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One more city in Philippines declares pertussis outbreak
MANILA, March 25 (Xinhua) -- The government of Iloilo, a city in central Philippines, on Monday declared an outbreak of pertussis after it confirmed seven out of 15 reported cases, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said. Iloilo is the third city to declare an outbreak of pertussis, or whopping cough, after Quezon and Pasig, two cities in the capital region, announced last week that they hav.....»»
ICC greenlights Phl drug probe
The Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court has dismissed the Philippine government’s appeal to stop the ICC investigation into the extrajudicial killings and other crimes allegedly committed during the Duterte administration’s campaign against illegal drugs. ICC Presiding Judge Marc Perrin de Brichambaut announced the chamber’s decision during an open court hearing in the Netherlands. Also covered by the greenlighted probe are alleged drug-related killings in Davao City from 2011 to 2016 during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s incumbency there as mayor. Reacting to the decision, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, who represents the country before the ICC, said the Philippines cannot file any more appeals to stop the ICC Office of the Prosecutor from probing the alleged crimes. Guevarra said the ICC could indict certain individuals over the drug war killings if there is sufficient evidence. Won’t comply Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, however, said the Philippine government will not comply with any arrest warrants the ICC may issue against personalities within its borders. “We are hospitable but if they (ICC) will meddle, we will not allow it. We have our own justice system that they cannot impede or ignore. They should not try to interfere here,” Remulla had said on Monday. The ICC Appeals Chamber said it rejected Guevarra’s appeal “in the absence of persuasive reasons.” The ICC has no police powers. It can only rely on the cooperation of countries to arrest and turn over wanted persons to its jurisdiction. Earlier, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stressed that as the country does not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction, the government will not cooperate with its probe or other proceedings. The Philippines officially withdrew from the ICC in 2018, but the court said it still had jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was still a state party to the Rome Statute from 1 November 2011 up to 16 March 2019, when its withdrawal from the treaty that established the ICC took effect. The government has pointed out that it has been investigating the alleged crimes and that jail terms had been meted out on those found guilty. As a sovereign nation, the Philippines asserted that the ICC could not just inject itself into alleged cases committed in the country. Official government data showed that about 6,200 people died in the course of the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign, but its critics claimed that as many as 12,000 to 30,000 were killed. Guevarra said the Philippines must agree to the ICC probe. Still, even without government cooperation, he had earlier said that the ICC could proceed with its investigation. The ICC opened its probe in 2019 but suspended it in November 2021 after the Philippine government said it was re-examining the complaints. ICC prosecutor Karim Khan had asked to restart the inquiry, saying the Philippine government had not provided evidence it was carrying out thorough inquiries. The ICC authorized the reopening of the inquiry in January 2023. The post ICC greenlights Phl drug probe appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Blowing whistle on cops
The Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group, or PNP-ACG, seems predisposed to taking shortcuts, and Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, fresh from a heart bypass, was livid about it Monday. Remulla minced no words in slamming the PNP-ACG’s failure to coordinate with the Department of Justice before conducting raids on POGO or Philippine offshore gaming operator firms in Las Piñas City. The DoJ chief’s frustration was palpable as he condemned the PNP-ACG’s approach. “Arresting people without cases. What, cases will be invented? The DoJ will not agree to that,” Remulla fumed. “They just raided… they just entered the premises, as if they were fishing.” Remulla raised the important point that many cases have remained pending due to lack of evidence, in most cases because of sloppy police work. In the POGO raids, he said the cops did not cite specific acts or grounds for arresting the individuals. According to Remulla, the booboo left the DoJ with no choice but to set free five Chinese nationals arrested during the raids for alleged involvement in human trafficking operations, pending reinvestigation. Many similar drug cases had been thrown out either at the prosecutorial level or before