20170619 News Releases

Registration of casinos’ internal security units with PNP-SOSIA pushed

House members are seeking to strengthen the competency of the internal security units of casinos in the country through their registration with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (SOSIA).

The proposal cropped up during the second hearing jointly conducted by the House committees on public order and safety, games and amusements, and tourism chaired, respectively, by Reps. Romeo Acop (2nd District, Antipolo City), Gus Tambunting (2nd District, Parañaque City), and Lucy Torres-Gomez (4th District, Leyte) on the Resorts World Manila tragedy.

Acop cited the need to strengthen the competency of the internal security units of all licensed casino establishments in the country in light of the security lapses that led to the loss of 37 lives during the attack on RWM last June 2.

During the two hearings, the lawmakers agreed the tragedy has put the skill and competency of RWM internal security under question.

Acop proposed to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to register the internal security units of all licensed casino operators with the PNP-SOSIA.

“If we come up with (such) a legislation, would PAGCOR not disagree with this?” Acop said.

PAGCOR vice president Roderick Consolacion supported Acop’s proposal. “Definitely not, your honor,” said Consolacion.

Acop, a lawyer and former head of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) also queried on the recovery of firearms inside room 510 of RWM. The firearms are now for ballistic examination.

Among the questions raised by Acop pertained to the: correct number of firearms found inside room 510; to whom such firearms were registered; and the precise circumstances as to why a firearm registered to the Taguig City government was questionably found inside the room.

Rep. Rozzano Rufino B. Biazon (Lone District, Muntinlupa City) inquired on the ‘misencounter’ between the PNP Special Weapons and Tactics team (SWAT) and the RWM Special Reaction Team (SRT) leader Bernard Cajigas.

According to Biazon, the RWM manual states: “There are procedures that are to be followed by its personnel whenever law enforcement personnel enter its premises during a crisis.”

Hence, Biazon said the RWM should perform its responsibility to conduct drills in accordance with what is written in its manual.

“If they had been doing their jobs in training their personnel and drilling them properly, then that misencounter would not have happened,” said Biazon.

Biazon also inquired about the fire safety inspection certificate (FSIC) issued to RWM. According to lawyer Ma. Georgina Alvarez, RWM chief legal officer, the valid FSIC issued to their establishment extends to their casino.

However, Biazon noted that “on more than one instance, the PEZA (Philippine Economic Zone Authority) said that their fire safety inspection certificate does not cover the casino.” Moreover, PEZA Dir. Gen. Charito Plaza supported this by stating that casinos cannot be accredited under the PEZA’s mandate, and such also applies to Solaire Resort and Casino.

Biazon said the issue has raised ‘confusion’ as to who has the authority to implement the fire code of the country that is being arrogated by PEZA upon itself.

“It is our firm belief that the Bureau of Fire (BFP) has the authority,” said Biazon. He said the PEZA is prohibited from issuing FSIC without a memorandum of agreement with the BFP.

“It is our position that the law passed by Congress in 2008 is the one that is prevailing over the law of PEZA which was passed a decade before the fire code,” Biazon said.

On another issue, Acop asked PAGCOR whether the establishment of a casino near an airport was a ‘wise decision’ and if the construction of the bridge way connecting the casino and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 was necessary considering issues on safety precautions. (30) JMC

Vargas seeks to expand coverage of paternity leave act

Recognizing the need to strengthen the values and morale of the Filipino family, Quezon City Representative Alfred Vargas filed House Bill 5353 which seeks to strengthen the Republic Act (R.A.) No. 8187 or the Paternity Leave Act of 1996.

 “The Paternity Leave Act was enacted by Congress in recognition of the husband’s role in providing care for his wife before, during, and after the birth of their child. However, the law is still inadequate in addressing the necessities of the Filipino family,” said Vargas.

Vargas also cited the benefits of paternity leave.

“Fathers who take paternity leave are more likely to take an active role in child-care tasks, therefore establishing strong relationships with their children and inciting active involvement in their lives. Also, the early father-child interaction has long-term benefits for a child’s learning abilities,” he stressed.

Vargas also pointed out that employers also benefit in providing their workers with a paternity leave policy.

