Latest news with #Abalos
GMA Network
22-05-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
DOJ dismisses Duterte's complaints vs. Abalos, Marbil over warrant serving at KOJC
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has dismissed the malicious mischief and domicile complaints filed by former President and KOJC property administrator Rodrigo Duterte against former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos and other officials. In a 14-page joint resolution, the DOJ dismissed the two counts of malicious mischief filed against Abalos, Philippine National Police chief Police General Rommel Marbil, and others for damaging the gate of the compound during the serving of warrants against KOJC founder Apollo Quiboloy in August 2024. The DOJ ruled that there was no malice present. 'No evidence—direct or circumstantial—has been offered to show that any of the respondents, much less those who were not physically present, acted with malicious intent,' the resolution read. 'At best, the complainants impute malice based on the scale and nature of the operation, which is legally insufficient,' it added. Aside from this, the DOJ dismissed the complaint for violation of domicile filed against Abalos, Marbil, and other cops. Duterte alleged that the police officers forcibly entered the compound and residential quarters without a search warrant, violating their domicile right. However, the DOJ said that no evidence was presented that the police entered any premises in defiance of the law. 'Their actions, as alleged, fall within the realm of lawful performance of duty and are protected by the presumption of regularity in official functions,' it read. 'Absent any overt act that constitutes an element of the crimes charged, and in the absence of malice, unlawful intent, or personal participation, this Office finds that no probable cause exists to warrant the indictment of the respondents,' The complaint was dismissed by Davao Acting City Prosecutor Angelica Laygo-Francisco. Last August, tensions rose between the KOJC and the PNP as the latter attempted to serve the arrest warrants against Quiboloy. This ended with Quiboloy's surrender to authorities in September after he was given an ultimatum to turn himself in within 24 hours. Quiboloy is facing charges under Section 5(b) and Section 10(a) of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act. He is also facing a non-bailable qualified human trafficking charge under Section 4(a) of Republic Act No. 9208, as amended, before a Pasig court. In a statement, Abalos welcomed the dismissal, saying it is a win for truth and justice. 'It affirms that all our actions were in accordance with the law. Ito ay malinaw na ang aming ginawa ay tamang pagpapatupad ng batas [It is clear that what we did was a proper implementation of the law],' he said. 'This is the end of the matter. The truth has prevailed,' he added. — BM, GMA Integrated News
Filipino Times
08-05-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
New era for OFW services: Faster, easier, and more digital
The long wait is finally over! Government services for Filipinos abroad are now becoming faster, easier, and more digital than ever before. Thanks to reforms driven by actual OFW concerns, the old hassle of long lines, appointment systems, and paperwork is slowly being left behind. Whether it's voting, verifying contracts, or securing civil documents, big improvements are now in place. These are more than just upgrades—they're life-changing shifts for the millions of Filipinos working overseas. Let's break down how the digital era is reshaping the OFW experience—one click at a time. Bumoto na online For the longest time, voting while overseas felt like a luxury instead of a right. Many OFWs either couldn't make it to their consulate or had no time off from work to participate. But that's all changing, thanks to the launch of online voting. In 2025, OFWs in 77 countries can now vote digitally. No queues. No hassle. No missed chances. This update empowers Filipinos abroad to join the democratic process without sacrificing time, energy, or income. Several netizens welcomed the move. 'Done online voting,' one shared. 'This program is so useful to those Filipinos like us who are so far from the Philippine Embassy. I don't wanna waste my right to vote.' Another added, 'Vote cast! May God bless all leaders of the Philippines in serving every Filipino with honor and heart.' Having the power to vote is great, but if basic services are still slow and stressful, it's not enough. Thankfully, the Migrant Workers Office in Dubai and the Northern Emirates (MWO-Dubai) just put contract verification on the fast track. The dreaded appointment system? It's officially gone. Senatorial candidate and former DILG secretary Benhur Abalos expressed his gratitude to MWO-Dubai for their swift response following his online consultation with OFWs last April. During the session, OFWs from the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and North America raised concerns about the slow and appointment-heavy process for securing OECs and contract verification. On May 1, the MWO in Dubai has taken out the appointment system in contract verification process and increased the online slots to 800. 'Ngayon po ay binabati ko ang Department of Migrant Workers sa pangunguna ni Secretary Hans Cacdac sa kanilang ginagawang hakbang at reporma para mapabilis ang ating proseso. Ako po ay taos pusong nagpapasalamat sa kanilang pagtugon,' Abalos stated. Abalos also promised OFWs that he will do everything he can to further speed up the process if he gets elected as Senator. ''Pag ganyan ang batas na gagawin mo, Benhur, magkakasundo tayo [d'yan],' one netizen commented. Docs, done, delivered! Having your contract verified is one thing. Having your documents authenticated by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is another story. Before, Filipinos had to go through a two-step hassle: first request their PSA documents, then submit them to the DFA office for Apostille authentication—often with additional requirements to present, adding even more stress to the process. But now, things just got way easier. According to a new DFA advisory, OFWs can request Apostille services for PSA-issued documents—like Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificates, Advisory on Marriage, and Certificates of No Marriage Record (CENOMAR)—completely online. No more lining up, no more paperwork, no need to visit the DFA. It's a big win for convenience, time, and peace of mind. Serbisyo with a heart For many OFWs, these changes—online voting, faster contract verification, and PSA documents now automatically DFA-apostilled—are more than just improvements in process. They're a step towards making life abroad a little easier, with less stress and more convenience. The hope is that this progress will continue to make life easier, happier, and more fulfilling for all Filipinos abroad. These changes will offer a better, brighter future, not only for the OFWs of today but for future generations as well.
