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Senate to approve 17 bills up for final reading says Zubiri
The upper chamber will approve 17 bills that are set for the third and final reading, said Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Saturday. Zubiri noted that four of these bills are part of the priority legislation of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council or LEDAC while 12 are local bills for the improvement of state universities and colleges. “In fact, on Monday, we will approve four measures that are part of our LEDAC commitments. And so far, we are on track to meeting our deadlines because, by the end of this year, we hope to approve all 20 LEDAC priority measures pending in the Senate,” the Senate President said. Zubiri noted that the Senate has approved a total of five bills on second reading during the previous week which includes Senate Bill 2001 or the New Philippine Passport Act; SB 1846 or the Internet Transactions Act of 2023; SB 2224 or the Ease of Paying Taxes Act; SB 2028 or An Act Recognizing the Octogenarians, Nonagenarians, and Centenarians; and SB 2233 or the Public Private Partnership Act. These bills, except for SB 2028, are LEDAC priority bills, he said. “These measures will be up for final reading on Monday. The deliberations on these bills have been exhaustive and I am confident that we did a good job of crafting these pieces of legislation, the efforts and expertise of the legislative staff in the Senate included,” he added. There are two bills pending President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signature including the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act and the Local Government Unit Income Classification Act. The Philippine Salt Industry Development Act, meanwhile, has been approved by the Senate on final reading and is on standby for bicameral committee action. Zubiri said there are 12 local bills involving SUCs that are also up for approval on final reading. After the approval of the four LEDAC measures on Monday, the Senate will set the schedule for the bicameral conference committee hearing with their counterparts in the lower house, bringing the measures closer to enactment into law. Undergoing amendments before their approval on the second reading is the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers while the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act—which has been certified as urgent and has a high possibility of being approved in its third reading. Further, the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act, Waste-to-Energy Bill, Mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, and National Service Training Program, as well as the National Disease Prevention Management Authority/Center for Disease Prevention Bill are all in the interpellation and are pending approval on second reading. Zubiri assured that the Senate will meet its commitment to approve on final reading the remaining 17 of the 20 LEDAC measures before the session adjourns in December of this year. The remaining LEDAC bills, he added, are all up for deliberations and discussions. ”With our pace in approving these LEDAC measures, I am confident that come December, all of our LEDAC commitments will have been met," Zubiri said. The post Senate to approve 17 bills up for final reading says Zubiri appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Filipino activists accuse Marcos of ‘witch-hunt’
Filipino activists accused President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's government Thursday of carrying out a "witch-hunt" against rights defenders as they held rallies for the 51st anniversary of the imposition of martial law. Hundreds of people marched in Manila calling for the release of victims of forced disappearances and the abolishment of an anti-communist task force, set up by former president Rodrigo Duterte, that has been accused of targeting government critics. Rights group Karapatan said the Marcos Jr administration was using the task force to "witch-hunt activists, human rights defenders and other dissenters", while enabling the military and police to "perpetuate repression reminiscent of the martial law era". Marcos Jr's dictator father, Ferdinand Marcos, imposed martial law in 1972, unleashing his security forces on rivals, critics and dissidents. Amnesty International estimates thousands of people were killed and tens of thousands tortured and imprisoned in the brutal crackdown. Activists said rampant human rights abuses have continued under Marcos Jr, who has kept up Duterte's deadly war on drugs, as well as his National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. Rights groups say eight activists have been "disappeared" since Marcos Jr became president in June 2022. There have been more than 400 drug-related killings during the same period, according to a monitoring group. "It's like we're still living in the shadows of 1972. This regime doesn't care about human rights," Renato Reyes, secretary general of the leftist alliance Bayan, told protesters. [caption id="attachment_186945" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] People hold placards as they join a protest commemorating the 51st