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‘Pasigarbo sa Sugbo’ kicks off
The provincial government has kicked off the “Pasigarbo sa Sugbo” or the Pride of Cebu — dubbed as the festival of festivals — on Sunday as it showcased 50 different “fiestas” held in the southern City of Carcar. At least 50 municipalities and cities — except Danao City — showcased the residents’ talents to over 10,000 crowd in their respective local festivals. Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia stressed that the festival aims to highlight the feasts being celebrated in every municipality and city of the province through street dancing and grand ritual showdown. The cities of Cebu and Lapu-Lapu, meantime, sent their contingents as “guest performers.” No less than First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte attended the festivities. Garcia said that the provincial government has spent P105.5 million alone for contingent subsidies with P88 million for seven component cities and 37 municipalities at P2 million each and P17.5 million for seven island towns. This year’s Pasigarbo features the street dancing competition, a grand ritual showdown, and search for a festival queen. Carcar City Mayor Patrick Barcenas said the contingents were accommodated in the city schools while the city’s water and power utilities were guaranteed. Carcar City is the first LGU to host “Pasigarbo sa Sugbo” following the provincial government’s decision to hold it outside Cebu City for the first time since its inception in 2008. The Cebu City Sports Center, Pasigarbo’s usual venue, has temporarily been rehabilitated due to Cebu City’s hosting of the Palarong Pambansa 2024. The post ‘Pasigarbo sa Sugbo’ kicks off appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go provides aid to Siniloan indigents
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has personally reached out to assist hundreds of struggling residents in Siniloan, Laguna, on Friday, 25 August. As a legislator and public servant, Go has been consistent with his efforts to help ensure grassroots communities get the services they need from the government. “Kahit saang sulok kayo ng Pilipinas, tutulong ako sa abot ng aking makakaya. Iyan po ang aking ipinangako sa Pilipino. Hindi ko po matiis na nakaupo lang po sa opisina habang ang mga kababayan natin dito ay nangangailangan po ng tulong,” he said. “Tayo po na nasa gobyerno, sikapin nating ilapit ang serbisyo sa mga tao. Tayo na mismo ang maghatid sa kanila ng tulong na kanilang kinakailangan upang makaahon sa hirap. Siguraduhin nating walang maiiwan sa ating muling pagbangon,” he added. An adopted son of CALABARZON, Go took the opportunity to praise the local officials for their unwavering efforts to ensure the well-being of their constituents. He expressed his admiration and gratitude to those in attendance, including Vice Governor Karen Agapay, Mayor Patrick Go, and Vice Mayor Carla Valderrama, among others. During the event held at Siniloan Plaza covered court, Go's team distributed food packs, masks, vitamins, snacks, and shirts to 500 indigent residents. In addition, select individuals received pairs of shoes, watches, cellphones, and balls for basketball and volleyball. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) complemented these efforts by providing financial assistance under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program to qualified beneficiaries. Aside from the 500 beneficiaries that day, Go’s team will continue to aid other indigents in Siniloan in the coming days. Advocating for improved access to quality healthcare services, Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, encouraged residents to utilize the services of the Malasakit Centers in the province, located at Laguna Medical Center in Sta. Cruz and San Pablo City General Hospital in San Pablo City. The Malasakit Center, an initiative instituted through Republic Act No. 11463, which Go principally authored and sponsored, consolidates the medical assistance programs of various government agencies including DSWD, Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). To date, more than seven million poor and indigent patients have benefited from the 158 established Malasakit Centers, as reported by DOH. On the same day, Go also inspected some of the projects he supported in the town as vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, including the isolation facility at the Infirmary Hospital and the Siniloan Sports Complex which were both initiated during the Duterte administration through Go’s efforts. Understanding the importance of sports in fostering community well-being, Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, emphasized the need for modern and accessible facilities to promote grassroots sports development. “Bahagi ng ating layunin bilang Chair ng Senate Committee on Sports na mapalaganap ang grassroots sports development, at mailayo ang iba pang kabataan sa masamang bisyo gaya ng iligal ng droga. Kaya ang payo ko palagi sa lahat lalo na sa mga kabataan, get into sports and stay away from drugs,” Go said. In Siniloan, Go also supported the construction of a multipurpose