Group calls for release of Amanda Echanis, baby as COVID-19 hits Cagayan jail
Lim said they hope that the government will not use a "release the child" argument, "since separating a breastfed infant from his mother is not an option and in fact is harmful and inhumane.".....»»
CHR calls for consideration to baby of jailed Amanda Echanis
Police in Baggao, Cagayan seized an M16 rifle, two hand grenades, a magazine, and ammunition from the house of Amanda Socorro Echanis alias Waya and Julian, daughter of slain Anakpawis Chairman Randall Echanis. (Photo from the Cagayan Valey Police Regional Office) MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is appealing to the police […].....»»
‘Release activist, baby from Cagayan jail’
A support group of political prisoners reiterated its call for the release of activist Amanda Echanis and her three-month-old baby from a jail in Cagayan, where 17 inmates recently tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019......»»
Israel bombs Gaza, fights Hamas around hospitals
Israeli forces pounded besieged Gaza on Wednesday and fought Hamas around several hospitals, despite a UN Security Council demand for a ceasefire. Talks in Qatar towards a truce and hostage release deal involving US and Egyptian mediators have brought no result so far, with Israel and the Palestinian militant group blaming each other. READ: Israel.....»»
K-pop group Aespa concert film gets global cinema release
The first concert movie of K-pop group Aespa is getting a global release in theaters for two days in April......»»
Infant dies in Cagayan de Oro fire
A baby died in a fire that razed a residential area in this city on Thursday......»»
Disney, Star Wars confirm The Mandalorian movie, Ahsoka Season 2
Disney and Lucasfilm have confirmed the development of two big-budget projects in the "Star Wars" franchise, including the big screen debut of fan-favorite Grogu (or as the Internet calls him, Baby Yoda)......»»
PNP wants calls, texts bared
The Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs is considering amending Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, to allow the disclosure of computer data, including the content of communications such as calls and text messages, of individuals who are subjects of case investigations. The suggestion came during a public hearing on the ambush of Aparri Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda in Nueva Vizcaya last 19 February. P/Lt. Col. Christopher Luyun, officer in charge of the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Unit of Cagayan Valley, cited restrictions in RA 10175 as one of the challenges in the investigation of the ambush attack against Alameda and five others. Luyun said they had applied for a warrant to disclose computer data from the phone number of Mayor Bryan Chan, who is among the persons of interest in the case. However, Globe Telecommunications, the service provider for Chan’s phone number, initially said they did not have the equipment to save traffic data. When the warrant was amended and reapplied, Globe submitted traffic but not content data. Traffic data refers to computer data other than the content of the communication, such as the communication’s origin, destination, route, time, date, size, duration, and type of underlying service. The post PNP wants calls, texts bared appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Dela Rosa: Amend cybercrime law to check suspects’ mobile data
The Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs is eyeing amendments to Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 to allow the disclosure of computer data, including the content of calls or text messages by individuals who are subjects of case investigations. This suggestion came during Monday’s public hearing on the ambush of Aparri Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda in Nueva Vizcaya last 19 February, where Lt. Col. Christopher Luyun, officer in charge of the Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Unit of Cagayan Valley cited restrictions provided in RA 10175 as among the hurdles hampering the probe into the ambush of Alameda and five others. "We applied for a warrant to disclose computer data doon sa number ni Mayor Chan based sa affidavit ni Mrs. Alameda. However, noong una, sinagot ng (telecommunications firm) Globe na they don't have the equipment to save ‘yung traffic data. Pero nung inamend ‘yung warrant, nag-reapply kami Sir, nag-submit naman ‘yung Globe pero walang content" (At first, Globe responded saying they didn't have the equipment to save traffic data. But when we amended the warrant and reapplied, Globe submitted but there was no content), Luyun told the committee chaired by Sen. Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa. Aparri Mayor Bryan Chan was among the persons of interest in the attack on Alameda and his five companions in Purok 5, Sitio Kinakao, Baretbet, Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya. Under Section 14 of RA 10175, “law enforcement authorities, upon securing a court warrant, shall issue an order requiring any person or service provider to disclose or submit, within 72 hours from receipt of such order, subscriber’s information, traffic data or relevant data in his/its possession or control, in relation to a valid complaint officially docketed and assigned for investigation by law enforcement authorities, and the disclosure of which is necessary and relevant for the purpose of investigation.” Traffic data or non-content data refer to any computer data other than the content of the communication, including, but not limited to the communication’s origin, destination, route, time, date, size, duration or type of underlying service. "So maybe i-amend natin ‘yang batas na ‘yan na pagdating sa investigation ng isang krimen ay dapat obligado ang service provider like Globe to disclose to the investigating agencies ‘yung contents ng kanilang cellphone" (Maybe we should amend that law when it comes to the investigation of a crime, so service providers like Globe should be required to disclose to the investigating agencies the contents of their cellphone), Dela Rosa said. The committee also tackled several measures requiring the installation of closed-circuit television, the proposed Law Enforcement Body-worn Camera Act and the Checkpoint Regularization Act. The post Dela Rosa: Amend cybercrime law to check suspects’ mobile data appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Legarda seeks support over P1-B ‘Egay’ damages
Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda calls for support for the country’s agriculture sector after typhoon “Egay” left over P1 billion worth of damages in agricultural products. In its situation bulletin issued 2 p.m. Saturday, the Department of Agriculture or DA reported that typhoon “Egay” has left P1.36 billion worth of damage to agriculture, with a volume of production loss of 62,259 metric tons, affecting 98,969 hectares of agricultural land and 91,268 farmers. Affected farms included those planted with rice, corn, high-value crops, livestock and poultry. Fishermen were also displaced. The increase in the value of damages is due to the updated reports from the Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon and Western Visayas. Antique, Legarda’s home province, has sustained P5.5 million losses in rice crops due to the typhoon, the Office of the Provincial Agriculture said Friday. Do better “We need to do better in helping our farmers deal with typhoons and other disasters. Our efforts need to be crop-specific, site-level, and continuous. We also need to look at systemic and ecosystem-based resilience measures,” she remarked, adding that the ecosystem damage, perennially unaccounted for in disasters, contributes to lessening the sector’s capacity to rebound from disasters. Legarda said that while the government is always ready to provide emergency relief assistance for farmers, they need help with resilient varieties to plant, advice on better timing, and ecosystem-based protections like windbreaks and watersheds. She strongly supports technological advancements and science-based analysis as a key method to develop a modern, resilient, and sustainable agriculture industry to provide the most appropriate, specific, and well-directed support pre- and post-disaster. The post Legarda seeks support over P1-B ‘Egay’ damages appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ICC probe: Allow now, challenge later
The Philippines may just let the International Criminal Court’s investigation into the bloody drug war of the previous administration roll in the meantime and then challenge its jurisdiction later, according to Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez Thursday. The government, whose plea to block the probe fell on deaf ears, has high hopes the international tribunal would eventually grant its appeal to lay off the country. “The proper and only course of action for the Republic of the Philippines is to raise the issue of jurisdiction when the case is eventually filed in the ICC. Jurisdiction can be questioned at any stage of the proceedings,” said Rodriguez, a lawyer. “When the case is brought to the ICC, we raise the issue of jurisdiction, and the Philippines will surely secure its dismissal for lack of jurisdiction,” he added. Calls have been made to end the ICC’s probe into former President Rodrigo Duterte’s “war on drugs” that claimed thousands of lives during his six years in office that started in 2016. