Growing local support for ICC doesn’t convince Marcos to change stance
Separate surveys conducted in December 2023 by polling firms Social Weather Stations and OCTA reveal an increasing trend in favor of the ICC probe.....»»
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......»»
Local officials’ union throws support behind charter change
Not all local government officials, however, share the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines' position on the initiative to amend the Constitution.....»»
Calinan District residents protest vs disguised Cha-cha
Residents from the 19 barangays in Calinan District rallied against the disguised People's Initiative for Charter Change in a protest held on January 19, 2024. Organized by the barangay captains, around 100 individuals from each barangay gathered at Rizal Park, chanting Dabawenyos are not for sale and expressing their disapproval of the alleged cash-for-signature scheme. The protest emphasized the residents' desire for fairness and a better government approach, rejecting the notion of exchanging signatures for money. Participants, including both young and old residents, voiced their opposition to the charter change, with the youth expressing concerns about power-hungry officials. Even 75-year-old Rosminda Amarilla joined the protest to question the need for change after numerous presidents have governed without such alterations. The rally, which included a motorcade and drew approximately 300 participants, received disapproval from Congressman Paolo Pulong Z. Duterte and Congressman Isidro Ungab, who alleged that the signature campaign was orchestrated by leaders of the Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Partylist. As of the latest update, PBA Representative Margarita Atty. Migs Nograles has yet to release a statement on the matter......»»
Marcos vows to actively thwart ICC access to gov’t information
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has vowed to actively prevent International Criminal Court representatives from making any contact with government agencies or officials even as they have been allowed to enter the country......»»
TO THE RESCUE
Rescuers struggle through chest-high floodwaters to convince residents to vacate their homes for shelter in Juliville and Jade Valley subdivisions. Some residents who live in two-story houses choose to stay and wait for the water to subside in fear of losing their belongings. (Kath Cortez/davaotoday.com).....»»
Keeping the faith
It took five years for Dominick Fajardo to convince himself that he could play in the PBA......»»
Opposition bares some Senate bets for 2025 elections
Liberal Party spokesperson Leila de Lima says that the party will try to convince former vice president Leni Robredo to join the opposition's senatorial ticket.....»»
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.....»»
US State Secretary Blinken begins Middle East tour, marks his first stop in Saudi Arabia
Jeddah [Saudi Arabia], March 21 (ANI): US State Secretary Antony Blinken who began his Middle East tour arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, marking his first stop on this trip to discuss efforts to reach an "immediate ceasefire agreement" between Israel and Hamas, The New York Times reported. Blinken's visit to Jeddah came as US President Joe Biden's administration was hoping it could convince Saudi Arabia to establish.....»»
Warriors sought LeBron James at trade deadline – report
The Warriors reportedly attempted to convince the Lakers to part with LeBron James during the trade deadline in what could have been a mega blockbuster deal.....»»
Charter change could worsen destructive mining impact
By DOMINIC GUTOMAN AND ZYSA MEI ELLORAN Bulatlat.com MANILA – For environmental defenders, the government’s push for charter change (cha-cha) could worsen the already dire impacts of destructive mining corporations on vulnerable communities. The Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas (Katribu) and Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines (YACAP) held a protest in front of… The post Charter change could worsen destructive mining impact appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Philippine economy growth may reach 6 pct to 7 pct in 2023: Marcos
MANILA, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos on Thursday night expressed optimism that his country can reach a gross domestic product (GDP) growth target of 6 percent to 7 percent for 2023. "The Philippines is touted to become one of the fastest-growing economies among major Asian countries in 2023," said Marcos during a traditional ceremony at the presidential palace in Manila......»»
Philippine economy growth may reach 6 pct to 7 pct in 2023: Marcos
MANILA, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos on Thursday night expressed optimism that his country can reach a gross domestic product (GDP) growth target of 6 percent to 7 percent for 2023. "The Philippines is touted to become one of the fastest-growing economies among major Asian countries in 2023," said Marcos during a traditional ceremony at the presidential palace in Manila......»»
Marcos pushes Philippines-Australia partnership on climate change
President Marcos yesterday urged Australia to work with the Philippines on clean and renewable energy and measures aimed at addressing the effects of climate change that place food security and people’s livelihood at risk......»»
DENR, LGUs told to focus on climate change mitigation
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources must come up with plans to enhance local efforts to mitigate climate change, according to President Marcos, who had described the problem as “the most pressing existential challenge of our time.”.....»»
Local execs reaffirm support for activities of Army engineering unit
Local officials reassured support for the development initiatives of the 549th Engineering Combat Battalion on Saturday, a day after its new commander assumed leadership of the unit, involved in rehabilitation projects in conflict-stricken Moro-dominated towns......»»
From Marcos to Marcos: Lawyers murderously attacked
From the Marcos Martial Law period to 2000, one lawyer was killed each year (18 in 18 years). From 2001 to the present, there have been 204 lawyers killed at a yearly rate of about 8.87. The post From Marcos to Marcos: Lawyers murderously attacked appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Charter change could mean more US troops in the PHL – Fil-Am activists
By JANESS ANN J. ELLAOBulatlat.com NEW YORK — Filipino-American activists here denounced ongoing attempts to change the Philippine Constitution as this may result in increased US military presence in the Philippines and worsen the geopolitical tension in the West Philippine Sea. In an interview with Bulatlat, Michelle Thiele of Gabriela-New York stressed that for US… The post Charter change could mean more US troops in the PHL – Fil-Am activists appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Charter change could bring back dictatorship, intensify rights abuses — survivor
For Medy De Jesus, 74, a martial law survivor and member of human rights group Hustisya, the impending charter change could bring back another dictatorship and more human rights violations. The post Charter change could bring back dictatorship, intensify rights abuses — survivor appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Councilor urges social media influencers to observe local laws
The Davao City councilor, Temujin “Tek” Ocampo, has urged social media influencers to familiarize themselves with local ordinances before promoting areas to their followers. Ocampo, who heads the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, appreciates the promotion of Davao City by social media influencers but emphasizes the importance of understanding local laws before attracting crowds to specific areas. He expressed gratitude for the promotion but highlighted the challenge of controlling the influx of people once a location is featured. Ocampo plans to collaborate with Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, Chair of the Committee on Tourism and Beautification, to accredit social media vloggers through the local government unit. He underscored the need for accredited vloggers, recognizing their contributions to the city and addressing any mistakes they might make. This initiative aims to balance recognition for positive actions with corrective measures for any missteps. The concerns arose in November 2023 when a Davao City-based environment group criticized a travel vlogger for promoting recreational activities in a river within the Panigan-Tamugan Watershed. Following a waste dumping incident on January 11, 2024, the group urged Dabawenyos, especially vloggers and influencers, to refrain from visiting protected areas for leisure. They emphasize the importance of understanding and respecting rules and regulations before endorsing specific parts of the city......»»