Commission on Human Rights (CHR) may receive “zero budget” next year despite Philippines being secular state, after four male senators questioned CHR’s position supporting bill decriminalizes abortion in the Philippines.
Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano brought to Senate’s attention CHR’s position previously echoed by its executive director, Jacqueline de Guia, during plenary deliberations into CHR’s 2024 budget on Nov. 14.
Cayetano, who described himself as Christian, expressed concern at CHR’s stance condoning abortion despite Church teachings that it is “mortal sin.”
He also referred to provision in 1987 Constitution, states state should “protect life of mother and life of unborn from conception.”
An estimated 1.26 million Filipino women including rape survivors had induced abortion in 2020 despite lack of access to safe abortion, according to the Philippine Safe Abortion Advocacy Network.
Three women die of complications from unsafe abortions daily.
Philippines has world’s most restrictive laws against abortion, despite recommendations from UN Human Rights Committee to decriminalize abortion for sake of rape and incest victims and for women whose health is at risk due to their pregnancies.
Even CHR’s budget sponsor Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, as devout Catholic, could not support CHR’s budget anymore over its statement.
In a press briefing, Estrada said CHR risks having zero budget if it does not retract its support for abortion.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva joined chorus of their fellow male senators in opposing bill that would have accorded women, especially rape victims, right to their bodies and exemption from criminal liability.
“Magsama-sama na kayo ng ICC, iha,,” former President Rodrigo Duterte said, addressing former Sen. Leila De Lima, when he was asked during “Gikan sa Masa Para sa Masa” program over Sonshine Media Network International for his comment on her possible cooperation with ICC in prosecuting him. International Criminal Court (ICC) and former senator De Lima can go together for all former president Rodrigo Duterte cares, as he is unfazed by their joining forces against his so-called war on drugs.
Duterte refused to comment on court’s granting bail for De Lima following her detention for six years over illegal drug charges at Philippine National Police custodial center inside Camp Crame.
“I would not question wisdom of court in granting bail so, I will not discuss,” he said.
ICC is adamant in pursuing its probe on Duterte’s drug war killed thousands including innocent victims.
De Lima has earlier said she considers filing legal cases against Duterte who is widely believed to be behind charges sent her to jail in 2017.
Duterte likewise lamented Speaker Martin Romualdez is behind all that is happening now, including De Lima case, in his bid for power and his plan to run for president in 2028 national elections.
He told Romualdez not to worry anymore, as former chief executive will personally campaign for him, urging Filipinos to vote for Romualdez to see how country fares under his leadership.
“In our family, it is enough,” Duterte said regarding political fortunes, as family members have occupied key positions, including his becoming president from 2016 to 2022.
Former chief executive added his daughter Sara is country’s incumbent vice president while his son Paolo is Davao City first district Representative and youngest son Sebastian is this city’s mayor.
In recent barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, his eldest grandson Omar won uncontested as village chair of Barangay Buhangin Proper while Paolo’s wife, January, likewise won as village chair of Barangay Catalunan Grande.
“How grateful we are that we are given privilege to serve in government,” Duterte said.
He added he has no wealth to bequeath his children when he dies, as he is not into business himself and his children are not businessmen.
Duterte got into politics in 1986 when he was appointed as vice mayor of Davao City and later served as city’s mayor for 23 years before becoming president in 2016.
Duterte is also unfazed by exodus of Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Laban ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) members, particularly among House lawmakers to Lakas-CMD party headed by Romualdez.
Duterte will remain with PDP-Laban even if he would be only one left in the party.
PDP-Laban used to be majority political party when Duterte was president.
Now, more than 100 PDP-Laban members have switched allegiance to Lakas-CMD.
Duterte said Davao City third district Rep. Isidro Ungab remains with him in PDP-Laban.
Duterte even understands PDP-Laban members who flocked to Romualdez’s side now and eventually made Lakas-CMD predominant political party.
Former president explains PDP-Laban members should kowtow to wishes of Romualdez, who is deemed to seek presidency in 2028.
