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Posts tagged as “National News”

Sandiganbayan dismisses P276-M ill-gotten wealth case vs Marcoses   

October 7, 2024

Rappler;

The anti-graft court Sandiganbayan has dismissed a 37-year-old ill-gotten wealth case against the Marcos family, citing the defendants — which includes Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and wife Imelda — “can no longer be afforded a fair trial” in a “chronology of events” that have contributed to an “inordinate delay.”

Associate Justice Geraldine Faith Econg wrote the 30-page resolution, dated October 4, 2024, noting that the defendants “can no longer be afforded a fair trial.” Associate Justices Edgardo Caldona and Arthur Malabaguio concurred.

So the SC dismisses the case because it was delayed for too long?!

Breaking – Police capture Apollo Quiboloy   

September 8, 2024

Herbie Gomez, writing for Rappler;

Police finally captured fugitive doomsday preacher Apollo Quiboloy ending a grueling manhunt inside the vast Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) property in Davao City.

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos announced in a Facebook post on Sunday, September 8, the arrest of 74-year-old Quiboloy’s who deems himself as the “appointed son of God” and “owner of the universe.”

After a 4-month hunt and 2,000 police later, Apollo Quiboloy is now in the police custody. BBC “In 2021, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) charged Mr Quiboloy with sex trafficking of children, fraud and coercion and bulk cash smuggling.”

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. also posted on his facebook account “NAHULI NA PO SI APOLLO QUIBOLOY.”

OCD: 15 dead due to Enteng   

September 4, 2024

ANNA FELICIA BAJO, writing for GMA Integrated News;

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Wednesday said 15 people were reported dead due to the impact of Severe Tropical Storm Enteng.

This was disclosed by OCD Director of Operations Service Cesar Idio during a situation briefing presided over by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in Camp Aguinaldo.

Meanwhile, 15 were wounded and 21 are still missing, Idio said.

This is just sad.. specially if you know that there are things that our Government can do to prevent this from happening.

Alice Guo arrested in Jakarta, Indonesia   

September 4, 2024

Benjamin Pulta, writing for Philippine News Agency;

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, in Tangerang City, Jakarta, Indonesia.

In a statement, the DOJ said Guo was apprehended at 11:58 p.m. on Sept. 3, according to Senior Superintendent Audie Latuheru of the Indonesian Police.

The first question that they need to ask her is “Why did she try to run away/escape?” This stunt just makes her look guilty.

DepEd’s P5.69-B feeding program: Undelivered milk, expired nutribuns in 2023   

September 2, 2024

Rappler.com;

MANILA, Philippines – The P5.69 billion School Based Feeding Program (SBFP) of the Department of Education (DepEd) was spoiled by the non-delivery of milk and the serving of stale, even pest-infested, bread in 2023.

State auditors identified at least 21 school divisions in 10 regions where one or all of the following were found:

  • Nutribuns with molds or insects
  • Rotten food
  • Unhygienic packaging
  • Food with doubtful dates of manufacturing and expiry
  • Non-delivery or delayed delivery of food items and pasteurized milk

The findings were for 2023, the first and last full fiscal year that the DepEd was under secretary and Vice President Sara Duterte, although the SBFP has been running for many years.

The SBFP is a program that provides nutritious food to undernourished students in public elementary schools. The food items that children are served include hot meals, bread, fruits, eggs, sweet potato, and pasteurized milk.

That’s ₱5.69 Billions… not millions… down the drain.

Former Senator Leila de Lima Cleared in all of her Drug Cases

June 24, 2024

Former Senator Leila de Lima has been cleared of all drug charges filed against her during the term of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court Branch 206 granted De Lima demurrer to evidence on June 24, 2024. This is the same court that granted her bail last November 2023 and set her free after almost seven years in detention.

This is what Former Senator Leila de Lima said about her acquittal;

This dismissal effectively cleared her third and final drug case. De Lima, a Philippine opposition figure and one of the staunchest critics of then President Duterte, had faced allegations related to conspiracy to commit drug trading during the Duterte administration. Her acquittal marks the end of a long legal battle that spanned several years, making her a free woman.

Source: Rappler, CNN, Inquirer

Canadian Embassy in the Philippines releases statement in support of the Philippines regarding the water-cannon incident in the West Philippine Sea

August 8, 2023

Together with the United States, the Canadian Embassy in the Philippine also release an official statement regarding the water-cannon incident between the Chinese Coast Guard and the Philippines Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea.

Just like the United States, Canada express their support to the PCG and “condemns the dangerous and provocative actions taken by the Chinese Coast Guard against Philippine vessels on August 5th, in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal inside the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Philippines.”

