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Federalism advocate favors Con-Con as mode for Cha-Cha
ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews / 20 January) — Changing the Constitution through a Constitutional Convention (Con-Con) composed of individuals who are not incumbent members of Congress will ensure the people’s involvement right from the start and the primacy of the nation’s development, not personal interests, in the minds of the delegates, an advocate of federalism said […].....»»
FPRRD opposes disguised Charter change initiative
Former President Rodrigo R. Duterte has vehemently opposed the disguised People’s Initiative for Charter change, denouncing the cash-for-signature campaign as repugnant and a disgraceful act during a YouTube interview with Banateros Brothers on January 22, 2024. Duterte emphasized his disapproval of the initiative, urging for it to be halted, particularly criticizing the payment of individuals to sign the documents. He warned that such actions could lead to a new Constitution that might destroy the nation and open avenues for political abuses. Duterte stressed the importance of democracy in the Philippines, asserting that those seeking to remain in power should go through the electoral process. He highlighted that a well-performing and non-corrupt individual would retain power, while those with poor performance would be ousted through the electoral process. Expressing satisfaction with the current Constitution, Duterte argued that it has contributed to stability, reducing conflicts with groups like the New People's Army (NPA). He strongly advised against meddling with the Constitution, cautioning that it would only bring trouble to the country. Duterte pledged active opposition to the initiative, stating that he would campaign against it. Additionally, residents of Calinan District, Vice President Sara Duterte, and Representatives Isidro Ungab and Paolo Pulong Duterte have also voiced opposition to the People's Initiative for Charter Change. Margarita Atty. Migs Nograles, the representative of the Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Partylist, alleged to have started the cha-cha signature campaign, has yet to issue an official statement on the matter as of the latest update. Related stories include the denouncement of alleged `vote buying’ in signing the petition for Cha-cha by Davao City lawmakers, Vice President Duterte's condemnation of the cash-for-signature drive, and a prayer rally against PI’s Cha-cha on Jan 28......»»
VP Sara ready to face ICC charges only before a Filipino court
Vice President Sara Duterte expressed her readiness to confront any allegations against her but insisted that she would only do so in front of a Filipino judge and within the jurisdiction of a Filipino court. In a statement on her Facebook page, she emphasized her refusal to participate in any process that could tarnish the reputation and integrity of the Philippine judiciary system. Duterte adamantly opposed the involvement of foreign entities in the country's legal affairs, citing it as a dishonor to the sacrifices made by Filipino heroes for the nation's freedom. Duterte, who previously served as vice mayor and mayor of Davao City, vehemently denied any involvement in the Davao Death Squad during her terms in office. She expressed dismay over the sudden appearance of a witness against her in the International Criminal Court (ICC) after assuming the vice presidency. Duterte dismissed the accusations and questioned the motives behind the allegations, asserting her capability to accomplish tasks without resorting to unlawful means. In a related development, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. voiced his refusal to acknowledge the ICC's jurisdiction in the Philippines, considering it a threat to the country's sovereignty. He issued a directive for all government agencies to refrain from cooperating with the ICC, emphasizing the nation's non-recognition of the court's authority. Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV claimed that ICC investigators had gathered substantial evidence against former President Rodrigo Duterte regarding his administration's war on drugs. He anticipated an imminent issuance of an arrest warrant against the former president. Former President Rodrigo Duterte condemned the ICC's decision to initiate a preliminary investigation into the war on drugs, labeling it an insult to the Philippines and challenging the court's jurisdiction within the country. During his presidency, he initiated the withdrawal of the Philippines' membership from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. The ICC appeals chamber recently granted a request to resume the investigation into alleged crimes against humanity related to the Philippines' controversial drug campaign, spanning from November 2011 to March 2019. The developments surrounding the ICC's probe into the Philippines' internal affairs have sparked a contentious debate, with key political figures and rights groups expressing divergent views on the matter. The ongoing tensions between the Philippines and the ICC underscore the complex intersection of international law, national sovereignty, and human rights issues......»»
Sara reveals she will run in next polls
Summary: Sara Duterte, the Vice President and Education Secretary, announced her intention to run in the next election during a visit to flood victims in Barangay Bago Gallera. In a Facebook Live video, she mentioned that her brothers, Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte and First District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, may not run in the next election, prompting her decision to campaign. However, she did not specify the position she would be running for. The upcoming election will be the 2025 midterm senatorial elections for senators, congressmen, and local officials, with the presidential national elections scheduled for 2028. Duterte also emphasized the importance of barangay development councils in times of calamity and stressed the need for disaster resilience and awareness among barangay officials and children. Additionally, she highlighted the significance of safety and security, urging trust in security personnel and caution against scammers and swindlers. Duterte also emphasized the importance of education for the younger generation and the equal opportunities it provides. This announcement comes amidst her visits to various areas in the Philippines, where she has been extending aid and addressing pertinent issues such as disaster resilience and community safety......»»
DepEd’s gradual shift to old school calendar gets support
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) recently announced the gradual shift to the old school calendar. The current school year, 2023-2024, will end on May 31, 2024. Meanwhile, the start of the school year 2024-2025 will be July 29, 2024 and will end on May 16, 2025, according to Department Order No......»»
After a failed bid for a Federal Philippines, Duterte now wants an independent Mindanao
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 31 January) – After a failed bid to change the 1987 Constitution and shift to a Federal Philippines during his six-year Presidency, former President Rodrigo Duterte now wants an independent Mindanao. It will not be a bloody separation from the Philippines and they would go all the way to the United […].....»»
