Setting priorities: key in managing several thrust says student leader
A student leader said it is by prioritizing the activities that can help people like him who juggles activities as a student and as a leader.
On Sept. 26, 2025, Johnlendon Rubia talked to Kabataan for Change over Newsmakers ug Uban Pa.
Rubia who is an education student and also a leader being the federated president of the Bohol Island State University (BISU) main campus as well as the Historical Sophist Club, which has several advocacies.
He said that it is important to balance the priorities and also manage the time well.
Rubia, who is an education student and active in various organizations knows the leader should lead with empathy, integrity and sincerity.
As a leader, the responsibilities are great as the welfare of other people rest on you as a leader, he said.
It will be an insult to oneself to become a leader for the sake of having prestige as those being led have placed their trust in you.
He said the youth should not be discouraged and lose passion and continue to make a difference in society.
Police stares at blank wall on murder of 2 Tubigon brothers
The police still stares at a blank wall as no person of interest has surfaced that may be involved in the murder of two brothers from Tubigon.
However, it seems that the motive behind the killing may be related to business.
The brothers were involved in the quarry business.
It can be recalled that Gerry Louis and Gerry Lou Tan Dulang were killed early September in barangay Tanghaligue, Talibon. They were killed by unknown gunmen on Sept. 6, 2025.
Maj. Romar Labasbas, chief of police of Talibon, said that they are yet to identify a person of interest.
However, the police have already identified a motive and it is related to the quarry business of the brothers.
The police are backtracking using CCTV footage to trace the suspects behind the killing.
The police are looking for clues including the getaway vehicle used by the suspects.
It was believed the suspect who killed the brothers may be a professional hitman.
The police expressed alarm as the suspects used high-powered firearm.
It was learned the family had a tragedy before when a family member was killed in similar fashion years back.
The brothers’ father was assassinated and the suspect was never arrested.
SP holds hearing on cockfighting law implementation
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) conducted a public hearing on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025 in relation to a proposed ordinance in relation to the implementation of the Cockfighting Law.
The Proposed Ordinance No. 40-2025, series of 2025 known as “Ordinance Mandating the Strict Implementation of Presidential Decree 449 or the Cockfighting Law of 1974, allowing only traditional cockfight and the traditional form of betting within the province of Bohol.
To recall, Board Member Romulo Cepedoza raised concerns about cockfighting in the province in a recent privilege speech.
The said public hearing was led by Board Member Benjie Arcamo who is the chair of Committee on Good Governance
Cepedoza raised in his speech that provisions of the Cockfighting Law are not observed.
Moreover, betting using machines are now allegedly being used, which is a departure from the traditional ways of placing bets in cockfights.
CPCF gets HERO training
About 34 personnel from the City Primary Care Facility (CPCF) were trained for Health Emergency Response Operation (HERO), according to spokesman Robin Culpa.
Culpa on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, told Ardy Araneta-Batoy that the said training is timely as a storm will be affecting the country.
Culpa said they were trained on how to respond to disaster and calamity situations and part of CPCF’s capacity to be ready physically and mentally in handling certain emergencies and disaster situations.
The coordinating agency is the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and the Telephone and Radio System Integrated Emergency Rescue (TaRSIER) from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and the Health Emergency Management Bureau (HEMB) of the Department of Health regional office.
They are the ones that conducted the training on CPCF personnel, Culpa said.
Meanwhile, Tagbilaran has become a benchmark destination for some officials coming from other areas in the country.
More often these people come to Tagbilaran to get insights about the Matrix Intensive Outpatient Program (MIOP).
Capitol to release weekly price bulletin
The Capitol will be releasing a weekly price bulletin in coordination with the Provincial Price Coordinating Council (PPCC) to provide transparency and to provide accurate information to consumers.
The initiative was approved during the third quarter meeting of the PPCC on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025 and presided over by the council’s chairman Gov. Aris Aumentado.
Other persons in the meeting were Provincial Administrator Aster Caberte, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial director Vierna Ligan and representatives from different organizations and agencies.
The bulletin will feature current prices of pork, chicken, fish, vegetables, fruits, spices and condiments that can be purchased in leading supermarkets and public markets in Bohol.