“Such policies help companies attract the best and the brightest people to their human resource,” said Vargas.

The bill seeks to amend R.A. 8187 and grant paternity leave to all married male employees, regardless of the nature of employment, and lengthen the leave period from 7 days to 15 days. It also gives eligible employees an option to extend their paternity leave to 15 days more, without pay. It also includes a provision that the leave shall not be deducted from the employee’s annual leave credits.

“Amending the Paternity Leave Act will ensure that every Filipino family reaps all these benefits,” Vargas said.

Statement of Rep RUFFY BIAZON regarding the establishment of additional Veterans Memorial Hospitals outside Metro Manila

The government should prioritize the establishment of a Veterans Hospital in three areas outside Metro Manila where the Veterans Memorial Medical Center is located in order to service not just the veterans who have easy access to the VMMC due to their place of residence but also to serve as a tertiary care hospital for those in the active service who are wounded in military operations in the provinces.

This was the statement of Muntinlupa Representative Ruffy Biazon, Vice-Chair of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and Welfare after the committee visited VMMC in Quezon City for a briefing and ocular inspection of its facilities.

During the visit, the VMMC administration presented to the committee members led by its Chair, Rep. Pol Bataoil, the current situation and the issues concerning the only veterans medical facility in the country which provides service to around 450,000 veterans and their dependents.

While the VMMC building was erected after World War II, it boasts of state-of-art equipment and services such as a fully automated laboratory, MRI and CT Scan machines, a well equipped physical therapy and rehabilitation center which houses the only in-door heated therapy pool in the country and an ICU wing and dialysis center which are comparable to those in private hospitals.

“Clearly, the veterans are now better off than they were years ago in terms of medical treatment”, Biazon observed.

Biazon, who is also the Senior Vice Chair of the Committee on Defense and Security as well as Defense Sub-committee chair of the Committee on Appropriations, noted that a lot of the improvements particularly the medical equipment were results of the assistance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs which gave grants and donations for equipment such as the MRI, CT Scan and laboratory machines.  Unfortunately, the assistance has been terminated recently.

“But with all these improvements, not all veterans are able to avail of the services of the VMMC simply because of access. That’s why we support the proposal for the VMMC to have outlying branches in three other areas around the country----North Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao”, said Rep. Biazon.

He joined the call of the VMMC and PVAO for the establishment of these hospitals beginning with the one in Mindanao, which already has a proposed site specified. A parcel of land has been donated by Phividec in Laguindingan near Cagayan De Oro City.

“The Marawi campaign could serve as a catalyst for the establishment of the hospital”, Biazon said. He pointed out the current situation where the seriously wounded soldiers from the battle of Marawi still had to be airlifted to Manila to get life-saving trauma services and urgent medical care.

“Putting up a VMMC in Mindanao will address the needs of veterans and those in the active service who are wounded in action. It’s an investment that will show our appreciation for those who have served the country in the past and our support for those who are continuing to fight enemies of the state in the present”, Biazon explained.

With an ongoing peace and order and military campaign in Mindanao which may go on for the next years to come, Rep. Biazon stressed the need for the government to establish the facility, which has been estimated to cost a total of P1.8 Billion covering construction to commencement of operations.

“It’s an amount that is feasible for the administration to invest in. It doesn’t have to be spent in one go. It can be appropriated in tranches. In this time of sympathy and appreciation for our Armed Forces, let’s put our money where our mouths are and show them we really care”, Biazon concluded.

20170620 News Releases

DFA, stand by with Pinoy crew of ACX Crystal

Malacanang urged to form a task group to help the all-Pinoy crew facing probe

As Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I (Rep Salvador Belaro, Jr., 1-Ang Edukasyon Party-list) urge Malacanang to form a task group, led by the Department of Foreign Affairs, to coordinate and ensure effective and timely action on the ongoing investigation into the deadly collision between the ACX Crystal and the US Navy destroyer USS Fitzgerald.

Maritime disaster investigations are complex matters. The task group ought to have experts from the Philippine Coast Guard, the Marina, the POEA, and from the Philippine private sector shipping industry to give the the needed support to the DFA-led task group.

