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Pasig City court issues arrest warrants vs Quiboloy

Jairo Bolledo

11/04/2024 13:41

PREACHER. Pastor Apollo Quiboloy. Quiboloy's Facebook page MANILA, Philippines – A Pasig City court has issued warrants of arrest against doomsday preacher Apollo Quiboloy. The Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Thursday, April 11, that Pasig City Regional Trial Court issued the warrants against Quiboloy and five others over qualified human trafficking. The justice department said the court found probable cause to order Quiboloy’s arrest, along with Jackielyn Roy, Sylvia Cemañes, Cresente, Paulene, and Ingrid Canada for human trafficking. The charges against Quiboloy fall under Republic Act No. 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003. These cases are non-bailable. On April 3, a Davao City court also ordered the preacher’s arrest over child and sexual abuse. In her order dated April 11, Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 159 Presiding Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa said Quiboloy’s camp filed a motion to defer/suspend proceedings and hold in abeyance the issuance of warrant of arrest on March 21. However, the judge said she found the motion “prohibited,” so it should be denied. “Clearly, from the foregoing, there is no basis for this court to suspend the proceedings by reason of the filing of a motion for reconsideration on the Resolution of the petition for review before the Department of Justice as this is not one of the grounds stated under Section 11, Rule 116 of the Rules on Criminal Procedure,” the order read. The judge also noted that the standing principle is that once a case is filed with the court, any disposition of the charge relies on the tribunal’s discretion. On March 19, the Senate ordered the preacher’s arrest for “unduly refusing to appear” before the upper chamber for the inquiry into his alleged human rights abuses. Aside from local cases, Quiboloy is also wanted in the United States for sexual trafficking. He was indicted by a federal grand jury in a US District Court in Santa Ana, California in 2021, and landed on the US Federal Bureau of Investigation’ (FBI) most wanted list. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

Rappler

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Diocese of Dumaguete opposes creation of Negros Island Region, asks Marcos to veto bill

Chito de la Vega

11/04/2024 12:42

File photo. Bishop Julito Cortes of the Diocese of Dumaguete FB Diocese of Dumaguete NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – Just two days after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in Bacolod City that he was inclined to sign into law the Negros Island Region (NIR) bill, the Diocese of Dumaguete in the province of Negros Oriental on Wednesday, April 10, issued an “open letter’ for the president to veto it. Posted April 10 on the social media account of the Diocese of Dumaguete, the “open letter pertaining to the proposal to create” NIR, mentioned a two-page document sent to the President on March 25 and signed by Dumaguete Bishop Julito Cortes and eight other prelates in Negros Oriental. (Editor’s note: Earlier editions of this article said “eight other prelates” signed the document sent to President Marcos. Bishop Julito Cortes is the only Catholic bishop in Negros Oriental. This has been corrected.) “Our plea is not born of mere dissent, but rather from a sense of duty to safeguard the future of our beloved province,” wrote Dumaguete’s top clergy in the March 25 letter to Marcos. Cortes made the Dumaguete clergy’s correspondence public in an open letter pending Marcos’ reply, “so that the public will be aware about such a bill and its serious implications to their lives.” The bishop previously said that the NIR is an “insult to the people of Negros Oriental.” That document stated the opposition of the Catholic clergies to the approved Senate Bill 2507, recreating NIR and now including the province of Siquijor, stating the proposed law did not consult the NegOrenses and the Siquijor people as well. “Regretably, the passage of bill was marked  by lack of comprehensive information dissemination and meaningful consultation with diverse sectors and stakeholders in Negros Oriental,” said Cortes. He added: “the voice of the people was not heard.” They said the proposed recreation of NIR with Siquijor remains unclear to the general public in Negros Oriental. “With heavy heart, we must implore your excellency to consider vetoing it,” read portion of the appeal to the president. Marcos said on Monday, April 8, that the creation of NIR was “probably a good idea” that could expedite the delivery of services to the people of Negros and said that once the bill is transmitted to Malacañang he is inclined to sign it into law. But for Negros Oriental prelate the creation of NIR threatens to exacerbate inequalities, as Negros Oriental finds itself disadvantaged by its fewer districts and cities compared to Negros Occidental. Negros Occidental has six congressional disricts, one highly-urbanized city and 13 component cities while Negros Oriental has only three congressional districts and six cities. Siquijor, on the other hand, has one congressional district and has no city. This asymmetry in representation and resource allocation, said the Dumaguete clergy could perpetuate systemic injustice, further marginalizing the vulnerable communities. They cited a 2014 survey conducted by Silliman University in Dumaguete City regarding the proppsed merger and it showed that 43.34% of NegOrenses were not in favor of NIR, 25.83% were okay while 30.83% were undecided yet. They said that this apprehension underscores the imperative for thorough deliberation and inclusive decision-making process. The Negros Oriental church leaders raised to Marcos the perplexing inclusion of Siquijor in NIR despite its distinct identity, language and geographical separation from Negros. Likwise, they said, the omission of public consultation among the Siquijor people further cement their move to appeal for the immediate junking of the NIR bill before it is signed into law. Currently, Negros island’s two provinces belong to different regions: Negros Occidental is under Western Visayas, which is based in Iloilo City; while Negros Oriental is part of Central Visayas, based in Cebu City. Meanwhile, the opposition raised by the Diocese of Dumaguete against the proposed recreation of NIR  rekindled the proposed controversial split of Negros Occidental into two provinces – the Negros del Norte and Negros del Sur 38 years ago. Though the controversial split had already approved pursuant to  Batas Pambansa Bilang 885 signed by the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos, still, the Supreme Court, in its July 11, 1986 en banc decision, junked the statute with almost the same tune of opposition laid down by the Diocese of Dumaguete. The Diocese of Dumaguete covers 21 of the 25 cities and municipalities of Negros Oriental and the entire province of Siquijor. The population of Catholics in this area stands at 1.3 million. As of press time, no Negros Occidental and Oriental officials are available for comment yet. Rappler will update this story once the key officials in the twin provinces give their comments. – with reports from Robbin M. Dagle/Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

Rappler

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/visayas/dumaguete-diocese-opposes-negros-island-region-bill-asks-marcos-veto/

Community heroism: Mangrove reforestation marks day of valor in Palawan

Herbie G

11/04/2024 11:57

PLANTING. Palawan residents take part in a mangrove planting activity in Roxas town on April 9, 2024. courtesy of Frank Joe Mojica PALAWAN, Philippines – As the entire country commemorated the heroism of the Allied Forces fighters, including Filipino soldiers and guerrillas, during the Fall of Bataan in World War II on Tuesday, April 9, villagers in Roxas town, Palawan, demonstrated their own form of heroism by planting mangrove seedlings in the village of San Nicolas. The activity was spearheaded by the municipal government of Roxas, Palawan, under the leadership of Mayor Dennis Sabando. Employees from the municipal and national government agencies, students, civil society organizations, and volunteers participated actively. Frank Joe Mojica and Diana Ross Cetenta, both faculty members at the Palawan State University (PSU)-Roxas campus, said students from the university participated in the early morning mangrove tree planting. “Sa araw ng kagitingan ay naging magiting para sa kalikasan (On the day of valor, they became valiant for nature),” Mojica said of the students. Estarnilo Pactao, the barangay chairman of San Nicolas, said the activity was a joint effort with barangay officials and coincided with their 16th Alimango Festival. The annual event celebrates the abundance of mudcrabs in the area, a species considered a prime commodity in both the local and global markets and an important high-value crustacean produced in the country. Marilou Manlavi, municipal environment and natural resources officer, said the mangrove planting also coincided with the month when the world celebrates Earth Day, which she described as a special event that reminds people about the shared environment. “It plays a crucial role in raising awareness about environmental issues and advocating for positive change. We remain committed to the ongoing mission of Earth Day, which is to inspire awareness and appreciation for our planet’s environment,” Manlavi said. In 1981, a presidential decree declared Palawan as a mangrove swamp forest reserve, acknowledging significant roles they play in the ecosystem. However, the law has not fully protected the mangroves in Palawan, as incidents in the past have led to the massive loss of mangroves, perpetrated not only by informal settlers but even by people in government. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a ranking Puerto Princesa police official was involved in the alleged occupation and destruction of a six-hectare mangrove area in Barangay Iwahig. When confronted, the official and his men allegedly attacked and arrested personnel from the environment department in an incident that marked a first of its kind in Palawan and dealt a blow to environmental enforcement. A few days after the incident, the Philippine National Police (PNP) relieved the officials of his duties and transferred him to another province, where he subsequently died. Another massive loss of Palawan’s mangroves, discovered seven years ago, caught national attention. In 2017, the late Gina Lopez, then the environment secretary, led authorities in raiding a five-hectare property in Barangay San Manuel that had been carved out from a mangrove area. Lopez ordered demolition operations, and those found responsible were sent to jail. These massive losses occurred simultaneously with many other smaller-scale clearings of mangroves to make way for informal settlements. For many locals, mangroves are vital resources that need protection, especially considering that Palawan heavily relies on its fisheries and marine resources. An internationally recognized Filipina mangrove scientist, Dr. Jurgenne Primavera, said mangroves are among the most crucial components of coastal ecosystems, being highly productive and biologically complex. She said the presence of abundant fish, crustaceans, shells, and other marine resources in areas rich with mangroves is an indicator of the richness and diversity of the coastal environment. Beyond their critical role in food security, mangroves also shield coastal communities during natural disasters. Primavera has been advocating for the establishment of coastal greenbelts through the rehabilitation of denuded mangrove areas or the conversion of former fishponds back into mangrove forests. “The mangroves are bio-shields. If you want to reduce the wave energy by 60%, you should have 100 meters of these greenbelts,” she said. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

Rappler

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/luzon/mangrove-reforestation-marks-day-valor-palawan-april-9-2024/