The bulletin will also feature comparative prices from neighboring provinces such as Cebu, Negros Island and Siquijor to give the consumers a broader perspective of the prices in the market.
This is a way to protect the rights of consumers and to provide transparency, reports said.
Tagb honored for full disclosure policy
The city government of Tagbilaran received an accolade related to the full disclosure policy (FDP) and the 100 percent compliance asked by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), according to reports on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025.
The FDP as a local government unit (LGU) to disclose all documents such as the budget, financial reports, and other pertinent information to ensure transparency and accountability in the spending of funds.
Mayor Jane Yap thanked DILG Bohol for recognizing the LGU Tagbilaran’s efforts in providing full disclosure and shares the accolades to all Tagbilaranons.
The city government will continue in its mission for good and participatory governance through transparent and truthful service, the mayor added.
20 grams of alleged shabu seized in Tubigon buy bust
About 20 grams of alleged shabu were taken from a man following a buy bust operation in Tubigon on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025.
The alleged shabu has a value of P136,000 and the operation took place in barangay Pandadtaran.
The suspect was identified as a certain Grandeo Pulingas Sr., alias Dodong, of barangay Banlasan. Tubigon.
Taken from the suspect were at least six sachets of alleged shabu.
The suspect is now facing charges of violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Catigbian destroys illegal mufflers
Catigbian mayor Benjie Oliva led the destruction of illegal mufflers on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, as part of the effort to rid the town of such illegal effects used on motorcycles.
The event was done to show the people how determined the local government unit is in eliminating illegal mufflers.
The illegal mufflers were confiscated by authorities from various operations and the event was a one-time-big-time destruction of illegal mufflers.
Oliva is determined to eliminate the disturbance caused by illegal mufflers.
The illegal mufflers were destroyed using a road roller and destroyed about 110 illegal mufflers in front of Catigbian police station and witnessed by members of the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) and police personnel.
Prior to the destruction, Mayor Oliva issued an ultimatum for motorists to voluntarily surrender illegal mufflers to authorities.
He said as a result of the campaign, there was a marked reduction in noise pollution in Catigbian.
Wanted person nabbed in Catigbian
A wanted person was arrested on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, in Catigbian.
The suspect was identified as Maribel Cuaton, 48, a public school teacher, of barangay Liboron.
The said suspect was arrested by the Catigbian police and the arrest took place in barangay Poblacion.
She was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Regional Trial Court branch 3 based in Tagbilaran City.
She is being accused for alleged four counts of child abuse and bail is set at P80,000 per count.
She was taken into custody following her arrest.
Mayor Oliva urges new BPPO chief to focus on illegal drugs in Bohol
Catigbian mayor Benjie Oliva has urged new Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) chief Col. Patricio Degay to focus on curbing illegal drugs in Bohol.
Oliva’s appeal was made through a social media post on Sept. 22, 2025.
The mayor asked the new police chief to direct all chiefs of police in Bohol to declare an all out war against illegal drugs.
In Bohol, buy bust operations happen almost every day especially in the various towns.
Meanwhile, a high-value target was arrested in Calape and taken from him were alleged shabu worth P3.6 million.
Sources said the alleged shabu taken in Calape may have come from Lapu-Lapu City or Olango Island or Leyte.
Panglao resort owner cites global trend in tourist decline
A Panglao resort owner, Doloreich Dumaluan, said the decline in tourist arrivals in Panglao is not isolated and the same phenomenon is also observed in other Asian destinations.
Based on his recent trip to Taiwan, Dumaluan noted that the tourism situation there is similar to what is happening in Panglao, with a marked decline in the number of tourists visiting the island.
He believes the closure of the whale shark watching activity is only a small factor in the overall reasons for the decline.
Although Korean tourists have been known to enjoy whale shark watching in controlled tours, Dumaluan pointed out that even the popular Oslob whale watching activity has seen a decline in tourism.
According to him, one of the main factors contributing to this decline could be the economic downturn in South Korea, which may be limiting tourists’ ability to spend on holidays.
Additionally, Dumaluan noted that September is typically a lean month in the tourism industry, and activity is expected to pick up by October and towards the holiday season.
