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james-velasco · 3 years

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Pastillas Bribery Scandal Bureau of Immigration

Kevin - What is Pastillas bribery scandal bureau of immigration

The pastillas bribery scandal is when the immigration officers and employees are being paid by the chinese immigrants to let them through the country even without visa, this is called the pastillas bribery scandal because the when the chinese people pay the immigration officers and employees, they put the cash inside a paper representing a Filipino delicacy called pastillas.

James - where did it

In September 22, 2020, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon called for reorganization of the Bureau of Immigration over the Pastillas bribery scheme. The bribery scheme began in 2016 as a “small time” operation and soon grew. The Pastillas Bribery Scandal allowed illegal entry for Chinese online casino workers at Manila’s international airport and was able to amass an estimated P 40 billion. About 86 (BI) Bureau of immigration personnel or officials are suspected to be involved in the bribery scandal, 19 personnel were charged and sued for allegedly being involved in the Bribery scheme. Although overall not much is known about how the management is handled there.

Bojo - Why is it happening

On the side of the immegration gate workers this was simply an act of corruption be it done in a more organised fashion as the immigrants were paying good money, however on the side of the Chinese immigrants Duterte’s fondness of China has allowed them some opportunities here whether it is in tourism, employment, or investment the ratio in comparison to other countries visiting has tripled over the last decade, this could be attributed to several factors such as the drop in economic growth in china during that year, and the easier travel for chinese tourist thanks to visa policies being more relax when it is between friendly countries towards that has also given opportunities to workers there bring lots of workers to Metro Manila from 2005 - 2018 due to them using tourist visa to apply for work, or bribing. Overall the ease of transport for chinese citizens to the Philippines could be a main factor as to why we receive those without proper entry documents.

Raffy - Who was involved?

The people that were involved were:

Marc Red Mariñas

He was accused of being a mastermind in the operation, Marc was the head of the BI Port Operations Division when the scheme allegedly began and flourished at the arrivals section of Manila’s NAIA.

Jeffery Dale Ignacio

Immigration officer Jeffrey Dale Ignacio, who confessed to being a foot soldier in the scheme. He admitted that Marc was indeed the mastermind of the scheme.

Vitaliano Aguirre II,

Vitaliano Aguirre II is a Filipino lawyer serving as a commissioner of the National Police Commission since January 11, 2021.

Vitaliano Aguirre II, the former justice secretary with oversight of the BI. He also pointed out that he did not micromanage in the BI’s affairs.

How did the operation go?

The fact that the Pastillas bribery scam case hasn’t been resolved despite the government's best effort is because they haven’t caught the big people responsible for the operation. During the hearing, 19 BI personnel facing charges admit that one of them is not the boss or people who run the Pastillas bribery scam operation. It is unknown on who the mastermind is that runs the bribery scam operation except few accusations on people like Marc and Agguirre which they both denied. The case ends with the suspension of the (VUA) visa-upon-arrival privilege given to the Chinese travelers coming to the Philippines believing that the (VUA) is the source of all corruption said by Drilllon.

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james-velasco · 3 years

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Final Examination Speech

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aYTe6QPiJVKdGCyk5dR2UX6bJGP8tEvf/view?usp=sharing

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james-velasco · 3 years

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SOCIAL STUDIES THIRD TRIMESTRAL EXAMINATION GENDER AND SEXUALITY

Gender and sexuality are one the most controversial topics here in the Philippines. As one of the country’s top 10 most gender equal in the Gender Gap report. We need to understand problems and challenges experienced by LGBT and explore possible solutions to those issues. LGBTQ is an acronym that is used to represent the gay community around the world. The acronym stands for “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning.”

Gender and Sexuality in today generation is unique and diverse that helps you explore what your true sexuality is, and yet it is hated, discriminated and frowned upon by the society. In 2019 Philippines was once ranked 8th place as the most gender equal country in Asia, but by 2020 Philippines has dropped from the top 10, and placed 16th place. It was able to maintain its position by closing the gender gap from 80-78% in these last few years. Though this was a great achievement for the Philippines it didn’t stop the hate against the LGBTQ. Many LGBTQ suffer from discrimination in their workplace with hate crimes particularly to transgendered people were3 is still at large.

