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True freedom lies on Fils fight squarely every day — FMJ
By Nidz Godino
“While times may be different our struggles remain the same…still we continue to witness true spirit of freedom in every Filipino who fights fairly in their day-to-day lives,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said true spirit of freedom is present in every Filipino who fights squarely every day.
Marcos issued this statement in celebration of Philippines’ 126th Independence Day on June 12.
“We see it in resilience of our farmers and fisherfolks as they provide us sustenance…we see it in dedication of our teachers as they nurture minds of future generation…we see it in tenacity of our soldiers as they protect every inch of our territory, adamant as they are in certainty that Filipinos do not, and shall never, succumb to oppression,” he stressed.
Marcos recounted declaration of Philippine independence that took place in Kawit, Cavite 126 years ago.
“It heralded birth of Philippines and declared to the world untiring resolve of Filipinos to chart their own destiny as sovereign nation, century and quarter has passed since we unshackled chains of subjugation yet fervor of nationalism persistently burns brightly in each of us today…we stand united as ever, upholding with pride hard-earned liberty bequeathed to us by our forebears,” Marcos said.
Marcos led flag-raising ceremony at Luneta Park in celebration of country’s independence.
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Don’t cuddle Quiboloy, help authorities instead
By Nidz Godino
“Duterte should stop covering up for Quiboloy…he should just help track down where his friend is,” Senate, Sen. Risa Hontiveros said instead of covering up for his friend, former president Rodrigo Duterte should help government authorities track down Apollo Quiboloy, subject of warrants of arrest from court and Senate.
Hontiveros, chairs Senate committee on women and children investigating allegations against Quiboloy, urged Duterte not to cover up for Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder.
Authorities reported that Quiboloy evaded arrest last Monday after armed police personnel stormed KOJC compound in Barangay Buhangin, Davao City and did not find him there.
Throngs of Quiboloy’s supporters formed barricade outside compound and reportedly made it difficult for law enforcement authorities to enter and search grounds.
“There may have been breakdown in PNP,Philippine National Police intelligence gathering… I said so the moment PNP failed to locate Quiboloy’s whereabouts after issuance of several warrants of arrest several months ago, I am again calling on PNP leadership to ensure that none of our officers are being influenced by Quiboloy or any of his allies, particularly former president Duterte… I trust that more of our men and women in uniform are also doing all they can to bring Quiboloy to justice,” senator said.
Hontiveros called on Quiboloy to surrender and face his church’s former members who are accusing him of abuses.
“And for Quiboloy, give up…cooperate with our law enforcers for once…deal with charges and accusations…you have nowhere to hide,” Hontiveros said.
Sen. Robinhood Padilla described as an eyesore recent raid of Quiboloy’s place.
“I hope there will be better treatment on this case because it will really come down to this…that’s what’s sad because it’s not good to see that it’s happening in place that we know people worship, people in uniform enter, it’s bit painful to see, ”Padilla said.
He suggested that Quiboloy’s case be diplomatically resolved.
“Maybe it can be done through diplomacy… I don’t know why Filipinos are so hot now…let’s just relax…because you know that there are things that can be gained in conversation, we have to go through conversation…let’s not be too violent, let’s not be too hot-headed…let’s just relax, especially nowadays when whole world is hot-headed…let’s not go with the flow,” he said.
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Duterte on tracking Quiboloy, overkill
By Nidz Godino
“I strongly condemn use of excessive and unnecessary force in serving warrant of arrest for Pastor Apollo Quiboloy of Kingdom of Jesus Christ by police officers who are not even from Davao City,” Former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is also KOJC property administrator, said KOJC condemned what they described as “overkill” in police operations to serve arrest warrants for accused sex offender and human trafficker Apollo Quiboloy and his accomplices.
He stressed operation “is absolutely unacceptable,” having occurred in place of worship and on school premises.
Heavily armed raiding teams of Special Action Force (SAF) and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) from Region 10 raided several properties owned by Quiboloy, including their main compound beside Davao City International Airport that houses KOJC’s Jose Maria College and worship building.
They also stormed through sect’s Prayer Mountain and Glory Mountain in Barangay Tamayong, QSands Baptismal Resort in the Island Garden City of Samal and Kitbog Compound in Malungon, Sarangani, but was not able to find Quiboloy.