DENR-7 halts several provincial projects for lack of environmental clearance
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-7 regional director has ordered a halt to several projects, including public schools, infrastructure, and water desalination initiatives, funded by the Provincial Government due to the absence of an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
Board member Nathanial Binlod highlighted the situation during a speech at Tuesday’s regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), noting that the DENR stoppage has caused undue delays to projects intended to benefit the people.
The affected public schools include Batasan Elementary School in Tubigon, Cabilao Elementary and Library in Loon, Libertad Norte Elementary School in Sagbayan, Behind the Clouds in Batuan, and Pangangan National High School in Calape.
Additionally, the solar-powered desalination plants in the islands of Batasan, Pamilacan, Balicasag, Bilang-Bilangan, and Tintinan were also ordered to halt operations.
PACC scrutinizes P144.65-M Flood Control Project in Bohol over alleged irregularities
The Philippine Anti-Corruption Czar (PACC), a private anti-corruption group chaired by Louis Ceneza, is investigating a P144.65-million flood control project in Clarin, Bohol, allegedly built by controversial contractors, spouses Sara and Curlee Discaya.
The project, which involves the construction of flood mitigation structures and a drainage system, is being implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bohol 2nd district engineering office.
Concerns have been raised over rising costs, questionable workmanship, delays in construction, and irregular changes in the project.
The project, funded by the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA), was awarded to Alpha-Omega General Contractor and Development Corporation, a company owned by the Discaya spouses.
According to the PACC, the project is only 30-40% completed, despite being supposed to be finished by October 20, 2025.
The PACC seeks to prosecute guilty parties, including the contractors and DPWH officials involved, and has requested the National Bureau of Investigation to probe the alleged corruption.
Police Arrest Man Wanted for Three Decades in Bohol
UBAY, Bohol — Police arrested a man listed as a “Most Wanted Person” on a warrant for robbery and rape dating back to 1992 during an operation here on Sept. 24, 2025.
The 60-year-old suspect, a resident of Barangay San Francisco in Ubay, had been evading capture for over 30 years, according to the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO7).
A bounty of 50,000 pesos had been offered for his arrest.
The operation was conducted by the Bohol Police Provincial Office’s Provincial Intelligence Unit in collaboration with the Ubay Municipal Police Station and other regional units.
The arrest was made in Purok 4, Barangay San Francisco, based on an alias warrant of arrest issued by Judge Achellis L. Melicor of the Regional Trial Court Branch 4 in Tagbilaran City.
PRO7 Director PBGen. Redrico A. Maranan said the arrest demonstrates the unit’s continued dedication to serving warrants and maintaining peace and order in the province.
Police Arrest Top 5 Most Wanted Person in Bohol
Joint police operatives arrested a provincial-level Top 5 Most Wanted Person facing four counts of Lascivious Conduct in a law enforcement operation on September 22, 2025, in Purok 6, Barangay Sambog, Corella, Bohol.
The suspect, identified as 39-year-old “Rechel,” a resident of the area, was apprehended by personnel from the Corella Municipal Police Station, Bohol Police Provincial Office.
The arrest was carried out by virtue of a Warrant of Arrest for four counts of Lascivious Conduct in relation to Section 5(B) of Republic Act 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
The court has set a recommended bail of Php200,000 for each case.
Police Captain Janice C. Parcon, Chief of Police of Corella MPS, confirmed the arrest.
The operation is part of the intensified campaign of the Philippine National Police against persons with standing warrants.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing individuals who violate the law to ensure community safety and order.
Ocean Jet 2 Runs Aground en Route to Getafe, Bohol
Ocean Jet 2 Runs Aground en Route to Getafe, Bohol; All Passengers Safe
A fast craft carrying 36 passengers and 17 crew members ran aground Tuesday night in the waters off Getafe, Bohol, according to the Philippine Coast Guard.
All individuals on board were reported safe with no injuries.
The vessel, Ocean Jet 2, departed Pier 1 in Cebu City at 6:45 p.m. on Sept. 23, 2025, bound for Getafe, Bohol.
