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A halt to the detected drug war probe of the International Criminal Court requested by the Philippine government through a formal appeal.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency denies a supposed practice of rewarding tipsters with a portion of the illegal drugs seized during an operation.

A witness claims she can identify one of the killers of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.

And the US blames a Russian fighter jet for the Black Sea crash of a US military drone.

Good evening, I'm Tony Velasquez. And I'm Pia Gutierrez.

On our broadcast tonight, a formal appeal by the Philippine government to stop the detected drug war probe of the International Criminal Court.

The Marcus Jr. administration argues there's no basis for the investigation, but human rights groups disagree.

Here is tonight's top story.

The Philippines formally appeals the resumption of the International Criminal Court's probe of the Duterte administration's bloody drug war.

In its 51-page appeal filed with the ICC Appeals Chamber on Tuesday, the Philippine government requested the International Tribunal to reverse its decision

and to determine that the office of ICC prosecutor Karim Khan is not allowed to resume its probe into the Philippines.

The formal appeal was signed by Solicitor General Minardo Guevara, five Assistant Solicitors General, and an international criminal lawyer.

Manila again argues the ICC has no jurisdiction over the country.

The Philippine government gave four grounds in its appeal.

Among them, its claim that the pretrial chamber has no jurisdiction over the Philippines, citing its withdrawal from the Rome Statute.

It also alleges the chamber erred in law by reversing the prosecution's burden of proof and the pretrial chamber's failure to consider all Article 17 factors.

Under Article 17 of the Rome Statute, the ICC can rule that a case is inadmissible in its tribunal if the case is being investigated by a state which has jurisdiction over it.

Solicitor General Guevara says the Philippine government has openly recognized its responsibility to investigate and prosecute crimes related to the drug war.

He adds, the Philippine government's efforts were not fully credited and its offer to maintain cooperation was unreasonably cut short.

Official records show more than 6,000 drug suspects were killed in the drug war, but rights groups estimate the figure could go as high as 30,000.

The group Philippine Coalition for the International Criminal Court says there's no reason for the ICC probe not to proceed.

Ang punto dito, yung punto lang namin ay magkaroon ng investigation kung dito sa Pilipinas, yung honest to goodness investigations.

Lahat ng unang, sabihin na natin, unahin na natin yung mga nanlaban cases na every step of the way,

kayang ma-overtaken ng proseso natin dito sa domestic level, yung ginagawa sa ICC.

Hindi tayo naghahabol dito ng ano ba, dapat ba ICC, dapat ba Pilipinas.

Ang hinahabol natin dito ay kustisya para dun sa mga biktima.

Saan natin makukuha yung pinakamagandang kustisya actually?

Theoretically speaking and ideally, dapat dito sa Pilipinas.

In a submission last February 16, Prosecutor Kan opposed the Philippine government's initial plea to suspend the ICC pretrial chamber's decision while Manila appeals the ruling.

He said the suspension would have the effect of suspending the ICC prosecutor's probe while the appeal is pending.

The Philippine Senate detains two police officers for supposedly lying under oath during a hearing on the alleged practice of authorities rewarding informants with a portion of the seized illegal drugs.

Robert Mano reports.

Philippine senators grilled the head of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, or PIDEA, over the alleged practice of giving informants part of the seized illegal drugs.

In Wednesday's hearing, lawmakers slammed PIDEA Director General Moro Virgilio Lazo for failing to get more details on the supposed personalities involved in the alleged reward system where informants get 30% of the recovered drugs during PIDEA operations.

According to Lazo, he spoke to some informants who offered to provide information on drug trafficking activities but instead of a monetary reward, they wanted to be paid in kind.

30% of the seized or confiscated drugs.

Kaharap-harap nga sir kami.

And so yun, kuinento nga nila na tinanong ko rin kasi kung bakit ganun.

E sabi nila sir, yun daw ang kalakaran.

Pati rin daw sa kabila.

Tinanong ko, what do you mean pati sa kabila?

So they were referring to the Philippine National Police.

Lazo odds these supposed informants claimed it's an established practice.

The panel's chairman, former PNP chief Senator Ronald Bato de la Rosa, however, points out Lazo should have dug deeper to identify the people behind the offer.

Hindi mo siya tinanong sir kung pwede ba siyang maging whistleblower para gamitin natin siyang witness.

Unfortunately, hindi ko naisip yun because I was excited a bit for us to pag-usapan yung trabaho nga na ino-offer nila.

For Senator Rafi Tulfo, Lazo should have at least elicited information that would have identified PDEA operatives involved in the scheme.

