No destabilization move amid Marcos-Duterte rift

By Nidz Godino

“He said there is no destabilization plot, there is no coup d’etat. That’s the response of our chief PNP,” Col. Jean Fajardo, PNP’s chief publicist, said at a news briefing.

no brewing destabilization or coup attempt against the government despite the word war between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.and his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte.

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. gave the assurance as he instructed police officers to shun political noise.

Fajardo urged the public to be cautious about unverified information, saying the PNP has not monitored any plan to oust Marcos.

She said the PNP is on normal alert status except for its forces in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, who are on full alert.

While police officers are exposed to news about the current political climate in the country, Fajardo said they should not be affected by these issues, and instead focus on their jobs.

“The PNP chief is always reminding every policeman not to lose focus and continue discharging their sworn duties” she said.

Earlier, Duterte called Marcos a drug addict.

In response, Marcos said Duterte may have been affected by long term use of fentanyl, a painkiller.

Duterte responded by daring Marcos to undergo a drug test to prove that he is not into illegal drugs.

Fajardo urged interest groups to spare the PNP and refrain from using the organization for their personal gains.

“Our focus is to enforce the law and implement legal orders of duly constituted authorities,” she said.

Lawmakers were set to brief police officials about Charter change (Cha-cha) yesterday morning, but the meeting was called off for unknown reasons, sources said.

As this developed, the PNP downplayed the voiding of the designation of Lt. Gen. Michael John Dubria as officer-in-charge of the office of the PNP deputy chief for administration, the second highest position in the police force.

Dubria, deputy chief for operations, is the third highest official in the PNP.

Fajardo said the voiding of Dubria’s designation has nothing to do with the official’s alleged ties with the Dutertes.?Dubria is reportedly among the so-called Davao boys, being a former chief of the Davao City police.

“I was made to understand that the order was issued prematurely,” Fajardo said, noting that Dubria’s designation was taken back in deference to Marcos, the appointing authority.

“Let’s wait for the official announcement… The order was nullified because it was prematurely issued,” she said.

Amid the word war among the country’s leaders, Military Ordinariate of the Philippines Bishop Oscar Florencio urged Filipinos to pray for them.

In an interview over the Church-run Radio Veritas, Florencio reminded the country’s

leaders to think about their words and actions as these could have consequences on the people.

“True leaders are supposedly discerning on what they should do, because whatever they say or do, these would have some repercussions to their constituents,” said Florencio, chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Prison Pastoral Care.

“Let us pray for them and let us not be swayed. As a people and community, we can still do something – listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit,” he added.

The prelate said Filipinos should be vigilant and monitor developments on how government leaders run the country.

He said leaders should focus their efforts on improving the lives of the people.

“What should be our primary concern is what is good for the nation and its people,” Florencio said. 

PI for Mindanao secession

Bby J.Lo

“It’s not a rebellion. There is a process in the UN where you would gather signatures in Mindanao verifying under oath, in the presence of the many people, that you want a separate nation,” , former president Rodrigo Duterte after accusing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.of being behind the people’s initiative signature campaign to change the Constitution, put forward the idea of Mindanao seceding from the rest of the Philippines.

Duterte said there is currently a “regrouping of the political arena that is still in the works” that would lead to the campaign for Mindanao to separate from the rest of the country.

He clarified this was not the start of a rebellion, but rather a continuation of the advocacy of Davao del Norte 1st District Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, former House speaker.

His desire to secede, he said, is born out of frustration from the way the country is being run, and how after so many presidents the Philippines has not progressed.

He expressed confidence that an independent Mindanao can stand on its own, given its many natural resources. “We have everything and yet we give all our resources (to the Visayas and Luzon). Mindanao is rich,” he said.

Duterte acknowledged that separating from the rest of the country might cause people from the Visayas and Luzon to flock to Mindanao.

“But of course, if we separate and become independent and the Filipinos will come here, it’s going to be a problem. But you can come here. Mga taga Luzon at Visayas, we will not deny you,” he said.