anniversary of the imposition of Martial Law, at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila on 21 September 2023. (Photo by JAM STA ROSA / AFP)[/caption] - 'Like martial law' - The rallies come after the release on Tuesday of two environmental activists who had accused the military of abducting them. Jonila Castro, 21, and Jhed Tamano, 22, had been working with coastal communities opposed to reclamation activities in Manila Bay when they disappeared on September 2 in Bataan province, near Manila. Authorities rejected the allegation, saying the women were part of a communist insurgency seeking to overthrow the government and had sought their help after voluntarily leaving the movement. Human Rights Watch senior researcher Carlos Conde told AFP some aspects of the country's human rights situation had worsened under Marcos Jr. "What we're seeing is somebody... who likes to shove human rights as an issue aside," Conde said, adding one of the reasons could be "his family have a... nasty history as far as human rights is concerned." Veteran human rights campaigner Cristina Palabay of Karapatan said she felt "more scared now" as the number of missing activists increased. Palabay said she and other members of Karapatan faced "some sort of mortal danger far greater than before", citing increased threats, profiling and surveillance. "This is actually like martial law... when people are just being picked up in the streets and justified as being held by authorities because they are suspected of being somebody," Palabay said. pam/amj/dhw © Agence France-Presse The post Filipino activists accuse Marcos of ‘witch-hunt’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DILG’s BIDA program reaches South Cotabato
The Department of the Interior and Local Government on Tuesday said its anti-illegal drugs advocacy program "Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan" (BIDA) has reached the Municipality of Polomolok in South Cotabato where around 4,000 runners and advocates joined the 4-kilometer “BIDA Run sa Bagong Polomolok 2023” early Saturday morning. DILG Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez, who led the early morning run, urged all local government units (LGUs) to sustain the momentum initiated by the BIDA program “to ensure that the aspiration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of having a drug-free Philippines will turn into reality in the nearest future.” “Umabot na ang ating kampanya [BIDA Program], at ang mensahe ng ating Pangulo kontra sa iligal na droga sa napakagandang bayan ng Polomolok dito sa South Cotabato. And I am very delighted by your resounding response to our call for unity,” she said. Gutierrez said that as the new face of the national government’s anti-illegal drugs program, BIDA seeks to incite the participation of various sectors of society to attain its goal. “As DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos said, there are no shortcuts to victory over drugs. The only effective way is a comprehensive, long-term approach, which combines effective law enforcement with prevention, treatment, and social support,” she said. BIDA is a whole-of-nation, whole-of-government approach involving the national agencies, local government units, academe, faith-based sector, and the private sector that focuses more on drug demand reduction and rehabilitation alongside law enforcement operations. Polomolok Mayor Bernie T. Palencia expressed his appreciation to DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos for leading the BIDA program and committed the full support of the municipality to the national government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign bannered by the BIDA Program. The post DILG’s BIDA program reaches South Cotabato appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
2 hold uppers, 2 carnappers busted in police ops
Two carnappers and two hold-up men were arrested by the Manila Police District in separate operations on the same Saturday, one in Lawton and the other in Paco, Manila. In Lawton, police arrested two cousins engaged in hold-up activity who victimized three passengers at McArthur Bridge on Saturday morning. Police identified the suspects as Andy Ayuso y Bassig, 35, and June Braga y Ayuso, 29, both residents of 1652 Saturno St., Paco, Manila (Zobel Roxas, Barangay 783, San Andres). According to the complainants, Mark John Olito, 26, a restaurant server; Jerwin Riños, 21, a working student; and Maxine Opalic,18, they were inside a passenger jeepney going to Monumento. Upon reaching McArthur Bridge, the two suspects suddenly declared "hold up" and took their mobile phones. After the incident, the victims went to Lawton PCP where the police immediately conducted a follow-up operation that resulted in the arrest of two cousins who robbed them of their belongings. The victims positively identified the two suspects whom they said held them up. Seized from the possession of the two suspects were two units of caliber .38 revolver and two cellular phones Charges for violation of Article 294 of the Revised Penal Code and Republic Act No. 10591 were filed against the suspects at the Manila City Prosecutors Office, Meanwhile, operatives of the Manila