TACLOBAN CITY — The Office of the Ombudsman’s decision to dismiss Palompon, Leyte Mayor Ramon Oñate and 10 other elected officials for grave misconduct and serious dishonesty remains unenforced, despite the ruling being approved on September 24, 2024.
The decision mandates their removal from office, accompanied by penalties including the cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and perpetual disqualification from holding any government position.
The case was filed by Ian Jay Arevalo in November 2023.
On September 10, 2024, the Ombudsman issued the ruling, which was then transmitted to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for enforcement on September 26.
Despite this, no turnover proceedings have occurred to formally transfer the Office of the Municipal Mayor to Vice Mayor Ferdinand Dela Calzada, raising concerns about delays in the enforcement process.
Also found guilty were Sangguniang Bayan members Margarito Bensig Jr., Esperanza Sumalinog, Emmanuel Laurente, Consuelo Bonghanoy, Ranulfo Gaspan Sr., Jonathan Yap, and Rene Camposano, along with local legislative staff assistant Debbie Ann Dignos.
Meanwhile, Oñate and the dismissed councilors have continued engaging with barangay officials and utilizing municipal resources, which has further aggravated the situation.
The charges leading to their dismissal involved the purchase of fuel, oil, and lubricants worth approximately P57,000 for three unserviceable vehicles in 2021, during Oñate’s tenure as vice mayor.
Additionally, Oñate, who had initially filed for reelection, withdrew his certificate of candidacy on Oct.8, replacing it with that of his daughter, Mary Dominique Oñate, for the May 12, 2025 elections. (JOEY A. GABIETA)
TACLOBAN CITY – The decision of Rep. Maria Fe Abunda of Eastern Samar to disregard an agreement with 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan—which stipulated that Libanan would not run against her in the upcoming May 12, 2025, election—has become a turning point that led several mayors to urge former Guiuan mayor Christopher Sheen Gonzales to challenge her for the lone congressional seat of the province.
A total of 19 out of the 23 municipal mayors, along with the mayor of Borongan City, successfully convinced Gonzales to file his certificate of candidacy (CoC) for the congressional seat on Oct.8, the last day of filing.
The mayors claim that Abunda violated a prior agreement, which was made in the presence of House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, stating that incumbent local chief executives running for re-election, except for those in Oras, Mercedes, and Borongan City, should not face opposition in next year’s election.
According to Mayor Roland Boie Evardone of Arteche, 18 of Libanan’s 19 allied municipal mayors are now facing challengers in the 2025 elections. Notably, Abunda’s municipal coordinator in Arteche has filed a CoC for the mayoralty race, exacerbating the situation.
This breach of trust has not only strained relations between the Libanan and Abunda factions but also threatens to collapse their political alliance, Gonzales stated.
In response, Gonzales agreed to the mayors’ request to run for the congressional seat, marking his second attempt to unseat Abunda in the electoral process.
“I wasn’t prepared to run for Congress—I had no prior preparation. But this is a golden opportunity. With the people and their leaders urging me to run, I cannot let it pass,” said Gonzales, who will be running as an independent candidate.
Should he win, Gonzales vowed to work closely with the province’s local chief executives to address pressing issues related to health, education, and infrastructure by facilitating solutions through the national government.
This will be the second time Gonzales and Abunda face off for the congressional seat in Eastern Samar’s lone district. They first competed in 2019, when Abunda won her first term as district representative.
Gonzales is the son-in-law of Rep. Libanan, who also serves as the minority floor leader of the House of Representatives. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDING. The Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office has completed the construction of a multi-purpose building at the Cantimawa Elementary School in Burauen, Leyte. The facility was built at a cost of P4.93 million. (L2DEO)
MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDING. The Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office has completed the construction of a multi-purpose building at the Cantimawa Elementary School in Burauen, Leyte. The facility was built at a cost of P4.93 million. (L2DEO)
TACLOBAN CITY– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office (L2DEO), has constructed a new multi-purpose building (MPB) at Cantimawa Elementary School in Burauen, Leyte, to provide learners with a well-rounded learning environment and conducive space.
District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura said that a P4.93 million has been allotted for the construction of a 20-meter x 12-meter multi-purpose building facility was sourced from the DPWH CY 2024 MPB/Facilities to support the social services program.
The MPB project involves the construction of the MPB facility with provisions of an elevated stage, toilet and storage rooms.
“This MPB will function as a venue for teachers’ leisure and educational activities, as well as for the pupils’ full potential in learning and capability enhancement. It provides a comfortable and accommodating venue for academic events of the primary school,” Oppura said.
In an interview Ailyn A. Adrales, the school principal, she said that the new facility will be a big help to them as a venue for the events to be held inside their school.