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has firmly maintained that the country would not engage with the ICC, insisting the government would not let the court interfere in the country’s business. ‘Oplan Tokhang’ Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, who during the Duterte administration led the anti-drug campaign known as “Oplan Tokhang,” had previously said he was ready in case a warrant of arrest was served on him, but only if by Philippine authorities and not by any foreigner directed by the ICC. But for Rodriguez, the government officials concerned should compose themselves and study the ICC decision well. “There is no need for our government officials to make many extraneous comments on the decision,” he said. Some 6,000 persons were reportedly killed in Duterte’s drug war, according to government data, the majority of whom were from low-income families. However, local and international human rights organizations estimated the number of victims at more than 30,000. Meanwhile, senators expressed dismay at the ICC decision that turned down the Philippine appeal, saying there was no need for it since the Philippines has a “working justice system.” Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. on Thursday said the ICC should not be allowed to meddle in the country’s affairs. “We do not need to remind them that we are a free, independent, and sovereign nation governed by our laws,” he said. Revilla said that since Philippine government officials will be held liable for violations, the laws of the country should prevail and not of foreign prosecutors. “I am befuddled by the ICC’s pursuit of this obvious baseless persecution while legitimate concerns and crimes against humanity are being perpetrated in other parts of the world as we speak. It is obvious the ICC’s interest here is not justice but something else entirely,” he said. Operating very well Senator Mark Villar said there was no need for any international body to intervene in the country’s justice system, stressing that Philippine democracy is fully functioning. He said the Philippine justice system is “operating very well” and it could address its own human rights concerns. “Our government has a very strong justice system that is working so I don’t think we need international interference. We have our courts, we have a strong justice system, that’s what I believe,” Villar said in a recent interview. Aside from Duterte and Dela Rosa, the ICC report included Senator Christopher “Bong” Go and incumbent Vice President Sara Duterte in the probe. Unfazed Dela Rosa has remained unfazed by the ICC ruling and is even mulling another Senate term, although he said the ICC probe will affect a reelection bid. “Since I am identified with the former president, I may not get the votes. The votes I will get will be those in support of [former] president Duterte. But the support may even grow since many Filipinos are also angered by [the ICC’s] interference in our sovereignty, so its impact on my reelection bid may even be positive,” he said. Dela Rosa reiterated that the drug war was launched by the Duterte administration not for any personal gain but “to protect the Filipino people from the drug menace, especially our youth.” The post ICC probe: Allow now, challenge later appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Rep Rodriguez wants to extend tenure of SK officials
Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, or BSKE, draw near, and calls have been made to extend the tenure of its officials to five years from the initial three years. Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, the proponent of House Bill 7123, said the coming BSKE, which would grant elected officials of only two-year tenure following the Supreme Court's ruling, is unjust for them. "Let’s give all of those to be voted this year and succeeding elections a uniform term of office of five years, instead of those to be voted in October having a two-year tenure and those to be elected in 2025 enjoying three years," he said. The call was triggered by the SC verdict of giving the winners of the BSKE coming 30 October polls a shorter term of two years. The election, which was originally set for 5 December of this year, was moved to an earlier date, pursuant to Republic Act 11935, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos on 12 October last year. However, the SC, last week rebuffed the law, deeming it "unconstitutional." On the contrary, Rodriguez, the chairman of the constitutional amendments panel in the House of Representatives, argued that the coming elected officers should not bare the repercussions of the ruling that Congress had lobbied for. "Let us correct our error by fixing a five-year term of office for all grassroots officers to be elected beginning in October. I urge the committee on local government to support my proposal," said the veteran solon, noting the panel has yet to act on it since it was filed last February. Rodriguez's HB 7123 lobbies for increasing two years the tenure of barangay officials by amending the Local Government Code of the Philippines, which grants BSK officials of three-year tenure with a three-term limit. The coming grassroots poll this year will break the year-long postponement. Recall that BSKE has been postponed four times since 2016 through RAs 10923, 10952, 11462 and 11935. The post Rep Rodriguez wants to extend tenure of SK officials appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
