31 Octubre,2024 Huwebes

supports 35th National Statistics Month October, Advancing data and statistics through digital transformation,a  road to empowered nation

supports World Food Day October 16, 2024

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Happy Birthday Loida Tajan-Ocampo, more birthdays to come

Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come

Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come

‘Pulang Araw’ stars Sanya Lopez, Ashley Ortega, justice for comfort women

By Cynthia Montojo

“Napakabigat po ano… I mean, kanina pa sumasakit ang batok ko kaka-control ng nararamdaman ko…artista lang naman po ako…sa totoo lang po pero ramdam ko ‘yung mga ipinaglalaban ng mga kababaihan natin dito,” Sanya Lopez broke into tears while recalling  first time she met some of  lolas (grandmothers) who were comfort women during World War II. Her “Pulang Araw” co-star Ashley Ortega revealed that it was  same scene when they first met  lolas before they filmed  ongoing war series on GMA-7. 

Sanya and Ashley were invited to Pandesal Forum on comfort women during World War II last October 24 held in Kamuning Bakery in Quezon City. 

She currently plays Teresita Borromeo,  bodabil (vaudeville) star from  wealthy family  catches  attention of  ruthless Japanese Imperial Army Colonel Yuta Saitoh (played by Dennis Trillo). 

“Naiiyak ako. Sa totoo po, ganito rin po ‘yung naramdaman ko noong una ko silang nakasama…pasensiya na po kasi nu’ng nakausap ko sila, sobrang durug na durog din po ako…sobrang sakit po sa puso na marinig ‘yung kuwento nila,” she stressed. 

Sanya recalled meeting two of the lolas when she visited  organization Lila Pilipina. 

“Isa po sa mga tumatak sa akin doon ‘yung kuwento ni Lola Isang (Narcisa)…sabi niya po, kapag nakikita niya ang mga kabataan ngayon, ‘masaya sila, kung siguro ako ‘yun ngayon, siguro ang saya-saya ko…doon ko na-realize na sobrang suwerte pala ng henerasyon ngayon, na hindi natin naranasan ‘yung naranasan nila nu’ng panahon ng Hapon…napaka-palad po sobra natin na hindi natin naranasan ‘yun,” Sanya said in tears. 

She also appealed for justice because there are only  few lolas who are alive today.

“Nakakalungkot po na dalawa na lang po sa kanila ang natitirang buhay…kailan kaya nila matatanggap ang hustisya na nararapat para sa kanila…kasi konti na lang sila, so kailan pa, ‘di ba po?” Sanya said. 

 Ashley agreed with her co-star. She also recounted her own experience meeting  lolas because she is also among actresses tapped to play  comfort woman. 

Ashley plays Sister Manuela Apolonio,  nun who was dragged by Japanese Imperial Army soldiers when they saw her inside  church to be one of the comfort women. 

“Noong una, kinabahan talaga ako kasi magiging honest po ako…hindi pa ako masyadong aware sa lahat ng mga nangyari sa comfort women…but I am really grateful na na-meet ko ‘yung mga lolas… I was heartbroken…tama sinabi ni Ate Sanya… lahat kami nag-iiyakan kami noon…may kasama kaming creatives and press, pati sila naiiyak, hindi lang kaming mga artista ang gaganap ng role nila,” she recalled. 

She noted that just like her, she has read feedback and comments from young people who were like her who had limited knowledge about  events and atrocities of World War II in the Philippines. 

“Ngayon lang nila nalalaman na may ganito palang nangyayari during World War II. ..’yun ang gusto talaga namin iparating sa mga hindi pa completely aware sa mga pinagdaanan nila…now I am happy na ‘yung mga students siguro na nalaman na nila ang mga nangyari and I think it’s about time na you know isalaysay namin ‘yung mga istorya ng mga comfort women…para hindi maulit ang nangyari noon at para mabigyan ng hustisya ‘yung mga comfort women natin,” Ashley said. 

She agreed with Sanya and  calls for justice for comfort women, many of those still alive are yet to receive them. 

