative agenda by passing these crucial measures. They are vital for our nation’s progress and prosperity, and we will ensure they are enacted swiftly and effectively,” he said.

Since the start of the 19th Congress in July 2022, the House has shown impressive legislative output. 

“The House has diligently prioritized LEDAC bills, leading to substantial progress, with over 12,000 measures filed and 75 bills enacted into law," the Speaker said.

This robust legislative activity, he said, “underscores our commitment to addressing the diverse needs of our nation."

Among the notable laws enacted are the Act Emancipating Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries from Financial Burden, the Act Establishing the Maharlika Investment Fund, the Act Rationalizing the Disability Pension of Veterans, the Act Establishing Specialty Centers in DOH Hospitals and GOCC Specialty Hospitals, the Act Establishing the National Employment Master Plan (Trabaho Para sa Bayan), the Act Protecting Online Consumers and Merchants Engaged in Internet Transactions, the Ease of Paying Taxes Act, the Act Granting Benefits to Filipino Octogenarians and Nonagenarians, the Act Mandating Educational Institutions to Allow Disadvantaged Students to Take Examinations Despite Unpaid Fees, the Act Protecting Workers in the Movie and Television Industry, the Act Institutionalizing Teaching Allowances for Public School Teachers, the Act Extending the Availment of Estate Tax Amnesty, and the Act Mandating Private Higher Educational Institutions to Waive College Entrance Examination Fees for Certain Students.

From July 2022 to June 2024, a total of 12,405 measures were filed, including 10,565 bills, 1,839 resolutions, and one petition. 

During the same period, 1,123 committee reports were filed and 75 bills were enacted into law, comprising 30 national and 45 local measures.

Speaker Romualdez reaffirmed the House's commitment to passing the remaining three of the 28 LEDAC bills targeted for approval before the end of the 19th Congress: amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), the Agrarian Reform Law, and the Foreign Investors’ Long-Term Lease Act.

The amendments to the Agrarian Reform Law and the Foreign Investors’ Long-Term Lease Act are also among the five new priority bills identified during the recent full LEDAC meeting, which Speaker Romualdez vowed the House will advance.

The other three priorities—the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, Reforms to the Philippine Capital Markets, and Amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law—have all been approved by the House on third and final reading.

"Our focus on these new LEDAC measures demonstrates our unwavering commitment to enacting laws that drive national progress," the Speaker said. 

Meanwhile, Speaker Romualdez expressed his anticipation of a more vibrant collaboration with the Senate under the leadership of Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero. 

“I look forward to a robust partnership with the Senate, led by Senate President Escudero. Together, we can achieve significant legislative milestones that will profoundly benefit our nation,” Speaker Romualdez said. 

“This collaboration is vital to ensuring our legislative efforts are cohesive and effective in addressing the pressing needs of our people,” he added. (END)

——-

RPPe Congress Young Guns want probe into Davao’s ‘fake birth certificate mill’ for Chinese nationals

‘Dapat walang pekeng Filipino’

LEADERS of the Young Guns in the House of Representatives on Sunday expressed outrage at reports that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) found what they can only describe as a mill churning out fake birth certificates for Chinese nationals in a Davao del Sur town as one of the beneficiaries was arrested after applying for a passport in Davao City using the falsified document. 

Davao Oriental Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario,

Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun, Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, Ako Bicol Rep. Jil Bongalon, La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega, 1-Rider Partylist Rep. Rodge Gutierrez, and Inno Dy V of Isabela are all calling for a congressional inquiry into the NBI’s discovery that close to 200 fake birth certificates were issued to Chinese nationals by the local civil registry of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

“We must understand that a birth certificate is more than just a document; it symbolizes a Filipino's connection to their country. It is the first official document that every Filipino receives as their birthright, establishing their official tie to the nation. This is not something that can be easily given, fabricated, milled or bought. Sa madaling salita, the Filipinos are not for sale. Dapat walang pekeng Pilipino,” Almario said. 

“We need to strengthen our legislative framework to ensure rigorous verification processes are in place for the issuance of birth certificates. This includes enhancing the capabilities of local civil registries, implementing more robust checks and balances, and imposing severe penalties on those found guilty of facilitating such fraud,” Almario added.