Police District - Anti-Carnapping Unit arrested two suspected motorcycle nappers Saturday night on Quirino Highway corner Anak Bayan Street in Paco, Manila. P/Maj. Alfredo Padilla, chief of the MPD Anti-Carnapping Unit identified the two suspects as Mac Is Acebes, alias Dagul, 27, resident of 1225 Trece De Agosto, Paco; and Richard Hizon, alias Putol, 52, residing at 1696 Angel Linao Street, Paco, Manila. Based on the complainant Miguel Joseph Darjuan, 22, store owner of 1268 Interior at 18 Burgos St., Paco, Manila, he parked his motorcycle Yamaha Mio with plate number 959 PSQ in front of his store at Afacible Street corner Paz Street, in Barangay 677, Paco, Manila. At 3:58 early dawn, he discovered that his vehicle had been missing so he went directly to MPD ACT to report the incident. Operatives of the MPD ACU immediately responded and conducted a follow-up operation that resulted in the arrest of the suspects and recovery of the stolen vehicle. Carnapping charges will be filed against the two at the office of the Manila prosecutors. The post 2 hold uppers, 2 carnappers busted in police ops appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Graft buster clears Cusi
Citing the presumption of regularity, the Office of the Ombudsman threw out the graft complaint of a New York-based billionaire against former Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, other Department of Energy officials, Davao City-based executive Dennis Uy, and several others over the sale of 90 percent of the shares of the Malampaya natural gas consortium. On 18 October 2021, US-based geologist Balgamel Domingo and Filipino-American anti-Duterte leaders Rodel Rodis and Loida Nicolas-Lewis filed charges against Cusi, Uy, and the others involved in the sale of the Malampaya stake to the Udenna group of Uy. In a copy of the ruling obtained by the Daily Tribune, the Ombudsman said it could not delve into the complaint on the legality of the transaction since “the authority to make such a determination belongs to the court.” “Seemingly, this complaint is in actuality a collateral attack on the validity of the Share Sale and Purchase Agreement,” it said. The decision declared that “matters of such tenor are not determinable in a preliminary investigation before the Ombudsman’s Office.” “Without any judicial determination decreeing the illegality of the Share Sale and Purchase Agreement, this Office is left with nothing but to acknowledge its validity,” the ruling said. The Ombudsman cited a precedent in the case of Teresita Buenaventura vs Metrobank, in a ruling that stated: “The burden of showing that a contract is simulated rests on the party impugning the contract.” “This is because of the presumed validity of the contract that has been duly executed,” the Ombudsman ruling read. “Wherefore, the criminal charges for violation of Section 3(e) and of Republic Act 3019 against the respondents are dismissed for lack of probable cause.” The ruling was signed by members of a Special Panel of Investigators composed of Ronald Allan Ramos, Josephine Mae Rosapapan, Francisco Alan Molina and Bonifacio Mandrilla. Prime takes control The operation of the Malampaya project was recently assumed by the Razon group’s Prime Energy which bought a 45-percent stake from Malampaya Energy XP, or MEXP, of the Udenna group. MEXP had bought the shares of Shell Philippines Exploration B.V., or SPEX, in the consortium. The Department of Energy had branded the complaint a political move since the two Fil-Am lawyers in the suit were prominent in the “Oust Duterte” movement in the United States. The complaint alleged that Cusi and other energy officials had granted “unwarranted benefits and advantage” to Uy’s UC Malampaya in the buyout of Chevron’s share in the consortium. Udenna, through spokesperson Raymond Zorilla, said there is “no law requiring approval of the transfer of shares of companies that have an interest in Malampaya.” Zorilla said the transfer of Chevron and Shell shares underwent strict bidding processes and due diligence by both multinational oil and gas players. “The share sales were above board and legal and had to pass scrutiny by Philippine regulators, international lenders, and the said private multinationals involved,” Zorilla added. Cusi, in an interview with Daily Tribune, had said the DoE was not involved in choosing the buyer of the shares of Shell and Chevron in the Malampaya project. “The DoE did not get involved in the sale (of shares). We don’t know that they are selling. Our question was what their standards are for choosing Udenna. Why didn’t you choose the big companies, and why Udenna?” he said. Industry experts said the sale of shares was a private transaction that the accusers, who are US lawyers, should have been very familiar with. Cusi said the DoE, during his watch, went beyond its mandate by reviewing the technical, legal, and financial aspects of the transactions, the results of which were provided to the public. Political agenda The complaint, he said, had an underlying political agenda connected to his being the head of President Rodrigo Duterte’s Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan or PDP Laban. “It is not only political propaganda against me, but