“What is at stake now is our future, so we’ll just separate,” he added. While he is for an independent Mindanao, Duterte clarified that he will not be seeking another political post.?“I will just be an advisor. If this independent Mindanao will materialize, I will not run for office,” he said.

Alvarez for his part said there is no reason why an independent Mindanao will not succeed.

“Let us take for example the case of Singapore. There was no bloodshed, it was peaceful. What is the size of Singapore? It is exactly as small as Siargao Island in Surigao. Singapore has one asset – good governance, and we have lots of good leaders in Mindanao who know how to run a government,” he said.

?Alvarez also gave assurance that there would be no shortcuts to the process of secession.

“We will take the pains of explaining. We will let the people understand,” he said.

This will be Alvarez’s last term in Congress, after which he will devote his time going around Mindanao on an information campaign. 

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Deuteronomy 6:4-5

⁴ Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.^[a] 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

Footnotes

1. Deuteronomy 6:4 Or The Lord our God is one Lord; or The Lord is our God, the Lord is one; or The Lord is our God, the Lord alone

House supports ‘Bagong Pilipinas’

By Nidz Godino

“These major political parties that comprise the membership of the House – we are one in solidarity with President BBM in his endeavor to bring about a ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ (New Philippines) and a better life for our people,” Speaker Martin Romualdez said.

officials and members of the House of Representatives overwhelmingly adopted on Monday a resolution expressing their support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and his “Bagong Pilipinas” program for the duration of his six-year term.

Romualdez said the expression of unity with the Chief Executive was unanimously agreed upon by leaders of political parties in the House, in an all-majority party caucus over the weekend.

“The congressional support is contained in House Resolution 1557 entitled, “Expressing the strong and unqualified support of the House to His Excellency, President Marcos, for his leadership and sincere commitment to steer the country toward a ‘Bagong Pilipinas.’”

Romualdez led House leaders in authorizing the resolution. His co-authors are Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr., Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan, Deputy Speakers Roberto Puno, Camille Villar, Antonio Albano and Kristine Meehan.

Co-authors include Reps. Yedda Romualdez, David Suarez, Jude Acidre, Robert Ace Barbers, Michael John Duavit, Brian Raymund Yamsuan, Johnny Pimentel, Albert Garcia, Tobias Tiangco, Jose Aquino II, Elizaldy Co, LRay Villafuerte, Jesus Eleandro Madrona, Wilfrido Enverga, Jesus Jurdin Romualdo and Angelica Natasha Co.

“Let me urge each one of you to support the adoption of House Resolution No. 1557 expressing the strong and unqualified support of the House to President Marcos for his leadership and sincere commitment to steer the country toward a Bagong Pilipinas through responsive and efficient service for the benefit of the Filipino people,” Gonzales said in his sponsorship speech.

The resolution stated that the program is a “strong testament” to the President’s “commitment to undertake reform to restore public trust and embark on a transformative journey where government services and financial assistance programs are accessible to every Filipino regardless of creed or religion.”

“It is the overarching theme of President Marcos administration’s brand of governance and leadership, characterized by a principled, accountable and dependable government reinforced by unified institutions of society,” the House stated.

The program is also “a call to unity, a rallying cry for every Filipino to come together, transcending differences and working hand in hand for a brighter and more prosperous life ahead,” it stressed.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said yesterday that it fully supports the Marcos administration’s Bagong Pilipinas brand of governance.

Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan led over 1,000 DPWH officials and employees in expressing the agency’s full support to the administration program.

The agency also joined the program’s kick-off rally held at the Quirino grandstand on Sunday.

For his part, Bonoan commits to continuously steer the DPWH in fulfilling its mandate as the infrastructure arm of the government.

He said that top priorities of the agency are the construction and maintenance of roads for improved accessibility, building of more flood control structures to strengthen protection of communities susceptible to inundation and opening of more bridges to promote inter-island connectivity.

Bonoan said the DPWH’s “Build Better More” program is on track with thousands of project accomplishments now serving millions across the country.