Filipino Times
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Vice Ganda backs Abalos for Senate: ‘Kesa naman yung mga walang kwenta ang pumasok sa top 12'
Comedian and TV host Vice Ganda has openly expressed support for former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Atty. Benhur Abalos in his bid for the Senate in the 2025 midterm elections. The endorsement was made through a short video posted on social media, where the text read: 'Kesa naman yung mga walang kwenta ang pumasok sa Top 12. Dito na 'ko! #1 Abalos, Benhur.' Known for her sharp commentary and massive following, Vice Ganda have long emphasized the importance of electing public officials who have a clear track record and genuine concern for the Filipino people. In several statements, Atty. Abalos has laid out his legislative priorities, which include fast-tracking digital government services for OFWs, implementing affordable housing programs, providing stronger support for farmers, and removing the value-added tax (VAT) on electricity to help lower household bills. Vice Ganda has long been vocal about her political views, having supported Leni Robredo in the 2022 presidential elections. Robredo, for her part, has also expressed support for Atty. Abalos' Senate run, citing his consistent assistance to her hometown, Naga City.
Filipino Times
02-04-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
Abalos vows to remove e-VAT to lower electricity cost; create more jobs for Filipinos
Former Interior Secretary and senatorial candidate Benhur Abalos Jr. has promised to push for the removal of the expanded value-added tax (e-VAT) on electricity to help reduce power bills and create more job opportunities for Filipinos. Abalos said high electricity costs make it difficult for businesses to thrive in the country. By scrapping the 12-percent e-VAT on electricity, he believes more companies will invest, leading to increased job creation and economic growth. 'I will file a bill na tanggalin, at the very least, yung e-VAT sa kuryente. Bakit? Once matanggal mo yan, dadami ang mga kompanyang papasok,' Abalos said in an interview with ABS-CBN News. 'How can you promote manufacturing and other kind of things kung doon pa lang sa kuryente, talo ka na,' he added. For illustrative purposes only With the 12-percent VAT, a household consuming 200 kWh at P12.29 per kWh pays a total electricity bill of P2,752.98. Without EVAT, the bill drops to P2,458.02, saving nearly P300 each month. While he acknowledged that removing the tax could mean revenue losses for the government, Abalos said the economic boost from increased business investments and job creation would more than make up for it. 'May kapalit 'yan. Dadami naman ang ibang klaseng negosyo. Dadami ang trabaho sa tao, at magiginhawaan aNg tao,' Abalos has consistently opposed VAT on electricity. As a congressman in 2005, he voted against its implementation, warning that it would drive up inflation and increase the financial burden on Filipino consumers. After the e-VAT law was passed, he immediately filed a resolution seeking a two-year suspension of VAT on electricity and fuel, arguing that it would help ease financial strain on both businesses and households. If elected senator, Abalos vows to continue this fight, pushing for legislative reforms that will lower power costs and create a more business-friendly environment for the country.
Filipino Times
26-03-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
Benhur Abalos pushes for affordable homes for OFWs abroad
Former Mayor of Mandaluyong City and former Interior Secretary Atty. Benhur Abalos Jr. is advocating for a housing program that will make it easier for Filipino workers abroad to own homes when they return to the Philippines. During his recent visit to Singapore, Abalos engaged with Filipino workers, discussing their challenges, particularly in securing affordable housing upon their return. Abalos said he recently spoke with Secretary Jerry Acuzar of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to propose reserving a portion of government housing projects exclusively for OFWs. As of the latest records, there are an estimated 2.16 million registered OFWs. Last year, personal remittances from OFWs hit an all-time high of over USD38 billion. Abalos emphasized the vital role Filipino workers play in the Philippines' economy, particularly through their remittances. However, he noted that despite their financial contributions, many returning workers struggle to afford homes. Abalos suggested offering OFWs the opportunity to pay for their homes through affordable installment plans. He also underscored that housing initiatives in the Philippines should benefit not only local residents but also overseas workers. In 2023, Abalos attended the Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition (PPIE), the biggest, longest-running, and most trusted Philippine investment event in the Middle East. During the event, he discussed the government's efforts to promote transparency, good governance, and ease of doing business, aiming to create a better environment for investors and property buyers, including Filipino workers looking for housing opportunities.