NBI SEMRO director Atty. Archie Albao said 

Hengson Lemosnero, who was originally identified by NBI as Hanlin Qiu, was apprehended at the Department of Foreign Affairs office in Ecoland, Davao City after applying for Philippine

passport using fake birth certificate.

He is one of the 200 Chinese nationals who acquired falsified birth certificates from the municipal civil registry of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

“We are outraged by these reports. Ang nakakagalit at nakakalungkot pa dito, baka may links sa mga criminal and drug syndicates ang mga Chinese nationals na na-isyuhan ng pekeng birth certificates,” said Khonghun, chairman of the House Committee on Bases Conversion.

“They probably also found the easiest route to secure spurious documents to conceal their true identities and citizenship to continue their nefarious activities here in the country. Kailangan itong imbestigahan ng Kongreso,” he added.

Adiong, who also called for an inquiry, would like to know if these Chinese nationals had a backer that emboldened them to “make a mockery of the sanctity of the country’s birth certificate.”

“This discovery is not only unacceptable but an outright affront to our national security and sovereignty. The issuance of falsified birth certificates to foreign nationals compromises the integrity of our civil registration system, undermines the trust of the Filipino people, and poses a significant threat to national security,” said Adiong, chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on Marawi Rehabilitation and Victims Compensation. 

“It is imperative that the House of Representatives launches an immediate and thorough investigation into this matter in aid of legislation to prevent such egregious breaches from recurring. Ipatawag natin ang buong tanggapan ng local civil registry ng Sta. Cruz,” he added.

For Bongalon, a lawyer, the fraudulent activity is “particularly disheartening.” 

“It raises serious questions about the safeguards in place within our local civil registries and highlights the urgent need for stricter oversight and accountability measures,” Bongalon said.

“The procurement of valid birth certificates must be fortified to prevent any exploitation by foreign infiltrators. Birth certificates are foundational documents that grant access to a range of rights and privileges, including citizenship, education and employment,” he added.

“Allowing foreign nationals to illegitimately obtain these documents undermines the very fabric of our nation,” Bongalon said. 

Ortega, an Assistant Majority Leader,

also said that Chinese infiltrators, armed with falsified Philippine birth certificates, pose a dire threat to the Philippines’ national security. 

“These individuals could potentially exploit their newfound status to engage in activities detrimental to our country, including espionage, economic sabotage and other criminal enterprises. The ramifications of such actions are far-reaching and could compromise our national defense, economy and public safety,” Ortega further explained.

“Moreover, the issuance of fraudulent birth certificates can facilitate a range of criminal activities, from identity theft to human trafficking and smuggling. These crimes not only endanger the lives and welfare of Filipino citizens but also tarnish our international reputation and relations,” Gutierrez, also a lawyer, for his part said.

Dy, a Deputy Majority Leader, said that with these reports, the House of Representatives must “act decisively to address this issue.” 

“This is a grave matter that demands immediate and resolute action. We owe it to the Filipino people to protect the sanctity of our civil registration system and safeguard our national security. Let this be a rallying call for vigilance, integrity and unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and sovereignty,” Dy said. (END)

——

RPPe Congress Young Guns want probe into Davao’s ‘fake birth certificate mill’ for Chinese nationals

‘Dapat walang pekeng Filipino’

LEADERS of the Young Guns in the House of Representatives on Sunday expressed outrage at reports that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) found what they can only describe as a mill churning out fake birth certificates for Chinese nationals in a Davao del Sur town as one of the beneficiaries was arrested after applying for a passport in Davao City using the falsified document. 

Davao Oriental Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario,

Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun, Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, Ako Bicol Rep. Jil Bongalon, La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega, 1-Rider Partylist Rep. Rodge Gutierrez, and Inno Dy V of Isabela are all calling for a congressional inquiry into the NBI’s discovery that close to 200 fake birth certificates were issued to Chinese nationals by the local civil registry of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

“We must understand that a birth certificate is more than just a document; it symbolizes a Filipino's connection to their country. It is the first official document that every Filipino receives as their birthright, establishing their official tie to the nation. This is not something that can be easily given, fabricated, milled or bought. Sa madaling salita, the Filipinos are not for sale. Dapat walang pekeng Pilipino,” Almario said. 

