Michael Apacible Bulletin

  LTO's P51 Million Procurement Scandal: Overpriced and Defective Equipment Returned Manila, Philippines – A recent Senate hearing, led by Senator Raffy Tulfo, unveiled troubling details about a P51 million procurement by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for fertilizer and breathalyzer units, which were found to be both overpriced and defective. These issues have led to the equipment being returned by recipients such as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP). Overpriced Breathalyzer Under Scrutiny During the hearing, Senator Raffy Tulfo expressed deep concern over the inflated price of the breathalyzer units, each costing P68,000. This amount is significantly higher than the market price for similar breathalyzers in other countries, such as the United States, where prices range from P5,000 to P14,000. In Thailand and China, prices are even lower. Senator Tulfo questioned the LTO's procurement process, hinting at possi

  The Senate Hearing: Unraveling the Biancham and POGO Controversy In a highly charged Senate hearing, key figures, including Harry Roque, were questioned about their involvement in controversial activities related to Biancham, a family-holding corporation, and POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators). Senators Risa Hontiveros and Sherwin Gatchalian led the intense interrogation, seeking to uncover the truth behind these complex dealings. Let's delve into the intricate details and exchanges of the hearing, shedding light on the legal and ethical intricacies involved. Initial Tensions and Statements The hearing began with palpable tension as Harry Roque, clearly frustrated, asserted his right to speak. "Actually as I said earlier, excuse me, excuse me. I'm sorry madam but I am a resource person invited. I was asked to answer," he began, emphasizing his role and the expectation to provide information. Senator Gatchalian quickly responded, "If you disrespect the

The hearing discussed various issues regarding waste management, the impact of reclamation projects on Manila Bay, and the integration of environmental programs with flood control. Here is a detailed summary of the key points: Extended Producers Responsibility Law (EPR Law) : The EPR Law mandates corporations to collect their own packaging products. Under this law, 937 corporations with a capitalization of P100M and above, including fast-moving consumer goods corporations, are now involved in the collection of their packaging. The DENR has coordinated with the private sector and LGUs to ensure the collection of plastic products. Budget for Ecological Solid Waste Management : For 2024, the DENR has allocated P334 million for solid waste management. According to the Secretary, this is part of the larger DENR budget of P3.28 billion. The possibility of integrating solid waste management with the flood control program was discussed, which the DPWH and DENR secretaries agreed upon due to th

Unmasking the 2022 Election Anomalies: A Detailed Analysis with Gen. Eliseo Rio Jr. In this blog post, we delve into a comprehensive analysis of the 2022 election transmission irregularities, guided by the expertise of Gen. Eliseo Rio Jr., a retired Brigadier General and a former key figure in the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). This discussion brings to light critical insights and raises important questions regarding the transparency and accuracy of the election process. Gen. Eliseo Rio Jr. is a well-regarded figure in the fields of communications and technology. With a distinguished career that includes serving as a Commissioner of the National Telecommunications Commission, a lecturer at the Philippine Military Academy, and an Undersecretary of the DICT, Gen. Rio brings a wealth of experience to our discussion. Scrutinizing Election Transmission Data One of the critical issues discussed is the irregularities observed in the transmission of electio