“Llawmakers cannot move and cannot be given projects unless they are members of dominant party,” he concluded.
ACEN’s Cora Dizon got ING-FINEX 2023 CFO of the Year award
By J.Lo
“ING-FINEX CFO of the Year Award ranks first among my career accomplishments,” ACEN chief finance officer Cora Dizon describes honor as “once-in-a-lifetime recognition.”
Renewable energy company’s finance chief exemplifies this year’s theme, #LeaderspAndSustainabilityInNumbers.
Powered by a pioneering, strategic mindset in corporate management and commitment to excellence in financial leadership, Dizon has been conferred ING-FINEX 2023 CFO of the Year Award.
Dizon brought ACEN, listed energy platform of Ayala Group, to new heights through strategic finance initiatives since joining renewables platform in 2016. With more than 35 years of industry experience in real estate and energy sectors, she enabled ACEN’s phenomenal growth trajectory where its renewables business expanded over 70-fold to reach 4,500 MW of capacity across Asia Pacific. Dizon excels in her key finance roles as strategist, operator, catalyst and steward, which serve as four core criteria of longest-running and most prestigious annual award recognizes country’s top finance leaders.
WALANG magawa si Tatay Digong kundi mangasim o sour graping dahil ayaw naman niyang tawaran ang kredibilidad ng mga kabarong manananggol sa korte sa pansamantalang kalayaan ni dating Sen. Leila De Lima. Shout out muna Bishop Dante Agustin. Kaya ang sabi na lang niya sa SMNI ay magsama sina De Lima at ICC sa napipintong pangengealam nito sa Pinas. Ipinababasura raw ng UN ang NTF-ELCAC dahil red tagging lang ginagawa. Pero talaga lang ha, napwesto pala Pastor Robin ang mga apo ni Digong sa 2 barangay sa Davao City. Si Omar sa Buhangin Proper kapitan, manugang naman niyang si January, kapitana sa Catalunan Grande, preparasyon sa pagmemeyor, hindi ako magtataka kung sinuman sa mga ito ang mahihirang na association of barangay chairman president ni mayor baste. Kasama si Kiwal,bulati kong kikiwal-kiwal sa byahe ni FMJ sa tate at minarites nitong pinulutan nina FMJ at Kamara ang abusadong mga singkit. Wala raw iwanan sa timog dagat tsina, mukhang wa-takot sa ekonomiyang tigre. Hindi ako magtataka kung ang dating girian ay humantong sa larangang digmaan, kikita yata si Uncle Sam sa arms business. Mga anak at apo, magdahan-dahan sa espikikas, tirik lang mata mo hija habang ginagawa pero pag lumobo na, ngal-ngal na, 3 anak daw ni Eva ang natutumba ng komplikasyon sa abortion araw-araw. Michelle Dee, kahiya-hiya naman kung tatalunin ka ng 2 inahin sa Miss Universe, isinale na sana si mommy Melany. Ate Mae, pwede pa. Maligayang bati Ginoo at Gng. Aristides Valdez, mabuhay ang bagong kasal. Pastor Saturnino Abraham, agarin mo naman ang dokumento ng lupa para sa pabahay ng mga Badjao sa Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat. Jonathan Fernandez, muzta na, nagkakalimutan na tayo a. Problem aba, pag-usapan natin, ndgodino@yahoo.com.
iskup news-on-line daily is creation of Godino’s Advertising Agency, Trece Martires City, Cavite
17 Nobyembre 2023, Biyernes
46 days to 2024
condemns murder of Juan Jumalon
underboard nurses, be health care associates, inquire to DOH
Pilipinas, may pinakamahabang pasko sa daigdig, Maligayang Pasko!!!