building. Throughout the province, Go was instrumental in the construction, rehabilitation, and improvement of various roads, bridges, and farm-to-market roads in Famy, Luisiana, Nagcarlan, Paete, and Majayjay. Additionally, the acquisition of ambulances in Liliw, Magdalena, and Nagcarlan, and a garbage truck in Bay, has enhanced transportation and sanitation services. Environmental protection has also been a priority of the senator as he earlier pushed for the funding of flood control projects and lakeshore protection in Bay, drainage canals in Biñan City and Cabuyao City, and river protection structures in Biñan City. Community development is also advocated by Go through the support of the construction, rehabilitation, and improvement of various multi-purpose buildings, covered courts, public markets, and slaughterhouses in Cavinti, Famy, Kalayaan, Liliw, Lumban, Mabitac, Magdalena, Majayjay, Pagsanjan, Pakil, Pangil, Pila, Rizal, San Pablo City, San Pedro City, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa City, Siniloan, and Victoria. Through his efforts, urban development has also been enhanced in the province through the installation of LED streetlights in Biñan City, street lighting in Lumban and Magdalena, and the modernization and upgrading of the public market in Nagcarlan. During the Duterte administration, special attention has also been given to specific projects such as the construction of a pathway and a multi-purpose hall in Bay, the construction of the Department of Public Works and Highways Region IV-A Office, and a satellite evacuation center/isolation facility in Calamba City, and the construction of a two-story Calumpang Public Market in Liliw. "Mga kababayan ko, tandaan n’yo po, mahal na mahal ko po kayo. Maraming salamat. Minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito, kung anuman pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede natin gawin sa ating kapwa ay gawin na po natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” he said. “Ako ay patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil ako po ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo po ‘yan sa Diyos,” concluded Go. The post Bong Go provides aid to Siniloan indigents appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Teves claims persecution, wants House panel to back off
Negros Oriental Rep. Arnies Teves, who has been the subject of the House committee on ethics and privileges for months now owing to "disorderly behavior" that has led to a double suspension, wants the House to terminate its proceedings against him. Ferdinand Topacio, the lead legal counsel of Teves, delivered before the panel chaired by Rep. Felimon Espares a letter dated 10 August from the lawmaker asking the committee to defer its further proceedings, claiming the accusations leveled against him are "clearly baseless" and "meant to "politically harass and persecute" him. Teves argued that the panel's continued proceedings breached its own rules, Section 2 of which states that "if the subject matter of the complaint against a Member of the House is pending before a judicial, quasi-judicial or administrative body, the Committee shall defer action on said complaint until final judgment has been rendered by such body." Citing the rules, Topacio said Teves' terrorist tag is currently pending before the Anti-Terrorism Council and may be raised to the court. Teves' letter countered the panel's letter on 1 August, relative to the lawmaker's alleged acts or omissions that supposedly constitute a violation of the Code of Conduct of the House of Representatives and for disorderly behavior. The embattled solon is being called to account for his recent designation as a terrorist, his supposed abandonment of office resulting from his prolonged absence in Congress and dancing in boxer shorts in a video uploaded on his social media account. Teves questioned why the panel, after the lapse of his second "questionable" 60-day suspension, wanted him to undergo the same process on the same matters, which he considered "clearly uncalled for as they are acts of persecution against me." "Honestly, it saddens me that this Committee is being used as a tool by this current administration to persecute me on my acts which are nothing but lawful," Teves said in the letter. "May I remind you that what you are doing can become a dangerous precedent to future innocent acts of any member of the House, including yourself and the Speaker," he added. He further noted that the panel's proceedings are being used as a vehicle to pressure him to return to the country, "knowing full well" that there are threats to his life and limb which recent events, including a publicized video of death threats, have validated. But despite the security concerns, no law enforcement authority has even investigated the perpetrator, according to the solon. "In similar fashion, the authorities have also deliberately ignored all evidence of another possible angle in the Degamo murder, since the same points to a political ally of the administration. This is the unfortunate reality that engulfs this nation at present, and which prevents me from repatriating myself," Teves