Raiding teams, who were in full battle gear, scaled high fence and gates of KOJC main compound on Diversion Road and destroyed gates at Glory Mountain to gain access to properties.
“Will this overkill be trademark of this administration when dealing with individuals who are merely accused of committing crime and have not been proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt,will they exhibit same lack of self-restraint they have shown towards critics of this administration when dealing with their supporters?” Duterte asked.
In KOJC main compound, at least three members were injured in the short melee that transpired when police tried to scale gate of compound.
Nine members of the group were handcuffed by police at Glory Mountain on allegations that they were carrying bolos during raid.
“How can this administration guarantee preservation of constitutional rights of our fellow Filipinos when even most fundamental of these rights are being trampled upon and blatantly violated?” Duterte said.
KOJC also issued statement condemning manner warrant of arrest was served.
“We strongly condemn the manner of implementing arrest warrants insofar as they were not only laden with irregularities, but they were excessive and overkill… PNP deployed special battalions who were in full battle gear, some CIDG officials were even seen wearing bulletproof vests and hundreds of police personnel in anti-riot gear and shields strategically positioned themselves at KOJC Compound,” it said.
KOJC also questioned implementation of warrants of arrest, they claim to be “unjust and excessive.”
“Implementation of warrants of arrest is also questionable in as much as CIDG has already filed their Returns of Warrant of Arrest as early as May 14, 2024 before RTC Branch 159 of Pasig City…thus, insofar as KOJC leaders are concerned, warrants have already been implemented,” KOJC said.
It also maintained arrest warrant is not search warrant.
“Even searches incident to lawful arrest, arrest must precede search; generally, process cannot be reversed, we strongly condemn highly irregular implementation of warrants of arrest and arbitrary and oppressive use of force and violence in enforcing the same,” KOJC said.
Quiboloy’s camp said there is “great probability” it would pursue charges over search of properties last Monday.
“It was not only an overkill… I have reasonable grounds to believe that it was even illegal,” Quiboloy’s lawyer Israelito Torreon said.
Torreon noted that operatives of SAF and CIDG in Region 10 conducted simultaneous raids did not have search warrant to enter properties.
He pointed out that what happened was violation of Rules on Criminal Procedure, states “officer, in order to make an arrest either by virtue of a warrant … may break into any building or enclosure where person to be arrested is or is reasonably believed to be, if he is refused admittance thereto, after announcing his authority and purpose.”
“At least two or even all three of requisites are not present in this case,” lawyer said, noting that raids on multiple properties indicated that police were not aware of Quiboloy’s whereabouts.
Torreon added that they are looking at filing charges for unlawful arrest as some church members were arrested during raid, as well as interruption of religious worship as it happened during church’s supposed time for devotional prayers.
Destruction of property fence may also constitute malicious mischief, according to Quiboloy’s lawyer.
Torreon said he is not aware of current location of the pastor, saying that last time they talked was before Senate issued arrest warrant in March.
“It was a long discussion… we already talked about certain scenarios as to what would happen. ..somehow, he was able to foresee that these things may happen,” Torreon added.
Amid these developments, Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio called on authorities for an “orderly and acceptable” enforcement of law against Quiboloy, following raids conducted on controversial preacher’s properties.
In statement coming to Quiboloy’s defense, Duterte called operations as “disorderly” implementation of arrest warrant.
Duterte called for acceptable and humane law enforcement and serving of justice for Quiboloy.
She called on authorities to always consider safety of civilians and ensure youth are safe in discharge of their duties.
She said violence against people is disrespectful of democracy.
Instead of covering up for his friend, former president should help government authorities track down Quiboloy, who is subject of warrants of arrest from court and Senate, Sen. Risa Hontiveros said.
Hontiveros, chairs Senate committee on women and children investigating allegations against Quiboloy, urged Duterte not to cover up for KOJC founder.
“Duterte should stop covering up for Quiboloy… should just help track down where his friend is,” Hontiveros said.
Authorities reported that Quiboloy evaded arrest last Monday after armed police personnel stormed KOJC compound in Barangay Buhangin, Davao City and did not find him there.
Throngs of Quiboloy’s supporters formed barricade outside compound and reportedly made it difficult for law enforcement authorities to enter and search grounds.
