12 Abril 2024, Biyernes

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

Hse probe sought on ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with China

By Nidz Godino

“Integrity of our nation’s sovereignty cannot be subjected to clandestine agreements  undermine  rights of  Filipino people,” Rep. Jefferson Khonghun of Zambales’ first district,  member of  so-called “Young Guns” group of lawmakers in  House of Representatives  is urging lower chamber  to conduct  probe into  reported gentleman’s agreement on West Philippine Sea (WPS) between former president Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Khonghun  is calling for  congressional inquiry into the matter, expressing grave concerns over  potential compromise of  Philippines’ territory and sovereignty.

Khonghun’s first district in Zambales includes coastal areas of  West Philippine Sea.

Move  comes after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  was “horrified”  “secret agreement” might have compromised  country’s territory, sovereignty and sovereign rights in  WPS.

Alleged  agreement is widely believed to have given China leverage to shift blame onto  Philippines amid escalating tensions in WPS.

According to Khonghun, his alignment with the President’s position reflects  broader trend among legislators, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in matters of national sovereignty and security.

“It is imperative that we shed light on any agreements or arrangements that could potentially compromise our country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, Filipino people deserve to know the truth and hold accountable those responsible for any actions that may jeopardize our national interests,” Khonghun pointed out.

Chinese embassy, meanwhile was thankful for previous agreements struck with  Philippine government, as it reiterated its call for Manila to abide by  commitments.

“Thanks to the understandings and agreements reached by the two sides,  overall peace and stability at Ayungin Shoal was maintained in the past few years,”  embassy said in  statement.

It again urged  Philippines to “value and honor their commitments, abide by  consensus,” but again without providing details on who made supposed deal and where and when it was made.

Marcos would seek clarification about the matter from  Chinese ambassador in Manila.

Philippines has filed  total of 150 diplomatic protests against China under  Marcos administration from July 1, 2022, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said this includes 17 protests against China’s illegal presence and actions in  West Philippine Sea that were lodged this year and as of April 9.

Philippines summoned on March 25  Chinese embassy’s charge d’affaires to protest  China Coast Guard (CCG)’s “aggressive actions” around Ayungin Shoal, which left four Filipino soldiers injured and  supply vessel severely damaged.

DFA conveyed  Philippines’ strong protest against  aggressive actions undertaken by  CCG and Chinese maritime militia against  rotation and resupply mission undertaken by  Philippines in Ayungin Shoal on March 23.

China’s violent water cannon attack on  Philippine vessel and dangerous actions in  South China Sea sparked international condemnation.

Philippines has made sincere efforts to implement instruction of President Marcos and President Xi to lower tensions but “China’s aggressive actions call into question its sincerity in lowering  tensions and promoting peace and stability in South China Sea.”

Even as Philippines continues to engage China in dialogue and diplomacy at the bilateral and multilateral levels,  DFA said China’s aggressive actions contradict and put to waste ASEAN-China efforts to promote practical activities to foster peace and cooperation in the region.

Under the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte, Philippines filed  total of 388 diplomatic protests from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2022. 

11 Abril 2024,Huwebes

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

‘Secret agreement’ with Ch ‘horrifies’ FMJ

By Nidz Godino

“I am horrified by  idea that we have compromised…  through  secret agreement,  territory,  sovereignty and sovereign rights of  Philippines… something  we still have to clear it up, we are waiting for Ambassador Huang to come back from Beijing… and I asked to see him, maybe when I come back,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.   is seeking clarification from  Chinese government on supposed gentleman’s agreement on West Philippine Sea entered into by Manila and Beijing during  Duterte administration, even as he warned such  deal could have “compromised”  sovereignty and sovereign rights of the country.

Marcos would meet with Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian upon his return from  US, where he is set to attend  trilateral summit with US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida this week.

First-ever trilateral meeting among  US, Japan and  Philippines in Washington comes on heels of heightened tensions between  Philippines and China over territorial disputes in  West Philippine Sea.

Marcos  wants  Chinese envoy to clarify  alleged agreement and explain whether this was  formal or personal deal.

“We want Huang to explain China is talking to …who are you really talking to…what did you agree on…was this  official thing or was it  personal thing…what is this…because we have no record, no matter where you look, there is no record, so, it was all done in secret…why did they do it…if they did, why did they keep it  secret… I’m really wondering…so, it’s not  good situation,” the Chief Executive said.

