As his ’life’s mission,’ Trillanes vows to hold Duterte family accountable for acts
Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV has made it his life’s mission to make the “murderous” and “corrupt” Duterte family accountable for their actions. Read More........»»
Roque: Xi, Duterte agreed to keep West Philippines Sea status quo
The Philippines under former president Rodrigo Duterte had a “gentleman’s agreement” with China to keep the status quo in the West Philippine Sea, a former Cabinet official said yesterday, as fresh tensions surround the WPS due to recent incursions by Beijing that targeted a Filipino resupply mission and a research team......»»
Rappler exposes Duterte family s stash of guns
By: CMFR StaffPosted on: March 21, 2024, 5:05 pm CHEERS TO Rappler for its investigative report that revealed the formidable arsenal of guns held by former President Rodrigo Duterte together with at least four members of his family, counting a total of 654 guns. The pie.....»»
Rappler exposes Duterte family s stash of guns
CHEERS TO Rappler for its investigative report that revealed the formidable arsenal of guns held by former President Rodrigo Duterte together with at least four members of his family, counting a total of 654 guns. The piece, written by Lian Buan, Jairo Bolledo, and Jodesz Gavilan, ask.....»»
Torture in Egypt a ‘crime against humanity’ — rights groups
Egyptian authorities' "widespread and systematic" use of torture is "a crime against humanity", rights groups said Monday in an appeal to the United Nations to review Egypt's rights record. The report, submitted to the UN Committee against Torture, tracked the use of methods including "beatings, electrical shocks, sexual violence" and denial of access to medical care by members of the security services. Egyptian authorities "use of torture is so widespread and systematic as to amount to a crime against humanity under customary international law," the coalition of six rights groups said. Torture has been used "as a political tool to curtail dissent" in Egypt's long-running practice of targeting "human rights defenders, minorities, journalists, academics and opposition politicians," according to Mohamed Lotfy, the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms' executive director. The coalition submitting the report included the ECRF, the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR), and London-based human rights organization REDRESS. In November the UN committee will review Egypt's record under the UN Convention against Torture. Cairo has long been criticized for its rights record during the decade-long rule of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi who oversaw a crackdown on dissent. Rights groups estimate the country has around 60,000 political prisoners. Many of them, according to rights groups, have been subjected to brutal conditions in overcrowded cells and regularly mistreated by prison authorities. "Torture is dismissed as merely isolated acts of misconduct instead of being seen for what it really is: a deliberate attack on Egypt's citizens that is a crime against humanity," said Rupert Skilbeck, director of REDRESS. According to Monday's report, the use of torture is "part of a state policy," enabled by "emergency laws, 'counter-terrorism' laws and policies, and rampant impunity" for violations. Cairo has regularly denied torturing people in detention. US military aid The United States has repeatedly criticized Egypt's human rights record, accusing authorities of torture and "life-threatening prison conditions". Despite such persistent concerns, the administration of President Joe Biden last month approved most military aid to Cairo, in a total package that exceeds $1.2 billion and includes $235 million subject to human rights conditions imposed by Congress. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, citing national security interests, waved those restrictions but withheld a separate $85 million over rights issues. However, the new chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Ben Cardin, threatened to block the military funding, in a move rights groups applauded on Sunday. "This decision is a needed first step... to hold the Egyptian regime accountable for its egregious human rights violations," 14 rights organizations said in a joint statement applauding congressional efforts to pull support from Egypt. Cardin replaced Senator Bob Menendez, who on Wednesday pleaded not guilty in New York to bribery and extortion allegations involving the Egyptian government. Since last year, Sisi's administration has made apparent overtures to the decimated opposition, launching a "national dialogue", pardoning political prisoners, and releasing detainees. But ahead of a presidential election in December that Sisi is widely expected to win, experts say the government has done little to actually advance its rights record. Despite the release of nearly 1,000 political prisoners in the past year, rights groups recorded almost three times as many detained over the same period. The post Torture in Egypt a ‘crime against humanity’ — rights groups appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Parishioners confront gang but met bullets