The incident occurred between Jandayan Island and Barangay Nasingin while the craft was in transit, preventing it from continuing its route.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) responded immediately to ensure the safety of those on board.
Local fishing boats in the area also assisted in the response effort.
The PCG stated that coordination between local fishermen and its personnel was crucial to the swift and orderly response.
An investigation into the cause of the incident is ongoing.
The Coast Guard said it remains on alert and will implement additional measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
SM Supermalls Unveils Plan for Major Bohol Mall
SM Supermalls officials unveiled plans for a new mall in Bohol during a courtesy visit to the provincial Capitol on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, signaling a major investment in the province’s growing economy.
The delegation, led by Christian Caesar Perez, Senior Corporate Compliance Manager of SM Supermalls, and Edgardo Godinez Jr., presented the site development plan to Governor Aris Aumentado, Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte, and other local officials, including Atty. Filipina Piollo, Provincial General Services Office Head Eustaquio Caliao, Bohol Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office Head Ma. Fe Dominise, Supervising Administrative Officer Metodio Maraguinot Jr., and Executive Assistant Stephen Rances.
The planned mall, to be built on over six hectares, will feature a three-story commercial complex, poised to become one of Bohol’s largest shopping destinations.
SM officials said the construction phase is expected to generate 800 to 1,000 jobs, while mall operations will provide approximately 130 permanent positions for local residents.
The project shows SM Supermalls’ confidence in Bohol’s economic potential as a hub for trade, tourism, and development, promising employment opportunities for the province’s workforce.
Philippine Heart Association Launches New Chapter in Bohol to Address Cardiac Care Gap
The Philippine Heart Association (PHA) has established its 14th national chapter in Bohol, a move aimed at improving cardiac care in a province with high cardiovascular disease mortality and a notable shortage of specialists.
The PHA-Bohol chapter was formally launched on Sunday during a ceremony at the Metro Centre Hotel in Tagbilaran City. The national body inducted 12 local cardiologists into the new chapter.
PHA National President Dr. Walid Amil, who presided over the event, cited the urgency of the new chapter.
“Cardiovascular diseases are the No. 1 cause of mortality in the Philippines, in Region 7, and in Bohol,” Amil said. “With only about 2,500 cardiovascular specialists nationwide—roughly one heart doctor for every 44,000 Filipinos—the need to strengthen local presence is urgent.”
Dr. Amil stated that the creation of the Bohol chapter aligns with the PHA’s national vision to enhance local engagement across the country.
Dr. Jane Regner-Ramiro was inducted as the founding president of PHA-Bohol.
Her husband, Dr. Ronald Ramiro, and their daughter, Dr. Valerie Ramiro, were among the inaugural inductees.
The establishment of the chapter marks a milestone for cardiac care in the province.
Dr. Jane Regner-Ramiro recalled returning to Bohol in 1991 to find the province lacked basic medical equipment.
“We had almost nothing, so we had to build everything ourselves,” she said. “We bought the first treadmill and echo machine, trained our staff… It was frustrating, but it also pushed me to keep going.”
Her efforts were encouraged by the late cardiology pioneer, Dr. Homobono Calleja, who urged her to “plant and cultivate the seeds of the cardiology landscape” in her home province.
Dr. Amil, the first Mindanaoan and Muslim to lead the PHA, previously founded the PHA-ZamBaSuTa chapter in 2014.
The PHA now has 14 chapters across the Philippines.
Young Farmer Arrested in Candijay Drug Bust
CANDIJAY, Bohol – Police arrested a 20-year-old farmer Thursday afternoon in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Lungsodaan, Candijay.
The operation, which occurred at approximately 2:23 p.m. on Sept. 25, 2025, was led by Police Captain Marvin Chin, chief of the Candijay Police Station, along with the Municipal Drug Enforcement Unit.
The suspect, identified by the alias “Ben,” is a married resident of Purok 6 in Barangay Lungsodaan.
Authorities said he works as a farmer and part-time caretaker of a local fishpond.
According to an initial investigation, an undercover officer purchased one sealed sachet of suspected shabu for 1,000 pesos in marked money.