Harry Roque, who served as former president Rodrigo Duterte’s presidential spokesman, earlier said  Philippines and China agreed to keep status quo in  territorial waters, meaning only basic supplies, not building materials, would be deployed to  BRP Sierra Madre,  rusty ship grounded at Ayungin Shoal since 1999  serves as Philippine Navy outpost.

Marcos maintained not aware of any agreement between Manila and Beijing since he assumed office in June 2022, where  two countries supposedly agreed to keep  status quo in  WPS.

“We don’t know, it was  secret agreement… we don’t know anything about it… no documentation, no record, there is no , we were not briefed when I came into office, we still don’t know what that agreement really is…but if  it is said in that agreement that we have to compromise with other countries in order to move in our own territory… it must be difficult to follow that kind of agreement,” Marcos told reporters after attending an event in San Juan City.

Asked whether he already brought up the matter with Duterte, Marcos said they are talking with  former leader’s officials.

“We’re talking to his former officials, maybe not the president himself, but always former officials… we’re asking what was that…please explain to us so we know what to do…and we still haven’t gotten  straight answer,” Marcos said.

In  statement, Salvador Panelo, chief legal counsel of past administration, said no agreement whether formal or informal  regarding  WPS was entered into by Duterte with China.

Panelo said three former Duterte Cabinet officials executive secretary Salvador Medialdea, defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana, and interior secretary Eduardo Año  have issued separate statements denying such  gentleman’s deal regarding  WPS.

Año now Marcos’ national security adviser  was present during Duterte’s visit to China as well as in  dialogue between Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Chinese embassy in Manila  denied  existence of Beijing’s “sleeper cells” in the Philippines.

The embassy claimed it is  fabrication and disinformation against China,  always “adheres” to non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs.

Military  and Department of Information and Communications Technology are investigating Chinese companies allegedly pretending to be American or European enterprises allegedly recruiting Filipino soldiers as analysts online.

“Those are merely malicious speculation and groundless accusation against China with  purpose of inciting Sinophobic sentiments in the Philippines…we firmly oppose this,” the embassy said.

11 Abril 2024, Huwebes

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

Raffy beats Sara in 2028 ‘match-up’ polls – OCTA

By J.Lo

“In all  survey results, Sen. Raffy Tulfo won by  margin of some 10 to 15 points,” OCTA fellow Ranjit Rye told media if  2028 presidential race would be down to two leading candidates, Sen. Raffy Tulfo will win by  significant margin against Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, based on commissioned polls conducted by  OCTA Research group.

“No survey that we have come up with show that, in  one-on-one situation, did Sara Duterte win over Sen. Raffy Tulfo,” he said as he disclosed  results of three commissioned surveys they conducted related to  2028 presidential elections.

Rye stressed that  findings “don’t really matter” because  two-way presidential race never happened post-EDSA.

“What I’m trying to say, maybe in  real election, in traditional election in the Philippines, you don’t have just one or two candidates, in  three- or four-way contest, these numbers will change… slightly going to favor VP Sara or candidates with  bailiwick,” he said.

During  interview, Rye also stressed  still too early to conduct surveys on 2028 presidential elections, saying there is “so much that will happen between now and 2028.”

He was responding to Tulfo’s request that his name be taken out of surveys for the next presidential elections.

“We respect  opinion of Sen. Raffy Tulfo…we’ll discuss it, and most likely we will take his name out.. really too early to do polls for 2028,  quite early to talk about 2028 now… I can understand Sen. Tulfo’s concern because it might sidetrack him from what he has to do or the message he wants to advocate or  advocacies that he wants to push because people will always suspect him of positioning for 2028,” Rye said.

In his program Tulfo said it pains him that discussions right now are already focused on who will replace  current administration even if it has just started.

“We should be talking about how we can support this administration going towards its goal,” he said.

“Please do not include my name… I implore you, especially in 2028,” he added.

Recent  Pulse Asia survey showed Tulfo statistically tied with Duterte among those preferred to run for president in 2028.

The senator obtained 35 percent of support from respondents while Duterte received 34 percent.

They were followed by former vice president Leni Robredo with 11 percent; Sen. Imee Marcos, five percent; Sen. Robin Padilla, two percent; Sen. Risa Hontiveros, one percent and Speaker Martin Romualdez with less than a percent of support.

On OCTA’s part, Rye said much of their polls regarding the senator are commissioned.

“That’s why we haven’t released anything regarding his numbers,” he noted.

While they respect Tulfo’s request, he said there are poll questions they cannot control.