“There may have been breakdown in PNP ,Philippine National Police intelligence gathering… I said so the moment PNP failed to locate Quiboloy’s whereabouts after issuance of several warrants of arrest several months ago, I am again calling on PNP leadership to ensure none of our officers are being influenced by Quiboloy or any of his allies, particularly former president Duterte… I trust that more of our men and women in uniform are also doing all they can to bring Quiboloy to justice,” senator said.
Hontiveros called on Quiboloy to surrender and face his church’s former members who are accusing him of abuses.
“And for Quiboloy, give up…cooperate with our law enforcers for once…deal with charges and accusations…you have nowhere to hide,” Hontiveros said.
Sen. Robinhood Padilla described as eyesore recent raid of Quiboloy’s place.
“I hope there will be better treatment on this case because it will really come down to this… sad because it’s not good to see that it’s happening in place that we know people worship, people in uniform enter, it’s bit painful to see,” Padilla said.
He suggested Quiboloy’s case be diplomatically resolved.
“Maybe it can be done through diplomacy… I don’t know why Filipinos are so hot now…let’s just relax…because you know that there are things that can be gained in conversation, we have to go through conversation…let’s not be too violent,let’s not be too hot-headed…let’s just relax, especially nowadays when whole world is hot-headed…let’s not go with flow,” he said.
Ecumenical youth group Student Christian Movement of the Philippines (SCMP) scoffed at Duterte’s condemnation of PNP’s serving of arrest warrant against Quiboloy.
“It is both desperate and foolish that outrage against human rights violations came from Rodrigo Duterte, when he himself became biggest human rights violator during his administration!, only shows how it is convenient for the likes of former president Duterte to invoke human rights when his benefactor is being put into justice, as he himself made pronouncements against human rights and enacted ‘kill-kill-kill’ policy against thousands of innocents,” SCMP national chairman Kej Andres said.
Duterte has been infamous for “implementing and instigating heinous policies resulted in human rights violations, including tokhang drug war, killed more than 30,000, as well as policies on red-tagging and counter-insurgency resulted in extrajudicial killings, warrantless arrests and vilification of activists and other innocent individuals, while it is true that this Marcos Jr. administration has its foul share of human rights violations, we will never forget how highlight of Duterte administration is also blatant human rights violations, especially against religious,” according to Andres.
SCMP leader gave long list of alleged attacks against church people under Duterte, including killings of Fr. Mark Ventura, Fr. Marcelito Paez, Pastor Lovelito Quiñones, Fr. Richmond Nilo, Neptali Morada, Putoy dela Cruz and Domingo Edo.
Those arrested included Pastor Dan San Andres, Mariel Domequil and Aldeem Yañez.
Andres also reminded organizations such as Rural Missionaries of the Philippines, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, SCMP and other church leaders “have been red-tagged by both Quiboloy and state agents.”
In fact, “RMP and its key people were charged with terrorist-financing and have bank accounts frozen,” Andres said.
Former RMP head Sr. Patricia Fox was deported for being active on social causes in the Philippines.
Andres called on Quiboloy and Duterte to “surrender to authorities for crimes they have committed.”
“They have been weighed, and they have been found very much sinful against Filipino people,” Andres reiterated.
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FMJ urged to return ambulance chasing in Magna Carta for seafarers
By J.Lo
“Ambulance chasing” refers to lawyers who reportedly persuade seafarers or workers injured on the job to seek monetary damages from their employers.
International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and International Maritime Employers’ Council (IMEC) asked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to again include Section 59 on ambulance chasing in Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers Law.
Before Marcos signs measure, Section 59 or exclusion of judgment and monetary awards must be included again, ICS and IMEC said in three-page open letter.
They said “stakes are simply too high” on ambulance chasing.
“Our global network of shipowners and operators was very disappointed by removal of Section 59 from the Magna Carta in May this year… removal of that well-balanced legislative provision puts at serious risk position of Philippines as world’s leading labor supply country,” they said.
ICS and IMEC also claimed that as of September 2023, quantifiable damage from ambulance chasing unrecovered amount due back to shipowners by way of garnishment and restitution of legal cases of Filipino seafarers had already reached $52.6 million, according to International Group of Protection and Indemnity Clubs.