Here the full text of Canada in the Philippines (@CanEmbPH) statement;

Canada unreservedly condemns the dangerous and provocative actions taken by the Chinese Coast Guard against Philippine vessels on August 5th, in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal inside the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Philippines.

Unsafe maneuvers and use of water cannons to disrupt the lawful operations of Philippine vessels is unacceptable, and inconsistent with the obligations of the People’s Republic of China under international law. Continuing acts of intimidation and coercion by the PRC against its neighbours undermine safety, security and stability across the region, and raise the risks of grave miscalculation.

Canada reiterates its support for international law, including the 2016 arbitral decision on the South China Sea, which is final and binding, and calls on the PRC to comply with its obligations under international law.

Only by ensuring full respect for international law can we collectively set conditions for effective and collaborative management of maritime resources, maintenance of maritime safety and security, preservation of marine biodiversity, and respect for maritime boundaries, while ensuring the rights of all states under international law are protected.

United States release statement regarding the West Philippine Sea incident

August 8, 2023

Just hours after the incident between Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in the WPS, United States Embassy in the Philippine release a statement in support of the Philippines and the PCG.

The full text of the press release was also published on the US.gov website, with the inclusion of 2016 Hague ruling in favor of the Philippines.

Here’s the full text of the press release;

The United States stands with our Philippine allies in the face of dangerous actions by the Coast Guard and maritime militia of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to obstruct an August 5 Philippine resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. Firing water cannons and employing unsafe blocking maneuvers, PRC ships interfered with the Philippines’ lawful exercise of high seas freedom of navigation and jeopardized the safety of the Philippine vessels and crew.

Such actions by the PRC are inconsistent with international law and are the latest in repeated threats to the status quo in the South China Sea, directly threatening regional peace and stability. By impeding necessary provisions from reaching the Filipino servicemembers stationed at Second Thomas Shoal, the PRC has also undertaken unwarranted interference in lawful Philippine maritime operations.

As made clear by an international tribunal’s legally binding decision issued in July 2016, the PRC has no lawful claim to the maritime area around Second Thomas Shoal, which is located well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

The United States reiterates, pursuant to the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention, the arbitral decision is final and legally binding on the PRC and the Philippines. The United States calls upon the PRC to abide by the arbitral ruling as well as to respect the freedom of navigation – a right to which all states are entitled.

The United States reaffirms an armed attack on Philippine public vessels, aircraft, and armed forces—including those of its Coast Guard in the South China Sea—would invoke U.S. mutual defense commitments under Article IV of the 1951 U.S. Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.

Chinese Coast Guard fire water cannon at Philippine Ship going to Ayungin Shoal

August 7, 2023

In the latest China versus Philippines, a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) ship blocked and fired water cannons at Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship going to Ayungin Shoal for a resupply mission, the PCG said in a statement on Sunday, Aug 6th, 2023.

The water-cannon incident happened on Saturday as PCG vessel were escorting indigenous boats chartered by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to deliver food and supplies to military troops stationed on BRP Sierra Madre. The incident was captured on video by Philippine Coast Guard Officer Jay Tarriela and a drone video also made rounds on social media.

Philippine Coast Guard Officer Jay Tarriela said that “The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) strongly condemns the China Coast Guard’s (CCG’s) dangerous maneuvers and illegal use of water cannons against the PCG vessels escorting the indigenous boats chartered by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) yesterday, 5 August 2023.” Tarriela added that “Such actions by the CCG not only disregarded the safety of the PCG crew and the supply boats but also violated international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the 1972 Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), and the 2016 Arbitral Award.”

Here’s the full text of what Philippine Coast Guard Officer Jay Tarriela on his social media account;

Philippine Coast Guard Officer Jay Tarriela later posted a number of videos regarding the incident;

And “recorded evidence of the Chinese Maritime Militia working in conjunction with the Chinese Coast Guard”

It’s unclear what will be the response of Chinese envoy in the Philippine after being summoned by a deputy minister of the Philippines’ foreign affairs department.

DepEd amends ‘Panatang Makabayan’

February 15, 2023

Department of Education (DepEd) just released an amended version of the “Panatang Makabayan.” In the new version of “Panatang Makbayan,” the word “nagdarasal” was changed into “nanalangin,” the changes was made after consultation with various organizations regarding the terminology.

The Linguistic Society of the Philippines found the proposal for the use of nananalangin to be well-written and sufficiently rationalized. The Pambansang Samahan sa Linggwistika at Literaturang Filipino agreed with the use of nananalangin, because it is more inclusive, more solemn, and the choice for nananalangin is well thought of and extensively researched. The Language Study Center of the Philippine Normal University had a different opinion but expressed its support for the fina1 decision of Office of the Undersecretary for Curriculum and Teaching (OUCT) on this matter.