11 Abril 2024, Huwebes

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

US, ‘very, very concerned’ about Ch actions in WPS

By Nidz Godino

“I’m very concerned about what’s happening at the Second Thomas Shoal… “I’m very, very concerned about  direction it’s going,” top US military officer in Pacific  said Washington was “very, very concerned” about Beijing’s recent “dangerous” actions in  disputed South China Sea, after confrontations with Philippine vessels.

Speaking in Sydney, United States Indo-Pacific Command head Admiral John Aquilino referenced recent encounters between Chinese and Philippine boats around  remote shoal in  Spratly Islands.

Since  1990s, China has sought to exert control over  swathe of  southwest Pacific, bringing tense standoffs with many neighbors who claim various islands, atolls, reefs and shoals for their own.

Last  month has seen two collisions near  Second Thomas Shoal between vessels from China and  Philippines, and Chinese ships blasting water cannon at Philippine boats.

Both countries claim rights over the area  sits at  vital resource-rich maritime crossroads for regional trade.

United States,  treaty ally of  Philippines, has led  chorus of support for  Southeast Asian country in response to China’s actions.

Aquilino said China’s “unilateral” actions were “dangerous, illegal and they are destabilizing  region”.

“What’s next and how far are they willing to go in that area?”

China calls  Second Thomas Shoal, Ren’ai Reef, and claims it lies within  so-called “nine-dash line” , vast zone of Chinese control  encompasses almost all of  South China Sea.

In 2016, international tribunal dismissed Chinese historic claims over the territory as having no legal foundation and criticized Beijing’s naval actions as impinging on  Philippines’ sovereignty.

But  ruling has been largely ignored by China and confrontations have continued.

11 Abril 2024, Huwebes

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

“No penalty for teacher in viral scolding video”, put as policy

By Creselda Canda-Lopez

“Lahat tayo umaabot sa punto na nagagalit tayo, lalo ‘pag nafu-frustrate tayo… especially true sa mga teachers dahil ang teachers natin hindi lang isang tao ang kausap nila,” Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte said no penalty will be imposed on  public school teacher who went viral for scolding her students while streaming live on TikTok.  The  Vice President and Education Secretary simply advised  teacher to take  moment to calm down when feeling frustrated. 

“Sinabihan ko ang regional office natin na there will be no penalties for the teacher…just to remind  teacher that if she is angry, she has to pause…itigil muna iyong klase…and when she’s not angry anymore, saka siya magklase ulit,” she added.

The teacher was issued  show-cause order and given 72 hours to explain her actions. 

In  video streamed live on TikTok, the teacher angrily scolded her students for their behavior, saying they have “forgotten boundaries” and have routinely disrespected her. 

The teacher used insulting language towards  students, such as “ugaling iskwater” and “ingrato”.

But according to Duterte, the teacher claimed that she did not know she was online while recording the video. 

Duterte added that students who felt uncomfortable due to  teacher’s lashing could receive psychosocial support.

Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) welcomed  development, saying it demonstrates “some level of empathy from  DepEd leadership towards  teacher.”

However, TDC stressed  Duterte’s statement should be formalized into  policy to ensure its application beyond this specific case.

TDC has long been pushing for  review of DepEd Child Protection Policy and amendments to Republic Act 7610 or Anti-Child Abuse Law,  puts teachers at  disadvantage.

In  earlier statement, TDC chairman Benjo Basas said  viral video shows “bigger problem”,discipline in schools. 

“In  classroom setting, discipline is indispensable…children need discipline to learn…unfortunately,  ability to discipline children is rendered obsolete by  classification of almost all forms of discipline as child abuse in our existing policies,” he said.

Department of Education has issued  show cause order against public school teacher who went viral for scolding her students while live-streaming on TikTok incident that some believe is an overstep in classroom discipline but educators say is proof of deeper issues in  school system.

DepEd Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas said in  message to media that  teacher in viral video has been asked by  DepEd regional office to explain her actions.

DepEd has given  teacher 72 hours to respond to  show cause order,  issued “for her to explain”  incident and “part of due process,”  DepEd official added.

While  offense has yet to be identified by  department, Bringas said: “We should be guided by existing policies on use of social media…we should all be responsible social media users.” 

Video ,  has now gone viral on Facebook and X , shows  teacher recording herself inside  classroom while expressing her frustration with her students.

Teacher’s video is in  format of  TikTok livestream with real-time comments being flashed on screen.

TikTok account that uploaded  video, “serendipitylover,” is no longer accessible on platform.

In  video,  teacher is shown lashing out at her students over their behavior, saying they have “forgotten boundaries” and have routinely disrespected her.

