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Iran offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for lifting the U.S. blockade and ending the war, officials said

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Iran offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for lifting the U.S. blockade and ending the war, officials said

CAIRO — Iran has reportedly proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the lifting of U.S. restrictions and an end to the ongoing conflict, according to two regional officials familiar with closed-door negotiations.

The proposal, relayed to Washington through Pakistan, suggests that broader talks on Iran’s nuclear program would be addressed in a later phase. However, officials said the plan is unlikely to be accepted by the United States, noting that significant disputes remain unresolved following the outbreak of war earlier this year.

The Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime chokepoint through which roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments pass, has become a central pressure point in the conflict. U.S. measures aimed at blocking Iranian oil exports have sharply reduced Tehran’s revenue, while also contributing to global supply disruptions.

At the same time, restrictions and security risks in the waterway have caused shipping delays and driven up global energy prices, with ripple effects on food, fertilizer, and other commodities.

Oil markets have reflected the tensions, with Brent crude prices rising to around $108 per barrel, nearly 50 percent higher than before the war began, according to market data cited in reports.

U.S. President Donald Trump has maintained that preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons remains a core objective of Washington’s position. Iran, however, continues to insist that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

The proposal also comes amid ongoing diplomatic maneuvering involving regional mediators. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveled to Russia for consultations with President Vladimir Putin, as Tehran seeks support from longstanding allies.

Iranian officials have also engaged in discussions with intermediaries in Pakistan and Gulf states, including Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, in an effort to revive stalled negotiations with Washington.

A regional official involved in mediation efforts said Iran is seeking guarantees that U.S. restrictions on oil exports would be lifted before any new round of talks begins. Mediators are reportedly attempting to bridge wide gaps between the parties.

The proposal follows a fragile ceasefire arrangement that has temporarily reduced hostilities but has yet to produce a permanent settlement. According to earlier reports, thousands have been killed across Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and parts of the Gulf region since the conflict escalated.

Despite diplomatic activity, key issues remain unresolved, particularly over Iran’s nuclear capabilities and U.S. demands regarding its uranium stockpile.

Officials said discussions remain fluid, with no confirmed agreement on whether the latest proposal will advance to formal negotiations.

Face mask, ipinayo sa Maynila at mga karatig-lugar dahil sa mapanganib na usok ng landfill fire

Venus L Peñaflor
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Face mask, ipinayo sa Maynila at mga karatig-lugar dahil sa mapanganib na usok ng landfill fire

MANILA, Philippines — Pinayuhan ng pamahalaang lungsod ng Maynila ang mga residente na magsuot ng face masks at manatili sa loob ng bahay hangga’t maaari matapos maitala ang “very unhealthy” air quality na dulot ng patuloy na sunog sa Navotas Sanitary Landfill.

Ayon sa Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department, nakapagtala ang kanilang air quality sensors ng mapanganib na antas ng polusyon sa hangin pagsapit ng hatinggabi ng Abril 27, na nakaapekto hindi lamang sa Maynila kundi maging sa mga karatig lungsod.

Ipinaliwanag ng ahensya na ang usok mula sa landfill fire, na pinalala ng umiiral na direksyon ng hangin patungong Maynila, ang pangunahing sanhi ng paglala ng kondisyon ng hangin. Pinayuhan ang publiko, lalo na ang mga nakatira malapit sa Puregold Tayuman, na iwasan ang paglabas kung hindi kinakailangan at magsuot ng face masks bilang proteksyon.

Partikular na inabisuhan ang mga bata, senior citizens, buntis, at mga may sakit sa paghinga tulad ng asthma na manatili sa loob ng bahay upang maiwasan ang masamang epekto ng polusyon.

Patuloy pa ring inaapula ang sunog sa Navotas Sanitary Landfill, na sumunog na sa tinatayang 28.6 ektarya anim na araw mula nang magsimula ito. Sa mga nakaraang araw, naglabas din ng kahalintulad na abiso ang iba pang local government units sa Metro Manila dahil sa usok at smog na nagmumula sa nasusunog na landfill.

