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Who will replace Tolentino as Senate blue ribbon chair?
Senator Francis Tolentino says he's quitting the committee to focus on preparations for his reelection bid in the 2025 elections.....»»
Ex-VP Pence jumps into 2024 White House race
Washington, United States Republican former vice president Mike Pence launched his bid for the 2024 presidential nomination on Monday, offering a traditionalist alternative to the battle royale being waged by populists Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis. The evangelical Christian filed his paperwork with the Federal Election Commission ahead of an official declaration Wednesday in the early voting state of Iowa -- joining an already crowded field. Pence, 63, honed his reputation as an unstintingly loyal deputy who stuck with Trump throughout a scandal-plagued four years and brought the religious right into the tent. But he became a pariah in Trumpworld after rejecting the Republican leader's demands that he overturn the 2020 election in his role as president of the Senate. Berated constantly by Trump after Joe Biden's victory -- and even heckled at a conservative conference with chants of "traitor!" -- Pence continued to praise the tycoon in public. That eventually changed after Trump's torrent of false claims of election fraud led to a mob chanting for Pence to be hanged at the US Capitol. Pence has spent much of the last two years touring early-nominating states such as Iowa and New Hampshire to reinforce his political vision as a "Christian, conservative, Republican -- in that order." His entry doesn't much change the dynamics of the race, which is divided into three lanes -- runaway leader Donald Trump, Trump's closest rival and sitting Florida governor DeSantis, and everyone else. Pence is framing himself as a traditional Republican, concerned with fiscal responsibility and family values, who can deliver Trump's economic policies without the drama. But he has also pointed to some clear blue water between the pair, as he allies himself strongly with Ukraine and refuses to rule out cuts to welfare payments. While his politics are popular among Republicans, critics question whether Pence has a constituency in a party that is more focused now on populism and cultural politics than traditional conservatism. And voters sympathetic to his decision to stand up for the Constitution have other candidate choices, such as the proselytizing Christian Tim Scott who do not bring with them the baggage of the Trump years. "We all give (Pence) credit for certifying the election," Republican strategist Sarah Longwell told Politico. "But he also stood next to Donald Trump and normalized and validated him for four years while Trump ran roughshod over the presidency." DeSantis has consistently been polling almost 20 points above Pence and is hoping to outflank Trump from the right. But the Florida governor's poor showing in head-to-head polls has opened the floodgates, with Chris Christie due to announce on Tuesday, joining former governors Nikki Haley, Asa Hutchinson and Doug Burgum in the race. Like Haley and DeSantis, Pence has appeared determined to avoid conflict with Trump in hopes of wooing his former supporters should the cascade of criminal investigations targeting the former president take him out of the race. The lower-ranked candidates have also pointed out that there is a long way to go in the race, and that Trump was trailing in the low single digits at this point in the 2016 cycle. Democrats watching from the sidelines pointed to Pence's socially conservative agenda as an abortion hardliner who has opposed same-sex marriage as evidence that he would drag the contest to the right. "In Mike Pence's own words, he was a member of the extreme Tea Party 'before it was cool,' and he hasn't slowed down since," said Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison. Zee Cohen-Sanchez, a left-leaning election strategist who has worked with progressives like Bernie Sanders, said Pence's break with Trump over the insurrection was a double-edged sword. "Despite allegations and charges against Trump, his base remains strong and given Pence essentially turned against Trump, these voters will not support him," she told AFP. "The majority of other Republicans support DeSantis, who has a track record conservatives are excited about and they see him as a powerful alternative to Trump." ft/jh © Agence France-Presse The post Ex-VP Pence jumps into 2024 White House race appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Verses versus vices (3)