it also has a destabilization background… because I’m the president of the PDP.” The complaints, in turn, stemmed from the unending Senate inquiries on the Malampaya deals. The DoE said the Senate probes and the controversies that resulted from them had caused costly delays in the review process that would ultimately affect the country’s energy security. To refute a recent remark by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, the DoE, in a statement said: “The inquiries of Senator Gatchalian are causing undue delay to the timeline of the consortium corporations, and this may eventually take its toll and put our energy security at risk.” The DoE’s approval of the sale of shares of stock of Chevron Malampaya LLC, one of the three corporations in the Malampaya Gas Field Project Consortium, had been dubbed by Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy, as “lutong Macau.” It also backed the Udenna assessment that the deals were above-board. “When the sales were made, both Chevron Philippines, which owned Chevron Malampaya, and Shell Petroleum NV, owner of SPEX, followed rigorous global standards,” the DoE said. Nicolas-Lewis was part of a 25-person delegation from the US-Philippines Society, a private group comprising business executives and diplomats, who met with Duterte a week before his inauguration as president in 2016. Nicolas-Lewis was then accompanied by former Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia, PLDT chair Manuel V. Pangilinan, retired American diplomats, and executives of Coca-Cola, SGV, JP Morgan, and other top corporations. Nicolas-Lewis is the sister of former National Anti-Poverty Commission chairperson Imelda Nicolas, who was one of the “Hyatt 10” Cabinet members who turned against then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2005. Imelda and most of the Hyatt 10 members ended up getting key posts in the administration of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. Imelda was made head of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas. Nicolas-Lewis plot bared In February 2018, former President Duterte bared intercepted conversations that indicated Nicolas-Lewis was behind efforts to push the International Criminal Court, or ICC, to probe his war on drugs. Duterte revealed a recorded conversation between Lewis and another political opponent whom he did not name. “I was listening to the tapes of their conversation. It was provided to me by another country, but the conversation was somewhere in the Philippines and New York,” Duterte said. He said that among the recordings was one in which Lewis allegedly told another person: “See you in the headquarters when the case is filed.” Duterte then said in a public address that he was aware of developments on the ICC case and that lawyer Jude Sabio, the main complainant in the case, was a paid hack of Magdalo Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and Rep. Gary Alejano, both failed putschists. Sabio withdrew his complaint before the ICC and revealed that the case was the handiwork of the dirty tricks factory of Trillanes. In 2016, Duterte pointed to Lewis as the financier of an alleged destabilization plot against his administration. Nicolas-Lewis invested heavily in the failed presidential campaigns of Liberal Party bets Mar Roxas in 2016 and Vice President Leni Robredo in 2022. The post Graft buster clears Cusi appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EPD Task Force activated for Palaro
The Eastern Police District has created a task force to ensure the safety of athletes, delegates, and the general public during the whole duration of this year’s Palarong Pambansa from 26 July to 5 August in Marikina City. Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro has ordered the Marikina police to ensure that safety and security arrangements are in place. “We have met with our local police authorities to review their comprehensive security plan for a safe, peaceful, and orderly Palaro for the protection of athletes, delegates, and the general public,” Teodoro said. According to Marikina police chief P/Col. Earl Castillo, a total of 1,088 security personnel will be deployed to secure the delegations during the event. “We are 100 percent ready. As of now, there is no direct eminent threat in the staging of this year’s Palaro Pambansa,” Castillo said. The task force consists of 695 police officers, 138 barangay peace-keeping action teams, 155 bantay-bayan, and 100 Office of Public Safety and Security personnel. They are tasked to ensure the security and safety of the VIPs, student-athletes, sports officials and other guests, including sports venues, billeting quarters and other areas throughout the whole duration of the event. Castillo said the police deployment is not only intended for the Palaro as there will also be anti-criminality operations. An advance command post will be put in place in Marikina Sports Center. Some 60 police assistance desks will be assigned in 31 billeting areas and 29 playing venues The post EPD Task Force activated for Palaro appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
LTO-NCR conducts Road Safety Seminar for PA and PCG
