25 Nobyembre,2024 Lunes

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come

Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come

Family  of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas appreciates every moments shared by friends and relatives in their bereavement

Headlines

ACT backs Sara’s impeachment

By J.Lo

“ACT strongly supports demand for accountability and joins  call for  impeachment of Sara Duterte-Carpio…. ACT also urges Congress to abolish all confidential funds, have become  source of corruption, and to redirect resources toward education and basic social services,” Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) chairman Vladimer Quetua said public school teachers are backing calls for  impeachment of Duterte, saying revelations at House of Representatives signal alarming anomalies surrounding her public spending as vice president and former education secretary.

ACT said  public should not be distracted by  Vice President’s “theatrics,” as these were “calculated” to divert attention from  serious corruption allegations about her confidential fund spending.

 “We will not be swayed by these theatrical diversions…we call on Congress to prioritize its oversight functions, pursue  thorough and immediate investigation into these serious issues, and back  people’s impeachment calls amid Duterte camp’s desperate attempts to deflect attention and portray themselves as victims,” Quetua said.

ACT stressed  alleged corruption involving Duterte in  two agencies should be dealt with accountability, as teachers and students continue to bear  brunt of severe shortages in public schools.

For its part,  Congress of Teachers and Educators for Nationalism and Democracy (CONTEND) condemned Duterte’s expletive-laced press conference from House on Saturday and demanded  Vice President be held accountable.

“Congressional hearings have exposed troubling irregularities, including falsified accomplishment reports with fictitious names and signatures, blatant violations of COA, Commission on Audit regulations, and alleged bribery schemes within  Department of Education (DepEd), we call on all educators, students, and education workers to remain vigilant and united in demanding full accountability… Duterte dynasty’s attempt to portray themselves as victims while systematically plundering public resources must be exposed and opposed,” it said.

House of Representatives’ committee on good government and public accountability has found many grounds for  filing of  impeachment complaint against Duterte, committee chairman and Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua said.

Chua said  none of his colleagues in Congress has so far attempted to file  impeachment case against  Vice President.

He said  recent statement made by Duterte, where she threatened to have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.assassinated, was “disturbing” coming from  second highest official of the land.

“Definitely,  statement that she unleashed is disturbing… not befitting  vice president… we are officials of the government. ..we should be careful with words that we state, especially  second highest official of the country, she should have thoroughly thought it over first, our Vice President, before she stated those words,” Chua said when asked if Duterte’s statement can be used as grounds for filing  impeachment case against her.

Chua’ss committee has yet to conclude its investigation into  P612.5 million confidential fund that was allegedly misused by Duterte in  Office of the Vice President (P500 million) and  Department of Education (P112.5 million) during her stint as its secretary.

“If there is ground for the filing of impeachment, I said yes…there are grounds…we saw it during  hearings of  committee…but whether it will push through, that, I cannot answer yet,” he stressed.

Chua said grounds for  filing of  impeachment complaint against Duterte include betrayal of public trust and corruption.

“That is the reason why we are giving her opportunity to answer all  allegations against her…she should answer all  allegations that have never been explained yet…for example,  P15 million that was used by  DepEd in the Youth Leaders Summit  they cannot explain…it was spent in 11 days, there are many questions…there are many issues…they are given  chance to answer them…who knows if they have  logical answer for this…why did they rent  safehouse worth P1 million per day, for eleven days…where is the location?” he said.

Chuia said Vice President also has to explain to  committee if receipt signatory “Mary Grace Piattos” exists or is  made-up name.

“They have to explain also who is Kokoy Villamin, one of the signatories of acknowledgment receipts…same name, but different persons…we are looking at all of that with grounds,” Chua said.

He said that their investigation is “in aid of legislation.”

“There are many loopholes in the law…one of the bills that I want to file is  limitation of release of confidential funds to government agencies that are involved in intelligence gatherings only,” Chua said.

He hinted that his committee may conclude today its investigation on alleged misuse of confidential funds at OVP, and at DepEd when Duterte was still secretary

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Colossians 3:17

¹⁷ And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

24 Nobyembre,2024 Linggo

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come

Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come

Family  of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas appreciates every moments shared by friends and relatives in their bereavement

DFA chief meets Kiko

By Nidz Godino

“I conveyed our hopes for his good health, and  joy felt by Filipino pilgrims, as they prepare for #Jubilee2025. ..truly an auspicious start to my meetings in Italy and Vatican City,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo tweeted  had  rare chance to meet with Roman Catholic Pope Francis in Vatican City on Friday.