Rappler’s Ralf Rivas named Knight-Bagehot fellow

Ralf Rivas

11/04/2024 14:23

JOURNALIST. Rappler business reporter Ralf Rivas. Rappler MANILA, Philippines – Rappler business reporter Ralf Rivas has been selected as an international fellow for the Knight-Bagehot Fellowship in Economics and Business Journalism, and will study at Columbia University for the 2024-2025 academic year. Rivas joins nine other fellows from around the world who will take graduate courses, primarily at Columbia’s Schools of Business and Journalism. Considered as the world’s most comprehensive and rigorous business journalism fellowship, the Knight-Bagehot fellows will take core classes typically taken by MBA students, such as corporate finance, accounting and economics, securities analysis, and media management. Fellows will also meet executives and experts during the 10-month fellowship, which starts in August. “The Class of 2025 Fellows were chosen with input from a selection advisory committee of senior media and business executives. The incoming group will join more than 400 Knight-Bagehot alumni who cover economics, technology, finance and public policy around the globe,” the Columbia Journalism School said. Rivas, a journalist with 13 years of experience, has covered a variety of issues, including cronyism, online gambling, corporate scandals, and government corruption. He is the host of Business Sense, a talk show with some of the Philippines’ most influential CEOs and startup founders. Ralf is also a lecturer at the University of the Philippines-Los Baños, where he teaches data journalism, media ethics, and science journalism. The other Knight-Bagehot fellows are: pic.twitter.com/l7Kt4ETVQ3 Founded in 1975, the Knight-Bagehot Fellowship was named for John S. and James L. Knight, brothers who established the Knight Foundation, and Walter Bagehot, the 19th-century British economist and editor of The Economist. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Inside Apollo Quiboloy’s lavish world: Mansions, rich-and-famous lifestyle in North America

Herbie G

12/03/2024 15:00

PROPERTIES. Rappler investigation finds properties linked to doomsday preacher Apollo Quiboloy. Graphics by Raffy De Guzman (Editor’s note: Rappler on March 18 published another story about two more properties in the United States worth P262.52 million linked to Quiboloy and the KOJC. One is a lavish mansion in Las Vegas, while the Hawaii property was sold to a group with links to the church a few months after the pastor was temporarily detained in 2018. Read the investigative report here.) Embattled doomsday preacher Apollo Quiboloy and his controversial Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) network are linked to multi-million-peso homes in North America – a glimpse of the rich lifestyle that he and his close associates have enjoyed through the years. A Rappler investigation discovered three properties estimated to be worth $6.10 million (P338 million)* owned by individuals with close links to Quiboloy and the KOJC. Two of these are in Canada, while one is located in an affluent part of Los Angeles in California, near the homes of several celebrities. The details are based on official documents obtained by Rappler on Monday, March 11, as well as information from sources privy to KOJC operations. The discoveries came after former president Rodrigo Duterte was appointed caretaker of the properties belonging to the Quiboloy-led group. Besides the North American properties, there are also several landholdings in the Philippines, as well as an air fleet. Quiboloy, as described by his mentor, Reverend Gordon Mallory of the United Pentecostal Church, “went from a pauper, a beggar, to a multi-billionaire,” with a “lifestyle of the rich and famous.” “Money means nothing to him,” Mallory said. Quiboloy has been in the US Federal Bureau of Investigation’s most-wanted list since early 2022, for sex trafficking of children and promotional money laundering, among others. An FBI poster says the preacher is also wanted for forcing members to “solicit donations for a bogus charity, donations that actually were used to finance church operations and the lavish lifestyle of its leaders.” A Senate committee has cited him in contempt and has sought his arrest so he could testify before the panel which is looking into similar allegations of abuse and exploitation hurled by his former followers. In a video posted on The Pentecostals of Cebu City Facebook page on January 30, Mallory said Quiboloy owns mansions and estates “all over the world,” confirming the one in California. Mallory recalled being invited and brought to the California mansion with his wife, and seeing Quiboloy’s vehicles in the garage, which included a “brand new Bentley and a Mercedes.” He said the Filipino preacher also gave him a box that contained cash more than what his family needed to last six months. “Justin Bieber has a house across the street; the Kardashians have a house down the street; Will Smith lives around the corner,” said Mallory who recalled the time he was invited to Quiboloy’s mansion. The mansion stands on Simpson Place, a quiet residential neighborhood located in Calabasas, California. Known for its upscale homes, lush landscaping, and privacy afforded its residents, the area offers easy access to amenities and outdoor activities. Calabasas, located in Los Angeles County, is known for its affluent neighborhoods and celebrity residents. Nestled in the hills west of the San Fernando Valley, it offers a mix of luxury homes, gated communities, and scenic hiking trails. The city also boasts of upscale shopping centers. The six-bedroom Calabasas property is valued at US$2.573 million (P142.80 million), based on 2023 tax records seen by Rappler. Its land value was estimated to amount to US$1.19 million (P65.91 million) while improvements done to the property were pegged at US$1.39 million (P76.93 million). The owners paid a total of $29,409.94 (P1.63 million) in property taxes for the fiscal year 2023-2024. The property was built in 1993 but was first bought by the KOJC in 2011 for US$2.1 million (P116.55 million), according to information obtained by Rappler. Since then, its ownership has been transferred four times among three entities – the KOJC, Helen Panilag, and Guia Cabactulan. The last documented transaction was in 2018 when Cabactulan appeared to have bought the property from the church for an undisclosed price. Panilag and Cabactulan are, however, known church associates of Quiboloy, and were among those indicted along with the preacher, by a federal grand jury in a California district court in late 2021. Panilag is included in the US Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) most wanted list, alongside Quiboloy. She has been tagged by the FBI as “the alleged one-time church administrator in the [US] who oversaw the collection of financial data from church operations around the globe.” She has also been wanted for her alleged “participation in a labor trafficking scheme that brought church members” to the US, including fraudulently obtaining visas and forcing members to solicit donations. Cabactulan, meanwhile, has been described as “the top KOJC official in the United States who maintained direct communication with KOJC leadership in the Philippines.” She was arrested in January 2020 in the US for immigration fraud. Another KOJC member included in the FBI’s wanted list – Teresita Dandan – was registered as a resident of the Calabasas property since May 2012. Dandan, according to the FBI, served as the alleged “international administrator,” and one of the top overseers of the church and its alleged bogus charity operations in the US. Former KOJC workers, who turned against Quiboloy, said the preacher bought the mansion in 2011 and sold it sometime in October 2018, months after authorities held his private plane, where they found a suitcase containing US$350,000 (P19.4 million) in undeclared cash and assorted gun parts, in Hawaii. As it turns out, the buyer in 2018 is also a member of the KOJC. “I’ve been to that mansion,” Arlene Caminong-Stone, a former KOJC worker based in Minnesota, told Rappler on Sunday, March 11. Stone was one of those who testified online against Quiboloy at the start of the Senate panel hearings in January, narrating details about the alleged abuses by the preacher and providing insights into the inner workings of the KOJC. According to former KOJC workers, Quiboloy also bought mansions in Canada. One is an over P99-million house in Surrey, and another on Latania Boulevard in Brampton City in Ontario’s Greater Toronto Area. The seven-bedroom property in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada is about half an hour away from Vancouver. It was first built in 2003, and is just a 15-minute drive from a KOJC church on 13055 Old Yale Road, also in Surrey. Based on tax records seen by Rappler, the Surrey property was assessed to be worth CAD$2.42 million (US$1.79 million/P99.5 million) in 2023. Its land value was estimated to be worth CAD$1.68 million (US$1.25 million/P69 million) and improvements done on the property cost CAD$734,000 (US$544,197/P30.17 million). The owners paid CAD$7,297.54 (US$5,410/P300,000) in gross taxes for 2023. A document obtained by Rappler from the Land Title and Survey Authority of British Columbia shows that the property is owned by another known Quiboloy associate, Mariteo Canada. Her name was cited in an article posted on Quiboloy’s website. She was also tagged as part of Quiboloy’s delegation in an event with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples in 2022. The four-bedroom property in Brampton, Ontario is situated along Latania Boulevard, a half-hour car ride to Toronto. Houses in the area are priced not less than CAD$1 million each, according to real estate websites. The alleged Quiboloy-linked property was first listed as being for sale in April 2010 for CAD$699,000 (US$518,243/P27.73 million) and was sold the same year for CAD$658,000 (US$487,826/P27 million). The property was last listed as being available in September 2020 for CAD$1.45 million (US$1.74 million/P96.25 million) but with no indication whether it was successfully sold. Taxes paid were estimated to be CAD$7,721 (US$5,723/P317,249). According to a property document obtained by Rappler, one of the two listed owners is linked to the KOJC. Her profile on LinkedIn showed that she is an “administrative assistant” of the church. A cursory search of other names included in the document also showed connections to Quiboloy’s group. The property is half an hour’s drive from the nearest KOJC headquarters. Quiboloy’s group has been open about many of their properties, especially those in the Philippines. Among the notable properties owned by the group are well-manicured estates in the village of Tamayong in Calinan District in Davao. Tamayong serves as the KOJC’s headquarters and is where the preacher built his mansion, near the group’s so-called Prayer Mountain. Aside from the approximately eight-hectare Prayer Mountain, Quiboloy’s group also owns what they refer to as Glory Mountain, roughly a 21-hectare property, in the same village. According to KOJC workers, Quiboloy has landholdings in Samal Island city, and at Purok 8, Barangay San Miguel in Indangan Buhangin, Davao City, where the preacher set up the main headquarters of the allegedly bogus charity group, the Children’s Joy Foundation. Quiboloy’s group also owns the Jose Maria College (JMC), and an unfinished multi-billion-peso mixed-use indoor arena, touted to dwarf the close to P9-billion Iglesia ni Cristo Philippine Arena in Bulacan. Located near Davao’s Francisco Bangoy International Airport, the King Dome, according to a November 2019 Sunstar report, was envisioned to be the biggest indoor arena “with a seating capacity of 70,000, bigger than the Philippine Arena, which is currently the world’s largest indoor arena with a maximum seating capacity of 55,000.” ApolloAir, a Davao-based airline owned by Quiboloy, maintains an aircraft fleet that includes Bell 429 and 505 light helicopters, a Robinson R44 four-seat light helicopter, and two planes. Senator Robinhood Padilla told reporters on Thursday, March 7, that Quiboloy lent him one of his helicopters when he campaigned for a Senate seat in 2022. One plane, a US$18-million (P999 million) Cessna Citation Sovereign+, was bought in 2014 and was sold back to Cessna for US$9 million (P499.5 million) after the 2018 Hawaii incident. Another is a Gulfstream IIB transcontinental twin turbofan-powered aircraft, which was decommissioned in 2010 because it was no longer airworthy. Quiboloy has been very generous toward his friends, especially Duterte, his new property administrator, with whom he forged a friendship dating back to the years preceding the latter’s presidency. In 2016, Duterte openly acknowledged being gifted by Quiboloy with three properties in Woodridge Park in Ma-a, along with an additional lot in Royal Pines located in Matina, Davao City. Aside from real estate holdings, Duterte disclosed that Quiboloy had also gifted him with a Nissan Safari and Ford Expedition several years prior. Duterte said Quiboloy was so generous that whenever the preacher made a purchase, he would buy two so he could give him the other one. He also recalled that Quiboloy had even offered to cover the expenses for the then-mayor’s consultation with a known American neurosurgeon, Dr. Martin Cooper, after the preacher learned about his sweaty palms. Quiboloy has humble beginnings, starting as a 19-year-old Pentecostal convert in the late 1960s, recalled Reverend Mallory who claimed to have mentored the then-young preacher long before he started building his religious empire. “We took him out of a hut…. He and his family used to beg for food…. His teeth were rotten and we took him to a dentist,” the aging Mallory, preaching, told his congregation. The American preacher said Quiboloy lived with him for eight years, and they sent him to a Bible school where he excelled. Years later, Quiboloy declared himself the “appointed son of God,” and has repeatedly claimed that without him, there will be no eternal salvation. “He developed into a wonderful preacher and became our national youth president…. But somewhere along the line, he tripped up, left our organization, formed his own, and became something he really isn’t, but he really started to lift himself up…. He turned his back on the apostolic truth,” Mallory said. Quiboloy traces his roots to the ultraconservative Oneness Pentecostal movement that began in the early 20th century, particularly in the US. It emphasizes a monotheistic view of God, departing from the conventional doctrine of the Trinity. Oneness Pentecostals maintain their belief in a singular divine being who reveals himself in three manifestations, as opposed to the orthodox Christian concept of the Trinity consisting of three distinct persons. Quiboloy has admitted to going into hiding even before Philippine authorities could issue an arrest order, citing purported threats of assassination. – Rappler.com *$1 = P55.5 If you have tips about properties linked to Apollo Quiboloy and the KOJC or any other helpful information, you may share them with us via email: investigative@rappler.com. Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. Thanks to Rappler’s investigative journalists Jodesz Gavilan and Herbie Gomez, whose work gives ordinary Filipinos a view of the lavish world of Pastor Quiboloy. Based on Reverend Mallory’s statement, Pastor Quiboloy is now the world’s most affluent religious leader. Indeed, his life follows this line: “… from rags to multi-billion worth of riches.” Now, it could end up either as 1) “… to a life of blessing in a faraway island nation beyond the reach of both US and Philippine Laws or 2a) “… to a privileged prison life (most likely in the Philippines)” or 2b) “… to a non-privileged prison life.” All this will depend on whatever God will do to his “appointed son.” Option 2B seems most fitting. The world is tired of people like this who steal from others for their own enrichment. How does this make you feel?

