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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.....»»
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......»»
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......»»
Cotabato: Strong winds, heavy rains destroy 85 houses
COTABATO CITY — In Cotabato province, heavy rains and strong winds that battered Kabacan town amid excruciating heat on Maundy Thursday left 85 houses destroyed, the local disaster office said. Kabacan Mayor Evangeline Pascua-Guzman said four villages were hardest hit by the heavy downpour and what locals believed was mild tornado that started at about.....»»
17 killed as truck loaded with sand collides with passenger van
COTABATO CITY (MindaNews /25 March) – Seventeen persons were killed when a truck loaded with sand collided with a passenger van in Antipas, North Cotabato Monday noon. Captain Godofredo Tupas, Chief of Police of Antipas town said the collision happened along a curve at the boundary of Barangay Greenhills and Lohong at 12:48 p.m. The van […].....»»
Cops killed, brother hurt in shooting incident
Cops killed, brother hurt in shooting incident.....»»
North Cotabato authorities vow to end risky ‘waswas’ drag race
COTABATO CITY (MindaNews / 28 February) – Following the horrific illegal drag racing accident at a national highway that killed the rider and an innocent passerby, the provincial government of North Cotabato vowed to end the dangerous motorcycle race, locally called “waswas” and often involving the youth. Former Board Member Shirlyn “Neneng” Macasarte, who represented the […].....»»
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......»»
Motorcycle drag racer, tricycle passenger die in Cotabato accident
Authorities are working to address the persistent issue of daily motorcycle drag races in Libungan town, Cotabato province, where a motorist and a tricycle passenger were killed in an accident during daytime last Saturday......»»
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......»»
AIADMK releases first list of 16 candidates for Lok Sabha polls
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], March 20 (ANI): AIADMK on Wednesday released its first list of 16 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024. The list was released by the party general secretary, Edappadi K Palaniswami. While releasing the list, he said that five constituencies have been allocated to the DMDK; and one each to Puthiya Tamilagam and SDPI. "In the AIADMK alliance, DMDMK is to contest in 5 seats, SDPI.....»»
Agoda Unveils 2024 New Horizons List
Digital travel platform Agoda reveals its first-ever “Philippines’ New Horizons,” a list of destinations that are fast growing in popularity. The list, which compares year-on-year search data, highlights emerging destinations that have seen significant growth in interest from both domestic and international travelers. Bohol tops the list with an impressive 72% increase in searches, followed […].....»»
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......»»
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......»»
Cash-rich Mayor Cabaron intertown twin sports tilts set in May
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Moalboal town mayor Inocentes Cabaron will once again treat sports fans in southwest Cebu with a cash-rich inter-town men’s basketball and men’s & women’s volleyball tournament for their fiesta celebration in May. The town has been active in sports, hosting a Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. pre-season basketball tilt featuring Cebu’s.....»»
South Cotabato urges public to patronize MSMEs, buy local products
KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews / 7 March) – The provincial government of South Cotabato has launched a convergence initiative to bring more growth and market opportunities for the province’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Tyronn Jan Villanueva, head of the South Cotabato Economic, Investment and Promotions Center (SCEIPC), said they have launched a series of […].....»»
FACT CHECK | South Cotabato did not declare March 11 a Muslim legal holiday
MindaNews fact-checked a memorandum circulating on Facebook and in Messenger group chats that South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. has declared March 11 a holiday in the province for the observance of Lailatul Isra wal Mi’raj. The memorandum is fake, Tamayo’s office notified the public. The provincial government of South Cotabato has not declared Monday, […].....»»
From the islands to the mainland, UBJP members flock to Cotabato City to show solidarity
COTABATO CITY (MindaNews / 19 February) – From the island to the mainland, Sherhan Isa endured the long, backbreaking travel from Jolo, Sulu to be in solidarity with the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), the political party of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), during its general assembly in Cotabato City on Saturday, February 17. […].....»»
PDEA denies Bongbong Marcos was on drug list despite Duterte’s allegations
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was never listed by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for illegal drugs, the agency said on Monday. Former president Rodrigo Duterte, however, asserted last Sunday at a prayer rally in Davao that Marcos had been on the narcotics list, citing evidence shown to him by PDEA during.....»»
2 Quran readers killed in Cotabato highway accident
Two male Islamic theology students on their way home from a Ramadhan Quran reading activity died instantly when their motorcycle hit the rear of an idle dump truck in Barangay Takepan in Pikit, Cotabato at almost midnight Thursday......»»