added. Teves, whose second suspension lapsed earlier this August, is being implicated in the murder of his political foe, Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo, and eight others on 4 March in the governor's residence in Pamplona town, for which he is being tagged as the mastermind. Right before the killing, Teves flew out of the country and has yet to return due to what he claims are serious threats to his life. His continued stay out of the country, notwithstanding an expired travel clearance, prompted the suspension. He, however, again insisted that he never abandoned his duty as a lawmaker and stressed that he has been clamoring to be allowed to participate in legislative proceedings, which he argued is permitted by House rules and that his colleagues "equally enjoy" and "exercise". Teves claimed he has evidence supporting his assertion that he attempted to participate in several hearings but was blocked from doing so. As to his physical absence, he said, "Again, I repeat: the principal reason why I have been unable to attend sessions is due to grave and serious threats to my life, threats which have persisted and even intensified, as just two days ago." "I have received verifiable reports that armed men, without any court order such as a search warrant, have been in and out of my residence in Bayawan, for the purpose most probably of planting evidence." The post Teves claims persecution, wants House panel to back off appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DTI R2 brings Cagayan Valley’s Padday na Lima trade fair back to the metro
Consistent in its pursuit to be a major supplier of minimally processed food and institutionally packed goods, the Padday na Lima Regional Trade Fair of the Department of Trade and Industry Region 2 successfully returned to Metro Manila on 7 August 2023, opening in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, after being held locally in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, for three consecutive years due to the pandemic. DTI Undersecretary for Regional Operations Group Blesila A. Lantayona underlined the agency's efforts to intensify its programs and services and upgrade and upskill MSMEs, and expressed his support and excitement at seeing Cagayan Valley’s offerings back to the metropolis. Mayor Rufino B. Biazon, represented byVice Mayor Artemio Simundac, welcomed guests and participants on behalf of Muntinlupa City, and emphasized the city’s support and appreciation for this regional endeavor, especially Cagayan Valley's choice of their city as the venue for the fair. Dubbed the biggest marketing platform in Cagayan Valley, the weeklong fair brings together top institutional buyers, over 100 local MSMEs and farmers, media industry professionals and NCR-based consumers. Under the theme “Bringing the Flavors and Colors of Cagayan Valley Back to the Metro” and led by DTI Region 2 Regional Director Leah Pulido Ocampo, Padday na Lima showcases the region’s craftsmanship, culture and tastes. This year's edition highlights tourism exhibitions, investment opportunities, new product innovations, business-to-business matching and media experience tours. Mayani co-founder and CEO JT Solis, DeliverE co-founder Pierre Curay, Batanes Governor Marilou Cayco, Nueva Vizcaya Vice Governor Eufemia Dacayo and Quirino Provincial Administrator Carmelita B. Jimenez graced the launch. Artisanal handcrafted products displayed in the fair are also available online through the Padday na Lima webshop at paddaynalima.com, where NCR-based consumers can conveniently place their orders in the comfort of their homes. DTI invites all the mall goers, buyers, resellers, institutional buyers and manufacturers to take advantage of the bounty of Cagayan Valley and support local MSMEs by visiting the fair at Carousel Court, Upper Ground Floor, West Wing, Festival Mall, Alabang, Muntinlupa City until 13 August 2023. The post DTI R2 brings Cagayan Valley’s Padday na Lima trade fair back to the metro appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
3 acquitted seafarers return from Nigeria
Three Filipino seafarers acquitted of drug charges in Nigeria arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Monday night, while the remaining eight are set to be repatriated Tuesday night. According to Captain Edgardo Flores, consultant and former owner’s representative of the Greek-owned Eastern Mediterranean Manning Agency, seafarers Romnick Albarracin, Kent Ryan Oblenda, and Judezar Quetua arrived on 7 August at the NAIA Terminal on a Qatar Airways flight QR-1432 from Doha, Qatar. Arriving on Tuesday in the same gateway are Reynante Antolin, Edgar Bechayda, Fidel Gerapusco, Dennis Maningo, Ervin Pabuaya, Bryan Ramos, Ralph Sumangil and Voltaire Tejero. Flores said the first three seafarers were welcomed by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega, Department of Migrant Workers Assistant Secretaries Fely Bay and Venecio Legaspi, representatives from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. He said the DMW provided P30,000 cash assistance for each seafarer, which according to Flores will help a lot to restart their lives and seafaring journeys again. Meanwhile, Flores questioned operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency who also attended the arrival of the three seafarers. He said the PDEA personnel wanted to seal the papers of the three seafarers as “DEPORTED” instead of “REPATRIATED.” “These seafarers were all freed by a Nigerian court, why will they tag them as deported? If you tag them deported, the Bureau of Immigration will put DEPORTED on their passports, which can compromise their future jobs,” he said. The post 3 acquitted seafarers return from Nigeria appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Reforms hijacked