The public school teacher uttered remarks that used derogatory language against students, such as “ugaling iskwater  and “ingrato ,” among others.

All DepEd personnel, including public school teachers, are required to adhere to department’s zero-tolerance policy on all acts of child abuse, as stated in DepEd’s Child Protection Policy.

The 2012 guidelines, as outlined in DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012, consider any act or words  “debases, degrades or demeans  intrinsic worth and dignity of  child as  human being” as child abuse. 

DepEd order also states that teachers are considered “second parents” in school who are “expected to discharge their functions and duties with this in mind.”

DepEd also acknowledged in their Child Protection Policy  “cases of abuse may arise as  result of  difficult situations faced by teachers and other officials within and outside school.” 

Extent  teachers can discipline their students without resorting to abusive acts was subject of  House basic education committee’s deliberation of bills proposing amendments to Republic Act 7610 or Child Abuse Law in 2023. 

During House committee hearing, lawmakers said there is  need to safeguard teachers from blanket charges of child abuse by qualifying what actions fall under  exercise of their “discipline authority” inside classroom.

Ruby Bernardo, representative of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers – National Capital Region, said during  hearing  some teachers have been slapped with child abuse cases for actions as simple as asking  student to stand up and face the wall for disrupting  lecture.  

This prompted House basic education chair Rep. Roman Romulo (Pasig City) to comment on the need to improve  Child Abuse Law so that it cannot be used to arbitrarily go after teachers who discipline their students.

Basas appealed to  public to withhold judgment against teacher as several factors can push  teacher to lash out against their students. 

In  statement, Basas explained: “there are many factors as to why teachers lose their patience, and among these is their heavy workload, low pay and benefits, overcrowded classrooms and students who oftentimes misbehave.”

Basas also said there is  need to review RA 7610, which has “good intentions” but has been misused to “abuse” teachers.

“TDC is challenging DepEd not just to be understanding, but also to provide legal help for teachers facing similar cases,” Basas added.

11 Abril 2024, Huwebes

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

2025 automated polls hang as court may haly VCM use

By J.Lo

“We possibly won’t have automated elections in 2025 since each day is critical in our timeline,” Commission on Elections (Comelec)  Chairman George Garcia said in a radio interview, responding to queries about  impact of  restraining order  former congressman Edgar Erice intends to file before court Comelec might not be able to hold automated elections in May 2025 if court stops  use of vote counting machines to be manufactured by  joint venture led by Korean firm Miru Systems Inc.

Garcia said the poll body welcomes any court petition questioning legality of  Full Automation System with Transparency Audit and Count project.

 Restraining  order issued by  court against  poll body could derail preparations for  May 2025 midterm elections, Garcia admitted.

Manufacturing  of voting machines for  2025 polls will take about six months, Garcia noted.

After completion,  machines will undergo tests for international certification, which will take more than a month, he added.

There would be  source code review for about two months and  machines will be tested in parts of the country, he said.

11 Abril 2024, Huwebes

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

Pertussis cases top 1k as gov’t scrambles for vaccines

By J.Lo

“We anticipate  shortage in government pentavalent vaccine supply by May, and this is the gap we are now addressing,” Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said cases of pertussis in the country have surpassed 1,000 this year as government vaccine supplies for  respiratory illness dwindle.

Data from  DOH showed 1,112 pertussis cases from January 1 to March 23,  nearly 34-fold increase over last year’s 32 cases for the same period.

Fifty-four deaths were recorded, all involving children under five years old. 

According to  health agency, 77% of  total pertussis cases were children below five years old. Pertussis,  causes flu-like symptoms and  characteristic hacking cough, is especially dangerous in infants. 

Adults aged 20 and above accounted for only 4% of pertussis cases. 

Eastern Visayas, Cagayan Valley, Caraga, Central Luzon, and Cordillera Autonomous Region showed  continuous rise in cases over  past weeks,  DOH said. 

Herbosa said outbreak response immunization is ongoing even as government’s stocks of pentavalent vaccines are running low.  Five-in-one combination jab protects individuals against pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis B, haemophilus influenzae type b.

The health chief ordered use of Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (Tdap) vaccines as temporary measure to prevent gaps in vaccination coverage while waiting for  new batch of three million pentavalent vaccines. 

He added private sector still has stocks of pentavalent and Tdap jabs

World Health Organization Regional Office in Western Pacific said last week that pertussis and measles are concerns for many countries following disruptions in routine vaccinations caused by COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns.

Pertussis is transmitted through coughing or sneezing. Antibiotics are available and effective against  bacteria that cause pertussis. 