The Land Transportation Office-National Capital Region (LTO-NCR) on Sunday reported that it recently conducted Road Safety seminars for the personnel of the Philippine Army (PA) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) with the aim of promoting and enhancing road safety awareness within these organizations. A total of ninety-seven (97) personnel, comprising 24 from the Philippine Army and 73 from the Philippine Coast Guard attended the Road Safety seminars. Joey F. Yap, the Training Facilitator from LTO-NCR, stated that the Army personnel who attended the Road Safety seminar were from the Philippine Army's Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, Civil Military Operations Regiment (CMOR), and the seminar took place at Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig City. Meanwhile, the PCG personnel took part in a seminar co-organized by the Department of Transportation (DoTR) and held at F. Ortigas St., Brgy. Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City. Yap explained that the training served as a refresher for government personnel, emphasizing the significance of road safety, including traffic rules, regulations, and best practices. Additionally, it aimed to raise awareness about potential road hazards and equip the attendees with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions while driving or walking. "Importante para sa mga personnel ng Philippine Army at Philippine Coast Guard na hindi sila malagay sa panganib sa tuwing sila ay bumabiyahe para sa kanilang mga assignments o operations," he said. "Bilang kapwa lingkod bayan, ibibigay natin ang lahat para patuloy tayong maaasahan ng mga Pilipino," he added. The LTO-NCR took the initiative to organize and conduct the aforementioned seminars under the guidance of Transportation Secretary Jaime "Jimmy" J. Bautista, LTO OIC-Assistant Secretary Atty. Hector A. Villacorta and LTO-NCR Regional Director Roque "Rox" I. Verzosa III. According to Yap, the Road Safety seminars covers a wide range of topics, including Road and Traffic Rules, Defensive Driving, and Handling Emergencies and Breakdowns. "Hindi lang ginagawa ang mga Road Safety Seminars para sa mga mismong uma-attend ngunit para rin talaga ito sa kanilang mga makakasama sa biyahe o kalsada," Yap explained. Yap also emphasized that LTO-NCR, led by RD Verzosa, is open to collaborations and is willing to conduct Road Safety seminars for those interested in availing of the office's seminars and expertise. In addition to the Road Safety seminars, the LTO-NCR Driver's Education Centers (DECs) offer various trainings and seminars, including the Conductor's Theoretical Course seminar, the Theoretical Driving Course seminar, and Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving trainings, among others. The post LTO-NCR conducts Road Safety Seminar for PA and PCG appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ASG member nabbed in QC
The Southern Police District on Thursday reported that its operatives arrested an individual believed to be a member of the notorious Abu Sayyaf Group and listed as one of the most wanted in Zamboanga. SPD director P/Brig. Gen. Kirby John Brion Kraft narrated that the suspect — identified as Janhar Abdulhari alias Janjan or Julpikar Pendiwata — was arrested on 21 June at about 6:30 p.m. at Tierra Pura Homes in Tandang Sora, Quezon City. Kraft said that the suspect — listed as No. 7 Most Wanted Person (Municipal Level) and No. 5 (Provincial Level) of Zamboanga — was being hunted for a murder case and has been evading arrest for years. Operating teams composed of joint personnel of District Special Operations Unit of the SPD along with other units including the District Mobile Force Battalion, National Intelligence Support Group-NCR, Quezon City Police District-DSOU, 3rd Special Operations Unit of the Philippine National Police Maritime Group and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission joined forces to nab the suspect. The operation was conducted based on intelligence reports about the lair of the suspect in Quezon City. Initial reports showed that the suspect is operating under Kumander Wanning Abdusallam, who was killed in a joint military and police operation in 2016. The arrest warrant, issued by Judge Anthony dela Torre Isaw of the Regional Trial Court Branch 24 in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, was in connection with a murder case with Criminal Case number 1-8776. Meantime, National Capital Region Police Office director Maj. Gen. Edgar Ala Okubo lauded the efforts of the operating units for their professionalism and dedication to eradicating terrorism in the National Capital Region, as he stated that they will further intensify manhunt operations against wanted persons. In other developments, a total of 111 members of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army have surrendered to different police units in the Mimaropa region since January this year, according to Police Regional Office 4B director Brig. Gen. Joel Doria. Records showed that of 111, eight are listed in the periodic status report and the rest are alleged members, supporters and militiamen. Further, 53 of the surrenderers have turned themselves in since the assumption of Doria on 21 March this