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2 LPAs now Tropical Depressions Butchoy, Carina
By J.Lo
“Butchoy” and “Carina,” two low pressure areas (LPAs) inside Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) both developed into tropical depressions, state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Administration (PAGASA) reported.
PAGASA said Tropical Depression Butchoy was last located 535 kilometers west of Tanauan City, Batangas, with maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near center, gustiness of up to 70 kph as it moves eastward at 25 kph.
Meanwhile, Tropical Depression Carina was last spotted 780 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes, carrying maximum sustained winds of 45 kph with gustiness of up to 55 kph while moving west northwest at 20 kph.
Both Tropical Depressions Butchoy and Carina will have minimal to no impact on Saturday.
“Butchoy is unlikely to directly affect the country within next three days,” PAGASA said.
According to the state weather agency, heavy rainfall directly caused by Carina “remains less likely over next three days.”
While tropical depressions may not hit land, both are expected to intensify over the weekend.
Butchoy may become tropical storm by Saturday, though it is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Saturday morning.
Carina is expected to gradually intensify, becoming a tropical storm by Sunday and further strengthening to reach the typhoon category on Tuesday.
Southwest monsoon or habagat, enhanced by Butchoy and Carina, will bring moderate to heavy rains to western part of Luzon over the next three days and cause gusty conditions in Kalayaan Islands.
Antique, Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, Zambales and Bataan will experience cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms due to the southwest monsoon. Moderate to heavy rains may lead to flash floods or landslides in these areas.
Mindanao, the rest of the Visayas, and MIMAROPA will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms caused by the southwest monsoon. Severe thunderstorms in these regions may lead to flash floods or landslides.
Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon are expected to see partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms from localized thunderstorms. Flash floods or landslides could occur during severe thunderstorms.
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US, Ph 1st cyber-digital security talks
By Nidz Godino
Philippine Secretary of Information and Communications Technology Ivan John Uy (left) and U.S. Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy Nathaniel Fick (right).
“Cybersecurity stands as paramount global challenge, demanding unified efforts, collective intelligence and steadfast solidarity…. partnership between United States and Philippines serves as exemplar of effective collaboration essential for combating these evolving threats,” Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy said United States and Philippines held their first Cyber-Digital Policy Dialogue to advance open, interoperable, reliable and secure information and communication technologies (ICT) ecosystem.
Uy and US Ambassador at large for cyberspace and digital policy Nathaniel Fick led inaugural US-Philippines Cyber-Digital Policy Dialogue in Washington on July 15 and 16.
Open, interoperable, reliable and secure ICT ecosystem will support growth of digital economy and strengthen resilience to cybersecurity threats.
During the dialogue, Fick and Uy underscored their countries’ shared interest in advancing bilateral and regional cooperation on cyber capacity building, supporting growth of digital economy and combating cybercrime following Philippines’ recent admission to International Counter Ransomware Initiative.
They also committed to hold further discussions on protection of critical infrastructure against malicious cyber activity and enhanced collaboration between their respective national Computer Emergency Response Teams.
Flick, for his part, said, “this first US-Philippines Cyber-Digital Policy Dialogue was opportunity to discuss our important bilateral efforts to strengthen cyber security and our digital economy and to protect government information systems that are critical backbone of our alliance.”
Both sides agreed to pursue joint efforts on development of fifth generation (5G) networks and open, interoperable and trusted architectures such as Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN); secure and reliable global undersea cable networks and digital connectivity and inclusion through cloud computing and satellite-based solutions.
Other commitments made during dialogue include ensuring trusted flow of data across borders; deepening collaboration through Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules Forum to facilitate interoperability among data protection and privacy frameworks globally; strengthening cooperation through ASEAN Digital Ministers’ and Senior Officials’ meetings and fostering investments for secure and resilient ICT infrastructure.
Both countries also discussed importance of upholding and implementing United Nations Framework of Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace as well as continued implementation of cyber confidence building measures.
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Global IT outage chaos flights, banks, media
By J.Lo
“There are delays to check in, and flight operations had to be canceled until 10 in the morning.,” Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)spokeswoman could not say when they would resume.major outage wreaked havoc on global computer systems , grounding flights in United States, derailing television broadcasts in UK and impacting telecommunications in Australia.
Major US air carriers including Delta, United and American Airlines grounded all flights over communication issue, according to FAA.
Flights were suspended at Berlin Brandenburg airport in Germany due to “technical problem,” spokeswoman also said.