Manalo posted on X he felt blessed to meet the pontiff “and bring him good wishes from  Philippines, especially from  Filipino Catholic fanatics.”

The DFA chief also met with Archbishop Paul Gallagher,  head of Vatican City’s state relations during his visit.

“As  predominantly Catholic nation,  Philippines shares  special spiritual bond with Vatican City,” he said, also posting pictures of his meeting on X.

“We discussed many shared concerns, from climate change, to peace, migration, developments in  SCS/WPS ,South China Sea/West Philippine Sea, and  upcoming #Jubilee2025,” Manalo said.

24 Nobyembre,2024 Linggo

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come

Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come

Family  of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas appreciates every moments shared by friends and relatives in their bereavement

Headlines

VP’s ‘kill’ remark is active threat-PSC

By Nidz Godino

“Any threat to  life of the President must always be taken seriously, more so that this threat has been publicly revealed in clear and certain terms,” Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said in  statement relayed through Presidential Communications Office (PCO) security detail for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been put on alert over  “active threat” against his life by Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio.

Statement  followed  expletive-laced press conference  Duterte alleged she was the subject of  assassination plot and that she ordered  member of her security team to kill the President should it succeed.

Duterte and Marcos families have seen their alliance unravel in spectacular fashion in recent months, trading accusations of drug addiction and increasingly extreme rhetoric ahead of next year’s midterm elections and presidential polls in 2028.

Two families are at odds over foreign policy and former president Rodrigo Duterte’s deadly war on drugs, among others.

“I already talked to  person in my security… I told him if I get killed, kill BBM ,Ferdinand Marcos, first lady Liza Araneta and the President’s cousin and Speaker Martin Romualdez…no joke,” Duterte said at  press conference that began after midnight. “I said, if I die, don’t stop until you have killed them.”

She was responding to  online commenter urging her to stay safe, saying she was in enemy territory as she was at  premises of  House of Representatives with her detained chief of staff Zuleika Lopez.

Lopez was having her own virtual briefing when Duterte took over. “This country is going to hell because we are led by  person who doesn’t know how to be president and  liar,” Duterte said at her briefing.

Hours later,  PCO said “this active threat has been referred to  Presidential Security Command for immediate proper action.” Duterte’s office did not immediately respond to  request for comment on  PCO statement. Under    Philippine penal code, such public remarks may constitute  crime of threatening to inflict  wrong on  person or his family and is punishable by  jail term and fine.

PSC said it is under “heightened and strengthened” protocols. “Pursuant to  directive of the Executive Secretary, the Presidential Security Command (PSC) has its security protocols…we are also closely coordinating with law enforcement agencies to detect, deter, and defend against any and all threats to the President and the First Family, any threat to the life of the President and the First Family, regardless of its origin and especially one made so brazenly in public is treated with  utmost seriousness…we consider this  matter of national security and shall take all necessary measures to ensure the President’s safety,” it said.

Duterte is facing  threat of impeachment in  House of Representatives, led by Marcos’ cousin Romualdez,  widely expected to run for president in 2028. The House of Representatives led by Romualdez has slashed  Office of the Vice President’s budget by nearly two-thirds.

She has also had  messy falling out with the President’s wife Liza Araneta-Marcos,  had accused her of laughing at  January event where her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, accused Marcos of being  “drug addict.”

Duterte called her late-night press conference after House officials said they would transfer her chief of staff  detained after being cited for contempt  from  chamber’s detention center to correctional facility.

Lopez was ordered detained by  House committee on good government and public accountability on Wednesday after being accused of “undue interference” in committee proceedings focused on Duterte’s spending of her confidential funds.

At her press conference, Duterte also called out Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. for “sleeping so soundly” when the first couple and the Speaker were “taking millions of taxpayer money for their own pleasures.” It was not clear what message she was trying to relay to the military chief.

She accused Marcos and his wife of “putting undue pressure” on her people at the OVP.

“During  campaign I talked to businessmen if the President’s promise for P20 per kilo of rice is possible, they said no,it’s either he did not know what he’s talking about that’s so incompetent or that he was lying through his teeth to get  votes of the people,” Duterte said.

The Vice President claimed it was  First Lady who orchestrated  cash envelope distribution scheme at Department of Education.

