Michael Apacible Bulletin

  Sara Duterte's Convenient "Gratitude": A Calculated Performance for an Obviously Rigged Fight It's no longer surprising to see Sara Duterte suddenly embrace impeachment proceedings—not when everyone already knows that the pro-Duterte senators hold a formidable, almost unbreakable majority in the Senate . This convenient shift is a stark contrast to her past, where in Congress, she would have practically twisted herself into a pretzel to avoid any whiff of an investigation against her. Back then, the very idea of accountability sent her into a defensive frenzy. But now, as impeachment discussions swirl, the Vice President has unveiled a remarkably open, even "thankful" perspective on facing allegations. This dramatic pivot comes as no shock, especially when an SWS survey conveniently shows that a whopping 88% of respondents believe she should confront impeachment proceedings head-on to address accusations and "clear her name"—a narrative she...

  Public Trust on Trial: Calls for Transparency Mount Amidst OVP Confidential Funds Controversy MANILA, Philippines – The clamor for greater transparency and accountability in government spending has reached a fever pitch as new allegations emerge regarding the recipients of confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President (OVP). The latest names to surface, those of prominent human rights lawyer Chel Diokno and actress Marian Rivera, have further fueled public demand for a thorough investigation, with many asserting that the Filipino people deserve to see the evidence to unearth potential abuses of public coffers. The controversy stems from an ongoing narrative surrounding the alleged misuse of confidential funds, initially characterized by seemingly innocuous code names, even "chichirya" (snack food) names, in official receipts. However, the recent revelation of seemingly legitimate public figures linked to these funds has intensified calls for concrete verification...

  Formal Letter Regarding Banking Experience  to the Esteemed Filipino People, We must acknowledge a stark reality: corrupt politicians are often afforded great respect in banks, in sharp contrast to how we, the ordinary Filipino people, are frequently mistreated. I am writing to share a recent experience that has caused me significant frustration and disappointment, an experience I believe warrants reflection on how our institutions serve the very citizens they are designed to support. My intention was simple: to open a personal savings account at a branch of the Philippine National Bank (PNB). As a self-employed individual engaged in various informal ventures, including online subcontracting and other online business opportunities, I sought to utilize modern banking facilities for my humble livelihood, such as SIM card loading and managing digital transactions. During my visit, I observed instances where other customers appeared to receive preferential treatment, being atten...