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Cebu City council seeks halt to CBRT construction due to heritage concerns
CEBU CITY, Philippines – The Cebu City Council resolved to halt the ongoing civil works of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) project at the Cebu Provincial Capitol, citing concerns that the construction poses a visual intrusion on the iconic building. Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia brought forth the motion, urging the Office of the.....»»
Gwen orders to halt Cebu BRT construction in heritage buffer zones
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia has ordered proponents of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) to halt civil works near Fuente Osmeña and the Capitol building for heritage protection purposes. Garcia has issued a memorandum, addressed to the Cebu BRT Team and the contractor, Hunan Road and Bridge Construction Group Ltd., to cease.....»»
1,700 aftershocks recorded in magnitude 7.4 earthquake
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has reported approximately 1,700 aftershocks following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Surigao del Sur on December 2, 2023. As of December 4, there were 1,692 recorded aftershocks in the province, ranging from magnitude 1.4 to 6.6. Residents felt 18 of these aftershocks. Additionally, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake occurred in Davao City with its epicenter in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. Phivolcs has emphasized the importance of public alertness as strong aftershocks are expected. The Office of Civil Defense-Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council-Davao Region (OCD-RDRRMC-Davao) has elevated the red alert status to ensure a 24-hour response to affected areas. The Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) reported a magnitude 4.8 earthquake in the city with no confirmed reports of injuries or damage. The Provincial Government of Davao Oriental conducted a structural assessment and building inspection on the Provincial Capitol Building and the Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center. Various agencies collaborated to.....»»
‘Last’ Beatles song set for release next week
A much-anticipated "new" Beatles record, created with the help of artificial intelligence, will be released next week on November 2, former band members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr revealed Thursday. "Now And Then", first written and sung by ex-Beatle John Lennon and developed by the rest of the band, has now been finally finished by McCartney and Starr -- and AI -- decades after its original recording. McCartney, 81, announced its imminent release in June, in what has been dubbed in a promotional trailer "the last Beatles song". The track will be unveiled at 1300 GMT on November 2 by Apple Corps, Capitol and Universal Music Enterprises (UMe), with a music video debuting the following day. A 12-minute documentary written and directed by Oliver Murray -- best known for a 2022 biopic mini-series on The Rolling Stones -- will premiere on YouTube the evening, before featuring commentary from McCartney and Starr. "Now And Then" was recorded by Lennon in the late 1970s at his home in New York's Dakota Building, and also features piano music. Working with Peter Jackson, the film director behind the 2021 documentary series "The Beatles: Get Back", AI was used to separate Lennon's voice from the piano chords. 'Emotional' "There it was, John's voice, crystal clear," McCartney said, in comments published alongside the announcement of the release date. "It's quite emotional and we all play on it, it's a genuine Beatles recording," he added. "In 2023, to still be working on Beatles music, and about to release a new song the public haven't heard, I think it's an exciting thing." McCartney and Starr finished the song last year, including fellow ex-Beatle George Harrison's electric and acoustic guitar recorded in 1995. Recording at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, they also added Starr's drum part alongside bass, piano, a slide guitar solo by McCartney -- inspired by Harrison -- and more backing vocals. Starr added the process "was the closest we'll ever come to having him (Lennon) back in the room so it was very emotional for all of us. "It was like John was there, you know. It's far out." The Beatles -- Lennon, McCartney, Starr and Harrison -- split in 1970, with each going on to have solo careers, but they never reunited. Lennon was shot dead in New York in 1980 aged 40 while Harrison died of lung cancer in 2001, aged 58. 'Meant to be' "Now And Then" was one of several tracks on a cassette that Lennon had recorded for McCartney a year before his death. It was given to him by Lennon's widow Yoko Ono in 1994. Two other songs, "Free As A Bird" and "Real Love", were cleaned up by the producer Jeff Lynne, and released in 1995 and 1996. An attempt was made to do the same with "Now And Then" but the project was abandoned because of background noise on the demo. AI has now made that possible, though its use in music is the subject of industry-wide debate, with some denouncing copyright abuses and others praising its prowess. McCartney said earlier this year that the technology's use was "kind of scary but exciting because it's the future". Sean Ono Lennon, the son of Lennon and Ono, said it was "incredibly touching" to hear the former Beatles working together again "after all the years that dad had been gone. "It's the last song my dad, Paul, George and Ringo got to make together. It's like a time capsule and all feels very meant to be," he added. "Now And Then" will be released as a double A-side, with the band's 1962 debut single "Love Me Do", and cover art by US artist Ed Ruscha. (Joe JACKSON) jj/srg/jj © Agence France-Presse The post ‘Last’ Beatles song set for release next week appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cebu to supply vessels for Coast Guard, Navy
The Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine Navy may avail sea vessels made in Balamban, Cebu as announced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Department of National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro. “The new vessel that we are seeing there, the 40-foot vessel that’s made in Cebu, that will be included,” Marcos said. “We will eventually have 40 of them that would give us an increased capability. This is ongoing.” Cebu has long been recognized as the country’s shipbuilding capital with the shipbuilding industry propelling the local economy of Balamban in Midwestern Cebu on the brink of cityhood status and the newly-built ship building facilities in Danao City. The plan was confirmed by Teodoro, who recently went to Capitol and met with Governor Gwendolyn Garcia. “Cebu builds ships, Cebu builds equipment that we need, and therefore the synergy that we see today will continue but in a different dimension not only as a locator in the Province of Cebu but as a resource purchaser and resource user of the services, goods and other capabilities that your province can produce,” Teodoro said. He added that he is just waiting for amendments to the Armed Forces of the Philippines modernization law to locally source military assets. “We encourage our legislators here today that we are waiting for these amendments by the end of the year so that by next year we can start to leverage the talents and abilities of the people of Cebu,” Teodoro said. Balamban has its locators include Japan-based Tsuneshi Heavy Industries and Australia’s Austal Corporation, local builders Advance Catamaran Composites and Cebu Maritime Industry. “You have an important role to play here not only in maintaining peace and security in Central Philippines,” Teodoro said. The post Cebu to supply vessels for Coast Guard, Navy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cebu Capitol transfer draws near
The provincial government of Cebu disclosed that the site development for the new Cebu Provincial Capitol in Barangay Cambuhawe in the municipality of Balamban is now at 70 percent. On Thursday, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia conducted a site inspection with Balamban Mayor Ace Binghay and said that the construction of the province’s new capitol in the shipbuilding town of Balamban is expected to create more economic activity in the western corridor of the island. The new capitol building will be an exact replica of the original facility in Barangay Capitol Site, Cebu City, but with modern amenities. The site development of the new capitol building will stand on a 2-3 hectare and 135-meter above-sea-level lot. Garcia said that she is eyeing to acquire an additional 50 hectares of land around the new capitol site to accommodate provincial and regional offices of national line agencies, as well as departmental offices of the provincial government. Balamban is a first-class municipality but is vying for cityhood status. The national government allocated P200 million from the General Appropriations Act for the project. Meantime, the Cebu governor expressed gratitude to Senator Sonny Angara who committed another P100 million for the edifice construction while Senator Francis Tolentino promised P80 million for developing access roads leading to the site. “An amount of P500 million was earmarked by the provincial government for the new capitol building project,” Garcia said. Balamban is situated right at the center of the province and is accessible from both north and the south and just an hour drive from Cebu City, the capital city through the Transcentral Highway. The post Cebu Capitol transfer draws near appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Furlough looms for 1.8M federal employees
United States federal agencies started notifying 1.8 million workers of their temporary furlough with the impending shutdown of the government due to a congressional impasse on the budget. Funding for much of the federal government will expire at midnight on Saturday but lawmakers are mired in perennial deadlock on a new funding bill. A small group of hardline Republicans are demanding deep spending cuts on the budget but Democrats disagree. The American Federation of Government Employees said federal workers would go unpaid for the duration that there is no legislated funding but their salary will be retroactively paid when the new budget law is passed. “If there is a shutdown in just a few days, our service members would be required to continue working but would be doing so without pay, and hundreds and thousands of their civilian colleagues would be furloughed,” Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said Thursday. The Treasury Department added that among other implications, “most core tax administration functions will stop” and more than half of the Internal Revenue Service staff will be furloughed. Anti-McCarthy protest Dozens of American teenagers occupied the office of the top Republican lawmaker on Thursday to protest against a looming government shutdown that they say will exacerbate the climate crisis. The Sunrise Movement, a nationwide youth environmental campaign, said around 30 of its members flooded inside House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s office while over a hundred more crowded the hallway outside. The group says 18 protesters were detained by police after refusing to disperse. McCarthy was not present during the protest at the Rayburn House Office Building, across the road from the US Capitol. The Sunrise Movement has voiced concerns over funding for emergency disaster relief and pro-climate provisions in Biden’s signature Inflation Reduction Act. “In my state, in Oregon, people are dying from wildfire smoke and extreme heat in the summers. People are dying in hurricanes across the country and climate disasters everywhere,” activist Adah Crandall, 17, from Portland, told Agence France-Presse. “The GOP has blood on its hands, and if it shuts down the government... and fails to continue providing the support that people need to literally stay alive, they should be ashamed of themselves,” she said. WITH AFP The post Furlough looms for 1.8M federal employees appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Maguindanao del Norte: Caused by wrong legal advice (2)