“You’ve been grilling my people because of those envelopes… Liza Marcos, you sent me  video message asking me where we would get the money and you showed the person’s face in the video message,” Duterte said, without identifying the person.

“You sent me written instructions about money, millions a month…anong nakalagay sa envelope… DepEd…anong ginawa ko…ibinigay ko sa DepEd, you don’t have  government post and yet you’re giving away government funds, then you’re going to tarnish the name of my people at the OVP,” she said addressing the First Lady. She also accused lawmakers of “making it appear that  envelopes were from the confidential funds.”

“I was trying to restrain myself because I needed to work… I just wanted you to finish your show at the House of Representatives so we can go back to work,” she said. Duterte said congressmen “go along with the show” during hearings because “they need money for elections.”

The Speaker, she claimed, was plundering taxpayers’ money and enriching himself through illegal business interests in illegal drugs and in Philippine offshore gaming operators,the President banned earlier this year.

She taunted Romualdez for aspiring to be president in an election that she claimed he would never win.

“You may remove me from the presidential race, you still won’t win…no one will vote for you because you buy, harass and order kidnappings against your opponents…no one will vote for you, not even for senator, vice president or president, I don’t even know if you will win reelection in Tacloban….it appears you won’t…who in the whole Philippines would want you back in Congress?”  she said.

.Earlier, former and current DepEd officials accused Duterte at several House committee hearings of handing out envelopes of cash. Lawmakers expressed suspicion  cash came from confidential funds and used to bribe officials to skirt procurement guidelines.

Duterte stepped down from  Cabinet post of education secretary in June as relations between two families reached breaking point.

Months earlier, her father had accused Marcos of being  addict, with the President the next day claiming his predecessor’s health was failing due to long-term use of  powerful opioid fentanyl. Neither provided evidence to their allegations.

In October, Duterte  felt “used” after teaming with Marcos for  May 2022 election,  they won by  landslide. Duterte remains  constitutional successor to the 67-year-old president.

In the Philippines, the vice president is elected separately from the president and has no official duties. Many vice presidents have pursued social development activities, while some have been appointed to Cabinet posts.

Nation  is gearing up for midterm elections in May, seen as  litmus test of Marcos’ popularity and  chance for him to consolidate power and groom  successor before his single six-year term ends in 2028.

23 Nobyembre,2024 Sabado

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come

Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come

Family  of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas appreciates every moments shared by friends and relatives in their bereavement

Returning  Myx Music Awards heads SB19, BINI

By Cynthia Montojo

BOTH P-pop groups SB19 and BINI were  big winners at  2024 Myx Music Awards,  makes comeback after two years.

Awards  ceremony hosted by Myx was held annually since 2006, though  2020 and 2021 editions were held virtually. In two years since its last edition in 2022, Myx helped organize  Awit Awards.

SB19 won Artist of the Year and Music Video of the Year for “Moonlight,” the act’s song with Ian Asher and Terry Zhong with music video co-directed by Kerbs Balagtas and group member Justin De Dios.

Justin also won Mellow Video of the Year for “Surreal,”  he co-directed with Xi-Anne Avenceña. Balagtas had another win for R&B Video of the Year after co-directing Al James and another SB19 member, Josh Cullen, with his own single “Yoko Na.”

Two other SB19 members also got their own wins: Felip won Rock Video of the Year for “Fake Faces” and Pablo won Collaboration of the Year for “Determinado” with Josue.

BINI’s two wins were Song of the Year for “Pantropiko” and Pop Video of the Year for “Salamin, Salamin,” the latter also directed by Balagtas.

Al James wrapped up the artists with multiple wins as he also won Hip-Hop Video of the Year for “Atin-Atin Lang” with Flow G.

Here is the full list of Myx Music Awards 2024 winners:

Artist of the Year 
SB19 (winner)
BINI 
Lola Amour 
Juan Karlos 
Maki 

Song of the Year 
“Pantropiko” by BINI (winner)
“Dilaw” by Maki 
“Ere” by Juan Karlos 
“Raining in Manila” by Lola Amour 
“Sining” by Dionela feat. Jay R

Collaboration of the Year 
“Determinado” by Pablo x Josue (winner)
“B.A.D.” by Denise Julia feat. P-Lo
“Pakundangan” by Demi feat. Hev Abi
“Sining” by Dionela feat. Jay R
“Yoko Na” by Josh Cullen and Al James