Ayon sa mga pag-aaral sa waste management, hindi bihira ang pagkakaroon ng sunog sa mga landfill, lalo na kung may naiipong methane gas mula sa nabubulok na basura. Ang methane ay lubhang flammable at maaaring magdulot ng spontaneous combustion kapag hindi maayos ang pamamahala sa tambak ng basura.

Bagaman itinuturing ang sanitary landfills bilang mas kontroladong paraan ng pagtatapon ng basura kumpara sa open dumpsites, nananatiling hamon ang kanilang pangmatagalang epekto. Sa kasalukuyang insidente sa Navotas Sanitary Landfill, iniulat ng mga local air quality monitoring sensors ng Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (Manila DRRM), na umabot sa “unhealthy” hanggang “very unhealthy” ang Air Quality Index (AQI) sa ilang bahagi ng Metro Manila noong kasagsagan ng usok mula sa sunog. Ang mga reading ay batay sa real-time particulate matter (PM2.5) measurements na ginagamit ng mga LGU monitoring stations at air quality sensors na naka-deploy sa lungsod.

Ang polusyon ay pangunahing dulot ng landfill fire, kung saan ang nasusunog na basura ay naglalabas ng makapal na usok at fine particulate matter na mabilis kumalat sa pamamagitan ng hangin patungong Metro Manila at mga kalapit na lugar.

Sa konteksto ng Pilipinas, patuloy ang pag-asa sa landfills bilang pangunahing solusyon sa solid waste, ngunit binibigyang-diin ng mga eksperto na hindi ito sapat. Kailangan pa rin ang mas agresibong waste reduction, recycling, at composting programs, kasama ang maingat na pag-aaral ng waste-to-energy technologies, upang mabawasan ang volume ng basurang dinadala sa landfill at maiwasan ang mga insidenteng tulad ng sunog at polusyon sa hangin.

Hinihikayat ang publiko na manatiling alerto sa mga abiso ng lokal na pamahalaan habang nagpapatuloy ang operasyon upang tuluyang maapula ang sunog.

Ilang bahagi ng bansa makararanas ng ulan dahil sa easterlies

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Ilang bahagi ng bansa makararanas ng ulan dahil sa easterlies

MAYNILA — Inihayag ng PAGASA na patuloy na makaaapekto ang easterlies sa malaking bahagi ng bansa, na magdudulot ng maulap na kalangitan at pag-ulan sa ilang rehiyon kabilang ang Central at Southern Luzon, Visayas, at Mindanao.

Sa pinakahuling 4 a.m. weather forecast, inaasahang makararanas ang Sorsogon, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, Dinagat Islands, at Surigao del Norte ng maulap na kalangitan na may kalat-kalat na ulan at thunderstorms dulot ng umiiral na easterlies.

Samantala, ang Metro Manila at iba pang bahagi ng bansa ay makakaranas ng bahagyang maulap hanggang maulap na kalangitan na may isolated rainshowers o thunderstorms, lalo na sa hapon o gabi.

Nagbabala ang PAGASA sa publiko hinggil sa posibleng flash floods at landslides sa mga lugar na makakaranas ng katamtaman hanggang malakas na ulan o matitinding thunderstorms.

Wala namang binabantayang low pressure area na maaaring maging bagyo sa kasalukuyan, ayon sa ahensya.

Para sa rehiyon ng Calabarzon, kabilang ang Laguna, inaasahang magpapatuloy ang mainit at mahalumigmig na panahon na may posibilidad ng panandaliang pag-ulan. Batay sa pinakahuling datos, ang temperatura sa rehiyon ay umiikot sa humigit-kumulang 27°C hanggang 34°C sa araw, na may mataas na humidity na nagpapataas sa nararamdamang init.