Tinitesting niya itong si Director General Lazo kung paayag ba siya sa ganun lumang kalakaran.

Dahil kapag hindi siya pumayag, then kaanap sila ng ibang grupo na papayag. Ganun po yun eh.

Former PDEA heads were also asked about the alleged 30% reward system.

Wilkins Villanueva, who worked in the agency for 20 years, said this was not a practice during his term.

Villanueva adds he discouraged walk-in informants and preferred to get leads from intelligence gathered by PDEA operatives.

Dapat yung anti-drug operation should be intelligence-based.

Yung pinaghihirapan ng ahente. Kung lumapit sir sayo, I assure you, mas rare ng droga yan sir.

Kasi kung magdaano ka ng 30%, magbabasura ka ng droga.

Both Aaron Aquino and Sidor Lapeña also rejected the claim. Aquino, who served as PDEA chief from 2017 to 2020, said the informant should have been immediately arrested and the handler investigated.

Sir kung mangyari sa akin, yung pupusasan ko talaga yung dalawa ng...

Not under my watch, Your Honor. In fact, yung mga binanggit ni former DG Wilkins, pag may mga raid, sumasama ako dyan eh. That's why we requested for yung body cam.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group admits they also experienced a similar offer but it was rejected.

May nag-offer sa akin sir. Not directly to me but it was relayed by my men.

But during the time of your Mr. General Gamboa, I told him my offer that for every kilo seized, lahat, every kilo na makuha namin, babayaran namin ng P50,000 pesos. So that's what we did.

Meanwhile, two cops were cited in contempt by the Senate Committee for allegedly lying under oath about their involvement in a drug case.

Drug operatives said Police Senior Master Sergeant Jerwin Rebozora and Police Master Sergeant Lorenzo Catarata pilfered 42 kilos of shabu from the illegal drugs they confiscated in Manila.

Both policemen denied that they were the ones seen in the CCTV footage of the incident, asserting they were at an eatery during that time. But senators observed inconsistencies in their testimonies.

Hint sa inyo, hindi tumutok-matok mo yung sinasabi niyo kanina datang sinuling ito, Mr. Chair, itong dalawa.

May nakaw pala ninyo yung 42 kilos na yan. Anong tawag diyan sa inyo?

The 42 kilos of shabu were eventually recovered outside Camp Krame.

Robert Mano, ABS, CBN News.

Philippine Police insists they acted legally in raiding the properties of embattled lawmaker Arnulfo Tevez Jr. last week.

Lawyers of the Negros Oriental representative had earlier accused the raiding teams of planting evidence to pin him down on charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

Rafi Santos reports.

Police shot back at allegations of supposed irregularities when it implemented search warrants on the properties owned by Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Arnulfo Tevez Jr. and his family last week.

Police spokesperson Col. Gene Fajardo says everything was above board and in accordance to the standard operating procedures of the PNP.

Fajardo adds the warrants were issued on information that illegal firearms and explosives were inside the properties.

On the part of the PNP po, I stand with the statements po ng ating operating unit na they followed po yung protocol and procedures po doon po sa pag-implement po ng search warrant.

In fact, ito po ay particularly yung doon po sa bahay po ni Cong. Tevez ay ang nag-witness po po doon ay yung mismong abogado po nila at present po doon yung mga barangay officials po nung barangay kung saan in-implement po yung search warrant.

Fajardo also stressed police wore body cameras to document the operation.

Doon po sa kanyang allegation po na siya po ay inaharas.

Remember po, bago po nag-implement po ng search warrant and even bago po nag-apply ng search warrant po ay CIDG, ay meron po tayong isinampah na kaso relating to doon po sa 2019 murder incidents na nangyari po sa Negros Oriental

kung saan may isa po tayo na witness na nagsasabing may alam po siya sa naging pagpaplano doon po sa tatlong insidente na yun noong 2019.

At he was also the one who provided information na si Congressman Tevez at iba pang mga malalapit sa kanya po ay meron po sa kanilang pag-iingat na mga loose firearms.

The BNP had earlier filed criminal complaints against Congressman Tevez himself and six people who were inside the raided properties for illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

Hindi yung mga alalay niya po sir, kasama sa arrested, kasuhan, but he is implicated in both the complaints filed.

This afternoon, the PNP-CIDG filed additional complaints at the Department of Justice against Congressman Tevez and two of his children, Kurth Matthew and Axel Tevez, for weapons seized in an under-raid on their property in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental.

Rafi Santos, ABS-CBN News.

Controversial Philippine lawmaker Arnulfo Tevez Jr. already faces charges of murder and illegal possession of weapons.