COMING EMZOOM
GAC Motor Philippines, under the management of Astara Philippines, held a grand ceremony at the Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan, Quezon City, to introduce the all-new GS3 Emzoom to the world. The event signified a significant stride in the brand's ongoing expansion and growth strategy within the Philippine market. "We are proud to host the international debut of the all-new GS3 Emzoom after its reveal in China last December. The GS3 Emzoom is the newest challenger in the scene, set to drive the GAC brand to new heights and zoom through Philippine roads with its fierce and sporty character," said Jun Cajayon, brand head of GAC Motor, Astara Philippines. The launch was attended by Astara executives from both GAC and Peugeot, GAC dealer principals, friends from the banking industry and the motoring media. Also present was newly announced ambassador for the GAC brand, Dingdong Dantes. The GS3 Emzoom launch is a clear testament to GAC's aggressive growth strategy in the Philippines. Astara Philippines, the new distributor of GAC Motor, is rapidly expanding the brand's dealership network. They have increased the number of dealerships from six in January of this year, to 16 dealerships as of this writing, with a target of 20 by the end of 2023. The current dealerships are in Alabang, Bacoor, Tarlac, Pampanga, Pasig, and Davao. New ones are set to open in E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue (C5), Manila Bay, Quezon Avenue, Lipa City, Cainta, Makati, BGC, Batangas City, Cagayan de Oro and Bacolod. The GS3 Emzoom is a trendy and intelligent SUV, perfect for the dynamic and mobile generation. The vehicle carries GAC’s bold and futuristic design language. Angular edges, geometric textures and a dynamic stance give it a sporty yet futuristic industrial aesthetic. Its look is completed by 19-inch alloy wheels, an exhaust sound package and a sporty body kit, exclusive to the top of the range GL variant. The vehicle's front face features what the brand calls the Flying Wing Front Grille and Laser-Eye LED headlights, geometric executions that give the car a sporty attitude while maintaining its sleek and futuristic appearance. Its sides are led by arc shadow blades that lead to its light dart tail lamps. The GS3 Emzoom’s interior combines a trendy aesthetic with functionality and comfort. It includes advanced technological features such as dual screens, a multi-function steering wheel, leather seats, wireless charging, and futuristic AC vents. A sunroof with electric shades provides additional daylight and an airy cabin experience. The wide cabin offers more legroom and shoulder space than its competitors in the sub-compact crossover segment. Ample storage spaces and compartments can fit up to 21 items across the entire vehicle, while its luggage compartment provides a vast amount of cargo space when rear seats are folded flat. Safety has not been compromised in the GS3 Emzoom. It comes packed with industry-standard safety features, including Dual Front Side and Curtain Airbags, seatbelts with Pretensioner and Force Limiters, Hill-start Hold Control, Hill Descent Control, Electronic Parking Brake with Autohold, Electronic Stability Program, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, ISOFIX Child Safety Seat Anchors, and Engine Immobilizer. Moreover, the GS3 Emzoom features a wide range of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems including cruise control,parking sensors, a reverse camera, and other intelligent systems such as High Beam Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Warning. The GS3 Emzoom is powered by a third-generation 1.5 Turbocharged gasoline direct injection engine mated to a seven-speed Wet Dual Clutch Transmission. The robust engine delivers 174 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque, combining power and efficiency for a smooth, energetic drive. The GS3 Emzoom is available in three variants: 1.5L GS DCT priced at P 998,000, 1.5L GB DCT at P1,098,000, and the top-of-the-range 1.5L GL DCT at P 1,198,000. Five colors are on offer, namely, Salt Lake Blue (the launch color), Graphene Grey (matte finish), Moonlight Grey, Ivory White, and Superstar Silver. Potential customers can book their reservations for the all-new GS3 Emzoom at all GAC Motor dealerships nationwide or through their website. All units come with a five-year warranty and customer deliveries will commence next month. The post COMING EMZOOM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go calls for strengthening road safety measures and education campaign