Sa Laguna partikular, karaniwang naitatala sa buwan ng Abril ang mataas na temperatura na nasa pagitan ng 31°C hanggang 33°C sa araw at humigit-kumulang 23°C hanggang 24°C sa gabi, na may maalinsangang kondisyon at paminsan-minsang pag-ulan.

Inaasahan din ang mahina hanggang katamtamang hangin at bahagya hanggang katamtamang alon sa buong kapuluan.

Pinapayuhan ang publiko na manatiling alerto sa biglaang pagbabago ng panahon at ugaliing magdala ng payong o rain gear, lalo na sa mga lugar na inaasahang makararanas ng thunderstorms.


Talks in Pakistan falter as U.S.-Iran diplomacy loses momentum

Venus L Peñaflor
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Talks in Pakistan falter as U.S.-Iran diplomacy loses momentum

ISLAMABAD — Efforts to revive ceasefire negotiations between the United States and Iran lost traction over the weekend after Iran’s top diplomat left Islamabad and U.S. envoys canceled their trip on the orders of President Donald Trump.

The setback reflects a broader decline in prospects for diplomacy, with both sides hardening their positions amid continued military and economic pressure linked to the conflict.

Trump signaled that further engagement would depend on Tehran. “If they want to talk, all they have to do is call!!!” he said on social media. He later indicated that the planned visit by his envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, was canceled because he saw limited value in proceeding under current conditions. He added that Iran submitted a revised proposal shortly after the cancellation but did not elaborate, reiterating that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains a central U.S. condition.

Iran, however, maintains that negotiations cannot proceed under pressure. Officials in Tehran have said meaningful talks would require the lifting of U.S. military measures, including the blockade of Iranian ports linked to tensions over the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi departed Islamabad on Saturday after consultations with Pakistani officials, according to sources familiar with the discussions. He traveled onward to Oman, which has previously mediated indirect talks, and is expected to continue diplomatic engagements before returning briefly to Pakistan and proceeding to Russia.

In remarks posted online, Araghchi said he presented Iran’s framework for ending the war but questioned whether Washington is prepared to engage seriously. Tehran continues to favor indirect negotiations, with Pakistani officials acting as intermediaries.

The latest developments follow earlier direct talks this month between U.S. officials led by Vice President JD Vance and Iranian representatives headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf. Despite that initial breakthrough, subsequent actions at sea and on land have deepened mistrust on both sides.

The regional dimension of the conflict is also intensifying. A fragile ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah has come under renewed strain, with exchanges of fire reported over the weekend. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered intensified military operations against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, raising concerns of a wider escalation that could further complicate diplomatic efforts.

Although a U.S.-announced ceasefire with Iran remains formally in place, its effectiveness is increasingly uncertain. Military threats persist, and economic disruption continues to spread. The near closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy supplies, has driven Brent crude prices significantly higher and disrupted shipments of oil, liquefied natural gas and other commodities.

Iran has warned of a strong response if U.S. actions continue, while Washington has reinforced its maritime posture, including orders to counter suspected threats to shipping. Key issues remain unresolved, including Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, its missile program and its support for allied armed groups in the region.

Recent incidents highlight the volatility of the situation. Iran has been accused of targeting commercial vessels, while the United States continues to enforce restrictions on Iranian ports. At the same time, Iran has resumed limited commercial flights from Tehran, signaling partial normalization of civilian activity despite ongoing hostilities.

The human toll continues to rise, with thousands reported killed across Iran and Lebanon and additional casualties in Israel and Gulf states. Military personnel and United Nations peacekeepers are among those affected.

A separate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, brokered by Washington and recently extended, remains fragile and has yet to deliver sustained stability. Hezbollah has not participated in the U.S.-led diplomatic process.

With negotiations stalled and conditions for dialogue deteriorating, the outlook for a durable ceasefire between Washington and Tehran remains uncertain.


White House correspondents’ dinner disrupted after armed breach; suspect in custody

EDGARDO HERNAL
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White House correspondents’ dinner disrupted after armed breach; suspect in custody

WASHINGTON — An armed man carrying firearms and knives caused a major security disruption at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner on Saturday night after charging toward the ballroom inside the Washington Hilton, prompting Secret Service agents to open fire and triggering panic among guests.

