Report on Davao City-wide lockdown is fake news, says Sara Duterte
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 26 October) – Despite the recent spike in the number of new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases here, a city-wide lockdown will not be implemented, Mayor Sara Duterte said on Monday. During a live interview over the Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR 87.5), Duterte refuted a post circulating on Facebook, which claimed […].....»»
Re-imposition of lockdown in Davao ‘fake news’, says Mayor Sara
Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio dispelled a “fake” social media post that the City Government of Davao is re-imposing a lockdown after a surge of COVID-19 cases in the city......»»
Estrella dubs as ‘fake news’ the alleged plan to oust Romualdez
House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco’s last week’s dinner with presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte isn’t meant to plan for the ouster of House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez. While it was true that Velasco, along with his wife, flew to Davao City to meet with Duterte last Friday, a senior lawmaker, speaking on […] The post Estrella dubs as ‘fake news’ the alleged plan to oust Romualdez appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SMNI suspension urged for alleged violations
Davao City-based legislator and Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Partylist Representative Margarita “Migs” Ignacia B. Nograles has proposed a resolution urging the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to suspend the operations of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI). The resolution alleges that SMNI has violated the terms of its franchise and disseminated false information, failing in its responsibility to the public. This move is in response to multiple complaints filed against SMNI, including accusations of fake news peddling and baseless red-tagging of individuals, groups, and organizations. Specific incidents cited in the resolution include attacks on ACT Teachers Partylist Representative France L. Castro and false claims about House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez's foreign travel expenses. SMNI's host, Jeffrey “Ka Eric” Celiz, admitted to providing inaccurate information on air, further fueling the allegations against the network. Pending the Committee on Legislative Franchises' recommendations on SMNI's alleged violations, Nograles emphasized the urgency for the NTC to halt the deliberate dissemination of false information that may erode public trust. The 25-year franchise of SMNI was renewed in 2019, and the network has not yet issued an official statement regarding the resolution. In a related development, the House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Franchises cited Celiz and former National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) spokesperson Lorraine Badoy-Partosa in contempt for refusing to disclose their source of erroneous information and being evasive about their income from co-producing their show. Both anchors will be detained at the House premises until the committee's report is adopted in the plenary. This story highlights the growing scrutiny on SMNI's operations and the calls for accountability amid allegations of spreading false information......»»
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......»»
Social workers ‘foot soldiers for social change’
DAVAO CITY — Vice President Sara Duterte recently lauded social workers for their hard work and dedication in social justice, and for being the “foot soldiers for social change.” At least 2,000 social welfare officers from across the country were gathered to take part in the 26th National Convention and General Assembly of Association of Local Social Welfare and Development Officers of the Philippines at the SMX Convention Center here on Tuesday. In her keynote speech, Duterte said she admires the hard work, resilience, sacrifices and the positive attributes of social workers as she emphasized the essential role of social workers in attending to the community during calamities, providing assistance during search and rescue operations, and trauma healing for victims of battering, and physical and sexual abuses. Citing her experience as mayor of Davao City, Duterte shared the Kean Gabriel Hotline where community members can anonymously report incidents of child abuse. “The Kean Gabriel Hotline receives calls and messages 24/7. And behind the hotline are social workers. They receive and process information about possible child abuse and, together with the child protection officers of the police, conduct rescue operations,” Duterte said. “And I must say that without the help and dedication of the social workers and their hearts for abused victims, we could have failed Kean Gabriel once again,” she added. Kean Gabriel was a child who died because of abuse. Since the creation of the hotline in 2016, the city has no recorded child death due to abuse. The post Social workers ‘foot soldiers for social change’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Martin-Sara tension far from over?