The Maguindanao del Norte impasse, with the spectacle of having two acting governors holding office simultaneously, is obviously caused by wrong legal advice of the government lawyers of the Office of the Solicitor General, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Acting Governor Bai Fatima Ainee Sinsuat, who assumed office pursuant to Section 30, Republic Act 11560, holds office at Datu Odin Sinsuat municipality, which is the seat of the Provincial Capitol of Maguindanao del Norte. Acting OIC Abdulraof Abdul Macacua, appointed by the President, presumably upon the advice of government lawyers, pursuing the theory that there was a vacancy in the position of Acting Governor in the newly created Province of Maguindanao del Norte, is holding fort in Cotabato City, curiously not a part of Maguindanao del Norte. The Acting Vice-Governor Sharapudin Tucao Mastura and the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Maguindanao del Norte, hold their sessions at the old Capitol Building in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte. The government lawyers foisted the legal opinion that Section 50 of Republic Act 11550 which created the new provinces of Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte is not applicable to Acting Governor Bai Fatima Ainee Sinsuat and Acting Vice-Governor Sharafudin Tucson Mastura, in so far as the law makes them the transitional highest provincial officials that will govern Maguindanao del Norte until their successors have been elected and qualified in the elections of 2022. They opined that since the plebiscite ratifying the law creating the new provinces occurred after the 2022 national and local elections, and not prior to the elections, as contemplated in the said legal provision, the assumption of the elected Vice-Governor and the highest-ranking board member elected in the 2022 local elections in the then undivided Maguindanao Province, cannot take place. To their legal minds, by reason of such circumstance, a vacancy was created in the positions of Acting Governor, Acting Vice-Governor, and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. This wrong legal opinion, which apparently became the basis of their legal advice to the appointing power, paved the way for the appointment of Abdulraof Abdul Macacua as Acting OIC of the Province of Maguindanao del Norte. That wrong legal opinion and advice created the legal fix Maguindanao del Norte is presently in. It is the proximate cause of why the efficient and effective delivery of basic services to the people of Maguindanao del Norte has been stalled, if not completely stopped. So too is the failure of the employees of the province Maguindanao del Norte to draw their salaries on time, if they receive it at all. These lawyers have forgotten a basic tenet in legislation. A law cannot create a vacuum. It cannot allow a situation where there will be a hiatus in governance relative to who will assume such a task. Nor will it tolerate a circumstance that there will be either a stoppage of work or a failure or a delay in the delivery of basic services to the people. (To be continued) The post Maguindanao del Norte: Caused by wrong legal advice (2) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Zambales sets new capitol building construction
Iba, Zambales — The provincial government here is eyeing the construction of a P500-million capitol building that will replace the current establishment. According to Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., the new Capitol building in this town is set to replace a structure that was reconstructed at least two times from a building built in the 1870’s by the Spanish Civil Government. Ebdane said that the new “modernized” building will have tech upgrades that will boost the provincial government’s capacity to provide better-quality public service and enable greater access to residents and customers. “We have to build a new seat of government that would be in keeping with the needs of the times and with our mandate to elevate public service to a new level,” Ebdane said. “If our physical facilities stay in antiquated condition, it would not be surprising if government services remain as outdated. That’s why we need to bring the Zambales Capitol up-to-date. Our people need and deserve this upgrade,” he added. The new building will be constructed at the People’s Park across the old capitol building, around four stories high, with basement parking and a total floor area of 15,475 square meters. The project would be funded out of a P2.6-billion borrowing from the LGU-Omnibus Term Loan Facility Program of the Land Bank of the Philippines to finance priority development projects of the province. The loan was approved by the Zambales provincial board in October last year through Resolution No. 2022-283. The existing Capitol building is a two-storey structure that was renovated in 1979 under the administration of then Gov. Vicente P. Magsaysay. It houses the administrative and financial offices of the provincial government. The legislative department had since moved into a new building completed in January 2021 under the Ebdane administration. The original building where the Capitol now stands was constructed by the Spanish Civil Government in 1875 to 1878. This was used as a provincial prison and later as the general headquarters of the Revolutionary Government of Zambales in 1899. The post Zambales sets new capitol building construction appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Elon Musk lifts political ad ban at rebranded Twitter