Evangelical church members who marched to confront criminal gang members in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on Saturday were fired upon by the bandits, killing an unknown number of victims, local police said on Monday. Pastor Marco Zidor, leader of the Piscine de Bethesda evangelical church, reportedly gathered his followers and persuaded them to march toward the area held by members of the Canaan gang in the north of the capital. However, presumed gang members opened fire with automatic weapons on the marchers, some of whom were brandishing machetes and sticks. Videos broadcast by the gang show numerous corpses strewn about. Haitian National Police said Monday it tried to stop the marchers with a security perimeter to avoid bloodshed. “However, the demonstrators bypassed the security arrangements... and still arrived in the desired areas to confront the members of said gang,” the police said. It added that the confrontation “left several demonstrators shot dead and several others wounded. Some of the faithful are... held hostage.” Meanwhile, a government prosecutor is holding Zidor accountable for his followers’ death. The Je Klere Foundation, a human rights group, called on prosecutors to crack down on those responsible, noting that “incitements to violence in sermons are criminal acts provided for and punished by the Haitian Criminal Code.” More than 2,400 people have been killed in Haiti since the start of 2023 amid rampant gang violence, the UN said earlier this month. Gangs control roughly 80 percent of the capital, and violent crimes including kidnappings for ransom, carjackings, rape and armed theft are common. WITH AFP The post Parishioners confront gang but met bullets appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Revised guidelines on departure: Streamlined, not cause for panic
In recent weeks, there has been a wave of panic, anger, and frustration among the public in response to the revised guidelines on departure formalities for international-bound travelers from the Philippines, crafted by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking. It is crucial, however, to clarify that these revised guidelines do not introduce any significant changes compared to the 2015 guidelines on departure formalities. In fact, they serve as a streamlined approach, simplifying the process for passengers. The public must take the time to read them side-by-side and understand the context before jumping to conclusions. First and foremost, it is important to emphasize that the revised guidelines are not a cause for panic. They are an effort to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the departure process, without compromising the safety and security of travelers. The objective is to ensure a smoother experience for passengers while maintaining robust measures against human trafficking. By urging the public to compare the 2015 guidelines with the revised ones, it becomes evident that what occurred was a streamlining of the process. The revised guidelines explicitly state that no additional documents can be requested by immigration officers beyond what is stipulated by law. This provision acts as a safeguard, protecting travelers from potential harassment and extortion at the hands of unscrupulous individuals. It is a step towards greater transparency and accountability, and a manifestation of the government’s commitment to protect the rights of its citizens. Making these revised guidelines public is a significant step towards fostering trust and eliminating ambiguity. By allowing passengers to access and understand the expectations placed upon them, there is an increased sense of empowerment and awareness. This transparency enables individuals to assert their rights and hold authorities accountable for any undue demands or non-compliance. To dispel misconceptions and alleviate concerns, the public needs to be well informed. Rather than relying on hearsay or sensationalized reports, taking the time to read and comprehend the revised guidelines provides a solid foundation for understanding the changes. It is through education and knowledge-sharing that we can address any misinterpretations or misunderstandings surrounding the revised guidelines. In conclusion, the revised guidelines on departure formalities for international-bound travelers from the Philippines are not a cause for panic, anger, or frustration. They represent a streamlined approach to improve the passenger experience while maintaining stringent measures against human trafficking. By comparing the 2015 guidelines with the revised ones, it becomes clear that the changes are minimal and focus primarily on transparency and accountability. The public must read and comprehend these guidelines side-by-side to dispel misconceptions and realize that the revised guidelines can, in fact, serve as a manifesto for passengers. The post Revised guidelines on departure: Streamlined, not cause for panic appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Road rage driver a dismissed QC cop