Ashley noted that as an actress, she felt  raw emotions felt by comfort women while playing her role. 

“‘Yung mga iba hindi pa nakakatanggap ng hustisya at ‘yun siguro ‘yung pinakamasakit na pwedeng maramdaman nila…kasi kami bilang mga comfort women (in the show), alam mo ‘yung parang naranasan din namin ‘yung naranasan din namin ‘yung naranasan nila… ‘yung mga eksenang mabibigat talaga, na iniisip ko every after scene na,.. ‘grabe nangyari talaga ito…hindi lang pala ito teleserye…so what more pa kaya ‘yung mga totoong comfort women na talagang pinagdaanan nila ‘yun…so talagang masakit talaga sa puso,” she said. 

Ashley is happy that the cast and their show “Pulang Araw” can be voice for  comfort women and victims of World War II. 

“I’m happy na naging voice ang ‘Pulang Araw’ at naging aware ang mga kabataan natin kung ano ang nangyari hindi lang sa comfort women story pero ‘yung mga nangyari talaga noong giyera…napakaraming Pilipino ang nag-sakripisyo at lumaban,” she said. 

“Pulang Araw” currently airs on GMA-7 after “24 Oras.” It remains in the Top 10 most streamed show in Netflix Philippines since it premiered last July 29. 

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

1 Peter 5:8-9

⁸ Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

31 Octubre,2024 Huwebes

supports 35th National Statistics Month October, Advancing data and statistics through digital transformation,a  road to empowered nation

supports World Food Day October 16, 2024

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Report lazy government workers, fixers- CSC

By J.Lo

“Criminal liability shall also be incurred through  commission of bribery, extortion or maliciously soliciting favor in cash or in kind… Penal Code and other special laws shall also apply,” Civil Service Commission (CSC) has urged  public to report fixers and indolent government workers who refuse to act on valid requests for documents or services without justifiable cause.

In its quarterly magazine The Civil Service Reporter,  CSC enumerated acts and omissions that can be considered violations of Republic Act 11032 or Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act.

Government workers who refuse, without due cause, to accept applications or requests with complete requirements must be reported to  CSC’s feedback and assistance arm, Contact Center ng Bayan (CCB).

Imposition of additional requirements and costs not listed in  concerned agency’s Citizen’s Charter must also be reported.

Inefficient government employees must be reported for their failure to render services and failure to provide written notice of disapproval of an application or request,  CSC noted.

Failure to attend to applicants and failure or refusal to issue official receipts are violations of RA 11032.

Fixing and collusion with fixers should also be reported.

Violation of RA 11032 is  administrative liability, punishable with  six-month suspension on first offense and dismissal from  service, disqualification from holding public office and forfeiture of retirement benefits on second offense.

Public  may report violations through text message at 0908-881-6565, email@contactcenterngbayan.gov.ph or  CCB website.

“Criminal liability shall also be incurred through  commission of bribery, extortion or maliciously soliciting favor in cash or in kind. .. Penal Code and other special laws shall also apply,”  CSC said.

Public  may report violations through text message at 0908-881-6565, email@contactcenterngbayan.gov.ph or the CCB website.

31 Octubre,2024 Huwebes

supports 35th National Statistics Month October, Advancing data and statistics through digital transformation,a  road to empowered nation

supports World Food Day October 16, 2024

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Headlines

Leon is now Super Typhoon

By J.Lo

“There is a possibility of life-threatening inundation from rising sea water along with high waves in  low-lying coastal communities,” Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned of  high risk of storm surge in Northern Luzon as Super Typhoon Leon passes over Philippine Sea.

Tropical cyclone wind signal No. 4 has been raised over Batanes, with winds greater than 118 to 184 kilometers per hour expected.

PAGASA said  storm surge could be more than three meters high in  provinces of Batanes and Cagayan.

It warned of significant damage to communities in low-lying coastal areas in Basco, Itbayat, Ivana, Mahatao, Sabtang, Uyugan in Batanes, as well as in Calayan in Cagayan.