Rappler

https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/investigative/apollo-quiboloy-mansions-properties-lifestyle-north-america/?utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2gdRmJGdc-V9pvBgTIWOWFNKqcTV-hVZ2Io9CwvkC9vzmKwP6RkxdMzq4_aem_i_eMcBW3VXUTLeimpeZIQA

Overcoming health issues, Sangalang shines for Magnolia with career game

delfin.dioquino editor

10/04/2024 23:49

POINT BLANK. Ian Sangalang in action for the Magnolia Hotshots in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup. PBA Images MANILA, Philippines – Ian Sangalang has not lost his touch even after a career-derailing medical condition. Sangalang submitted his best game since he got sidelined by hyperthyroidism as Magnolia cooled down red-hot NorthPort, 104-97, to get back on track in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Wednesday April 10. Carrying the scoring cudgels for a shorthanded Hotshots crew missing forwards Rome dela Rosa and Aris Dionisio, Sangalang erupted for a career-high 32 points on a highly efficient 14-of-20 clip to go with 13 rebounds. According to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon, Sangalang became just the fourth player this season to record a 30-10 double-double after Santi Santillan, Arvin Tolentino, and Robert Bolick. “I took it as a challenge and I believe that there is a reason why it happened,” said Sangalang, who sat out almost the entire Governors’ Cup last season due to the condition that speeds up the metabolism of the body. Sangalang also dealt with hypothyroidism, which causes the metabolism to slow down. “I’m thankful for everything that happened and I found out the answer why they happened. I’m thankful to the coaching staff, especially to coach for the trust that he gives me. I’m thankful to my teammates who uplift me.” Scoring just 13 points in their 87-74 loss to NLEX last Saturday, Sangalang fired 14 points in the third quarter alone to help Magnolia build a 78-73 lead. The veteran big man then poured 8 points in the fourth quarter as the Hotshots fended off the Batang Pier, who saw their four-game winning streak snapped. Magnolia, meanwhile, halted its two-game skid and improved to an even 2-2. “We know that any team in this league can beat us. Our two straight losses served as a wake-up call. Thank God we were able to bounce back even though we were missing other players,” said Sangalang. Calvin Abueva, who sat out their defeat to the Road Warriors due to a one-game suspension he incurred for flipping off a fan, returned with aplomb as he tallied all-around numbers of 6 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals. Mark Barroca also impressed across the board with 12 points, 10 assists, 7 rebounds, and 5 steals, James Laput put up 14 points and 5 rebounds, while Paul Lee and Jerrick Ahanmisi chimed in 13 points each. Along with Abueva and Barroca, Jio Jalalon thrived as a playmaker with 5 dimes as Magnolia assisted on 31 of its 39 shots. Rookie forward Zavier Lucero finished with 18 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 steals to pace NorthPort, which fell to 4-2. Fran Yu delivered 15 points and 4 assists in the loss, Arvin Tolentino posted 14 points, 4 assists, and 2 steals, while Joshua Munzon netted 11 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals. Magnolia 104 – Sangalang 32, Laput 14, Ahanmisi 13, Lee 13, Barroca 12, Mendoza 7, Abueva 6, Eriobu 3, Escoto 2, Tratter 1, Jalalon 1, Murrell 0. NorthPort 97 – Lucero 18, Yu 15, Tolentino 14, Munzon 11, Zamar 9, Navarro 9, Rosales 8, Paraiso 8, Flores 5, Calma 0, Adamos 0, Bulanadi 0. Quarters: 23-22, 46-45, 78-73, 104-97. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Pasig City court issues arrest warrants vs Quiboloy

Jairo Bolledo

11/04/2024 13:41

PREACHER. Pastor Apollo Quiboloy. Quiboloy's Facebook page MANILA, Philippines – A Pasig City court has issued warrants of arrest against doomsday preacher Apollo Quiboloy. The Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Thursday, April 11, that Pasig City Regional Trial Court issued the warrants against Quiboloy and five others over qualified human trafficking. The justice department said the court found probable cause to order Quiboloy’s arrest, along with Jackielyn Roy, Sylvia Cemañes, Cresente, Paulene, and Ingrid Canada for human trafficking. The charges against Quiboloy fall under Republic Act No. 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003. These cases are non-bailable. On April 3, a Davao City court also ordered the preacher’s arrest over child and sexual abuse. In her order dated April 11, Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 159 Presiding Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa said Quiboloy’s camp filed a motion to defer/suspend proceedings and hold in abeyance the issuance of warrant of arrest on March 21. However, the judge said she found the motion “prohibited,” so it should be denied. “Clearly, from the foregoing, there is no basis for this court to suspend the proceedings by reason of the filing of a motion for reconsideration on the Resolution of the petition for review before the Department of Justice as this is not one of the grounds stated under Section 11, Rule 116 of the Rules on Criminal Procedure,” the order read. The judge also noted that the standing principle is that once a case is filed with the court, any disposition of the charge relies on the tribunal’s discretion. On March 19, the Senate ordered the preacher’s arrest for “unduly refusing to appear” before the upper chamber for the inquiry into his alleged human rights abuses. Aside from local cases, Quiboloy is also wanted in the United States for sexual trafficking. He was indicted by a federal grand jury in a US District Court in Santa Ana, California in 2021, and landed on the US Federal Bureau of Investigation’ (FBI) most wanted list. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Cagayan de Oro water firms fail to resolve debt dispute as deadline nears

Herbie G

11/04/2024 10:55

SHOW OF HANDS. Members of the Cagayan de Oro city council raise their hands to vote in favor of a proposed resolution on Monday, April 8, 2024. Franck Dick Rosete/Rappler CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – The Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) and its primary bulk water supplier have not yet reached an agreement over a disputed debt exceeding P400 million, with only one day remaining before the notice of disconnection deadline. The supplier, Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Incorporated (COBI), set the deadline for April 12 for COWD to settle the debt that has accumulated since 2021. However, COWD has refused to acknowledge the debt, arguing that it represents the difference in increased water supply rates which it did not accept due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lawyer Roberto Rodrigo, senior legal counsel for the Manny V. Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Water, which controls COBI, told Rappler on Tuesday, April 9, that they were supposed to meet with COWD representatives a day earlier, with the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) serving as the facilitator. Rodrigo said the COWD requested to postpone the meeting to Friday, April 12, instead. “COWD wanted to move the meeting to April 12, which is precisely the payment deadline,” Rodrigo said. He said LWUA had urged COWD to attend the April 8 meeting, with COBI executives and LWUA representatives already waiting to meet COWD representatives online. COWD General Manager Antonio Young said they skipped the meeting because one member of the water district’s board, Gerry Caño, was unavailable that day. Caño heads a COWD group tasked with negotiating with COBI. Rodrigo said COWD also sent another communication on April 8, stating that it did not agree to LWUA serving as the facilitator, a claim that Engineer Young dismissed. Young said, “Having LWUA as a facilitator is advantageous since it’s our regulator.” However, he added that LWUA was not included as a facilitator as indicated in a previous COWD letter to COBI. COWD proposed setting another meeting with COBI on April 11 or April 12, but the latter has yet to respond. The two parties had met on March 21 via Zoom, but no agreement was reached regarding the disputed debt. Rodrigo earlier said a decision on whether to stop the COBI water supply to COWD after April 12 has not yet been made. Meanwhile, COBI said the plan by another firm, Rio Verde Water Consortium Incorporated, to directly distribute potable water in the city does not, per se, violate its contract with COBI. Rodrigo said COBI has no issues with Rio Verde’s plan as long as their contractual obligation to supply 100,000 cubic meters per day is met. The treated water COBI supplies to COWD is treated and purchased from Rio Verde. Based on their contract, Rodrigo explained, COBI is obliged to pay Rio Verde for a supply of 100,000 cubic meters per day. Likewise, Rio Verde is legally bound to sell COBI 100,000 cubic meters a day. On Monday, the city council approved a resolution, expressing no objection to Rio Verde’s application “to provide an end-to-end Level III water supply” to unserved areas with inadequate water supply. Rio Verde was the previous bulk supplier of COWD. However, the Commission on Audit (COA) flagged their transactions as having been conducted without legal basis, and their 2007 contract was voided by a court. The dilemma between COWD and Rio Verde led to a 2017 deal with the water district and COBI, averting a potential water crisis in Cagayan de Oro. Councilor Edgar Cabanlas said Rio Verde has assured them that the city would continue to have a sufficient supply of treated water, even if COBI decided to proceed with its disconnection notice to COWD. In a March interview with local broadcaster Magnum Radio, Rio Verde President Joffrey Hapitan said they were capable of directly supplying the city’s water consumers with 100,000 cubic meters daily, enough for 200,000 households. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Marcos: Jeepney consolidation deadline on April 30 is final