The driver of the vehicle, who identified himself as Wilfredo "Willie" Gonzales, THE DAILY TRIBUNE found, is a 63-year old former Quezon City policeman assigned at the QCPD Station 9 in Anonas. Gonzales was ordered dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman along with ten others including his station commander in 2000 for releasing two Chinese nationals in exchange for P650,000. The two Chinese nationals, Jimmy Tan and Albert Koo were found to be carrying some 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride when they were arrested. "Medyo may hangin yan," a retired batch mate of Gonzales told this reporter. Mayor Belmonte urges the cyclist to file complaint For her part, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte urges the bicycle rider whom Gonzales had assaulted, to come into the open and file the necessary case against the road rager. "I believe this culture of impunity is not acceptable in QC and I have a duty and responsibility to maintain peace and order in our city and send a strong message that acts such as that committed by Willy Gonzalez shall not be tolerated and that he must be held accountable," Belmonte said. "However, I’d like to stress that without the cooperation of the complainant, there is only so much that can be done. Therefore we are appealing to the complainant to come forward so that Willy Gonzalez, whom I consider a menace to society, is held accountable. He is not only an irresponsible gun owner with anger management issues, but a danger to our people," she added. Gonzalez not the registered owner of vehicle The driver of the red sedan who figured in a road rage incident with a bicycle rider in Quezon City is not the registered owner of the vehicle, Land Transportation Office (LTO) Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II disclosed on Monday, 28 August. Citing a report submitted to his office by LTO-National Capital Region Director Roque Verzosa III, Mendoza said that the registered owner of the KIA Rio with license plate ULQ 802 is still the subject of the Show Cause Order wherein the car owner was directed to appear before the LTO investigators on August 31. The same report was already submitted to the office of Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista. “Since the driver involved already surrendered to the police, our records revealed that the person who appeared in a press briefing at Camp Karingal is not the registered owner of the vehicle,” said Mendoza. “Kaya tuloy ang Show Cause Order upang mabigyan tayo ng paliwanag ng registered owner kung bakit iba ang nagmamaneho ng sasakyan niya. Gusto nating malinawan kung naibenta na ba niya ito, ipinahiram lang o kung ano pang circumstances kung bakit iba ang nagmamaneho nang mangyari ang viral na insidenteng ito,” he added. Mendoza explained that there are two violations that appeared to have been committed in relation to the Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code as a result of the incident between the driver of the KIA Rio and the bicycle rider on August 8—the first is Section 27 (Improper Person to Operate a Vehicle) and Section 48 (Reckless Driving). He said the registered owner of the vehicle was directed to submit a notarized affidavit explaining why sanctions should not be imposed in connection with the incident. Failure to do so on the given time, date, and place in the Show Cause Order, Mendoza said, will be taken by the LTO as a waiver for the agency to decide on the matter based on the available pieces of evidence. “Pending the resolution of this case, I have already approved the recommendation to place this KIA Rio with license plate ULQ 802 to be placed under alarm effective immediately,” said Mendoza. The post Road rage driver a dismissed QC cop appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Making Phl top innovation, creative hub
In this fast-evolving globalized world, we have learned that those who fail to adapt to new rules and laws will always fall behind. However, rewards await those who can nimbly pivot to the new demands. The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines or IPOPHL is very fortunate to have passionate allies in the House and the Senate. They understand that even domestic intellectual property or IP rules have to dance cheek-to-cheek with global changes if we want to keep the Philippines from falling behind. They understand that creating a competitive Philippines requires adequate protection for IP rights which help oil the wheels of technological and economic growth everywhere. This week, IPOPHL briefed the staffs of Senator Imee Marcos, Senator Loren Legarda, Rep. Marvey Marino, Rep. Joey Salceda, and the House Committee on Trade and Investments, all of whom we appreciate highly for taking the time to listen to the pressing needs of our creators, innovators and IP rights holders. Our conversations were filled with insightful exchanges on the future of the knowledge economy, affirming that we share the same vision of an IP system that fosters inclusive economic and social development. In our meeting, we provided the honorable lawmakers with an overview of the 10 main provisions we propose to make the new IP Code more responsive to technological and relevant global developments. Key proposals These 10 key amendments we are pushing for are the following: Impose steeper penalties on infringers — and steeper even