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84.19 % enrollment target reached so far — DepEd
By Creselda Canda-Lopez
“As of Aug. 2, 9 in the morning we have reached 84.19 percent of our target with 23,340,101 learners enrolled out of 27,722,835…we are optimistic in maintaining momentum in the coming days,” Department of Education has achieved over 84 percent of its target number of enrollees this year.
Based on breakdown provided by DepEd, 20,406,884 students are enrolled in public schools while 2,634,760 students are enrolled in private schools; 37,868 students are enrolled in state and local universities and colleges and 260,589 students are enrolled under alternative learning system (ALS).
Per education level, elementary schools have most number of enrollees with 10,341,997 students, followed by junior high schools with 5,779,363, senior high schools with 2,671,504 and the ALS with 203,501.
Across regions, Calabarzon currently has most number of enrolled students at 3,380,178, followed by Central Luzon and National Capital Region (NCR) with 2,470,220 and 2,407,221 enrolled students, respectively.
Cordillera Administrative Region and Mimaropa have smallest number of enrollees at 388,490 and 573,002, respectively.
New academic year officially started last Monday, though 841 schools nationwide had to defer of their classes due to widespread damage caused by Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon.
Of this number, 452 are in Central Luzon, 225 in NCR, 95 in Ilocos region, 66 in Calabarzon and three in Soccsksargen.
DepEd has yet to release updated report on number of schools that have yet to open classes.
Happy third birthday with father God Cynthia Lopez
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FMJ seeks media help fight fake news
By Nidz Godino
“Now more than ever, we need your help in empowering our people to distinguish truth from fiction and facts from blatant lies,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during oath-taking of the Board of Trustees of Association of Philippine Journalists (APJ)-Samahang Plaridel Foundation Inc. at Malacañang asked members of Philippine media help in fight against fake news, has become more dangerous with “unregulated social media” and artificial intelligence.
Marcos made call weeks after “fake video” circulated on social media linking him to alleged illegal drug use.
Separate forensic analysis conducted by National Bureau of Investigation and Philippine National Police showed man supposedly taking drugs in viral video was not Marcos.
FMJ cited crucial role of APJ-Samahang Plaridel Foundation in upholding freedom of the press, fostering accuracy in journalism and policing errant practitioners within their ranks.
“May you also find inspiration and guidance in life and works of Plaridel, or Marcelo H. del Pilar , Father of Philippine Journalism by practicing courageous, compassionate and committed journalism,” he stressed.
Marcos also assured Filipino journalists of his administration’s continuing support in ensuring their safety and welfare through Presidential Task Force on Media Security.
“We will also foster environment where members of media can continue to freely practice their profession in manner fruitful, rewarding and meaningful,” he said.
“You ,ICC can interview me anytime…but it doesn’t mean that I’ll bow to their jurisdiction over us…if they want to talk, I will answer their question,” Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa is not bothered about being one of the “suspects” in drug war case against former president Rodrigo Duterte, and is willing to be interviewed by International Criminal Court (ICC).
Dela Rosa is also open to communicating with ICC prosecutors even as he still would not recognize court’s jurisdiction.
Dela Rosa just wanted to show “amity” and answer questions without disrespect, and to be treated as normal person if ICC interviews him.
The former top cop would rather believe in the word of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. than statement of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, who said Philippine government would not hinder Interpol from executing its duties if ICC orders arrest of certain “suspects” in the country.
“Our President has been saying he will not cooperate and that he does not recognize jurisdiction of ICC in our country…so who should I believe…should I believe in Trillanes…should I believe in Remulla…or President Marcos?” Dela Rosa said.
Dela Rosa noted pronouncements of Remulla and former senator Antonio Trillanes IV who had bared that arrest warrants would soon be issued for top policemen involved in previous administration’s drug war contradict Marcos’ declaration.
“Well, it’s difficult if the President doesn’t follow what he says; or is our President double talking….only they know what it really is,” he claimed.
He also admitted he could not do anything if government wanted to cooperate with ICC as he does not have control over what direction government wants to take.
In the event government cooperates with ICC, he noted he would feel betrayed as Filipino as government is not consistent with its policies.
When asked about his plans, the senator had no plans and would leave his fate up to God, adding he would act on the matter once ICC releases official warrant of arrest against him.
“I will cross the bridge when I get there… I don’t have to telegraph my actions… I cannot give you definite answer as government has no definite policy on the matter,” he said.