the courts for the failure of arresting officers to observe protocol, including having members of the media and the local prosecutor’s office present when processing arrested individuals and the evidence seized from them. The bungling of the Las Piñas raids raises questions about the competence and professionalism of the PNP-ACG. Furthermore, the PNP-ACG’s recent proposal to join POGO raids only adds to the confusion surrounding their intentions and actions. In a press conference, PNP-ACG chief P/Brig. Gen. Sidney Hernia suggested that police officers be included in inspections of POGOs. However, one cannot help but question the reason behind this request. Does the PNP-ACG truly believe that its presence would enhance the effectiveness of these inspections, or is it simply an attempt to exert control and create the impression that the Philippines is a police state? The dangers of the latter scenario cannot be overstated. A police force that overreaches its authority and encroaches upon the rights of individuals and businesses fosters an environment of fear and distrust. We must be cautious not to allow our country to slide down a path where citizens are constantly under surveillance and their rights are infringed upon in the name of law enforcement. Hernia’s proposal came on the heels of the PNP-ACG’s recent “rescue” of around 3,000 Filipino and foreign workers in raids on Las Piñas City POGO firms allegedly involved in human trafficking and other illegal activities. Make no mistake about it, all illegal POGOs should go and those behind them prosecuted. Just the same, Hernia’s suggestion in the face of the dressing down the PNP has received from Secretary Remulla raises concerns about his unit’s approach and its potential ramifications for those involved in the POGO industry, especially those operating legally. The controversy surrounding the PNP-ACG has naturally trained the spotlight on the whole PNP, which has been touting high crime solution efficiency — 81.78 percent in 2022. However, the real question is how many of these “solved crimes” have resulted in convictions. If that’s too much to ask for, let’s dumb it down a bit: How many of the complaints filed by the PNP are ultimately adopted by prosecutors and filed in court? A high crime solution efficiency rate may provide a sense of accomplishment, but it does not necessarily guarantee justice or the successful prosecution of criminals. The PNP’s claimed efficiency in solving crimes must be accompanied by a commitment to thorough investigations, the gathering of compelling evidence, and the successful prosecution of offenders. Without these elements, the high crime solution efficiency rate becomes a hollow metric. In light of these stories, it becomes apparent that the PNP-ACG’s actions are cause for concern. Their failure to coordinate with the DoJ, their lack of proffered evidence, and their questionable proposals raise doubts about their commitment to serve and protect. We must demand better from our law enforcement agencies. We deserve a police force that respects the rule of law, values evidence-based investigations, and prioritizes the protection of citizens’ rights. The post Blowing whistle on cops appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Contagious pertussis disease continues spreading in Philippines
MANILA, March 28 (Xinhua) -- The contagious pertussis has continued spreading in the Philippines, where it has caused at least 40 death cases, after a province near the capital region reported an outbreak of the disease. In a social media post on Wednesday night, the Cavite government posted a resolution declaring the province under a state of calamity "due to the outbreak of pertussis" after logging 36 cases an.....»»
Cavite nagdeklara ng ‘state of calamity’ dahil sa ‘pertussis outbreak’
NASA ilalim na ng “state of calamity” ang probinsya ng Cavite. Ito ay dahil dumadami na ang mga nahahawa ng pertussis o whooping cough sa probinsya. Ayon sa provincial government, nakapagtala na sila ng 26 confirmed cases at kabaling na riyan ang anim na namatay dahil sa nasabing sakit. Narito ang datos ng Cavite kaugnay.....»»
Antipolo City throws support on Ajido
The Antipolo City government led by Mayor Casimiro “Jun” Ynares III will provide support to Antipolo-born swimmer Jamesray Mishael Ajido, who won the country’s lone gold medal in record-breaking fashion at the recent 11th Asian Age-Group Swimming Championships......»»
DOTr: 2.2 million more plastic cards to be delivered
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista inspected yesterday the one million delivered plastic cards to be used for the printing of driver’s licenses, at the Land Transportation Office central office in Quezon City......»»
Girl, 4, dies after being hit by SUV
A four-year-old girl died after she was hit by a sport utility vehicle in Quezon City on Tuesday afternoon......»»
Fetus found in condo’s sewage treatment plant
A fetus was found dumped in the sewage treatment plant of a high-end condominium complex in Quezon City on Tuesday......»»