It’s not just the workplace that the LGBTQ has suffered but also in schools where they are constantly being bullied or in families when they are against the idea of being gay. Many of them has suffered physically, mentally and emotionally from the hate, abuse and discrimination or worse death. On April 11, 2014 a transgender woman was found dead in the bathroom hotel in Olongapo City. Her necked was cover with Injuries and her head was laying on the toilet bowl. The suspect was a US marine who killed her after learning that the woman was a lesbian. This is one of the examples of hate crime in the LGBTQ community.

In 1994, the LGBTQ community has organized there first parade here in the Philippines. It would soon be called the Metro Manila Pride March were LGBTQ they can fully express themselves and each other. Though the Roman Catholic church are against this and prohibits same sex relationship or any sexual activities it didn’t stop them from expressing themselves. In 2013 another pride march was organized but this time the LGBTQ expresses themselves and rise up to the oppression and fight discrimination. Then the Anti-Discrimination act was filed in 2013 were it aims to eliminate all forms of discrimination in sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and more.

Though with this bill it will help end discrimination on the LGBTQ community in the Philippines it didn’t come to pass since The Catholic Church and other senators didn’t agree to this. Though there are some rights that helps defend the LGTBQ community from discrimination like Rights of the Public Social Worker where it aims to protect people from discrimination whether sex or sexual orientation in their workplace or the Anti-bullying Law which also help protects the sexual orientation and gender identity of students. They are some laws that help the LGBTQ community but there are some that would never come to be like the Same-sex marriage and the Anti-discrimination law which were both denied by the Catholic Church. Though the Catholic Church doesn’t see that being gay or lesbian as a sin it still prohibits sexual activity involving same sex.

In conclusion, Philippines may be known as top 10 countries who are one of the most gay-friendly countries in Asia it still doesn’t stop the hate and discrimination in the LGBTQ community. We should accept each and everyone preferences in life. We should also give the LGBTQ community more rights to not only protect themselves but to help them give more opportunities in life. Even though, they have their own preferences there is still law that we must follow and obey- the civil law and the church law.

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james-velasco · 3 years

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Article III Bill of rights

On December 15, 1996 in Sitio Kota, Barangay Talisay, Municipality of Santa Fe, Province of Cebu, Dindo Mojello was found guilty beyond reasonable of the crime of rape with homicide to Lelen Rayco. During that time Rogelio Rayco was with his group of friends drinking, when he left, he notices Dindo Mojello with his nephew Lenlen Rayco who were walking towards the direction of Sitio Kota. 8 hours later, the Rayco family was informed about the body of Lenlen Rayco that was laying on the shore of Sitio Kota. Dindo Mojello was then arrested and admitted that he was perpetrator of the crime he committed on Rongelio Rayco niece. An autopsy was conducted on Lenlen body and discovered that the Labia majora and hymenal lacerations were swelling indicating that she was raped and bruises and her neck which indicates that the victim was strangled and cause asphyxia which results to her death.

Dindo was sentence to suffer the death penalty but the problem about this case is the lack of evidence. There were no records of Dindo admitting of killing the victim or sufficient evidence to establish a rape with homicide committed by Dindo. The lack of physical evidence to connecting to the victim sexual assault and the lack of the estimated time of death of the victim which could help connect to Dindo story was lacking. There were no physical, scientific or even DNA evidence that could link to Dindo being the culprit of killing Lenlen thus making this a special complex crime. Because of the insufficient evidence Dindo was not convicted of rape with homicide but was guilty of the crime of statutory rape and sentenced to suffer the penalty of lifetime imprisonment. He is also has to pay P50,000 for civil indemnity and P50,000 for moral damage to the heirs of the victim.