In observance of Road Safety Month, Senator Bong Go emphasized the critical need to strengthen road safety measures in the country, urging for an intensified education campaign and the enactment of Senate Bill No. 1290, also known as the Walkable and Bikeable Communities Act. A co-sponsor of the bill, Go aims to establish safe routes for cyclists, pedestrians, and slow vehicles across the entire country. In an ambush interview after personally providing aid to poor residents in Sta. Praxedes, Cagayan on 18 May, Go expressed his concern about the deaths recorded in the country each year due to road crashes. “According to the DOTr (Department of Transportation), mayroon pong around 11,000 deaths recorded kada taon sa Pilipinas dahil po sa road crashes,” cited Go. “Sa kadalasan po, ito pong drunk driving, over speeding, texting while driving, iwasan po natin ‘yan, at human error,” he added. Based on the 2018 World Health Organization's Global Status Report on Road Safety, the Philippines is showing a growing number of road traffic deaths, with a mortality rate of 12.3 for every 100,000 residents. This positions the country as the tenth most dangerous in Asia in roadway mortalities. Additionally, Southeast Asia is notable for having the second-highest incidence of road traffic deaths worldwide. To combat this issue, Go urged the relevant government agencies involved in the Philippine Road Safety Plan for 2023 to 2028 to intensify the road safety education campaign nationwide. “Halimbawa, ‘yung mga kumukuha po ng driver’s license, siguraduhin pong complied talaga, dapat walang palusot, dapat pumasa sa mga practical at theoretical lessons. Kasi mayro’ng iba sa kanila nagpapakuha na lang sa mga fixer,” Go pointed out. The senator emphasized that road safety is not only crucial for drivers and their passengers but also for pedestrians. He also urged everyone to abide by the law and drive safely, emphasizing the shared responsibility to ensure road safety for all. In addition to his advocacy for education and awareness, Go is also pushing for the enactment of SBN 1290, which aims to provide secure and easily accessible routes for pedestrians, cyclists, and non-motorized vehicles. The bill, authored by Senator Pia Cayetano, has already passed the third reading in the Senate. Go highlighted the importance of promoting alternative modes of transportation, such as cycling, walking, and slow vehicles, by establishing a network of safe pathways, bicycle lanes, walkways, and slow streets across the country. “Importante dito, ligtas at healthy tayo kapag nakapagbike tayo at (friendly) sa ating environment, at exercise din po ito sa ating katawan. Dahil ang bike naman po, walang ginagamit na krudo o gasolina, environment-friendly po ito,” said Go. The post Bong Go calls for strengthening road safety measures and education campaign appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bill seeks more Shari’ah Courts
Senator Robinhood Padilla has filed Senate Bill 2215 pushing for the establishment of additional Shari’ah Courts in the country to make an “equitable and speedy justice system” become accessible to more Muslim Filipinos. SB 2215 proposed amendments to Presidential Decree 1083, citing the 1987 Constitution’s provision that the “State shall recognize, respect and protect the rights of indigenous cultural communities to preserve and develop their cultures, traditions and institutions.” “This is to ensure that our Muslim brothers and sisters across the archipelago will have better access to the specialized knowledge and expertise of Shari’ah judges, promoting fair and equal treatment of Muslims under the law, regardless of their geographic location,” Padilla told reporters on Saturday. Padilla also stressed the growing number of Muslim Filipinos and the increasing rate of migration across the country “calls for the need to establish additional justice districts” to resolve disputes involving Muslim customary and personal laws. Under the proposed measure, three Shari’ah districts shall be established in addition to five existing district courts, which have territorial jurisdiction only over the Mindanao areas including in Sulu; Tawi-Tawi; Basilan, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur and Dipolog, Pagadian, and Zamboanga Cities; Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur and Iligan and Marawi Cities; and Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato City. The bill pushed for the sixth district for Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Camiguin, Cagayan de Oro City and provinces in Davao Region and Caraga. Seventh district for provinces within Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, and Mimaropa; while the eighth district shall be built within Metro Manila Cordillera, and Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon and Bicol Region. The bill also seeks for the establishment of permanent