He said that from July 2022 to November 2023, the DPWH was able to complete the construction, repair, maintenance, upgrading and widening of 7,715 kilometers of roads, 969 bridges, 2,410 flood control projects, 6,439 rain water collector systems, 389 kilometers of farm-to-market roads, 12 kilometers of farm-to-mill roads and 5,116 classrooms.

To ensure faster completion of projects, DPWH has further improved its system by implementing various strategies in all stages of project implementation such as digital applications from planning, design, procurement and contract management; has increased the limits of delegated authority of regional offices and district engineering offices for faster approval of detailed engineering designs, plans, program of works and approved budget for the contract; conducted advance procurement activities for all projects to save time and ensure immediate commencement of projects right after the approval of the General Appropriations Act.

Meanwhile, militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) criticized the government for spending nearly P24 million for the Bagong Pilipinas kick-off rally on Sunday.

Bayan president Renato Reyes said yesterday that invitations to bid from the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) showed a budget of P16.4 million for rental of technical equipment.

In another document, the administration had set aside P7.59 million for the procurement of tokens and collaterals such as aprons, ballers, caps, car stickers, hoodie jackets, tote bags, t-shirts and tumblers.

“That they would spend P24 million for a one-day event, it’s like there’s no crisis,” Reyes said in a statement.

“They say it’s a ‘New Philippines,’ but it’s still the same old habits prevailing. This was an expensive gathering to beautify the administration’s image,” he said.

At a news forum in Quezon City a day before the event, PCO Undersecretary Gerard Baria defended the holding of the activity, stressing the significance of Bagong Pilipinas – which is about good governance – deserves publicity.

“A press release is not enough. It should be drummed up,” the PCO official said. 

komedya o komida

ni Derek Jorge

Komedyanteng piskal

KOMEDYANTE rin itong fixkal sa katagalugan, makikisakay naman sa itim at orange mong Ford Ranger pick up truck, mukhang napamanahan ito ng kaanak sa abroad, magkano lang ba ang sweldo mo prosecutor para makabili ka ng magarang sasakyan. Shout out muna kina Chairman Alfredo Quiambao, Kagawad Pablo De Guzman, Esperanza Benedicto, Michelle Bautista, Rorielou Cando, Acemond Pineda, Mark Del Rosario at Alexander Malvar. Paano nga ba Kiwal, bulati kong kikiwal-kiwal nagiging piskal. Syempre pasado ka muna sa bar, abogado ka, nagsanay sa Public Attornys Office ni Percida Acosta, friend ni Kuya Jun Coles. Nag-aplay at pumasang piskal. Sa bawat branch ng korte ay may piskal, ito ang nagtatanggol sa complainant kahit pa may private prosecutor. Kapag isinampa ng complainant ang usapin sa piskalye, magkakaroon ng Preliminary Investigation, ipatatawag kapwa ng piskal ang complainant at dependant, sa takdang panahon ng paghaharap ay pagsusumitihin ng “counter-affidavit” ni piskal ang respondent hinggil sa panig nito sa reklamo. Sa pagsusumite ng counter-affidavit ay aalamin ni piskal sa complainant kung pwede itong kausapin ng dependant para sa “out-of-court “ settlement o areglo, kung payag ay maghaharap ang magkabilang panig sa “mediation”, doon ay aalukin ng halaga ng respondent ang complainant kapalit ng pag-uurong ng reklamo o “affidavit of dessistance”. Isusumite naman ito ng dependant kalakip ng “motion to dismiss the case”, tapos ang usapin. Sa panahon naman ng “arraignment” o pagbasa ng kaso, sakaling may motion for reinvestigation pending ang complainant ay palulugitan ni Judge ang piskal ng 10 araw para mag-comment, kapag payag si piskal, ibababa sa piskalya ang usapin mula sa korte at PIang kasunod sa loob ng tatlong buwan para sa resolusyong kadalasang dismiss o kaya’y areglo. Kaya lamang bakit piskal sa maling korte naisampa ang usapin ni Rolly boy, naiputan sa ulo ng asawa nito gayong alam mo naman kung nasa hurisdiksyon ng hahawak na korte ang kaso. Nagtatanga-tangahan k aba o bayad ka para i-delay ang kaso? Inaasahang muling isasampa ang demanda pero  dapat ka ring idisiplina, bar discipline, take charge. Panahon na naman ng camp, Derek Kim, see you sa Febrero 15, maligayang buwan ng pag-ibig kasambahay.. Welcome to iskup Glenn Reveals