PAGASA said  hoisting of wind signal No. 5 has not been ruled out. Leon (Kong-Rey) was forecast to make close approach or make landfall in Batanes last night or this morning and will be near or at peak intensity during its closest approach.

Signal No. 3 was hoisted over  eastern portion of Babuyan Islands and  northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan.

Meanwhile, signal No.2 was raised over  rest of Babuyan Islands,  rest of mainland Cagayan, northern portion of Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga, northern and eastern portions of Abra and  eastern portion of Mountain Province (Paracelis) and Ilocos Norte.

TCWS No. 1 was raised over  rest of Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya,  rest of Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet,  rest of Abra, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Aurora and northeastern Tarlac.

Leon was monitored 215 km east southeast of Basco, Batanes as of 4 in the afternoon. and was moving northwestward at 20 kph, carrying maximum sustained winds of 185 kph near center and gustiness of up to 230 kph.

Leon is forecast to make landfall in Taiwan this afternoon and may exit Philippine area of responsibility by tonight or early Friday morning. Trough of Leon may bring scattered rains over Metro Manila, the Visayas and  rest of Luzon.

Mindanao may see isolated rains due to localized thunderstorms.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on local governments to prepare for  impact of Leon,  has developed into  Super Typhoon and is posing  threat to northern Luzon.

“Unfortunately, it seems that another one is coming so we have to prepare for it thoroughly,” the President said during  opening of  Maersk Optimus Distribution Center in Calamba City, Laguna.

Office of Civil Defense administrator Ariel Nepomuceno said  government is always assuming the worst-case scenario in its preparations. Agencies are replenishing food and non-food items and are making sure that water is available and rescue teams are ready, he added.  OCD also urged residents and local government units in Central Luzon, Calabarzon and Bicol to prepare for  arrival of Leon.

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said 2,951 families from Regions 1, 2 and 3 were evacuated. In Region 5, at least 40,249 families or 161,768 individuals remain in evacuation centers.

As of 8 in the morning Wednesday, dam officials resumed release of water from Ambuklao Dam and Binga Dam, both in Benguet, while Magat Dam in Isabela continues to release water.

One gate of Ambuklao Dam was opened at 0.5 meter and began releasing water at 91.19 cubic meter per second (cms) while one gate of Binga Dam was opened at 0.5 meter and started releasing water at 78.28 cms. One gate of Magat Dam remained open at two meters since last week, releasing water at 355 cms.

Water  level of Angat Dam has reached 202.53 meters while Ipo Dam in Bulacan dropped by 0.30 meters and reached 100.24 meters.

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines cancelled six domestic flights while Cebu Pacific cancelled four domestic flights due to bad weather.

PAL and CEB said affected passengers can convert their tickets to non-expiring travel credits equivalent to  unused segment of  ticket, excluding ticketing service charge.

Meanwhile, 134 people were stranded in ports across Southern Tagalog and Bicol due to strong winds and rough seas triggered by Leon as of noon of Oct. 30, the Philippine Coast Guard reported.

Also stranded were 19 rolling cargoes, five ships and 11 motorized boats in four Coast Guard districts in Southern Tagalog, Bicol, Northwestern Luzon and in Northeastern Luzon. Thirty-eight vessels and 13 motorized boats have taken shelter due to bad weather.

Philippine Ports Authority reported cancellation of trips in three of their Port Management Offices. At noon yesterday, their PMO in Mindoro said trips of all fastcraft going to Batangas have been cancelled.  

30 Octubre,2024 Miyerkules

supports 35th National Statistics Month October, Advancing data and statistics through digital transformation,a  road to empowered nation

supports World Food Day October 16, 2024

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Duterte is liable for crimes vs humanity over drug war killings

By Nidz Godino

“This admission is significant as it highlights cases are now right for filing against those responsible for  extrajudicial killings during drug war,” House Committee on Human Rights Chairman Rep. Bienvenido Abante (Manila, 6th District)  said at  press conference former President Rodrigo Duterte’s admission of “shortcomings” in his war on drugs further underscores his liability for crimes against humanity.