stations should the three new districts will be established in Davao City (sixth district); Cebu City (seventh district); and Manila City (eighth district). So far, the existing permanent stations are in Jolo, Sulu; Bongao, Tawi-Tawi; Zamboanga City; Marawi City; and Cotabato City. These Shari’ah courts are under the supervision of the Supreme Court of the Philippines. Shari’ah District Court is roughly equivalent to the Regional Trial Court in the regular and secular Philippine court system — which is primarily bound by Islamic laws for the protection of life, property and mind of Muslim Filipinos. The post Bill seeks more Shari’ah Courts appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Katrina Ponce Enrile: A woman worthy of her name
Anyone who had come of age in the late 1970s and the 1980s would surely know about the most famous names and faces of the younger set of the era known for the coming of age of feminism and women’s lib. The 1960s may have ushered in a cultural revolution but it was in the succeeding decades that the cataclysmic events of the decade that was, in the Philippines, would manifest in the ways and attitudes of Filipino women. I mention this phase in our history because I am sharing my thoughts on one woman whom many consider as one of the country’s most powerful, influential and successful. She is Katrina Ponce Enrile. I may not privy to the growing-up years of Katrina Ponce Enrile, and I would not have the advantage of seeing her from the point of view of someone old enough to observe the growth of a child, but as a teenager, I would occasionally read about her and see her on photographs published in newspapers and magazines, although not too frequent. I just knew she was not only well-bred and beautiful in the mestiza sense being the daughter of a striking beauty of a mother (and the granddaughter of a handsome playboy of a paternal grandfather), but that, she too was brilliant. I would assume that she got her brains from her father, one of the wonder boys of the Marcos administration. Katrina would, in time, be mentioned in juicy gossip now and then, but it was her smarts in enterprise and management that she would eventually be recognized, this notwithstanding the controversial stories that one occasionally heard of her family members. [caption id="attachment_134172" align="aligncenter" width="525"] KATRINA Ponce Enrile has always lived up to her parents ‘ expectations.[/caption] ‘Treat everybody with respect’ But to imagine her childhood and teenage years, one would suppose that for all the comforts that she might have enjoyed while living first in Urdaneta and then Dasmarinas Village, she had had to assert herself, she had once been overheard to say: “At 10, I had to fight a little bit harder to be heard” -- which was expected if one were the only daughter of a famous lawyer of a father and a lovely talented mother, herself a respected stage actress. But no matter that she had to deal with being the daughter of awe-inspiring parents, what she had been showered with, aside from her parents’ affection, was well-meaning advice. For one, it was from her dad and mom that she first heard the word of wisdom. “Treat everybody with respect — everybody. Because you don’t know what fate will bring you or them. People that you meet when you are going up, you also meet when you are going down.” No wonder that years later, as a businesswoman, she was very thoughtful in making decisions whether she was dealing with other top businessmen, her executives or the employees who served the family company at her beck and call. “I always think of how my actions and decisions would affect others,” she said in an interview with the Daily Tribune Lifestyle. No, for all the feisty woman that we know her to be, Katrina, was not advised to be aggressively pro-active when facing a conflict. The legendary Juan Ponce Enrile, instead, cautioned his daughter: “Never throw the first punch. But if they throw the first punch, then…” This, she would take to heart whenever she had had to face corporate, social or emotional bullies, not that she is one to attract people prone to violating her rights. [caption id="attachment_134173" align="aligncenter" width="525"] As the only daughter of Juan Ponce Enrile, the most famous native son of Cagayan, Katrina brings to her new job an affection for the province and Cagayanos and the whole Cagayan Valley.