All airports in Spain were experiencing “disruptions” from IT outage hit several companies worldwide , airport operator Aena said.
Hong Kong’s airport also said some airlines had been affected, with its authority issuing statement linked disruption to Microsoft outage.
In the Philippines, some local airlines are facing technical issues due to system outage.
Cebu Pacific (CEB) and AirAsia Philippines advised passengers currently experiencing technical issues, reportedly related to technology provider CrowdStrike.
“Technical issue requires us to handle affected processes manually, potentially causing delays…we are working closely with our teams to mitigate disruptions to our operations and will provide regular updates as situation progresses. ..we appreciate your patience and understanding,” CEB management stated.
AirAsia Philippines came out with separate statement, saying global outage affecting Microsoft services has been confirmed by its partner, Navitaire.
It stated outage is causing unexpected rebooting of machines, leading to some operational disruptions related to check-in processes and navigating its AirAsia MOVE app.
UK’s biggest rail operator meanwhile warned of possible train cancellations due to IT issues, while photos posted online showed large queues forming at Sydney Airport in Australia.
“Flights are currently arriving and departing, however there may be some delays throughout the evening,” Sydney Airport spokesman said.
Australia’s National Cyber Security Coordinator said “large-scale technical outage” was caused by issue with “third-party software platform,” adding there was no information as yet to suggest hacker involvement.
Sky News in UK said glitch had ended its morning news broadcasts, while Australian broadcaster ABC similarly reported major “outage.”
Some self-checkout terminals at one of Australia’s largest supermarket chains were rendered useless, displaying blue error messages.
New Zealand media said banks and computer systems inside country’s parliament were reporting issues.
Australian telecommunications firm Telstra suggested outages were caused by “global issues” plaguing software provided by Microsoft and cybersecurity company CrowdStrike.
Crowdstrike has deployed fix for the issue, company’s CEO said.
Microsoft had fixed underlying cause for outage of its 365 apps and services including Teams and OneDrive, but residual impact was affecting some services.
“This is not security incident or cyberattack… issue has been identified, isolated and fix has been deployed,” Crowdstrike CEO George Kurtz said in post on social media platform X.
Issue stemmed from defect found in single content update for Microsoft Windows hosts, Kurtz said.
Mac and Linux hosts were not impacted by the issue, he stressed.
Crowdstrike’s “Falcon Sensor” software was causing Microsoft Windows to crash and display blue screen, known informally as “Blue Screen of Death,” according to alert sent by Crowdstrike earlier to its clients and reviewed by Reuters.
Travel industry was among hardest hit with airports around the world reporting delays and issues with their system network, while banks and financial institutions from Australia and India to South Africa warned clients about disruptions to their services.
University of Melbourne expert Toby Murray previously said there were indications problem was linked to Crowdstrike Falcon.
“CrowdStrike is global cyber security and threat intelligence company,” Murray said. “Falcon is what is known as endpoint detection and response platform, monitors computers that it is installed on to detect intrusions (i.e. hacks) and respond to them.”
University of South Australia cybersecurity researcher Jill Slay said global impact of outages was likely to be “enormous.”
“AirAsia Philippines is closely monitoring situation and is in constant communication with Navitaire and Microsoft…our top priority is to minimize any impact on our guests and ensure all systems are restored to full functionality as soon as possible,” said AirAsia communications and public affairs head and First Officer Steve Dailisan.
Airline advised travelers to visit @flyairasiaph social media platforms and AirAsia newsroom and through their registered mobile phones and email accounts for flight updates.
CAAP is preparing for increase in passengers waiting at airports, activating irregular operations protocols and closely coordinating with airlines, PNP Aviation Security Group and Office for Transport Security.
More seating for passengers are being added, and personnel at Malasakit Help desk and medical teams are on standby.
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines, meanwhile, said its technical systems are “not affected” by the issue, according to PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna. However, it remains unclear whether airline was simply spared or its computers are running with different operating system.
Information Assistant Secretary Renato Paraiso said t government is monitoring impact on the Philippines of the Microsoft outage. He also clarified that Department of Information and Communications Technology was unaffected by disruptive glitch.
“We assure public DICT does not use same cybersecurity service provider and that no DICT systems or assets have been affected,” Paraiso said.
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Ph to talk with Viet on continental shelf
By Nidz Godino
“We are ready to engage Vietnam on possible ways forward that would help achieve mutually beneficial solution to South China Sea issues, in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS,” Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Philippines is ready to talk with Vietnam to seek measures for mutually beneficial solution after Hanoi filed claim with United Nations for extended continental shelf (ECS) in South China Sea.