Abante argued  drug war “meets all  elements of willful killing,” citing Republic Act 9851 or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity.

This was also in reference to former Sen. Leila de Lima’s recent statement at the House Quad Committee’s ninth public hearing, where also argued that Duterte could face penalties under this law.

De Lima: ‘Davao Model’ resembles Davao Death Squad’s reward systemThe “Davao Model,” which allegedly involves rewarding police officers with cash for each drug suspect killed, mi…

Headlines | Philstar.comA portal of daily newspapers covering Philippine news headlines, business, lifestyle, advertisement, sports and …

It can be recalled that former president owned up to  consequences of his drug war campaign during Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s first hearing on the issue. 

Duterte himself said he should be the one “held accountable and detained” instead of  police who “only followed his orders.” 

However, despite this explicit statement,  former president backtracked in his answers to senators’ questions that he is not responsible for the likes of 17-year-old Kian delos Santos who was shot by police during anti-drug operations in 2017.

Abante outlined four factors that qualify former president’s drug war as  crime against humanity, beginning with extrajudicial killings  human rights groups estimate have claimed up to 30,000 lives.

Second, he said  most victims were civilians “suspected by police authorities of involvement in drug-related activities” who were denied due process to defend themselves against  allegations.

This led Abante to his third point: testimony from several resource persons, many of whom were Duterte appointees, indicated that  killings occurred as part of  “widespread, systematic attack” nationwide.

Lastly,  human rights committee chairman said EJKs were “executed under  state, organizational policy”  Duterte himself coined as  war on drugs. He added that  possible reward system for police officers who killed drug suspects could be another contributing factor.

“This must be recognized as evidence for all present and future cases on war on drugs,” Abante said.  

Section 8 of Republic Act 9851 identifies who may be held liable for crimes against humanity, including individuals who commit the crime, order or encourage its commission or attempted commission, or act as accomplices.

Meanwhile, Section 10 stipulates  superiors are “criminally responsible as principals for crimes committed by their subordinates” under their effective command and control. 

This responsibility arises from either direct command or  failure to prevent  crime, especially if they knew or should have known about it and did not take  necessary measures to stop it.

Rep. Dan Fernandez (Santa Rosa, Lone District), who chairs  House Committee on Public Order and Safety, also cited Section 15 of the same law. 

This provision states  Philippine courts, in cases of crimes against humanity, “shall be guided by” international law, conventions and judicial decisions of international courts and tribunals.   

Asked whether Duterte should be prosecuted under RA 9851, Fernandez said, “I think it’s only proper that existing law be followed and that we let  wheels of justice prevail.”

House lawmakers also made it clear that Duterte is not only liable for EJKs in his drug war but also for institutionalizing violence during his presidency.

Abante did not mince words when he told reporters that Duterte’s remarks at  Senate hearing on Monday, October 28, exhibited  “normalization of brutality.”

“What we witnessed during  former president’s testimony was  shocking normalization of brutality,  normalization of death and  disregard for due process that has infected our legal institutions,” he said.

Abante said  former president’s “nonchalant attitude” toward life is also rooted in  thousands of EJK under his watch. 

“His casual language, his swearing in formal proceedings mirrors  erosion of his standards in his administration where  value of life itself was cast aside,” he added. 

The lawmaker could not help but say that Duterte’s words and actions carried with them  “disregard for human life” as victims were deprived of  safeguards and due process they should have been given as mere suspects in  illegal drug trade.  

Laughter and applause filled  Senate as Duterte spoke at  hearing , reaction that, for Abante, reflected  social norms  former president had established.

While Duterte’s foul and explicit words have often been downplayed as jokes, Fernandez said  lower chamber will not tolerate this should  former president attend  Quad Comm hearings. 

“If the former president curses in  Senate and we allow it here, what’s to stop others from making those kinds of statements as well?” he said.