Jollibee ramps up shift to renewable energy
The Jollibee Group is ramping up its sustainability efforts this year with plans to bolster further the shift of its stores and manufacturing facilities to renewable energy......»»
Albay eyes 100 percent RE shift by 2030
The province of Albay in the Bicol Region said it plans to shift to 100 percent renewable energy by 2030 to address power outages during extreme weather events......»»
Time to shift from mining now
With the current climate crisis, there is a need to radically shift our policies and programs. There is no “business as usual” with our unusual climate......»»
PODCAST | Departure, return: The region as liminal space in 3 Filipino films
Minda Salida #13: Departure, return: The region as liminal space in 3 Filipino films The term regional cinema was coined, or became a wave in the landscape of Philippine cinema, with the inception of the Cinema Rehiyon, an annual exhibition and gathering of regional cinemas and filmmakers all over the Philippines, led by the National […].....»»
Creation of Mt. Apo wildlife center pushed
THE Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) is pushing for the creation of a Mt. Apo Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (MAWRCC) to help conserve wildlife biodiversity in the national park......»»
10th ID bashes Canadian gov’t for travel advisory vs Mindanao
The 10th Infantry Agila Division (10ID) of the Philippine Army criticized the Canadian government for issuing a travel advisory against all parts of Mindanao, which includes their area of responsibility. Major Mark Anthony Tito, spokesperson for the 10th ID, emphasized that the regions under their jurisdiction are peaceful and free from terrorism and violent threats, contrary to the Canadian embassy's advisory. The division oversees 12 provinces, seven cities, and 72 municipalities in various parts of Mindanao. Tito expressed bewilderment at the basis of the travel advisory, asserting that the Canadian government lacks awareness of the actual situation on the ground. He highlighted the peaceful nature of the entire Davao Region throughout 2023, with no recorded incidents of terrorism or insurgency. Despite the exclusion of Davao City from the advisory, Tito noted that the region would still be impacted. The Canadian embassy's advisory warned its citizens to avoid visiting Mindanao due to ongoing terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, high levels of violence, and encounters between rebel forces and government security authorities. Specific provinces and regions were singled out for caution or non-essential travel, including Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and Eastern Mindanao. Contrary to the advisory, the 10th ID has been actively weakening and eliminating guerilla forces within its jurisdiction as part of the Philippine Army's efforts to establish an insurgency-free zone. In fact, on October 27, 2023, the Davao Region celebrated its first anniversary as an insurgency-free region in the Philippines. This dispute has led to other related stories, including the Chamber's intention to engage in discussions with the Canadian government regarding the travel advisory, as well as refutations from the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and celebrations of the Davao Region's insurgency-free status by the Regional Peace and Order Council. In summary, the 10th ID vehemently opposes the Canadian government's travel advisory, citing the peaceful and secure nature of the regions under their jurisdiction, and highlighting the significant strides made in eradicating insurgency in the Davao Region......»»
Lascañas, ex-cop, claims Sara Duterte ‘invented’ Tokhang
MANILA, Philippines — A confessed Davao Death Squad (DDS) gunman claimed that “Oplan Tokhang,” the brutal “knock and plead” anti-drug operation carried out by former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration was a brainchild of then Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte. The confessed DDS gunman also claimed that the brother of then Mayor Sara Duterte, then Vice.....»»
News on China s actions in WPS need to shift focus
MEDIA FOLLOWED recent incidents in the West Philippine Sea as Chinese vessels engaged in maneuvers to block patrol boats of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on February 12. The news on February 17 also reported the disturbing allegation of China's use of cyanide, causing damage to the resources and the waters of Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal.Although China's harassment of Philippine vessels a.....»»
Drop Cha-Cha bid ‘and everything will be heaven tomorrow,’ Duterte tells Marcos
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 31 January)— Former president Rodrigo Duterte said “everything will be heaven tomorrow” and “happy days are here again” if President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. drops “like a hot potato” attempts to change the 1987 Constitution through People’s Initiative. Duterte, in a press conference Tuesday night at the Grand Men Seng hotel, also […].....»»
Bill creating 32 single-member parliamentary districts in the BARMM passed
COTABATO CITY (MindaNews / 29 February) — The bill creating 32 single-member parliamentary districts in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was passed Wednesday night by a vote of 47 in favor, one against and three abstentions. Parliamentary Bill 267, introduced on December 18, 2023 by the Government of the Day and signed […].....»»
Maritime Zones Bill passed
Maritime Zones Bill passed.....»»
RESULTS: February 2024 Mechanical Engineers and Certified Plant Mechanics Licensure Examination
PRESS RELEASE: 4,458 out of 6,770 passed the Mechanical Engineers Licensure Examination and 65 out of 108 passed the Certified Plant Mechanics Licensure Examination. Congratulations!.....»»
Mindanao bishops Odchimar and Pacana die on same day, 2 hours apart
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 1 February)—Two Mindanao bishops passed on on Thursday, February 1—Tandag Bishop Emeritus Nereo Odchimar at 10:27 a.m. and Malaybalay Bishop Emeritus Honesto Pacana at 12:33 p.m. Last month, two Mindanao bishops also passed away, the 57-year old Pagadian Bishop Ronald Lunas on January 2 and the 89-year old Davao Archbishop Emeritus […].....»»
Ex-President Duterte is lone 2024 Datu Bago awardee
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / March 5)—Former President Rodrigo Duterte, who also served as mayor for over two decades, will be the lone 2024 Datu Bago awardee. Davao City Councilor Pilar Braga, who also chairs the Datu Bago Awards Organization (DBAO), said it is high time for Duterte to receive the award as the “most deserving […].....»»