President Donald Trump, who was attending the annual media event for the first time as president, was not injured and was evacuated from the stage as shots were fired. Guests inside the ballroom dived under tables while security forces rushed the area.

Authorities said the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, was taken into custody after being tackled by Secret Service personnel. He is facing firearm-related charges, including assault on an officer with a deadly weapon. Officials said he appeared to have acted alone, although his motive remains under investigation.

Law enforcement sources said the suspect entered the hotel as a guest before moving toward restricted areas near the ballroom. Video circulating among attendees showed security officers pursuing the man through barricaded sections of the venue before the confrontation occurred.

One Secret Service officer was struck in a bullet-resistant vest and is expected to recover, officials said. The suspect was also taken to a hospital for evaluation before being transferred to police custody. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that investigators recovered a long gun and shell casings at the scene and are interviewing witnesses.

Inside the ballroom, chaos erupted as the sound of gunfire was heard during dinner service. Guests were served a spring pea and burrata salad when the incident began. Some initially mistook the noise for dropped equipment before realizing shots had been fired. Attendees reported hearing between five and eight shots.

Security personnel, including heavily armed counterassault teams, immediately secured the stage area. Vice President JD Vance was escorted out first, followed by President Trump and first lady Melania Trump. Trump briefly stumbled while exiting the stage before being assisted by security officers.

The president was initially taken to a secure presidential suite inside the hotel before being returned to the White House after consultation with the Secret Service. Authorities later confirmed the event would not continue and guests were evacuated.

Trump, speaking later at the White House, said the suspect was believed to be a “lone wolf” and emphasized heightened security concerns. He also noted that this was the third incident involving a direct threat in his vicinity since 2024, referencing previous security breaches including an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania.

FBI Director Patel said the agency is examining forensic evidence and continuing interviews with witnesses. Police have not yet confirmed a motive.

The White House Correspondents’ Association initially attempted to resume the program after the incident, with staff resetting tables and preparing the stage. However, organizers later announced the event would be postponed and rescheduled.

Association president Weijia Jiang said the gathering would proceed at a later date. Security personnel, including National Guard members, remained deployed throughout the hotel as guests were gradually escorted out.

Political leaders expressed concern following the incident. House Speaker Mike Johnson said he and his wife were “praying for our country tonight,” while House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries called for an end to “violence and chaos.”

Security at the Washington Hilton, which has hosted the event for years, has traditionally focused on the ballroom area rather than full hotel screening, a structure that officials said may have contributed to the breach. The hotel has a long history with security concerns, including the 1981 shooting of President Ronald Reagan nearby, which led to enhanced protective measures.

Despite tighter security in recent years, the presence of public areas within the hotel has occasionally created vulnerabilities during large events.

Saturday’s dinner, which brings together journalists, political figures and public personalities, was already under heightened scrutiny due to strained relations between the Trump administration and the media. Trump had attended the event for the first time as president, an appearance that was expected to highlight those tensions.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine how the suspect bypassed security and reached restricted areas of the venue.

Trump rushed off stage after shots fired during White House Correspondents’ Dinner

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Trump rushed off stage after shots fired during White House Correspondents’ Dinner

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump was quickly escorted off the stage by Secret Service agents after reports of possible shots being fired during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton on Saturday.

Vice President JD Vance and several members of the U.S. Cabinet who were in attendance were also evacuated from the venue as security protocols were activated.

According to a source cited by CNN, Trump is safe. Two other sources said Vice President Vance was safely removed from the event, while an administration official confirmed that Cabinet members were also unharmed.

Pool reports indicated that Secret Service personnel shouted “shots fired” during the program, prompting an immediate security response. The U.S. Secret Service later confirmed on X that one individual is in custody.