DOH advised public to use disposable tissues or elbow to cover coughs and sneezes, wash hands regularly and use alcohol. Wearing of masks is encouraged, especially in areas with poor ventilation or crowded conditions.

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

1 Peter 2:24

²⁴ “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

10 Abril 2024, Miyerkules

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

MM LGUs to implement 7 to 4 working hrs to ease traffic

By J.Lo

“All government offices under  Local Government Units located in  National Capital Region shall adopt  modified working schedule from 7:00 in the morning to 4:00 in the afternoon,” read  MMDA resolution, Metro Manila Council, through MMDA Resolution 24-08 Series of 2024, is now mandating all Metro Manila local government units to adjust their operating hours to an earlier time as  “innovative solution” against rush hour congestion.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairperson Don Artes announced  modified working hour schedule at  townhall meeting on traffic concerns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. .

“In  implementation thereof,  local government units located in NCR] are hereby enjoined to enact their respective ordinances.”

This was done as  traditional 8 in the morning  to 5 in the afternoon working hours in government offices currently coincide with  standard working hours of private companies, thereby “contributing to traffic congestion in Metro Manila.”

New  working hours will be implemented despite Artes himself primary cause of traffic congestion is  increasing number of vehicle purchases.

“National Government Agencies located in NCR are strongly encouraged to adopt modified working schedule from 7 in the morning  to 4 in the afternoon,”  resolution read.

“This adjustment aims to distribute  ingress and egress of employees, thereby mitigating traffic congestion during peak hours.”

Local chief executives of Metro Manila LGUs are likewise tasked in ensuring  “strict implementation” of  prescribed working schedule.

Government agencies located in NCR providing essential services may also adopt  same schedule adjustment, provided  they ensure continues and uninterrupted public service delivery. 

Resolution  is said to take effect on April 15, 2024,  same day as implementation of  e-bike and e-trike ban on major Metro Manila roads.

10 Abril 2024, Miyerkules

more birthdays to come JO GOD-SAVES MONTOJO LOPEZ

welcomes Bagong Bayani Monico Lopez Caranay

supports International Autism Day, April 1-8, 2024

EE slam arrest of alleged sexual abuse victim in Cavite

By J.Lo

“Enough is Enough,”  student-led organization advocating against sexual abuse on campuses, released  statement  condemning  arrest of alias “Robert,”  reported victim of sexual abuse from Bacoor National High School. Authorities arrested “Robert” last week on charges of cyber libel filed by his alleged abusers, according to the organization.

Youth  group is calling for  speedy resolution of charges against victim in Cavite was allegedly sexually abused by his teachers.

“Incarceration of alias Robert is  threat issued to all victims who seek justice, that any attempts to call out predators and enablers alike will put you behind bars,”  group’s statement read, quoting Enough is Enough lead convenor Sophie Reyes.

“But this is not the time to cower into submission…all the more, victims and advocates alike must overcome all odds, including  weaponization of  Cybercrime law, in  pursuit of justice and safer campuses,” it added.

“Robert” is reported to be one of the whistleblowers who exposed alleged sexual harassment issues at Bacoor National High School in 2022.

According to the group,  school failed to provide safe spaces and denied him  means to “seek justice and accountability.”

 “Prosecution of victims” has also been lamented by the group as it allowed  charges to be filed “in retaliation” against  students seeking accountability.

“The very reason why he resorted to social media to report  abuse…second,  Department of Education ,DepEd enabled such crimes and failed to expedite  investigation despite promising victims and their parents  swift and fair resolution…third,  justice system empowered  predators to retaliate against  victim,”  group’s statement read, quoting Reyes.

Advocates  also said  filing of charges against “Robert” would bring  chilling effect on any victims who would come forward to seek justice.

Cyber libel, according to  Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, is libel committed through  cyber space.

If found guilty,  individual could be imprisoned for six months to four years or  fine ranging from P40,000 to P1,200,000 or both.

Penalties  defined under  Revised Penal Code, such as libel, has  penalty one degree higher when lodged under  Cybercrime Prevention Act.

This law has been flagged by United Nations Special Rapporteur for freedom of opinion and expression Irene Khan during her visit to the Philippines last January as it could threaten one’s freedom of expression.

The group has also urged for  revision of Safe Spaces Act as it “remains elusive and tragically fails to protect victims.”

“Safe Spaces Law was enacted five years ago and yet there are still many cases of sexual harassment in schools all across the country that do not even reach courts,” the group said in  separate statement.