Stanza 44 of this continuing satire in free verse versus corruption and vices, is addressed to Heidi Mendoza. “On the basis of her audit report that never was,” she told the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee that CoA chairman Guillermo Carague, Commissioner Emmanuel Dalman, and CoA directors did not help her in the investigation from 2001 to 2004 when Major General Carlos Garcia was AFP Comptroller. These lies were globally telecast and not only chairman Carague was embarrassed; all the other CoA chairmen were asked to explain why. Through Heidi’s false claim — that CoA did not help her — the highly respected audit institution was put to shame. Heidi besmirched and tarnished the honor and dignity of the CoA officials. The damage was irreparable. Under no reasonable ordering of society can it be philosophically and judiciously asserted that Heidi’s right to free speech is higher than the right of CoA officials to their good name and their reputation. The esteem with which their peers hold them is the basis for their social relations, the backbone of their social interaction. 29 But who really is accountable Grace and Heidi caused all the trouble Can you hold the lawmakers responsible Do they sign the vouchers and the payroll 30 They only sign what is endorsable Most likely the head of IA is answerable Now let us deviate without the rhyme And trace the tension of our time 31 May I ask the following questions So you can have some sort of conclusion Who has the power of contempt? To compel employees in the government 32 To submit a complete list of congressmen Who received releases for their constituent Who has the power to hold the salaries? Who fails to obey demand under query 33 Who keeps the general accounts of government? Nobody else but Grace and Heidi again and again Any movement of funds from item to item Is impossible to occur without their knowing them. 34 Any illegal juggling of funds could have been stopped How come Grace and Heidi did not stop the DAP? From the auditor’s instinct and point of view Is a failure to obey the fundamental law. 35 Article IX-D of our 1987 Constitution Section 12-2 of the Code of audit commission Command to Pulido Tan and Heidi Mendoza To control the release of DAP and Malampaya 36 “He did not deny any of our findings/” “He did not say we missed something.” “That’s great. That’s vindicating.” “We can disallow, demand refunding.” 37 A newspaper on 28 August 2013 “Quit erroneous, PDAF reporting!” “Resign for irreparably damaging” “Disservice to Way Kurat for grave mistaking!” 38 In August was “Kahindik hindik” disclosure In September was “explosive” exposure Malampaya explosion cocksure to occur Premature again is the bomb detonator. 39 Why always the haste to hit the headline Why all the fuss? P5-billion unsettled cash advance In 1999 it was P7.7 billion more than CoA then had it settled without beating the drum. 40 CoA Chair Pulido Tan is like Ferdinand And Heidi Mendoza is like Magellan, Peas in a pod whom both assumed the greatness of the explorer who discovered our islands on 16 March 1521 They believe everything great in CoA started since they began. 41 They boast of having won the bright spot in London But old folks found them as silly as cartoon Citizen participatory audit violates the Constitution. No basis whatsoever for any legislation. 42 Given the track record of Grace and Heidi They will pick auditors from their party Not from the plantilla of the audit commission Causing chaos and widespread protestation. 43 Premature disclosure of audit finding Is common hallmark of Heidi’s auditing Pasiklab muna saka na ang ebidensya Dismissed and kaso sa korte suprema. 44 Heidi’s tall tale of lies goes on to flourish Her tongue in revenge continues to unleash Words that poison with intent to demolish Even one’s good name, one’s blood and flesh. The post Verses versus vices (3) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fairer Senate Blue Ribbon with new rules, assures incoming chair
MANILA - The incoming chair of the Senate Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations, otherwise known as the Blue Ribbon Committee, will be improved with new rules.Senator Francis Tolentino, the presumptive committee chair in the 19th Congress, said Friday that among t.....»»
Still no resolution from Pacquiao calling for corruption probe — Senate panel chair
Sen. Manny Pacquiao has yet to file a resolution urging the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee to launch a probe into alleged corruption in government agencies, the panel's chairman Sen. Richard Gordon said Wednesday. .....»»
Go inspects Bacolod Super Health Center
Sen. Bong Go, chairperson of the Senate committee on health and demography, inspected a Super Health Center in Bacolod City on Sunday......»»
‘Senate rules on Cha-cha on the right track’
The Senate rules on amending the 1987 Constitution are “on the right track” and ready even before the sub-committee wraps up its discourse on the Resolution of Both Houses 6 pushing Charter change, a senator said......»»
NEWS BRIEFS | 25 March 2024
Senate eyes probe of resorts within the slopes of Mt. Apo Following the controversy involving the establishment of a resort reportedly within the famed Chocolate Hills in Bohol province, Senator Raffy Tulfo, chair of the Senate Committees on Energy and Migrant Workers, is setting his sights on the resorts located on the slopes of Mt. […].....»»
NEWS BRIEFS | 24 February 2024
Violence against women, girls a pressing issue in Caraga CAGAYAN DE ORO (MindaNews / 24 February) – Violence against women and girls remains a pressing issue in the Caraga region, an official said. Alexander Makinano, Regional Gender and Development Committee chair of the Commission on Population and Development said this can be blamed on gender […].....»»