Happy third birthday with father God Cynthia Lopez
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‘Abused’ actor Sandro Muhlach files complaint vs GMA consultants
By Cynthia Montojo
“GMA Network has just received formal complaint from Sparkle artist Sandro Muhlach against two GMA independent contractors, Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz,” media network announced in statement GMA Network has received formal complaint filed by Sparkle artist Sandro Muhlach, son of former child actor Niño Muhlach, against two GMA independent contractors over alleged incident of abuse.
“Recognizing seriousness of alleged incident, GMA Network had already initiated its own investigation even before receiving formal complaint…respecting Sandro’s request for confidentiality, investigating body will withhold all details of formal investigation until its conclusion,” it stressed.
GMA also assured public and its stakeholders of its commitment to conducting this investigation with highest standards of fairness and impartiality.
Statement was released amid blind item circulating online about newbie actor allegedly harassed by two “TV executives” during major showbiz gala.
Earlier, Niño posted cryptic message on his Facebook account that read, “INUMPISAHAN NYO, TATAPUSIN KO! ” post didn’t mention any specific incident.
Happy third birthday with father God Cynthia Lopez
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Ph has no integrated flood master plan
By J.Lo
“When we came in, we found out that there were several master plans in 18 major river basins in various stages of preparations…most of master plans are being updated at this point in time, taking into account climate change phenomenon and other factors that have to be incorporated into master plan,” Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan admitted before Senate panel although there are several flood control projects in metropolis and all over the country, these are not integrated into comprehensive master plan that could prevent flooding in 18 major river basins.
Bonoan confirmed 5,521 flood control projects, touted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.in his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) are actually “immediate relief flood mitigation projects” in low-lying areas, and not part of any comprehensive master plan.
Senators criticized lack of integrated flood control master plan, could have mitigated difficulty experienced by people in Metro Manila during onslaught of Typhoon Carina and southwest monsoon last week.
Senate committee on public works questioned officials of Department of Public Works and Highways and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) why their flood control projects failed to address the problem, kept occuring every time country is hit by typhoons and bad weather.
Bonoan’s admission confirmed senators’ suspicions that lack of comprehensive master plan worsens flooding every typhoon season.
“So there is admission that an integrated master plan does not exist, because these are separate, piecemeal projects not aligned with each other,” Sen. Imee Marcos said .
Marcos bared zero budget in 2025 National Expenditure Program for foreign-assisted flood control projects,instead were put under unprogrammed funds.
Sen. Joel Villanueva said lack of planning also means floodwaters in Metro Manila subside, but remain longer in nearby catch basin provinces like Bulacan.
Country spends P1.44 billion per day for flood control projects, only go down drain every rainy season, Villanueva said.
Bonoan said integrating all flood control masterplans would take time as there is need to first conduct feasibility study and detailed engineering design, as well as secure financing program with lending institution.
“There is engineering component, there is social component, and there is environmental component in master plan,” Bonoan said.
MMDA chairman Romando Artes said indiscriminate garbage dumping clogs waterways and slows down flow of floodwater into sea.
Meanwhile, Department of Environment and Natural Resources is conducting “cumulative impact assessment” to determine if Manila Bay reclamation project worsened flooding in coastal areas.
Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said initial study indicated reclamation projects impede flow of water and changes circulation and retention of pollutants and organic materials in the bay.
Happy third birthday with father God Cynthia Lopez
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DOTr to continue PUVMP unless halt
By J.Lo
“On the part of DOTr, we were given marching order by the President, this is 100 percent go,” Transport Undersecretary Jesus Ortega said public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP) will go full speed ahead despite Senate resolution calling for its suspension.
Ortega said they will proceed with PUVMP upon directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Majority of sector has already consolidated and signed up for the program following April 30 deadline, he noted.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista has written to Senate President Francis Escudero as he tries to allay concerns over the program.
He warned suspension of PUVMP “could disrupt services for many who depend on its benefits.”
Suspension would also undermine progress and damage relationships with transport stakeholders who have already consolidated, he stressed.
He noted government has already allocated P1.6-billion budget for the program.
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said PUVMP, renamed public transport modernization program (PTMP), will continue as he allayed concerns of operators that have consolidated.
“We assure drivers, operators and stakeholders who participated in PTMP that it will proceed as long as there is no directive coming from the President and DOTr to halt program,” said LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz.
Guadiz said they respect Senate and their call based on concerns raised by some drivers and transport groups.
Government will continue to implement PTMP as it will help address aggravating transport-related problems, he maintained.