[/caption] One imagines her father might have preferred her to be a boy, JPE being a man’s man, but to which she would have retorted: “Dad, I don’t have to be a boy to be what I am now… Girls can do it too.” Call it outright confidence, or chutzpah, or maybe it’s Pinay pride, but Katrina is not one to be cowed. And yes, she could lead and fight and attack, but as her father would most likely say: “Only if they attack first.” Self-assured executive What I have heard of Katrina, especially from my dear friend, Carol Mercado, who was her classmate at St. Paul College, is her signature confidence. “From our youth, when she could be stubborn, she has matured steadily into a self-assured executive no wonder that she has accomplish much as an entrepreneur. “It’s a paradox that while she may have been underestimated at times and even flat out rejected, she knows how to overcome these challenges because she is one creative person and she is not one to easily bow down or to say no. But then, she is not even outright assertive. She could be very charming and before any nemesis would know it, she has gotten what she wants without lifting a finger.” It would seem that the lady would have aimed for political eminence, being the daughter of the powerful JPE, but to everyone’s surprise, she had chosen to create a name outside of her inherited box (or confines), so to speak. While she takes pride in being an Enrile, she has not taken advantage of her family name as though an amulet that would do wonders for her. Instead, she has chosen to rely on the old-fashioned values of industry, respect for others, commitment and determination. She might as well be girl scout, except more courageous, daring and trailblazing. Flexing her risk-taking muscles In her 20s, when her friends were disco dancing, she was, to use another friend’s words, “flexing her risk-taking muscle and sharpening her foresight for the first time — pivotal experiences that would shape her business sense now admired by many.” She surprised everyone when, at 26, she bought properties in Palawan. “It was a big joke to many,” she recalled. “They could not see any reason I should take the risk and invest in a place where no one dared go. It was then no man’s country and perceived to be mosquito-infested.” Today, Palawan is a safe haven from the pandemic, and, of course, an investors’ paradise. On the other hand, her parents saw a promise in her, someone who would play a key role in the family enterprises. They appointed her as Group Treasurer even before her 30th birthday, and with it the added role of overseeing the many concerns of the JAKA Group of Companies. It is quite a daunting responsibility given its extensive industrial reach –- food manufacturing and product distribution to marketing and logistics; forest plantation management; safety match manufacturing, property management and development; as well as IT, security and financial services. It would seem that, for a “beginner” in the big league, it was beyond Katrina’s grasp, and yet she lived up to her parents’ expectations. [caption id="attachment_134175" align="aligncenter" width="525"] SOME of Delimondo’s best products.[/caption] In time she would qualify as the firm’s COO and eventually CEO. Not one used to trumpeting her achievements, Katrina candidly shared: “I was able to turn around the company, helping navigate it through the debilitating Asian Financial Crisis in the mid-1990s. And when the peso devalued in 2008 to 2009, when we had [a] one dollar denominated loan which I had to quickly deal with, I was able to restructure our company and keep it afloat.” Soon, she would be trusted to manage JAKA’s investments, which “allowed me to dream of bigger things, this in the midst of an economic crisis and the pressure to survive it.” Her baby Delimondo When shopping in a supermarket or a grocery, the Filipino consumers, especially those who take their corned beef seriously, would pick the Delimondo brand. They would also put the brand’s Bolognese Pasta, Luncheon Meat, Yellowfin Tuna spreads and aromatic oils in their cart or shopping bags. Katrina confides, “Delimondo was my baby and was purely our family’s venture.” Her was a one-woman team that managed the brand’s marketing, sales and R&D. To introduce it to the market, she gave away cans of their initial recipes for free. “I wanted to offer something deliciously different, one that I enjoyed from my travels abroad.” [caption id="attachment_134174" align="aligncenter" width="525"] SHE is most proud of her baby, Delimondo.[/caption] It wasn’t long before investors would come in too aware that Delimondo operates its own plants that produce and package its own products. The company would soon expand and offers its manufacturing services to other products all the way to exporting them. In time and with Katrina at the helm, JAKA shifted to investing in other companies. But if her JAKA performance is impressive, anyone should take a look at her other achievements. To cite one, as the Philippines Overseas Telecommunications Operations director and CEO/president. She led the efforts to renew the company’s franchise that would allow it to provide the Philippines satellite services. For another, as director and president, she has brought into the Montemar Resorts Development Corporation and Montemar Beach Club Inc. not only her management expertise, but her exposure to top international resorts as a frequent guest. No wonder that Manila’s well-heeled consider these resorts as standard-bearers of local luxury travel. [caption id="attachment_134171" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘Delimondo was my baby and was purely our family’s venture,’ said Katrina.