In the Electricity Power Industry Reform Act, or Epira, the guiding principle is the least cost of power for consumers which was effectively pursued through the competitive selection process which was made permanent in the industry during the previous administration. Meralco, the power distributor, introduced the straight pricing scheme in the power supply agreements or the contracts it bids out to prevent fluctuations in electricity prices due to factors beyond the control of the generating companies, or gencos, such as spikes in fuel prices as a result of geopolitical shifts. The presumption on those who will participate in the bid for the fixed price PSAs is that they will shoulder the risks and it will be up to them to hedge or undertake measures to address upswings in costs. That was the arrangement in the PSAs with San Miguel Corp.’s gencos, Sual coal and Ilijan natural gas plants. When the price of coal surged after the conflict between Russia and Ukraine erupted, and Malampaya started to restrict supply as it was being depleted, SMC complained of piling losses to the extent of P15 billion. Stakeholders, however, said much of the ordeal of SMC in their claimed accumulated debts was self-inflicted due to poor decisions. According to a representative of a consumer group, SMC never showed proof of the losses it cited, which in turn became the basis for its petitions for price adjustments with the ERC. In October last year, the ERC dismissed the petitions of SMC and instead directed the company to fulfill its commitments in the PSA. The spurned SMC went directly to the Court of Appeals, or CA, to contest the ERC ruling instead of filing a motion for reconsideration with the regulator. Promptly, the CA issued a temporary restraining order which last month was upgraded to a permanent injunction that bars ERC from enforcing its quasi-judicial authority on SMC. SMC, with the use of the court orders, unilaterally terminated its PSA with Meralco. Since it dominated the power sector anyway, it obtained new cheaper contracts through the emergency PSAs bid out by Meralco. SMC, thus, succeeded in getting what it wanted through the injunction power of the CA. Consumer groups opposed to the rate increases that would result after SMC was freed from its contracts without any consequence branded the maneuver as SMC’s way of “ultimately hijacking power purchase bidding systems that are in place to protect consumers.” The oppositor in the ERC case, Power for the People, deplored the way SMC won the deal to supply the same power requirement of Meralco for the shortage that it itself had caused. “The spirit of competitive selection and least-cost electricity goes out of the window when companies like SMC are allowed to pull tricks like this,” P4P convenor Gerry Arances said. P4P filed a motion for reconsideration of the CA’s injunction order. The consumer coalition was the only one left on the list of oppositors that had questioned SMC’s “temporary” price adjustment petitions with ERC. The others had dropped out, including the main complainant, for reasons they only knew. “We are disappointed but not surprised at how the CA yielded to the arm-twisting of SMC so that it could hike prices and turn its back on its contracts. The decision will open the floodgates to higher electricity, as SMC and other fossil fuel power generators are now emboldened to ask for more rate hikes, and to participate and win auctions through bid prices far lower than what consumers will eventually be charged, knowing they can apply for and possibly secure price adjustments during their contracts’ lifetime,” Arances said. ERC voiced the same apprehension in rejecting the SMC petitions, saying others hold the same straight-pricing PSAs but never sought a revision in the terms of their contracts. Failed business decisions such as bidding too low just to obtain the PSAs should be the lookout and the burden of the contractor and not the electricity users who should be spared from paying for the consequences of bad business decisions. Besides, SMC as the holder of the contracts should have been penalized with the proceeds from which used to ease the plight of consumers amid the high price of electricity. The post Reforms hijacked appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Supreme Court orders Reyes rearrested, resumption of Ortega’s slay trial
The Supreme Court has ordered former Palawan governor Joel Reyes rearrested in connection with the murder of radio broadcaster and environmental activist Gerry Ortega in 2011......»»