Members of the House of Representatives were quick to come in defense of Speaker Martin Romualdez amid tensions with Vice President Sara Duterte, with whom he had shared the leadership of the ruling Lakas-CMD party. The strangely fueled statements of multiple congressmen professing full support for Romualdez came a day after Duterte made a forceful remark against the House chief, saying he had “absolutely nothing to do” with her VP bid in the May 2022 polls. Instead, the VP said, it was Senator Imee Marcos who convinced her to run for the post alongside President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the latter’s brother. Although not explicitly referring to Duterte, House Majority Leader Mannix Dalipe asserted on Thursday that the House has no time for “partisan distractions” since members of the lower chamber are busy and cannot afford to squander their time on “useless partisan bickering.” “The House of Representatives will not be slowed down by premature partisanship. All these political rumblings are unnecessary distractions that will only brake our momentum in ensuring the swift passage of President Marcos’ priority measures and those that were approved by LEDAC,” said Dalipe, member of the ruling party. Santa Rosa Rep. Dan Fernandez, chairman of the House public order panel and former deputy speaker, claimed that while both Duterte and his House colleagues fully support the President, such backing would be more robust if it were free of political squabbles. Fernandez also appealed to Duterte, “who ran and won on a platform espousing unity, to join the President in translating this call for unity into action.” “We can achieve these goals, which we all want for our people, if we do away with political bickerings. We should instead work together and keep a laser focus on what needs to be done to ensure a vibrant and prosperous future for all Filipinos,” he added. Tensions between Romualdez and Duterte flared again after the latter retaliated against Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga, saying he was “badly informed” or “made to believe a lie” that Romualdez had tremendously helped Duterte’s vice presidential candidacy. Duterte was eventually recruited to join Lakas-CMD, which she co-leads with Romualdez before she tendered her irrevocable resignation on 20 May. Her departure, however, was thought to be in retaliation to the demotion of Pampanga lawmaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from the position of the House’s second-highest official after she was accused of staging a coup against Romualdez. “The Speaker worked hard for then-Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte’s vice-presidential bid because he genuinely believed that she would make a difference. Their rift is sad news and I hope that it will be mended soon,” said Barzaga, former deputy speaker and a stalwart of National Unity Party. “There was no Speaker Romualdez in the picture,” Duterte said previously, responding to Barzaga. “To say that he ‘tremendously helped in pushing for’ my vice presidential bid is acutely inaccurate — an insult to thousands of groups and individuals who incessantly implored me to reconsider an earlier decision not to join national politics.” Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel, secretary-general of the VP’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte’s party, the PDP Laban, pointed out that the conflict had been defused; hence there’s no need to exaggerate it. “As noted by the Vice President, political disagreements stand as part and parcel of the democratic process,” Pimentel added. “Let us leave it at that and focus instead on realizing our collective goal of providing a safe, comfortable life for every Filipino.” The NUP, the second biggest party in the House after Lakas-CMD, has also come out in support of Romualdez and has pushed for boosted cooperation between the legislative and executive branches. “Our nation’s leaders would break faith with this broad and deep public support for national unity were we to waste our time with vacuous political discord that could only break apart the super-majority coalition in both the House and the Senate—and wreak havoc on the ‘Agenda for Peace and Prosperity’ of President Marcos to improve the lives of all Filipinos,” said its president LRay Villafuerte on Wednesday. Villafuerte also cautioned that political squabbles might jeopardize the supermajority coalition in the legislature, which has allowed Mr. Marcos to push ahead in his first year in office on his vision for a prosperous and peaceful Philippines. The post Martin-Sara tension far from over? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Teodoro and Teodoro
Gibo and Ted, as they are often referred to by many, are the two newest officials to join the Marcos Jr. Cabinet. That it took almost a year to fill the key positions at Defense and Health may be taken in either a positive or negative light, with people likely to veer either way depending on their political colors. Gilbert Teodoro and Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, upstanding men they may be to their friends and family, may just as easily be criticized for past actions, devotions, or decisions. Who are we to know, really, what they can do unless we look at their track record and reputation? Still, the most critical (or cynical) may argue that these are no guarantee that they can “do the job.” We will know in the end, won’t we, but there is never a bottom in the well of hope. The real question, as we may simply put it, never mind the whispers and whines, is this: are they the right men for the job? These are transformative times, as we often say. Experienced and capable as they may be, Gibo and Ted are coming in at a time when many factors have changed for the departments they are set to lead. Or, indeed, for the world. Teodoro has headed the Department of National Defense before. Yet in then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s time, the DND did not experience the level of aggression now being felt from China over territorial disputes. Dr. Herbosa is also not new to the Department of Health, having served as undersecretary during Noynoy Aquino’s presidency. He was also part of the Duterte government’s Covid-19 task force. The post-pandemic realities in the health sector will present him with fresh challenges, to be sure. It gets more interesting when one examines either man’s roots or affiliations, especially if looking into “why” they were given the government position. Teodoro’s ties to the Cojuangco clan and its “yellow” connotation, some say, could make it a little difficult for him this time around. However, his Marcos ties are also clear: his mother, Mercedes Cojuangco, was a member of the Batasang Pambansa during the Marcos Sr. presidency. Danding Cojuangco, his late uncle, was an ally of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. As DND secretary under Arroyo, he was a popular figure, touted as “the youngest person ever to hold the post” at age 43. He had a brilliant run until, some say, the president’s unpopularity at the time rubbed off on his chances to win elections. Some allege that he was “burned out” by the politics of the time — but that is all conjecture, as Teodoro practically went off the political grid for a decade, resurfacing to travel to Davao City and see than possible presidential bet Sara Duterte. Herbosa, medical trauma expert regarded as “a controversial figure during the pandemic,” has all the qualifications for the job, and likely both the strength and humility to handle problems when they arise. Joey Concepcion said Herbosa would help the government keep Covid-19 under control and keep public health in good standing, a must to have the national economy running at full capacity, a report says. So, back to the question: Are they the right men for the job? If they are to prove this, we have to set aside doubt and the tendency to speculate and just give them the chance they deserve. The post Teodoro and Teodoro appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
