SEC Files Second Money Laundering Case Against Silverlion Livestock Trading Corp.

June 20, 2024 - The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), along with the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), has filed another case against Silverlion Livestock Trading Corp. for illegally soliciting investments and money laundering.

Silverlion CEO Accused of Violating Anti-Money Laundering Act

The joint complaint, filed on June 4, 2024, charges Silverlion CEO Ryan Cagod Ladoing with violating Section 4(b) of Republic Act No. 9160, or the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA). This section prohibits handling money derived from illegal activities.

Silverlion's Investment Scheme Raised Red Flags

The SEC launched an investigation after discovering Silverlion offering investments between P5,000 and P100,000 with unrealistic guaranteed returns of up to 35% in just 15 days. They even promised a car to any investor who invested P400,000 for 60 days.

Large Cash Haul Points to Money Laundering

Authorities found Ladoing with over P14 million in cash during a consented search in 2022. The SEC believes this large sum, with no other apparent source, is evidence of money laundering connected to Silverlion's illegal investment scheme.

Silverlion Faces Consequences

The SEC previously revoked Silverlion's corporate registration and issued a cease-and-desist order due to their unregistered investment activities. This new case adds money laundering charges to the company's troubles.

Investors Urged to Caution

This case highlights the importance of investor vigilance. The SEC advises against investing in schemes with unrealistic returns or those not registered with the commission.

Philippines Opens Arms to Refugees Rejected Elsewhere

Today, on World Refugee Day, June 20th, we celebrate the resilience of those forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disaster. The Philippines, a nation itself prone to natural disasters, has a long history of welcoming refugees, even when others have turned them away.

A Tradition of Open Arms

The Philippines has a rich history of providing sanctuary. It sheltered Vietnamese refugees fleeing war in the 1970s and 80s, even establishing processing centers. More recently, the country has welcomed refugees from Myanmar escaping ethnic violence and those displaced by conflicts in Syria and Afghanistan.

Turning No One Away

In contrast to some countries with increasingly restrictive policies, the Philippines maintains a relatively open approach. The Bureau of Immigration, in coordination with the UNHCR (The UN Refugee Agency), handles refugee applications. While the process can be lengthy, the Philippines prioritizes the safety and well-being of those seeking refuge on June 20th and every day.

Challenges and Opportunities

The Philippines faces its own challenges in supporting refugees. Integration can be difficult, with language barriers and limited economic opportunities. However, the Filipino spirit of hospitality and the growing refugee community create a strong social support network.

Looking Forward

World Refugee Day (June 20th) is a time to recognize the Philippines' commitment to protecting refugees. As the global refugee crisis continues, the country serves as an example of compassion and solidarity. By providing safe haven and fostering inclusion, the Philippines offers a brighter future for those who have lost everything.

How You Can Help

There are many ways to support refugees in the Philippines. You can donate to organizations like the UNHCR, volunteer your time to refugee-focused NGOs, or simply raise awareness about the challenges refugees face.

Together, we can create a world where everyone has a place to call home.

4,000 Former 4Ps Beneficiaries Now Licensed Teachers, DSWD Reports

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced on Wednesday that over 4,000 former beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) are now licensed professional teachers (LPT).

"This achievement highlights the positive impact of the 4Ps on the educational attainment of its beneficiaries," said DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, emphasizing the program's role in encouraging families to invest in their children's education.

Since monitoring began, the 4Ps program has recorded a total of 1,225 new elementary teachers and 3,129 new secondary teachers who passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET).

The announcement comes after results from the March 2024 LET revealed several former 4Ps beneficiaries as topnotchers. These included Khane Jevie Rose Cervantes (Top 1, Elementary) from Davao Region, Jennifer Manrique (Top 9, Elementary) from MIMAROPA, Christian Paskil (Top 5, Secondary) from MIMAROPA, Clarence Salmorin (Top 5, Secondary) from MIMAROPA, Jellian Calipes (Top 6, Secondary) from Davao, and Joanne Cagata (Top 8, Secondary) from Caraga.

"We are immensely proud of these former beneficiaries who have shown dedication and excellence," said Asst. Sec. Dumlao. "Their achievements inspire us to continue supporting the education of children in 4Ps households."

Clarence Salmorin, a Magna Cum Laude graduate and new secondary science teacher, expressed her gratitude to the program. "Lubos akong nagpapasalamat sa 4Ps... Nawa ay marami pa kayong matulungan na mga katulad ko," she said, thanking the program for the opportunity and hoping it helps more Filipinos achieve their dreams.

The 4Ps program is a key DSWD initiative aimed at poverty reduction through conditional cash transfers that support education, health, and nutrition.

DSWD Warns 4Ps Beneficiaries of Misleading Facebook Post on Payout Schedule

June 19, 2024 - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is cautioning beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) about a fake Facebook post claiming to show official payout dates and recipient names.

"We've received reports of a viral post with unauthorized information, including payout dates and supposed recipient names," said DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, who heads the Disaster Response Management Group and serves as the agency's spokesperson.

The DSWD emphasizes that this information did not come from any of their official channels and could mislead beneficiaries. The agency assures the public that they strictly adhere to the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and never share beneficiary details publicly.

How to Get Official Updates

For accurate information on 4Ps payouts, beneficiaries are advised to check the following official sources:

• Department of Social Welfare and Development Facebook page: DSWD Pantawid Pamilya Facebook page
• City/Municipal Links (C/MLs) with assistance from Parent Leaders (PLs) in their areas
• Landbank of the Philippines Facebook page (for announcements after cash grants are credited)

Stay Vigilant

The DSWD urges beneficiaries to be critical of information they see online and to rely solely on official sources for updates. They recommend following the DSWD and Landbank's official social media pages for accurate information.

Filipino Students Score Low in Creative Thinking on Latest PISA Exams

June 18, 2024 - Filipino students showed a weakness in creative thinking skills according to the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022 results released on June 18. The Philippines received a mean score of 14, the second-lowest among 64 participating countries.

Only Uzbekistan matched this score, while Albania ranked last with a score of 13. The average score for Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries was significantly higher at 33 points.

PISA 2022 assessed 15-year-old students' abilities in generating diverse ideas, coming up with creative solutions, and evaluating and improving upon those ideas. These skills are considered crucial for a well-rounded education that prepares students for future challenges.

Singapore, South Korea, Canada, and a group of European nations including Australia, New Zealand, Estonia, Finland, Denmark, Latvia, and Belgium scored the highest in creative thinking.

PISA is a recurring study conducted by the OECD to evaluate academic performance in various disciplines among 15-year-old students worldwide.