Music Video of the Year 
“Moonlight” by SB19, Ian Asher, and Terry Zhong, directed by Kerbs Balagtas (winner)
“B.A.D.” by Denise Julia feat. P-Lo, directed By Louie Ong And Carissa King 
“Cherry on Top” by BINI, directed by Kerbs Balagtas 
“Dilaw” by Maki, directed by Jaydee Alberto and Maki 
“Surreal” by Justin, directed by Justin De Dios and Xi-Anne Avenceña 

Breakout Solo Artist of the Year 
Maki (winner)
Demi 
Denise Julia 
Dionela 
Hev Abi

Breakout Group of the Year
Cup of Joe (winner)
Dilaw
Playertwo
Sugarcane
Sunkissed Lola

Pop Video of the Year 
“Salamin, Salamin” by BINI, directed by Kerbs Balagtas (winner)
“Dayang” by Alamat, directed by Kerbs Balagtas 
“Patintero” by BGYO, directed by Karlo Calingao 
“Room” by Stell, directed by Kerbs Balagtas 
“Tsada Mahigugma” by Maymay Entrata, directed by Carl Tejada

R&B Video of the Year
“Yoko Na” by Josh Cullen and Al James, directed By Kerbs Balagtas and Josh Cullen (winner)
“B.A.D.” by Denise Julia feat. P-Lo, directed By Louie Ong And Carissa King 
“Marikit sa Dilim” by Juan and Kyle feat. Jawz, directed by Louie Ong
“Pakundangan” by Demi feat. Hev Abi, directed by Jonas Ibanez
“Sining” by Dionela feat. Jay R, directed by Dionela, Tristan Ortega, and Raven Sta. Ana

Rock Video of the Year
“Fake Faces” by FELIP, directed by John Karlo Calingao (winner)
“Ere” by Juan Karlos, directed by Raliug 
“Misteryoso” by Cup of Joe, directed by Justin De Dios and Jay-Ar Villarojas 
“Orasa” by Dilaw, directed by Raliug 
“Raining in Manila” by Lola Amour, directed by Marius Talampas

Mellow Video of the Year 
“Surreal” by Justin, directed by Justin De Dios and Xi-Anne Avenceña (winner)
“Iyo” by Darren Espanto, directed by Niq Ablao
“Palagi” by TJ Monterde, directed by Dan Villegas
“Turn Back Time” by Zack Tabudlo feat. Violette Wautier, directed by Prach Rojanasinwilai
“Walang Hanggan” by Alamat, directed by Jason Paul Laxamana

Hip-hop Video of the Year
“Atin-Atin Lang” by Al James feat. Flow G, directed by Y. Stacey and Naki (winner)
“Alam Mo Ba Girl” by Hev Abi, directed by Tokseen 
“Burgis” by Flow G and Hev Abi, directed by Titus Cee and Jon Gutierrez
“Get Low” by O Side Mafia x BRGR, directed by Macdave Edosma
“We Made It” by Nik Makino feat. Flow G, directed by Louie Ong

Global Video of the Year 
“Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter (winner)
“Fortnight” by Taylor Swift feat. Post Malone
“Rockstar” by Lisa 
“Water” by Tyla
“We Can’t Be Friends” by Ariana Grande

MYX Global Impact Award
Beabadoobee

MYX Magna Awardee

Gloc-9

23 Nobyembre,2024 Sabado

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come

Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come

Family  of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas appreciates every moments shared by friends and relatives in their bereavement

OPM stars join Juan Karlos in his 1st grand concert in MOA Arena

By Cynthia Montojo

“Right now, I’m just trying to really enjoy the process, focusing on flow of the whole show and focusing on  things I do have control over, like the set list. I’ll probably get more nervous as  concert gets closer,” Original Pilipino Music (OPM) singer Juan Karlos is gearing up for  monumental moment in his career as he takes  stage of SM Mall of Asia Arena on November 29 for his first major concert.

With Paolo Valenciano as director and Karel Honasan as musical director,  show promises to be  once-in-a-lifetime experience for JK’s fans.

JK worked closely with Valenciano and Honasan to ensure concert will allow him to show  new side of himself as performer. 

“We’ll be performing songs that we haven’t performed before, and I’m also going to share stage with people I’ve released songs with.”

Set to share spotlight with JK is  lineup of guest performers. First is Paolo Benjamin Guico of  folk-pop band Ben&Ben. Known for his deeply personal songwriting, Guico collaborated with Labajo on “Tapusin Na Natin ’To” in 2023,  poignant track about toxic relationships.