Congratulations and more power BSKE winners
Klinpix Janitorial and Pest Control Services is hiring riders with units of college or equivalent in non-formal training,pretty account executives (college graduates), drivers, graphic artist 09916444376
“Vice President reiterated United States stands shoulder-to-shoulder in defending Philippines’ sovereign rights and jurisdiction in South China Sea and reaffirmed US’ defense commitment to Philippines under Article IV of 1951 US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and US Vice President Kamala Harris reaffirmed commitment to its treaty obligations to Philippines, stands “shoulder-to-shoulder” in defending its ally’s sovereign rights in the South China Sea, being challenged by China’s aggressive maneuvers in disputed waters.
In their meeting on sidelines of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, FMJ and US Vice President Kamala Harris also reaffirmed strength of alliance between their countries and discussed ongoing efforts to deepen security ties and expand commercial and economic cooperation, according to a White House statement.
White House said Harris underscored armed attack on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in Pacific, including South China Sea, would invoke US mutual defense commitments. Two leaders also reiterated their shared commitment to upholding international rules and norms, including in South China Sea, it added.
Malacañang has not issued statement on meeting as to date
FMJ and Harris also talked about strengthening and broadening economic cooperation bilaterally and through Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, according to White House.
Two leaders welcomed conclusion of historic “123” civil nuclear cooperation agreement, seen to deepen their countries’ partnership to build global clean energy economy, strengthen their shared commitment to improving energy security and advance global non-proliferation regime.
Harris announced launch of “123” agreement talks while in Manila in November 2022. Manila and Washington are set to sign landmark agreement.
Harris also announced new partnership with Philippines to grow and diversify global semiconductor ecosystem under International Technology Security and Innovation Fund, created by CHIPS Act of 2022. White House said partnership would help create “more resilient, secure, and sustainable global semiconductor value chain.”
It was fifth meeting between FMJ and Harris. Two leaders met in Manila in November 2022, at Naval Observatory in Washington in May 2023; on margins of East Asia Summit in Jakarta in September 2023, and in trilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Jakarta also in September this year.
Meeting on sidelines of ongoing ASEAN Defense Minister’s Meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III issued statement jointly denouncing China’s continuing harassment of Philippine resupply vessels to Ayungin Shoal in West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Both discussed importance of preserving rights of all nations to fly, sail and operate safely and responsibly wherever international law allows.
During meeting, Austin reiterated US President Joseph Biden’s message US defense commitment to the Philippines is ironclad.
Teodoro and Austin also emphasized 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling is final and binding on parties and called on China to abide by its obligations under international law.
Both likewise reaffirmed Mutual Defense Treaty extends to both countries’ armed forces, public vessels and aircraft including those of its Coast Guard anywhere in the Pacific, to include South China Sea.
Philippines is standing pat with its position it does not need to notify China each time country conducts resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal, over Philippines has sovereign rights and jurisdiction.
“We are being asked to give prior notification each time we conduct resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal…we will not do so… resupply missions are legitimate activities within our EEZ, in accordance with international law,” Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said in statement.
Daza stated resupply mission to and upkeep of BRP Sierra Madre are legitimate Philippine government activities in country’s exclusive economic zone, in accordance with international law, particularly United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Philippines and US have signed five key agreements, including one on giving Manila its first satellites dedicated to providing internet connectivity to far-flung areas.
FMJ witnessed signing of deals on internet access, climate change resilience, clean energy, drug manufacturing and health care between two countries’ private and public sectors on sidelines of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.
Collaboration between satellite service providers Astranis and Orbits will involve deployment of internet satellites dedicated to Philippines.
As these developed MicroGEO satellites to be launched will provide internet connection to 10 million people and 30,000 barangays, including unserved and underserved areas. Deal is seen to create more than 10,000 jobs and generate $400 million in investments over next eight years.
“Astranis and Orbits have also joined forces to bring internet connectivity to unserved and underserved areas in the Philippines… $400 million partnership will help bridge our digital divide and foster our digital transformation,” FMJ said after signing of agreement at Ritz-Carlton Hotel.
Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez said official name of first satellite would be “Agila (eagle)” for Philippine Eagle.