House opposition finds ally: Paolo Duterte votes vs charter change
MANILA, Philippines — The opposition in the House of Representatives has found an unlikely ally in Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte when he voted against a bill seeking to amend the Constitution. Duterte, the eldest son of former President Rodrigo Duterte and brother of Vice President Sara Duterte, voted against House Bill (HB) […] The post House opposition finds ally: Paolo Duterte votes vs charter change appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Allies get ready for Sara Duterte’s presidential bid
DAVAO CITY — Will she run for president or not? If the preparations are any indication, when she declares may be the appropriate question pertaining to Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte joining the 2022 presidential race. The name of Duterte has long been floated as a shoo-in to succeed his father. She has since been […] The post Allies get ready for Sara Duterte’s presidential bid appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Duterte-Duterte tandem leads in Pulse Asia survey
MANILA, Philippines — Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and President Rodrigo Duterte led the list of Filipinos’ top bets for president and vice president in Pulse Asia’s 2022 national elections survey. According to Pulse Asia on Tuesday, the survey was conducted on 2,400 respondents from June 7 to 16. Presidential bets Pulse Asia said that […] The post Duterte-Duterte tandem leads in Pulse Asia survey appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Sara Duterte says YES to possibility of running for President in 2022
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, the daughter of President Rodrigo Duterte, said yes to the possibility of running as President in the 2022 elections. Duterte-Carpio was in Cebu to visit Governor Gwendolyn Garcia in a personal capacity as she said she had wanted to return to Cebu three years after her […] The post Sara Duterte says YES to possibility of running for President in 2022 appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Sara Duterte won’t seek presidency if Rody files VP bid — HNP exec
MANILA, Philippines — Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio may not run for president under any party should her father President Rodrigo Duterte vie for the vice presidency, her regional party Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) said Monday. “If it’s really the case wherein President Digong will run for vice president in 2022, then in all likelihood, […] The post Sara Duterte won’t seek presidency if Rody files VP bid — HNP exec appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Ahong will back Sara’s bid “if she decides to run”
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines — Is Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan endorsing Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio in next year’s presidential elections? This question popped up after the mayor’s car was seen with a sticker magnet of the presidential daughter. This was observed when the mayor visited Barangay Pajo on Thursday morning, during the turnover […] The post Ahong will back Sara’s bid “if she decides to run” appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Labella wants Duterte Pa Rin movement organizers summoned
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella has instructed the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) to investigate the alleged health protocol violation of a local group of supporters for Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, which held a gathering in a hotel in the city on Sunday, […] The post Labella wants Duterte Pa Rin movement organizers summoned appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Surigao del Sur goes on all-out support for “Run Sara Run”
TANDAG CITY — Surigao del Sur Gov. Alexander Ayec Pimentel, along with almost all municipal mayors of his province are rallying for Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio to run for President this coming 2022. Pimentel said different volunteer groups in Mindanao have initiated a Mindanao-wide Caravan starting April 12 to 17 to encourage […] The post Surigao del Sur goes on all-out support for “Run Sara Run” appeared first on PINAS......»»
“Run Sara Van” launched in Cebu for Sara Duterte
CEBU CITY, Philippines –Supporters of presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has launched the movement, “Run Sara Van” in Cebu City to encourage her to run for the 2022 presidency. The Partido Kalikasan led the launch at the Fuente Osmeña Circle on Saturday, February 27, 2021, through a motorcade. The group believes that […] The post “Run Sara Van” launched in Cebu for Sara Duterte appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Without permits secured, Cebu City to remove ‘Run Sara Run’ tarps
CEBU CITY, Philippines—The Cebu City Government is set to remove several tarpaulins believed to be urging Presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio to run for President in the 2022 elections. Architect Florante Catalan, the City’s Building Official, told reporters in a text message on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, that they did not issue […] The post Without permits secured, Cebu City to remove ‘Run Sara Run’ tarps appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Duterte says daughter Inday Sara ‘not running’ for president
MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said that his daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is not running for president. Duterte reiterated that he had cautioned his daughter against seeking the presidency. “My daughter, inuudyok man nila. Sabi ko, my daughter, is not running. I have told Inday not to run because naaawa […] The post Duterte says daughter Inday Sara ‘not running’ for president appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Decision to put 35 Davao villages under ECQ up to CODE Team – Mayor Sara
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 24 Nov) – Mayor Sara Duterte said the Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic (CODE) Team will be the one to decide if it will enforce a hard lockdown on 35 barangays that reported the highest number of confirmed cases to stem the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the city. […].....»»
SilkAir plans to resume direct flights between Davao and Singapore
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 17 October) — SilkAir, a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, plans to resume the direct flights between Davao City and Singapore, Mayor Sara Duterte said. “SilkAir has already reached out. They will work on restoring Davao City-Singapore flights. That’s another good news for Davao City,” Duterte said over the city-owned […].....»»