lkyu0285

10/04/2024 14:47

PUV. Jeepneys ply along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on December 12, 2023. Jire Carreon/Rappler MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed that there will be no further extension to the April 30 deadline for individual jeepneys to consolidate into cooperatives and corporations. “Asahan ninyo, wala na pong extension ‘yung modernization. Kailangan na kailangan na natin ‘yan,” Marcos said during a town hall on Metro Manila traffic on Wednesday, April 10. This came after Roberto “Ka Obet” Martin of the Pasang Masda transport group asked that the government stick to the industry consolidation deadline, noting that “almost 86%” of the jeepney sector have consolidated. Back in 2023, Marcos had said that the government would not extend its December 31 deadline for consolidation. This had meant that more than 1,900 unconsolidated jeepney and UV Express routes were at risk of being wiped out by February 1, 2024, leading the President to eventually cave in to pressure from protestors and lawmakers to grant another extension until April 30. As part of its Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program, the government has been trying to get individual jeepney operators to consolidate into either a cooperative or corporation since June 2023. But this has been met with repeated protests from some transport groups that oppose both the consolidation of franchises and the eventual requirement to buy expensive modern jeepneys. Now, after Marcos gave his word that this would be the final deadline for industry consolidation, Ka Obet and other representatives from the jeepney sector stood and cheered. But although the scene might have suggested that industry consolidation is widely accepted by all members of the jeepney sector, certain transport groups remain vocal about their opposition – only they weren’t there. PISTON and Manibela, the two groups that led multiple transport strikes in 2023, were not invited to the town hall, based on the list of program attendees seen by Rappler. Instead, Martin – a Marcos supporter since the 2022 elections – was designated the representative of transport groups during the event’s open forum. This snubbing of certain transport groups was not lost on Manibela, as the transport group’s chairman Mar Valbuena took to social media to air his frustration. “Sa town hall meeting dapat kasama ang lahat! Mahalaga na bawat isa ay maanyayahan upang maipahayag ang kanilang mga pananaw at opinyon hinggil sa isyu ng jeepney phaseout. Bilang mga mamamayan, may karapatan tayong ipahayag ang ating mga hinaing at maging bahagi ng prosesong demokratiko,” Valbuena said in a Facebook post on Wednesday, April 10. (Everyone should be included in a town hall meeting! It’s important that everyone is invited to share their views and opinion on the issue of jeepney phaseout. As citizens, we have the right to express our grievances and be part of the democratic process.) The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has also announced that the April 30 deadline will stand. “So we are asking now the jeepney operators to now avail of the last extension because come April 30, we will no longer allow those who did not consolidate to ply the routes of Metro Manila,” LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III said on Monday, April 8. Guadiz said that the LTFRB will revoke the franchises of those individual operators who failed to consolidate before the deadline, making them “colorum.” This means that only consolidated entities will be allowed to ply the routes of Metro Manila. “We need to consolidate because that is the first part of the modernization program,” the LTFRB chief said. The next steps under the government’s PUV Modernization Program include fleet modernization, which means that operators will have to replace their old units with new “modern jeepneys” that are compliant with the Philippine National Standard. Some operators worry that this requirement will bury their cooperative or corporation in debt, as modern units cost an average of P2.48 million each. This could affect commuters too. A research study done by the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies estimates that minimum jeepney fares could soar up to P40 as operators try to cover their monthly loan amortization for their new units. (READ: Anti-poor? How gov’t defends PUV modernization, why jeepney stakeholders oppose it) It seems that the President is at least aware of this possibility that operators may be buried in debt, explaining during the town hall, “Ang tinitiyak lang namin na hindi mapabigat pa ang babayaran at i-uutang ng driver-operator, kaya ginagawa nating maayos at ginagawa nating well-organized ‘yung sistema na ‘yan.” (What we’re making sure of here is that the amount that driver-operators have to pay or borrow doesn’t get heavier, which is why we’re making this system proper and well-organized.) – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Back from suspension, Abueva shows what he does best for Magnolia

delfin.dioquino editor

11/04/2024 12:03

FLOATER. Calvin Abueva in action for the Magnolia Hotshots in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup. PBA Images MANILA, Philippines – It is probably not coincidence that Magnolia got back on track in the PBA Philippine Cup just when Calvin Abueva returned to the lineup. Abueva came back from a one-game suspension and helped power the Hotshots to a 104-97 victory over a NorthPort side that saw its four-game winning streak halted on Wednesday, April 10. The do-it-all forward played arguably his finest game of the conference as he posted 6 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals in under 30 minutes of action. “We missed him because Calvin can play multiple positions,” said head coach Chito Victolero. Abueva incurred a one-game suspension and a P20,000 fine after he flipped off a fan during their 87-77 loss to Barangay Ginebra last March 31. His enforced absence only compounded the Hotshots’ personnel woes, with Aris Dionisio and Rome dela Rosa also sidelined with ankle injuries. Without Abueva, Dionisio, and Dela Rosa, Magnolia got demolished by NLEX in an 87-74 loss last Saturday, April 6. “Those guys – Aris, Rome, and Calvin – can play multiple positions. That was why we had a hard time matching up against NLEX,” said Victolero. “At the same time, we’re incomplete in practice.” But with Abueva back in tow, the Hotshots limited the Batang Pier way below their league-best average of 107.6 points in their first five games. Abueva sharing the playmaking chores also resulted in Magnolia recording a whopping 31 assists, almost double its average of just 17 dimes in its back-to-back losses. “Good thing that Calvin stepped up and helped the team. I hope it continues,” said Victolero. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Beyond Angge: UST flashes deep, Final Four-ready form as dehydrated Poyos sits out

jisaga0269

10/04/2024 18:28

STEPPING UP. UST spiker Jonna Perdido reacts in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament UAAP Season 86 Media Team MANILA, Philippines – Star players are obviously vital to any sports team, but a squad’s true strength is only determined by how well the supporting cast performs around its core piece. In the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament, the UST Golden Tigresses got a great opportunity to test their depth on Wednesday, April 10, as super rookie and possible MVP candidate Angge Poyos sat out against also-ran UP due to a bout with dehydration. Even without their top scorer, the Tigresses hardly missed her presence as they routed the Fighting Maroons, albeit with a third-set setback, 25-14, 25-13, 28-30, 25-15. Top wingers Reg Jurado and Jonna Perdido aptly filled in the offensive void with a pair of 24-point explosions, with the latter bombing down 12 in the third set alone, and head coach Kungfu Reyes couldn’t be prouder with his spikers’ efforts. “I think they embraced the added responsibility,” he said in Filipino. “Ahead of time, we knew Angge’s recovery wouldn’t reach in time for the UP game, but what’s most important is we have 12 strong ladies who are part of the team. That’s why it’s called a team.” Beyond Jurado and Perdido, fill-in starter Xyza Gula also tallied 12 points, rookie middle blocker Mae Coronado chipped in 9, while star setter Cassie Carballo scored 6 with 19 excellent sets. Over at the defensive end, captain libero Detdet Pepito was her usual, on-point self with 28-of-38 excellent digs and 9-of-14 excellent receptions, rounding out UST’s all-around efforts. “I said to them, lean on one another, but don’t just lean on one person,” Reyes continued. “That’s the beauty of the team that they are ready to respond with whatever task given to them.” With Poyos assured to return on Saturday, April 13, against historic rival FEU, Reyes is cautiously optimistic that his Final Four-bound squad is ready to face bigger challenges amid its pursuit for a finals return, and possibly even a long-awaited championship. “It’s very obvious that we are ready for the Final Four, but we will still take it one step at a time and respect the opponents we have left because the level of competition is really high this second round,” he continued. “All teams have doubled and tripled their effort.” “But those teams also include us. We’ve elevated our learning experiences and I’m confident we’ll bring them to our remaining games.” – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Attacked for link to Palawan ranch, Loyzaga retorts: Why now? Who benefits?

Iya Gozum

10/04/2024 15:38

TONI. Environment Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga appears before the Senate Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change hearing on September 27, 2023. Senate PRIB photos MANILA, Philippines – Following controversies of illegal structures in protected areas in the Philippines, Environment Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga finds herself under attack over her family’s alleged ownership of vast tracts of public land in Palawan. The land in question is the 40,000-hectare Yulo King Ranch (YKR) in Palawan, which the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) sequestered in 1986 on grounds that it was part of the Marcoses’ ill-gotten wealth. “Ang tinatanong ko lang po ngayon is bakit po binabato po sa akin ngayon itong mga questions na ito at sino pong makikinabang dito sa pagbato sa amin ng ganitong mga tanong at mga akusasyon,” Loyzaga said in a radio interview on Wednesday, April 10. (I want to know why they are hurling these questions at me now, and who will benefit from the inquiries and accusations.) The environment secretary’s association with the ranch stems from her father, businessman and alleged Marcos “crony” Luis Yulo. The late Yulo was a major stockholder of YKR. “Ang iniisip ko po ngayon is may mga tao, may mga grupo na siguro hindi po masyadong masaya sa pag-approach ko [sa] evidence-informed governance. Pero meron din namang masaya doon,” Loyzaga said. (What I’m thinking now is that there are people, groups that probably aren’t happy with my approach with evidence-informed governance. But there are also people who are happy with that.) The environment secretary did not specify who, but she mentioned the controversies hounding Masungi Geopark in Rizal and the structures in Chocolate Hills, issues that need “investigation of previous administrations’ decisions.” “That is what I’m doing now,” she said. Loyzaga broke her silence last April 5 when she denied the Yulo family’s ownership of the pasture reserve in Palawan. “I wish to clarify that the Busuanga Pasture Reserve has always been government-owned. The Yulo family has never owned this land and has no interest in owning it,” she said in a press statement. She further denied having any knowledge of how YKR came to be under the Marcos dictatorship, as she was still in high school then. “Nasa high school pa po ako [noong] 1975 at ang alam ko po, this was a project that the first president Marcos, ang ating pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Sr., na in-envision niya para sa food security ng bayan,” Loyzaga said during the radio interview on Wednesday. “‘Yun lang po ang alam ko noong 1975. I wish to refute any allegation na napasaamin itong lupa na ‘to. Ni minsan, hindi naging pribado siya.” (I was still in high school in 1975 and what I know is that this was a project of the first president Marcos, which he envisioned to address food security in the country. That’s what I know back in 1975. I wish to refute any allegations that the land became ours. It never became private.) In 1975, the late Yulo, along with Roberto Sabido, Geronimo Velasco, Jose Madrigal, and Peter Morris organized the YKR Corporation. Three years later, Marcos Sr. attempted to centralize the importation of cattle and goats in YKR. In turn, the corporation was supposed to manage and develop the grazing land, as well as provide technological expertise. When it was sequestered in 1986, the PCGG gave the land back to then Ministry of Agriculture. A decades-long civil lawsuit followed. In 2023, the Sandiganbayan dismissed the case “for failure of the plaintiff to prove by preponderance of evidence the material allegations contained in the amended complaint.” This lifted the sequestration order on YKR. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Still no signs of Quiboloy as authorities search his Davao properties again