A senior administration official said Trump was taken to a secure location and later informed authorities that he intended to return to the dinner, pending security clearance.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said a “shooter has been apprehended” and praised the Secret Service and law enforcement for their rapid response. He also suggested the event could resume in some form, depending on security decisions.

CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer said he was “a few feet away” from an armed individual during the incident, describing a sudden escalation as shots were reportedly fired.

Weijia Jiang, president of the White House Correspondents’ Association, told attendees that the program would resume once the situation was stabilized, though she did not provide a timeline.

Authorities have not yet released full details on the incident. The investigation is ongoing, and officials are expected to provide further updates.

HDO laban kina Escudero at Ngu inaasikaso ng Ombudsman

Venus L Peñaflor
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HDO laban kina Escudero at Ngu inaasikaso ng Ombudsman

MAYNILA – Hiniling ng Office of the Ombudsman sa Sandiganbayan na magpalabas ng precautionary hold departure order laban kina Senador Chiz Escudero at negosyanteng si Maynard Ngu, kaugnay ng patuloy na imbestigasyon sa flood control anomaly.

Sina Escudero at Ngu ay iniimbestigahan sa mga kasong plunder, graft, at indirect bribery na may kaugnayan sa mga proyektong sinasabing isiningit sa pambansang budget.

Na-raffle na sa Sixth Division ng Sandiganbayan ang nasabing kahilingan ng Ombudsman.

Ayon sa affidavit ni dating Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, diumano ay dumaan kay Ngu ang 20 porsyento o humigit-kumulang P160 milyon mula sa P800 milyong halaga ng isiningit na proyekto sa Valenzuela City sa ilalim ng General Appropriations Act. Sinabi pa ni Bernardo na ang naturang halaga ay nakalaan umano para kay Escudero.

Inilahad din ni Bernardo na si Ngu ay kanyang malapit na kaibigan at personal na nagdala ng pera sa kanyang opisina sa Maynila. Dagdag pa niya, si Ngu rin ay tinukoy bilang campaign contributor ni Escudero.

Mariin namang itinanggi nina Ngu at Escudero ang mga paratang na may kinalaman sila sa kickback sa mga flood control project.

Patuloy ang imbestigasyon ng mga awtoridad sa nasabing usapin.

US-Iran peace hopes fade as Trump scraps talks

EDGARDO HERNAL
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US-Iran peace hopes fade as Trump scraps talks

ISLAMABAD/WASHINGTON — Prospects for a diplomatic breakthrough in the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran dimmed at the start of the week, as negotiations remained stalled and both Tehran and Washington showed little sign of easing their positions.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi concluded a weekend visit to Pakistan, which has been acting as a mediator, without securing progress. At the same time, U.S. President Donald Trump canceled a planned trip to Islamabad by his envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, dealing a further setback to efforts aimed at de-escalating the two-month conflict.

The continuing deadlock between the United States, the world’s largest economy, and Iran, a major oil producer, has contributed to rising global energy prices, renewed inflationary pressures, and concerns over slowing economic growth.

In a phone call with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran would not engage in what he described as imposed negotiations conducted under threats or blockades, according to an official statement. He added that Washington must first remove operational constraints, including its blockade on Iranian ports, before meaningful discussions could begin.

Araqchi described his discussions in Pakistan as constructive. However, an Iranian diplomatic source in Islamabad indicated that Tehran would reject what it considers maximalist demands from the United States.

Trump, speaking to reporters in Florida, said he called off the envoys’ visit due to the costs and travel involved, as well as what he viewed as insufficient concessions from Iran. He said Tehran had made offers, but these did not meet U.S. expectations.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump also cited internal divisions within Iran’s leadership, claiming there was confusion over decision-making authority. He reiterated that the United States holds a position of strength and said Iran could initiate talks if it chose to do so.

Tensions in the region were further heightened after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered military strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, according to his office, testing a fragile three-week ceasefire.

Meanwhile, Iran has largely restricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global oil and liquefied natural gas, while the United States continues to enforce measures blocking Iranian oil exports.

