News Briefs: May 20, 2019

Ex-La Union congressman challenges evidence

MANILA, Philippines — Former La Union Rep. Thomas de Lara Dumpit Jr. has asked the Sandiganbayan First Division for permission to challenge the evidence of the prosecution in a bid to dismiss his graft and malversation charges in relation to the alleged misuse of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

In his motion for leave of court to file a demurrer to evidence, Dumpit said the prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that he acted in conspiracy with his other coaccused, and instead just presented “mere conjecture and speculation” as evidence.

A motion for leave of court to file a demurrer formally asks the court for permission to challenge the evidence of the prosecution. A granted demurrer is equivalent to a dismissed case.

Dumpit can opt to file a demurrer without leave of court, but if the court denies it, he loses his right to present his own evidence.

In his motion, Dumpit said he had no control over her PDAF and that the fund was instead controlled by the implementing agency.  —Patricia Denise M. Chiu

Army opens bidding for 40mm grenade launchers

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Army recently opened bids for the supply of P106.8 million worth of 40mm revolver-type grenade launchers to boost its firepower.

Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said the acquisition of 178 units of grenade launchers would “definitely improve firepower.”

He explained that with the 40mm revolver-type grenade launcher, “you can deliver fire at a faster rate compared to the single.”

By single, he was referring to the regular grenade launcher, which is mounted usually on a rifle.

“Such a weapon increases not only firepower but will be able to facilitate the maneuver and protection of operating troops, ” he said.

The formal invitation to bid for the 178 units of 40mm revolver grenade launchers was issued on May 3 with the prebid conference held on Thursday last week.

The receipt and opening of bid envelopes will be held on May 29 at the Philippine Army bids and awards committee in Fort Bonifacio. —Jeannette I. Andrade

PDEA joins annual Brigada Eskwela cleanup drive

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) will take part for the first time in the annual cleanup of public schools nationwide for the opening of classes in June.

In a memorandum, PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino directed all the agency’s regional offices to assist in the Department of Education’s (DepEd) weeklong Brigada Eskwela (school brigade) program, which will kick off on Monday until May 25.

This year’s Brigada Eskwela has for its theme “Matatag na Bayan para sa Maunlad na Paaralan (A Strong Nation for Progressive Schools).”

The project aims to “gather  together communities and education stakeholders including teachers, parents and students to participate and help prepare public school facilities for the opening of the school year in June 2019.”

Aquino said that P5,000 had been set aside per province for the purchase of cleaning and beautification materials and PDEA regional directors had been tasked to decide, in close coordination with the DepEd, which public schools to prioritize. —Jeannette I. Andrade