“We need to strengthen our legislative framework to ensure rigorous verification processes are in place for the issuance of birth certificates. This includes enhancing the capabilities of local civil registries, implementing more robust checks and balances, and imposing severe penalties on those found guilty of facilitating such fraud,” Almario added.

NBI SEMRO director Atty. Archie Albao said 

Hengson Lemosnero, who was originally identified by NBI as Hanlin Qiu, was apprehended at the Department of Foreign Affairs office in Ecoland, Davao City after applying for Philippine

passport using fake birth certificate.

He is one of the 200 Chinese nationals who acquired falsified birth certificates from the municipal civil registry of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

“We are outraged by these reports. Ang nakakagalit at nakakalungkot pa dito, baka may links sa mga criminal and drug syndicates ang mga Chinese nationals na na-isyuhan ng pekeng birth certificates,” said Khonghun, chairman of the House Committee on Bases Conversion.

“They probably also found the easiest route to secure spurious documents to conceal their true identities and citizenship to continue their nefarious activities here in the country. Kailangan itong imbestigahan ng Kongreso,” he added.

Adiong, who also called for an inquiry, would like to know if these Chinese nationals had a backer that emboldened them to “make a mockery of the sanctity of the country’s birth certificate.”

“This discovery is not only unacceptable but an outright affront to our national security and sovereignty. The issuance of falsified birth certificates to foreign nationals compromises the integrity of our civil registration system, undermines the trust of the Filipino people, and poses a significant threat to national security,” said Adiong, chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on Marawi Rehabilitation and Victims Compensation. 

“It is imperative that the House of Representatives launches an immediate and thorough investigation into this matter in aid of legislation to prevent such egregious breaches from recurring. Ipatawag natin ang buong tanggapan ng local civil registry ng Sta. Cruz,” he added.

For Bongalon, a lawyer, the fraudulent activity is “particularly disheartening.” 

“It raises serious questions about the safeguards in place within our local civil registries and highlights the urgent need for stricter oversight and accountability measures,” Bongalon said.

“The procurement of valid birth certificates must be fortified to prevent any exploitation by foreign infiltrators. Birth certificates are foundational documents that grant access to a range of rights and privileges, including citizenship, education and employment,” he added.

“Allowing foreign nationals to illegitimately obtain these documents undermines the very fabric of our nation,” Bongalon said. 

Ortega, an Assistant Majority Leader,

also said that Chinese infiltrators, armed with falsified Philippine birth certificates, pose a dire threat to the Philippines’ national security. 

“These individuals could potentially exploit their newfound status to engage in activities detrimental to our country, including espionage, economic sabotage and other criminal enterprises. The ramifications of such actions are far-reaching and could compromise our national defense, economy and public safety,” Ortega further explained.

“Moreover, the issuance of fraudulent birth certificates can facilitate a range of criminal activities, from identity theft to human trafficking and smuggling. These crimes not only endanger the lives and welfare of Filipino citizens but also tarnish our international reputation and relations,” Gutierrez, also a lawyer, for his part said.

Dy, a Deputy Majority Leader, said that with these reports, the House of Representatives must “act decisively to address this issue.” 

“This is a grave matter that demands immediate and resolute action. We owe it to the Filipino people to protect the sanctity of our civil registration system and safeguard our national security. Let this be a rallying call for vigilance, integrity and unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and sovereignty,” Dy said. (END)

——

RPPe Congress Young Guns want probe into Davao’s ‘fake birth certificate mill’ for Chinese nationals

‘Dapat walang pekeng Filipino’

LEADERS of the Young Guns in the House of Representatives on Sunday expressed outrage at reports that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) found what they can only describe as a mill churning out fake birth certificates for Chinese nationals in a Davao del Sur town as one of the beneficiaries was arrested after applying for a passport in Davao City using the falsified document. 