I also urge the DFA to provide continuing and timely public updates, daily as much as possible, about the status of the Filipino crew of the ACX Crystal and of the investigation into the midsea incident between the ACX Crystal and the USS Fitzgerald,

The Philippine-flagged container cargo ship collided with the USS Fitzgerald on June 17 (Philippine Time).

A report by the global news agency Reuters said it took the ACX Crystal almost an hour before reporting the collision to authorities.

Here are some excerpts from the Reuters report:

"The collision happened at around 1:30 a.m. but it was not until 2:25 a.m. that the container ship informed the Japanese coastguard of the accident, said coastguard spokesman Takeshi Aikawa told Reuters."

"He declined to elaborate on why the ship took nearly an hour to report the accident but said it could take ships time to notify authorities as they dealt with more urgent matters."

"Right after being notified of he accident by the container vessel, the Japanese coastguard made contact with the U.S. ship and confirmed it, Aikawa said."

According to NYK Line, charterer of the ACX Crystal, the ship captain is Ronald Advincula and the ship, built in 2008, is owned by the Dainichi-Invest Corporation.

NYK said in a new release it and the shipowner "are fully cooperating with an investigation being conducted by the Japan Coast Guard. More information will be provided when known."

The ACX Crystal is now docked at Tokyo Bay at the No. 6 berth of the Oi Terminal. According to the DFA, "all crew have been instructed to remain onboard pending their interview by Japanese authorities."

We want to be further assured by the DFA that the Filipino crew of the ACX Crystal have proper legal assistance from our Philippine government, not just the lawyers of their manning agency, NYK Line, or Dainichi-Invest Corporation.

The US Navy ship sustained "extensive damage and flooding" as per US Navy Vice Admiral Joseph Aucoin.

The US Navy has reported casualties and has identified them pending notification of their families. We pray for the crew of the USS Fitzgerald and their families and friends.

The US Navy also said the collision will be investigated by the US Navy and the US Coast Guard. (END)

Cong Bertiz

"We are happy for Jennifer and her family and grateful to the UAE court as well as to our own government. Jennifer acted in self-defense and we commend the court for ruling in her favor.

This verdict also offers hope to our other compatriots who are on death row. While we respect the laws of other countries, we expect our own government to come to the aid of Filipinos especially those who may be innocent of the crimes that they are charged with.

With this victory, we urge the DFA to exert the same efforts and tenacity for those who are on similar situation as Dalquez's, and even for the other OFWs who continue to be incarcerated on various charges.

We commend the DFA and DoLE as well as our embassy in the United Arab Emirates for a job well done, and the Non-Government Organizations who supported Jennifer Dalquez"

Solon Lauds DFA, Migrante Internationale, for Aquittal of OFW Dalquez

Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas, welcomed the good news about the acquittal of Jennifer Dalquez, along with the rest of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) organizations.

“It is a welcome development for the Filipino people as a nation,” Vargas said.

According to Vargas, it is the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Migrante International, and other parties who have expressed concern and exerted efforts to save Dalquez from the death row.

“The DFA, Migrante Internationale, and other groups and individuals who collectively  helped in the plight of Jennider Dalquez should be commended,” Vargas said.

“I  hope that very soon Jennifer will reunite with her family here in the Philippines,” the solon added.

DFA confirmed that the 30-year-old Dalquez was acquitted by the Court of Appeals in Al Ain, UAE.

Dalquez was sentenced to death in May 2015 for allegedly killing her police employer, identified as Mr. Alaryani, who tried to rape her.

The OFW said she just defended herself from the attempt.

Despite no blood money to be paid, Dalquez still needs to serve a five-year jail term for allegedly stealing a mobile phone. (END)

Peace talks with communist group, not a ‘one-sided love affair’ – Magdalo

06/20/17 (Tuesday) - Magdalo Representative Gary Alejano condemns the recent attacks of the New People’s Army (NPA) in various provinces. Just this morning, the NPA and the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion engaged in an armed encounter in Leon, Iloilo. This was two days after a police station in Maasin, Iloilo was attacked by NPA on June 18, Sunday, seizing firearms, high-powered rifles, radio equipment, and a patrol vehicle. 

