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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......»»
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.....»»
STATEMENT | Bulatlat reminds Philippine military of culpability in cyber-attacks and misinformation
Bulatlat maintains that these so-called “cyber security” efforts could mean online surveillance, distributed denial of service (DDOS) attacks, “fake news” and other forms of attacks aimed to suppress freedom of the press and of expression, as well as the people’s right to information. This issue was brought to the attention of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression Irene Khan who will hold her official country visit next week. The post STATEMENT | Bulatlat reminds Philippine military of culpability in cyber-attacks and misinformation appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Rwanda: End Abuses Against Journalists
(Nairobi) - Rwandan authorities should release journalist Dieudonne Niyonsenga, also known as Cyuma Hassan, and urgently investigate serious torture allegations he has made and ensure his rights to freedom of expression, a fair trial and to freedom from torture and ill treatment are respected, Human Rights Watch said today. The authorities' failure to transparently accoun.....»»
12 years in prison, political prisoner wants freedom on his 85th birthday
"There are no further obstacles that should hinder Tatay Gerry's release as the Board of Pardons and Parole issued a recommendation for the commutation of his sentence to a definite prison term of 12 years." The post 12 years in prison, political prisoner wants freedom on his 85th birthday appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
British Council celebrates 10 years of sharing LGBTQIA+ stories
CEBU CITY, Philippines – The British Council kicks off the first in-person screening of the Five Films For Freedom programme to live audiences in Cebu on Wednesday, March 13, in partnership with BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival The Five Films For Freedom, launched by the British Council and the British Film Institute in 2014,.....»»
‘Media is a public good:’ Closure of CNN Philippines draws concerns from UN expert
The United Nations special rapporteur on freedom of expression and opinion said that the recent closure of CNN Philippines is a "worrying sign" for media freedom in the country......»»
Frail body, sharp mind: Oldest political prisoner longs for freedom
Despite the deteriorating conditions, political prisoner Gerardo Dela Peña remains hopeful that he will still be reunited with his elderly wife Pilar and their family in Camarines Norte. The post Frail body, sharp mind: Oldest political prisoner longs for freedom appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Women writers in detention continue to fight for freedom
In this story, Bulatlat highlights the story of women writers who are in detention for expressing their criticism and dissent through their craft. The post Women writers in detention continue to fight for freedom appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Marcos vows to fight threats to freedom
President Marcos has vowed to continue the fight against threats to freedom and repel those who trample the country’s “sacred shores.”.....»»
Remembering EDSA in Bicol | PNP opts for ‘police power’ in freedom parks
During the People Power commemoration, the Philippine National Police (PNP) occupied all parks in Camarines Sur for their supposed “outreach” program. Still, it did not stop more than 300 activists here to stage a protest action in the afternoon of Feb. 25. The post Remembering EDSA in Bicol | PNP opts for ‘police power’ in freedom parks appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
UN rapporteur to gov t: Repeal Anti-Terror Law, Cybercrime Prevention Act
Khan called these “laws of concern” that threaten the freedom of expression in the Philippines despite the Constitution’s guarantee of the right to freedom of expression......»»
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 […].....»»
Rama ‘worried’ about Duterte-Marcos dispute
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama expressed concern about the ongoing political dispute in the country between former President Rodrigo Duterte and the incumbent President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The issue has become a matter of concern for Rama, given his personal relationship with both Duterte and Marcos, whom he considers “friends.” He.....»»
Honasan seeks ceasefire between feuding Marcos, Duterte camps
MANILA, Philippines — Former Senator Gringo Honasan on Monday urged for a ceasefire between the camps of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and former President Rodrigo Duterte following a volley of heated allegations between the two. In a statement, Honasan called on Marcos and Duterte to “show sobriety” for the sake of those who look.....»»
Cong. Pulong Duterte got P51-B budget in three years
It was his own statement about having his district budget reduced this year that got House members to probe and discover that Davao City First District Representative Paolo ‘Pulong’ Duterte, son of former President Rodrigo Duterte, had received P51 billion in the past years......»»
FACT CHECK | VP Sara Duterte did not return her 2022 confidential fund
Vice President Sara Duterte has not returned her confidential fund to government treasury, contrary to a video posted on YouTube. Reports that Duterte spent in just 11 days in December 2022 a confidential fund amounting to P125 million from the contingency fund of the Office of the President drew widespread criticisms and demands for an […].....»»
FACT CHECK | VP Sara Duterte did not return her 2022 confidential fund
Vice President Sara Duterte has not returned any confidential funds to the government treasury, contrary to a video posted on YouTube. Reports that Duterte spent in just 11 days in December 2022 a confidential fund amounting to P125 million from the contingency fund of the Office of the President drew widespread criticisms and demands for […].....»»