Police confiscated the sachet from the transaction, along with four additional sealed sachets found inside a Winston cigarette pack.
The total estimated weight of the suspected drugs was 0.20 grams, with a standard street value of approximately 1,360 pesos.
The inventory of the seized items was witnessed by Barangay Captain Ricardo Ondoy Petalcorin, Barangay Kagawad Alejandro Piquero, and a media representative.
The suspect is in custody at the Candijay Police Station and will face charges under Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Boholana Students Present Thesis at Global Congress in South Korea
Two University of the Philippines–Cebu students who are from Bohol, Joyce Rea Castillon and Miriam Gallentes, presented their undergraduate thesis at the 28th International Political Science Association World Congress in Seoul, South Korea, from July 12-16, 2025.
The Political Science students, along with co-researcher Zenith Dane Ricaña, shared their study, “Conflict to Alleviation: Assessing the Outcomes of KALAHI CIDSS in a Conflict-Affected Area,” which examined how community-driven development programs can reduce conflict and foster peace.
The Bohol provincial government provided financial support for their participation, showing its commitment to youth empowerment and research.
The study offered insights into governance, resilience, and peace-building in vulnerable communities, aligning with the province’s focus on inclusive governance and sustainable development in the Philippines’ first UNESCO Global Geopark.
The students paid a courtesy visit to the Bohol provincial office on Sept. 22, 2025, joined by Third District Board Member Dionisio Joseph Balite, Ex-Officio SKPF President Lawrence Xavier Ancla, and PYDO Head Metodio Maraguinot Jr.
PhilHealth Launches YAKAP Outpatient Program in Bohol
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) launched its Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) on Tuesday at the Metrocentre Hotel in Bohol, expanding its outpatient consultation services for members.
YAKAP, an enhanced version of PhilHealth’s Konsulta package introduced in 2021, aims to promote preventive medicine through early detection and outpatient care.
The program includes diagnostic tests, such as blood chemistry, lipid profile, and electrocardiogram, and expands the number of covered medicines from 21 to 75. It also offers cancer screenings for specific cancers.
Nationally launched in July, YAKAP seeks to reduce hospital admissions by facilitating early health monitoring through accredited clinics.
PhilHealth officials said the program encourages members to prioritize preventive care to improve overall health outcomes.
Police Seize P6.1M in Shabu in Tagbilaran City Buy-Bust
Police confiscated approximately 910 grams of suspected shabu, valued at P6.1 million, during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Bool, Tagbilaran City, authorities said Wednesday.
The Tagbilaran City Drug Enforcement Unit, led by Police Master Sgt. Proseso Paragoso, arrested two suspects identified as Romeo Atuel, 31, of Purok 3, Barangay Pag-asa, Ubay, and Delpin Barcenal, 32, of Purok 6, Barangay Cabatang, Alicia, Bohol.
During the operation in Purok 8, authorities seized the drugs and a Black Widow Taurus firearm with two live 9mm rounds in Barcenal’s possession.
The suspects are in custody and face charges for drug trafficking and illegal possession of firearms.
Police seize PHP1.9M worth of shabu in Balilihan buy-bust
Police arrested a suspected high-value drug target in Balilihan, Bohol, late Saturday and seized more than PHP1.9 million worth of shabu, authorities said.
The suspect, identified only as “Leonel,” was taken into custody around 11:17 p.m. during a buy-bust operation conducted by the Balilihan Municipal Police Station’s drug enforcement team in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
Police said they confiscated about 280 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP1,904,000.
Investigators said the suspect had been selling illegal drugs in Balilihan and nearby barangays and was capable of distributing about 100 grams per week.
His alleged supplier was identified only as “Bosing” from Abuyog, Leyte.
The suspect remains in police custody and faces charges under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Bohol Bishop Decries Corruption Scandal, Calls for Spiritual Renewal
In a powerful pastoral letter delivered on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, Bishop Patrick Daniel Y. Parcon of Talibon denounced the latest corruption scandal rocking the Philippines, describing it as a “grand theft of the people’s money” and a symptom of a deeper moral and spiritual crisis.
The scandal, centered on alleged mismanagement of funds for flood control projects, has reignited public outrage and eroded trust in the nation’s institutions.
