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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......»»
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......»»
Marcos declares Feb. 9 a special non-working day for Chinese New Year
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared February 9, a Friday, as a special non-working day in the country for the celebration of Chinese New Year. The Palace issued Proclamation No. 453, making the declaration. “The declaration of 09 February 2024, Friday, as an additional special non-working day throughout the country will give.....»»
SC defends judiciary from online abuse
“By merely having access to social media, private individuals could publish their thoughts without need of self-policing or adhering to the ethical standard required of the press. As a result, content could be created and shared with abandon, purely for clout for ‘likes’ and even disregard for the truth.” The post SC defends judiciary from online abuse appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
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......»»
Marcos defends VP Sara’s silence over West Philippine Sea issue
Marcos defends VP Sara’s silence over West Philippine Sea issue.....»»
Labor group defends proposed P100 daily minimum wage increase
Labor group defends proposed P100 daily minimum wage increase.....»»
Kenyan runner defends crown
Kenyan runner defends crown.....»»
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......»»
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,.....»»
Paolo defends Sara, but gets criticized over their silence on WPS issue
Davao City Congressman Paolo Duterte's defense of her sister, Vice President Sara Duterte, for her silence on the recent tensions in the West Philippine Sea drew more criticisms instead......»»
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.....»»
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......»»
Groups urge to include placemaking in planning for public spaces
The push for placemaking in planning for public spaces was emphasized by various groups during a recent forum in Davao City. ATTY. Mark Peñalver, executive director of Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (Idis), stressed the importance of incorporating placemaking in public space planning to not only enhance the physical environment but also to promote inclusivity. He highlighted the exclusion of certain sectors in existing public spaces and emphasized the need for stakeholders' input and acknowledgment of their stories in the planning process. Dr. Derlie Mateo-Babiano, an associate professor in Urban Planning Assistant, described placemaking as a means to transform places into spaces that people will cherish. She emphasized the significance of engaging the community in the planning process to understand their cultural, environmental, and other needs. Peñalver also cited a successful placemaking project in Davao Executive Homes, which catered to children, the elderly, and individuals with special needs, demonstrating the positive impact of placemaking. Furthermore, Peñalver advocated for the institutionalization of placemaking in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and other development plans in Davao City. He highlighted the potential of placemaking to ensure that government projects are beneficial to the community. Architect Harold Delima, co-convenor of Placemaking Davao, discussed ongoing workshops with various demographics to integrate placemaking into the city's development. The groups involved are hopeful that placemaking will become a fundamental aspect of public space planning in Davao City, aiming to create inclusive and community-centered environments......»»
Council to appeal March 1 as special non-working holiday in Davao City
The Davao City Council is seeking to appeal to the national government to declare March 1 as a non-working holiday in honor of Araw ng Davao, the city's founding anniversary. Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre emphasized the importance of this appeal for the people of Davao, expressing hope that the president will grant their request. This initiative comes as a response to a new bill that designates March 1 as the new founding anniversary, shifting the traditional celebration date from March 16. Despite the bill and law designating March 1 as a working holiday, the council aims to annually request Malacañang to recognize it as a non-working holiday. The appeal is intended to ensure that Dabawenyos can actively participate in the festivities. Additionally, the executive committee of Araw ng Davao is in the final stages of organizing events and activities for the celebration. Discussions have been ongoing, with plans anticipated to be finalized soon. This move reflects the council's commitment to honoring and celebrating the city's heritage and traditions......»»
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.....»»
NBA: Tucker, Clippers forward, fined for public trade demand
Los Angeles Clippers forward P.J. Tucker was fined $75,000 by the NBA on Thursday for making public comments earlier this month about wanting to be traded to another team. The 38-year-old American made remarks to several reporters about his desire to be sent to another club before the NBA’s trade deadline a week ago. READ:.....»»
House balks at ‘absurd’ Senate allegations about cash aid program
House Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales has also insisted that senators approved the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program during the budget legislation process, calling their line of questioning about its “sudden” appearance in the 2024 budget “absurd.”.....»»
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......»»