LTFRB clarified low number of authorized units in some routes prompted agency to allow unconsolidated jeepneys and UV express units to operate.
This will help ensure stable supply of public transportation in some routes without filing for consolidation, LTFRB said.
“We are not in the business of blocking any movement of Interpol, unless policy is laid out, of course will go against our international commitments…kaya hindi natin ginagawa yun,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Philippine government cannot stop International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) from serving arrest warrants International Criminal Court (ICC) may issue against former president Rodrigo Duterte and several others for killing of thousands of suspects during his bloody war on drugs.
At media forum, Remulla said while Philippines is no longer member of ICC, it is still part of Interpol, to which it has obligations.
He noted that ICC and Interpol are “used to working together” and international tribunal could bring in Interpol to enforce arrest warrants.
Citing principle of comity, Remulla said Philippine government will not obstruct anything as long as it does not violate country’s laws.
“Principle of comity dictates we remain friendly and do not block any legal actions they undertake…if they engage in illegal activities, then we will not tolerate that, if they violate our laws,” he said.
The justice chief still would study implications of dealing with Interpol on matter but stressed there are repercussions if Philippine government moves to block its activities in the country.
“Kapag nag-issue ng warrant of arrest, it’s Interpol’s job to serve it, and we have job to Interpol…we are not in the business of blocking Interpol’s job, to fight international crime…we respect Interpol’s actions 99.9 percent of the time,” Remulla said.
He also emphasized Interpol agents and officials can freely enter country visa-free.
Remulla likewise confirmed ICC’s requesting assistance from government in interviewing persons of interest. Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra earlier revealed ICC making such request.
Remulla said government “noted” request but did not “act favorably” on it, as country had already withdrawn from Rome Statute, treaty that established ICC.
Philippines withdrew from Rome Statute in 2019 during Duterte administration after tribunal began probe on his war on drugs.
Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV earlier said Sen. Ronald dela Rosa and four other former ranking police officials have been named as suspects in ICC probe.
Trillanes had posted supposedly redacted copy of order of ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor.
Others supposedly named in the document were former PNP chief Oscar Albayalde, former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief Romeo Caramat Jr., former National Police Commission commissioner Edilberto Leonardo, and former PNP Intelligence Officer Eleazar Mata.
Trillanes earlier said ICC had asked Interpol to place five men on its “blue list.” This means that if five leave Philippines and enter any of the 195 other Inter- pol member states, they can be held for questioning by ICC.
Happy third birthday with father God Cynthia Lopez
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Medical marijuana bill hurdles House
By Nidz Godino
“We’re not delisting marijuana as a prohibited drug… tis is not for recreational purposes… law ,Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 or Republic Act 9165 will just grant exemption on list of prohibited drugs,” Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, chairman of the House committee on dangerous drugs, told reporters at briefing voting 177-9 with nine abstentions, House of Representatives approved on third and final reading controversial piece of legislation aims to allow use of cannabis or marijuana for medicinal purposes.
House Bill 10439, received overwhelming approval from lawmakers, legalizes use of marijuana for treatment of various ailments.
Measure will result in legalization of medical cannabis, but only for qualified patients. It can only be availed on prescription and under supervision by accredited physician.
Bill also establishes Medical Cannabis Office (MCO) that will be tasked to screen medical practitioners who will prescribe use of medical cannabis, along with prior clearance from Dangerous Drugs Board, where physician is excluded from agency’s watchlist.
Barbers clarified once measure is signed into law, use of marijuana by patients will only be allowed upon prior approval of qualified physicians who should meet certain requirements in issuing prescriptions.
Accreditation of qualified physicians aims to control and monitor who prescribes medical cannabis to patients. Medical practitioners need training, clearances and other requirements which are not easy to acquire, according to legislator.
Bill lists following medical conditions that will allow use of medical marijuana: cancer, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, damage to nervous system of spinal cord, patients with objective neurological indication of intractable spasticity and epilepsy.
List also includes positive status for human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, rheumatoid arthritis or similar chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorders, diseases that require hospice care admission and other conditions that may be identified by Department of Health through MCO.
Bill metes heavy penalty on those found faking illnesses or prescriptions to secure cannabis: jail time of at least six months but not more than six years and,or fine ranging from P500,000 to as much as P1 million.
Last February, Barbers panel along with House committee on health led by Rep. Ciriaco Gato Jr. of Batanes gave green light to the measure, but only for medicinal purposes and not for recreational activities.