where IP infringement threatens health and life, such as when counterfeit drugs and food are involved; Give IPOPHL power to issue orders to block pirated sites and take down IP-infringing posts and platforms; Adopt a solidary liability in trademark infringement where online platforms and service providers, as well as landlords in the case of brick-and-mortar stores, are held accountable for their client-sellers’ IP infringing acts; Allow provisional patent applications which will give filed technologies protection on the date of filing; Introduce a parallel protection system, through which inventors can simultaneously register for a patent grant and utility model or UM protection for the same technology. Such would allow inventors to attempt a patent grant while already commercializing their works as UM applications can be approved in months compared to patent applications which could take years; Provide clear-cut rules on orphan works, which are copyrighted works whose rights holders are difficult to determine or contact; Protect sound marks and certification marks to provide brands with more tools to gain better recall; Recognize extended collective licensing, through which collective management organizations or CMOs can provide licensing solutions to non-members, enabling greater access to CMOs’ cost-efficient, one-stop-shop licensing solutions; Remove the P200,000 damage claim threshold. At present, cases with claims below this amount, usually by MSMEs, cannot be filed as an administrative case; and Institutionalize the interagency National Committee on IP Rights, the IP Rights Enforcement Office, and the IP Academy to funnel to them proper funding and other means of support. Combined, these 10 key amendments will apply global best practices for protecting Filipino inventions; provide an enabling environment for the Philippine creative industry; create more measures to deter counterfeiting and piracy; and make solutions to IP rights protection more accessible to both small and big businesses alike. The proposed protection of sound marks in particular will allow the country to comply with its trade obligation under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership or RCEP Agreement. Building a new IP system sends the world the message that we are building a Philippines that is safe and reliable for all creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Once we turn the page over with this better Philippine IP environment, our kababayans can expect IP creation to set out at an unprecedented pace and make impacts we’d never seen before. The post Making Phl top innovation, creative hub appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Comelec warns vs spending public funds during BSKE campaign period
The Commission on Elections on Thursday reminded incumbent local politicians that spending public funds during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections campaign period on 19 to 28 October is prohibited by law. Speaking to reporters in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte during the Comelec’s three-day meeting there, chairman George Erwin Garcia warned that violators of the law may face criminal charges or disqualify guilty parties from the elections. Section 261(v) of the Omnibus Election Code prohibits public officials and employees from using and spending public funds for public works and other expenses provided under the provision during the election period. Garcia also reminded that only incumbent local officials are allowed to campaign for their respective BSKE bets and not government and civil service employees. Political parties are also not allowed to endorse candidates and candidates are not allowed to represent political parties. “We can’t prevent their campaign and endorsement, but there are limitations with the use of public funds,” he added. Meanwhile, Comelec Commissioner Ernesto Maceda Jr. said there is a need for ways to make parties guilty of vote buying and other illegal acts accountable under election rules or Section 261 of the OEC. Maceda said the current election laws are insufficient, making it hard for authorities to determine the gravity of vote buying and other anomalies. “Our present legal framework or structure is insufficient. It’s easy to complain but hard to prove.... It’s not because of any inadequacy on the part of the persons who made this effort, but because the requirement of proving something like this, which is a crime, is the same as proving any other crime,” Maceda said. The post Comelec warns vs spending public funds during BSKE campaign period appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marital infidelity under RA 9262