Zild Benitez will also join JK onstage. He rose to prominence as  bassist and vocalist of IV of Spades but has since carved out  successful solo career. His collaboration with JK on “Gabi” from  latter’s “Sad Songs and Bullshit Part 1” album, released in 2023, further solidified their bond as songwriters who wear their hearts on their sleeves. 

Their previous collaboration, “Lunod”  track they did with Ben&Ben in 2021  tackles emotional turmoil and mental health, making it  standout in Ben&Ben’s “Pebble House, Vol. 1: Kuwaderno” album.

Concert  will also feature Janine Berdin, who first captured  public’s attention as winner of “It’s Showtime’s” Tawag Ng Tanghalan second season. Known for her emotional performances and powerful vocals, Janine collaborated with JK on  song called “Pancit” in 2022, which was part of his three-track Drop 1 project. 

Its playful tale of puppy love, paired with  Alice in Wonderland-inspired music video, paved  way for it to become  fan favorite. In addition to performing as  guest, Janine will open  as  front act, setting  tone for an unforgettable evening.

Moira Dela Torre, widely believed to be one of her generation’s best songwriters, will also take  stage with JK. Her collaboration with him on “Medyo Ako” from the “Sad Songs and Bullshit Part 2” album is a poignant exploration of curiosity and longing that comes after  breakup. Track highlights  seamless blending of their voices, which will also be on full display on night of the concert. 

JK and Moira recently surprised mallgoers with  duet at a mall in Quezon City,  video of which went viral on social media.

Rounding up  list of guests is Gloc-9, whose rapid-fire rapping style and socially relevant discography have made him an icon in the OPM scene. In 2020, he and JK collaborated on “Sampaguita,” a powerful song that reflects the emotional struggles and sacrifices of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). The track pairs JK’s soulful singing with Gloc-9’s incisive verses, creating a touching sonic backdrop for the hardships faced by all Filipinos who work abroad to support their families.

Hailing from Consolacion, Cebu, JK  whose full name is Juan Karlos Labajo also appeared in films such as Lolo and the Kid, Ako si Ninoy, When This is All Over, Tatlong Bibe and Blue Room.

At the age of 13, he became popular when he finished third place in  first season of The Voice Kids in 2014 before appearing in various movies and television drama series.

Tickets to “Juan Karlos Live” range from P750 (General Admission) to P8,500 (SVIP). The latter comes with exclusive perks, including a shirt, tote bag, photo opportunity, and signed poster.

22 Nobyembre,2024 Biyernes

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come

Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come

Family  of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas appreciates every moments shared by friends and relatives in their bereavement

Tulfo brothers leads new Senate poll

By J.Lo

Statistically  tied for the last three slots in so-called Magic 12 senatoriable for 2025 mid-term elections were reelectionist Senators Lito Lapid (31.92 percent), Bong Revilla (31.17 percent), Francis Tolentino (31.04 percent) and Ronald dela Rosa (30.83 percent), former senator Bam Aquino (30.50 percent), Sen. Imee Marcos (30.42 percent), former senator Francis Pangilinan (30.33 percent), social media personality Willie Ong (30.25 percent) and television host Willie Revillame (30.08 percent).

As these developed two brothers of Sen. Raffy Tulfo are still  most preferred candidates for senator in  voter preference survey conducted by polling firm Tangere.

Survey, conducted from Nov. 6 to 9, found 64.83 percent of respondents would vote for ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo if elections were held during the survey period.

Following him is his brother, media personality Ben Tulfo, who received 52.25 percent of support.

According to Tangere, Erwin achieved high voter preference across areas and socio-economic classes, while support for Ben was high among voters from Visayas, Mindanao, and Central and Northern Luzon.  Tulfo brothers, however, received significantly lower preference among voters above 50 years old.

Tied on third to fourth spot were Sen. Bong Go and former Senate president Vicente Sotto III, who received support of 50.13 percent and 49.71 percent of  respondents.

Go’s rating was driven by respondents from Mindanao and voters aged 36-50 years old.

Sotto’s ranking was due mainly to voters in Central and Northern Luzon, but had lower voter preference among those aged 18 to 25 years.