With these consultations, the Office of the Undersecretary for Curriculum and Teaching (OUCT) recommended that “nananalangin” be used instead of “nagdarasal” primarily because the nananalangin is inherent and integral in Filipino identities as it is rooted in Tagalog. Likewise, it is more inclusive and appropriate as it does not refer to or specific religions, and at the same time, it encompasses indigenous belief systems.

Second, as expressed by the focal persons representing the Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples and the individuals belonging to Muslim and Moro communities, dalangin and its equivalents may be more preferred than dasal since dalangin is more spiritual and universal. Finally, based on the data provided by the Philippine Bible Society, native words are preferred when Bible is being translated into different Philippine languages.

This will now be the new ‘Panatang Makabayan’;

Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas,
aking lupang sinilangan
tahanan ng aking lahi;
kinukupkop ako at tinutulungang
maging malakas, masipag at marangal.
Dahil mahal ko ang Pilipinas,
diringgin ko ang payo
ng aking mga magulang,
susundin ko ang tuntunin ng paaralan,
tutuparin ko ang tungkulin
ng mamamayang makabayan;
naglilingkod, nag-aaral, at nananalangin
nang buong katapatan.
Iaalay ko ang aking buhay,
pangarap, pagsisikap sa bansang Pilipinas.

You can read the full text of the amendment via DepEd Order No. 004 series of 2023.

Multi-awarded Filipina novelist and activist Lualhati Bautista passed away at the age of 77

February 12, 2023

Multi-awarded Filipina novelist and activist Lualhati Bautista passed away, Sunday morning, according to a relative.

Posted on the Facebook page of Sonny Ross Samonte, Bautista’s first cousin;

Sad News for our Torres Clan, Our first cousin Lualhati Bautista died at 77 yrs old this morning. Lualhati Torres Bautista (born December 2, 1945) is a Filipina writer, novelist, liberal activist and political critic. Her most popular novels include Dekada ’70; Bata, Bata, Pa’no Ka Ginawa?; and ‘GAPÔ. 🥲

Lualhati Bautista best known for her works: Dekada ’70; Bata, Bata, Pa’no Ka Ginawa?; and Gapo. She is also the screenplay writer of the award winning film “Bulaklak sa City Jail,” starring Nora Aunor, Gina Alajar and Gloria Romero, which won best story and best screenplay at the Metro Manila Film Festival in 1984.

Aside from writing, Bautista is also known for her activism regarding social and political system in the country and was red tagged by Jefferson Lodia Badong, accusing her of being a member of New People’s Army (NPA), an allegation that Bautista herself answered and called out.

1SAMBAYAN releases their nominees for President this Election 2022

June 13, 2021

1Sambayan coalition has released their list of candidates for the next presidential polls.

The nominees of 1Sambayan for president and vice president are:

  • Chel Diokno, lawyer (Liberal Party)
  • Grace Poe, senator (Independent)
  • Vilma Santos-Recto, Batangas 6th District Representative and Deputy Speaker (Nacionalista Party)
  • Leni Robredo, Vice President of the Philippines (LP)
  • Antonio Trillanes IV, former senator (Magdalo)
  • Eddie Villanueva, CIBAC Representative and Deputy Speaker (Bangon Pilipinas)

Out of the six, only former senator Antonio Trillanes IV, (Magdalo) has announced his bid to run for the highest position in country but willing to give way should VP Leni Robredo run for the post.

The remaining 5 has yet to officially announce their 2022 electoral bids, VP Leni Robredo did mention, in an article by Inquirer, that she is “open to running for President” and a decision would be reached and announced “at the right time.”

Source: Rappler
Image: @Leni Robredo

Proclamation No. 572 voiding Trillanes’ amnesty

September 4, 2018

Well…

[scribd id=387729151 key=key-tuEqRw9qPaS8pYgpsSl5 mode=scroll]

From Rappler;

The proclamation states that the amnesty granted to Senator Antonio Trillanes IV during the administration of Benigno Aquino III was “void ab initio” or invalid from the beginning as the senator supposedly failed to comply with two requirements for the granting of amnesty: (1) application for amnesty and (2) admission of guilt.

The document also orders the military and police to apprehend Trillanes and bring him to a detention facility.

Image from Rappler

Mocha Uson defends Pres. Duterte for kissing the Filipina OFW

June 5, 2018

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson defended Pres. Duterte for kissing the Filipina OFW by posting on her FB page a montage of Former President Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. being kissed by two women with a caption, “Ano masasabi ninyo dito?”

Dead Sea Turtle found at Sta. Rita Island in Del Gallego, Camarines Sur

February 8, 2018

This is just sad… very very very sad!

A dead Sea Turtle was found dead at Sta. Rita Island in Del Gallego, Camarines Sur. The cause of death? The turtle’s mouth and throat is full of plastic!