‘Uniteam’ remains intact despite word war with Dutertes

By Nidz Godino

“If you remember ‘Uniteam’ is not just one party or two parties or three parties. It’s the unification of all political, hopefully all political forces in the Philippines to come together for the good of the country,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said. 

so-called “Uniteam” coalition is still intact and functional, after signs of cracks in his alliance with the Dutertes emerged.

Marcos maintained that his relationship with Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio is perfectly the same” even after he and his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, engaged in a war of words.

“And that is still there. It is still vibrant. It is still working, and we will continue,” he added. 

The president also said that Sara will retain her post as the country’s education chief. 

The Marcoses and the Dutertes formed an alliance ahead of the 2022 elections. Since then, however, their relationship has seemingly fractured ahead of next year’s midterm polls and the 2028 presidential race. 

On Sunday, former president Duterte launched a tirade against Marcos over a campaign to change the Constitution. He accused his successor of being a “drug addict” without evidence and of trying to amend the Constitution to extend his term.

The Duterte patriarch also warned Marcos that pursuing charter change could lead to his ouster, similar to what happened to his dictator father. 

Marcos struck back at his predecessor, suggesting the former leader’s use of fentanyl had taken a toll on his health. 

Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, the vice president’s brother, also called for Marcos’ resignation over the weekend. 

In a statement Monday, Sara said her brother did it out of “brotherly love, coupled with common sentiment that I do not deserve the despicable treatment that I am receiving from some sectors within the circle of the president.” 

Public warned vs ‘12-month free travel card’ scam

By J.Lo

“We urge beep card users and commuters to prioritize safety by being vigilant and refraining from clicking on or subscribing to any suspicious links that could potentially compromise your personal and financial data,” AF Payments Inc. (AFPI) chief executive officer JJ Moreno said.

Department of Transportation and the company that operates the beep card payment system have warned the public about a fake online promotion offering a 12-month free travel card. 

In a statement Moreno said that there is no authorized promotion of such beep cards offering free rides, calling posts about it “misleading, bogus, and fraudulent.”

The DOTr earlier warned the public against a certain Facebook page that spread the false promotion, which it said was “not in any way a part of or an official affiliate account under the DOTr or any of its attached agencies.”

Jorjette Aquino, assistant secretary for railways and MRT-3 officer-in-charge, cautioned the public from engaging in online transactions with unauthorized accounts.

“The DOTr, DOTr-MRT3, and the LRTA never request credit card details in any of their interactions with the public,” Aquino said in a statement. 

“We urge commuters to verify all online information through the official websites and social media channels of DOTr, DOTr-MRT-3, and LRTA, as there may be malicious parties with fraudulent intentions attempting to deceive the public,” the DOTr official added.

Moreno added that legitimate beep cards can only be bought from official outlets such as those at the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), LRT-2, Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), select convenience stores, and through its online shops at Shopee and Lazada.

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MTRCB Press release January 30, 2024

“Daniel Padilla,Naghahanap ng Buyer!” 