They were followed by former senators Manny Pacquiao (41.5 percent, driven mostly by Visayas respondents) and Panfilo Lacson (41 percent, on back of voters 36 years old and above), Sen. Pia Cayetano (40. 46 percent, largely through Metro Manila voters), Makati Mayor Abby Binay (37 percent, mostly Metro Manila voters aged 26-35 years) and former interior secretary Benhur Abalos (33.96 percent, Metro Manila, upper and middle income classes).

22 Nobyembre,2024 Biyernes

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come

Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come

Family  of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas appreciates every moments shared by friends and relatives in their bereavement

Ph misused terror laws to target 27 humanitarian workers 

By J.Lo

“These actions seem to demonstrate  deliberate misapplication of counter-terrorism legislation, including CFT law, for  purpose of discrediting legitimate human rights and humanitarian activities,” UN mandate-holders challenged  legal basis for cases against current and former members of  Community Empowerment Resource Network (CERNET),  Cebu-based organization serving marginalized communities in Visayas.

Experts  said, referring to  Philippines’ counter-terrorism financing law ,five United Nations experts have condemned Philippine government for weaponizing anti-terrorism laws against humanitarian workers, slamming  charges against 27 development workers as  “deliberate misapplication” of security legislation to silence civil society.

In  strongly-worded communication made public on November 15,  UN mandate-holders challenged  legal basis for  cases against current and former members of CERNET.

Humanitarian  workers were slapped with terrorism financing charges in May 2023. Authorities accused them of providing P135,000 to New People’s Army in 2012.  Charges  initially included three deceased persons among  accused.

UN experts warned case exemplifies how counter-terrorism laws are being misused to harass rights defenders and paralyze legitimate humanitarian work. 

They expressed particular alarm over practice of “red-tagging”  accused, saying it normalizes violence against activists and creates environment where extrajudicial killings can occur with impunity.

Communication  was sent to Philippine government on August 29.  Government  only acknowledged receipt of  communication through its Geneva mission but provided no actual reply within  standard 60-day period before publication.

Communication  was signed by Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders; Gina Romero, Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and association; Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on counter-terrorism and human rights; Reem Alsalem, Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls; and Laura Nyirinkindi, chair of the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls.

“Targeting of these human rights defenders and humanitarian workers through intimidation, reputational harm and criminalization is of particular concern, as it appears to be in direct retaliation for their legitimate and peaceful activities promoting economic, social and cultural rights in the Philippines,” they added.

Practice  of red-tagging — labeling individuals or groups as communists or terrorists without evidence — was first institutionalized during the dictatorship of the president’s father, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., to arrest dissidents. 

Red-tagging of activists and human rights defenders surged under former President Rodrigo Duterte, who expanded  practice through  National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has repeatedly refused to disband NTF-ELCAC, dismissing  wealth of evidence that shows it has repeatedly tagged legitimate rights defenders as terrorists.

UN experts reiterated their concern about  Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020’s broad definition of “terrorism,” expansion of executive branch authority and  absence of judicial oversight. 

“We recall  States are urged to ensure measures to combat terrorism and preserve national security are in compliance with their obligations under international law,” they said, adding that these should also not prevent rights defenders from carrying out their work.

They stressed  counter-terrorism measures  include  freezing of assets of  accused – must comply with due process and procedural rights, including  right to  fair trial and effective protection by  courts.

“We further express our concerns about  potential consequences of asset freezing measures, vital humanitarian and human right services,” they said, adding that this could lead to detrimental effects on marginalized groups and vulnerable sectors of society. 

Women human rights defenders have been particularly targeted in the CERNET case.

For instance, UN experts highlighted how authorities singled out and spread false information against Estrella. Catarata,  board officer of CERNET until 2013. 

In May 2024, Cebu City Police Office posted Catarata’s photo on Facebook, falsely labeling her as  “Top 1 Most Wanted Person in Central Visayas” and  terrorist group leader. 

In doing so, police had “defamed her, putting her and potentially other colleagues at additional risk,” UN experts said.

UN experts added that  act falls under  worrying practice of targeting women with online and technology-facilitated violence.

“It is concerning when law enforcement reportedly directly participates in subjugating women human rights defenders to such violence,” they said.

Human rights group Karapatan has welcomed  UN experts’ intervention and tagged government’s charges against development workers as “bogus.”

Experts  gave  government 60 days to explain  factual and legal basis for  charges and outline steps taken to ensure rights defenders can work safely. They also demanded information about measures to investigate  police’s spread of false information about Catarata.

CERNET has faced escalating harassment since 2006, including intimidation, abductions, and extrajudicial killings allegedly perpetrated by state security forces. 