Nancy Binay kay Mariel: May kasamang kapanagutan ang pagiging artista
NAGBIGAY pahayag si Senate Ethics and Privileges Committee Chair Sen. Nancy Binay kaugnay ng viral Instagram post ni Mariel Padilla matapos itong magsagawa ng IV drip session sa loob ng opisina ng kanyang mister sa Senado. Aniya, naba-bother daw siya na baka marami ang mahikayat ng dating TV host sa pagpapa-IV drip. “I’m not sure.....»»
Manila-based shipping firm eyes resumption of Davao-Lupon ferry services
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/February 20) – A Metro Manila-based shipbuilding company is eyeing to resume the Davao City – Lupon, Davao Oriental ferry boat operation in October, a City Council official said Tuesday. Councilor Conrado Baluran, Committee of Transportation and Communications chair, said that shipping firm Pinoy Catamaran proposed the possibility of servicing the stalled ferry […].....»»
House panel probes PUVMP agencies
Claiming that the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program is going nowhere, House of Representatives transportation committee chair Rep. Romeo Acop has launched an investigation into the financial statements of the government agencies implementing the PUVMP......»»
Councilor urges social media influencers to observe local laws
The Davao City councilor, Temujin “Tek” Ocampo, has urged social media influencers to familiarize themselves with local ordinances before promoting areas to their followers. Ocampo, who heads the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, appreciates the promotion of Davao City by social media influencers but emphasizes the importance of understanding local laws before attracting crowds to specific areas. He expressed gratitude for the promotion but highlighted the challenge of controlling the influx of people once a location is featured. Ocampo plans to collaborate with Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, Chair of the Committee on Tourism and Beautification, to accredit social media vloggers through the local government unit. He underscored the need for accredited vloggers, recognizing their contributions to the city and addressing any mistakes they might make. This initiative aims to balance recognition for positive actions with corrective measures for any missteps. The concerns arose in November 2023 when a Davao City-based environment group criticized a travel vlogger for promoting recreational activities in a river within the Panigan-Tamugan Watershed. Following a waste dumping incident on January 11, 2024, the group urged Dabawenyos, especially vloggers and influencers, to refrain from visiting protected areas for leisure. They emphasize the importance of understanding and respecting rules and regulations before endorsing specific parts of the city......»»
Pia Cayetano is first woman to lead Senate blue ribbon committee in Senate’s 106-year history
Senator Pia Cayetano replaces Senator Francis Tolentino, who resigned from his position to prepare for his reelection bid in 2025.....»»
House: PUVMP a headless chicken
Yesterday started its inquiry into the public utility vehicle modernization program, which committee chair Rep. Romeo Acop likened to a “headless chicken.”.....»»
Tolentino resigns from Blue Ribbon committee
Sen. Francis Tolentino yesterday said he resigned from his post as chairman of the Blue Ribbon committee to honor his agreement with the Senate leadership that he would be serving in the panel for only one and a half years......»»
Tolentino to resign from Senate blue ribbon committee
Sen. Francis Tolentino confirmed on Tuesday that he is stepping down as the chairperson of the powerful Senate blue ribbon committee by the end of December as part of an agreement with the Senate leadership......»»
Senators discuss possible replacement of Tolentino in Blue Ribbon
Senate colleagues of Sen. Francis Tolentino are discussing his possible replacement as Blue Ribbon committee chairman, saying he has become busy with preparations for his re-election bid in 2025......»»
Public pushback vs Sara’s confidential funds kept it out of 2024 budget — Senate finance panel chair
Public sentiment against the confidential and intelligence funds under Vice President Sara Duterte influenced the decision of lawmakers to keep the controversial secret fund out of the proposed 2024 budget, the Senate finance committee chairperson said on Monday......»»
Davao extends calamity aid to quake-hit areas in Mindanao
DAVAO CITY (Mindanews/December 15) – The City Government of Davao approved Thursday an ordinance providing a total amount of P2.5 million in calamity assistance to areas in Mindanao hit hardest by recent earthquakes. Under suspended rules during the 48th regular session Thursday, Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, chair of the finance, ways and means, and appropriations committee […].....»»