Pagkatapos ng kanyang breakup kay Kathryn Bernado itong magaling na si ex ay biglang ginulantang naman ang buong marketplace sa pagpost ng kanilang naipundar na mamahaling sports car kung saan ay inaalok na ito na parang ukay ukay sa sobrang mura pero di pa rin mabenta benta kahit yung celebrity pawnshop ni boss Toyo ay ayaw itong bilhin at pilit isangla sa kanya ay di ito pinansin dahil daw sa instik ito at naniwalang mamalasin ang kanyang negosyo kung mapasakanya ang kamalasan ng aktor na ayon sa mga balitang kumakalat ay dun nagaganap ang mga milagrong eksena sa loob mismo ng kanyang sports car kasama ang mga chicks na nalink kay Daniel Padilla.Ang makalap na milyones ay ipambayad daw sa utang ng aktor sa pamilya ni Kathryn para nga naman mabawasan ang nakuha ng ina nito sa aktres kaya isa sa mga solusyon ang pagbenta ng ari arian na joint ventures sila pati mga shares sa ibang negosyo talagang wala ng balak pa balikan ni Kathryn si DJ dahil pati ang ate ni Kath ay binulgar na alphanetically ang mga naging ka fling tuwing bakasyon o pagsapit ng abril-mayo ito pala ang panahon na pedeng magcheat si Daniel Padilla at maghunting ng mga type nitong aktres kaya hayan lumantad na ang pangalan ni jasmine curtis nung 2014 kung saan ay spotted itong nakipagdate,noong 2019 na kasama sa hongkong si Amdrea Brilliantes until 2023 last year,2021 ang kasamang girl ay si Barbie Imperial na nabukelya sila ng may something at lalong gumulo ng inamin ni julia barreto na pati siya ay tinatarget ni daniel kasama na dyan ang kay Gillian filomeno at sa ngayon itong model na vietnamese girl na nagpuputak putak sa ngayon na karelasyon din pala ng aktor bago makalimutan may isang russian pa na hahabol sa listahan ng mga naging jowa ng aktor kaya wag na magtataka kung sumabog at napuno na si kath sa panloloko sa kanya kaya pati pamilya nagkakampihan na kung sino ang mananalo o matatalo sa kanilang laban.Habang nganga at waley offer na proyekto itong aktor iba naman ang epek kay kathryn as in sunod sunod ang pasok ng blessings sa kanya ngayong 2024 na inaabangan na din ang adaptation niyang kasama si nadine lustre sa Tbird at ako kaya abangan ang susunod na kabanata sa aktres na patuloy ang laban sa kanyang greatest performance of her life.

House considers Senate’s economic Cha-cha

By Nidz Godino

“Pass your version of RBH 6, where there are no political provisions, only economic provisions, and we will be one with the Senate. We will no longer ask for any debates. No questions asked,” House Majority Leader and Zamboanga del Norte 2nd District Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe said at a briefing.

party stalwarts in the House of Representatives urged their Senate counterparts to show their sincerity in introducing economic constitutional reforms by passing Resolution of Both Houses 6, which the congressmen promised to adopt in full.

 “If they want, we can even do a blood compact just like what Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said,” Dalipe added, noting that senators have always blocked Charter change efforts, even when a constituent assembly was proposed.

 “If I will be asked what I will tell the Senate, just pass the RBH of Senator (Juan Miguel) Zubiri so that plebiscite for the people’s initiative can no longer be held. It is clear in our law that you cannot have two (plebiscites) in a span of five years,” he said over radio dzBB.

Dalipe noted the senators could just move ahead before the completion of people’s initiative to end “whatever their reservation and doubts.”

“Actually, people’s initiative is not a hindrance. People’s initiative will also have to pass a referendum. Whoever can pass their first version, that will be decided upon in plebiscite,” he added.

Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 3rd district Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. recalled that no less than Zubiri promised to President Marcos, as well as the Speaker, that he can have RBH-6 passed, but they were surprised about the senator’s total turnaround.

“My worry is just that they may not be able to get the 18 votes needed, just like what he promised us. SP Migz told us he can have it passed by March,” he told newsmen, adding this was the agreement, if the people’s initiative will be stopped.

Rep. Geraldine Roman of Bataan recalled that many of the senators have been congressmen themselves, and that she wonders why they have reversed themselves now that they have been elected senators, when in truth and in fact, they also supported Cha-cha when they were in House.

“Let’s walk the talk. Let’s focus our efforts on discussing the RBH-6. Let’s not waste time. Let’s start the ball rolling. Let’s make it happen,” she said.