SC orders rearrest of ex-Palawan governor Reyes over Ortega murder
The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered the rearrest of former Palawan governor Mario Joel Reyes due to the 2011 murder of environmentalist and broadcaster Dr. Gerry Ortega. This came after the high bench denied Reyes’ petition for review and affirmed the amended decision dated 28 November 2019, and resolution dated 24 February 2021, of the Court of Appeals (CA) Special Former Eleventh Division in CA-G.R. SP No. 132847. Also, the temporary restraining order dated 23 March 2022 has been lifted. The SC in its ruling stated, “Accordingly, the Regional Trial Court, Branch 52, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, is hereby ordered to cause the immediate re-arrest and detention of petitioner Mario Joel T. Reyes; and continue with the proceedings in Criminal Case No. 26839 with utmost dispatch.” The SC also addressed Reyes’ claims of reversible error, stating, “Unfortunately for petitioner (Reyes), the record, thus far, shows that the RTC (regional trial court) acted well within its jurisdiction. This, in turn, belies petitioner’s claim that the CA committed reversible error in sustaining the trial court’s decision to proceed with the criminal trial.” On the morning of 24 January 2011, Ortega, a prominent broadcaster and environmentalist, was fatally shot. Known as an “environmental hero,” Ortega’s murder drew significant attention. Marlon Recamata, the gunman, was arrested and pleaded guilty to the murder in February 2011. Reyes was identified as the mastermind behind Ortega’s killing by his former bodyguard, Rodolfo Edrad. The former governor was criticized by Ortega for alleged environmental destruction in the province. Reyes’ brother, former Coron Mayor Mario Reyes, was also implicated in the crime. The SC ruling satisfied the Ortega family, who said, “The Ortega Family welcomes the latest development to rearrest former Governor Joel Reyes. Our family is thankful that the Supreme Court sided with truth and justice. We have long hoped and prayed for the trial to continue. This fair decision restores our faith that, one day, we will find justice.” The post SC orders rearrest of ex-Palawan governor Reyes over Ortega murder appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Boying back to work Monday after bypass
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla yesterday affirmed his intention to remain in office despite the seriousness of his recent coronary artery or heart bypass surgery. Remulla confirmed the operation was the reason he took a 10-day wellness leave from the Department of Justice. He said he had spoken with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who expressed delight at his successful surgery and wished him a full and speedy recovery. A congressman representing Cavite before joining the Cabinet, Remulla said he plans to resume work on Monday, but admitted he might not be physically present at the DoJ every day. He said he would be undergoing therapy while following a post-operation regimen. Earlier, the DoJ had cited “personal reasons” for Remulla’s leave, as it assured that it remained committed to “upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served.” Remulla would, however, be returning to a DoJ grappling with revelations that the National Bureau of Investigation, an agency under the department, had allowed a co-accused of former senator Leila de Lima in a Muntinlupa drug case to walk in and out of detention. In a Senate hearing Wednesday, Jose Adrian “Jad” Tamson Dera admitted he had been leaving his detention cell at the NBI while on trial along with De Lima. He along with an NBI security detail had reportedly gone to restaurants as far away as Tagaytay. The Muntinlupa court hearing the De Lima case has ordered Dera’s transfer to the Muntinlupa City jail. In another incident, a video of a supposed “command conference” at the NBI that reportedly featured a near-naked woman dancing to provide entertainment has been making the rounds of the Internet. Aside from the De Lima case, the DoJ is in the thick of preparations to prosecute the suspects and the alleged mastermind, Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr., in the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo. The post Boying back to work Monday after bypass appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BBM, Tribune share good gov’t journey
