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
Hurry to Palace new appointments
By Nidz Godino
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. named Leonor Cleofas new administrator and chief executive of Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS).
Malacañang announced new appointments in Departments of Agriculture (DA), Education (DepEd), Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Foreign Affairs (DFA), Labor and Employment (DOLE), Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Trade and Industry (DTI), Transportation (DOTR) and Office of the President (OP).
President Marcos named Lorna Belinda Calda as Director III of DA while Nasser Halipa was named member of Representing Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries of Mindanao.
Gerson Abesamis and Graciela Mendoza were named Director IVs of DepEd while Ricky Arzadon was appointed Director IV of DENR together with Director III Vicente Abella.
Marcos named three ambassadors extraordinary and plenipotentiary to DFA, namely Patrick Chuasoto to Sweden and Latvia, Eduardo de Vega to France and Monaco and Christopher Montero to Indonesia.
DOLE’s Rogelio Chavez Jr. was named representative of labor sector to Technical Education and Skills Development Authority board.
Meanwhile, Sabeniano Caliao Jr. of DPWH and Jerico Namoro of DTI were named Directors III while Ernesto Robillo of DOTr was named Director II.
OP’s legislative liaison office also appointed three Officers III, namely Rickee Brieva, Joshua Soriano and Rey Zarate Jr.
Apart from these, Marcos also named Maria Amifaith Fider-Reyes as member of Commission on Human Rights and Danton Bueser and Jose Mari Ponce as national government representatives in Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority’s board of directors.
Elpidio Vega, long-time government corporate counsel and acting MWSS chairman, was now named chairman in official capacity.
They will sit on MWSS board of trustees alongside new members Merly Cruz, Dale Brian Go and Jose Hernandez.
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
No need sp court for Duterte case
By J.Lo
“We have existing law that will govern this special case,” Sta. Rosa, Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez co-chairs quad committee of House of Representatives said there is no need for new legislation to create special court former president Rodrigo Duterte wished would handle his possible trial for summary executions of thousands in his so-called war on drugs.
Fernandez said there is existing law that allows creation of such courts for hearing crimes of scale allegedly perpetrated by Duterte administration.
Official data placed drug war deaths during Duterte administration at more than 7,000 while independent sources said figure could reach more than 20,000.
He said Section 18 of Republic Act (RA) 9851 or “Act defining and penalizing crimes against international humanitarian law, genocide and other crimes against humanity, organizing jurisdiction, designating special courts and for related purposes” provides Philippine courts, prosecutors and investigators shall have original and exclusive jurisdiction over crimes punishable under this act.
“That will take longer time…since we have already existing law, we might as well designate our Philippine courts as mentioned in RA 9851…designating court in judiciary will be fastest and most economical way to do it, Supreme Court shall designate special courts to try cases involving crimes punishable under this Act…for these cases, Commission on Human Rights, Department of Justice, Philippine National Police (PNP) or other concerned law enforcement agencies shall designate prosecutors or investigators as case may be, State shall ensure judges, prosecutors and investigators, especially those designated for purposes of this Act, receive effective training in human rights, international humanitarian law and international criminal law,” Fernandez said, referring to process of legislating new law for the purpose, quoting RA 9851.
With Duterte’s pronouncement of his willingness to undergo trial, Fernandez said DOJ should start working immediately by examining all pieces of evidence presented before quad comm by witnesses and resource persons.
Rep. Bienvenido Abante, also in text message, said he is filing bill on creation of special courts to try cases of extrajudicial killings, particularly those related to drugs.
“To try to lessen load of our courts….for PRRD ,president Rodrigo Roa Duterte wanting to create special court to try him, he can be tried before special courts that I want created…not special court for him,” Abante said.
Duterte expressed his wish to be tried by special court at quad comm hearing on Wednesday, or immediately after he dared International Criminal Court to begin investigating him for crimes against humanity.
But he stressed he did not want to be prosecuted and tried by “white people,” apparently unaware that the ICC prosecutors and judges are of different nationalities.
“I don’t believe in whites… I would rather face Filipino court…even if I will not have lawyer…just me…and judge can sentence me to death or reclusion perpetua…for as long as it is a Filipino court, I will abide by it, I will not allow foreigner to judge me for the things that I have to do during my time as president of this republic,” Duterte told quad comm.
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
Pepito landfalls in Catanduanes
By J.Lo
“Let us pray that the storm will weaken or dissipate completely so that it will no longer cause devastation to any area,” in Caloocan City, Mayor Dale Gonzalo Malapitan put on alert their disaster response teams, led by city disaster risk reduction and management department.
Malapitan also inspected their rubber boats and other mobility assets.
Super Typhoon Pepito has made landfall in Panganiban, Catanduanes on Saturday evening, November 16.
In its Facebook post, state weather bureau PAGASA said Pepito made landfall at 9:40 in the evening.
As of 8 in the evening Pepito was located over coastal waters of Viga, Catanduanes.
Pepito is carrying maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 325 kph.
It is now moving west-northwest at 25 kph.
Based on PAGASA’s 8 p.m. bulletin, Pepito will remain either super typhoon or typhoon as it moves through areas in Aurora. Significant weakening is expected during its passage over Luzon.
Signal No. 5, highest warning level, was raised over Catanduanes and northeastern part of Camarines Sur, including Caramoan, Garchitorena, Lagonoy and Presentacion, as of 8 p.m.
PAGASA earlier warned Super Typhoon Pepito could bring “potentially catastrophic and life-threatening” impacts on Bicol Region.
Pepito is expected to exit Philippine area of responsibility by Monday afternoon, November 18.
Local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila have started mobilizing its search and rescue equipment and other resources in preparation for potential impact of Super Typhoon Pepito.
In Malabon City, Mayor Jeannie Sandoval has placed city under red alert status and activated 21 barangays’ disaster risk reduction and management councils for evacuation of residents.
Apart from mobility assets, city government had already prepared evacuation centers where residents can seek shelter.
Sandoval visited city’s disaster risk reduction and management office and inspected readiness of their personnel.
In Mandaluyong, local government has ordered billboard owners to roll down all billboards to prevent mishaps and ensure public safety.
Pasig City government under Mayor Vico Sotto has ordered building contractors to secure tower cranes, construction elevators, gondolas, lifters and other construction machinery.
Billboard operators in the city have been directed also to roll down signages and other advertising materials.
In Marikina City, Mayor Marcelino Teodoro urged his constituents to prepare for the super typhoon.
Rescue assets and other equipment were mobilized by city government in preparation for Pepito’s impact.
Teodoro ordered prepositioning of rubber boats and other rescue vehicles to ensure quick response in city’s 16 barangays.
Evacuation centers with modular tents had been already established to accommodate evacuees.
Teodoro directed camp managers of evacuation centers to regularly monitor updates of typhoon’s movement.
During cyclones, local government keeps close watch on Marikina River. First alarm is raised when its water level reaches 15 meters.
San Juan City government also mobilized its rescue and emergency response equipment.
Mayor Francis Zamora said city environment and natural resources office had already trimmed trees and also cleared waterways of garbage to ensure proper flow of water in drainage systems.
Canals also have been declogged to minimize flooding.
Zamora said San Juan Gym is ready to serve as evacuation center for families that would be evacuated from city’s 21 barangays.
“Our San Juan Police, San Juan Bureau of Fire Protection and barangay officials and personnel are ready to assist in rescue and relief operations,” he said in Facebook post.
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
VP Sara to skip another House probe on budget use
By Nidz Godino
“They invited me once, during first hearing… I attended, I sat there but they did not ask me any questions…you can see it in videos, I was just sitting there, my time was wasted…so, I asked if I could leave already and they allowed me… I don’t understand why they invited me but did not even ask me any question,” Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio said despite personally receiving invitation, said she will not attend hearing of House committee on good government and public accountability on Nov. 20 on her alleged misuse of Office of the Vice President (OVP)’s confidential funds.
In chance interview with reporters on sidelines of OVP’s 89th anniversary celebration, Duterte lamented she was not asked any questions by lawmakers when she attended earlier hearing of the committee.
Duterte was referring to the hearing last Sept. 18, wherein she refused to be placed under oath, saying she was not invited as witness but as resource person.
“When you sent letter to Office of the Vice President, you attached copy of rules in aid of legislation…it was stated there in rules that only witnesses shall be placed under oath,” Duterte back then told House panel members.
Last Wednesday, Duterte was served with fresh invitation to attend next hearing when she made surprise appearance at House quad committee hearing on extrajudicial killings committed in connection with war on drugs under administration of her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte.
The Vice President, nonetheless, maintained that there was no misuse in budgets of OVP and Department of Education (DepEd) when she was still its secretary.
In her interview with reporters, Duterte said she has no plan of attending any more hearings by House committee on good government and public accountability.
“I will no longer attend upcoming hearings…because I already went there before, and they did nothing, they just let me sit there,” Duterte said.
Duterte nonetheless will send to House committee sworn affidavit explaining OVP’s confidential fund spending as well as position paper on some other issues.
“We plan to send letter, we plan to say why we are not attending hearing… and I plan as well to submit affidavit about confidential funds, that affidavit will be under oath, anyway….and for all other issues we plan to tell House committee members what they can do to me,” Duterte said.
OVP had earlier slammed House committee’s probe on its confidential funds expenses, saying audit process by Commission on Audit (COA) is not yet final.
“Office of the Vice President maintains ongoing congressional inquiry by House committee on good government and public accountability is unnecessary and plagued with irregularities in conduct of proceedings,” OVP said in press statement early this month.
For Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega of La Union and Assistant Majority Leader Jay Khonghun of Zambales, the Vice President was apparently evading responsibility and accountability by refusing to face lawmakers.
“She refused to appear in our inquiry because she does not want to be asked, she is afraid to be questioned…her refusal to appear is part of her strategy to avoid her responsibility and accountability for misuse of public funds,” Ortega said. He also slammed Duterte’s refusal to take oath.
“A person who does not want to accept simple oath to tell the truth, meaning she is not prepared to tell the truth and nothing but the truth, that is why we don’t ask her,” Ortega said.
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
Smooth Ayungin resupply mission
By J.Lo
“AFP continues to uphold its mandate of safeguarding Philippine sovereignty and ensuring welfare of its stationed personnel in West Philippine Sea,” Col. Xerxes Trinidad, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief said, adding despite challenges, military will not be deterred from carrying out RORE and patrol missions inside country’s exclusive economic zone.
Without any untoward incident, military was able to bring food and supplies to troops stationed at BRP Sierra Madre, AFP said as it announced successful rotation and resupply (RORE) mission to Ayungin Shoal.
Trinidad said RORE mission was supported by Philippine Coast Guard and was completed without any harassment or interference from China.
This is despite continuing presence of China Coast Guard vessels, People’s Liberation Army Navy ships and maritime militia boats in West Philippine Sea.
He also said that more recent RORE missions to Ayungin Shoal have been carried out smoothly, unlike in several previous attempts wherein China used water cannons, dangerous maneuvers and ramming to stop missions.
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. slammed China for claiming military’s plan to upgrade its capabilities, may include acquisition of mid-range missile systems similar to the Typhon US military used during this year’s Exercise Balikatan, is wrong path.
“I think the whole world knows who is on the right path and wrong path….definitely, you know, we cannot take advice from people who distort truth and nobody believes them anyway…so, I think it’s waste of air time to broadcast claims of China because only their leadership believes in what they say anyway,” Teodoro said in chance interview.
“We have the force of international law on our side, not purely Philippine law. China does not have force of law on its side… does not have right on its side…that’s why they’re leftist,” Teodoro stressed.
Asked about impending visit of United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III to the Philippines, he said he intends to have “review of our bilateral cooperation this time.”
“It is once again opportunity to also lay down some future plans…anyway, whatever it is, it’s on institutional basis, our bilateral relations…there are mechanisms…for example, security sector assistance roadmap, bilateral strategic dialogue and other mechanisms like quad,” Teodoro said.
Meanwhile, Sen. Risa Hontiveros stressed need for the country to modernize its defense posture in light of China’s maritime threats and incursions at West Philippine Sea.
In her interpellation of proposed 2025 budget of Department of National Defense, Hontiveros asked budget sponsor Sen. Ronald dela Rosa for updates on AFP modernization program, suffered P10-billion cut in House of Representatives version of national budget.
Senate proposed to increase DND budget in the House version by P2.9 billion to P266 billion.
Senators also supported restoring P50-billion proposed budget for AFP modernization, House cut by P10 billion.
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 inaugurates LRT-1 extension; 5 new stations start operations
By Nidz Godino
“Our journey towards more seamless and modernized public transportation system does not end here,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in his speech… “we are committed to building station after station, reaching as far and as fast as our people’s needs dictate.”
Five new stations of Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT 1) from Baclaran to Sucat in Parañaque City will start serving riding public today.
President Marcos led unveiling of marker of Dr. A. Santos station he cited as another milestone in making the country’s transport system “more seamless” and modernized.
New stations under LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project (L1CE) Phase 1 covers five stations: Redemptorist-ASEANA, Manila International Airport Road, Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange or PITX, Ninoy Aquino Avenue and Dr. A. Santos (formerly Sucat) Ave.
Among those who joined the President at the inauguration were Senators Grace Poe and Cynthia Villar, Parañaque Mayor Eric Olivarez, Metro Pacific Investments Corp. chairman, president and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan and economic affairs minister Nihei Daisuke of Japanese embassy.
Marcos was among the first to try new route.
The President and other guests alighted at Redemptorist-ASEANA station.
With completion of new segment, LRT 1 can now serve additional 80,000 passengers every day, according to Marcos.
“Commuters will now see great reduction in their travel time, allowing them to spend more time with their loved ones,” he said.
Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC) general manager Enrico Benipayo said new LRT 1 segment would reduce travel time from Quezon City to Parañaque City to less than an hour.
LRMC is operator of LRT 1. MPIC holds majority stake in LRMC.
Marcos hopes Phases 2 and 3 of the project that would reach Bacoor City, Cavite would be completed as soon as possible.
Japanese government, through Official Development Assistance, is also supporting construction of rail yard and introduction of new rolling stock on LRT-1 extension.
Marcos vowed to fast-track completion of other railway projects in the country, including Unified Grand Central Station in Quezon City, MRT 7 and the North-South Commuter Railway.
The President said country should also take advantage of Public Service Act that removes 40 percent cap on foreign investment in railways to attract foreign investments in transport sector.
He said Public-Private Partnership or PPP hybrid model on L1CE serves as perfect template for future investment.
“I don’t believe in whites… I would rather face Filipino court…even if I will not have lawyer….just me…and judge can sentence me to death or reclusion perpetua…for as long as it is Filipino court, I will abide by it,” former president Rodrigo Duterte would be made to answer for thousands of deaths in his drug war, should be done before “special court” in the country.
Duterte made pronouncement at recent hearing by quad committee of House of Representatives on extrajudicial killings and drug war during his term.
He disliked “white people” apparently referring to prosecutors and judges of International Criminal Court, and would want to be tried for his alleged crimes by “Philippine court as Filipino.” ICC judges and prosecutors belong to diverse nationalities.
“I will not allow foreigner to judge me for things that I have to do during my time as president of this republic,” he stressed.
He asked quad comm to create “special court” that would try him.
“They don’t deserve to be Filipinos residing here…they are better off where they think courts are good for them,” Duterte said, referring to critics and those who filed case against him before ICC.
Duterte would not surrender to foreign courts.
“I will not allow myself to be taken and be placed under jurisdiction of any court… I am Filipino… I will die Filipino…I will be jailed as Filipino…for competent judge, competent prosecutor and I have defense counsel, like one on my side and those at the back, they are all good … I know that I will be acquitted,” Duterte said, pointing to his lawyers, including his former chief legal counsel Salvador Panelo, former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea and his current legal counsel Martin Delgra.
In interview after hearing, Duterte is ready in case country rejoins ICC, investigating his possible culpability for crimes against humanity in his bloody drug war.
“Anytime… I am lawyer, so I know what to do,” Duterte said when asked about possibility of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.restoring country’s membership in ICC.
Duterte earlier challenged ICC to start investigating allegations he ordered summary killing of thousands of drug suspects when he was Davao City mayor and later as president.
“It’s been too long, 10 years in the making…when will it end?” Duterte said, referring to ICC probe.
Panelo said Marcos may face impeachment if he allows members of ICC to investigate alleged crimes of Duterte during his war on drugs.
“I’ve been praising President Marcos for continuing foreign policy ICC has no jurisdiction as he cannot reverse himself, you know why…under the Constitution, his job is to protect the country, people, government and one of those is to protect sovereignty…if he reverses himself and allows ICC to come here and cooperate with ICC, he will be surrendering sovereignty, means he will be betraying public trust, impeachable ground,” Panelo said.
He said there would be no changes even if country rejoins ICC.
“Marcos can be removed from office, whether legally or extra-legally,” he said, as he called ICC “ nonsense, useless entity.”
“Look at the warrant of arrest they issued against Russian President Vladimir Putin, years have passed but nothing happened. … ICC has no jurisdiction whether based on our laws and our Constitution,” Panelo pointed out. He stressed Rome Statute established ICC was not published in the Philippines. “According to our laws, unless law is published, it will not be enforced,” he added.
In an interview on Facebook Live with Panelo, Duterte also accused Malacañang of using former senator Antonio Trillanes IV to discredit him and his family with allegations they were keeping illegally acquired funds in secret bank accounts.
Duterte also vowed to sue Trillanes for libel for alleging that P2.4 billion had been deposited in joint bank account of former chief executive and his daughter, now Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio from 2011 to 2015.
“Trillanes is a Malacañang sponsor…he will not act on his own as he has no money…that’s why I was surprised since I did not do anything… I did not attack the President but I know Trillanes is working for President Marcos,” Duterte told Panelo.
The former senator renewed his challenge to Duterte to sign waiver for opening of his bank accounts during last Wednesday’s hearing on extrajudicial killings and drug war by quad committee of House of Representatives.
Trillanes told quad comm that Duterte’s 2016 campaign contributor, Sammy Uy, deposited P120 million in the bank accounts of Duterte family members.
“I have to file libel cases against him… If that bank account is true, I will ask my daughter to resign as Vice President and my son as mayor of Davao City, if that is true…in my case, I have no position in the government,” Duterte added.
He also said Trillanes should prove his accusations in courts. “Prove that in courts…. even names of my family were wrongly spelled…there was missing ‘n’ in Honeylet and missing ‘u’ for Paolo,” Duterte noted, referring to his partner, Honeylet Avanceña, and son, Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte.
“I just want truth to come out, especially Inday is still in politics, including Pulong, and Baste, especially Inday is in national position,” he added, referring to his children by their nicknames.
“Somebody should teach Trillanes lesson in life, he was used to coup d’etat…he was expert in discrediting people…he gets away with it… about time he should be taught as his enemy is truth…his summary was pure figures…it is bank who would tell if there are accounts or none…. public should know the truth and what is not,” Duterte added.
“If it is true, just one, I will hang myself in front of you…you can summon, I will sign waiver, all banks, including America’s World Bank…even small truth, I will resign and I will ask my daughter to resign and everybody in the family… my guarantee and I will hang myself,even if it is the truth, there is bank secrecy law,” former president also said he would push for his bid for Davao City mayoralty post.
“I am already old… I am retired… I want to take rest… but I will be forced to run again as mayor as when time comes, if they win or lose, we will meet in politics and we will see what lies ahead in the future,” Duterte pointed out. The former president is 79 years old.
He also said he was able to endure more than 12 hours of quad comm hearing, as he is night person.
“I did not expect that at my age, I can still travel… that’s my advantage, I am night person,” he said.
Meanwhile, Panelo claimed Duterte had already signed waiver in 2016. “It was not released since it was joint account, but it only contained P15-P16,000,” he said.
Cyclones Kristine and Leon’s damage to high-value crops amounted to P1.23 billion, covering 10,163 hectares and volume of production loss of 46,016 metric tons, Department of Agriculture (DA) said retail price of siling labuyo or wild chili has surged to P600 per kilo.
Six cyclones hit the country in just five weeks.
Based on the DA’s monitoring, wild chilis’ retail price increased by P50 per kilo, up from P550 per kilo a week ago.
Meanwhile Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) founded businesses in the Philippines are encouraged to share their success stories through 2024 Inspiring Balik-Bayan Awards.
Organized by Go Negosyo, annual award celebrates achievements of entrepreneur OFWs and fosters entrepreneurial aspirations.
Inspiring Balik-Bayan Awards will be held on Dec. 7 at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.
Industry leaders and entrepreneurs will attend discussions and learning sessions.
OFWs and their families can attend free on-site mentorship sessions with Go Negosyo mentors for their current or planned businesses.
Plenary sessions will also be held for OFWs who want to establish or grow their businesses.
Former entrepreneur OFWs will share challenges they encountered in establishing businesses overseas. Returning OFWs will also share how they reintegrated into country as entrepreneurs.
Content creation and social media use for business growth will be discussed.
Companies offering business opportunities and financing options will be featured at exhibitor booths at the venue.
“Balik-Bayan is platform to provide business opportunities and foster investment matches for OFWs, encouraging them toward entrepreneurship and ensuring that their hard work and resources are put to productive and profitable use,” said Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion.
In 2023, 13 entrepreneur OFWs and their families were given Inspiring Balik-Bayan Award in special categories, including Inspiring Balik-Bayan-Turned-Entrepreneur, Inspiring Balik-Bayan-Turned-Influencer, Inspiring Balik-Bayan Creative Artist and special award for Inspiring Balik-Bayan Family.
Applicants to Inspiring Balik-Bayan Awards must be active, former or retired OFWs aged 18 and above, with documentation of their businesses.
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