Duterte declares fourth Sunday of November as National Bicycle Day
MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has declared the fourth Sunday of November of every year as “National Bicycle Day” in a bid to ensure ecological integrity and a clean and healthy environment. Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea signed Proclamation 1052 on Wednesday, Nov. 18 by the authority of the President. President Duterte declares Fourth Sunday […] The post Duterte declares fourth Sunday of November as National Bicycle Day appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Duterte declares fourth Sunday of November as National Bicycle Day
MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has declared the fourth Sunday of November of every year as “National Bicycle Day” in a bid to ensure ecological integrity and a clean and healthy environment. Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea signed Proclamation 1052 on Wednesday, Nov. 18 by the authority of the President. President Duterte declares Fourth Sunday […] The post Duterte declares fourth Sunday of November as National Bicycle Day appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
‘Pulong’ remains top Davao region lawmaker
DAVAO CITY — A survey revealed on Sunday that First Congressional District Representative Paolo Duterte was among the Top Performing District Representatives in the Davao Region. According to the latest survey conducted by the RP–Mission Development Foundation Inc., the First District lawmaker garnered 84.7 percent, reflecting a notable 3.4 percent increase from 81.3 percent on the April 2023 survey. He was second to Representative Maria Carmen Zamora of Davao de Oro, with 85.2 percent compared to 80.5 percent four months ago. The RPMD surveyed all the districts in every region nationwide, gathering responses from 10,000 registered voters. The respondents were chosen randomly, with their numbers per district proportionally allocated according to official voting population data. According to the RPMD, such achievements have led both individuals to share the top spot in the Davao Region based on the nationwide assessment of the “Boses ng Bayan” initiative’s findings on the performance of public officials. Meantime, Duterte welcomed the latest survey results and thanked the general public for their endless support of him and Davao City. “I will continue promoting community services and support my district and those in need,” said the lawmaker. Underlining the significance of such assessments, Dr. Paul Martinez of the RPMD said that regular evaluations are crucial to ensuring that district representatives fulfill their roles and responsibilities effectively. The “House of Representatives Public Satisfaction” survey for the Davao Region was an integral component of the national “RPMD’s Boses ng Bayan” poll, conducted between 25 June and 5 July this year. Davao City’s Third District Representative Isidro Ungab secured the second spot with 79.4 percent, marking a rise of 1.8 percent. Claude Bautista of Davao Occidental follows closely (78.6 percent), indicating a 5.1 percent improvement, then Cheeno Miguel Almario of Davao Oriental with 74.15 percent. Meantime, Representative Pantaleon Alvarez of Davao del Norte and Davao City’s Second District Representative Vincent Garcia are tied for the fourth spot, attaining 71.7 percent. John Tracy Cagas of Davao del Sur received a rating of 68.4 percent, and Ruwel Peter Gonzaga of Davao de Oro scored 68.2 percent. Despite the 1.5 percent decrease, Nelson Dayanghirang of Davao Oriental continues to uphold an impressive performance rating of 66.7 percent. Alan Dujali, of Davao del Norte, has obtained 65.8 percent from his constituents. Despite the 1.4 percent decrease, his rating remains favorable. The post ‘Pulong’ remains top Davao region lawmaker appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ICC ruling coming on OSG appeal
The appeals chamber of the International Criminal Court or ICC will render its ruling on Tuesday, 18 July, on whether to stop or allow the investigation into the alleged drug war-related killings in the Philippines to continue. Specifically, the appeals chamber will rule on the appeal of Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra against a decision of the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I authorizing the ICC prosecutor to go on with the probe. Guevarra had received flak from local legal luminaries for filing motions and appeals that “ran against and undermined” the position of the Duterte and Marcos administrations that the ICC had no jurisdiction over the Philippines. In filing the appeal, the Office of the Solicitor General recognized the ICC, several lawyers pointed out. Last March, Guevarra tried to defend the appeal he filed before the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I, which the latter denied. Guevarra had said the ICC could conduct an investigation, whether or not the