When Daily Tribune was started in 2000, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. or BBM was Ilocos Norte Governor, and both newspaper and the namesake of his father, who was also a President, started on paths that frequently crossed. For instance, it was the Tribune, on 23 September 2013, that broke the story on the use of the Disbursement Acceleration Program or DAP during the Senate impeachment trial of then-Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona. That revelation by BBM — who had thought the money used in the impeachment trial had come from the Priority Development Assistance Fund that the Supreme Court had ruled unconstitutional in 2013 — started the public scrutiny of the presidential pork barrel. Former Budget Secretary Florencio Abad then came out to admit the creation of the fund which he claimed was part of the fiscal stimulus program to counter the effects of a financial crisis that hit the Asian region in 2008. Aquino slush fund The DAP was later proven to be a Palace slush fund for legislators to do its whims and the acts creating it were declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 2014. BBM, then a senator, told Daily Tribune in an exclusive interview about the use of a supposed stimulus fund of the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III to bribe six senators who sat as judges in the Senate impeachment court for them to vote for the conviction of Corona in May 2012. Marcos said the Department of Budget and Management released P475 million in lump sum allocations to the six senators through the Department of Agrarian Reform that was made to appear as funds for livelihood projects. BBM said the funds were actually used to “induce” the senator-judges to convict Corona. Abad DAP author Abad, in January 2012, said P72.11 billion of those funds juggled from the budget was used for DAP, and the bulk of it was released to agencies and government-owned or -controlled corporations in 2011. Marcos said P100 million was released to him as part of the P475 million the DBM had allocated in six special allotment release orders or SARO, all with the same date of 6 December 2011 and made available through notices of cash allocation a year after. In a privilege speech two days after the Marcos interview, Senator Jinggoy Estrada accused Senate President Franklin Drilon of using discretionary funds to influence the impeachment proceedings against Corona. (To be continued) The post BBM, Tribune share good gov’t journey appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Rosal disqualification final, says Comelec
The Commission on Elections on Wednesday certified their 4 May decision to disqualify Carmen Rosal as mayor of Legazpi City, Albay over ‘giving money to influence, induce or corrupt the voters’ as ‘final and executory.’” This comes as no temporary restraining orders were issued by the Supreme Court in the last five days, which would have directed the stoppage of the implementation of the disqualification. The certification was issued by the poll body despite Rosal’s declaration that she filed a petition for the Supreme Court to issue a TRO on the said ruling earlier in the day. In the same document, Comelec ordered the six members of the special board of canvassers in Legazpi City, Albay to declare ex-Ako Bicol representative Alfredo Garbin Jr. as the city’s new mayor ‘within ten days’ after the certification of the decision as final. To recall, Garbin was behind Rosal in last year’s mayoral race in Legazpi City with a slim margin of only 550 votes between the two candidates. In a message to Daily Tribune, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said that certification will still push through as no TROs were issued. “Per our conversation with the Clerk, there were no TRO issuances and we haven’t received any from the Supreme Court. It’s not automatic that the SC will issue a TRO after filing. It’s SC’s full discretion and authority whether or not they’ll issue a TRO,” Laudiangco said. He also cited an election provision which states that such decisions ‘shall become final and executory after the lapse of five days from their promulgation, unless restrained by the Supreme Court. In a Viber message, Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia said that the writ of execution will be issued on Thursday. Meantime, Rosal led a press conference at the Manila Yacht Club before noon on Wednesday where she announced that she filed a petition for the issuance of a TRO before the High Court. She argued that the decision to declare her election offense as Section 68(a) of the Omnibus Election Code was arbitrary. Previously, a