DFA said “Philippines affirms its claim to its extended continental shelf in Western Palawan Region consistent with its maritime entitlements under UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea).”
Vietnam and Philippines are among claimants to parts of South China Sea.
Vietnam’s move came after Malaysia earlier filed its own opposition to UN on Philippines’ petition for ECS.
Vietnam’s foreign ministry said submission of continental shelf beyond current 200 nautical miles is to exercise rights and obligations of state parties in accordance with maritime framework.
“We acknowledge Vietnam’s right, as coastal state like Philippines, to submit information to establish outer limits of their continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles from relevant and lawful baselines from which its territorial sea is measured, as provided for under UNCLOS,” DFA said.
Vietnam also sent note verbale to UN Secretary-General to state its position regarding Philippines’ similar submission filed last month on West Philippine Sea.
The West Philippine Sea includes waters of the South China Sea that are part of the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.
Countering China’s latest statements accusing Philippines and Vietnam of taking steps that would only worsen tensions, National Security Council (NSC) noted moves to lay claim over the country’s ECS before UN actually pave way for peaceful settlement of differences between nations.
NSC assistant director general Jonathan Malaya said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian’s statement submissions to UN Commission on Limits of Continental Shelf (CLCS) will not help resolve disputes is wrong.
“Both Philippines and Vietnam agree that the way to move forward with respect to their respective submission of ECS is for dialogue and consultation,as clearly stated by DFA, Philippines, in fact, is ready to engage in possible ways forward that would help achieve mutually beneficial solution in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS,” he explained.
Malaya stressed that as members of ASEAN, both Philippines and Vietnam recognize that “when submitting their ECS claims, coastal states must respect legal and legitimate rights and interests of other relevant coastal nations with opposite or adjacent coasts, thus both seek solution mutually beneficial for both countries.”
“Therefore, Lin Jian’s statement that these submissions do not have any practical effect and only serve to accentuate differences is premised on wrong assumptions,.. there is way forward to peacefully settle differences when nations adhere to international law and come to negotiating table with open minds, sincerity, and goodwill,” he said.
“I categorically deny any involvement in the death threats received by Sen. Win Gatchalian… I have no capacity, much less intent, to cause any harm against anyone…in fact, I myself have been receiving actual and online threats since start of this issue,” suspended Mayor Alice Guo of Bamban, Tarlac said on Facebook where she has more than 100,000 followers.
Her whereabouts unknown since being ordered arrested by Senate, she appeared on Facebook (Meta) to deny she was behind alleged plot to assassinate Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Risa Hontiveros, who are leading investigation on her possible links to illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).
In post shared by her legal counsel Stephen David, Guo also defended her decision not to appear before Senate committee on women, children, family and gender equality chaired by Hontiveros, saying her health and peace of mind are her priority.
“I am well-aware of feeling of receiving threats against my person, safety and security…thus, I strongly condemn such inhumane or callous acts,” Guo said.
Her counsel David is in Europe.
She said last two Senate hearings she attended left her severely exhausted and traumatized.
“My primary priority now is my health and peace of mind, so that I can properly address all legal issues directed at me,” Guo maintained.
Suspended mayor does not wish to be used by anyone to boost his or her political ambitions. “Our country faces many critical issues such as national security, poverty, unemployment, food shortage, health care delivery, environmental degradation and human rights violations… I appeal to them to focus their attention on these problems instead of continuously threatening me with arrest and accusing me of being complicit in various Philippine offshore gaming operations-related crimes, untrue and unfounded,..am I really country’s biggest problem that they need to focus on…or is it just because they are gaining popularity at my expense that they will not leave me alone,” she said.
Guo assured public and senators that she does not pose any threat to them or to anyone.
“While multiple open cases have been filed against me, I am deeply concerned about and keep questioning why Senator Win Gatchalian, Senator Risa Hontiveros and other offices seem fixated on me…if they have evidence against me, I am ready to face them in fair trial and at proper forum… I believe in and adhere to rule of law, and not rule of men,.” she pointed out.
She stressed that news linking her to various illegal activities is baseless. “I have nothing to do with these issues, but I am being accused of all sorts of things because I am currently at the center of public attention,If anyone can disregard my right to data privacy by prying into my personal records, they will know whether I have left Philippines by simply asking Bureau of Immigration and Department of Foreign Affairs as I do not hold Chinese passport“I appeal to everyone to focus on facts and not on mere opinions,” suspended mayor said.