Elon Musk on Tuesday lifted a ban on political ads put in place at Twitter to thwart misinformation before the billionaire bought the platform now called X. Welcoming back potentially misleading political messages at X came less than a week after former president Donald Trump posted there for the first time since January 2021. Trump posted his police mugshot after his arrest in Georgia, signaling his return to a platform that was his favorite bullhorn during his years in the White House. It was his first post since several days after the insurrection at the US Capitol that saw an enraged mob of his supporters attempt to block Joe Biden's certification as president. The then-Twitter permanently suspended Trump after the 6 January riot, ruling he had violated the platform's policy on glorifying violence as he pressed his false claims that the election was stolen from him. Musk, who bought the platform last year, reinstated the former president in November 2022, but Trump stayed away, choosing to reach his followers on his own platform, Truth Social, albeit with a much smaller audience. X said in a blog post that allowing political ads, starting in the United States, was "building on our commitment to free expression." X policies prohibit the promotion of false or misleading information, including bogus claims intended to undermine confidence in an election, the blog contended. Trump's recent mug shot post came with a caption reading "Election interference." A judge on Monday set March 4, 2024, for Trump's election subversion conspiracy trial -- placing one of the biggest criminal cases in American history at the height of the next White House race. X said it is expanding its safety and elections teams to focus on combating manipulation of the platform and will provide an online center where political ads can be reviewed. Musk slashed staffing after buying Twitter, raising concerns about its ability to moderate content and reliably function. X said it is updating its Civic Integrity Policy for safeguarding elections to tackle content meant to intimidate or deceive voters while aligning with Musk's philosophy of letting people say what they want. "X shouldn't determine the truthfulness of disputed information," the platform said in the blog post. "Rather, we should empower our users to express their opinions and openly debate during elections, in line with our commitment to protecting freedom of expression." The post Elon Musk lifts political ad ban at rebranded Twitter appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Elon Musk lifts political ad ban at rebranded Twitter
Elon Musk on Tuesday lifted a ban on political ads put in place at Twitter to thwart misinformation before the billionaire bought the platform now called X. Welcoming back potentially misleading political messages at X came less than a week after former president Donald Trump posted there for the first time since January 2021. Trump posted his police mugshot after his arrest in Georgia, signaling his return to a platform that was his favorite bullhorn during his years in the White House. It was his first post since several days after the insurrection at the US Capitol that saw an enraged mob of his supporters attempt to block Joe Biden's certification as president. The then-Twitter permanently suspended Trump after the 6 January riot, ruling he had violated the platform's policy on glorifying violence as he pressed his false claims that the election was stolen from him. Musk, who bought the platform last year, reinstated the former president in November 2022, but Trump stayed away, choosing to reach his followers on his own platform, Truth Social, albeit with a much smaller audience. X said in a blog post that allowing political ads, starting in the United States, was "building on our commitment to free expression." X policies prohibit the promotion of false or misleading information, including bogus claims intended to undermine confidence in an election, the blog contended. Trump's recent mug shot post came with a caption reading "Election interference." A judge on Monday set 4 March 2024 for Trump's election subversion conspiracy trial -- placing one of the biggest criminal cases in American history at the height of the next White House race. X said it is expanding its safety and elections teams to focus on combating manipulation of the platform and will provide an online center where political ads can be reviewed. Musk slashed staffing after buying Twitter, raising concerns about its ability to moderate content and reliably function. X said it is updating its Civic Integrity Policy for safeguarding elections to tackle content meant to intimidate or deceive voters while aligning with Musk's philosophy of letting people say what they want. "X shouldn't determine the truthfulness of disputed information," the platform said in the blog post. "Rather, we should empower our users to express their opinions and openly debate during elections, in line with our commitment to protecting freedom of expression." The post Elon Musk lifts political ad ban at rebranded Twitter appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go hails barangay health workers as community heroes
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go expressed his appreciation and support for the crucial role of barangay health workers (BHWs) in every community and reaffirmed his commitment to promoting their welfare, in a ceremony held on 11 August in Catbalogan City, Samar, In his address, Go acknowledged the vital contributions of BHWs, stating, "Sa panahon ng pandemya, kayo po ang ating mga bayani sa bawat komunidad. Sa inyong sakripisyo at walang kapagurang serbisyo, inalagaan ninyo ang ating mga kababayan. Salamat po sa inyong sakripisyo." The senator further recognized the relentless support BHWs have provided to all sectors of the community, from the elderly to children, especially in remote areas lacking medical professionals. "Nagpupugay ako sa inyong walang sawang pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan — matatanda man o bata — at sa inyong serbisyo sa mga malalayong lugar kung saan kapos sa mga doktor," he added. Emphasizing his dedication to the welfare of the BHWs, Go mentioned that he has filed Senate Bill No. 427, the Barangay Health Workers Compensation Act, to ensure proper compensation and benefits for community