Belmonte: No tolerance for corruption
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte yesterday reiterated her zero-tolerance policy against corruption following the arrest of an official for alleged extortion......»»
Gela Atayde masaya sa kasalang Ria-Zanjoe: My heart is at peace
ISANG heartfelt message ang alay ng Kapamilya artist na si Gela Atayde para sa bagong kasal niyang kapatid na si Ria Atayde at sa asawa nitong si Zanjoe Marudo. Matatandaang nitong Sabado, March 23, kasabay ng kaarawan ni Ria ay ikinasal sila ni Zanjoe sa Quezon City na in-officiate ni Mayor Joy Belmonte. Sa latest.....»»
Davao Metro Shuttle declines offer to manage bus system
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 24 March) — The Davao Metro Shuttle Corporation has declined the offer of the City Government of Davao to operate the Davao City Public Transport Modernization Project (DCPTMP), a public mass transportation project that will replace the jeepneys with buses, an executive of the bus company said. In an interview at […].....»»
Agdao Public Market vendors want variety and vegetable sections merged
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 24 March) – Vendors of Agdao Public Market here are asking the city government to merge the Variety and Vegetable Sections into one section claiming they have difficulties in getting customers because of their location. In a letter addressed to Mayor Sebastian Duterte, the City Administrator’s Office, the City Economic Enterprise […].....»»
‘Sama-sama sa Angel’s Pizza’ TikTok Singing Contest Grand Finals: A resounding success
The inaugural “Sama-sama sa Angel’s Pizza” TikTok Singing Contest, an electrifying celebration of talent and creativity, reached its pinnacle with the Grand Finals held at Viva Café in Cyberpark Tower 1, Araneta City in Quezon City......»»
EcoWaste Coalition: True Radiance Comes from Within, Not from Skin Lightening Products with Mercury
23 March 2024, Quezon City. The toxics watchdog group EcoWaste Coalition, which has been tracking mercury in skin-lightening cosmetics in the Philippines since 2011, reiterated its support for the global effort to put an end to the persistent production, trade, and consumption of racist beauty products with mercury content that claim to whiten the skin and deal with other.....»»
Zanjoe, Ria nagpakasal na; magiging nanay at tatay na rin ba?
IKINASAL na ang celebrity couple na sina Ria Atayde at Zanjoe Marudo sa pamamagitan ng intimate wedding ceremony officiated by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte. Kinumpirma ito ng Kapamilya actor sa kanyang latest Instagram post kung saan makikitang nakasuot siya ng black suit habang naka-white dress naman si Ria na may hawak na bouquet of flowers......»»
Over 40 defective weighing scales seized in Carbon Market
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Office of the City Markets (OCM) of the Cebu City Government has confiscated over 40 defective weighing scales in Carbon Public Market as of March 21. Led by Market Administrator Robert Barquilla, the operation, dubbed “Operation Timbangan,” aims to ensure accurate measurements for customers. Barquilla, with assistance from Task Force.....»»
Kokoy sorry nang sorry kay Sue dahil sa ‘lamasan’ sa ‘Your Mother’s Son’
GRABE! As in grabe pala talaga ang mga nakakaloka at nakaka-shock na mga eksena nina Miggy Jimenez, Kokoy de Santos at Sue Prado sa “Your Mother’s Son.” Napanood namin ang pinakabagong obra ng award-winning filmmaker na si Jun Robles Lana sa ginanap na press screening nito sa Gateway Cineplex sa Cubao, Quezon City nitong nagdaang.....»»
Mikey Belmonte bags Water Warrior Award
Quezon City Councilor Belmonte was conferred the “Water Warrior Award for Advocacy Leadership” during the 2024 World Water Day Awards in recognition of his contributions as an active partner of Maynilad in championing access to safe water, reliable sanitation and environmental responsibility......»»
‘Ormoc LGU owns San Pablo property’
Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez has denied claims that the city government does not own a parcel of land in Barangay San Pablo, where the Ormoc City College will be constructed......»»