Philippine government cooperated with its probe. At the time, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said, “That ends all our involvement with the ICC.” “We don’t have a next move. The appeal has failed. And there’s, in our view, nothing more that we, in the government, can do,” he added. Guevarra, however, went ahead and elevated the Pre-Trial Chamber’s decision and denial of his appeal to the ICC Appeals Chamber. The appellate body will decide on that appeal next week. Strategy shift “When we filed our brief, we shifted our strategy and, instead of focusing on previous arguments about the sufficiency of our domestic investigation, we focused on the legal errors of the pre-trial chamber,” Guevarra said. The ICC prosecutor sought to investigate the alleged drug war killings during the time Duterte was mayor of Davao City and later as president, covering the period from November 2011 to March 2019. Marcos adopted Duterte’s position that the Philippines is a sovereign nation with a fully functioning justice system that the ICC should not encroach on. Duterte said he would not allow the ICC to catch him, stressing that he should be judged in the Philippines by Filipinos, and not by foreigners in a body (ICC) that was not even ratified by the country. The Philippines notified the ICC on 17 March 2018 of its withdrawal from the Rome Statute that created the ICC. The withdrawal took effect a year later, on 17 March 2019. In reaction, the ICC prosecutor maintained that it could still investigate the killings pre-dating the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute. Four grounds Before the ICC appeals chamber, the OSG cited four grounds to reverse the Pre-Trial Chamber I’s original decision greenlighting the probe. First, the pre-trial chamber erred “in law in finding that the Court could exercise its jurisdiction on the basis that the Philippines was a State party “at the time of the alleged crimes’ and that the ‘ensuing obligations’ of the Rome Statute remained applicable notwithstanding the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Statute.” Second, the pre-trial chamber erred in finding that the Philippines’ domestic investigations were not genuine. The pre-trial chamber failed to take into account the impact of the ICC’s decision on the Philippines’ national security interest. Third, the chamber failed to consider the principle of complementarity, which states that the ICC could only intervene when national authorities were unwilling or unable to investigate and prosecute crimes. Fourth, the ICC had no jurisdiction to investigate the drug war killings because the Philippines had withdrawn from the Rome Statute in 2019. The ICC prosecutor, Karim Khan, argued that the ICC could investigate the drug war killings since they were committed while the Philippines was still a member of the Rome Statute. The post ICC ruling coming on OSG appeal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
FACT CHECK | PDP Laban shows incomplete data of Publicus survey favorable to Sara Duterte
MindaNews fact-checked a Facebook post of political party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino – Lakas ng Bayan (PDP Laban) that Vice President Sara Duterte gained the highest approval rating among national government officials in the 2023 fourth quarter survey of Publicus Asia, Inc. The post is misleading as it did not indicate that while she had the […].....»»
Baby Falcons storm back vs Bullpups in Game 1 of UAAP juniors finals
The Adamson Baby Falcons used a massive fourth quarter to draw first blood in the UAAP Season 86 juniors' basketball against the National University Bullpups, 77-71, Sunday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City......»»
One Philippines : NSC, Mindanao governments reject secession calls
In a statement Sunday, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said that any attempt to sow division in the country must be rejected unequivocally after former President Rodrigo Duterte pushed for a “separate and independent Mindanao.”.....»»
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......»»
Italians spending less on groceries - report
The government has failed to tame food inflation, data shows Measures taken by the Italian government to stem rising food prices have proved ineffective in the fourth quarter, data published by the National Consumer Union (UNC) on Monday showed. The report revealed that in November, fresh fruit saw the.....»»
White House uncertain about release of more American hostages on Monday
Washington, DC [US], November 27 (ANI): The White House said it's uncertain if more American hostages will be released from Gaza on Monday. This is the fourth and possibly final day of a truce between Israel and Hamas, CNN reported. John Kirby, National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications, told CNN that the administration is working on the situation "literally by the hour" and that they "don't know".....»»