Happy third birthday with father God Cynthia Lopez
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‘Blue notices’ is not public doc
By Nidz Godino
“Blue Notices used to collect additional information about person’s identity, location or activities in relation to criminal investigation are not made public,” Interpol press office said International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) has declined to confirm reported inclusion of Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and four other former and current police officers on its Blue Notice list.
“As with all notice requests, these are assessed by specialized task force to determine if they are in compliance with our Constitution and rules,” it stressed.
Interpol referred the matter to Office of the Prosecutor of International Criminal Court (ICC-OTP), supposedly made the request.
In an earlier message ICC-OTP “does not provide comment on any statements made by governments or other state representatives and is unable to verify or authenticate any documents shared by outside sources.”
“Protecting confidentiality of our work is crucial, to ensure safety of all those that office interacts with and to protect integrity of our operations,” it added.
Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV claimed Dela Rosa and four others have been placed on Blue Notice list upon request of ICC-OTP.
Other four are former Philippine National Police chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde, former PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief Maj. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., National Police Commission commissioner Edilberto Leonardo and former PNP chief intelligence officer Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta.
ICC-OTP earlier formally tagged five as suspects in its ongoing investigation into Duterte administration’s war against illegal drugs.
Trillanes said inclusion of five on Blue Notice list meant they would be held upon arrival in foreign country until ICC investigators arrive to conduct interview.
“Their term is interview…but actually, that’s essentially tactical interrogation… they will not be able to leave until after that interview,” Trillanes said .
He stressed inclusion in Interpol’s Blue Notice list is one of the tools ICC-OTP uses “to increase or scale up pressure for them to cooperate.”
“They’re giving these people all chances they can get so that they will not be included in the case…at the end of the day, it’s up to them,” Trillanes said.
Saying he will put his government career on the line, Albayalde is ready to face ICC-OTP tagged him as suspect in its investigation on previous administration’s war on drugs.
Albayalde, second police chief of former president Rodrigo Duterte, maintained his innocence over alleged human rights abuses marred previous administration’s anti-drug campaign.
“If that will be outcome of our more than 37 years of serving our country, we can’t do anything but face it,” Albayalde said in interview.
He chided Trillanes, who made public copy of the document supposedly from ICC tagged him and four other officials as suspects.
Albayalde asked former senator if he is spokesman for ICC or playing politics for releasing what was supposed to be classified document.
“Is Trillanes playing as spokesperson of ICC now or government…we don’t know, or he is using ICC as political tool for his political personal interest,” the former PNP chief said.
Despite recent development, Albayalde expressed belief President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will not change his stand that ICC has no jurisdiction over Philippines.
For Albayalde, allowing ICC into the country is slap to country’s sovereignty.
Meanwhile, official of Duterte administration slammed Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra over his remark that Philippine government would not prevent ICC from questioning Filipinos linked to bloody drug war.
In statement, Salvador Panelo, who served as Duterte’s chief presidential legal counsel, said Guevarra’s stance seemed to contradict that of Marcos, who has repeatedly stated that ICC has no jurisdiction over Philippines.
“By saying Philippine government will not stop and allow ICC investigation, solicitor general is effectively conceding ICC has jurisdiction over this country, thereby not only contradicting but subverting pronouncement of PBBM ,President Bongbong Marcos on ICC,” Panelo stressed.
Guevarra asserted that while government would not “get in the way” of ICC prosecutor, it would not assist in investigation.
“Philippine government, through the President, has repeatedly stated that we have no legal duty to cooperate or to lend assistance…but that does not mean ICC prosecutor cannot continue his investigation, he can do so and he can interview these five people directly… all that we’re saying is that government will not be involved,” he said.
Document from the international tribunal said former officials of PNP were responsible for ordering of killings of drug suspects and users from 2011 to 2019.
Panelo said Guevarra had filed request for deferment of investigation before ICC, and after being denied, filed motion for reconsideration, which was again denied.
“Not realizing his colossal mistake that by making those official submissions to ICC, Philippine government in effect recognized its jurisdiction, instituted appeal in ICC, which rejected it, and chided appellant that its various pleadings filed before it are deemed to be in recognition of its jurisdiction over us,” Panelo added.
For him, there is disconnect between what principal is saying and what his agent is doing.
Meanwhile, labor group Federation of Free Workers lauded Marcos administration’s decision not to stop ICC prosecutors from investigating bloody drug war under Duterte administration.
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