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james-velasco · 3 years

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Group 5 Revilla Political Dynasty

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Background of the family

Family Tree

Wealth

Political History

Political Positions

Issues They Are Associated With

The Muder of Ram Revilla

Bongbong Revilla’s Campaign Ad

SUMMARY

The Revilla Political Dynasty started with Ramon Revilla Sr. (born José Acuña Bautista Sr.), who had previously made his way to fame as an actor in the country. One of the most notable bills implemented by Revilla was the “Revilla Bill” which states that: “The illegitimate children may use the surname of their father if their affiliation has been expressly recognized by the father through an admission in a public document or a private handwritten instrument made by the father”. Out of his estimated eighty children however, only seven of them seemed to desire following his footsteps in one or even both of the political and entertainment industries: Marlon becoming an actor and director, Rowena a councillor in the city of Bacoor, Bong an actor, TV presenter, and senator, Princess an actress and producer, Strike the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Andeng a film producer, actress, and mayor of Antipolo city, and Ram an actor. With only a monthly salary of P35,000 to P40,000, and investments of P 416,000 to P 2.12 M in his first 9 years of governance, Revilla Sr. managed to provide a monthly allowance of P26,000 (equating to an estimate of P25M a year) to each of his children, which has always been an area of suspicion for the public. There have also been many other issues involving this family, such as the infamous murder of late actor Ramgen “Ram” Revilla, who was allegedly killed by an intruder - his sisters (who were conversing as the crime took place) were also identified as suspects. Another notable controversy caused by the Revilla family was when Ramon Revilla Jr, commonly known as “Bong” Revilla, danced to budots for his new campaign video a few months after being acquitted of plunder charges and accused of pocketing P 224 M of his pork barrel fund during his time in office.

CONCLUSIONS

Apolonio, Ghierin:

I don’t really pay much attention to politics. The Revilla family gave us some positives and some negatives. They gave us the “Revilla bill” where the illegitimate can use their father’s last name. They are also accused of pocketing money from the government. Although for some people they appreciate the Revilla family, while for some they do not like the Revilla family. While we were doing the research about Revilla family, I was feeling mixed emotions. I think they implemented that law because Ramon Revilla Sr had an estimated 80 childrens. Most of them when to the politics maybe in order to continue for their last name to be known. For the Revilla bill, I think for some it is a good thing while for others it is a bad thing. I think for those people who are against they think that it is okay to have a child outside marriage.

In my own opinion the “Revilla bill” is useful for the illegitimate children for their documentation purposes. But if the Father has an outside marriage children, I think it isn’t good for the family that is legal. It’s like they are promoting for fathers to have an illegitimate child.

Gamboa, Keisha:

As the number of political dynasties and power-hungry officials continue to rise in the country, the importance of using our rights and duties as responsible citizens of the Philippines to further improve our decision-making skills and thoroughly contemplate our choices also increases, especially towards something as important as appointing candidates into influential positions. Incompetence is incompetence. Yes, everyone can make mistakes, but this common flaw shouldn’t be used as a free pass for those failures - we should hold people accountable. When politicians commit practices of graft and corruption, no matter how untrue or unintentional they claim these crimes to be, there will always be those at the receiving end of these harmful actions - the people.

The most disadvantaged of these citizens are those that (sadly) make up a big part of our population: the lower class, the poor, the less privileged, those who cannot afford necessities such as sufficient income, profitable jobs, ample food, proper shelter, and high quality medical attention because the money they had to give to the country (the government) went to projects that only benefited the wealthier class instead - or even perhaps directly to the banks of people whose luxurious lifestyles show just how much they didn’t actually need the said funds. How do you think the victims would feel seeing other, more privileged and powerful people, continue to defend and turn a blind eye to both their undeserving struggles and the blatant wrongdoings of their abusers?

Sizing up potential leaders based off of the background and history of those around them rather than their ethics and leadership skills as individuals is just ridiculous. Furthermore, do people even consider the contributions of these related people to the constitution along with their positions? How did the “Revilla Bill” positively impact our society? Doesn’t this just enable - promote, even - having extramarital affairs and abandoning one’s paternal responsibilities? Also, why are we letting political dynasties who have blatantly abused their power continue to run for even higher positions? Lastly, when are we going to realize that the amount of pesos these people have in their banks wouldn’t and shouldn’t be as high as they are if no corruption was really present?