Herbie G

10/04/2024 21:07

PREACHER. Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy in an undated photo in Davao City. Sourced photo DAVAO, Philippines – The Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms (OSSAA) served a contempt warrant against fugitive preacher Apollo Quiboloy through one of his lawyers as authorities searched some of the pastor’s properties for the second time in Davao on Wednesday, April 10. Authorities failed to locate Quiboloy who, on Saturday, April 6, admitted that he was “avoiding” law enforcers for fear of what the United States might do to him. Quiboloy is wanted in the US for a string of criminal cases that include sexual abuse, human trafficking, fraud, and money laundering. A Davao court has also issued an arrest warrant against him for sexual abuse of a minor and child abuse, and prosecutors charged him with human trafficking before a Pasig court. Archie Albao, director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Davao, said a team of law enforcers, including the OSSAA, searched again four of Quiboloy’s properties, including the Kingdom of Jesus Christ’s (KOJC) so-called “Prayer Mountain” in the village of Tamayong. They found no signs of the elusive preacher. They served the Senate’s contempt warrant against Quiboloy through lawyer Israelito Torreon at the KOJC Compound on the Phil-Japan Friendship Highway, Bajada in Davao. Authorities then proceeded to search Quiboloy’s properties in Tamayong, Calinan District, where they again found no signs that the preacher was there. Albao said it was possible that Quiboloy was no longer in Davao or hiding in other areas in the city. He said it was also possible that Quiboloy was receiving help so he could evade arrest “but the law enforcers have no information if there’s someone or not.” Albao said authorities have noted Quiboloy’s pronouncement through an audio recording made public of Saturday that he would continue to hide until his conditions are met. “He (Quiboloy) himself declared he is hiding,” Albao said. He said Quiboloy and his lawyers had anticipated the arrest warrants and “so, they have the time to arrange their plans.” With or without moles, Albao said, “they already have advance information” because of the court processes. He also noted that Quiboloy’s followers were willing to give authorities access to everything. “First, they’re not hiding anything. Second… they’re willing to open everything…,” Albao said. Albao said authorities would continue the search for Quiboloy, and would report to the Davao court by Monday, April 15, unless the preacher is caught or turned himself in. After Monday, he said, the court would likely issue another arrest warrant that would be in effect until the fugitive preacher is caught. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. Did they check Duterte Harry’s house? What happened to the Government’s Intelligence Funds? Is it a problem of funds, its use, the people using it, or all of these? Quiboloy’s ability to evade arrest is more likely due to someone’s help. This person is so intelligent that he can outwit all the concerned agencies. Indeed, God’s “Appointed Son” has been blessed through this person. How does this make you feel?

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Bulldogs beef up: NU taps Adamson junior champs Garcia, Reyes

Jasmine Payo

10/04/2024 17:23

COMMITTED. Adamson high school stars Tebol Garcia (left) and Vince Reyes drop by the NU Bulldogs homecourt. PHOTO RELEASE MANILA, Philippines – The NU Bulldogs look to recoup their player losses from last season after securing the commitment of two key cogs from UAAP Season 86 boys basketball champion Adamson Baby Falcons, the team announced on Wednesday, April 10. Tebol Garcia and Vince Reyes are set to join the Bulldogs as key replacements for Kean Baclaan, who transferred to La Salle, as well as John Lloyd Clemente and Mike Malonzo, who both graduated. The Bulldogs expect the standout high school duo to complement Jake Figueroa, Steve Nash Enriquez, and Reinhard Jumamoy starting UAAP Season 87 later this year. “We got two big additions since they are not only talented, but proven winners as well,” NU head coach Jeff Napa said in Filipino. Garcia and Reyes were both instrumental in helping lead the Baby Falcons to their first UAAP championship since 1993, at the expense of the NU Bullpups. Moreover, Garcia is a member of the Season 86 Mythical Five – with averages of 12.4 points, 5.3 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.2 steals, while Reyes normed 12.7 markers, 7.3 boards, 2.7 dimes, and 1.3 steals. Both also earned top 10 spots in the recent NBTC 24 list, which ranks the top high school players in the country, with Garcia at fifth and Reyes at seventh, as they also helped lead the Baby Falcons to the Division 1 championship game. “What we’ve already accomplished is a big step forward, and hopefully, we could see the continued maturity of Jake, Nash, and Reinhard, as well as our new promising players, and will be able to move forward even more,” said Napa, the incoming third-year head coach. Under Napa’s watch, NU barged into the Final Four in his first two years with his alma mater. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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DENR probes vlogger’s ‘improper treatment’ of tarsiers in viral video

jsitchon0312

10/04/2024 17:05

ENDANGERED. A visibly stressed tarsier can be seen being held by an individual in vlogger Farm Boy's video. Screenshot of Farm Boy video footage CEBU, Philippines – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Soccsksargen said on Wednesday, April 10, that it is investigating the incident involving a vlogger’s “improper treatement” of tarsiers shown in his video that went viral on social media. “This is to inform the public that the DENR-12 monitoring and enforcement team received a report on Monday, April 8 about a disturbing video of improper treatment of Philippine Tarsiers posted on social media by a certain vlogger named “Farm Boy” from Polomolok, South Cotabato,” DENR-Soccsksargen said in a statement posted on social media. “The Department already investigated the matter and found out that the two tarsiers were already released by the vlogger to the wild, yet the agency is still looking for further actions to be taken on the wildlife incident,” it added. In the now-deleted video that went viral on social media on Wednesday, April 10, vlogger Ryan Parreño, a resident of Polomolok, South Cotabato, who goes by the handle Farm Boy, can be seen picking up a tarsier and laughing with another individual while asking the animal to smile for the camera. “Smile, baby, smile,” Parreño said in a video while gripping a tarsier in his hand. The incident happened in Polomolok. Environmental lawyer Esther Gertrude Biliran told Rappler said that the actions of Parreño and disturbed the tarsier and counted as maltreatment. “A tarsier is not supposed to be touched or disturbed. It is a nocturnal animal and should not be disturbed in their sleep,” the lawyer said. Amid strong criticism of Parreño, the vlogger reasoned in another social media post that they were transferring the tarsiers to a wildlife area since the animals were in a community zone. Many netizens were enraged with how the vlogger used the tarsiers for “content” and online reactions. “Ignorance of the law excuses no one,” netizen John Argiel Laurente Victor said in a comment on Parreño’s post. “Dapat sa mga ganitong tao pinapakulong (People like these should be imprisoned),” netizen Roel Fucio said in a social media post. According to the Endangered Species International, Incorporated, wild tarsiers that are caught and kept in captivity only show around a 50% rate of survival and in many cases, commit suicide due to stress. Under Republic Act No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, transporting wildlife, maltreatment and/or inflicting injuries on the animals are considered illegal acts. These acts are punishable by imprisonment of 10 days to one month and a fine of P1,000 to P5,000 if the species is listed as “other threatened species (OTS).” The DENR through Administrative Order No. 2019-09 listed the tarsier as OTS. In 1997, President Fidel V. Ramos signed Presidential Proclamation No. 1030, declaring the Philippine tarsier as a “Specially Protected Faunal Species of the Philippines.” “In pursuit thereof, the hunting, killing, wounding, taking away or possession of the Philippine Tarsier and the conduct of activities destructive of its habitats are hereby prohibited,” the proclamation read. Rappler has reached out to the vlogger for a comment on the issue but has yet to receive any reply. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Man-go crazy! Get 4 kilos of Guimaras mangoes for P820 from island farmers

Steph Arnaldo

10/04/2024 14:49

Rural Rising Facebook MANILA, Philippines – If you can’t get enough of Philippine sweet mangoes, you’ll love Rural Rising’s newest mango-nificent deal – the socio-agricultural enterprise is holding a Guimaras RR Mango Rescue Buy, where four kilos of the “sweetest mangoes in the world” will cost P820, hand-picked by Guimaras Island’s farmers. Rural Rising has over a boatload of authentic mangoes from the island that need a new home. The term “RR” means that they are “second-class fruits,” meaning they will “never see the insides of an air-conditioned mall or a grocery.” “Good mangoes are nurtured and protected on the tree. What about its RR mangoes? An RR is left to survive and grow as best it can at the mercy of the unforgiving insect and unforgiving buyer. They are not lovingly covered with paper like ‘legitimate’ mangoes — they find no love, they grow small,” RuRi wrote. “This unwanted child has so much to prove and it dies. But you know what? On the Brix sweetness score it is EQUAL OR BETTER than good mangoes, even if they are smaller,” they added. RuRi’s serving suggestion? Do not serve it. “Take one, bite off the tip, peel the skin halfway and go at it. Like a banana, like an ice cream in your hand, it’s a sweet surprise.” RuRi is helping several mango farmers in Guimaras Island by buying all their RR mangoes at a good price. As of writing, there are 80 orders in stock on RuRi’s website. The dispatch date has yet to be announced. Order pick-ups can be done at any of RuRi’s three points: RuRi Central in Avida Towers Centera, EDSA cor. Reliance Street, Mandaluyong City; RuRi North in 22 Congressional Avenue, Project 8, Quezon City; and RuRi in South Old Transport Terminal Bldg., Alabang Town Center, Theater Dr., Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa. RuRi advises customers to claim their produce within 48 hours of the dispatch date, as fresh produce spoils quickly. “In context of these Rescue Buys, it will be a tragedy to save produce from one place only to have it spoil in our hands. We shall donate all unclaimed produce in your name to hungry communities like Barangay Tatalon in Quezon City,” they said. Rural Rising has been actively supporting local farming communities by hosting regular rescue buys. Campaigns have contributed to the sale of kamote from Guimaras, basil from Pampanga, sweet corn from Pangasinan, and pineapples from Isabela, among many others. – Steph Arnaldo/Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Sexually harassed student ‘traumatized further’ as teachers sue for cyber libel