But the only thing the House Ethics Panel wants him to explain is why he violated the limit of his travel authority and has yet to return from his overseas trip.

RG Cruz reports.

House Committee on Ethics and Privileges wants Negros Oriental Third District Rep. Arnulfo Tevez Jr. to explain his unauthorized travel abroad.

The lawmaker has requested for an extension of his travel authority, which ended on March 9, but House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said they cannot act on the request as it lacks information.

Panel Chairman, Co-op not Copartalist Rep. Felimon Espares says the committee will limit itself to the expired travel authority.

Congressman Tevez, who is facing criminal complaints over several killings in 2019, has refused to return home citing security concerns.

No less than House Speaker Martin Romuales has assured Congressman Arnulfo Tevez he will be given ample security and also urged the embattled lawmaker to face the charges here at home.

Espares notes the panel will write to Congressman Arnulfo Tevez to give him five days to explain.

Of course, part of the action of the committee, through the chair, susulat muna kami sa aming colleagues na mag-explain bakit hindi niya magawa-gawa i-process yung kanyang expired travel authority.

And might be on the next move, we will be hearing his side also.

Espares also notes it's important for the House to show it is taking action on the matter, adding that they will follow due process.

Para at least malaman naman sa publiko na hindi tayo nagpabaya at while we are considering also na colleagues natin yun, so very sensitive din tayo on that aspect at the same time, na really helping our institution na hindi naman masira.

Espares' committee is tasked by the House rules to have jurisdiction over the behavior of lawmakers. It also mandates a code of conduct which requires lawmakers, among others, to conduct themselves in a way that is favorable to the House.

Upon the same panel's recommendation, the whole House is empowered to impose disciplinary sanctions on one of their own for disorderly behavior or violations of the code of conduct upon a majority vote.

The House may also suspend or expel erring members upon a two-thirds vote under both the House rules and the Constitution, but suspensions cannot go beyond 60 days.

We are on the administrative aspect to really recommend whatever disciplinary actions. Usually, gano'n naman, may suspension, pero kung come to worse, so the House, according to our rule naman, may expulsion at saka dropping on roles.

Before the closed-door meeting, Espares emphasized the importance of attending sessions.

Hindi naman natin ito na may mga ganitong nangyari na defiance ng order or dapat at mag-attend talaga. So gano'n na.

Not as that saying na defiance, pero siyempre alam naman natin na na-open naman yun sa media, diba, na pinapauwi. So kung wala talagang dahilan na bakit hindi siya mapauwi, so bakit hanggang ngayon wala?

Espares also explained the closed-door nature of the committee's proceedings.

Usually on the Ethics Committee, it is always an exclusive meeting for the members because this is part of our House rules. This is a confidential always meeting because we are tackling on the House members here which we need to protect. That's part of our House rules.

Espares revealed that the meeting was called upon a consensus of its members. RG Cruz, ABS-CBN News.

A witness in the assassination of Philippine Provincial Governor Ruel de Gamo claims she can identify one of the gunmen who killed the Negros Oriental Chief Executive. Jose Caritero reports.

One of the witnesses in the brutal killing of Negros Oriental Governor Ruel de Gamo attended his wake in Chatham Town. The witness, identified only as May, said she can identify one of the gunmen even if he wore a face mask during the shooting.

May says whenever she sees a picture of the suspect, she cannot help but recall the trauma caused by the assassination of the Governor.

Yung phobia pinagdulot niya sa amin, sa akin mismo, saan na hindi ko makakalimutan kahit nga ngayon po. Disturb po yung pagtulog ko.

She already submitted her sworn affidavit. She says she's ready to testify against the late Governor's killers.

Bago po ako dumapa, nakatingin po talaga ako sa kanyang nga dito yung po yung target sa akin. Hindi ko pa po nagawa sabihin kay Governor na dumapa ako kay Governor, isiligtas ko ni Governor kundi ni kanya kanyang dapaan.

May's determination to testify is welcomed by the de Gamo family.

Hingi lang ako ng justisya sa pinakamabait kong kapatid. Gusto ko lang mabigyan siya ng justisya. Nothing else.

Allies and supporters continue to pay their respects to Governor de Gamo, among them former lawmaker attorney Harry Roque.

Meanwhile, the Special Joint Task Force Negros has identified the slain suspect as Arnil Labradilia. Other suspects who were arrested say Labradilia was a former member of the New People's Army.

A necrological service will be held for de Gamo Wednesday night. He is set to be buried on Thursday. Malacanang has declared Thursday a special non-working holiday for Negros Oriental Province.

Jose Caritero, ABS-CBN News.