“Regrettably, those seafarers that genuinely deserve lawful disability benefits are also not receiving them, as greater portion is retained by ambulance chasers,” they said.
Section 59 was deleted from Senate Bill 2221 and House Bill 7325 during May 20 bilateral conference committee hearing
In 2022 and 2023, Marcos reportedly heeded calls for long-term resolution on ambulance chasing and formed in January 2023 International Advisory Committee on Global Maritime Affairs, tasked with giving expert advice on major maritime issues affecting Filipino seafarers.
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ITC to open on June 12
By Cynthia Montojo
“Intramuros Tourist Center symbolizes our gateway to the past…celebration of rich history and testament to our collective identity,” First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos said immersive museum experience awaits visitors of Walled City of Intramuros on Wednesday, as Intramuros Tourist Center is set to open its doors to public.
Immersive museum, dubbed Centro De Turismo, will open to public for free starting Wednesday as nation marks 126th Independence Day. It will operate daily from 9 in the morning to 6 in the evening.
Department of Tourism said it is housed in former site of San Ignacio Church, one of the original seven churches of Intramuros, has been devastated during Battle of Manila in 1945.
Ruins of San Ignacio Church, formerly known for its Neoclassical architecture, has been transformed into Intramuros Tourist Center through an adaptive reuse funded by Office of the President. Project was led by the First Lady in coordination with DOT and other government agency.
Araneta-Marcos led inauguration of the new tourism hub. It is designed to bring tourists to cultural journey on history and provide them window to historic events from pre-colonial, Spanish era, World War II and until present and future development in Intramuros, World Travel Awards Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction in 2022.
“Intramuros, with its storied walls and timeless streets, has always been symbol of our resilience as people…. center would add new chapter to our legacy…it will house invaluable artifacts, tell stories of our ancestors, and it also gives us good reason to stroll through these historical photos without having to pretend we are lost tourists,” she stressed.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Araneta-Marcos for supporting the project she said represents DOT’s “commitment to preserving and sharing unique cultural heritage of Manila.
“This project not only honors past but also provides dynamic space for our visitors to engage with history and stories of Intramuros,” tourism chief said.
“True to our mandate in DOT and as envisioned by our President, Intramuros Tourist Center is dedicated to enriching Philippine visitor experience,” she also said.
Visitors of Centro de Intramuros will be entertained by DOT-trained tour guides and tourism front liners who also completed Filipino Brand of Service Excellence training module.
Intramuros Administration’s administrator Joan Padilla said tourists will be provided information about guided tours, updates about services, events and activities within Walled City.
Aside from Intramuros Tourist Center, tourists can also visit Museo de Intramuros, located adjacent to it. Museum opened to public in May 2019, showcases ecclesiastical collection of Intramuros Administration, many of which were excavated from ruins of San Ignacio Church.
Meanwhile, DOT also said Centro De Turismo Intramuros will be part of Hop-On-Hop-Off Manila- Cultural Hub, country’s hop-on, hop-off bus tour program. Manila Cultural Hub has nine stops including :
1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.
Footnotes
Psalm 19:1 In Hebrew texts 19:1-14 is numbered 19:2-15.
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FMJ to skip Swiss Peace Summit
By Nidz Godino
“Philippines voice is very important…this region is very important,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, citing Manila’s support of six United Nations resolutions condemning Russian invasion and calling for end to war.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.will skip global peace summit in Switzerland this weekend and send presidential peace adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. as country’s representative, Malacañang announced.
Galvez, head of Office of Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, has been designated as representative of Philippines to Ukraine peace summit, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in statement.
Swiss-organized summit will be held on June 15-16.
PCO has yet to respond to queries on why the President is not attending the event.
Zelensky made unexpected visit last week to Philippines to personally invite Marcos to attend summit.
Zelensky has accused Russia and China of trying to dissuade other states from attending event.
Before departing Manila on June 3, Zelensky said Philippines’ “voice” against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was important, citing similarities in security challenges facing two nations.
No country wants to again experience being colonized, he said, so countries with “strong and clear position that nobody can occupy your territory” must unite.
Zelensky also warned about possibility of war spreading to other regions if democratic nations fail to unite and allow Russia to win.
Ukraine needs Filipino mental health workers, especially for battle-weary soldiers, he said.
Marcos committed to sending mental health workers to Ukraine through UN peacekeeping process.