Hontiveros bristled at Guo’s claim tSenate seems fixated on her in its investigation on POGOs.
“Mayor Alice Guo or Guo Hua Ping, you have more time for your Facebook posts than your actual attendance at Senate. Attendance before Senate hearings is adherence to rule of law…how can you have peace of mind when you are avoiding our questions…don’t worry, we are not fixated on you….we are allergic to liars,” Hontiveros said.
Hontiveros accused Guo of lying about her Filipino identity, when she is in fact full-blooded Chinese with alleged links to syndicate behind illegal offshore gaming operations in Bamban, Tarlac.
Guo turned blind eye on human trafficking and digital scams perpetrated by POGO proliferated during her time as mayor, Hontiveros said.
In statement Gatchalian lauded business community for supporting senators’ position to ban POGOs.
“I am delighted to learn that major business groups in the country support our advocacy to ban POGOs in the country in line with position taken by our economic managers,” Gatchalian said.
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Return unused PhilHealth funds
By J.Lo
“President Marcos should immediately issue directive to return entirety P89.9 billion in unused funds to PhilHealth, to be used for individual health care needs of the poor,” more than 35 medical groups are urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.to order return of full amount of Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth)’s unused funds so it can be used for health needs of indigents.
Philippine Medical Association said Marcos should institute measures to ensure immediate enhancement of health benefits and form independent agency to do this, if necessary.
In April, Department of Finance (DOF) released circular mandating government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) to remit their excess funds to the national coffers.
DOF ordered PhilHealth to remit P89.9 billion in excess funds to unprogrammed appropriations of General Appropriations Act.
Doctors from Asia Pacific Center for Evidence-Based Healthcare and Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) expressed alarm over possible impact of transfer of fund, intended for delivery of health services, especially to poor PhilHealth members.
They said transfer of unused PhilHealth funds is against Section 11 of Republic Act 11223, or Universal Health Care Act, and is tantamount to taking away people’s money.
Law states excess in PhilHealth reserve funds should be used to increase program’s benefits and decrease amount of members’ contributions.
It said no portion of reserve fund or income should accrue to general fund of national government, or to any of its agencies or instrumentalities, including GOCCs.
Groups said PhilHealth has underspent because it has not sufficiently expanded its benefit packages.
“There is still huge unmet need for healthcare in the Philippines,” they said in statement.
Former PCP president Maricar Limpin said they are not amenable to transfer of PhilHealth funds as it is intended to cover for hospital expenses of its sick members.
Department of Health (DOH) is supportive of groups’ concern.
“DOH agrees with civil society organizations and people who say health funds should be used for health purposes,” Health Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said.
He said such funds should not be invested or kept in the bank.
“As we understand it, and as stated by Department of Finance, unused government subsidy taken from PhilHealth was used to fund COVID-19 Health Emergency Allowance for our healthcare workers,” Domingo said. DOH said decision of PhilHealth board was done upon request of PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr.
It said DOH secretary is non-voting chair of the board.
Concerned groups and individuals are expected to challenge government’s move on this matter.
Meanwhile, regional offices of DOH have started distributing remaining P27 billion in health emergency allowance to public and private health facilities.
This developed after Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released to DOH notice of cash availability intended for health emergency allowance.
“DOH has received notice of cash availability from DBM… Center for Health Development ,CHD has been disbursing funds to local government units and private health facilities under its jurisdiction,” Domingo said in a Viber message.
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Biden isolated of COVID-19
By Nidz Godino
“I think he’s strong and he’s going to recover soon,”US President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID with mild symptoms, shortly after conceding he would consider dropping his reelection bid if doctors diagnosed him with serious medical condition.
The 81-year-old Democrat gave reporters thumbs up and said “I feel good” as he cut short trip to Las Vegas and flew to his beach home in Delaware to go into isolation, will take him off campaign trail for days.
Biden thanked well-wishers on X, adding “I will be isolating as I recover, and during this time I will continue to work to get job done for American people.”
Infection comes at critical moment for Biden’s campaign, with the president seeking to show he is up to the job after disastrous debate performance against rival Donald Trump sparked concerns about his health and calls from some Democrats for him to step aside.
It is also the latest development in tumultuous few days in an already frenetic White House race that saw Trump survive assassination attempt at campaign rally.
Biden was forced to cancel speech to union representing Latino workers who will be crucial for his election bid, having attended campaign event earlier in the day and given radio interview.
His spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden was vaccinated and boosted, was now taking COVID medication Paxlovid and “continues to carry out full duties of office while in isolation.”
White House doctor Kevin O’Connor said Biden had complained of suffering from runny nose, cough and “general malaise,” but that “his symptoms remain mild.”
Biden was seen walking from his limousine to his plane at Las Vegas without mask. “Good,” he said when asked how he felt, “I feel good.”
Janet Murguia, president of Unidos union for Latino workers, told crowd about diagnosis shortly before White House announcement.
People waiting for speech said Biden’s health did not worry them despite Covid diagnosis.
But Biden’s illness comes as concerns over fitness of oldest US president in US history reach fever pitch.
Asked what could make him rethink his presidential bid, Biden told black media outlet BET in interview taped in Las Vegas: “If I had some medical condition that emerged, if somebody, if the doctors came and said ‘you’ve got this problem, that problem.’”
Biden has so far refused to drop out, and blamed his debate debacle, when he appeared tired and confused, on bad cold and jet lag.
But US broadcaster reported Wednesday that Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer had told Biden over the weekend it would be “better for the country if he were to bow out,” in what would be fatal blow.
Spokesperson for Schumer played down report, saying: “Unless source is Senator Chuck Schumer or President Joe Biden reporting is idle speculation.”
“Leader Schumer conveyed views of his caucus directly to President Biden.”
Washington Post and New York Times meanwhile reported both Schumer and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries had warned Biden that his candidacy puts party’s electoral prospects at risk.
White House spokesman Andrew Bates pushed back in statement, saying: “The President told both leaders he is the nominee of the party, he plans to win, and looks forward to working with both of them to pass his 100 days agenda to help working families.”
Adding further pressure, CNN reported former House speaker Nancy Pelosi privately told Biden he cannot win and could harm Democrats’ chances of recapturing lower chamber of Congress.
Earlier on Wednesday, Representative Adam Schiff of California became highest-profile Democrat to publicly urge Biden to “pass torch.”
“Second Trump presidency will undermine very foundation of our democracy, and I have serious concerns about whether the President can defeat Donald Trump in November,” Schiff said in a statement to Los Angeles Times.
Biden insists Democratic voters support him, but poll by the Associated Press and NORC Center for Public Affairs Research said Wednesday that nearly two-thirds want him to step aside.
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SC prayed to junk AQ plea vs Senate arrest order
By J.Lo
Senate, through Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), has asked Supreme Court to dismiss petition filed by fugitive doomsday preacher Apollo Quiboloy.
Quiboloy is challenging the contempt, arrest and detention order issued against him by Senate on March 19. He also claimed Senate would violate his constitutional right against self-incrimination.
In 45-page comment dated July 8, OSG argued Quiboloy’s claim is “mere speculation” and “misplaced.” Senate maintains if Quiboloy had attended hearings as expected of all citizens, he would not be in this situation.
OSG stated, “Petitioner seeks to carve out exception for himself. Armed with only a speculative and misguided claim, he has the temerity to seek judicial succor even as he is openly and obstinately defying the authority of not one but two great branches of government.”
OSG also noted right against self-incrimination may only be invoked by an accused during criminal proceeding. Senate inquiry, Quiboloy was asked to attend, is not criminal proceeding.
In January, Senate invited Quiboloy to attend committee hearing on alleged abuses committed by him and his church, Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Quiboloy did not attend any hearings and instead sent his lawyer. This led Senate to cite him in contempt and issue arrest order on March 19.
Aside from Senate’s arrest order, Quiboloy faces charges in different courts:
Supreme Court recently granted the Department of Justice’s request to transfer child and sexual abuse cases against Quiboloy to the Quezon City Regional Trial Court. The Davao City RTC had first issued an arrest warrant on April 3.
One of Quiboloy’s co-accused, Pauline Canada, was apprehended on July 11 in her home in Davao del Sur.
Non-bailable qualified human trafficking case is lodged against Quiboloy and his co-accused before the Pasig City court, which issued an arrest warrant on April 11.
“It is great honor that President Marcos has given us to serve as secretary of Department of Education. I humbly accept this position, in response to our President’s trust and challenge to further enhance programs that will promote high quality education for our students,” Sen. Sonny Angara officially took reins of Department of Education succeeding Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio as 37th DepEd secretary.
Angara, who tendered his resignation as member of Senate received department seal and flag from Duterte during ceremonies at the DepEd central office in Pasig City.