health workers. "Ang layunin ng batas na ito ay hindi lamang magbigay ng monthly honorarium na P3,000, kundi pati na rin ang mga allowances, privileges, Christmas bonus, annual training, at iba pa kung maisabatas ito," said the senator. He also mentioned previous efforts to provide Health Emergency Allowance for medical front liners during the pandemic, urging the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to revisit and release those who have not yet received it. "Nauna na nating isinulong na magkaroon kayo ng Health Emergency Allowance noong pandemya at patuloy pa rin ang panawagan ko sa DOH at DBM na balikan at bayaran ang mga hindi pa nakakatanggap nito," he declared. The event celebrated the oath-taking of 2,000 BHWs, a significant step for Samar's healthcare system. Go and his team then proceeded to assist the BHWs as they distributed food packs, vitamins, masks, and snacks. Select recipients also received shirts, a bicycle, a cellphone, a watch, and shoes, as well as balls for basketball and volleyball. The BHW Partylist, represented by Cong. Angelica Natasha Co, initiated a distribution of financial assistance to qualified BHWs through the Department of Social Welfare and Development's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program. Meanwhile, the provincial government of Samar led by Governor Sharee Ann Tan also provided blood pressure monitors for the BHWs. "Hindi ko po makakalimutan ang inyong ginawa sa panahon ng krisis, at hangad ko na pagtuunan pa ng pansin ang inyong kapakanan. Muli, maraming salamat sa inyong sakripisyo at dedikasyon. Mabuhay po kayong lahat!" he said. Go then reiterated the importance of investing in the health sector, especially in areas where access to healthcare is limited. This is why he likewise encouraged the residents to seek medical assistance from the Malasakit Center located at Samar Provincial Hospital in Catbalogan City, which he visited that day to aid patients and front liners. A brainchild of Go, the Malasakit Centers program was institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, which he principally authored and sponsored. The program helps ensure that particularly poor and indigent patients can more conveniently get medical assistance from the government. There are now 158 Malasakit Centers throughout the country, which have already served seven million Filipinos, according to the DOH. Go also sponsored the law mandating the establishment of the Samar Island Medical Center in Calbayog City. Go then acknowledged the efforts of local officials and agencies for their service to the people, including Governor Sharee Ann Tan, Cong. Angelica Natasha Co, and Major General Camilo Ligayo of the 8th Infantry Division, among others. In the past years, Go, who is Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, also extended his support to the rehabilitation of farm-to-market roads in Basey, Marabut, Talalora, and Tarangnan; construction of farm-to-market roads in Pinabacdao; construction of public market in San Jorge, Talalora and Tarangnan; construction of a multipurpose building in Catbalogan City; construction of evacuation centers in Sta. Margarita and Zumarraga; construction of a seawall in Sto. Niño; and acquisition of a dump truck in Jiabong to create more economic opportunities and help improve living conditions in the province. On the same day, Go also led the inauguration and ribbon-cutting of the Tandaya multipurpose hall in the provincial capitol compound which he was instrumental in ensuring funding for during the Duterte administration. He also attended the Tandaya Festival as the guest of honor. Lastly, he also inspected the construction of a building that will serve as a new city hall for Catbalogan which was funded through Go’s efforts. Other projects that Go supported were also inspected that day, particularly the construction of a new Sports Complex and the Lagundi-San Andres Access Road. The post Bong Go hails barangay health workers as community heroes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Prosecutors tell Trump lawyers he is target of classified docs probe: reports
US prosecutors have told Donald Trump's lawyers that he is the target of a probe into his handling of classified documents after leaving the presidency, in a sign he might be indicted, US media reported Wednesday night. The notice came from the office of special counsel Jack Smith, The New York Times, CNN and other news outlets said, and gives the clearest sign yet that prosecutors are moving closer to charging the former president, who is seeking a return to the White House in 2024. The Times, citing "two people familiar with the matter", said it was not clear when Trump's team had been told he was the subject of the investigation. Special counsel Smith, named by Attorney General Merrick Garland, has been looking into a cache of classified documents that Trump had stored at his Mar-a-Lago residence after leaving the White House. The FBI carted away some 11,000 papers after serving a search warrant on Mar-a-Lago in August, and Trump could face obstruction-of-justice charges after spending months resisting efforts to recover the trove. Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. "No one has told me I'm being indicted, and I shouldn't be because I've done NOTHING wrong," Trump posted on his Truth Social network Wednesday. "I have assumed for years that I am a Target of the WEAPONIZED DOJ & FBI," said Trump, who has already been indicted in a separate case. Investigators have been scrutinizing several suspected attempts to obstruct them from getting access to documents and footage from a security camera near the storeroom at Mar-a-Lago where documents were kept. Trump has openly acknowledged taking and storing the documents, undermining his lawyers' suggestion that he took the stash inadvertently in the confusion of a chaotic departure. Meanwhile, investigators have obtained an audio recording of Trump in which he acknowledged he held onto a classified Pentagon document after he left the White House, according to US media. On Monday, US media also reported that Trump's lawyers met with Justice Department attorneys. John Rowley, James Trusty and Lindsey Halligan were seen by reporters arriving at the DoJ building in Washington but did not make any comment. The Washington Post reported at the time that Trump's lawyers had come to make their case that their client should not face any charges. One expert told MSNBC that Wednesday's news would suggest an indictment is in the offing. "If a prosecutor tells you that you are the target of their investigation, it means they expect to indict you," former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti said. "When I was on the other side of the aisle, when I was a federal prosecutor, when I told someone they were a target, that's what I meant." 