Quoting Mark 8:36, Bishop Parcon asked, “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” He urged Filipinos to confront the systemic greed and dishonesty that continue to plague the country.
“This is not new,” Parcon wrote, likening the recurring scandals to “an old dog with a new leash.”
He criticized the persistence of political dynasties and patronage systems that benefit a select few while leaving the poor to suffer from unfulfilled promises and mismanaged projects. “This is not just a political crisis. It is a spiritual crisis. A crisis of conscience,” he said.
The bishop called greed a “disease” that isolates and blinds individuals, destroying both souls and society. He referenced an African proverb, asking, “How can I rejoice while others weep?” and challenged Filipinos to reject complicity in corruption through silence, compromised principles, or misguided votes during elections.
Parcon stressed the need for accountability, urging citizens to choose integrity and truth in future elections.
“We placed our leaders in power. We have a responsibility,” he said, framing voting as a moral decision rather than merely a civic duty.
In a call to action, the bishop invoked the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines, which states, “I live so that others may live.”
He encouraged Filipinos to reject all forms of corruption, hold wrongdoers accountable, and realign their values with the teachings of Christ’s cross, which he described as a symbol of generosity, sacrifice, and truth.
“Let the cross of Christ guide us. Let the Spirit of truth judge us. And may God’s love empower us to build a nation ‘where justice flows like a river and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream’ (Amos 5:24),” Parcon concluded.
Cortes Hospital Opens, Seen as Landmark in Bohol Healthcare
The Gov. Celestino Gallares Multi-Specialty Medical Center (GCGMSMC) in Cortes held its long-awaited soft opening last Tuesday, marking a major step in improving access to specialized healthcare services in Bohol.
The facility, which broke ground more than four years ago at the height of the pandemic, is expected to serve as a referral hub for critical and sensitive medical cases in Bohol and nearby provinces. It is equipped with advanced imaging systems, operating rooms, and a specialized intensive care unit, hospital officials said.
Dr. Lawrence Eliott Tirol, who led the ceremonies, said the hospital was designed under Department of Health (DOH) guidelines to provide emergency and specialized care. The P1.5-billion facility has a 500-bed capacity.
DOH-7 regional director Joshua Brillantes, Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado, Rep. John Geesnell Yap, and former Rep. Edgar Chatto attended the event.
Chatto, who initiated the hospital project during his term as governor, facilitated the donation of the lot where the medical center now stands.
Brillantes said patients admitted to the hospital may avail themselves of the government’s zero-balance billing policy.
The medical center is the third DOH-run hospital in Bohol to offer the scheme, after the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center in Tagbilaran and the Don Emilio del Valle Memorial Medical Center in Ubay.
Full operations at the Cortes facility will begin once licensing and equipment calibration are completed. Brillantes added that the hospital represents a landmark for healthcare in Bohol, noting that residents will no longer need to travel to Manila for specialized treatment.
Bol-anon Lawyer Urges Marcos to Pursue Tougher Anti-Corruption Measures
Atty. Jordan Pizarras on Sunday laid out a 10-point proposal urging President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to take bolder steps against corruption, warning that Filipinos are “already tired” of enduring the effects of graft.
In a Facebook post, Pizarras said the president should begin by targeting alleged irregularities in flood-control projects and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
He urged Marcos to order the Department of Foreign Affairs to cancel the passport of businessman Zaldy Co to compel his return to the Philippines to face charges.
He also called for the filing of plunder cases against senators and congressmen linked to the alleged flood projects scam, stressing that “no sacred cows” should be spared.
Among his other proposals were the suspension of DPWH payments to contractors pending audits, a Commission on Audit review of all flood-control projects, and the appointment of what he described as a “no-nonsense Ombudsman.”
Pizarras also suggested suspending all DPWH projects, removing district engineers and members of bids and awards committees, and prosecuting those involved in irregularities.
He recommended offering immunity to those willing to testify against higher officials.
The lawyer further proposed deputizing the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, prosecutors, and local officials to help pursue charges, reducing the national budget by 30%, and slashing the value-added tax rate to 5% to ease the burden on the poor.