year. Among the latest surrenderers is “Ka Carlo,” a former member of Milisyang Bayan of Kilusang Larangang Gerilya Ignacio Calabria Magadia, SRMA 4D, ISLACOM, Lucio De Guzman Command, Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee, who surrendered to the personnel of 1st Platoon, 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company at 1st PMFC Headquarters in Brgy. San Isidro, Victoria, Oriental Mindoro on 19 June 2023. The surrender of “Ka Carlo” was through the relentless efforts of the intelligence unit of Oriental Mindoro PPO, in collaboration with the 203rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army, and other partner agencies under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. The post ASG member nabbed in QC appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Rody okay with PDP-Laban merger
Former President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday revealed that he has no qualms over the looming merger of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan party to other political parties in the country. The former President also stressed that he is “slowly” removing himself from politics. “I leave it to the entire membership of the PDP-Laban, whatever they want. I may be the chairman but there’s a different President. I’d like to remove myself slowly from the politics,” Duterte said. He also gave assurance that he would “simply agree” if the entire membership of the Party will opt to merge with a stronger political Party as approved by the majority. “If that the majority wants. So it’s always a numbers game. Whatever is the prevailing sentiment in the Party,” Duterte said. Earlier this week, the PDP-Laban along with the National Unity Party, Nacionalista Party, Nationalist People’s Coalition, Partido Navoteño, Centrist Democratic Party of the Philippines, and the Party-list Coalition Foundation Inc. signed an agreement to reaffirm their political alliance with the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats or Lakas-CMD. But for former Presidential Legal Counsel Atty. Salvador Panelo, he sees that Duterte — as the chairperson of the Party — has no idea about the merging issues. “It’s seems like PDP-Laban’s dedication to Lakas, it looks like he didn’t know about it or he just let it go. It’s like what I heard from him -- if that’s what the majority wants, the fine,” Panelo said. Meantime, the former President also cited the “uncontrollable character” of her daughter, incumbent Vice President, and Education Secretary Sara Duterte, saying she only has a straightforward commitment to public service. “Among my children, only this one [Sara] has a character… You can’t really control Inday… She will just do what is right,” Duterte said, referring to young Duterte’s strong personality and passion in terms of public service. In other developments, Panelo has backed the former President’s decision to reject the call for him to become the country’s anti-drug czar under this administration, saying it would be a demotion on the part of the previous President. “Knowing the former President, he will not accept that. First of all, it would be a demotion for him. He put the country in order for six years,” Panelo said, adding that “it is out of character” of Duterte. Panelo said the anti-illegal drug campaign can be continued by the current administration. “We need in this one, will be like Duterte. That’s how simple things are,” said Panelo. The post Rody okay with PDP-Laban merger appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Group fears looming train fare hikes amid crisis
"Private companies always come after big profit margins. Under LRMC's contract, the government will pay once the corporation is not able to charge a fare hike. This is unclear and anti-people," said Bayan. The post Group fears looming train fare hikes amid crisis appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Eleazar backs Duterte’s call to arm anti-crime volunteers ‘for their protection’
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Guillermo Eleazar on Sunday backed the call of President Rodrigo Duterte to arm anti-crime volunteers, stressing the move is for “ensuring their own protection.” Duterte floated the idea during the launch of the Global Coalition of Lingkod Bayan Advocacy Support Groups and Force Multipliers in Camp Crame […] The post Eleazar backs Duterte’s call to arm anti-crime volunteers ‘for their protection’ appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Anti-Terror Council’s designation is arbitrary, sweeping accusation – Bayan
Renato Reyes Jr. of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan said the designation "is arbitrary, no clear standards, no specific terrorist acts cited, just a sweeping accusation." The post Anti-Terror Council’s designation is arbitrary, sweeping accusation – Bayan appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
9 killed in anti-activist raids in Calabarzon
Nine persons were reportedly killed including a leader of militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan or Bayan following simultaneous crackdowns against activists in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and Rizal early yesterday morning......»»