Duterte also “gaslighted”  nation and attempted to “rewrite history” by justifying  killings with  belief that “there will be one less criminal, not  hearing in the service of truth, it was  forum for denial for him to rationalize  indefensible,” Abante said.

The former president has yet to make  appearance at  House probe into his war on drugs,  was  first to invite him before Senate. Duterte was absent on October 22 as he was feeling unwell, according to his legal counsel. 

Among  allegations against Duterte include implementing  “Davao Model” nationwide reward system for killing drug suspects  and directing police officers to carry out killings of alleged drug lords on his orders.

30 Octubre,2024 Miyerkules

supports 35th National Statistics Month October, Advancing data and statistics through digital transformation,a  road to empowered nation

supports World Food Day October 16, 2024

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Happy Birthday Loida Tajan-Ocampo, more birthdays to come

Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come

Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come

Leon-threatened areas forced to evacuate

By J.Lo

“Local chief executives are urged to execute forced evacuations as necessary, in accordance with Republic Act 10121 and  Local Government Code, ensuring  residents in high-risk areas promptly relocate to designated evacuation centers or safe areas,” Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said residents living in areas identified as high risk will be under forced and mandatory evacuation as Severe Tropical Storm Leon continues to gain strength.

In response to  directive, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued  memorandum  directed all local government units (LGUs) to comply.

Upon Teodoro’s directive, DILG has issued  memorandum to all local government units and DILG regional directors of Regions I, II, V and CAR, and  chiefs of  Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire Protection, to implement forced evacuation protocols in anticipation of potential heavy rainfall.

Highest  wind signal could be hoisted over  next few days as Leon could reach super typhoon category as it makes  close approach over Batanes according to state weather forecasters.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said  hoisting of tropical cyclone wind signal No. 5 has not been ruled out as Leon could make landfall over Batanes. Signal No. 5 will make Leon as powerful as Super Typhoon Yolanda.

Leon,  intensified into  typhoon yesterday at around 11 in the morning was monitored 505 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan as of 4 in the afternoon carrying maximum sustained winds of 150 km per hour near center and gustiness of up to 185 kph.

Signal no. 2 has been raised over Batanes, Babuyan Islands, mainland Cagayan,  northern and eastern portions of Isabela, Apayao,  northern portion of Kalinga and Ilocos Norte.

Signal No. 1 was hoisted over  rest of Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, rest of Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet,  rest of Abra, Ilocos Sur, La Union,  eastern portion of Nueva Ecija, including Polillo Islands, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay and  northern portion of Sorsogon.

Leon was forecast to continue rapidly intensifying over  Philippine Sea and could be at super typhoon category during its closest approach to Batanes.

It was moving northwestward and will make landfall along eastern coast of Taiwan tomorrow afternoon or evening and turn northward toward  East China Sea. It will exit  Philippine area of responsibility on Thursday evening or Friday early morning.

Stormy conditions are already being felt over Batanes, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra and Isabela due to Leon.

Typhoon is also bringing rains with gusty winds over  rest of Cagayan Valley,  rest of Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes and Sorsogon.

Metro Manila,  Visayas and  rest of Luzon will see scattered rains due to  trough of Leon.  Mindanao may see cloudy skies with isolated rains due to localized thunderstorms.

Total of 125 people were reported dead due to Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.

Number  of casualties reported are subject to validation.

In its situation report NDRRMC said 14 deaths have already been validated. It said 115 individuals were reported injured and 28 more were reported missing.

Weather  disturbance affected 1.79 million families or 7.13 million people in 10,181 barangays nationwide.

Most of the people affected were reported in Bicol with 2,746,214, followed by Central Luzon with 1,056,460 and Calabarzon with 701,985.

NDRRMC said over 935,000 people have been displaced while damage to agriculture worth P2.8 billion and to infrastructure worth P1.5 billion were reported.

There were 224 people stranded in two regions because of Leon as of noon, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported.

Data released by  PCG showed  out of  224 stranded passengers, truck drivers and cargo helpers, 172 were in six ports in Bicol while 52 were in five ports in southern Tagalog.