[/caption] Transforming the upper east corner of Luzon Katrina also sits as the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority’s vice chairperson. In this role, she envisions making the province a model destination that easily rivals the country’s capital. “They’re considering appointing me as administrator. Once that post is confirmed, I will be fully committed to transforming the upper east corner of Luzon into another business area that the Philippines will be proud of.” As part of her vision, she plans to build a stronger point of economy with the available freeport and expand its potential by constructing an airport. To attract investors, she plans to boost incentives to encourage more players to relocate. “We plan to make smart cities there. I plan to make it very green. I plan to protect the lush forests. It’s really also known as the rice granary of the Philippines. I plan to push the transition from GMOs (genetically modified organism) to non-GMOs. I know that that will be a hard task but I plan to do it. I want to give the Filipinos healthy food for the next generations to come,” she states. Worthy and deserving As the only daughter of the most famous native son of Cagayan, Katrina brings to her new job an affection for the province and Cagayanos and the whole Cagayan Valley. She may have grown up in Manila, travelled the whole world, but her heart has always remained in the home of her father, Juan Ponce Enrile, and it is among his people, relatives and townsmen that she intends to pursue her next dream. There is no stopping this feisty Cagayanon. For her home province, she is out to conquer the world. But then, I must insist that this is not about being her father’s daughter, although there is no denying the great influence of JPE on Katrina becoming the woman that she has become -- strong-willed, passionate, forward-thinking. Still, Katrina could only thank herself most for being herself. That she accepted the challenges that came her way and faced them head on using her own gifts and advantages – which undoubtedly brought her to her destiny, one that she has arrived at and one that she has yet to fulfill. Indeed, if the women’s movement has reached this far, and women today now enjoy key positions in government, private sector and civil society, this may be attributed to the generations of women who have looked toward the future and embraced their destinies as key players in the affairs of humanity. Katrina is one of these women and we wish her all the best. No one could be more worthy of the challenge and deserving of the honor. The post Katrina Ponce Enrile: A woman worthy of her name appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Priest killed in Bukidnon
CAGAYAN DE ORO (MindaNews / 25 January) – A priest from the Diocese of Malaybalay was ambushed and killed by still unidentified armed men Sunday night as he was returning home to St. John XXIII College Seminary, his body found near the gate of the Carmelite Monastery in Barangay Patpat, Malaybalay City. Police answering calls […].....»»
Groups call for release of Amanda Echanis, baby as COVID-19 cases reported in jail
“The government should act immediately as the health of Echanis and her baby is at high risk, especially in overly congested, poorly equipped prison conditions where social distancing is impossible and mass testing for COVID-19 is ignored.” The post Groups call for release of Amanda Echanis, baby as COVID-19 cases reported in jail appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Echanis counsel reminds CIDG: Stop harassing activist mother in detention
"May we remind the CIDG Cagayan Region 2 to refrain from “interviewing” or attempting to “interview” our client, Amanda Echanis. The case is now pending before the court. Hands off Amanda!" Perez said. .....»»
Daughter of slain peace consultant, arrested, detained with 1-month old son
BY AARON MACARAEG Bulatlat.com MANILA– Peasant organizations and Anakpawis Partylist denounced the arrest of Amanda Echanis and her one-month old son. Amanda is the daughter of extrajudicially killed Randall “Ka Randy’ Echanis. She was arrested early morning of December 12, Tuesday, in Baggao, Cagayan. It was 3:30 a.m. of December 2 when combined forces of… The post Daughter of slain peace consultant, arrested, detained with 1-month old son appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Cagayan gov backs probe on Magat management
Cagayan Gov. Manuel Mamba is backing calls for an investigation of the Magat Dam management, which he blames for the massive flooding that left 13 people dead in his province......»»