Michelle Abad

10/04/2024 21:15

SPEAKING OUT. Robert, not his real names, speaks at a press conference with other sexual harassment survivors accompanied by their lawyer Aaron Pedrosa and gender equality advocates at the Commission on Human Rights headquarters in Quezon City, to narrate the sexual abuse and harassment experienced at the hands of their teachers at the Bacoor National High School, on September 7, 2022. Jire Carreon/Rappler CAVITE, Philippines – An alumnus of Bacoor National High School (BNHS) who came forward about his and others’ experiences of sexual harassment in school said he was “traumatized further” after four of his former teachers sued him for cyber libel. Four teachers sued 22-year-old Robert, not his real name, for posting online screenshots of their allegedly inappropriate chats with students. Robert was arrested on Friday, April 5, for four counts of cyber libel, one from each of the teachers who filed. “Mas nagdagdagan ‘yung trauma na meron ako (I feel further traumatized),” Robert told Rappler through questions we sent to his friends who visited him Wednesday, April 10, while he was detained at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Imus, Cavite. A copy of one of the warrants Rappler acquired showed that a certain Nelson Feranil, described as a BNHS teacher, filed a complaint after Robert posted a screenshot of Feranil’s alleged chat with another student in August 2022. The prosecution said Robert had the malicious intent of “besmirching the honor, integrity and reputation of Feranil.” Even though this particular charge was filed before the Bacoor City Regional Trial Court Branch 110 in July 2023, Robert said he only learned about the case when he was arrested last week. Robert’s mother, Lucia (not her real name), only found out that her son was detained while she was at work. Both mother and son were confused about why they received a warrant first and not a subpoena. At the time, believing Robert had only one count of cyber libel, Lucia prepared P10,000 in bail for when the court opened again on Monday, April 8. That’s when they both found out that there were four counts, which meant quadrupling the bail needed. “Mabigat talaga kasi single mom ako (It’s heavy on my pockets because I’m a single mom),” said Lucia told Rappler outside the CIDG on Wednesday, adding that Robert had four other siblings. Lucia could loan the total amount for bail, while student rights groups like Enough is Enough (EIE) also helped raise funds for Robert’s legal needs. As April 9 and 10 were holidays, Robert expects to go free on Thursday, April 11, once he posts bail. Now a first-year college student, Robert missed school on Monday. His mother is hoping he makes it to his class on Thursday. “Parang 11 am yata ang klase niya eh. So pipilitin naming makalabas siya (I think his class is at 11 am. So we’ll try our best to get him out),” said Lucia. Robert experienced inappropriate touching and other boundary-crossing advances from a teacher when he was in Grade 9 in BNHS. In 2022, Robert was a whistleblower not only for himself but for other students who experienced sexual harassment, leading him to post the screenshots that implicated the teachers. He only experienced harassment from one of the four teachers who sued him. “Nagalit [ako] (I got angry),” Robert said through his friends, reflecting on how the teachers sued him after he was victimized. “Mas ino-oppress kasi nila ‘yung mga victims sa ginagawa nila. Kaya mas maraming natatakot ng mga sexual abuse victims dahil sa ginagawa nila,” he added. (They are further oppressing the victims because of what they’re doing. That’s why more sexual abuse victims are feeling afraid, because of what they’re doing.) When Robert first opened up about his abuse, Lucia also worried that she had failed as a parent. “Hindi ko rin alam kung nagkulang ba ako as a nanay (I also don’t know if I had shortcomings as a mother),” she said. Lucia knew what her son was going through when he spoke out for the survivors. She gave him advice but understood that he was old enough to think critically about his actions. While she supported his advocacy, she also worried about how he was going about it. “Oo [suportado ako], pero at the same time, may takot, siyempre. Kasi hindi mo alam ‘yung binabangga mo. Hindi lang para sa kanya, sa mga kapatid niya din… Kung ako, ipaglalaban ko rin. Pero hindi through social media, through the court,” she said. (I supported him, but I was afraid at the same time, of course. Because you don’t know who you’re up against. I was scared not just for him but also his siblings. If it were me, I would have fought for it too. But not through social media, through the court.) Rather than anger, Lucia said it was sadness she felt following the arrest of her son. “Ang ano ko na lang ngayon is mailabas ‘yung anak ko. Parang ‘yung galit hindi ko na maramdaman eh. ‘Yung lungkot sa justice system natin, sa batas,” she said. (My priority is to get my son out. I no longer feel anger. It’s more of sadness at our justice system and law.) Once Robert is released on bail, they plan to focus on the next legal steps. EIE, an organization of school-based sexual harassment survivors and their supporters, slammed Robert’s incarceration. “Alias Robert’s case marks a grave threat to all victim-survivors and the collective effort against campus predators. It sends out a message that victim-survivors who come forward with their truth will be punished and suppressed,” they said in a Wednesday statement. In September 2022, in the wake of the surfacing reports from BNHS, the Department of Education said administrative charges were filed against five BNHS teachers accused of sexually abusing students.– Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Marcos ‘horrified’ by Duterte’s alleged gentleman’s agreement with China on West PH Sea

Dwight de Leon

10/04/2024 12:52

CHIEF EXECUTIVE. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the special summit between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Australia in March 2024. Penny Stephens/ASEAN MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said his administration has no idea about a supposed gentleman’s agreement between the administration of his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte and China on the West Philippine Sea conflict, but asserted that the thought of it was appalling. “I am horrified by the idea that we have compromised, through a secret agreement, the territory, the sovereignty, and the sovereign rights of the Filipinos,” Marcos said in an ambush interview on Wednesday, April 10. “Kung ay ang sinasabi sa agreement na ‘yan na kailangan nating magpermiso sa ibang bansa para gumalaw sa ating sariling teritoryo, mahirap sigurong sundan ang ganyang klaseng agreement (If that agreement says we have to ask permission from other countries in order to navigate our own territory, that kind of agreement would probably be difficult to follow),” he added. Former presidential spokesman Harry Roque previously said that during the Duterte administration, the Philippines supposedly agreed with China to keep the status quo in the territorial waters. This meant only basic supplies, not building materials, would be deployed to the BRP Sierra Madre, the dilapidated Philippine Navy ship that serves as the country’s military outpost in Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal). Another Duterte-era official, former chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo, denied that then-president Rodrigo Duterte had entered into a gentleman’s agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Department of Foreign Affairs said that Beijing had raised this gentleman’s agreement in its proposals to Manila on how to de-escalate tensions in the West Philippine Sea, but the DFA added that those were contrary to the Philippines’ national interests. Marcos said he will still have to clarify details of the supposed deal with Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian, and added that his administration is having conversations with former officials of the Duterte administration. “We don’t know if it’s a secret agreement. We don’t know anything about it. There is no documentation, there is no record,” Marcos said. “We were not briefed when I came into office.” In a statement on Thursday, April 11, the Chinese embassy in Manila said Beijing had been “exploring…the pragmatic way to effectively manage the situation of Ren’ai Jiao without prejudice to either country’s principled position on the dispute” with the current administration and administrations past. Still seemingly insisting that the agreement on Ayungin Shoal stood, the Chinese embassy said “because the understandings and agreements were no longer adhered to, the situation around [Second Thomas or Ayungin Shoal] became difficult and incidents happened once and again.” Tensions in the West Philippine Sea have escalated since Marcos rose to the presidency, with numerous harassment tactics by China against Philippine vessels. Marcos’ remarks on Wednesday came just before his flight to Washington DC, where he is set to participate in a landmark trilateral summit with US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister. That meeting is set to discuss the Beijing problem in the South China Sea. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. Problem solved. China please move on. Another Duterte-era official, former chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo, denied that then-president Rodrigo Duterte had entered into a gentleman’s agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping. I appreciate President Marcos Jr.’s statement: “I am horrified by the idea that we have compromised, through a secret agreement, the territory, the sovereignty, and the sovereign rights of the Filipinos.” If he is horrified by such an idea, what will he do to the person who caused such “horror”? Take note at this time; he showed that he is excellent at handling an ambush interview. Perhaps this is because such an interview is not about Marcos Sr.’s atrocities and corruption and their family’s unpaid billion peso estate tax. How does this make you feel?

Rappler

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/marcos-horrified-alleged-duterte-gentleman-agreement-china-sea-dispute/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2nxeGBlD20QNX0YUzbtrPf6jYjwhyXd-7MxWSKJjlk3v2EJiXhYhOKydo_aem_0Tv5Fo5x4SIz4jpKhr4uaA

Marcos’ traffic town hall a mixed bag for transport groups snubbed by Malacañang

Dwight de Leon

10/04/2024 20:27

DISCUSSION. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. speaks during a town hall on traffic woes on April 10, 2024. Presidential Communications Office MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led a public town hall on Metro Manila’s traffic woes on Wednesday, April 10, affirming his resolve to address the transportation mess in the capital region, but advocacy groups that his administration failed to invite were left wanting. The two-hour event saw the President listen to the accomplishment reports and proposals of his Cabinet secretaries and answer questions posed by select participants. “The solution really is to improve our public transport system. If we don’t do anything, the number of vehicles plying Manila will just continue to increase,” Marcos said in Filipino. When asked about government efforts on that subject, Marcos leaned heavily into his administration’s railway projects, providing the audience with their completion rate. These include the following: During the event, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Rolando Artes unveiled new work hours for local government offices in the National Capital Region (NCR) to avoid getting stuck in traffic during peak hours. He also sees the utilization of Mabuhay Lanes, the setting up of more bike lanes, the repair of priority intersections, and the use of the Pasig River Ferry System as alternatives to alleviating the traffic situation in Metro Manila. Meanwhile, Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan highlighted big-ticket infrastructure projects such as skyways, expressways, and bridges. In Rappler’s Be the Good episode, panelists from civil society welcomed the President’s overarching message of wanting to improve Filipinos’ commuting experience, but they were unimpressed once they zoomed in on the specifics of their proposals. “Railways are very important… but we cannot put all our eggs in the railway basket,” Robie Siy of Move as One Coalition said. “Today, looking at our budget, 98% of our public transport budget is going into rail [but] rail takes a long time and is only limited in terms of its influence.” He added, “We need to increase the capacity and quality of our road-based public transport.” The group was also concerned with the government’s seeming prioritization of expressways and tollways. “[These projects are] notably more vehicle-oriented rather than people-oriented in terms of mobility. And these are also very, very expensive projects that induce more demand for private vehicle use and these also don’t take into consideration public transport vehicles such as buses, jeepneys, tricycles,” said Cola Cobarrubias, also from the Move as One Coalition. There was no mention of transport advocacy groups’ proposal to enable service contracting for thousands of jeepneys and buses. The town hall also did not touch upon projects to improve the experience of pedestrians and members of vulnerable sectors. The MMDA mentioned the setting up of more bike lanes in passing, failing to expand on the subject. President Marcos also asserted that the consolidation deadline for public utility vehicles will not be extended after April 30. Still, there was no mention of additional financial assistance or subsidy for drivers and operators bearing the brunt of the modernization program. President Marcos publicized the town hall in a vlog posted on his Youtube account over the weekend, urging the public to participate via the comments section. Wednesday’s town hall was not open to the public. Government employees filled half the seats of the indoor arena in San Juan, leaving the other half empty. Before the event, the emcee asked the audience to submit their questions for the open forum, but the ones called were pre-selected people who were already scheduled to deliver their statements, including San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora, and representatives from Pasang Masda, Angkas, and Employers’ Confederation of the Philippines. For AltMobility PH, it was a wasted opportunity to take advantage of a holiday to widen the reach of the town hall. “We were hoping that it would be picking up from the President’s instructions to have a comprehensive plan. But it seemed they invited the President to sit down in the traffic discussion of Metro Manila. We heard a litany of singular projects, but I failed to hear a comprehensive solution,” AltMobility PH director Ira Cruz said. Move as One, AltMobility PH, and Advocates for Inclusive Transport, Make It Safer Movement, alongside PUV groups Piston and Manibela, were among those groups that did not receive an invitation to the town hall, despite being constant talking heads on transportation issues. “We’re not there. I would like to think that we’re the usual suspects that are invited to the Senate, to Congress, to technical working groups, to a certain extent, we remain relevant to the conversation,” he said. “Ordinary commuters are not available.” “It cannot continue in this format. It’s not enough. It’s not a conversation, it’s one speech after another,” he added. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Marcos assures Teves of ‘compassion, fairness, security’

