Justice and Crime ⚖️
Pinned Message
Hi everyone! August 27 marks 10 years since members of the Iglesia ni Cristo flocked to EDSA in 2015 to protest what they said was government meddling in their church’s internal affairs. For five days, the busy highway became the stage of a massive demonstration that grabbed national attention and sparked heated debates about religion, politics, and power. Rappler (led by our investigative editor @Chay Hofileña - Rappler) dug into the controversies, alleged abuses, and the calls for accountability that surfaced during the crisis. Ten years later, our stories remain a window into how those events shook one of the country’s most powerful churches. Revisit our coverage from 2015 and see how we captured that turning point in INC history! P.S Don’t forget to join Rappler+ to read these stories below from our archives. https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/inc-protest-controversy-reports-anniversary-2025/
Message removed
Hi everyone! Rappler (led by our investigative editor @Chay Hofileña - Rappler) dug into the controversies, alleged abuses, and the calls for accountability that surfaced during the crisis. Ten years later, our stories remain a window into how those events shook one of the country’s most powerful churches. Revisit our coverage from 2015 and see how we captured that turning point in INC history!
August 27 marks 10 years since members of the Iglesia ni Cristo flocked to EDSA in 2015 to protest what they said was government meddling in their church’s internal affairs. For five days, the busy highway became the stage of a massive demonstration that grabbed national attention and sparked heated debates about religion, politics, and power.
P.S Don’t forget to join Rappler+ to read these stories below from our archives.
https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/inc-protest-controversy-reports-anniversary-2025/
The investigation should continue for the benefit of INC members and non-INC persons alike. The fact that INC officials are using an "Airbus 330-202 and a Boeing executive jet" may be the tip of a massive iceberg of corruption. 😠
@Jodesz Gavilan - Rappler how do I get a direct line to you? Your team was looking for us daw po before the article was made. Thank you po.
NEWS UPDATE: Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Dante Vargas is the new acting Ombudsman, Malacañang and the Office of the Ombudsman have confirmed.
Vargas will temporarily head the office while the Judiciary and Bar Council (JBC) is still on the process of selecting former Ombudsman Samuel Martires' replacement. From a short list curated by the JBC, Marcos will pick his permanent Ombudsman who will serve until 2032.
Hi! Please email me at jodesz.gavilan@rappler.com. Thank you!
The investigation should continue for the benefit of INC members and non-INC persons alike. The fact that INC officials are using an "Airbus 330-202 and a Boeing executive jet" may be the tip of a massive iceberg of corruption. 😠
Not to mention, the case of Angel Manalo (brother of Eduardo) is still ongoing!
Much thanks!
The investigation should continue for the benefit of INC members and non-INC persons alike. The fact that INC officials are using an "Airbus 330-202 and a Boeing executive jet" may be the tip of a massive iceberg of corruption. 😠
Agree.
Hi everyone! August 27 marks 10 years since members of the Iglesia ni Cristo flocked to EDSA in 2015 to protest what they said was government meddling in their church’s internal affairs. For five days, the busy highway became the stage of a massive demonstration that grabbed national attention and sparked heated debates about religion, politics, and power. Rappler (led by our investigative editor @Chay Hofileña - Rappler) dug into the controversies, alleged abuses, and the calls for accountability that surfaced during the crisis. Ten years later, our stories remain a window into how those events shook one of the country’s most powerful churches. Revisit our coverage from 2015 and see how we captured that turning point in INC history! P.S Don’t forget to join Rappler+ to read these stories below from our archives. https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/inc-protest-controversy-reports-anniversary-2025/
They should continue this investigation. This is for the benefit of everyone. I really don't think the Iglesia ni Cristo has credibility nor the conscience to investigate themselves and be truthful about it, the logic is just not there.
Good morning! Today, the Judicial and Bar Council starts its public interviews of the candidates vying for the Ombudsman post.
The Ombudsman is a powerful post which has the duty to prosecute erring public officials. It can suspend and even remove government officials and personnel. So who will be Marcos' pick that will serve until 2032?
There are 17 applicants so far and all of them will go through the public interviews. Afterwards, the JBC will make a short list of candidates that will be submitted to the President.
Among the frontrunners are DOJ chief Boying Remulla and PH Competition Commission chair Mike Aguinaldo.
https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/applications-ombudsman-2025-front-runners/
The interviews have just started. First in line is PCC chair and former COA chairperson Mike Aguinaldo.
He is a frontrunner because of his track record in the government and well, his ties with First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos,
I am Jairo Bolledo, Rappler's justice reporter :) I will be covering the 4-day public interviews that start today and will end on September 2.
Here are the applicants who will face the JBC today:
August 28, 2025 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 N.N.
