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FPRRD opposes disguised Charter change initiative
Former President Rodrigo R. Duterte has vehemently opposed the disguised People’s Initiative for Charter change, denouncing the cash-for-signature campaign as repugnant and a disgraceful act during a YouTube interview with Banateros Brothers on January 22, 2024. Duterte emphasized his disapproval of the initiative, urging for it to be halted, particularly criticizing the payment of individuals to sign the documents. He warned that such actions could lead to a new Constitution that might destroy the nation and open avenues for political abuses. Duterte stressed the importance of democracy in the Philippines, asserting that those seeking to remain in power should go through the electoral process. He highlighted that a well-performing and non-corrupt individual would retain power, while those with poor performance would be ousted through the electoral process. Expressing satisfaction with the current Constitution, Duterte argued that it has contributed to stability, reducing conflicts with groups like the New People's Army (NPA). He strongly advised against meddling with the Constitution, cautioning that it would only bring trouble to the country. Duterte pledged active opposition to the initiative, stating that he would campaign against it. Additionally, residents of Calinan District, Vice President Sara Duterte, and Representatives Isidro Ungab and Paolo Pulong Duterte have also voiced opposition to the People's Initiative for Charter Change. Margarita Atty. Migs Nograles, the representative of the Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Partylist, alleged to have started the cha-cha signature campaign, has yet to issue an official statement on the matter as of the latest update. Related stories include the denouncement of alleged `vote buying’ in signing the petition for Cha-cha by Davao City lawmakers, Vice President Duterte's condemnation of the cash-for-signature drive, and a prayer rally against PI’s Cha-cha on Jan 28......»»
Uncertainty looms over Davao-Samal Bridge project amid RoW hurdles
The construction of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC), also known as the Davao-Samal Bridge project, has faced numerous setbacks due to right-of-way (ROW) acquisition challenges. The project was halted on January 3, 2024, due to issues with landowners near a pier in Lanang at Davao City, leading to delays in the project's implementation. While there have been conflicting statements regarding the project's status, the National Economic and Development Authority-Davao Region (Neda-Davao) aims to complete the detailed engineering plans for the substructure of the west land via dock once the Deed of Transfer Possession in Davao City is released. However, ROW issues continue to persist. Despite these challenges, the project is still considered a priority and is included in the Davao Region Development Plan (DRDP) for 2023–2028. The project is funded through China’s Official Development Assistance with an estimated budget of P23.04 billion, and negotiations with the Philippine government are ongoing with a target completion date in 2027. The uncertainty surrounding the project's timeline remains as ROW hurdles persist, impacting the much-anticipated toll-free four-lane concrete exodus bridge spanning a 3.98-kilometer distance......»»
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......»»
SPNEC confirms it is looking for investors in Terra Solar to help fund project dev t
SP New Energy, Meralco’s new renewable energy subsidiary, confirms a report that it was seeking investors to help fund the development of the 3.5 GW Terra Solar project, but clarified that it is only seeking investors “at the Terra Solar Philippines Inc. level,” and that it has only “just launched the process and are still in discussions with various possible investors.” .....»»
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......»»
Snake on a plane alarms passengers on AirAsia flight
Passengers on a Thai AirAsia flight from Bangkok to Phuket had a nasty surprise when a snake was spotted slithering around in one of the cabin’s overhead compartments. A TikTok video starring the reptilian stowaway was shared by user @wannabnailssalon, and has since chalked up 3.4 million views on the platform. When the snake was.....»»
Philippines to conduct matching event to help foreign investors
MANILA, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines will conduct a business-to-business matching event on Thursday to assist foreign investors in finding local partners to support the Southeast Asian country's energy transition program, the Department of Energy (DOE) said Wednesday. "Our main objective for this event is to assist investors, listen and understand the challenges in implementing renewable energy (RE) proje.....»»
Philippines to conduct matching event to help foreign investors
MANILA, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines will conduct a business-to-business matching event on Thursday to assist foreign investors in finding local partners to support the Southeast Asian country's energy transition program, the Department of Energy (DOE) said Wednesday. "Our main objective for this event is to assist investors, listen and understand the challenges in implementing renewable energy (RE) proje.....»»
How LGUs shoo away investors
While discussing how Charter change can attract investors, my Viber group colleagues wondered if problems with LGU corruption are a bigger turnoff to investors than Constitutional restrictions on foreign investments......»»
Why attract foreign investors?
Do we really need to revise our Constitution to attract foreign investors? It will help. We have provisions in our current Constitution that deliver the message that foreign investors are not welcome......»»
Info on cornerstone investors now required
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has laid down rules governing cornerstone investors in initial public offerings, requiring issuers to disclose the necessary information on their prospective investors......»»
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.....»»
Not in aid for election
The well-intentioned ayuda of the government that targets to tide over inflation-impacted middle income families will remain under a cloud of uncertainty without an enabling law. In particular, this will be the fate of the P26.7-billion Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program that has become the bone of contention of lawmakers feuding over alleged use of the newest ayuda program of the government to push Charter change......»»
The Mystery of Post-Inflation Stability: Exploring Economic Uncertainty
Inflation, a sneaky force eating away at our financial stability, makes us wonder: what happens after its rampage? Do things settle back to normal, or are we stuck dealing with the aftermath? Inflation is simply prices creeping up over time, quietly changing our financial landscape. Think of your favorite café inching up its prices or […].....»»
Ex-President Duterte is lone 2024 Datu Bago awardee
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / March 5)—Former President Rodrigo Duterte, who also served as mayor for over two decades, will be the lone 2024 Datu Bago awardee. Davao City Councilor Pilar Braga, who also chairs the Datu Bago Awards Organization (DBAO), said it is high time for Duterte to receive the award as the “most deserving […].....»»
Marcos Jr’s Cha-cha: A Threat to Filipino Migrants and the Motherland
In a world fraught with uncertainty, where the allure of overseas employment often masks the harsh realities of exploitation and separation, Migrante Europe's stance against Marcos Jr's cha-cha serves as a beacon of hope......»»
Change: 5 reasons why we should not fear it, embrace the shift
CEBU CITY, Philippines— Change is the only constant thing in the world. Change can sometimes be a menace or it can sometimes be a blessing. Just a mere mention of this word sends shivers down our spine with the thought of uncertainty or the chaos that comes from our doubting thoughts. Change isn’t scary like.....»»
Why Business Should Start Investing in the Mental Well-Being of Their Employees
The pandemic has triggered waves of anxiety, uncertainty, and financial strain, impacting the mental health of millions of employees. Poor mental health leads to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and strained work relationships. With that said, it is crucial to address employees’ mental health issues to have a thriving workspace. Encourage Open Communication and Supportive Culture […].....»»
Cha-cha plebiscite during mid-year elections: No media question on Comelec s apparent uncertainty
BOTH LEGISLATIVE chambers are on the forefront of ongoing charter change discussions. Legislators have repeatedly said that amendments will be limited to economic measures in the 1987 Constitution.Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (Com.....»»
No take back on tax: The irrevocability rule
Life is about choices and sometimes, we will make decisions that we cannot take back. In times of uncertainty and indecisiveness, it’s important to think about these choices a thousand times and consider the possible consequences......»»