Two leaders failed to meet at recent Shangri-La Dialogue – Asia’s largest defense summit – in Singapore.
Zelensky made surprise appearance at the defense summit supposedly to drum up support from Asian countries.
National Amnesty Commission (NAC) and Philippine National Police (PNP) signed an agreement for success of Marcos administration’s amnesty program for rebels and secessionist groups.
Agreement aims to nurture climate conducive to peace, reconciliation and reintegration into mainstream society of members of Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas-Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Bongcayao Brigade, former members of Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front and their front organizations, members of Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front.
PNP could assist NAC in vetting information of amnesty applicants at local or national level.
Under agreement, PNP shall also acknowledge safe conduct passes issued by NAC so that applicants will have peace of mind and not get arrested while their amnesty applications are being processed.
This would be enforced unless applicants were arrested for committing acts not covered by amnesty program.
Ex-officio members of NAC, Interior Undersecretary Juan Victor Llamas representing Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, and presidential peace adviser Carlito Galvez Jr., supported partnership.
Signatories to the agreement were NAC chair Leah Tanodra-Armamento, NAC commissioners Jamar Kulayan and Naseer Marohomsalic and PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, represented by Lt. Gen. Michael John Dubria and Col. Joseph Arguelles.
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126th Independence Day: FMJ leads Rizal Park rites
By Nidz Godino
“Alongside patriotism, unity is our strength as we remain committed to building One Strong Philippines for generations to come,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will lead today commemoration of 126th anniversary of Philippine independence, as country grapples with challenges from its longstanding maritime row with China over West Philippine Sea.
Marcos will lead flag-raising ceremony and wreath laying in Rizal Park in Manila.
Simultaneous flag-raising and wreath-laying rites will also be held in Kawit, Cavite; Malolos City, Bulacan; San Juan City; Manila North Cemetery; Caloocan City and Angeles City, Pampanga, according to National Historical Commission of the Philippines.
Vin d’honneur or formal reception for diplomats is traditionally held during Independence Day.
Parada ng Kalayaan 2024 will be held in the afternoon, featuring 22 floats depicting key historical events.
Filipino girl group BINI will perform after parade.
FMJ invited Filipinos to celebrate anniversary of Philippine independence, giving assurance that government is continuously defending country’s freedom and sovereignty.
At recent camp visits, Marcos highlighted need to strengthen military’s external defense capabilities but clarified Philippines is not waging war against anyone.
China’s aggression in West Philippine Sea has led to harassment of Filipino fishermen and water cannon attacks against coast guard vessels.
West Philippine Sea is portion of South China Sea within Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.
In 2016, Hague-based arbitral tribunal voided China’s wide-reaching claim in South China Sea, but Chinese government refuses to recognize ruling.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. assured Filipinos that government and military will protect the country, though he did not specifically mention China and West Philippine Sea.
Filipinos should continue honoring and supporting veterans and soldiers, he said.
Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. also gave assurance that military is dedicated to protecting state.
Progressive group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) called on Filipinos to fight for genuine freedom against “US imperialist domination.”
Following nominal independence granted on July 4, 1946, Bayan said Philippines remained US neocolony, hosting two of the largest overseas US military bases.
Bayan highlighted expansion of US military presence through Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, includes nine forward military bases and prepositioning of military equipment.
These actions are meant to provoke China and could lead to intensified military conflict, similar to US involvement in Ukraine and other regions, Bayan argued.
Bayan condemned China’s aggressions and opposed US for using conflict to justify greater military intervention.
Inflation, joblessness, poverty, corruption and crime are modern-day enemies country must strive to overcome, according to Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III.
“Let us fight inflation and work towards economic stability for all…let us fight for salary hikes that reflect true cost of living and give dignity to each hardworking Filipino…let us put an end to corruption…let us address joblessness and poverty as nation…let us work together to make our country safer for its people,” Pimentel said.
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‘To sing of Bagong Pilipinas’, legislate first
By Nidz Godino
“I suggest executive branch submit bill containing those ideas, to amend existing law governing national anthem, pledge and flag-raising ceremonies…memorandum circular is not sufficient… I believe law is needed in order to authorize that,” Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III said Malacañang’s directive to integrate singing and recitation of “Bagong Pilipinas” hymn and pledge into weekly flag ceremonies of national government agencies and instrumentalities needs law.