Valenzuela: 4 centuries and counting
Valenzuela City marked the culmination of its 400th founding anniversary celebration with a grand night of festivities, including the launch of the city’s coffee table book, “Valenzuela: History and Progress,” and a vibrant Cultural Night fashion show. The event, held at Casa de Polo in Barangay Poblacion on Sunday, 26 November, was graced by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, who joined Mayor Wes Gatchalian and the city council in unveiling the building marker of Casa de Polo. The inauguration of Casa de Polo, a heritage-themed events space, signifies its opening for all accommodations, marking a significant milestone in the city’s history. Mayor Gatchalian emphasized the importance of celebrating the city’s 400th founding anniversary, expressing gratitude to those who contributed to the successful series of celebrations. The coffee table book features a comprehensive walk-through of the city’s heritage, tracing remarkable events from the old town of Polo to its gradual transformation into an urbanized city. The book delves into the city’s unique culture, showcasing its food, art, customs, traditions, churches, and local governance aspects, including education, health, social services and ecotourism. Leading to the grand finale, Cultural Night, a fashion presentation that paid homage to Valenzuela City’s history and cultural heritage, took center stage. The program showcased the works of three renowned local designers: Michael Leyva, Robbie Santos and Daniel Manila. The fashion show exhibited three blocks, resonating themes of Polo, showcasing Pueblo de Polo’s agricultural background; Fatima, highlighting the vibrant culture and faith of Valenzuelanos; and Agos, focusing on the city’s relentless pursuit of progress and “riding the waves” of continuous growth and innovation. The event was also graced by Senators Grace Poe and Mark Villar, Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, National Museum of the Philippines Director Jeremy Barns, LGU department heads, members of the city council, punong barangays, judges, fiscals, delegates of the Comelec, Chamber of Commerce and Industry and JCI, among others......»»
White House uncertain about release of more American hostages on Monday
Washington, DC [US], November 27 (ANI): The White House said it's uncertain if more American hostages will be released from Gaza on Monday. This is the fourth and possibly final day of a truce between Israel and Hamas, CNN reported. John Kirby, National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications, told CNN that the administration is working on the situation "literally by the hour" and that they "don't know".....»»
Port Blair: Indian Coast Guard vessel evacuates critically injured Philippines national from cargo ship
Port Blair (Andaman and Nicobar Islands) [India], November 12 (ANI): An Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ship evacuated a critically injured Philippines national, sustaining multiple fractures, from a cargo ship, officials said on Sunday. As per the ICG, the Filipino crew had fallen from 20 feet into an empty cargo-- MV Rostrum Cynic-- leading to multiple fractures. The injured person was evacuated on Saturday, they said. Taking.....»»