Network , established in 2001, consists of nine humanitarian organizations working to support marginalized communities through grassroots initiatives across  Visayas region.

22 Nobyembre,2024 Biyernes

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come

Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come

Family  of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas appreciates every moments shared by friends and relatives in their bereavement

FMJ leads groundbreaking of Meralco Terra Solar

By Nidz Godino

“Numbers alone fail to articulate  full significance of this project, we are making  statement today that  Philippines is not only keeping pace with  global energy transition but more so express our intention,  Philippines’ intention to lead  migration from thermal to renewables,” Meralco chairman and chief executive officer Manny  Pangilinan said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led  groundbreaking  of  world’s largest integrated solar and battery storage facility,  project seen to make  Philippines  leader in renewable energy while contributing to efforts to address climate change and global warming.

Meralco Terra Solar Project is expected to supply clean energy to about 2.4 million households and avoid carbon emissions by  estimated 4.3 million tons per year, equivalent to removing more than three million gasoline-powered vehicles from roads annually.

$4-billion project, spans 3,500 hectares across Nueva Ecija and Bulacan, will deliver 3,500 megawatts peak of solar power to  Luzon grid with 4,500 megawatt-hour batterenergy storage once it becomes fully operational by 2027.

Speaking during  groundbreaking ceremony in Peñaranda, Nueva Ecija, Marcos said  Terra Solar Project was designed to address two critical challenges, surging demand for electricity and  pressing need to shift to renewable and sustainable energy.By leveraging our abundant solar resources, Terra Solar Project will help stabilize our power supply, reduce energy costs, and contribute significantly to our target of 3percent renewable energy share in  power generation mix by  year 2030,” the President said.

“We take  leap toward  future, driven by innovation and sustained by our collective hope for  cleaner and greener Philippines…this landmark project will put our country on the map as  leader in renewable energy,” he stressed.

Terra Solar Philippines, Inc., Meralco PowerGen Corp. and SP New Energy Corp. are behind project,  aligned with government’s target of attaining 35 percent renewable energy mix by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.

“We will build, we will take action, and we will never stop daring…at the end, this is all showing the world what Filipinos can achieve when  public and private sectors work together with focus and urgency,” Pangilinan said.

Terra Solar Project will deliver clean solar energy under  20-year, 850 MW mid-merit power supply agreement to Meralco.  Initial  block of 600 MW is scheduled for delivery by February 2026, while  remaining 250 MW will follow in February 2027.

Before groundbreaking ceremony, Terra Solar Philippines Inc., acting as  investment and development vehicle for  Terra Solar Project, entered into  strategic partnership with United Kingdom-based Actis for  40 percent interest in the project valued at $600 million or about P34 billion. Terra Solar has also awarded engineering, procurement and construction contract for  project with China Energy Engineering Corp. and has engaged Meralco Industrial Engineering Services Corp. to link  flagship solar development to  Luzon power grid.

“With  investment of over P200 billion, this demonstrates confidence in  stakeholders in our nation’s potential and our commitment to securing  stable, steady, reliable, and sustainable power supply, strong typhoons  we have been experiencing should further strengthen our resolve to find and facilitate solutions that will save our planet and  future of mankind” Marcos said.The President said  project is expected to generate nearly P23 billion in financial benefits over next decade, create more than 10,000 jobs and open countless growth opportunities. He also called on state agencies and private sector to support the project by ensuring its timely completion. “Let us do the same for all renewable projects,” he said.

Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said  Terra Solar project is  “crucial step” toward  country’s goal of expanding  share of renewables in the energy mix to 35 percent by 2030 from  current 22 percent.

“It not only enhances our energy security and resilience but will also contribute to our broader economic development by creating jobs and promoting sustainable growth,” Lotilla said.

22 Nobyembre,2024 Biyernes

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come

Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come

Family  of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas appreciates every moments shared by friends and relatives in their bereavement

Headlines

Clemency  for Veloso up to FMJ hands

by Nidz Godino

We created  new policy that we had never done before…not to release or give pardon to foreigners convicted by our court but instead we created  policy  called transfer of prisoners,” Indonesian Chief Minister for Law and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra said Indonesia will fully respect whatever decision President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. makes on grant of clemency to Mary Jane Veloso,  overseas Filipino worker saved from execution on drug trafficking charges.

In  video statement, Yusril said Veloso would be transferred to the Philippines in response to Manila’s request.