In her last speech as DepEd chief, Duterte highlighted programs and projects, including Matatag Curriculum rollout and review of Senior High School (SHS) curriculum, that were implemented during her two-year tenure.
Duterte said some projects were unrealized during her stint, including Matatag Center and Portal, DepEd digital education agenda, overtime pay for teachers, revised curriculum for SHS, universal school-based feeding program for kindergarten learners as well as calamity fund and health insurance for teaching and non-teaching personnel.
She expressed hope that Angara would push unrealized projects.
Angara, during his inaugural speech, expressed his gratitude and commitment to improving Philippine education system.
He also paid tribute to Duterte and other outgoing DepEd officials for their dedication and service, underscoring importance of building on existing efforts.
“We will build from what you have already started,” Angara said.
Civil society group Tindig Pilipinas also asked Angara to address crisis in education and to reconsider implementation of Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.
“Our challenge to Secretary Angara is to address crisis in education…he should change legacy of former Deped secretary Duterte of purely drama. .. squabble among politicians will not address needs of students and teachers,” said Tindig Pilipinas convenor Matthew Silverio.
After turning over DepEd to Angara, Duterte revealed that her reason for leaving post was mainly personal and political.
“It’s long story…we need sit down for the reasons… personal element between me and President Marcos stems from our agreement before I agreed to run as his Vice President…there’s element involving work and one involving the nation,” Duterte said in but did not elaborate.
Asked whether her resignation had something to do with her spat with First Lady Liza Marcos, Duterte said: “No, the First Lady had nothing to do with this as she has nothing to do with my and President Marcos’ jobs.”
The First Lady revealed in April she had come to view Duterte negatively because Vice President laughed when her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, called Marcos bangag or high on drugs during rally in Davao City.
The Vice President also said she no longer has any interest in serving in Marcos’ Cabinet “in other capacities.”
She also said she has declined invitations from Marcos and her own father to campaign for their respective senatorial slates for 2025 elections, adding that she has yet to determine direction of her interests.
Before resigning, Duterte said Marcos invited her to meeting where he asked her to help the administration field senatorial candidates to successful bid.
“I think President Marcos will also confirm this… I told him I will not participate yet in midterm elections,” Duterte told reporters.
She also said she met her father “by chance” and was asked to campaign for senatorial candidates of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino, former president’s political party.
“I also told him that I would not participate in midterm elections… I still need to think about my direction for midterm elections that’s why I can’t give answer yet to the two of them on what I’ll be doing,” Duterte said.
Duterte revealed she has scheduled meeting with Senators Bong Go and Ronald dela Rosa after Marcos’ State of the Nation Address “to sit down and have heart-to-heart among the three of us.”
The Vice President’s involvement in the midterm elections may be sought after in some quarters as, aside from her current political capital, she also founded regional party Hugpong ng Pagbabago, met great success during last midterm senatorial elections.
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Garcia mulls suing Erice over ‘Bahamas files’
By Nidz Godino
COMELEC CHAIRMAN GEORGE GARCIA
“As much as possible, I don’t want to preempt NBI and AMLC…take note, allegations thrown against me and commission on elections were allegations not under oath,” Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia is considering filing counter-charge of falsification against former Rep. Egay Erice, who accused poll body official of owning foreign bank accounts and assets.
Garcia would wait for findings of National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) before filing any charges.
“That’s falsification if proven not true especially if it’s made public and if done with bad intention or bad faith,…that is punishable under Revised Penal Code,” he stressed.
Article 172 of Revised Penal Code states falsification by private individual and use of falsified documents can lead to up to six years of imprisonment and fine of up to P5,000.
Erice presented what he called “Bahamas files,” allegedly list 14 bank accounts amounting to P877 million belonging to unnamed Comelec official and his wife.
Erice said official owned properties in Singapore, Hong Kong, US and Makati City.
Erice also mentioned unnamed Comelec official received $1 million (approximately P58.3 million) from Miru Systems, South Korea-based service provider for 2025 midterm elections.
Garcia denied accusations, asserting he has never held any offshore accounts or owned properties abroad. He stressed he has only held two visas in his life, making it impossible for him to have established accounts in mentioned countries.
“I would like to categorically state that I know not single offshore account nor single property abroad,” Garcia said .
On Tuesday, Erice requested Supreme Court (SC) to cite Comelec chair in contempt for his statements regarding petition Erice filed, challenges poll body’s P17.9-billion contract with Miru Systems.
SC has required Erice to comment on Miru’s gag order petition, aims to prevent disclosure and discussion of information by third parties.
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