On the same day, the NPA started a firefight with the AFP in Cateel, Davao Oriental. After receiving reports of extortion and harassment by the NPA from the residents, the military approached the barangay only to be fired upon by NPA members, ensuing to an encounter. Similar attacks happened in Davao City and in Compostella Valley, the latter resulting to death of two soldiers.

Rep. Alejano expressed his displeasure on the attacks made by the members of the NPA after the communist rebels offered a ceasefire in Mindanao in light of the Marawi crisis. “I strongly condemn the recent attacks of the NPA. It is even more disappointing to note that the attacks happened after the communist group supposedly offered help and a ceasefire in Mindanao to let the government focus on fighting terrorism”, Rep. Alejano stressed.

The NPA attacks heightened after the deployment of government troops in Marawi City. The NPA attacks in Iloilo, particularly, were done after over 500 soldiers based there were deployed to Marawi City. “Obviously, the rebel group is taking advantage of the crisis in Marawi. A big chunk of the government troops are focused on suppressing terrorism in Mindanao right now. The NPA are taking advantage of the areas vacated by the AFP to wage tactical offensives and to continue strengthening their ranks which they had been doing in spite of ongoing peace talks since last year. It is as if they are using the peace talks in whole to shroud their own motives”, Rep. Alejano said.

Rep. Alejano noted that the Iloilo attack would impact any possible chance of lifting the suspension of peace talks. “There is evident disjunct on what is happening on the ground and what is being said to the public. In spite of assurances of fidelity on the peace talks from both the NDF and the government, the NPA continues to act otherwise. Recent and past events reveal that communist leaders in the peace table do not have actual control on NPA units on the ground,” Rep. Alejano said.

“As a party to the peace talks, the communist group also carries a responsibility for their actions. This cannot be a one-sided love affair. Continuation of peace talks cannot happen without them giving their share and without clear proof that leaders have control over ground forces,” Rep. Alejano emphasized. 

Further, Rep. Alejano maintains that members of the CPP-NPA-NDF who are appointed in government positions be removed from office as this could compromise policies and decisions affecting national security.

Earlier, the government announced the suspension of peace talks citing continuing offensives by communist rebels against government troops. ##

Pink SONA 2017-- War on Discrimination: On the state of LGBT Filipinos

MEDIA ADVISORY

To coincide with the LGBT Pride Month, the Library Foundation SHARE Collective (TLF SHARE), in partnership with LAGABLAB Network, Babaylanes, Inc., and the Human Rights Watch (HRW) will hold a press conference to discuss the state of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Filipinos. Community statements will be delivered. Highlight of the presser is the launch of the HRW’s report on bullying of LGBT students in High Schools. Statements will also be delivered by the Department of Health, Commission on Human Rights and the Office of the Vice President of the Philippines. The press event opens the Pink SONA which gathers over 60 LGBT and allies organizations around the country happening June 22- 24.

War on Discrimination: On the state of the LGBT Filipinos

June 22,  2017

10:00 AM- 12:00 NN

Golden Globe Room, Icon Hotel, Timog Ave., Quezon City

Contact Person: Jessie Dimaisip ‎(+63918 343 7001); Marcy Oculto ‎(+63921 531 6615)

House COWA acting chair De Jesus welcomes acquittal of Dalquez by UAE court

House Committee on Overseas Workers’ Affairs acting chair and Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Emmi De Jesus welcomes the acquittal of Jennifer Dalquez from the crime of murder by a court in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

We heave a sigh of relief together with the parents of Dalquez, who have worked closely with us in filing House Resolution 829 seeking an executive clemency for her. We commend Migrante International and partner organizations who have tirelessly pushed the #SaveJenniferDalquez campaign online and offline.

We however believe that the fight is far from over, as she has yet to spend five more years in prison for allegedly stealing a mobile phone. The Duterte administration must explore options to finally junk the remaining cases against her so that she can return home and be with her family at the soonest time possible.

Migrante International is very happy to receive news that Jennifer Dalquez has been acquitted from the crime of murder and, thus, saved from death row. 

We have talked to Jennifer's parents and they confirmed that they were contacted by the Department of Foreign Affairs who relayed to them the good news. We also thank the DFA for having graciously imparted directly to us the positive update. 

Because of her acquittal, no blood money is required of Jennifer. She, however, is still expected to serve a 5-year jail time. 

