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Rights groups call for a safer environment for children
By DOMINIC GUTOMAN Bulatlat.com MANILA – Half a million Filipino children were trafficked for the production of new child sexual exploitation material in 2022, according to rights groups. Over the past 15 years, online child sexual abuse material surged by 15,000 percent, according to non-profit organization Thorn: Digital Defenders of Children. Women’s group Gabriela attributed… The post Rights groups call for a safer environment for children appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
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......»»
Biz Leaders Welcome Coal-Fired Power Plant Expansion in Toledo City to Prevent Outages
Business stakeholders in Cebu welcomed the expansion project of a coal-fired power plant in Toledo City as a way to prevent outages that happened in Aklan early this year. They said that concerns about the environment will be “outweighed” by the economic benefits that will come with more power supply considering the dwindling reserves in […].....»»
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......»»
Groups urge to include placemaking in planning for public spaces
The push for placemaking in planning for public spaces was emphasized by various groups during a recent forum in Davao City. ATTY. Mark Peñalver, executive director of Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (Idis), stressed the importance of incorporating placemaking in public space planning to not only enhance the physical environment but also to promote inclusivity. He highlighted the exclusion of certain sectors in existing public spaces and emphasized the need for stakeholders' input and acknowledgment of their stories in the planning process. Dr. Derlie Mateo-Babiano, an associate professor in Urban Planning Assistant, described placemaking as a means to transform places into spaces that people will cherish. She emphasized the significance of engaging the community in the planning process to understand their cultural, environmental, and other needs. Peñalver also cited a successful placemaking project in Davao Executive Homes, which catered to children, the elderly, and individuals with special needs, demonstrating the positive impact of placemaking. Furthermore, Peñalver advocated for the institutionalization of placemaking in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and other development plans in Davao City. He highlighted the potential of placemaking to ensure that government projects are beneficial to the community. Architect Harold Delima, co-convenor of Placemaking Davao, discussed ongoing workshops with various demographics to integrate placemaking into the city's development. The groups involved are hopeful that placemaking will become a fundamental aspect of public space planning in Davao City, aiming to create inclusive and community-centered environments......»»
Bangsamoro dangles coal, oil investments
The Department of Energy is bidding out four pre-determined areas or coal and petroleum exploration in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (B.....»»
Envi group raises concern over Aboitiz coal expansion in Cebu
Envi group raises concern over Aboitiz coal expansion in Cebu.....»»
Early retirement of coal plants to significantly cut CO2 emissions
The early retirement of coal supply agreements in the Philippines is expected to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions, aligning the country with the objectives of the Paris Agreement......»»
“Doomed to fail,” Marcos says of Duterte’s call for independent Mindanao
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 09 February) – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday night said the call of former President Rodrigo Duterte for a separate Mindanao is “doomed to fail” because it is “anchored on a false premise, not to mention a sheer constitutional travesty.” “I strongly appeal to all concerned to stop this call […].....»»
DENR mobilizing $278 million foreign-funded projects
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is mobilizing over $278 million worth of foreign-funded projects this year for biodiversity, climate change and environment programs to strengthen environmental resiliency and sustainability in local government units......»»
‘Defend our rivers,’ indigenous and envi groups denounce destructive mega dams
Kalikasan People’s Network for Environment said that the Marcos Jr administration still allows massive projects like Kaliwa-Kanan-Laiban Dam, Wawa Dam, Ahunan Hydropower project, Jalaur Mega-Dam, Saltan Dam, and the Pasig River Expressway, all of which endanger the affected communities. The post ‘Defend our rivers,’ indigenous and envi groups denounce destructive mega dams appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
On Earth Day, groups amplify calls to fight back against reclamation, dredging
Groups reiterated the call to end reclamation and dredging activities in Manila Bay in a gathering April 20 in the coastal areas of Navotas City where 1,000 fisherfolk families were reportedly affected by the demolition of mussel farms attributed to the proposed Navotas Bay Coastal Reclamation Project. The post On Earth Day, groups amplify calls to fight back against reclamation, dredging appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
IP groups commemorate Int’l Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples amidst continuous attacks
IP groups and advocates commemorated IDWIP this year by holding a protest and solidarity event at Camp Aguinaldo to call an end to the attacks against indigenous communities......»»
Youth groups in Southern Tagalog oppose reso urging military-led ‘national security awareness’ bid in schools
By JACINTO LINGATONG Bulatlat.com SANTA CRUZ, Laguna — Youth groups in Southern Tagalog have strongly opposed the proposed resolution of the 202nd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army and CALABARZON Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF ELCAC) urging the Department of Education (DepEd) Region IV-A, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region IV-A, Technical… The post Youth groups in Southern Tagalog oppose reso urging military-led ‘national security awareness’ bid in schools appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
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......»»
“Tickler, pitik, panghadlok, pangatik,” Duterte now says of his Mindanao independence call
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 28 February) – Exactly four Tuesdays after he called for Mindanao independence, former President Rodrigo Duterte made a turnaround and urged people to stop talking about separating from the Philippines, claiming his call was just a “tickler,” a “pitik” (flick), a “panghadlok” (scare) and a “pangatik” (joke). “Tickler lang yan,” he […].....»»
BARMM leaders buck Duterte’s secession call
Leaders of different sectors in the Bangsamoro region yesterday rejected former president Rodrigo Duterte’s call for Mindanao independence, asserting that they will never ruin the gains of their peace process with the national government......»»
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......»»
Sara: Baste quit call made out of ‘brotherly love’
Vice President Sara Duterte said she has not spoken to her brother, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, about his call for President Marcos to resign, which she stressed was more out of “brotherly love” to protect her from the shabby treatment she has been receiving from people within the Palace inner circle......»»
Philippines urged to tighten emission standards to protect public health
The government should tighten “outdated” emission standards for sources of air pollution, including coal-fired power plants, to safeguard public health and the environment, a group said on Tuesday......»»