Earlier, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said there had been some indications of progress from the Iranian side and noted that Vice President JD Vance remained prepared to travel to Pakistan following an earlier round of talks that did not yield an agreement.

The conflict, which is currently under a ceasefire arrangement, began on February 28 with U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran. Tehran has since launched retaliatory strikes targeting Israel, U.S. bases, and locations in Gulf states.

Chinese automakers showcase rapid innovation at Beijing auto show

Venus L Peñaflor
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Chinese automakers showcase rapid innovation at Beijing auto show

BEIJING — China’s leading automakers unveiled a wave of new vehicles and next-generation technologies at the Beijing Auto Show, underscoring the country’s growing influence in the global automotive industry as competition intensifies.

The biennial event, which opened to media on Friday and runs until May 3, features more than 1,450 vehicles, including 181 global debuts. Analysts say the scale and sophistication of the displays highlight how Chinese manufacturers are advancing quickly in key areas such as electric vehicles, battery systems, and intelligent driving technologies.

BYD drew attention with its latest generation of fast-charging “blade” battery, capable of reaching near full charge in about nine minutes. The company also demonstrated battery performance under extreme cold conditions, reinforcing its focus on durability and efficiency.

Another highlight came from Yijing, a joint venture between Dongfeng Motor Corporation and Huawei. The partnership introduced the X9, a six-seat flagship SUV equipped with advanced features, including a next-generation Qiankun intelligent driving system and an in-car operating platform based on Huawei’s HarmonyOS.

Battery manufacturer CATL also presented an upgraded version of its Shenxing battery, which can charge from 10 percent to 98 percent in roughly six and a half minutes, further intensifying competition in the fast-charging segment.

Industry analysts say the developments on display reflect the speed of innovation in China’s automotive sector. Consultancy executives noted that Chinese companies are setting the pace in electric mobility, battery performance, and vehicle software integration, often bringing advanced features to market faster than international competitors.

China has become the world’s largest car exporter, supported by large-scale manufacturing capacity and government backing that has enabled rapid rollout of new models. However, the domestic market remains under pressure. A prolonged price war has reduced vehicle prices significantly over the past two years, while reduced subsidies for electric and hybrid vehicles have dampened local demand.

Data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers showed passenger car sales fell 23 percent in the first quarter compared to a year earlier, totaling around 4 million units. In contrast, exports surged 63 percent to nearly 2 million vehicles, driven by growing demand in Europe, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.

Research firm Omdia forecasts China’s passenger vehicle exports will grow by about 14 percent in 2026. Meanwhile, consultancy AlixPartners reported that intense competition has pushed average vehicle prices down by roughly 20 percent over the past two years.

Despite rapid progress, some of the advanced technologies introduced at the show may face regulatory and safety hurdles before reaching international markets. Analysts say, however, that these innovations signal capabilities that can eventually be adapted for global deployment.

Foreign automakers continue to face declining market share in China, though some are attempting to regain ground. Volkswagen Group announced plans to integrate advanced artificial intelligence systems into vehicles designed for the Chinese market and introduced new electric models developed in partnership with local firms.

At the same time, Chinese manufacturers are expanding their global footprint by investing in overseas production. New facilities in countries such as Hungary and Turkey are expected to support growing international demand and help mitigate trade barriers.

According to AlixPartners, Chinese automakers could nearly triple overseas production to 3.4 million vehicles by 2030, up from 1.2 million last year, reflecting a strategic shift from exports to localized manufacturing in key markets.

CA nagpalabas ng freeze order sa mga ari-arian ni Romualdez, ayon kay Ombudsman Remulla

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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CA nagpalabas ng freeze order sa mga ari-arian ni Romualdez, ayon kay Ombudsman Remulla

MAYNILA – Naglabas ng freeze order ang Court of Appeals laban sa mga ari-arian ni dating House Speaker at kasalukuyang Leyte Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, ayon kay Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla nitong Sabado.