Davao Oriental Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario,

Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun, Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, Ako Bicol Rep. Jil Bongalon, La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega, 1-Rider Partylist Rep. Rodge Gutierrez, and Inno Dy V of Isabela are all calling for a congressional inquiry into the NBI’s discovery that close to 200 fake birth certificates were issued to Chinese nationals by the local civil registry of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

“We must understand that a birth certificate is more than just a document; it symbolizes a Filipino's connection to their country. It is the first official document that every Filipino receives as their birthright, establishing their official tie to the nation. This is not something that can be easily given, fabricated, milled or bought. Sa madaling salita, the Filipinos are not for sale. Dapat walang pekeng Pilipino,” Almario said. 

“We need to strengthen our legislative framework to ensure rigorous verification processes are in place for the issuance of birth certificates. This includes enhancing the capabilities of local civil registries, implementing more robust checks and balances, and imposing severe penalties on those found guilty of facilitating such fraud,” Almario added.

NBI SEMRO director Atty. Archie Albao said 

Hengson Lemosnero, who was originally identified by NBI as Hanlin Qiu, was apprehended at the Department of Foreign Affairs office in Ecoland, Davao City after applying for Philippine

passport using fake birth certificate.

He is one of the 200 Chinese nationals who acquired falsified birth certificates from the municipal civil registry of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

“We are outraged by these reports. Ang nakakagalit at nakakalungkot pa dito, baka may links sa mga criminal and drug syndicates ang mga Chinese nationals na na-isyuhan ng pekeng birth certificates,” said Khonghun, chairman of the House Committee on Bases Conversion.

“They probably also found the easiest route to secure spurious documents to conceal their true identities and citizenship to continue their nefarious activities here in the country. Kailangan itong imbestigahan ng Kongreso,” he added.

Adiong, who also called for an inquiry, would like to know if these Chinese nationals had a backer that emboldened them to “make a mockery of the sanctity of the country’s birth certificate.”

“This discovery is not only unacceptable but an outright affront to our national security and sovereignty. The issuance of falsified birth certificates to foreign nationals compromises the integrity of our civil registration system, undermines the trust of the Filipino people, and poses a significant threat to national security,” said Adiong, chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on Marawi Rehabilitation and Victims Compensation. 

“It is imperative that the House of Representatives launches an immediate and thorough investigation into this matter in aid of legislation to prevent such egregious breaches from recurring. Ipatawag natin ang buong tanggapan ng local civil registry ng Sta. Cruz,” he added.

For Bongalon, a lawyer, the fraudulent activity is “particularly disheartening.” 

“It raises serious questions about the safeguards in place within our local civil registries and highlights the urgent need for stricter oversight and accountability measures,” Bongalon said.

“The procurement of valid birth certificates must be fortified to prevent any exploitation by foreign infiltrators. Birth certificates are foundational documents that grant access to a range of rights and privileges, including citizenship, education and employment,” he added.

“Allowing foreign nationals to illegitimately obtain these documents undermines the very fabric of our nation,” Bongalon said. 

Ortega, an Assistant Majority Leader,

also said that Chinese infiltrators, armed with falsified Philippine birth certificates, pose a dire threat to the Philippines’ national security. 

“These individuals could potentially exploit their newfound status to engage in activities detrimental to our country, including espionage, economic sabotage and other criminal enterprises. The ramifications of such actions are far-reaching and could compromise our national defense, economy and public safety,” Ortega further explained.

“Moreover, the issuance of fraudulent birth certificates can facilitate a range of criminal activities, from identity theft to human trafficking and smuggling. These crimes not only endanger the lives and welfare of Filipino citizens but also tarnish our international reputation and relations,” Gutierrez, also a lawyer, for his part said.

Dy, a Deputy Majority Leader, said that with these reports, the House of Representatives must “act decisively to address this issue.” 

“This is a grave matter that demands immediate and resolute action. We owe it to the Filipino people to protect the sanctity of our civil registration system and safeguard our national security. Let this be a rallying call for vigilance, integrity and unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and sovereignty,” Dy said. (END)