“Selection of name Agila or Philippine eagle holds deep significance embodying project’s unwavering commitment to connecting and empowering Filipino nation through expansion of access to digital world,” ambassador said.
Department of Science and Technology and artificial intelligence (AI) meteorology firm Atmo Inc. also signed memorandum of agreement (MOA) on building of high-resolution weather forecasting system for Philippines using AI technology.
It will be Asia’s largest AI-driven weather forecasting program. It is expected to play important role in enhancing resilience of Philippines, visited by about 20 cyclones every year.
“Atmo and Department of Science and Technology’s partnership on an AI-powered weather forecasting system will help Philippines build its climate resilience,” FMJ said.
Science Undersecretary Maridon Sahagun and Atmo Inc. founder and CEO Alexander Levy signed MOA.
Also signed was cooperation agreement between Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) and Ulttra Safe Nuclear Corp. (USNC) on pre-feasibility study on micro-modular reactors.
Study will allow Meralco to get estimate of environmental and social impact, capital expenditure and operational costs related to siting, construction and operation of one or more micro modular reactor energy systems in the country.
“This partnership is significant step towards exploring clean and sustainable energy options for Philippines… aligned with our commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to increase resilience to climate change,” FMJ said.
Company officials present during signing were USNC founder and CEO Francesco Venneri, USNC executive vice president for global strategy Roland Backhaus, former president and chairman of US Export-Import Bank and former US executive director to Asian Development Bank Ambassador John Bohn, Vesticom CEO Ramon Cruz, Meralco EVP and chief operating officer Ronnie Aperocho, Meralco EVP and COO Dominic Camu Jr., Pilipinas Global Network Ltd president and CEO Ernesto Santa Maria, and Metro Pacific Investment Corp. head of government relations and public affairs Mike Toledo.
TANYAG ang mga Pilipino bilang mamamakyaw ng overtime lalo na sa Estados Unidos, ito ang biro ni FMJ sa mga kalahi sa US, hari at reyna ng overtime. Madalas ding binabalikat ng mga pango ang iniiwasang gawin ng ibang lahi. Shout out muna sa mga pumopormang lilitaw sa seminar bukas pa-Korea, magkita-kita tayo Bishop Dante Agustin. Rev. Manuel Soliman. Sariwa pa sa aking ala-ala, taong 1998 nang makarating ako sa tate. Mahilig noon ang mga Pinoy sa part time, $5 bawat oras sa babae at $7 sa lalaki, hindi kailangang legal kang naroon dahil mas gusto ng among tnt ka, hindi ka kasi magrereklamo. Syempre, 8 oras e di $40 sa babae at $56 sa lalaki. Sinasamantala ng mga dayo ang summer kasi 4 pa lang ng umaga, maliwanag na at 10 na nang gabi, maliwanag pa. Samantalang kung taglamig 10 am, madilim pa, 4pm madilim na. Obligadong sumailalim ng preliminary investigation si dating pres Digong sa demanda ni France Castro kung hindi niya ibig magmulta. Nasilipan kasi sya, sabagay alam naman nya gagawin, atty ito e. Maligayang bati Ginoo at Gng. Aristides Valdez, mabuhay ang bagong kasal. Pastor Saturnino Abraham, agarin mo naman ang dokumento ng lupa para sa pabahay ng mga Badjao sa Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat. Jonathan Fernandez, muzta na, nagkakalimutan na tayo a. Problem aba, pag-usapan natin, ndgodino@yahoo.com.
“No motion to dismiss shall be entertained…only counter-affidavits shall be admitted…otherwise, respondent is deemed to have waived right to present evidence…furthermore, no postponement shall be granted unless for exceptionally meritorious grounds,” Quezon City Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Ulric Badiola said Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office issued subpoena to Rodrigo Duterte in connection with first criminal complaint filed against him after his presidency.
Badiola signed subpoena ordering Duterte to appear before fiscal’s office at 2:30 in the afternoon on Dec. 4 and Dec. 11,2023.
Complaint was filed by ACT-Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro.