“Si former Speaker Martin Romualdez, na-freeze na ‘yung kaniyang…, may freeze order na. From Court of Appeals kasi doon talaga dinadala ang freeze orders ng AMLC. Diyan talaga pinakukuha ng court order,” ayon kay Remulla sa kanyang programa sa radyo, batay sa ulat ng GMA News.

Ang tinutukoy ni Remulla ay ang Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), na una nang nag-ulat na nakakuha ito ng freeze order laban sa mga ari-arian ng isang “prominent incumbent legislator” na umano’y sangkot sa mga iregularidad sa flood control projects.

Hindi pinangalanan ng AMLC ang mambabatas, pati na rin ang isang business associate at isang corporate entity na kasama rin sa saklaw ng freeze order. Ayon sa ahensya, kaugnay ang mga ito sa imbestigasyon sa umano’y anomalya sa mga proyekto.

Ayon sa AMLC, sinaklaw ng freeze order ang ilang bank accounts at insurance policies na nakarehistro sa pangalan ng nasabing mambabatas.

Batay pa sa AMLC, nakita ng Court of Appeals ang probable cause na nag-uugnay sa mga ari-arian sa posibleng paglabag kabilang ang plunder sa ilalim ng Republic Act 7659, direct at indirect bribery sa Revised Penal Code, at paglabag sa Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act o RA 3019.

Sinabi ni Remulla na bahagi ito ng mas malawak pang mga kasong inihahanda ng kanilang tanggapan.

“Actually, isang kaso pa lang ‘yan. Pero we have around five to six cases lined up. Sunod-sunod siya i-file within the next two weeks,” aniya.

Dagdag pa niya, isasailalim sa preliminary investigation ang kaso at paiiralin ang due process.

“Ang kalaban namin dito, akusado sa pagnanakaw sa gobyerno. Ito, tiga gobyerno ito. Ito, maraming pera, may kapangyarihan. Hindi ho madali labanan ito,” aniya.

Humingi na ng reaksyon ang GMA News Online mula sa kampo ni Romualdez at sa AMLC, ngunit wala pa silang tugon hanggang sa oras ng paglalathala.

Ayon sa AMLC, saklaw din ng freeze order ang karagdagang mga account kabilang ang iba pang bank accounts, insurance policies, investment account, at mga ari-arian na nakapangalan sa business associate at corporate entity na kaugnay umano ng kaso.

Wala pang naisasampang kaso laban kay Romualdez sa korte, ngunit hiniling ng kanyang legal team sa Office of the Ombudsman na itigil ang imbestigasyon. Iginiit na diumano’y na-prejudge na si Romualdez at nilabag ang due process.

Sa kanilang liham, binanggit ng kampo ni Romualdez ang umano’y pahayag ng ilang opisyal na tinawag siyang “master plunderer” kahit wala pang naisasampang kaso.

Kinuwestiyon din nila ang ipinalabas na precautionary hold departure order laban sa kanya kaugnay ng kontrobersiya sa flood control projects.

Tugon ni Remulla sa panawagang mag-inhibit ang Ombudsman, hindi raw ito maaaring gawin dahil sa kanilang tungkulin sa Saligang Batas.

“Ang inhibition goes down to the fairness of the judicial process. Prosecutors are supposed to side with the victims of crimes. Ngayon, ano ba ang Office of the Ombudsman? Ang origin namin sa Pilipinas, Tanodbayan. Kami ang bantay ng bayan para ‘yung corruption ay bantayan, ‘yung pang-aabuso ng kapangyarihan ay maawat natin, matigil natin, at maparusahan,” aniya.

“Paano natin mapaparusahan ‘yan kung mag-i-inhibit ka? Duty mo ‘yan eh. ‘Yan ay katungkulan po namin sa Saligang Batas,” dagdag niya.

“No such thing as inhibition. Sabi ko sa abogadong nagsasabi niyan, baka absent ka noong tinuturo ‘yan. Go back to law school,” ayon pa kay Remulla.

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