EU, U.S. unite to support Israel
European Union and United States leaders met in Washington Friday to show their united stance in supporting Israel’s war on the Palestinian militant group Hamas. “We stood together to support the brave people of Ukraine in the face of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s aggression. We’re standing together now to support Israel in the wake of Hamas’s appalling terrorist attack,” US President Joe Biden said at the White House. “These conflicts show democracies must stand together,” European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen told reporters as she and European Council chief Charles Michel met Biden. “Today, the world faces enormous challenges. And today, more than ever, the world needs a strong EU-US alliance to tackle these challenges,” Michel said. EU leaders were looking for reassurance of continued US support for Ukraine, which is fighting to repel the Russian invasion launched in February 2022. That reassurance was evident Thursday when Biden urged Americans to back a $106 billion aid package including military assistance for Ukraine and Israel. The US is by far the biggest supplier of military aid to Ukraine. Aid to Israel and Ukraine, however, faces hurdle as the US Congress has been paralyzed for more than two weeks divided Republicans, who hold the majority in the House of Representatives, failed for a third time to elect a new House speaker. Congress also faces a 17 November deadline to act on the budget, so as to avoid a possible government shutdown. House crisis In the 17 days since US House speaker Kevin McCarthy was ousted in a rebellion by right-wing hard-liners from within his own party, no other Republican has been able to muster enough votes to replace him, sparking one of the worst institutional crises Washington has seen in decades. The US legislature is unable to perform even basic functions like funding the government and addressing growing national security concerns. The party dropped Ohio conservative Jim Jordan, chairman of the influential Judiciary Committee, in a secret ballot Friday after he again failed to secure victory on the House floor on his third attempt. Despite backing from former president and leading 2024 Republican hopeful Donald Trump, Jordan was defeated by 25 colleagues from his own side who joined every Democrat to deny him the gavel for the third time in four days. Lawmakers told reporters as they left Capitol Hill for the weekend they would hold a “candidate forum” to choose a new standard-bearer on Monday, with several hopefuls expected to be announced on Sunday. WITH AFP The post EU, U.S. unite to support Israel appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Dela Rosa: FPRRD not nosy on VP Sara’s political issues
Former President Rodrigo Duterte is not prying on political issues concerning his daughter, Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, said Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa. “Hindi naman nakikialam si Pangulong Duterte, ‘no, pagdating sa gano’ng mga bagay. Hindi kami nakapag-usap tungkol diyan. Hindi siya nakikialam (President Duterte is not nosy when it comes to such thing. We have not talked about that. He is not interfering),” Dela Rosa said in a radio interview Sunday night. Earlier this week, some members of the House of Representatives eyeing realigning the confidential and intelligence funds of some civilian agencies, including the Department of Education and Office of the Vice President, to augment budgets of the intelligence and security forces tasked to resolve the increasing tensions in the West Philippine Sea. Dela Rosa emphasized that the former President respects the separation of the powers between the executive and legislative bodies. “The power of the purse solely belongs to the Congress. He never intervened even when he was the President, he respects the separation of powers of the executive and legislative branches of government,” he said. “On a personal note, wala siyang ginawang tawag, wala siyang ginawang pagbanggit at wala kaming ginawang pag-uusap patungkol diyan (On a personal note, he did not make any calls, he did not mention it and we did not talk about that matter,” he added. Dela Rosa was asked if the Senate would do the same plan to realign the civilian intelligence and confidential funds. He replied: “I can’t speak for and on behalf of my colleagues ‘no? The Senate is composed of 24 republics. May kanya-kanyang desisyon ‘yan, baka mamaya magkakamali ako sa aking forecast kasi pwedeng magbago, pwedeng magbago ‘yung isip ng isang senador pagdating sa botohan (They have their own decisions, maybe later I could make mistake in my forecast because it could change, a senator could always change his mind when voting time comes).” Dela Rosa said the chamber’s decision will always come out from the plenary session's result. “Hindi talaga ako makapagbigay sa’yo ng fearless forecast. Wala akong nakikita pa na magiging desisyon collectively ng ating Senado. So hintayin na lang natin (I couldn’t give you a fearless forecast right now. I still couldn’t see the collective decision in the Senate. So let’s just wait),” he stressed. As an ally to Dutertes, Dela Rosa sees the questioning of the OVP and