1. AGUINALDO, Michael G.
2. BENITEZ, Romeo P.
3. CAROCHE-VESTIDO, Jonie C.
1:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.
4. CORPIN, Bautista G., Jr.
5. CRUZ, Stephen C.
We will provide a summary of the interviews later :)
Side note: Senator Allan Cayetano is among the interviewers representing the legislative department.
He only asked two questions, but he shared personal stories and experiences during the interviews – even though he was not the applicant.
Message removed
After over an hour, the JBC concluded its interview with Aguinaldo.
Next in line is DILG Undersecretary Romeo Benitez.
HIGHLIGHTS: JBC interview of Ombudsman applicant Mike Aguinaldo
On SALN
Martires limited the access to public officials' Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth when Duterte appointed him as Ombudsman. Republic Act (R.A.) No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees mandates the submission of SALNs as a mechanism to ensure transparency and honesty in the government.
-Aguinaldo believes that the Ombudsman's restriction of SALN should be reviewed, but there must be a "balance." He says the government officials' limited protection should be observed.
-The applicant says he gets Martires' point "to a certain extent" because he can also see how SALNs are supposedly being weaponized. “We need to find some kind of balance... It needs discussion," Aguinaldo said. “If the law needs to be amended, then maybe, that should be the case.”
Among the implications of Martires' order to limit the SALNs was the lack of transparency in the government, particularly with regard to former president Rodrigo Duterte's net worth. Duterte's last publicly available SALN was released in 2018.
-Aguinaldo also thinks there might be needed updates on RA No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Track record, integrity
- Anti-corruption campaign should be a whole-of-nation approach.
- He can ensure independence because of his track record in the government. He is the COA chairperson appointed by former president Aquino and the current Philippine Competition Commission chair appointed by Marcos. “I have a pretty decent track record to back it," Aguinaldo says.
-Aguinaldo says he had practiced law for nearly two decades and he has experience in litigation and investigation. He says he believes integrity is a must for officials. “At the end of the day, integrity is a personal choice… Sayang pangalan mo kung sisirain mo nang ganun," he says.
-He says stakeholders can expect "a bit more transparency" from him if he becomes the Ombudsman. Martires is not known for being a "transparent" Ombudsman. In fact, the latter even recommended before to pursue complaints against those who allegedly weaponize SALNs.
Ghost projects, corruption
-Aguinaldo, a former COA chairperson, says the rule in checking ghost projects is to go after everyone involved. However, this would be hard and complicated because of the number of parties involved. "It’s very difficult. But at the end of the day, you should be guided by evidence."
-He also believes that the government should look into the lifestyle of DPWH district engineers at the height of the government's crackdown on anomalous flood control projects.
-He was asked which administration had the most passion in fighting corruption? Aguinaldo said Aquino had passion to fight corruption since it's his government's main goal. Duterte, he said, was "pretty strong" about corruption, but some "things" happened under the immediate past president. As to Marcos, Aguinaldo said Marcos is probably "sincere" about it, but it's too early to say because the president is only three years into his term.
On being Ombudsman
-Aguinaldo says working in different offices both public and private, he believes that he can contribute in a more meaningful way through the Ombudsman. Apart from going after corrupt officials, it’s also a way to help those innocent, he said. Aguinaldo noted that he want to look out after people who are innocent, especially in cases where some officials and personnel were not at fault.
-He says he's also "apolitical" as he was never part of any political campaign. "I’ve never been involved in any campaign… I’ve never been involved in any campaign. I consider myself more of a technocrat."
-As the Ombudsman, Aguinaldo says he plans to go after the low-hanging fruits (or easy cases) and strengthen the Ombudsman's relationship with other government offices and the society.
-Does he have the guts to file cases against his appointing authority if ever?
"There are things which are clear as daylight... If the evidence is strong, at the end of the day, it’s about that. At the end of the day, it’s about the evidence."
Here's the summary of Aguinaldo's interview.
Important points on the restriction of SALN, on fighting corruption, and the power of Ombudsman. Please read. @here
HIGHLIGHTS: JBC interview of Ombudsman applicant Romeo Benitez
Benitez is currently the DILG Undersecretary for External, Legal and Legislative Affairs. He has been with the agency since 1996.
On corruption
- Benitez said corruption is now an endemic concern that every Filipino should confront. Corruption has really become a system, he said.
- He said he wants to be the Ombudsman because he want to see an impact in the society at his age. He's already 65. This is the closest way to provide altruistic contribution to the country as he’s still craving an impact in society, he explained. Benitez said he realized that this position is a post that's free from politician's influence.
- The applicant says lifestyle checking is a vital way to determine if some officials are involved in corruption. However, this is not enough because there should be a mechanism to move it forward. He said this should be translated into more tangible action and procedure.
SALN restriction
-Benitez believes the SALN clause on Republic Act (R.A.) No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees should be revisited.