Herbie G

10/04/2024 15:10

ABOUT ARNIE. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. talks to reporters about expelled Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr. in Bacolod on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Erwin Delilan/Rappler BACOLOD, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has assured expelled Negros Oriental congressman and suspected Degamo slay mastermind Arnolfo Teves Jr. that the government will act with compassion and fairness, and guarantee his security during his impending return from Timor-Leste. Marcos told reporters in Bacolod City that all legal processes would be followed, and Teves would be dealt with fairly as soon as the ex-congressman sets foot again on Philippine soil. “Walang nagbabanta sa buhay niya (No one is threatening his life),” he said on Monday, April 8. Teves, who was expelled by Congress and simultaneously designated as a terrorist in August 2023, is currently facing multiple murder charges in connection with the gruesome assassination of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and nine other civilians in Barangay 9-Poblacion, Pamplona town on the morning of March 23, 2023. Teves has repeatedly denied involvement in the broad-daylight murders. After about a year of evading arrest abroad, operatives from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), alongside police authorities in East Timor, caught Teves while he was playing golf at the Top Golf Driving Range and Bar in Dili, on March 21. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Teves’ return to the country from Timor-Leste is now being processed. Degamo’s widow, Janice, the mayor of Pamplona town, expressed some frustration over the case. “We are tired of the continued delaying tactics employed by Teves’ camp and his team of high-end lawyers,” she said. She said Teves still wields power and influence in Negros Oriental. She called on her provincemates to remain vigilant “as we continue to work alongside the national government to dismantle threats to all our fellow Negrenses.” – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Marcos ‘horrified’ by Duterte’s alleged gentleman’s agreement with China on West PH Sea

Dwight de Leon

10/04/2024 12:52

CHIEF EXECUTIVE. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the special summit between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Australia in March 2024. Penny Stephens/ASEAN MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said his administration has no idea about a supposed gentleman’s agreement between the administration of his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte and China on the West Philippine Sea conflict, but asserted that the thought of it was appalling. “I am horrified by the idea that we have compromised, through a secret agreement, the territory, the sovereignty, and the sovereign rights of the Filipinos,” Marcos said in an ambush interview on Wednesday, April 10. “Kung ay ang sinasabi sa agreement na ‘yan na kailangan nating magpermiso sa ibang bansa para gumalaw sa ating sariling teritoryo, mahirap sigurong sundan ang ganyang klaseng agreement (If that agreement says we have to ask permission from other countries in order to navigate our own territory, that kind of agreement would probably be difficult to follow),” he added. Former presidential spokesman Harry Roque previously said that during the Duterte administration, the Philippines supposedly agreed with China to keep the status quo in the territorial waters. This meant only basic supplies, not building materials, would be deployed to the BRP Sierra Madre, the dilapidated Philippine Navy ship that serves as the country’s military outpost in Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal). Another Duterte-era official, former chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo, denied that then-president Rodrigo Duterte had entered into a gentleman’s agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Department of Foreign Affairs said that Beijing had raised this gentleman’s agreement in its proposals to Manila on how to de-escalate tensions in the West Philippine Sea, but the DFA added that those were contrary to the Philippines’ national interests. Marcos said he will still have to clarify details of the supposed deal with Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian, and added that his administration is having conversations with former officials of the Duterte administration. “We don’t know if it’s a secret agreement. We don’t know anything about it. There is no documentation, there is no record,” Marcos said. “We were not briefed when I came into office.” In a statement on Thursday, April 11, the Chinese embassy in Manila said Beijing had been “exploring…the pragmatic way to effectively manage the situation of Ren’ai Jiao without prejudice to either country’s principled position on the dispute” with the current administration and administrations past. Still seemingly insisting that the agreement on Ayungin Shoal stood, the Chinese embassy said “because the understandings and agreements were no longer adhered to, the situation around [Second Thomas or Ayungin Shoal] became difficult and incidents happened once and again.” Tensions in the West Philippine Sea have escalated since Marcos rose to the presidency, with numerous harassment tactics by China against Philippine vessels. Marcos’ remarks on Wednesday came just before his flight to Washington DC, where he is set to participate in a landmark trilateral summit with US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister. That meeting is set to discuss the Beijing problem in the South China Sea. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. Problem solved. China please move on. Another Duterte-era official, former chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo, denied that then-president Rodrigo Duterte had entered into a gentleman’s agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping. I appreciate President Marcos Jr.’s statement: “I am horrified by the idea that we have compromised, through a secret agreement, the territory, the sovereignty, and the sovereign rights of the Filipinos.” If he is horrified by such an idea, what will he do to the person who caused such “horror”? Take note at this time; he showed that he is excellent at handling an ambush interview. Perhaps this is because such an interview is not about Marcos Sr.’s atrocities and corruption and their family’s unpaid billion peso estate tax. How does this make you feel?

Rappler

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/marcos-horrified-alleged-duterte-gentleman-agreement-china-sea-dispute/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2jsrNvlBYTHJGqKoiFVvTy9aBz-1hF1m5EgD8gV7QK0M2NYpKT48EmpVY_aem_nI_1vMoL7G9gSg6L5rklqg

Sexually harassed student ‘traumatized further’ as teachers sue for cyber libel

Michelle Abad

10/04/2024 21:15

SPEAKING OUT. Robert, not his real names, speaks at a press conference with other sexual harassment survivors accompanied by their lawyer Aaron Pedrosa and gender equality advocates at the Commission on Human Rights headquarters in Quezon City, to narrate the sexual abuse and harassment experienced at the hands of their teachers at the Bacoor National High School, on September 7, 2022. Jire Carreon/Rappler CAVITE, Philippines – An alumnus of Bacoor National High School (BNHS) who came forward about his and others’ experiences of sexual harassment in school said he was “traumatized further” after four of his former teachers sued him for cyber libel. Four teachers sued 22-year-old Robert, not his real name, for posting online screenshots of their allegedly inappropriate chats with students. Robert was arrested on Friday, April 5, for four counts of cyber libel, one from each of the teachers who filed. “Mas nagdagdagan ‘yung trauma na meron ako (I feel further traumatized),” Robert told Rappler through questions we sent to his friends who visited him Wednesday, April 10, while he was detained at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Imus, Cavite. A copy of one of the warrants Rappler acquired showed that a certain Nelson Feranil, described as a BNHS teacher, filed a complaint after Robert posted a screenshot of Feranil’s alleged chat with another student in August 2022. The prosecution said Robert had the malicious intent of “besmirching the honor, integrity and reputation of Feranil.” Even though this particular charge was filed before the Bacoor City Regional Trial Court Branch 110 in July 2023, Robert said he only learned about the case when he was arrested last week. Robert’s mother, Lucia (not her real name), only found out that her son was detained while she was at work. Both mother and son were confused about why they received a warrant first and not a subpoena. At the time, believing Robert had only one count of cyber libel, Lucia prepared P10,000 in bail for when the court opened again on Monday, April 8. That’s when they both found out that there were four counts, which meant quadrupling the bail needed. “Mabigat talaga kasi single mom ako (It’s heavy on my pockets because I’m a single mom),” said Lucia told Rappler outside the CIDG on Wednesday, adding that Robert had four other siblings. Lucia could loan the total amount for bail, while student rights groups like Enough is Enough (EIE) also helped raise funds for Robert’s legal needs. As April 9 and 10 were holidays, Robert expects to go free on Thursday, April 11, once he posts bail. Now a first-year college student, Robert missed school on Monday. His mother is hoping he makes it to his class on Thursday. “Parang 11 am yata ang klase niya eh. So pipilitin naming makalabas siya (I think his class is at 11 am. So we’ll try our best to get him out),” said Lucia. Robert experienced inappropriate touching and other boundary-crossing advances from a teacher when he was in Grade 9 in BNHS. In 2022, Robert was a whistleblower not only for himself but for other students who experienced sexual harassment, leading him to post the screenshots that implicated the teachers. He only experienced harassment from one of the four teachers who sued him. “Nagalit [ako] (I got angry),” Robert said through his friends, reflecting on how the teachers sued him after he was victimized. “Mas ino-oppress kasi nila ‘yung mga victims sa ginagawa nila. Kaya mas maraming natatakot ng mga sexual abuse victims dahil sa ginagawa nila,” he added. (They are further oppressing the victims because of what they’re doing. That’s why more sexual abuse victims are feeling afraid, because of what they’re doing.) When Robert first opened up about his abuse, Lucia also worried that she had failed as a parent. “Hindi ko rin alam kung nagkulang ba ako as a nanay (I also don’t know if I had shortcomings as a mother),” she said. Lucia knew what her son was going through when he spoke out for the survivors. She gave him advice but understood that he was old enough to think critically about his actions. While she supported his advocacy, she also worried about how he was going about it. “Oo [suportado ako], pero at the same time, may takot, siyempre. Kasi hindi mo alam ‘yung binabangga mo. Hindi lang para sa kanya, sa mga kapatid niya din… Kung ako, ipaglalaban ko rin. Pero hindi through social media, through the court,” she said. (I supported him, but I was afraid at the same time, of course. Because you don’t know who you’re up against. I was scared not just for him but also his siblings. If it were me, I would have fought for it too. But not through social media, through the court.) Rather than anger, Lucia said it was sadness she felt following the arrest of her son. “Ang ano ko na lang ngayon is mailabas ‘yung anak ko. Parang ‘yung galit hindi ko na maramdaman eh. ‘Yung lungkot sa justice system natin, sa batas,” she said. (My priority is to get my son out. I no longer feel anger. It’s more of sadness at our justice system and law.) Once Robert is released on bail, they plan to focus on the next legal steps. EIE, an organization of school-based sexual harassment survivors and their supporters, slammed Robert’s incarceration. “Alias Robert’s case marks a grave threat to all victim-survivors and the collective effort against campus predators. It sends out a message that victim-survivors who come forward with their truth will be punished and suppressed,” they said in a Wednesday statement. In September 2022, in the wake of the surfacing reports from BNHS, the Department of Education said administrative charges were filed against five BNHS teachers accused of sexually abusing students.– Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Marcos ‘horrified’ by supposed Duterte-China deal in West Philippine Sea | The wRap