decision by the Comelec Second Division October last year stated that she violated Section 261(v) of the OEC, referring to violation of public spending during the election period, with the act in question being the two-day cash assistance payout for tricycle drivers. However, in a Commission En Banc decision on 4 May which affirmed the previous decision to disqualify her, the poll body said that Rosal is not liable under Section 261(v) as she was not a public official at the time. “I reiterate, how can I be disqualified by the Comelec En Banc for vote buying when this was dismissed by the Comelec Division and such issue was not brought up to the Commission En Banc?” Rosal said. Rosal filed the petition before the SC through Attorney Romulo Macalintal. Also present during the press conference was Carmen’s husband, disqualified former Albay governor Noel Rosal, whose situation was similar to hers when he was slapped with a decision to relinquish his position over the same financial aid distribution to tricycle drivers. The petitions filed against Carmen and Noel Rosal, in this case, were both filed by Joseph Armogila. Former governor Rosal insisted that the cash payout for tricycle drivers were part of the country’s then economic assistance program amid the Covid-19 Pandemic dubbed “Bayanihan 1.” Speaking to Daily Tribune, the former governor suspected someone else behind the petitions that led to their disqualifications. “It’s not Armogila. Someone’s behind it. If it’s just him, the case would have been dismissed earlier,” Noel Rosal said. The post Rosal disqualification final, says Comelec appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Jade Castro, 3 others freed after court finds arrest invalid
Film director Jade Castro and his three friends who were previously arrested after being accused of burning a modern jeepney in Quezon province were released from the Catanauan Bureau of Jail Management and Penology facility. .....»»
Tomas Osmeña threatens to sue Gwen over stoppage of CBRT works
CEBU CITY, Philippines — “We’ll see each other in court.” This was the statement of former Cebu City mayor Tomas Osmeña addressed to Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, in relation to Garcia’s call on stopping the ongoing construction of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) on province-owned lots along Osmeña Boulevard. “If the governor would insist.....»»
SC orders Metro Manila LGUs to cease traffic receipts, confiscate driver s licenses
The Supreme Court ordered Metro Manila local government units to follow the the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s single ticketing system instead of using their own traffic violation receipts......»»
Tomas Osmeña threatens sue Gwen over stoppage of CBRT works
CEBU CITY, Philippines — “We’ll see each other in court.” This was the statement of former Cebu City mayor Tomas Osmeña addressed to Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, in relation to Garcia’s call on stopping the ongoing construction of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) on province-owned lots along Osmeña Boulevard. “If the governor would insist.....»»
Constitutionality of Bangsamoro Local Government Code challenged at SC
COTABATO CITY (MindaNews / 01 March) — Three governors from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao filed this week a petition before the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the recently passed Bangsamoro Local Government Code (BLGC). Governor Abdusakur Tan of Sulu, Governor Mamintal Adiong of Lanao del Sur and Governor Bai Mariam Mangudadatu […].....»»
Dance of the petals: Baguio City abloom in 28th year of Panagbenga
Baguio City is abloom as it celebrates the Panagbenga Festival this weekend, highlighted by street dancing and flower float parades.....»»
Alert order vs Teves out – DOJ
Two alert list orders have been issued by the Bureau of Immigration against expelled Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr., who has been tagged as the brains in the assassination of former governor Roel Degamo......»»
After SC victory, young activists face arrest as local court issues warrant
The Bulacan local court, which orders the arrest, sets a bail amounting to P18,000 each for Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano.....»»
Groups hail SC’s protection orders on abducted activists Tamano, Castro
Environmental groups applauded the issuance of the Supreme Court of protection writs on abducted environmental activists Jhed Tamano and Jonila Castro......»»