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Democracy index: Philippines ranking goes down again
Still classified as a “flawed democracy,” the Philippines has scored and ranked lower in the 2023 Democracy Index released by London-based think tank The Economist Intelligence Unit on Thursday......»»
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......»»
Police: No truth to bomb threat at PI’s prayer rally
The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has debunked a text message claiming a bomb threat at the People's Initiative (PI) “Unity for One Nation, One Prayer” rally in San Pedro Square. The message warned of possible explosions at Rizal Park, one of the rally venues. Despite the lack of credible threats, the police urged vigilance and cooperation from the public for safety. Approximately 300 police personnel were deployed to secure various rally points, with additional support from volunteers and security clusters. Task Force Davao also activated a high alert status as part of the city's security measures. Captain John Louie Dema-ala confirmed that the circulating threat was unfounded and aimed at intimidating rallyists. Despite this, nearly 17,000 Dabawenyos joined the rally to oppose the proposed Charter change (Cha-cha) movement. The police and security forces remain vigilant and are conducting ongoing investigations into the social media threat......»»
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......»»
Liza Soberano s SAG 2024 outfit includes P5M necklace, earrings worn by Lady Gaga
Liza Soberano completed her SAG 2024 look with heels from Casadei, a satin oval clutch from Rodo, and jewelery from Le Vian where the price tags are quite steep......»»
Philippine regulators suspend TV programs on station linked to Duterte on-air threat - BenarNews
Philippine regulators suspend TV programs on station linked to Duterte on-air threat BenarNews.....»»
Castro asks DOJ to review grave threat raps vs ex-president Duterte
Rep. France Castro (ACT-Teachers Party-list) asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to dismiss the fiscal's resolution after the Quezon City prosecutor junked the grave threat charges against former President Rodrigo Duterte......»»
QC court dismisses grave threat complaint vs Duterte
QC court dismisses grave threat complaint vs Duterte.....»»
Grave threat complaint vs ex-president Duterte junked
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 12 January) – The Office of the City Prosecutor in Quezon City has dismissed the complaint for grave threat filed by ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro against former President Rodrigo R. Duterte by October 24 for insufficient evidence. In a 13-page resolution dated January 9 but only released on Friday, […].....»»
Castro dismayed over dismissal of grave threat raps vs ex-president Duterte
A progressive lawmaker is disappointed over the dismissal of a criminal complaint against former President Rodrigo Duterte due to a televised death threat......»»
Why democracy is meaningless to the masses
It has become an accepted truism that today, liberal democracy is in a crisis......»»
Blinken Arrives in South Korea to Attend Democracy Summit
Seoul, South Korea - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived Sunday in South Korea on the first stop of a brief Asia tour also including the Philippines, as Washington moves to reinforce ties with two key regional allies.Blinken landed Sunday afternoon ahead of the third Summit for Democracy on Monday, an initiative of U.S. President Joe Biden, which Seoul is hosting this week.Before arriving in Se.....»»
Trump predicts the end of U.S. democracy if he loses 2024 election
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Donald Trump said on Saturday if he does not win November’s presidential election it will mean the likely end of American democracy. The Republican presidential candidate, speaking to supporters in Ohio, made the claim after repeating his baseless assertion that his 2020 election defeat to Democratic President Joe Biden was the result.....»»
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......»»
PH Development NGOs Deeply Concerned over Alleged Signature Buying for Cha-Cha Push
The Caucus of Development Non-Government Organization Networks (CODE-NGO) is deeply concerned with the reports of alleged bribery by some officials in their effort to launch a people's initiative and mobilize support for charter change.Earlier this week, several lawmakers sounded the alarm that some local officials were allegedly offering money to secure signatures for a people's initiative seeking to amend the.....»»
PH Development NGOs Deeply Concerned over Alleged Signature Buying for Cha-Cha Push
The Caucus of Development Non-Government Organization Networks (CODE-NGO) is deeply concerned with the reports of alleged bribery by some officials in their effort to launch a people's initiative and mobilize support for charter change.Earlier this week, several lawmakers sounded the alarm that some local officials were allegedly offering money to secure signatures for a people's initiative seeking to amend the.....»»
Marcos declares April 10 a regular holiday in view of Eid’l Fitr
MANILA, Philippines — The Palace declared Eid’l Fitr, or the Feast of Ramadhan, on Wednesday next week (April 10) a holiday. The Palace released to the media Proclamation No. 514 that contained the declaration. “Now, therefore, I, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law,.....»»
Jewel in the Palace continues story with Lee Young Ae reprising role after 20 years
"Dae Jang Geum," or more popularly known in the Philippines as "Jewel in the Palace," is set to continue the story of Jang Geum two decades since she became the first royal physician. .....»»
A tale of ‘pork-barrel’ era
The first time I met Senator Jinggoy Estrada was while he was still mayor of San Juan City on June 30,1998 when he attended the inaugural of his father, former president Joseph Estrada. At that time, I was still a reporter covering Malacañang Palace. As it turned out, it was the first and last time I saw mayor Jinggoy inside the Palace grounds......»»
“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 […].....»»