-As the Ombudsman, he plans to solve the backlog of cases in the constitutional body. He also plans to retool the entire office and improve the capabilities of the Ombudsman's investigation officers. He also wants to digitize the Ombudsman for efficiency.
Plans for Ombudsman?
-He was asked about some anomalies, including the Pharmally scandal. Benitez said if he was the Ombdusman, he would have conducted his own investigation to look into more allegations.
-As a government official, he said he is privy to corruption within the government, and even to the anomalies involving local officials.
-Stakeholders, according to him, should expect a free Ombudsman under him. In fact, he also plans to go after high-ranking officials involved in grave offenses.
-Benitez said he also plans to make the Ombudsman more effective by amending the Ombudsman law or RA No. 6770. He said he wants to change the Ombudsman's rule of procedure in handling cases and investigations to make it more efficient.
@here
HIGHLIGHTS: JBC interview of Ombudsman applicant Jonie Caroche - If she becomes the country's top graft buster, she will urge the Congress to pass the whistleblower protection act to allow more witnesses to come forward.
Caroche, a Bicolana lawyer, is in private practice.
On corruption
- If she becomes the Ombudsman, Caroche said she will implement a "name and shame" campaign to go after public officials. She said officials should have a concept of shame to prevent them from doing anomalous acts.
- She also wants to reverse former ombudsman Samuel Martires' memorandum that limited the public access to SALNs.
- If she will rate the Marcos government's fight against corruption, she will give it a rating of 2. “I think it’s underperforming," she said.
- She also wants lifestyle checking of government officials. There will be a lot of lifestyle checking, she said, if she becomes the Ombudsman as there’s so many public officials who should be subjected to audit.
- If she becomes the Ombudsman, the government should expect more cases filed against erring officials and their cohorts. She said she wants to be the frontrunner in fighting corruption. “I am incorruptible.”
Changes in Ombudsman
- She also wants to address the case backlogs in the Ombudsman. She said she will use her degree in business administration to better manage the cases in the constitutional body.
- Caroche said she wants to dispose or deal with the Ombudsman cases with transparency.
- Are there any gender barriers for women in the anti-corruption field? Caroche said she thinks that there are things that women can do better than men.
- According to her, she will be an independent Ombudsman who will not bow down to anyone, even to former colleagues.
@here
HIGHLIGHTS: JBC interview of Ombudsman applicant CA justice Bautista Corpin Jr.
Chairperson, Court of Appeals' 20th Division
- Corpin believes that lifestyle checking is logical and is a deterrent against corrupt public officials.
- If he becomes the Ombudsman, he will ensure the up-skilling of Ombudsman investigators. He also wants to train them for better presentation of evidence in case proceedings.
- He is proud to say that he has no backlogs in his chamber, the CA's 20th Division. To handle case backlogs in the Ombudsman, Corpin said he will create a special team to handle the cases and find more efficient lawyers within the office to ensure speedy disposition of these cases.
- Corpin says he also wants to digitize the Ombudsman: from filing, resolving, and even sending notices for the cases.
SALN
- He agrees that SALN is a public record that should be accessed by the public. If given the chance, He will also reverse Martires' memorandum that limited the access to the document.
- As to the probe into financial transactions of public officials, Corpin said there should be a signed waiver – voluntarily accomplished by those concerned – to enable this.
- He wants to be the Ombudsman because of the irregularities happening in the country. Corpin said he wants to be the top graft-buster to discipline erring public officials.
@here
HIGHLIGHTS: JBC interview of Ombudsman applicant retired CA Stephen Cruz
Former CA justice, current Philippine Postal Corporation chairperson
- To address backlogs, Cruz said he believes in first-in, first-out method.
- He said he wants to be the Ombudsman to protect the government from graft, corruption, and even treason.
- Cruz said he's not involved in politics, but he knows how politicians work and behave. He said this will help him in prosecuting alleged anomalies. This will not affect his independence because he will just use this knowledge to exercise his mandate as an anti-corruption officer.
- As the Ombudsman, he will file cases based on facts and evidence.
- In light of the questions on budget and other allegations, Cruz believes the Ombudsman is the best office to conduct a probe into these alleged anomalies.
-As the Ombudsman, he is eyeing quick disposition of cases. He said he will use his experience as a former CA justice to speed up the resolution of cases with the Ombudsman.
@here
The JBC has concluded the interviews for today. What do you think of the applicants' responses? :)
Tomorrow, four big names will face the council. They are:
1. ECONG, Geraldine Faith (Sandiganbayan chief)
2. EPRES, Beda (CHR Commissioner)
3. GAERLAN, Samuel (SC associate justice)
4. JACINTO-HENARES, Kim S. (Former BIR commissioner)