Speaker Martin Romualdez advised his maternal cousin, Senator Imee Marcos, to address the Charter change issue with “utmost respect and civility,” reminding her that even children are watching, which means they should be models of good manners and right conduct.

“My plea to Senator Imee, there is no need for disrespect. The youth are listening to us and this is not a good example,” he said. “As public servants, our primary focus should always be on the welfare of our constituents and the progress of our nation.”

“Let us end the arguments. Let’s just work for the sake of our fellow Filipinos,” the Leyte congressman added. “In the spirit of unity and cooperation, I am open to engaging in meaningful discussions with Senator Marcos.”

“It is through open communication and collaboration that we can best serve the interests of our people. Our nation faces many challenges, and it is more crucial than ever that we, as leaders, set an example of respect, understanding and cooperation,” Romualdez said.

As regards the people’s initiative that Comelec has now stopped, the House leader clarified that his meeting with PIRMA leader Noel Oñate was an open one, which was done “in the spirit of open dialogue and understanding of civic actions spearheaded by our citizens.”

“It is crucial to clarify that while I support the spirit of civic engagement and participatory governance, my involvement in the people’s initiative has been purely advisory and in no way extends to mobilizing or leading their signature campaign,” the Speaker added.

“As Speaker, I am committed to upholding the principles of democracy and facilitating discussions on matters of national interest. The meeting with the people’s initiative representatives was an exercise in this commitment,” he said.

At the same time, he denied “any allegations of involvement in unlawful activities such as vote buying related to this or any other initiative.”

“Such practices are against my principles and the ethical standards of our government,” he said. “I respect the autonomy of the people’s initiative and commend their efforts to engage in constitutional discourse. However, as the Speaker, my primary role is to steer legislative actions within the Congress and ensure that all processes are conducted with integrity, fairness and in accordance with our laws.”

The Senate has tasked Zubiri to file charges in court over the bribery allegations that hounded the ongoing people’s initiative.

The Senate during session yesterday adopted Resolution No. 920 authored by Majority Leader Joel Villanueva.

The resolution authorized the Senate President “to file, as may be necessary, the appropriate action before the proper tribunal to challenge the constitutionality, validity and irregularities relating to the people’s initiative to amend the Constitution.”

The Senate authorized Zubiri to “engage the services of counsel/s to prepare the appropriate action and all related pleadings and appear and argue before such tribunal/s for this purpose.”

The Senate adopted the resolution hours after its electoral reforms committee investigated the alleged bribery of voters with cash and welfare assistance in exchange for their signatures.

The Senate also mulled filing a petition before the Supreme Court against the gathering and verification of signatures that were allegedly obtained through fraud.

The Senate does not refuse efforts to amend the 1987 Constitution as evidenced by the filing of the Resolutions from Both Houses 6 (RBH6), Zubiri said yesterday in response to Sagip Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, who claimed the Senate refused to act on initiatives of the House of Representatives.

“Of all the initiatives taken by the House to engage you as a constituent assembly, all these initiatives have been refused. We don’t have anything yet, we haven’t met yet,” Marcoleta said at yesterday’s public hearing of the Senate committee on electoral reforms and people’s participation.

Zubiri immediately refuted Marcoleta’s assertion.

“As Senate President, as the leader of this institution, I can categorically state that we have not refused any measures. As a matter of fact, I filed last week RBH 6 which is to discuss economic provisions of the Constitution,” Zubiri pointed out.

But Marcoleta said Zubiri’s decision changed three days after he filed RBH 6, something the Senate leader denied.

“For the record, did I ever say I’m no longer pursuing this? Please cite the record that I said I will no longer pursue this,” Zubiri said.

“I would like to correct the misconception of Cong. Marcoleta. We are just fighting this people’s initiative first, because this PI, this fake people’s pnitiative, is going to undermine the processes of voting during the discussions of constitutional change.”

Again, Zubiri emphasized that they will not allow the Senate to be “killed” because bicameralism will disappear when the PI is pursued.

“We will not allow the Senate to be abolished because the bicameralism that is stipulated five times in our Constitution and provides for the checks and balances of our institution will disappear,” he added.