The Philippine Justice Department indicts seven Tau Gama Phi fraternity members for the hazing death of University student John Matthew Salilig.

The victim's family is urging other persons of interest to surrender and face the cases against them. Mike Navalio with the details.

Seven Tau Gama Phi fraternity members now face the possibility of up to 40 years behind bars after a Justice Department panel of prosecutors found probable cause to charge them with two counts of hazing for the death of Adamson Engineering student John Matthew Salilig and the injuries sustained by neophyte Roy Osmond de la Cruz.

Among those who stand to be charged with hazing are Earl Anthony Romero, Tong Chengteng Jr., Jerome Balot, Sandro Victorino, Michael Lambert-Ricalde, Mark Pedrosa, and Daniel Perry.

Based on the prosecutor's findings, Romero pointed to Perry, the master initiator, as the first person to hit Salilig with a paddle six times, leading the victim to lose control of his bowels.

Salilig was then hit by Teng, the fraternity's Adamson chapter president, followed by frat member Balot. Victorino and Ricalde served as contacts while Pedrosa provided the venue in Binan, Laguna. Still, the panel considered all of them responsible for the hazing.

Usually, it's fair because it's all contributory factors. The responsibility is equally given by the prosecution but the degree of guilt is determined by the courts.

Salilig was allegedly hit with a paddle 70 times. The medical-legal report said he died of severe blunt force trauma to the lower extremities.

A separate complaint is pending with the DOJ against 12 others involved in the Salilig and Dela Cruz hazing cases while another complaint was filed by two complainants against 19 members of the fraternity.

Part of the DOJ panel's recommendation also covered the responsibility of the university.

The panel of prosecutors also recommend that the Adamson University be called upon to investigate motu proprio and take an active role to ascertain factual events and identify witnesses in order to determine the disciplinary sanctions it may impose as well as provide assistance to police authorities.

Justice Secretary Jesus Cuspin Remulles said the investigation proceeded swiftly because witnesses provided information.

The initiation rites were conducted on February 18. Salilig's body was retrieved in Cavite on February 28 after a frat member disclosed the location.

After just a little over two weeks, cases for violation of the Anti-Hazing Act will be filed before the Binan, Laguna Regional Trial Court. The case is non-bailable.

Ang maganda kasi rito, people voluntarily came in to give their testimonies. Kaya tuloy-tuloy, continuous ang dating ng facts, continuous ang dating ng testimonies under oath.

When you have a situation like that, it's very ideal for the prosecutors and it's much easier to come up with the conclusions.

The Salilig family welcomed the development.

Me and my family are so very happy. Kasi so far, bumibilis po yung tatlo ng case po. At least, little by little, we are seeking the justice we are looking for.

They also made an appeal to the other frat members involved.

Sa mga suspect o yung mga members na hindi pa po sumusuko, magpakita na po kayo sa lalong magaling panahon.

Mike Navalyo, ABS-CBN News.

Up next, U.S. authorities probe the collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank.

More news when The World Tonight returns.

We're back on The World Tonight. Stiff opposition expected in the Philippine Senate to a push by House lawmakers to amend the country's charter.

Senators are wary of the possible impact of charter change on the political landscape.

This report from Sherry Ann Torres.

Resolution of both Houses No. 6, which seeks to conduct charter change via a hybrid constitutional convention, may have secured the approval of the lower house, but it may face rough sailing at the Senate.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri says opening up charter change debates could lead to an overhaul of the Constitution and even a different form of government.

I really believe in the sanctity and the wisdom of having a Senate, a bicameral system of government.

And if it means my head, then so be it. I mean, so be it. But not on my watch, where I'm sitting here.

Still, Zubiri says Senator Robin Padilla, who is chairman of the Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes, can still conduct his cha-cha consultations.

But Zubiri is quick to point out the majority of Senators are opposed to cha-cha.

I don't think we have 18 votes to dance the cha-cha. We can't dance the cha-cha. We don't have a number.

For the people to know, our fellow Senators need 18 votes to advance charter change.

So, for us, it's moot and academic. We might as well focus on the DAC priority measures which will help solve the problem of inflation, smuggling.

Administration Senator JV Ejercito says only four to five Senators are supporting charter amendments.

I have to be honest that in pag nag-uusap kami, especially sa lounge, hindi pa namin masyado na pag-uusapan.

Senator Ronald Belarosa admits he is one of the five pro-cha-cha Senators, but he only wants revisions to economic provisions.

Sabi ko nga, if magiging exercise imputility ito dahil nga hindi kami makakuha ng numbers, so I might as well go with the majority.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III says the original PDP-Laban supports charter change, but they won't back superficial amendments.