DepEd’s CIF serves as “clear politicking” by the opposition. “So that’s... klarong pamumulitika ‘yan. Hindi naman lumabas ‘yang issue na ‘yan noon noong ang Vice President ay miyembro ng oposisyon (That’s a clear politicking. It does not came when the previous vice president was a member of the opposition). They were mum about that tackling of confidential and intelligence fund,” he said. Dela Rosa pointed out that the issue came with the opposition’s “aggressiveness” to downplay the possibility of Sara’s running as president in the next national elections. “Most likely pulitilka. May halong pulitika at ‘yun nga, meron din namang katuturan ‘yung mga sinasabi nila pero ‘yun nga, makikita mo ‘yung aggressiveness ay masasabi mo talaga may pamumulitika,” he said. The OVP has been in the limelight after the Commission on Audit reported that it has spent the P125 million CIF in just 11 days. Dela Rosa defended Sara noting that the COA’s report was only an observation and did not explicitly state that the OVP used its CIF in corruption. “Hindi naman sinabi ng COA na ‘yan ay corruption. That was an observation of COA na naubos (that it was exhausted) within that period of time. So is there a violation?" Dela Rosa said. Dela Rosa challenged Sara’s “detractors” to come out with evidence over the allegation that OVP and DepEd, under the vice president’s leadership, had utilized their CIF into graft and corruption. “Maghanap sila ng ebidensya na ito’y ibinulsa para siguruhin natin na ‘yung mga taong kurap ay hindi dapat manatili sa gobyerno. Pero kung ito’y ginamit sa tamang paraan (Find evidence that it was pocketed to make sure that corrupt individuals won’t last in the government. But if it is used appropriately), then my God, that’s Government Appropriations Act,” he said. The post Dela Rosa: FPRRD not nosy on VP Sara’s political issues appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos pays tribute to mentors
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday paid tribute to the heroes of children’s education as National Teachers’ Month came to a close. Marcos made a statement on his Facebook page a day after Malacañang held the third edition of the “Konsyerto Sa Palasyo” (Concert at the Palace), which is dedicated to the country’s teachers. The free concert was especially for teachers, and many came to enjoy the music and take a break from their work. “As we thank you for all that you do, we also continue to work harder to improve your lives,” Marcos said. “The Marcos-Duterte administration will remain hard at work in addressing the needs of our schools, our teachers, and our students,” he added. During a pre-recorded message shown on “Konsyerto sa Palasyo” on Sunday night, Marcos said he still respects teachers. Even though he is now the Chief Executive, Marcos said he would still call female teachers “Ma’am” when he went to schools. Marcos, a La Salle Greenhills alumnus, remembered very well the time he spent with Miss Reyes, one of his first teachers in school. He then said that Miss Reyes had taught him how to treat teachers like he does now. “During Grade 1 to Grade 2, I had a teacher who became fond of me and I became her teacher’s pet. She always helped me with my studies,” Marcos said. “She was very, very helpful to me outside of school. She would assist me when I needed tutorials, and she would give me groceries and prayer books. I can’t forget her,” Marcos added. He went on to express that Miss Reyes had been his source of inspiration, influencing how he respects teachers to this day. The post Marcos pays tribute to mentors appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sara Duterte’s P2.7B confidential expenses as Davao mayor should be probed—Castro
Davao City’s confidential expenses that ballooned to P2.697 billion during Vice President Sara Duterte’s stint as mayor should be probed by the Commission on Audit, a lawmaker said Monday. The call for investigation was prompted by the 2022 report of the CoA, which found that Davao City spent P2.697 billion on confidential expenses between 2016 to 2022, or an average of PP385.3 million per year over the preceding six years. Duterte served as the Davao City mayor from 2016 to 2022 before she assumed the VP post in July of last year. Based on CoA findings, Davao City incurred P144 million of confidential expenses in 2016, which was more than doubled to P293 million in 2017 and further climbed to P420 million in 2018. The city’s confidential fund expenses further grew to P460 million in 2019 and were maintained consistently for the subsequent years of 2020, 2021, and 2022. In an interview on Monday, ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro, who sought the CoA probe, stressed that the P2.697 billion totality of confidential expenses of Davao City in the previous six years “could have been utilized more effectively to benefit the education sector, specifically by providing much-needed support to teachers.” “We were shocked also [by] the report of the CoA. With this controversy of confidential funds, we are thinking of asking the CoA to investigate,” she said. “The CoA should file an audit observation memo and then ask them to explain maybe the misuse of funds and then file necessary legal action.” She