Once again, our collective prayers, active intervention and resounding clamor for justice have prevailed. 

On behalf of the Dalquez family, we thank all supporters, migrants advocates and human rights defenders in the "Save Jennifer Dalquez" campaign. We stand resolute to continue with the fight to save all Filipinos on death row. 

Reference: Arman Hernando, Spokesperson, 0932 509 5054

RESORTS WORLD ATTACK PROBE RESUMES. The House Committees on Public Order and Safety, Games and Amusements, and Tourism, chaired by Reps. Romeo Acop (2nd District, Antipolo City), Gus Tambunting (2nd District, Parañaque City), and Lucy Torres-Gomez (4th District, Leyte), respectively, tackled Wednesday more issues on the Resorts World Manila (RVM) tragedy which happened last June 2. Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas led the lawmakers in the queries. Members of the PNP Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team were asked about its alleged 'misencounter' with the RWM Special Reaction Team (SRT) leader Bernard Cajigas. Other points raised during the hearing included the looting done on the valuables of Elizabeth Panlilio-Gonzales, wife of Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales, and another fatality, and the fact that the PNP apparently had no clear procedure on how to handle victims' bodies for purposes of evidence. Also, the inquiries centered on the confusion in the handling of bodies due to lack of a central funeral parlor and the fact that funeral parlors took advantage of the victims' families. Another proposal brought up was the conduct of joint drills between the PNP and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and other major establishments on how to handle crisis situations.

House com to subpoena Imee

The House committee on good government and public accountability will issue a subpoena against Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos when it resumes hearing on July 25, and eventually a warrant of arrest if she will still fail to appear in the inquiry on the alleged irregular purchase of motor vehicles worth P66.5 million using her province’s share in the tobacco excise tax collection and without public biddings.

At the culmination of the third hearing on the issue on Tuesday, Rep. Johnny T. Pimentel (2nd District, Surigao del Sur) said Marcos may suffer the same fate as Ronnie Dayan, the former driver-bodyguard of former Sen. Leila de Lima, if she fails to appear in the hearing despite the issuance of a subpoena to her.

The committee on justice last year held Dayan in contempt and issued a warrant of arrest against him after he failed to show up to testify on the materiality of all allegations against him..

 “On that day (July 25), we will be issuing a subpoena already to Gov. Imee Marcos and if she (still) does not appear, we will be constrained to issue a warrant of arrest for her just like what happened to Ronnie Dayan,” said Pimentel.

Pimentel made the statement after reminding the committee members that their next hearing has been set on July 25, a day after the second State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Duterte and the Opening of the Second Regular Session of the 17th Congress.

The committee’s inquiry is being done on the basis of House Resolution 882, authored by Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas, seeking an inquiry into the use by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) of its shares from the excise taxes on locally manufactured Virginia-type cigarettes or the Special Support Fund under Republic Act 7171 for a purpose other than those provided for by the said law. The resolution stated that the highly irregular purchase of motor vehicles worth P66.5 million was done through cash advances without the benefit of public biddings.

The committee earlier cited for contempt and ordered detained at the House premises six officials of the PGIN namely, provincial treasurer Josephine Calajate; Encarnacion Gaor and Genedine Jambaro of the Office of the Provincial Treasurer; budget officer Evangeline Tabulog; Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) chairman and Provincial Planning and Development Office head Engr. Padro Agcaoili; and Eden Batulayan, OIC  of the Provincial Accounting Office.

Prior to Pimentel’s issuance of the reminder to lawmakers on their next hearing schedule, Fariñas told the six officials that if they opt to testify truly about the matter, then they should inform the committee so it can request its members to conduct a hearing.

“Matagal pa ito, July 24 pa kami babalik,” said Fariñas.

The committee also tackled the appeal of Rep. Imelda Marcos (2nd District, Ilocos Norte) for ‘compassion and sympathy’ and the temporary release of the “Ilocos Six.” She had issued a letter of request addressed to House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and Pimentel for the release of the “Ilocos Six.”

Marcos said the detainees are under medical conditions that may worsen if they are kept detained. Pimentel responded by telling Marcos that they can release all of them on the condition that they  will  truthfully answer the lawmakers’ questions.