Badiola said subpoena against Duterte was in line with preliminary investigation of case of grave threats filed by Castro against Duterte, in connection with Article 282 of Revised Penal Code relating to Section 6 of Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
He directed Duterte to submit his counter-affidavit as well as affidavits of his witnesses and supporting documents.
“Under and by virtue of authority vested in me by Revised Charter of Quezon City and other existing laws, respondent is hereby commanded to appear before Office of the City Prosecutor, Justice Muñoz Palma Building (Department of Justice), Elliptical Road, Quezon City,” Badiola stated in one-page subpoena.
He also directed Castro and her witnesses to reaffirm before him veracity and truthfulness of allegations on same dates.
Castro filed criminal complaint against Duterte, alleging grave threats issued in his television program titled “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” on Sonshine Media Network International and aired on Oct. 11,2023 where former president said, “Pero ang una mong target d’yan sa intelligence fund mo, kayo, ikaw France, kayong mga komunista ang gusto kong patayin…sabihin mo na sa kanya. ”
According to Castro, it was clear Duterte was referring to her as during first part of interview, former chief executive mentioned her full name.
Castro said attacks of Duterte against her came after she scrutinized confidential funds of his daughter, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio.
“I, together with some of my colleagues in progressive bloc and like-minded legislators in Lower House, exposed what is perceived to be unauthorized grant to Vice President Sara Duterte of confidential funds in 2022 amounting to around 125 million and questioned her use of such secret funds from 2022 up to 2023. Among eventual consequences of this exposure is decision of House of Representatives to strip Vice President of her requested P650 million confidential funds for 2024 for agencies she leads, namely, Office of the Vice President and Department of Education,” Castro added. Duterte could face maximum of six years imprisonment and fine of P100,000 in case court finds him guilty of grave threats.
Two party-list lawmakers welcomed issuance of “historic” subpoena by prosecutor to former president Duterte in connection to grave threat charges filed by congresswoman Castro.
In statement, Castro welcomed this development.
“I am glad case is progressing and I hope former Pres. Duterte will face charges and participate in preliminary investigation,” she said.
Kabataan party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel said Duterte deserved to be summoned in court.
“He aimed to intimidate lawmakers calling to abolish confidential funds and stop its abuse by public officials including his daughter, sitting Vice President Sara Duterte,” he noted.
Manuel added “no portion of public funds should be shrouded in secrecy.”
“No single human should be exempted from accountability,” he maintained.
House of Representatives, meanwhile, has been getting clean audit findings from Commission on Audit (COA) for past six years, contrary to claim of Duterte that institution is being spared from scrutiny by state auditors.
Review of COA’s annual audit reports (AARs) on House in 2017 to 2022 showed apart from being reminded of timely submission of some documents, audit body did have any adverse findings on chamber’s use or disbursement of its funds as well as on implementation of its projects, programs and activities.
“For CY calendar year 2022 and prior years, no Notice of Suspension, Notice of Disallowance, and Notice of Charge was issued,” audit body declared in its 2022 AAR on House uploaded on COA website last July 6.
State auditors issue Notice of Suspension or NS to give concerned office opportunity to justify any questionable transaction. If auditors are not satisfied by justification, they usually issue Notice of Disallowance or ND to compel return of disbursed amount by concerned officials.
Notice of Charge or NC is usually issued by state auditors for erroneous computation, non-collection or under collection as well as for non-remittance or under remittance of collections due government.
AARs on House and all other government agencies, local government units, and government-owned and controlled corporations are regularly uploaded on COA website.
COA, in its AARs for 2017 to 2022, also certified that House did not receive any Priority Development Assistance Fund or Disbursement Acceleration Program Fund, said to be root of corruption in past Congresses.
Duterte, who served as President from June 30, 2016 to June 30, 2022, recently branded House as “most rotten” government institution and accused Speaker Martin Romualdez of having huge sums of discretionary fund or pork barrel, supposedly for distribution to lawmakers.
iskup news-on-line daily is creation of Godino’s Advertising Agency, Trece Martires City, Cavite
16 Nobyembre 2023, Huwebes
47 days to 2024
condemns murder of Juan Jumalon
underboard nurses, be health care associates, inquire to DOH
Pilipinas, may pinakamahabang pasko sa daigdig, Maligayang Pasko!!!