With two detained for anti-terror charge, petitioners press SC to stop implementation of law
With two people now detained over the controversial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, activist group Bayan and more than 40 others on Wednesday urged the Supreme Court to nullify the law and stop the government from implementing it......»»
Abu Sayyaf member todas sa Zamboanga
Patay ang isang miyembro ng teroristang Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) sa isinagawang operasyon ng Philippine National Police-Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) sa bayan ng Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay. The post Abu Sayyaf member todas sa Zamboanga first appeared on Abante......»»
Pagdinig sa kinukwestyong Anti-Terrorism Law, pinamamadali ng Makabayan bloc sa SC
Kinalampag ni House Deputy Minority Leader at Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate ang Supreme Court para madaliin ang pagdinig sa constitutionality ng Anti-Terrorism Law. Iginiit ni Zarate na nalalagay sa alanganin ang buhay at kalayaan ng nakararami lalo na ang kanilang mga miyembro sa patuloy na red-tagging ng National Task Force to End Communist Armed […] The post Pagdinig sa kinukwestyong Anti-Terrorism Law, pinamamadali ng Makabayan bloc sa SC appeared first on Bandera......»»
Opposition solons chide General Parlade on red-tagging
Opposition lawmakers chided Thursday Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, a staunch anti-communist military official, for allegedly red-tagging actress Liza Soberano after appearing in a webinar against gender-based exploitation and sexual harassment. Parlade commented on Soberano when she appeared in the webinar sponsored by Gabriela Youth. Deputy Minority Leader and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate said Parlade has been “red-tagging anyone who works or espousing the same cause and issues of progressive groups.” “Anybody and everybody should speak out against abuse and not let them be until they are extinguished,” said Zarate. He chided Parlade for allegedly assuming that “celebrities, the youth, women, urban poor, lumad and rural folk are ignorant or even stupid, to stand up for their rights and beliefs on their own.” In a separate statement, Gabriela Partylist Rep. Arlene Brosas finds it “starkly ironic” for Parlade to appeal to stop red-tagging Soberano when it was the military official who actually made the accusation. “By saying that Soberano is “not yet an NPA,” he is maliciously associating the actress with the armed movement when what she did in the youth forum was only to speak up for all the victims of gender-based violence and abuse,” said Brosas. She stated: “It is clear that Parlade, the NTF-ELCAC and the paid trolls are the ones who are rabidly red-tagging Liza Soberano and other female celebrities and influencers who are taking a stand and speaking out against the macho-fascism under the Duterte regime.” Reacting to the statements of the Makabayan solons and Senator Risa Hontiveros, Parlade said it is “government’s job to expose this duplicitous nature of the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines). “But we differ in the way Gabriela exploits these genuine advocates, because the CPP’s underground MAKIBAKA, is the one stirring and orchestrating it,” said the general. He described the CPP as a monster that “knows no friend.” “They will feed you to the lion’s den if you are not careful. This is what happened to Jo Lapira, Ren Manalo, Camille Manangan etc., Gabriela Youth who were all killed for ceasing to be a plain activist and ended up being with the terrorist,” Parlade noted. .....»»
AFP chief sinupalpal sa social media control
Sinupalpal ng Bayan Muna ang panukala ng bagong itinalagang pinuno ng Armed Forces na isama sa implementing rules and regulations (IRR) ng Anti -Terror Act ang pagkontrol sa social media......»»
Advocacy groups, lawyers file 10th petition vs. anti-terror law
Leaders of various progressive groups led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), religious and civil libertarians, and members of the academe filed the 10th petition against the anti-terror law (ATL) on Sunday, July 19......»»
Anti-communist task force spokesman faces raps for ‘red-tagging’
BAYAN Muna Party-list Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate filed a complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman against Antonio Parlade Jr., spokesman of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, for allegedly red-tagging him and Bayan Muna during the 2019 campaign and election period. In a complaint filed on June 9 but released to media […].....»»