The “Ilocos Six” remained evasive and uncooperative, according  to lawmakers who reiterated questions to the local officials.

“You hold the key to your cells”, Fariñas told the local officials.

Fariñas also explained that the contempt and investigative powers of Congress. As the chairman of the House committee on rules, he said he would advise House Members in the hearing who are chairmen of committees to use the contempt powers of Congress if necessary.

“The power of Congress to conduct inquiries in aid of legislation is enshrined in the Constitution. Even in the oldest Constitutions this is already established,” said Fariñas.

Fariñas cited the Arnault vs. Nazareno case wherein the Supreme Court laid down doctrines on such power of Congress. Fariñas said it was a 1950 case involving the purchase by the government of a real estate property, wherein the Supreme Court said Jean Arnault encashed two checks. On one of the checks he received, the Senate asked where he brought the money amounting to P450,000.

Arnault’s  reply was that he gave it to somebody, but when asked to identify the person, his reply was “I cannot remember.” Fariñas said this was the reason Arnault was held in contempt by the Senate.  

“The committee said it was impossible to give P450,000 to someone you don’t know. Arnault ultimately invoked his right against self-incrimination. But the Senate committee asked how can Arnault be incriminated when he initially said he did not know the person to whom he gave the money to,” said Fariñas.

Fariñas said Arnault was detained for as long as seven months. “That Arnault’s petition with the Supreme Court was analyzed by the SC because it was the first time that Congress ordered someone detained for a contumacious act,” he said.

Also during the hearing, Fariñas explained why cash advance as a method for government procurement is prohibited. He cited government procurement laws and provisions which he also clarified with Commission on Audit (COA) Commissioner Jose Fabia.

Asked by Fariñas why cash advance is the preferred mode of purchase by most government officials, Fabia said if the procurement is done through cash advance, there is a big chance to abscond with the money.

Deputy Majority Leader Juan Pablo Bondoc (4th District, Pampanga) cited irregularities on the dates of the pre-bidding, bidding, and the issuance of the check for the said purchase of motor vehicles. He cited an instance wherein a check was issued at an earlier date prior to the bidding.

Meanwhile, Fariñas asked COA state auditor for the PGIN Cornelio Viernes on whether xerox copies of documents such as letters, vouchers, check pertinent to the purchases are a faithful reproduction of the original. Viernes answered in the affirmative.

Fariñas also clarified with Viernes on whether the method used in the purchase of said vehicles was through cash advance. Fariñas said the vehicles, which required three purchases, needed three documentations which include disbursement vouchers and checks. (30) ICY JR/MJC/RBB

BANK GLITCH PROBED - House Committee on Banks and Financial Intermediaries, chaired by Rep. Ben Evardone, conducts its own investigation on the banking glitch involving the Bank of the Philippine Islands and Banco De Oro. Among the resource persons invited to the hearing include BPI President and CEO Cezar Consing, as well as BDO President and CEO Nestor Tan. Also present were officials of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the National Privacy Commission.

HIGHLIGHTS

Ben Evardone:

- House leadership tasked the committee on banks to conduct a motu proprio investigation on BPI's computer breakdown & BDO's reported ATM skimming to protect depositors and the whole banking industry.

Mr. Cezar Consing, President and CEO, BPI:

- BPI officials details "data processing error" last June 7 & 8, 2017, which affected and inconvenienced the public.

- BPI deeply regrets the inconvenience caused to the public, and ensured the committee that they are doing everything to prevent the same incident from happening again.

- It was caused by human error, and not due to hacking

- Assured that there was no breach in data security

Rep. Edgar Sarmiento:

- "There should have been a check system", after learning from BPI official that a female programmer, 1 of 2 persons trusted to handle BPI's new system, committed the posting error.

Mr. Ramon Jocson, Head, Enterprise Services, BPI:

- Reports on social media regarding millions or billions in erroneous account postings were only a hoax.

Joseph Gotuaco-EVP, BPI:

- Sustained advisories were sent from June 7-11 through internet, social media, print and broadcast media

Rep. Gus Tambunting asked how much was mistakenly withdrawn.

BPI:

- P46 million were mistakenly withdrawn.