Ang problema, kung nakaka-encounter kami ng proposal to change the Constitution but the economic provisions,

if we are true to the PDP-Laban basic principles and objectives, hindi po economic provisions. It's really more of political provisions.

While Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva hopes to first see the results of the newly approved economic laws before considering cha-cha.

Padilya is unfaced. The first time Senator believes a defeat on the floor doesn't mean it's the end.

Ako po, makarating lang ako sa plenaryo. Kaya bumoto ng 23-an na laban sa CONAS o sa charter change. Makarating lang ako sa plenaryo, I'm happy.

Meron pa naman susunod na 20th Congress. Kung ako pa rin ang chairman ng committee na ito, ipa-file ko ulit. No surrender po talaga ito. Importante, tuloy-tuloy.

Despite the pale support of their colleagues here in the Senate, Senator Robin Padilya will continue his public consultations regarding charter change.

And on Friday, he will be in Cebu and will be accompanied by Senator Ronald de la Rosa, not just to listen to the people, but to extend his support to his party mate.

Sherry Ann Torres, ABS-CBN News.

The collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank now being probed by America's Justice Department and Securities and Exchange Commission.

The separate investigations are said to be in the preliminary stages. There are no indications that these could lead to charges being filed.

The Wall Street Journal says the probes will examine the stock sales by officers of the SVB Financial Group days before the bank's collapse.

Shareholders sued the group and its two top executives earlier this week.

The complainants accused them of concealing how rising interest rates would leave the SVB susceptible to a bank run.

Moody's revises its outlook on the U.S. banking system from stable to negative.

It cited heightened risks for the sector after the rapid unraveling of SVB fueled fears of a contagion.

The ratings agency said bank runs at SVB, Silvergate Capital Corporation, and Signature Bank have deteriorated the operating environment for the sector that is now battling a crisis of confidence.

Moody's now expects the Fed to continue tightening monetary policy in contrast to those who expect the bank turmoil will reshape the trajectory for interest rate hikes.

Asian markets recovered Wednesday as fears receded from the collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank.

Philippine shares joined their regional peers in the green. The details from Michelle Ong.

Global stock markets staged a solid comeback Wednesday as investors bet the worst of the fallout from the Silicon Valley Bank collapse has passed.

Investors have also started to pile back into banking shares which are leading gains in Tokyo, Hong Kong, and even in Manila.

Investors are digesting a well-cooling, albeit sticky, inflation print for America in February.

New Edge Wealth's Ben Emmons says the Fed has no choice but to hike by at least 25 basis points next week and maybe again in May.

The Fed has no choice but to hike rates next week.

They will do that by 25 basis points because that's the pace of tightening that they have sort of found a consensus within the Fed board about.

Even though the power last week before the SBB crisis did indicate they may raise, may increase the pace, sorry, in case all the data together are showing more strength.

And by the way, that is so far the case where we have actually better, stronger inflation data here today on top of already better than expected payroll data on Friday.

But at least then to, with this crisis in between, to 25 base points.

And the reason is that what has happened over the weekend is the Fed can also use tools in its toolbox such as a lending facility.

The Fed meets next week, March 22nd, followed by the Banco Central on the 23rd.

Emmons, however, expects the relief rally to stay fragile.

For the day, the PSC index clawed its way back above 6,400 despite hefty net foreign selling of 4.8 billion pesos.

In corporate stories, ASEANA's city developer, Diem Wenceslao, nets 2.1 billion pesos in 2022 profit, up 3%, driven by fresh contributions from expansion projects.

Core net income, which removes one-off gains like those from the Crate Law that boosted numbers the previous year, grew 13% and already exceeded pre-pandemic 2019 levels by 27%.

Rental revenues went up 9% to 2.2 billion, while residential revenues grew over two-fold to 1.3 billion.

The group's flagship commercial project, Parkal, is 89% complete as of December.

Another beneficiary of improved economic activity amid further reopening is San Miguel Affiliate Bank of Commerce, which reported record profit of 1.8 billion pesos in the full year of 2022, up 49%.

Total loans breached the 100 billion peso mark, up 41% from the previous year's 74, while investment securities grew by 19% to 58 billion.

Michelle Long, ABS-CBN News.

Our final word tonight is a quote from William Shakespeare.

In persons grafted in a serious trust, negligence is a crime.

And that is The World Tonight, the 15th of March, 2023. I'm Pia Gutierrez.

I'm Tony Velasquez from the Philippines. Thank you. Mabuhay!

Magta-taxi ka rin?

Oo, thanks.

Balita ako, may dalawang tao kang pinagtagpo.

Ano to?

Thank you.