Binay still most trusted

Despite a 15-percentage point drop in his ratings, the latest Pulse Asia survey covering the period July to September, showed Vice President Binay topping net approval ratings at 66 percent, from 81 percent in June, 11 percent higher than President Aquino’s 55 percent.

The survey also showed Vice President Binay remains the most trusted government official, with 64 percent, from 79 percent, 10 percent higher than President Aquino’s 54 percent.

The survey showed big drops in the approval ratings of Senate President Franklin Drilon (39 percent from 52 percent) and Speaker Feliciano Belmonte (30 percent from 33 percent). Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno also dropped at a 2-point fall from 35 percent.

The above results showed that voters across-the-board are not satisfied with the performance of all government officials.

Malacañang Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said they were “gratified” with the survey results.

“The Vice President is grateful that he remains the most trusted government official,” Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla said in a statement.

Vice-President Binay, in a televised speech, has denied the allegations of corruption hurled at him at the Senate hearings conducted by a subcommittee of the Blue Ribbon Committee, chaired by Senator Koko Pimentel.

Makati Mayor Erwin “Junjun” Binay has filed a motion questioning the jurisdiction of the Pimentel’s subcommittee, which has been, and will be appealed to the Supreme Court (SC).

Lifestyle check

The Office of the Ombudsman, headed by Conchita Carpio Morales, has started its investigation into the corruption charges filed against Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director-General Alan Purisima.

The PNP chief has been charged in the Office of the Ombudsman with plunder, corruption and bribery for allegedly amassing P120 million in ill-gotten wealth.

At the same time, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas announced the creation of an office, headed by himself, to conduct lifestyle checks on police personnel following reports on the alleged involvement of several police officers in illegal activities.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), the Ombudsman and the National Police Commission (Napolcom) are members of the new office.

The latest admission of General Purisima is his ownership of a property in Palayan City and a bullet proof Toyota Land Cruiser not registered in his name.

The media visit to PNP chief Purisima’s P3.7-million “ordinary house” in San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija revealed an additional 90 square meters (sq.m.) guesthouse, in addition to the 204 sq.m. American-style residential resthouse.

Cyril Ramos, the Deputy Ombudsman for the Military and Other Law Enforcement Officers, said that Purisima’s statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) would be checked to find out if he had undeclared property.

The main house had luxurious furnishings, including a collection of expensive wines.

Deputy Ombudsman Ramos said Purisima’s family members would also be included in the lifestyle check.

There should be a lifestyle check also on top Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) generals.

6 killings in Caloocan

Barangay kagawad Conrado Cruz, former chairman of Barangay 12, Caloocan City was ambushed and shot dead by four gunmen in front of their barangay hall. His cousin-driver Jonathan Gonzales was also shot dead. Kagawad Conrado Cruz is the sixth barangay official killed in Caloocan since April.

Few months ago, other barangay officials in Caloocan were also shot dead, namely Barangay 44 councilman Rogelio Escano, Barangay 181 kagawad Garry Moralla, Barangay 174 kagawad Edward Jundayao, Barangay 187 kagawad Luisito Banzon, Barangay 183 chairman Pedro Ramirez.

Just six months after a grenade was lobbed right at its doorsteps, an MK2 hand grenade was thrown anew at the back of Raxabago Police Station in Tondo by two men riding a motorcycle.

Indirect costs

The Senate subcommittee hearing on the Makati City Hall Parking Building II heard a testimony from Commission on Audit (COA) auditors that there are indirect costs in construction of government projects which make them more expensive than private buildings.

Part of the indirect costs is the 30 percent charged by Department of Public Works and Highways, for overhead expenses and for 12 percent value-added tax (VAT) payments to BIR.

It is, therefore, not correct to compare the cost of the overpriced Makati City Hall Parking Building II to private condominiums in Makati.

Another MRT-3 breakdown

The MRT-3 suffered anew breakdown Tuesday morning due to another crack in the rail track between Ortigas and Santolan stations, prompting it to halt its operations. This forced many commuters to look for alternative forms of transportation and further congested main thoroughfares.

Last week, authorities found a crack along the southbound track after the Boni Avenue station.

Senator Nancy Binay called on the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to provide a clearer picture of the state of the mass transport system, in light of the recent breakdowns in the system.

Tidbits

Senator Bongbong Marcos opened a 2-day hearing on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) at the Notre Dame University in Cotabato City. Also in attendance was Senator T.G. Guingona.

Taal Volcano is active as several quakes were recorded the last few days.

Our special greetings to avid readers former Congressmen Rody Albano and Rodolfo Fariñas, SEC Commissioner Manny Gaete, and newly appointed Chief of Staff Che Buenaventura of Mayor Joseph Estrada.