Congratulations and more power BSKE winners
Klinpix Janitorial and Pest Control Services is hiring riders with units of college or equivalent in non-formal training,pretty account executives (college graduates), drivers, graphic artist 09916444376
“By end of four-day visit to San Francisco, we hope to have witnessed signing of agreements with various American businesses in fields of digital infrastructure and connectivity, renewable energy, electronics manufacturing, health and tourism, among others,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told members of Filipino community in San Francisco, California, United States of America Philippines and US will sign number of deals, including landmark 123 agreement on nuclear cooperation.
123 agreement, is expected to encourage more investments in energy sector, scheduled to be signed tomorrow, according to Philippine Ambassador to US Jose Manuel Romualdez.
Agreement creates legally binding framework for peaceful nuclear cooperation. It is named after Section 123 of US Atomic Energy Act, requires conclusion of peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement for significant transfers of nuclear material or equipment from US.
Agreement also facilitates cooperation in other areas such as technical exchanges, scientific research and safeguards discussions, according to US Department of Energy website.
Partner countries of US will be given access to benefits of peaceful uses of its nuclear energy, science and technology, but must comply with set of strong nonproliferation requirements.
In 1960s until mid-1980s, President’s late father and namesake Ferdinand Marcos Sr. pursued nuclear energy program and ordered construction of Bataan Nuclear Power Plant. Facility was set aside after Corazon Aquino became president in 1986.
Philippines and US are also expected to ink agreements on renewable energy, manufacturing and other fields, according to FMJ.
FMJ is on weeklong visit to US to attend 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders Meeting and to meet with top American businesses.
APEC meet is being held from Nov. 15 to 17. FMJ will also visit Los Angeles from Nov. 17 to 18 and Hawaii from Nov. 18 to 19. It is Marcos’ third visit to US and his 18th foreign trip since becoming President in June last year.
After arriving at San Francisco International Airport FMJ and his delegation immediately proceeded to South San Francisco Conference Center to meet with Filipino community.
During event, attended by about 1,000 guests, FMJ disclosed his delegation to APEC is one of the biggest because vital issues would be tackled during conference.
“This is perhaps one of biggest delegation that we brought for conference because it is very important…we need to discuss with our friends not just from America, but also from other countries several topics,” he said, citing trade and investment, war in Ukraine, conflict in Israel and South China Sea dispute.
He is both honored and humbled to follow footsteps of his late father who first visited San Francisco in 1966, first year of his administration.
“My father considered San Francisco as important city not only because it is home to very significant Filipino population, but also because this city has always been historical, cultural and economic link of Philippines to continental US,” FMJ said.
He recalled in 1974, Philippine government purchased set of buildings in Union Square downtown now known as Philippine Center in San Francisco.
“Our permanent presence in San Francisco shows our commitment through Philippines’ long-standing ties with Bay Area, Silicon Valley and California as whole and surrounding states,” he said.
FMJ also noted there are now more than four million Filipinos and Filipino-Americans in US, of whom 1.3 million reside in jurisdiction of consul general of San Francisco, and around 700,000 Filipinos live and work in Bay Area.
Chief Executive likewise praised Filipinos for establishing good reputation abroad, saying they are now known as “kings and queens of overtime.”
He thanked them for supporting him and Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio during last year’s elections, and for keeping Philippine economy afloat through remittances they send home.
FMJ said health workers in US injected $14.89 billion in cash remittances to Philippine economy last year, making their host country Philippines’ biggest single source of remittances.
“I know you all came to United States for many different reasons, mostly economic…you sought greener pastures and better life for yourselves and for your families, but this did not stop you from giving back to your homeland, to Philippines,” he added.
ISKUP! 