Malacañang has ordered national government agencies and instrumentalities and encouraged local government units (LGUs) to integrate singing and recitation of “Bagong Pilipinas” hymn and pledge into their weekly flag ceremonies.
Memorandum Circular 52, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, seeks to “further instill principles of ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ brand of governance and leadership among Filipinos.”
Palace directed heads of all national government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporations and education institutions, to ensure “Bagong Pilipinas” hymn and pledge are properly disseminated within their respective institutions and offices.
Presidential Communications Office was also tasked to implement measures to communicate and make available hymn and pledge to all government agencies and public.
Pimentel said policy “involves way of thinking of people…hence, such mandate must emanate from people’s chosen representatives, their legislators.”
“Also, notice MC involves SUCs ,state universities and colleges… students therein are not even government employees…they all observe established flag ceremony under existing law,” he pointed out.
For Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, question in MC includes “whether that is only for executive branch or for everyone because judiciary and legislature are separate, so we need to clarify that as well.”
Senate Pro-Tempore Jinggoy Estrada explained insofar as laws are concerned, singing and playing of Philippine National Anthem are governed by Republic Act 8491.
Section 38 of RA 8491 stipulates whenever national anthem is played at public gathering, it must adhere to musical arrangement and composition by Julian Felipe. Attendees are also expected to sing anthem with fervor.
“It’s important to note MC 52 is neither illegal nor irregular; rather, it aims to foster culture of good governance and progressive leadership across all government levels,” Estrada said.
“It is no different from singing of Senate, school and university hymns, way to remind us of patriotism and unity of us Filipinos,” he stressed.
On the other hand, law professor Mel Sta. Maria of Far Eastern University declared memorandum on “Bagong Pilipinas” hymn and pledge is “in violation or goes beyond mandate of RA 8491” or Flag and Heraldic Code, and that Office of the President “just transgressed law which it claims it is implementing.”
Sta. Maria called MC 32 “coercive memo.”
Meanwhile, teachers are opposing Malacañang’s directive to require schools, national government agencies and instrumentalities to sing and recite “Bagong Pilipinas” hymn and pledge in weekly flag ceremonies, calling it move “reminiscent of political propaganda tactics seen during martial law years.”
Directive is impractical, unnecessary and has nothing to do with educating students about nationalism and patriotism, according to Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC).
“This initiative is superficial attempt to instill brand of governance, instead of genuinely educating schoolchildren about nationalism and patriotism through exemplary lives of our national leaders, resorts to mandatory recitations and songs,” TDC said in statement yesterday.
“True nationalism and patriotism cannot be enforced through hollow rituals or blind worship of national symbols, let alone piece of propaganda,” it stressed.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed last week MC 52, as approved by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. , aims to instill principles of “Bagong Pilipinas.”
TDC pointed out that the administration does not need to force its own brand of governance and should instead work genuinely in interest of Filipinos to “truly inspire and educate youth.”
“People in power have duty to be responsive and responsible, exhibiting genuine love for country through their respect for human rights, adherence to rule of law and active fight against corruption,” TDC said.
“They must foster social justice through meaningful actions and legislation, not through forced singing of propaganda song and recital of pledge appears redundant… best way to teach our children about nationalism and patriotism is to show them leaders who lead by example, demonstrating their commitment to the country through their actions, policies and dedication to public service,” it added.
TDC also stressed national anthem is enough to remind students of their duties to the country.
Meanwhile, Civil Service Commission (CSC) saw nothing wrong with directive as, aside from Marcos’ having prerogative to enforce his policies within executive branch, instilling “positive values and virtues” to ensure everyone in government is aligned with administration’s goals.
“If this is tied with new Philippine Development Plan, then I don’t see what is wrong with ensuring that everybody in government is aligned with goals and principles being pushed for by administration,” CSC Chairman Karlo Nograles said at press conference.
While CSC is not required to follow Malacañang’s directive on hymn and pledge recital, Nograles noted he would speak with rest of CSC commissioners about implementing it.
Congress of Teachers/Educators for Nationalism and Democracy (CONTEND) also opposed new Malacañang directive, saying it may be unconstitutional.