“The multi-purpose building is ideal for various school activities conducted here in our school, as the previous one was too small to accommodate the growing population, especially when multiple activities are conducted simultaneously,” she said.
“This multi-purpose building in Cantimawa Elementary School will help to improve our service to the learners and stakeholders. The school’s teaching staff are thankful to DPWH for this MPB because this is a great help to the school,” she added.
The project construction began last March 14, 2024, and was finished on August 10, 2024. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
ASSISTANCE TO THE SURFERS. The Department of Labor and Employment has extended financial assistance to various surfers groups in Calicoan Island, Guiuan, Eastern Samar which is expected to boost their surfing skills. (PHOTO COURTESY)
ASSISTANCE TO THE SURFERS. The Department of Labor and Employment has extended financial assistance to various surfers groups in Calicoan Island, Guiuan, Eastern Samar which is expected to boost their surfing skills. (PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY – Surfers from Calicoan Island in Guiuan, Eastern Samar have received assistance from the national government through the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) under the Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), also known as the Kabuhayan Program.
Three surfing schools and one surfboard maker were granted P747,108 in assistance, which will be used to purchase lesson boards and other surf equipment for conducting surfing lessons.
The beneficiaries include ABCD Surf, Calicoan Local Surfers, The Backyard Surf, and surfboard maker Samrayan Surfboard.
The turnover ceremony for the assistance took place on October 8, 2024, during the opening of the 2024 Calicoan Odyssey Waves Surfing Nationals on Calicoan Island as confirmed by municipal administrator Kinna Kwan in a phone interview.
“This support ensures the sustainability of the local surfing community and industry in Calicoan, not just for surfing competitions,” said Kwan.
The assistance was provided by DOLE following the submission of a proposal by the surfing organizations in Calicoan, after an orientation conducted by the agency on May 3.
This initiative helps local surfers build sustainable livelihoods, securing their income while promoting eco-tourism and fostering a thriving local surfing culture. It is also seen as a boost to the growing surf tourism industry in Calicoan Island.
Moreover, around 140 surfers from across the country have gathered on the surfing capital of Eastern Visayas, Calicoan Island, for the 2024 Calicoan Odyssey Waves Surfing Nationals, a Grade 2 national surfing competition running from October 8 to 13, 2024.
Now in its 14th year, this event is organized by the municipality of Guiuan in partnership with local surfing organizations, including ABCD Surf, Calicoan Local Surfers, Samrayan Surfboards, and The Backyard Surf Co. The competition is sponsored by 4Ps Partylist, Andok’s, Sandirini Resort, Calicoan Villa, Lucky Ellie, and Fin Café.
The competition is sanctioned by the United Philippine Surfing Association and recognized by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC)-Olympic.PH.
The municipality of Guiuan and the province of Eastern Samar are committed to promoting equality in sports, awarding equal points and prize money for both the men’s and women’s divisions in both longboard and shortboard categories. A total cash prize of P606,000 is up for grabs.
The contest is being held at the famed ABCD break—a reef break known for its powerful left-handers and fast, challenging waves.
The break’s name comes from the Advance Base Construction Depot, a critical site for Allied Forces during World War II, adding a unique historical dimension to the event.
Mayor Annaliza Gonzales-Kwan continues to promote Guiuan as a premier destination for both surfing and historical tourism.
Located just three hours from Tacloban City, Guiuan offers visitors a blend of adventure and culture in one stunning location.
Beyond the waves, Calicoan Island boasts several attractions for visitors to explore.
A short trek leads to Linao Cave, where travelers can cool off in its natural pools. To the north, visitors can find one of the thirty-three historical markers along the Route of Ferdinand Magellan, unveiled in 2021 during the 500th Anniversary of the First Circumnavigation of the World, highlighting the island’s deep connections to global history. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
OFFICIAL CANDIDATE. Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho ‘Icot’Petilla submitted his certificate of candidacy on Monday, Oct. 7, seeking for a second term. He vowed to give more focus on agriculture of reelected. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
OFFICIAL CANDIDATE. Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho ‘Icot’Petilla submitted his certificate of candidacy on Monday, Oct. 7, seeking for a second term. He vowed to give more focus on agriculture of reelected. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
Claimed his father was among the victims
ALBUERA, Leyte– Former drug personality Kerwin Espinosa has announced his “1,000 percent” willingness to testify before the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding the controversial war on drugs during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
During a press conference on Saturday, October 5, Espinosa stated that many innocent people, including his father, Rolando Espinosa, lost their lives in the anti-drug campaign.
“I am 1,000 percent willing to appear before the ICC to seek justice for those who were killed in Duterte’s war on drugs, especially my father, who was murdered while inside jail,” Espinosa said.