added, “Imagine more than a million a day spent for the confidential funds in a city. I just wonder how it was spent and where it was spent. So, we want the CoA to review if the city government of Davao City led by Vice President Sara Duterte by then really followed the guidelines or the joint circular 2015-01.” The said joint circular outlined by CoA with the Departments of Budget and Management, National Defense, and of the Interior and Local Government, and Governance Commission for GOCCs, contains guidelines on the entitlement, release, use, reporting, and audit of confidential and intelligence funds that are in the General Appropriations Act. Daily Tribune has been asking for Duterte’s comment, but she remained mum on the issue. While Castro admitted that the local government units are entitled to confidential funds for peace and order maintenance, it was “ironic” that Duterte sought allocation of such funds given that she claimed Davao City was “very peaceful, disciplined, and well” during her tenure. "So why is it necessary to have an increasingly confidential fund?" the lawmaker stressed, noting such a fund should be used for other fruitful endeavors. "I remember the time the teachers of Davao City were asking for city allowance, but she did not grant it. Instead, she refused and even got mad with ACT (Alliance of Concerned Teachers) during that time," Castro pointed out. While none in the law limits the amount of confidential funds, the militant lawmaker pointed out that it should be rationalized. A proposed law aimed at imposing a cap and limit on confidential funds, streamlining the allocation of such that would promote transparency and accountability, is currently being crafted, according to Castro. It will be filed in Congress when the session resumes in November. The post Sara Duterte’s P2.7B confidential expenses as Davao mayor should be probed—Castro appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM honors ‘heroes of children’s education’
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday paid tribute to the "heroes of children's education" as National Teachers' Month came to a close. Marcos made a statement on his Facebook page a day after Malacañang held the third edition of the "Konsyerto Sa Palasyo" (Concert at the Palace), which is dedicated to the country's teachers. The free concert was especially for teachers, and many came to enjoy the music and take a break from their work. "As we thank you for all that you do, we also continue to work harder to improve your lives," Marcos said. "The Marcos-Duterte administration will remain hard at work in addressing the needs of our schools, our teachers, and our students," he added. During a pre-recorded message shown on Konsyerto sa Palasyo on Sunday night, Marcos said he still respects teachers. Even though he is now the Chief Executive, Marcos said he would still call female teachers "Ma'am" when he went to schools. Marcos, a La Salle Greenhills alumnus, remembered very well the time he spent with Miss Reyes, one of his first teachers in school. He then said that Miss Reyes had taught him how to treat teachers like he does now. "During Grade 1 to Grade 2, I had a teacher who became fond of me and I became her teacher's pet. She always helped me with my studies," Marcos said. "She was very, very helpful to me outside of school. She would assist me when I needed tutorials, and she would give me groceries and prayer books. I can't forget her," Marcos added. He went on to express that Miss Reyes had been his source of inspiration, influencing how he respects teachers to this day. The post PBBM honors ‘heroes of children’s education’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Torture in Egypt a ‘crime against humanity’ — rights groups
Egyptian authorities' "widespread and systematic" use of torture is "a crime against humanity", rights groups said Monday in an appeal to the United Nations to review Egypt's rights record. The report, submitted to the UN Committee against Torture, tracked the use of methods including "beatings, electrical shocks, sexual violence" and denial of access to medical care by members of the security services. Egyptian authorities "use of torture is so widespread and systematic as to amount to a crime against humanity under customary international law," the coalition of six rights groups said. Torture has been used "as a political tool to curtail dissent" in Egypt's long-running practice of targeting "human rights defenders, minorities, journalists, academics and opposition politicians," according to Mohamed Lotfy, the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms' executive director. The coalition submitting the report included the ECRF, the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR), and London-based human rights organization REDRESS. In November the UN committee will review Egypt's record under the UN Convention against Torture. Cairo has long been criticized for its rights record during the decade-long rule of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi who oversaw a crackdown on dissent. Rights groups estimate the country has around 60,000 political prisoners. Many of them, according to rights groups, have been subjected to brutal conditions