He said[HG1]  Philippine government or other countries that wish for transfer of prisoners must acknowledge  respect  verdict of Indonesian court, and Indonesia can prosecute their citizens if they commit  crime.

 Countries  should respect and not to question  verdict of imprisonment, life sentence or  death penalty and they must accept it.

“So for example, that is life  sentence, then Veloso will serve  life sentence in the Philippines instead based on verdict of Indonsian court…and we will fully respect  decision by  authority of President Marcos in enforcing their law in their country, Philippines had abolished  death penalty in their law system, and when she Veloso had returned to the Philippines, it will be authority of  President Marcos to give pardon from Indonesian[HG2]  death penalty sentence” Yusril said..

President Marcos  said  Indonesia has lowered  death sentence of Veloso to life imprisonment and  clemency for her is “n the table.”

In media interview, Marcos said Veloso’s sentence was reduced because of  Philippines’ ties with Indonesia. .“Since we have good relations with Indonesia, they found  way. This is the first time they did this,” he said.

Asked if the grant of clemency for Veloso was possible, Marcos replied: “We will see….this is  first time this has happened  everything is on the table,” he add

In  joint statement,  Department of Justice and   Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said  Philippines is bound to honor  conditions that would be set for Veloso’s transfer, particularly  service of her sentence in the country.

Marcos thanked Subianto and  Indonesian government for their goodwill, describing the outcome as  “reflection of  depth of our nation’s partnership with Indonesia,” countries that he said are “united in commitment , justice and compassion.”

DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega clarified  Indonesia has not requested any payback for Veloso’s return.

“So when she gets here, if she gets here and when she gets here, she will not immediately be released ,it means, we will commit to detain her until such time that we have mutual agreement that she could be given clemency…but at least, she would be here,” he said.

Veloso said  she was “elated” to be returning home and be with her family.

“I’m grateful and would like to thank everybody who keeps making efforts so I can return to my country,” Veloso said in written statement read by  prison warden Evi Loliancy on Thursday.

Veloso’s legal counsel Edre Olalia said the President now has  power to grant  absolute pardon to Veloso on humanitarian grounds considering that Indonesia has already passed on responsibility of resolving the case.

Olalia noted that there are various forms of clemency and  highest of  is absolute pardon or amnesty.

“What we are pushing for is absolute pardon…will we wait for 27 years to complete the 40 years… I hope not,” he said.

He said Veloso had already suffered much during her detention, and Indonesia’s president should be convinced to grant her clemency.

Aside from humanitarian considerations, there are also legal grounds that Marcos can cite to grant executive clemency to Veloso, National Union of People’s Lawyers president Ephraim Cortez told “Storycon” on One News said.

One of the possible reasons, he said, is the fact that Veloso is a victim of human trafficking, which under Indonesian law, Philippine law, and in international conventions, should be exempted from criminal liability if they did an act because of trafficking.

“Once her custody is transferred to the Philippines, Philippine government can consider that part of our law and treat her as  human trafficking victim and apply  appropriate protective measures under our domestic laws,” he said.

Cortez said they will immediately ask Marcos to grant clemency to Veloso upon her return to the Philippines.

Cortez said Veloso’s return before Christmas is possible given that only paperwork and actual implementation is needed.

Charges of human trafficking, estafa and simple illegal recruitment are also pending against Veloso’s recruiters.

Olalia said they intended to present Veloso as  witness against illegal recruiters if she could return to the country in time for  hearing of the case.

Meanwhile, Senate President Francis Escudero is confident the President would grant clemency to Veloso either in  form of pardon or commutation of sentence.

“However, it will have to go through process, both legal and diplomatic, and with due courtesies to Indonesian government,” Escudero said.

During  Kapihan sa Senado forum, Sen. Risa Hontiveros thanked  governments of Indonesia and the Philippines for working to bring Veloso home after her stay of execution.

But she lamented that Veloso would still languish in jail in the Philippines if she is not granted executive clemency.

“Let us celebrate her homecoming first…but if  Office of the President is studying the option of clemency, then that will be another reason to thank them,” she said.

Veloso was arrested in 2010 for smuggling 2.6 kilograms of heroin into Indonesia and sentenced to death under the country’s anti-drug laws.

Her execution was dramatically halted just hours before she was to face  firing squad, following  appeal from  Philippine government and  surrender of  recruiter whom Veloso accused of planting drugs in her luggage.