PCG added  there were also 59 rolling cargoes and 11 vessels stranded in these areas, while 13 ships and three motorized boats took shelter as  precaution against possible strong winds and rough seas.

Meanwhile, Coast Guard announced that its BRP Suluan carrying relief goods for  victims of Kristine has arrived in Pasacao Port, Camarines Sur.

Vessel  carried several food packs, sacks of rice, bread and bottled water that were donated by the offices of Sen. Raffy Tulfo, ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo,  PCG Auxiliary 126th Squadron, Puregold and Maynilad.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.directed  Energy Regulatory Commission to look into  possible moratorium on electricity line disconnections and payment collections in areas under  state of calamity because of  impact of Kristine.

Presidential Communications Office said  suspension would cover  October to December period and would include flexible payment options.

United States government is providing P84 million ($1.5 million) in humanitarian aid and logistics to support  country’s response to Kristine.

US embassy in Manila said Tuesday  funding will augment  US Agency for International Development (USAID)’s ongoing efforts to deliver lifesaving assistance.

Through  funding, USAID will provide access to essential services such as clean water, sanitation, emergency shelter and cash assistance. USAID will also provide logistical support in  management of evacuation centers. 

30 Octubre,2024 Miyerkules

supports 35th National Statistics Month October, Advancing data and statistics through digital transformation,a  road to empowered nation

supports World Food Day October 16, 2024

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Happy Birthday Loida Tajan-Ocampo, more birthdays to come

Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come

Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come

Folks in flooded areas can light candles at home- CBCP

By J.Lo

“They can also light candles, bring in flowers and prepare  simple altar as gestures of remembrance,” Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)Public Affairs Committee executive secretary Jerome Secillano said Filipino Catholics residing in flooded areas can observe All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days by praying and lighting candles at home.

Archdiocese of Manila Liturgical Commission prepared  “family prayer for  faithful departed,”  can be recited at home or when visiting cemetery.

“Let us gather as  family in praying for  souls of our beloved dead,”  Manila Cathedral posted on Facebook.

Meanwhile, Lakbay Alalay program has been reactivated by  Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to manage  anticipated surge of motorists during Undas.

Composite teams have been deployed, while cleanup and repair of roads and bridges destroyed by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine continue.

DPWH Lakbay Alalay teams are comprised of uniformed personnel who will work around the clock at identified stations.

Routine maintenance of national roads, primarily  routes leading to cemeteries and churches, is being conducted by DPWH Regional and District Engineering Offices.

“We are expecting  influx of motorists for Undas 2024…we are mobilizing our Lakbay Alalay Motorists Assistance Stations to provide prompt and reliable assistance to  traveling public,” said DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan.

Safe Trip Mo, Sagot Ko motorists assistance program has been reactivated by  Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC).

Emergency and medical incident response teams will be deployed within  MPTC Group’s expressways: North Luzon Expressway, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, Cavite-Laguna Expressway, Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway, Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway and NLEX Connector Road.

Free towing services will be offered for Class 1 vehicles up to  nearest exit, from 6 in the morning on Oct. 31 to 6 in the morning on Nov. 4.

Roadworks and lane closures have also been suspended from Oct. 30 to Nov. 4, except for emergency safety repairs.

Motorists are advised to plan their trips and use  MPT DriveHub app for traffic updates, RFID management and roadside assistance.

Since high traffic volume is anticipated in major expressways like NLEX,  public is advised of heavy northbound traffic on Oct. 31 from 6 in the morning to 10 in the evening and Nov. 1 from 5 in the morning to 2 in the afternoon.

For Manila-bound travelers, high traffic volume is expected on Nov. 2 from 3 in the afternoon  to 10 in the evening., and from Nov. 3, 2 in the afternoon. to Nov. 4, 8 in the morning.