'Dramatic and divisive' Trump has already been charged with dozens of financial crimes as part of an alleged hush-money scheme to silence a porn star claiming she had sex with him, and is due to go on trial next March, in the middle of primary election season. The former president is facing a growing list of Republican primary opponents, including his former vice president Mike Pence, who avoided taking an absolute position when asked about the probe during a CNN town hall interview Wednesday night. "Let me be clear that no one's above the law," Pence said. "I would just hope there would be a way for them to move forward without the dramatic and drastic and divisive step of indicting a former president of the United States," he added. Fellow 2024 candidate and former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson took a stronger tack, urging Trump to drop out of the presidential race. "Donald Trump is the target of an ongoing criminal investigation and he should step aside & put the good of the country above his candidacy," he tweeted Wednesday night. In addition to the hush-money and documents probes, Trump is being investigated over his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss in the southern state of Georgia and his involvement in the January 2021 storming of the US Capitol by his supporters. Other politicians have been found to have kept government documents at their private homes in recent months. In January, Garland named a separate special counsel to examine whether President Joe Biden violated any law after the discovery of some classified documents at his former office and in the garage of his home in Wilmington, Delaware. Pence was recently cleared of any wrongdoing over materials he uncovered at his home in Indiana. The post Prosecutors tell Trump lawyers he is target of classified docs probe: reports appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Trump lawyers meet with Justice Dept over documents probe
Donald Trump's lawyers met with Justice Department attorneys on Monday as an investigation into the former president's handling of classified documents appears to be nearing an end, US media reported. John Rowley, James Trusty, and Lindsey Halligan were seen by reporters arriving at the Justice Department building in Washington but did not make any comment. The Washington Post, citing an unidentified "person familiar with the situation," said Trump's lawyers had come to make their case that the former president should not face any charges. A special counsel named by Attorney General Merrick Garland has been looking into a cache of classified documents that Trump had stored at his Mar-a-Lago residence after leaving the White House. The FBI carted away some 11,000 papers after serving a search warrant on Mar-a-Lago in August, and Trump could face obstruction of justice charges after spending months resisting efforts to recover the trove. Several sources with knowledge of the investigation told the CBS News network that they believe that a charging decision in the case of the documents is imminent. Trump, meanwhile, posted on his Truth Social platform on Monday that he was the victim of the "greatest witch hunt of all time!" "How can DoJ possibly charge me, who did nothing wrong, when no other presidents were charged when Joe Biden won't be charged for anything," Trump wrote. Trump, who is seeking the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, was apparently referring to the discovery of some classified documents at Biden's former office and in the garage of his home in Wilmington, Delaware. Garland, the attorney general, named a special counsel in January to examine whether the Biden cache violated any law. The Justice Department and Trump's attorneys did not immediately respond to inquiries from AFP about the meeting. The classified documents case is one of several legal challenges that threaten to derail Trump's 2024 election bid. Trump was charged by New York prosecutors in April with 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up alleged hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016. Trump is also being investigated over his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss in the southern state of Georgia and his involvement in the January 2021 storming of the US Capitol by his supporters. The post Trump lawyers meet with Justice Dept over documents probe appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CALABARZON adopted son Bong Go visits super health center in Sariaya, aids indigents
On Sunday, 28 May, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go visited Sariaya, Quezon province to inspect the progress of the construction of the Super Health Center there. The facility, which is currently 30-percent complete, aims to provide basic healthcare services to the community. Additionally, during his visit, Go personally extended assistance to the residents of the town who are facing difficulties. In his speech, Go said that the establishment of Super Health Centers across the country, particularly in rural areas, can greatly enhance the provision of public health services at the grassroots level. "Iyan po'y isang medium type of a polyclinic. Pwede po diyan 'yung panganganak, pwede diyan ang dental, laboratory at iba pang pangunahing serbisyong medikal mula gobyerno," shared Go. "Magkakaroon po ng 307 na Super Health Center sa buong Pilipinas sa taong 2022 at 322 na Super Health Center sa taong 2023 sa tulong po ng mga kasamahan ko sa Kongreso, mga lokal na opisyal, at ng Department of Health. Kasama na po diyan ang 15 dito po sa probinsya ng Quezon at kasama na diyan ang Sariaya Super Health Center," he added. The Super Health Center is an enhanced version of the rural health unit, offering a wide range of health services such as database management, outpatient care, birthing facilities, isolation areas, diagnostic services (including laboratory tests, X-rays, and ultrasounds), pharmacy services and ambulatory surgical units. Additionally, these centers provide services such as eye, ear, nose, and throat care, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine, which enables remote diagnosis and treatment of patients. Apart from Sariaya Super Health Center, DOH has also identified several other locations for the Super Health Centers in the province, such as Agdangan, Alabat, Atimonan, Candelaria, Dolores, Gumaca, Infanta, Lopez, Mauban, Quezon, Tagkawayan, Tiaong, Catanauan and Perez. Go then commended the collaborative efforts of local officials, particularly Quezon province 2nd District Representative David Suarez, Governor Dra. Helen Tan, Vice Governor Third Alcala, Sariaya Mayor Marcelo Gayeta, and others, for their valuable support in the construction of the new center and in bringing public services closer to communities in need. After conducting the inspection, the senator led a relief activity at Sariaya New Agri Trade Center where they extended assistance to 1,000 underprivileged residents, including pregnant women. Accompanied by his team, the senator personally led the distribution of essential goods such as grocery packs, masks, vitamins, snacks, and shirts. Furthermore, they also provided bicycles, cellular phones, shoes, watches, umbrellas and basketball balls to select beneficiaries. Meanwhile, the DSWD provided financial assistance to qualified individuals. Go, during the event, addressed the residents, expressing his gratitude and offering his support to the community. Go particularly extended his support to the students, urging them to study hard as they are the future of the nation. “Nakikiusap ako sa mga estudyante, mag-aral kayo ng mabuti. Kayo ang kinabukasan ng bayang ito. Diba masaya si nanay at tatay kapag nakapagtapos kayo ng pag-aaral?” said Go. Aside from Super Health Centers, Go had also earlier initiated the Malasakit Centers program that continues to provide easy access to medical assistance for particularly poor and indigent patients nationwide. Principally authored and sponsored by Go, Republic Act No. 11463 mandates the establishment of Malasakit Centers in hospitals administered or managed by the DOH, and in the Philippine General Hospital. Hospitals run by local government units and other public hospitals may also establish their own Malasakit Center provided they meet a standard set of criteria to guarantee the sustainability of the center’s operations. “For five years, the Malasakit Center, which serves as a one-stop shop for medical assistance programs, has been instrumental in helping seven million Filipinos with its 157 operational centers nationwide, according to the DOH,” he cited. Malasakit Centers in the province are located at Quezon Medical Center in Lucena City and at Maria L. Eleazar General Hospital in Tagkawayan. Go urged the residents not to be afraid of medical expenses and emphasized the importance of prioritizing their health and well-being, saying, "Nalulungkot po ako tuwing naririnig ko 'yung mga kababayan nating mahihirap na ayaw magpa-checkup dahil takot po sa babayaran sa ospital. Huwag po kayong gano'n. Magtulungan po tayo." "Sino ba namang magtutulungan kung 'di tayo lang po kapwa natin Pilipino? Nandirito po ako na handang magserbisyo sa inyong lahat, mga kababayan ko," he added. To contribute to the economic progress of Sariaya, Go, who is an adopted son of CALABARZON and Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, has likewise supported the funding for various infrastructure projects. These include the construction of slope protection systems along the Lagnas River, the establishment of the Sariaya Bypass, the rehabilitation of a bridge on the provincial road, the implementation of a potable water system, and the concreting of roads at the New Local Government Complex. Within the province, Go has also supported initiatives such as the restoration of the Old Quezon Capitol building and the enhancement of the Quezon Eco Tourism Road in Lucena City. Moreover, he has extended his support to other infrastructure endeavors, such as slope protection measures along the Dumacaa and Iyam rivers, as well as the construction of a multipurpose building within the premises of Lucena City General Hospital. On the same day, Go also visited Lucena City to participate in the Pasayahan Festival, where he provided assistance to the indigent residents. Additionally, he carried out an inspection of the Lucena City promenade and seawall -- projects that he had previously supported to be funded. The post CALABARZON adopted son Bong Go visits super health center in Sariaya, aids indigents appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go supports BHWs, community nutritionists in Quezon Province
The Office of Senator Bong Go extended assistance to 400 barangay health workers and nutritionists in Macalelon, Quezon province on Wednesday, 24 May. Taking place at the Macalelon convention center, Go’s team provided masks, vitamins, snacks, and shirts to each beneficiary. Additionally, select individuals received cellular phones, shoes, and balls for basketball and volleyball. Representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development were also present and provided financial assistance. Recently, Go, chair of the Senate Committee on Health, filed Senate Bill No. 427, which would require the provision of allowances and benefits to barangay health workers. If passed into law, Go’s proposed measure seeks to provide a monthly allowance of PhP3,000 to all barangay health workers. They will also be entitled to benefits and privileges and security of tenure. In his video message, Go reminded the public that there are 157 Malasakit Centers operational nationwide which have assisted over seven million Filipinos, according to the DOH. The Malasakit Centers, which Go had earlier initiated, continue to provide easy access to medical assistance, particularly for poor and indigent patients nationwide. Principally authored and sponsored by Go, Republic Act No. 11463 mandates the establishment of Malasakit Centers in hospitals administered or managed by the Department of Health, and in the Philippine General Hospital. Hospitals run by local government units and other public hospitals may also establish their own Malasakit Center provided they meet a standard set of criteria to guarantee the sustainability of the center’s operations. Malasakit Centers in the province are located at Quezon Medical Center in Lucena City and at Maria L. Eleazar General Hospital in Tagkawayan. To aid in the economic development of the province, Go, who is an adopted son of CALABARZON and Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, earlier extended support for the rehabilitation of the Old Quezon Capitol building and the rehabilitation of the Quezon Eco-Tourism Road in Lucena City. He likewise supported other infrastructure initiatives, including slope protection along Dumacaa and Iyam rivers, and a multipurpose building inside Lucena City General Hospital. “Mga kababayan ko, bukas po lagi ang aking tanggapan at handa po akong magserbisyo sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya. Magtulungan lang po tayo, magbayanihan at magmalasakit po tayo sa ating kapwa Pilipino,” he ended. The post Bong Go supports BHWs, community nutritionists in Quezon Province appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
VP Sara: Maximize efforts vs disaster
ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Vice President Sara Duterte recently urged local officials here to strengthen, reform and improve the systems concerning tourism, disaster preparedness and peace and order. The Vice President — who graced the 122nd Founding Anniversary and Maragtas Cultural Parade at the Capiz Provincial Capitol here — stressed that it is important for local governments to respond to the needs of the people and continue the developments on the ground. “I encourage our local leaders to strengthen mechanisms that will bolster your tourism potentials — and at the same time, build up the capacities of other sectors important in your economic growth,” Duterte said. “Our common vision is to see that growth is inclusive and that we are able to address the needs of vulnerable sectors in our society,” she added. Duterte also stressed the need for Capiz to be constantly reminded of the importance of disaster preparedness and the need for communities to be resilient to the impact of weather disturbances. As the province is vulnerable to typhoons, Duterte said she hopes that disaster risk reduction and management procedures are strongly in place in Capiz. “Let us take the opportunity to prepare, educate and train our communities on disaster risk reduction focusing on mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery,” Duterte said. The Vice President also called for peace and order to remain in the communities, and for people to have the freedom to maximize their potential and pursue their dreams as she stressed that peace and order are the “core building blocks of economic and environmental sustainability” as the country’s economic freedom is predicated upon the safety and security of the people. Duterte, who is also the Secretary of Education, urged parents to make sure that their children go to school, and to join the call in combatting local terrorism as it “destroys the future of the children.” The Vice President’s visit was also in line with the commemoration of the 75th death anniversary of former President Manuel Roxas. Duterte said the yearly tradition is being done to pay tribute and remember the former president’s patriotic contributions to the country. “The yearly wreath-laying is also being done as part of the traditions of Capiztahan — the memorial celebration and founding anniversary of the city,” the Vice President said. Other government officials who also attended the wreath-laying rites were former president and now Deputy House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, and other members of the Roxas family and local officials. The fifth President of the Philippines, Roxas served from 1946 until his death in 1948. The post VP Sara: Maximize efforts vs disaster appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Of bikini-clad conservationists and climate change
There they were, a bunch of 14- to 18-year-old kids protesting outside a capitol building in Negros Occidental to oppose a 300-megawatt coal-fired power plant, says Joshua Villalobos, now 20, of the Youth for Climate Hope......»»
Badian officials to consult Capitol on next move against illegally built beach houses
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines — The Municipality of Badian will consult first the Cebu Provincial Capitol on their next move against the beach houses that were illegally built in Barangay Lambug. Engineer Vicente Jojie Nellas, head of the Office of Building Official (OBO) in Badian, said that the owner of the lot, where the beach houses […] The post Badian officials to consult Capitol on next move against illegally built beach houses appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Leyte gov t to convert old capitol into museum
TACLOBAN CITY - The Leyte provincial government will pursue its plan to convert the historic old capitol building in this city into a museum.Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla said on Wednesday an assessment is ongoing to come up with the required budget to put up the museum."The o.....»»