The younger Espinosa, who is now running for mayor of Albuera, Leyte in next year’s elections, also called on President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and Congress to provide justice for his family.
“I appeal to the President and Congress to give justice to my father, who was killed like an animal while in detention,” he urged.
His father, Rolando Espinosa Sr., who was serving as mayor of Albuera at the time, was killed in a November 5, 2016 raid conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
Authorities claim that Espinosa Sr. resisted arrest and was shot in a supposed shootout while being served a warrant for illegal possession of firearms and drugs.
Kerwin Espinosa stopped short of directly calling for Duterte to be prosecuted by the ICC but left the decision to the international court.
“Let the ICC investigate and decide who should be held accountable for the war on drugs,” he said.
“But I can tell you that Duterte’s war on drugs failed to target the big players. It was the small-time criminals who were killed and jailed, while the real culprits were left untouched.”
Espinosa expressed frustration toward Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa, whom he accused of pressuring him to implicate individuals in the illegal drug trade, including former Senator Leila de Lima.
“Senator Bato threatened me and forced me to name people involved in the drug trade. I made up names because I was scared, but deep inside, I knew it wasn’t true,” Espinosa confessed.
“To everyone I wrongfully implicated in my Senate testimony, I offer my sincere apology.”
He specifically apologized to former Senator Leila de Lima, who had been detained based on Espinosa’s earlier testimony. “I am glad she accepted my apology,” he said.
Both Duterte and de la Rosa are under investigation by the ICC for their roles in the violent drug crackdown, which some reports claim resulted in more than 20,000 deaths.
Espinosa further vowed to campaign against dela Rosa’s bid for re-election as senator in 2025, calling him “useless” and blaming him for the deaths of many people during the anti-drug operations.
“Don’t vote for him. I’m telling you, he’ll get zero votes here in Albuera,” Espinosa declared.
If elected as mayor, Espinosa promised to make Albuera a drug-free municipality and called on the media to stop referring to him as a “self-confessed drug lord.”
He claimed that the label was coined by dela Rosa and insisted that he is now a reformed individual.
“Yes, I was (involved in illegal drugs before), but I’ve changed. Everyone deserves a second chance,” said Espinosa, who is running alongside his younger sister, Mariel Espinosa, as his vice mayoral candidate.
TACLOBAN CITY– The Visayas region is rapidly emerging as a new hotspot for the illegal cigarette trade, registering a 6% incidence rate, closely following Luzon’s 8%, according to data from the National Tobacco Administration (NTA).
Mindanao remains the epicenter of the illicit tobacco trade, with a staggering 45% incidence rate. The data was shared during a recent industry forum organized by the NTA.
Among the provinces in the Visayas, Biliran has the highest rate of illicit cigarette trade at 6%, followed by Eastern Samar, including Southern Leyte, which recorded a 3.7% incidence rate as of the second quarter of this year—an alarming rise from just 1% in 2022.
In contrast, Zamboanga Sibugay leads Mindanao with 87.5% of tobacco products being illegal, and in some parts of Mindanao, nine out of ten cigarettes sold come from illegal sources.
Luzon, while faring better, still grapples with significant illegal trade, with Bataan having the highest incidence at 58.2%.
The NTA identified that the illegal tobacco products are being smuggled from neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia, with Mindanao serving as the primary backdoor entry point.
These smuggled cigarettes are openly sold in stores and public areas across the Philippines, priced between P3 and P4 per stick—much lower than the P8.55 per stick for legitimate, tax-paid brands.
Interestingly, the study revealed that while half of the Filipino smokers surveyed recognized that the illegal tobacco trade poses a threat to the country, 43% admitted they would still be comfortable buying cigarettes they knew to be illegal.
This suggests a growing normalization of the illicit trade, with 33% of Filipino smokers expressing a willingness to continue patronizing illegal cigarettes
This widespread smuggling has led to a sharp drop in government tax revenues from the tobacco industry, from a record high of P176 billion in 2021 to just P135 billion in 2023.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Congress estimate that the government loses between P60 billion to P100 billion annually due to the illicit tobacco trade.
In response to this escalating issue, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered all government agencies to step up their efforts in combating the illicit tobacco trade.
The goal is not only to recover lost revenues but also to protect the livelihoods of local tobacco farmers.
To reinforce this commitment, President Marcos recently signed the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Law, which classifies tobacco products as protected commodities.
Smuggling, hoarding, and profiteering of these goods are now considered acts of economic sabotage, carrying stiff penalties and being non-bailable offenses.
The passage of this law is seen as a critical step toward curbing the illegal tobacco trade in the Philippines, particularly in regions like Visayas, where the problem is rapidly growing.