30 Octubre,2024 Miyerkules

supports 35th National Statistics Month October, Advancing data and statistics through digital transformation,a  road to empowered nation

supports World Food Day October 16, 2024

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Happy Birthday Loida Tajan-Ocampo, more birthdays to come

Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come

Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come

Comelec to move cases vs Guo from Tarlac court for lawyers and witnesses

By J.Lo

For  misrepresenting herself as  Filipino citizen dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo has been formally charged before  Tarlac Regional Trial Court (RTC).

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia said  poll body filed  criminal complaint against Guo.

Comelec accused Guo of violating  Omnibus Election Code for stating in her certificate of candidacy (COC),  she filed on Oct. 1, 2021, that she was  Filipino citizen when she ran for mayor in  2022 general elections.

In its complaint,  Comelec said Guo was “in truth and in fact…  Chinese citizen and  resident of Fujian, China” named Hua Ping Lin Guo.

Garcia said  Comelec had accorded Guo due process, but she did not file  motion for reconsideration on poll body’s decision to file  election offense case against her.

Garcia said  Comelec will file  motion for  transfer of  trial venue for  security of election lawyers and witnesses.

30 Octubre,2024 Miyerkules

supports 35th National Statistics Month October, Advancing data and statistics through digital transformation,a  road to empowered nation

supports World Food Day October 16, 2024

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez

No to SOGIE bill

PM for any hospital discharge problem

Happy Birthday Loida Tajan-Ocampo, more birthdays to come

Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come

Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come

Headlines

DOJ, ICC urged to use Duterte statements under oath

By Nidz Godino

“We will cross the bridge when we get there… no request yet…for me, I will be greatly disappointed if  international body will be  first one to  request rather than  Philippine group, group of Filipinos,” Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel said Sen. Risa Hontiveros  urged  Department of Justice (DOJ) and  International Criminal Court (ICC) to use former president Rodrigo Duterte’s statements during  Senate’s drug war hearing to build  case against him.

Pimentel said would be disappointing if  foreign entity would beat Philippine prosecutors in using Duterte’s statements, whose transcripts would be made available to  public.

If  transcripts would be used as evidence, it would be certified by  Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee that Pimentel chairs.

Pimentel said the matter may need to be discussed at  Senate plenary.

Hontiveros called Duterte’s admission before  Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee  he has  gangster-led death squad to kill criminals  “bombshell testimony.”

While claiming he did not order  police to kill suspected criminals, Duterte boasted that he prodded them to agitate suspects into fighting back so there would be reason to kill them.

“I hope Department of Justice as well as investigators of  International Criminal Court are seriously reviewing  many admissions and confessions made under oath by former president Duterte, such as his creation of  death squad in Davao City, his attempt as president to convince police officials to kill certain individuals and his order to police officers to ‘encourage’ suspects to fight back so they could be summarily executed,” Hontiveros said.

While Duterte is not facing any cases in local courts, he is being investigated by  Hague-based ICC for crimes against humanity because of  summary deaths of low-level drug users and pushers during his administration.

Hontiveros also urged Malacañang to amend Executive Order 2, s. 2016 issued by then president Duterte  limits  public’s right to freedom of information.

House committee on human rights and Manila Rep. Benny Abante also believes  Duterte’s admission of responsibility for drug war-related killings could open  floodgates for both local and international prosecution.

According to the lawmaker, Duterte’s owning up to sole responsibility over extrajudicial killings (EJKs) could lead to “intensified scrutiny and potential legal repercussions.”

“Recent admission of the former president of responsibility for all  killings under his controversial war on drugs could open  doors for legal action both domestically and internationally like ICC,” he noted. Abante added  Duterte, a lawyer, is likely aware of  implications of his admission.

He also said Duterte provided sufficient grounds for  DOJ, Office of the Ombudsman and other relevant authorities to launch  initial investigation, allowing legal proceedings to be taken against him.

Abante maintained  Philippine justice system should act impartially, saying that while Duterte is getting quite old, he still “cannot get away from  responsibility, accountability of his actions.”

Pimentel clarified  investigation of his subcommittee will only cover investigation on war against illegal drugs during  presidency of Duterte. 

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Ephesians 2:8-9

⁸ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast.