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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......»»
NEWS BRIEFS | 3 February 2024
Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ebrahim says no to independent Mindanao CAGAYAN DE ORO (MindaNews / 03 February) — Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim has rejected the call of former President Rodrigo Duterte for an independent Mindanao. Murad instead urged Bangsamoro officials and residents to support the current administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. […].....»»
Bangsamoro official demands apology for ‘misappropriation’ of Bangsamoro culture in Sinulog
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 13 January) – The head of the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH) issued a statement Saturday demanding a public apology from the contingent that presented Bangsamoro traditional dances depicted as Muslim in the Sinulog Festival of Cebu City, an event dedicated to the Santo Nino. BCPCH Commissioner […].....»»
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......»»
Duterte’s P.S. to Cebu supporters: support Sara’s bid for the Presidency
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 26 February) – After bidding the crowd goodbye during the “candlelight prayer rally”of Hakbang ng Maisug in Cebu City on Sunday evening, former President Rodrigo Duterte made a pitch for his daughter Sara, currently the Vice President, urging them to support her bid for the Presidency in 2028. Duterte did not […].....»»
Bangsamoro folks reject Duterte’s Mindanao independence call
People from different sectors in the Bangsamoro region on Friday blatantly rejected former President Rodrigo Duterte’s call for Mindanao independence, asserting that they will never ever ruin the gains of their peace process with the national government......»»
Delivery drivers urge Mayor Baste for business permit exemption
Title: Delivery Drivers Seek Exemption from Business Permit Requirement A group of delivery drivers in Davao is urging Mayor Sebastian Duterte to exempt them from the mandatory business permits. The drivers, including those from various delivery apps such as Grab and FoodPanda, are concerned about the financial burden imposed by the business permits, which range from P2,000 to P6,000. They argue that this requirement is unique to Davao City among all cities and provinces in the Philippines. Grab rider Rolando Atico emphasized the need for solidarity among all delivery drivers, regardless of the app they work for. He urged fellow drivers to support each other, as the financial impact may extend beyond just Grab and FoodPanda. Atico also requested Mayor Duterte to reconsider the requirement and reinstate the previous occupational permit, which only cost P125. The group is facing a 30-day deadline to obtain the business permits, and they are citing financial constraints as a reason for their request for an extension. Failure to comply could result in their removal from the delivery platforms, jeopardizing their livelihoods. Additionally, they are advocating for changes to Davao City's Revenue Code, proposing a model similar to Cebu City, where only an occupational permit is required. The drivers are also calling for an inquiry into the lack of transparency and unilateral actions of food delivery companies, particularly concerning rider capitalization and financial concerns. They believe that a thorough investigation will help ensure fairness and equity in their financial obligations and working relationship with the delivery companies. Maribel Paguican, the Business Bureau officer-in-charge, stated that non-certified delivery riders categorized as service contractors must obtain a business permit. She mentioned two permits for occupational and business activities, with a discounted structure for delivery riders. However, concerns have been raised about increased taxes, potentially ranging from P3,000 to P6,000, along with an additional tax on top of the declared income of P1,400. The delivery drivers' plea for exemption from the business permit requirement reflects their concerns about the financial impact and the potential threat to their livelihoods. Their call for solidarity and support from fellow drivers highlights the urgency of the situation. This story sheds light on the challenges faced by delivery drivers in Davao and the implications of the business permit requirement on their financial well-being. It also underscores their efforts to seek fairness and equity in their working relationship with the authorities and delivery companies......»»
Marcos commits to sign NIR bill into law
President Marcos yesterday committed to sign a measure seeking to create the Negros Island Region, which is now being transmitted to Malacañang by the House of Representatives for his approval......»»
New Zealand commits 25 mln USD for ADB s energy transition mechanism
MANILA, April 19 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Friday said that New Zealand has committed 25 million U.S. dollars to the ADB Energy Transition Mechanism Partnership Trust Fund (ETMPTF) to support the shift toward clean, sustainable energy in Southeast Asia. The commitment was made by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon during his two-day official visit to the Philippines. "We ar.....»»
‘Insensitive’ Singkil dance in Sinulog called out by Bangsamoro gov’t; CTU apologizes
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Bangsamoro Government urged festival organizers and local officials for an open and constructive collaboration in representing Moro culture after performers from a university here danced the Singkil during the Opening Salvo of the Sinulog Festival. The Bangsamoro called out the ‘grossly inappropriate and culturally insensitive’ representation of the Singkil of.....»»
Constitutionality of Bangsamoro Local Government Code challenged at SC
COTABATO CITY (MindaNews / 01 March) — Three governors from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao filed this week a petition before the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the recently passed Bangsamoro Local Government Code (BLGC). Governor Abdusakur Tan of Sulu, Governor Mamintal Adiong of Lanao del Sur and Governor Bai Mariam Mangudadatu […].....»»
Marcos to the Bangsamoro: show the world the May 2025 polls will be peaceful and credible
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 09 February) – “Giving the vote to the people to choose their leaders is the logical succession, evolution, to the grant of self-rule to your land,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said as he urged Bangsamoro leaders to “show the world” that the first election of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim […].....»»
PEACETALK: The Jolo Siege of 1974, Half a Century Hence: Notes on History, War, Peace, Law and Justice (2)
(Last of two parts) Watersheds in Philippine and Bangsamoro History: War and Peace NAGA CITY (MindaNews / 21 February) – In Philippine national history of the contemporary period of the past five or six decades, there are two clear key watershed events: first, the September 1972 declaration of martial law that established the Marcos dictatorship; […].....»»
Major Dingdong Dantes finishes Naval Combat Engineering Officer basic course
Actor Dingdong Dantes is now a Naval Combat Engineering Officer of the Philippine Navy after receiving a certificate for finishing a basic course......»»
Solo parents to get P1K monthly subsidy
The Local Solo Parents' Ordinance, recently approved by the 20th City Council of Davao City, promises a monthly subsidy of approximately P1,000 for eligible beneficiaries. Councilor Tricia Ann Villafuerte highlighted the ordinance's significance in providing vital support to solo parents and their children, as there are approximately 6,000 solo parents in Davao City. This ordinance is an adaptation of the national law, Republic Act 8972, customized to address the unique needs of solo parents in the city. It aims to meet the essential needs of mothers and their children, including school supplies, consultation, laboratory diagnostics, and financial assistance, such as medical, death, and burial aid. Additionally, solo parents will receive a monthly monetary subsidy of P1,000 and are entitled to a 10 percent discount on select basic commodities, similar to senior citizens and Persons with Disability (PWD). To qualify for the benefits, applicants must submit necessary documents and meet specific criteria, while disqualification grounds include changes in civil status and provision of necessary assistance by the other biological parent as per the Family Code of the Philippines. It's important to note that individuals under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) are ineligible for the Local Solo Parents' Ordinance......»»
Basic Energy, Renova sign MOU for construction of 50MW Mabini Wind Energy Project
I reported last week on Basic Energy and its progress toward signing a memorandum of understanding with Renova Inc. to set the framework for signing an eventual Joint Development and Shareholders Agreement for the construction of the 50MW Mabini Wind Energy Project......»»
Basic Energy signs MOU for joint development of 50MW Batangas wind project
Basic Energy announced that its board authorized the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Renova Inc., a Japanese renewable energy company, to set the framework toward signing a definitive Joint Development Shareholders’ Agreement for the 50 megawatt Mabini Wind Energy Project......»»
La Viña on Duterte’s advice to Quiboloy: “a good lawyer will advise to cooperate”
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 29 February) – “A good lawyer will advise Quiboloy to cooperate. No ifs and buts, no way around this,” Law professor and former Law dean Antonio La Viña said in reaction to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s advice to his friend and spiritual adviser Pastor Apollo Quiboloy to “get yourself arrested” instead […].....»»
PFDA commits to increased dividend payments to Treasury
Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Fisheries Development Authority announced in a statement that it would remit 75% of its dividend payouts coming from the prior 50% after Finance Secretary Ralph Recto requested the government firm to increase its remittances to the government. .....»»
GPS 2024: Investing in reliable public transport
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has confirmed targeted investment of more than $2 billion over the next three years for public transport projects and services, as part of the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport. "Delivering reliable, effective, and efficient public transport is a priority for the Coalition Government. The draft GPS commits up to $2.3 billion for.....»»