Dear Atty. Angela, My husband was assigned for work in a province and I found out he had a different woman. Worse, I received news that he got the woman pregnant. Upon confrontation, he admitted to it and left me and our two children. He likewise lessened the monthly support he has been giving to our family. Due to this, I suffered serious mental and psychological breakdown. I want my husband to realize the wrong he has done to me and our children. I heard about the law on Anti-Violence Against Women and Children. Can I make him accountable for the infidelity he did through this law? Melody ***** Dear Melody, Yes, you can file a case against your husband applying Republic Act 9262, particularly causing mental or emotional anguish against you and your children. In a recent decision, XXX v. People, G.R. 250219 (2023), the Supreme Court enumerated the elements of psychological violence under Sec. 5 (i) of RA 9262, as follows: Section 5. Acts of Violence Against Women and Their Children. — The crime of violence against women and their children is committed through any of the following acts: (i) Causing mental or emotional anguish, public ridicule or humiliation to the woman or her child, including, but not limited to, repeated verbal and emotional abuse, and denial of financial support or custody of minor children or access to the woman’s child/children. From the aforequoted Section 5 (i), in relation to other sections of RA 9262, the elements of the crime are derived as follows: (3) The offender causes on the woman and/or child mental or emotional anguish; The Supreme Court upheld the finding that marital infidelity may constitute psychological violence and thus be punishable under the said law. Psychological violence is an element of violation of Section 5(i) just like the mental or emotional anguish caused on the victim. Psychological violence is the means employed by the perpetrator, while mental or emotions anguish is the effect caused to or the damage sustained by the offended party. To establish psychological violence as an element of the crime, it is necessary to show proof of commission of any of the acts enumerated in Section 5(i) or similar such acts. And to establish mental or emotional anguish, it is necessary that you are presented as a witness to give testimony on the anguish and other forms of mental or emotional suffering you had to endure as a result of psychological violence committed by your husband. Atty. Angela Antonio The post Marital infidelity under RA 9262 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
As his ’life’s mission,’ Trillanes vows to hold Duterte family accountable for acts
Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV has made it his life’s mission to make the “murderous” and “corrupt” Duterte family accountable for their actions. Read More........»»
7 nanlaban drug suspects dead after Baste Duterte declares drug war
Less than a week after Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte declared a "war on drugs" in the city, at least seven drug suspects were killed during a buy-bust operation in the city — violence that highlights the seriousness of the mayor's recent threat of outright killing persons caught using illegal drugs......»»
Sy family invests P5 billion in Megawide affiliate
The Sy family is once again playing a big brother role to a company led by businessman Edgar Saavedra, this time investing in Megawide’s affiliate renewable energy real estate investment trust......»»
Unlock business success at Franchise Asia Philippines Expo
The Franchise Asia Philippines Expo 2024 is set to hold a series of dynamic seminars designed to empower entrepreneurs, investors and business enthusiasts with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the ever-evolving world of franchising. Slated from April 12 to 14 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, these seminars offer invaluable insights into key aspects of franchising and business growth......»»
CHR alarmed by war vs drugs in Davao City
THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is alarmed by Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte’s “war against drugs”, as seven drug users were killed from different barangays in the city over the weekend, just a few hours after his declaration......»»
Revisiting Uniteam (Last of 2 parts)
THE Uniteam coalition of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, described by many political analysts as the "dream team", had come a long way since sweeping the 2022 elections......»»
Cebu topnotcher shares secret to success: Strong support system of family, friends
CEBU CITY, Philippines — A good support system of family and friends is Elijah Cabase’s secret to his placing 5th in the March 2024 Medical Technologists Licensure Examinations (MTLE). This 23-year-old University of Cebu-Banilad alumnus said that he was not even expecting to pass because he described himself as a confessed procrastinator — or one.....»»
Let’s not forget about sexual reproductive health and rights
I once read that in the ’80s, NASA wanted to send astronaut Sally Ride – the first American woman in space – on a space mission with 100 tampons. Her trip was six days. They could have spared that embarrassment by simply talking about it......»»
JG Summit FY23 profit: P19.6-B (up 216%)
JG Summit, the Gokongwei Family’s diversified conglomerate, teased its FY23 financial results headlined by a 216% increase in the company’s net income to P19.6 billion......»»
Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. to hold Annual Stockholders Meeting
Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of ABOITIZ EQUITY VENTURES INC. (the "Company") will be held on April 22, 2024, Monday at 11:00 a.m. (the "2024 ASM”)......»»