Citing law experts’ opinion, CONTEND said RA 8491 or Flag Law “does not provide Office of the President authority to create and require new hymn to sing or pledge to recite during flag ceremonies in the country.”
CONTEND added introduction of “Bagong Pilipinas” hymn and pledge is reminiscent of “dark chapter in our history, glorifying era that brought suffering to countless citizens.”
“Bagong Lipunan’ of Marcos dictatorship in ’70s was period marked by severe human rights violations, suppression of dissent and economic hardship for many Filipinos,” group said.
“We challenge all educators to resist this unconstitutional move by Marcos Jr. and instead underscore historical truth and principles of nationalism and democracy in our classrooms and research,” it added.
Some government offices in the City of Manila played the “Bagong Pilipinas” hymn and pledge during flag-raising rites.
Manila LGU and Manila Police District (MPD) played soundtrack of “Bagong Pilipinas” hymn.
MPD personnel recited in unison “Bagong Pilipinas” pledge following pauses by leader at MPD headquarters.
At LGU’s flag ceremony held at Kartilya ng Katipunan Shrine beside Manila city hall, leader recited on her own new pledge with right hands of attending personnel raised.
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Teves extradition process proceeds
By Nidz Godino
“In other words, our government screwed up…thus, his imprisonment was declared illegal,” lawyer Ferdinand Topacio said expelled lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr., tagged as mastermind of the March 2023 assassination of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo, was released from detention in Timor-Leste but later rearrested.
Topacio, said Teves detained pending his trial for extradition was released because Philippine government’s request for his extradition “was made out of time and in manner that is not sanctioned by practice and customary international law.”
“But Department of Justice (DOJ) clarified Teves was rearrested and taken into custody by Polícia Nacional of Timor-Leste at Becora Prison in Dili to continue to stand trial for extradition.
Topacio said judicial proceedings in relation to Teves’ stay in Timor-Leste begin today.
Teves will attend proceedings as well as witnesses, including former human rights commissioner Wilhelm Soriano, who will be presented as expert in human rights.
Soriano will testify on human rights violations in the Philippines “that should bar extradition, road to justice for Mr. Teves will be long and hard, bloody and painful, but we will never surrender,” Topacio revealed.
Last night, DOJ spokesman Mico Clavano expressed hope extradition proceedings against Teves would be successful, adding that former congressman may also still be deported “depending on direction taken by Timor-Leste government in coordination with Philippines.”
Clavano chided Topacio’s “misleading and highly irresponsible” statements regarding Teves’ release, adding these were “insult to both countries.”
He added DOJ was able to submit all requirements ahead of time and in manner fully compliant with Timor-Leste’s laws, contrary to Topacio’s claims.
“Teves release and subsequent re-arrest should not be taken as hindrance to the process but simply part of it…we appreciate steps currently being undertaken by Timor-Leste government to remove him from their territory and we eagerly anticipate his return to the Philippines so he can face multiple murder charges,” Clavano said.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), through Philippine embassy in Dili, is working on extradition of Teves to Manila, while Interpol national central bureau in Dili is exploring another legal route to his extradition.
Teves was arrested in March while playing golf by Timor-Leste police based on red notice or warrant issued by Interpol, hunting him after he fled Philippines following murder of Degamo and nine others.
Aside from murder of Degamo, Teves and others are also facing charges for deaths of three individuals in Negros Oriental in 2019.
Teves, who went into hiding in March 2023 shortly after being allowed to go to US for vacation sanctioned by Speaker Martin Romualdez, was designated “terrorist” by Anti-Terrorism Council in August 2023 following his expulsion from House of Representatives for disorderly conduct and continued absence despite expired travel authority.
In early February, Manila Court ordered cancellation of his passpor expelled lawmaker applied for asylum in Timor-Leste in 2023. However, in May last year, DFA said application was denied. Teves then sought for reconsideration, according to DOJ.
Earlier, Topacio expressed optimism that Teves’ application for political asylum in Timor-Leste would be granted and alleged killer of Degamo would no longer be extradited or deported back to the Philippines.
“He is not being prosecuted here in normal process…he is being persecuted with end view of pinning him down, notwithstanding constitutional guarantees of presumption of innocence,” Topacio said.
He insisted Teves was victim of “political persecution” by Philippine government.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier called on Teves to return to the country immediately and “face court squarely.”
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