The practice of giving influential positions to people solely because of their filial relations is far too rampant in the Philippines. Obviously, not everyone is competent enough to serve as a public official of the country, and - even more disappointingly - not everyone is educated enough to notice this either. As responsible citizens and those who are privileged to receive higher education, resources, and influence, we should stop blindly following these groups/clans/families because of what they said they would do and instead evaluate and look at what they have actually done for the Philippines prior to making these promises. These politicians were appointed by us citizens: we also hold some degree of responsibility for whether or not they repair or impair our country.

Kim, Yumin “Eillie”:

I did not study for political histories, senators, or issues of the Philippines before, and it was my first time to hear about the Revilla family too. I think I should know what is happening or has happened in this country from now on, at least until I stay here. The issues I have searched were quite shocking to me because of the cultural differences. Nowadays, most of the people raise only 2 to 3 babies or sometimes 4 in Korea, but Ramon Revilla had around 81 childrens that I cannot understand with my notions, and we are forbidden to have guns like in America or Philippines. It was a good opportunity for me to learn more about the Philippines, and I want the place or country I am staying at to be stable, developed, intelligent and safe.

Tugonon, Marc:

I used to despise the Revilla family, and I still do. I don’t think there will ever be a time or a reason my perspective will change about them. Though Ramon Revilla Sr. was a remarkable senator who served two terms, he may had notable legislative achievements, had an exemplary performance during his regime, does not mean their family should be praised already or to be put on a pedestal, because the name “Revilla” does not only apply to and represent Ramon Revilla Sr. only. It applies to all his children and grandchildren whose minds are strikingly corrupted. Take Bong Revilla as an example. He ruined his name, his whole family’s reputation by being a plunderer involved in the pork barrel scam. He was also the senator who danced budots for his campaign to get the votes of the poor so he can steal from them. The moral lesson here is to widen and really open your minds to different prejudice because it’s for the better of the whole country. If you let yourself explore, research, and thoroughly understand the people you idolize, you’re not just the one benefiting here, but the society as a whole. You can use all the knowledge you acquired and help spread awareness to those who are in favor of the evil and you could possibly change their stand and actually do the right thing; To revere those who are benevolent and have the capabilities to make change in the country.

Despite all the accusations, incompetence, and allegations against their name, their family remains nonchalant, and constantly deliberately taking advantage of what’s happening around them because they think they can somehow manipulate the natives, which is actually working, especially the poor, and it is actually very concerning. This just abundantly proves that nepotism does not do any good in politics. Those who are gifted with such a platform are just going to stand there and be pretentious with no any kind of knowledge on bettering or running the country. It is very disappointing how our country tolerates this kind of behavior. If we keep acting like we’re all blind, there will be no future for our country. Inflation, debts, poverty, abuse and many more will continue to rise. From now on, we must not support these kinds of families in the country, whether it’s in politics or showbiz or families in general who are a disgrace in the country that are constantly participating in such unlawful actions. This is for the better of us all and we shall keep fighting for justice.

Velasco, James:

For me I don’t pay much attention to politics nor care about it but i'm surprised to hear Ramon Revilla, a politician, has 80 or more children and still hasn't gone bankrupt. Though Ramon Revilla may have been a great senator and a great actor, it all went down when Bong Revilla came. Accused of pocketing PHP 224 million in his Pork Barrel fund, Bong Revilla was hated and criticized by the people for plundering and corruption. Though I'm not surprised since there are many corruptions happening in the Philippines and there's nothing we can do about it. Let this be a lesson to not vote for someone just because they belong in a political or rich family and be wise to vote for the ones that will lead us to a better place to live here in the Philippines.

