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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......»»
Lawyers file petition pushing Congress to enact law vs political dynasties
A group of lawyers on Tuesday filed a petition asking the Supreme Court to compel Congress to enact a law prohibiting political dynasties in the country......»»
Solons hail House Speakers leadership in Congress - manilastandard.net
Solons hail House Speakers leadership in Congress manilastandard.net.....»»
DOLE-Davao exec calls on Congress to carefully study uniform daily wage hike bill
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 11 March) – The legislative push for a nationwide P100 to P400 daily increase for minimum wage earners in the private sector “must be compatible with the socio-economic conditions and purchasing power of each region,” an official from the Department of Labor and Employment – Davao Region (DOLE-Davao) said. “If Congress […].....»»
Peru: Congress Runs Roughshod Over Rule of Law
(Washington, DC) - The decision by Peru's Congress on March 7, 2024, to arbitrarily remove two members of the National Board of Justice severely undermines judicial independence, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights, Human Rights Watch said today. The Organization of American States (OAS) should convene a meeting of its Permanent Council to address ongoing attacks on judicial independence in Peru......»»
Tax break for 2-wheeled EVs gains ground in Congress
Giving tax breaks for two-wheeled electric vehicles is getting more support from Congress, as a bill aiming for their inclusion in the list of vehicles benefiting from tariff reduction has been filed in the House of Representatives......»»
4th mode of Cha-cha
In 2013, then House Speaker Quezon City 4th District Rep. Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte Jr. first initiated a move to amend to the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution by legislation – a law approved by Congress. Under Belmonte’s proposal, both chambers of Congress could vote separately to pass these economic amendments into law instead of a wholesale amendment of the Constitution......»»
‘Congress can provide funding for SHS vouchers for SUCs’
An opposition legislator yesterday offered a solution to the Commission on Higher Education problem regarding the discontinuation of vouchers for senior high school students, saying that Congress can still provide funding if needed......»»
Poro parish church urges gov’t: Don’t chop down our trees
CEBU CITY, Philippines – A parish church in Poro, Camotes Island in northern Cebu wants to save dozens of decades-old trees that stand in the way of road widening projects there. The Sto. Niño de Poro Parish launched an online petition to convince the government to reconsider their decision to cut down over 500 trees.....»»
Vulnerable individuals urged to avoid airport welcome, send-offs at airports
The Manila International Airport Authority called on friends and family members of departing and arriving passengers to reconsider bringing vulnerable individuals such as children, senior citizens and pregnant women as well as those with medical conditions, to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport for farewell and greetings amid the heat being experienced in the country......»»
Even wallflowers can bloom : Bridgerton 3 dates, trailer revealed
After two seasons of seeing Penelope pining for Colin, the third season of "Bridgerton" promises vengeance for her one-sided love with a promise to marry herself off and with the introduction of a dashing lord who will probably make her childhood friend reconsider what he truly feels for her all along. .....»»
Investors reconsider May rate cut expectations amid robust US inflation figures
Title: “Exclusive Offer: Subscribe to the FT Print Edition for Only $199 and Gain Access to Unparalleled Expertise” In today’s fast-paced digital age, where news.....»»
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......»»
Despite survey, Cha-cha should proceed, says congressman
Both houses of Congress should pursue economic Charter amendments despite a Pulse Asia survey early last month showing that 88 percent of Filipinos do not support the initiative, Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said yesterday......»»
Death knell
Members of the House of Representatives were hoping for a dialogue with senators on Charter change while Congress is not in session, during the long break starting before Palm Sunday......»»
‘No risk of political reform in economic Cha-cha’
Apprehensions over possible insertion of political reforms like lifting of term limits for elected officials are misplaced since the ongoing economic Charter change in Congress covers only economic provisions, according to former Supreme Court justice Adolfo Azcuna......»»
Marcos wants Cha-cha plebiscite in 2025 elections
This is the second time that Marcos has instructed the upper chamber of Congress — which is supposed to be independent of the executive and was lukewarm to Charter change until this year — about how lawmakers should revise the 1987 Constitution. .....»»
Jinggoy: Joint Cha-cha voting unconstitutional
Making both houses of Congress vote jointly and not separately on amending the 1987 Charter would be “unconstitutional,” Sen. Jinggoy Estrada said yesterday......»»
EDITORIAL - Economic initiatives
While the two chambers of Congress duke it out over Charter change ostensibly to attract more foreign investments, local businessmen have listed 12 initiatives that they say can strengthen the economy......»»
No ceasefire
For the second time this year, a ceasefire between the two chambers of Congress was announced over Charter change......»»