in overcrowded cells and regularly mistreated by prison authorities. "Torture is dismissed as merely isolated acts of misconduct instead of being seen for what it really is: a deliberate attack on Egypt's citizens that is a crime against humanity," said Rupert Skilbeck, director of REDRESS. According to Monday's report, the use of torture is "part of a state policy," enabled by "emergency laws, 'counter-terrorism' laws and policies, and rampant impunity" for violations. Cairo has regularly denied torturing people in detention. US military aid The United States has repeatedly criticized Egypt's human rights record, accusing authorities of torture and "life-threatening prison conditions". Despite such persistent concerns, the administration of President Joe Biden last month approved most military aid to Cairo, in a total package that exceeds $1.2 billion and includes $235 million subject to human rights conditions imposed by Congress. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, citing national security interests, waved those restrictions but withheld a separate $85 million over rights issues. However, the new chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Ben Cardin, threatened to block the military funding, in a move rights groups applauded on Sunday. "This decision is a needed first step... to hold the Egyptian regime accountable for its egregious human rights violations," 14 rights organizations said in a joint statement applauding congressional efforts to pull support from Egypt. Cardin replaced Senator Bob Menendez, who on Wednesday pleaded not guilty in New York to bribery and extortion allegations involving the Egyptian government. Since last year, Sisi's administration has made apparent overtures to the decimated opposition, launching a "national dialogue", pardoning political prisoners, and releasing detainees. But ahead of a presidential election in December that Sisi is widely expected to win, experts say the government has done little to actually advance its rights record. Despite the release of nearly 1,000 political prisoners in the past year, rights groups recorded almost three times as many detained over the same period. The post Torture in Egypt a ‘crime against humanity’ — rights groups appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bayani Fernando’s wake open
The family of the late former Marikina City Mayor Bayani Fernando announced that his wake is now open to the public until today, 25 September 2023. Last Sunday, residents were seen paying their respects to the former mayor at the Queen of Angels Chapel at Riverbanks Center in Marikina City. Personnel of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority were also deployed to the venue to help out in assisting visitors to the wake of Fernando who also became chairman of the MMDA. Among those who went to the wake is Vice President Sara Duterte. The former Marikina mayor passed away on Friday at the age of 77, his wife Marides said. He served three terms as mayor of Marikina City from 1992 to 2001. Fernando then served as MMDA chairperson from 2002 to 2009. He was also the secretary of Public Works and Highways from January to April 2003. From 2016 to 2022, Fernando served as the representative of the 1st District of Marikina in the House of Representatives. In the 2010 elections, he ran for a national post as running mate of then presidential candidate and former Senator Richard Gordon. Fernando was born on 25 July 1946 in San Juan to Gil Fernando, who served as Marikina mayor from 1947 to 1951 and 1956 to 1959, and the former Remedios Constantino Flores. Fernando graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering from the Mapua Institute of Technology in 1967. He founded the BF Group of Companies in 1985. The post Bayani Fernando’s wake open appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gun ban violators netted
The weeklong checkpoints related to the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections logged at least 216 gun ban violators so far, according to the Philippine National Police on Sunday. PNP spokesperson and acting Public Information Office chief Col. Jean Fajardo revealed that the 216 violators were apprehended from 28 August until 2 September 2023, adding that of the total violators arrested, most were civilians while two were security guards and two were military personnel. A total of 130 firearms have been confiscated during the implementation of the gun ban. The establishment of checkpoints was carried out under Commission on Elections Resolution 10924 to effectively implement the ban on firearms and other deadly weapons during the 90-day election period from 28 August to 29 November. The resolution prohibits the bearing, carrying, or transporting of firearms or other deadly weapons in public places, including any building, street, park, private vehicle, or public conveyance, or even if licensed to possess or carry the same, unless authorized by the Comelec. Exempted from the ban are law enforcers but they should have authorization from the Comelec and wear an agency-prescribed uniform while on official duty during the election period. The post Gun ban violators netted appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»