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james-velasco · 3 years

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Brain Drain during a Pandemic

In April 2, 2020 President Rodrigo Duterte impose a ban on overseas work for healthcare workers in order to fight back the pandemic and to treat those that got infected. During the pandemic the death toll from Covid-19 continues to rise while cases keep increasing day by day. With the Philippines shorthanded with nurses and doctor’s President Duterte impose a ban on all overseas work so that healthcare workers have to stay and fight against the pandemic. Because of this the Healthcare workers protested against the Government to lift the travel ban so that they can work abroad. The reason why Healthcare workers go abroad to work is because of better salary, since the Philippines are one of the countries lowest wages as the highest salary per month in the Philippines is P40,000 and its lowest is P10,000. Without Healthcare workers the death toll would increase and cases will continue to rise if left unchecked. To combat against the pandemic The Health department started an emergency hiring programs which gives chance for those that’s been unemployed. The Government ease the travel ban and allowed healthcare workers with contract from different country to work abroad. In short, The Philippine is in short on Healthcare workers and to solve this issue is to ban any overseas work for healthcare workers to combat against the Covid-19 pandemic.

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james-velasco · 3 years

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Issues about the Duterte’s Administration and Issues about Philippine Politics

Issues about the Duterte’s Administration

President Rodrigo Duterte is one of the most controversial topics in the Philippines. He is known for swearing in public and in front of live television like he just doesn’t care. But the one thing that got people attention rather than his swearing is his campaign and promises to us for a better life by addressing the crimes and corruption in the Philippines. When he rose to power, he began his war on drugs campaign which led to thousands of drug users and pushers killed in police operations and thousands surrender in fear of being killed. Though the crime rate drops thanks to Duterte’s campaign on war on drugs many people disagree on Duterte’s action because of police brutality and against human rights. Personally, I have to agree though it is wrong, because someone had to take action if Philippine were to be a better place to live.

Issues about Philippine Politics

The Philippines has many political issues, crime, corruption, poverty many more, it’s because of this that the Philippine is in such a poor state. One example of a Political issue is the political dynasties where a family is establishes a political or economical role in the Philippines and continues to rule by passing their roles to them on family. With this it prevents new candidates from occupying a significant government position, which means that there will be lesser ideas and platforms to work with as well. Another example of political issue is money laundering wherein they take money through illegal activity with the intent to conceal its origin. For me, they make the money appear ‘clean’ but the real meaning is “dirty money”.

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james-velasco · 3 years

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2nd Trime SA#1 Covid-19

In December 2019, the first case of Covid-19 was reported in Wuhan, China were in the investigation reported that the outbreak was cause by a local food market in Wuhan. In January 12, 2020 China publicly shared the genetic sequence of covid-19 which is later found out that the origin of the virus came from bats and is not a constructed genetic sequence. Later in January 14, 2020 a first case of covid-19 has been found and confirm outside of china in Thailand. On January 30 a first case of covid-19 was found in the Philippines. Then a few days later, the first death from Covid-19 was not only found outside China but in the Philippines. February 5, the Diamond Princess cruise ship was under quarantine due to confirms cases of covid-19, trapping the passengers including Filipino citizens. On March 16, 2020 President Rodrigo Duterte imposed (ECQ) or Enhance community quarantine on Luzon and the islands near it to respond on the Covid-19 pandemic in the Philippines. The ECQ lockdown lasted until May 30 where in June 1 it was transitioned to GCQ.

Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Philippine economic growth was subdued, 400 economic zone are under lock down and 700 factories have been forced to shut down to respond on the Covid-19 pandemic forcing hundreds or thousands of workers to stay at home for their own safety. Because of theCovid-19 pandemic the Philippines are force to close their borders affecting the tourism which is one of the major contributors to our economy. Since Covid-19 can be transmitted through direct, indirect contact from humans and through airborne the Philippine government placed the Philippines on Lockdown and ECQ to places that can be at high risk. Though this will mean thousands of people will have to stop working the government has provided the basic needs and face mask to those that can’t afford. The Philippine government will then be transitioned areas that are ECQ to GCQ so that people may allow to work again.

The Government are doing there best to slow down the spread of the Covid-19 virus and to provide the basic needs to the people in need. By doing so, many checkpoints have been placed in many parts on the Luzon to control and prevent any more people to transmit the disease and donations to those in needs. Also checking your temperature is needed if you and certificate if you want to go different places. Though in a few months, disaster strikes in the Philippines leaving thousands homeless and many agricultural losses the government tries their best to help those in need even during the pandemic. We could still help those that are need by donating things that we don’t need or use anymore.

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