Jaira Roxas

10/04/2024 22:45

Today’s headlines – the latest news in the Philippines and around the world: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. says he is horrified by the supposed gentleman’s agreement between Rodrigo Duterte and China on the West Philippine Sea conflict. He adds there is no record of the so-called agreement. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assures expelled congressman and suspected Degamo slay mastermind Arnie Teves that the government will act with compassion and fairness, and guarantee his security during his return from Timor-Leste. Local government offices in Metro Manila will operate from 7 am to 4 pm instead of the usual 8 am to 5 pm starting Monday, April 15. A 22-year-old alumnus of Bacoor National High School is arrested for cyber libel more than a year after he posted online a screenshot showing a teacher’s alleged sexual harassment. He says he is ‘further traumatized’ because of this. The environment department in Soccsksargen is investigating a vlogger who handled tarsiers on a video that went viral. Ryan Parreño, a South Cotabato native with the handle Farm Boy, is seen picking up a tarsier and laughing. – Rappler.com How does this make you feel?

Rappler

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DENR probes vlogger’s ‘improper treatment’ of tarsiers in viral video

jsitchon0312

10/04/2024 17:05

ENDANGERED. A visibly stressed tarsier can be seen being held by an individual in vlogger Farm Boy's video. Screenshot of Farm Boy video footage CEBU, Philippines – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Soccsksargen said on Wednesday, April 10, that it is investigating the incident involving a vlogger’s “improper treatement” of tarsiers shown in his video that went viral on social media. “This is to inform the public that the DENR-12 monitoring and enforcement team received a report on Monday, April 8 about a disturbing video of improper treatment of Philippine Tarsiers posted on social media by a certain vlogger named “Farm Boy” from Polomolok, South Cotabato,” DENR-Soccsksargen said in a statement posted on social media. “The Department already investigated the matter and found out that the two tarsiers were already released by the vlogger to the wild, yet the agency is still looking for further actions to be taken on the wildlife incident,” it added. In the now-deleted video that went viral on social media on Wednesday, April 10, vlogger Ryan Parreño, a resident of Polomolok, South Cotabato, who goes by the handle Farm Boy, can be seen picking up a tarsier and laughing with another individual while asking the animal to smile for the camera. “Smile, baby, smile,” Parreño said in a video while gripping a tarsier in his hand. The incident happened in Polomolok. Environmental lawyer Esther Gertrude Biliran told Rappler said that the actions of Parreño and disturbed the tarsier and counted as maltreatment. “A tarsier is not supposed to be touched or disturbed. It is a nocturnal animal and should not be disturbed in their sleep,” the lawyer said. Amid strong criticism of Parreño, the vlogger reasoned in another social media post that they were transferring the tarsiers to a wildlife area since the animals were in a community zone. Many netizens were enraged with how the vlogger used the tarsiers for “content” and online reactions. “Ignorance of the law excuses no one,” netizen John Argiel Laurente Victor said in a comment on Parreño’s post. “Dapat sa mga ganitong tao pinapakulong (People like these should be imprisoned),” netizen Roel Fucio said in a social media post. According to the Endangered Species International, Incorporated, wild tarsiers that are caught and kept in captivity only show around a 50% rate of survival and in many cases, commit suicide due to stress. Under Republic Act No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, transporting wildlife, maltreatment and/or inflicting injuries on the animals are considered illegal acts. These acts are punishable by imprisonment of 10 days to one month and a fine of P1,000 to P5,000 if the species is listed as “other threatened species (OTS).” The DENR through Administrative Order No. 2019-09 listed the tarsier as OTS. In 1997, President Fidel V. Ramos signed Presidential Proclamation No. 1030, declaring the Philippine tarsier as a “Specially Protected Faunal Species of the Philippines.” “In pursuit thereof, the hunting, killing, wounding, taking away or possession of the Philippine Tarsier and the conduct of activities destructive of its habitats are hereby prohibited,” the proclamation read. Rappler has reached out to the vlogger for a comment on the issue but has yet to receive any reply. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Marcos ‘horrified’ by supposed Duterte-China deal in West Philippine Sea | The wRap

Jaira Roxas

10/04/2024 22:45

Today’s headlines – the latest news in the Philippines and around the world: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. says he is horrified by the supposed gentleman’s agreement between Rodrigo Duterte and China on the West Philippine Sea conflict. He adds there is no record of the so-called agreement. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assures expelled congressman and suspected Degamo slay mastermind Arnie Teves that the government will act with compassion and fairness, and guarantee his security during his return from Timor-Leste. Local government offices in Metro Manila will operate from 7 am to 4 pm instead of the usual 8 am to 5 pm starting Monday, April 15. A 22-year-old alumnus of Bacoor National High School is arrested for cyber libel more than a year after he posted online a screenshot showing a teacher’s alleged sexual harassment. He says he is ‘further traumatized’ because of this. The environment department in Soccsksargen is investigating a vlogger who handled tarsiers on a video that went viral. Ryan Parreño, a South Cotabato native with the handle Farm Boy, is seen picking up a tarsier and laughing. – Rappler.com How does this make you feel?

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Still no signs of Quiboloy as authorities search his Davao properties again

Herbie G

10/04/2024 21:07

PREACHER. Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy in an undated photo in Davao City. Sourced photo DAVAO, Philippines – The Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms (OSSAA) served a contempt warrant against fugitive preacher Apollo Quiboloy through one of his lawyers as authorities searched some of the pastor’s properties for the second time in Davao on Wednesday, April 10. Authorities failed to locate Quiboloy who, on Saturday, April 6, admitted that he was “avoiding” law enforcers for fear of what the United States might do to him. Quiboloy is wanted in the US for a string of criminal cases that include sexual abuse, human trafficking, fraud, and money laundering. A Davao court has also issued an arrest warrant against him for sexual abuse of a minor and child abuse, and prosecutors charged him with human trafficking before a Pasig court. Archie Albao, director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Davao, said a team of law enforcers, including the OSSAA, searched again four of Quiboloy’s properties, including the Kingdom of Jesus Christ’s (KOJC) so-called “Prayer Mountain” in the village of Tamayong. They found no signs of the elusive preacher. They served the Senate’s contempt warrant against Quiboloy through lawyer Israelito Torreon at the KOJC Compound on the Phil-Japan Friendship Highway, Bajada in Davao. Authorities then proceeded to search Quiboloy’s properties in Tamayong, Calinan District, where they again found no signs that the preacher was there. Albao said it was possible that Quiboloy was no longer in Davao or hiding in other areas in the city. He said it was also possible that Quiboloy was receiving help so he could evade arrest “but the law enforcers have no information if there’s someone or not.” Albao said authorities have noted Quiboloy’s pronouncement through an audio recording made public of Saturday that he would continue to hide until his conditions are met. “He (Quiboloy) himself declared he is hiding,” Albao said. He said Quiboloy and his lawyers had anticipated the arrest warrants and “so, they have the time to arrange their plans.” With or without moles, Albao said, “they already have advance information” because of the court processes. He also noted that Quiboloy’s followers were willing to give authorities access to everything. “First, they’re not hiding anything. Second… they’re willing to open everything…,” Albao said. Albao said authorities would continue the search for Quiboloy, and would report to the Davao court by Monday, April 15, unless the preacher is caught or turned himself in. After Monday, he said, the court would likely issue another arrest warrant that would be in effect until the fugitive preacher is caught. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. Did they check Duterte Harry’s house? What happened to the Government’s Intelligence Funds? Is it a problem of funds, its use, the people using it, or all of these? Quiboloy’s ability to evade arrest is more likely due to someone’s help. This person is so intelligent that he can outwit all the concerned agencies. Indeed, God’s “Appointed Son” has been blessed through this person. How does this make you feel?

Rappler

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Olympic athletics champions to earn $50,000, end of 128-year tradition

Jasmine Payo

10/04/2024 20:54

VAULT. The Philippines' Ernest John Obiena in action during the men's pole vault final in the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships. Fabrizio Bensch/Reuters LONDON, UK – Athletics has become the first sport to offer prize money to Olympic champions, announcing on Wednesday, April 10, that the 48 gold medalists in Paris this year will earn $50,000 each to end a 128-year tradition. Although the concept of purely amateur competition has long since disappeared from the modern Olympics with athletes often receiving payments from sponsors and professionals taking part for more than 30 years, the World Athletics decision is a major shift for the Games to deal with. “This is an issue for our sport,” World Athletics president Sebastian Coe told reporters. “But I don’t believe this is remotely at variance with the concept that the IOC often talks about, which is recognizing the efforts that our competitors make for the overall success of the Games.” Coe said there had been no discussion about the plan with the International Olympic Committee, only that his organization had give the IOC a heads-up shortly before announcing the $2.4 million prize pot. “While it is impossible to put a marketable value on winning an Olympic medal, or on the commitment and focus it takes to even represent your country at an Olympic Games, I think it is important we make sure some of the revenues generated by our athletes at the Olympics are directly returned to those who make the Games the global spectacle that it is,” Coe said. The IOC, which has yet to comment on the development, distributes revenues from the Olympics to the international federations. A total of $540 million was allocated to the 28 sports at the Tokyo Games with World Athletics receiving the most at $40 million. Norway’s Olympic 400m hurdles champion Karsten Warholm welcomed the news. “I think it’s good so I want to salute them for it,” he told Reuters. “It doesn’t change my motivation to win because for the Olympics I’m not in it for the money. The gold medal is worth a lot more to me personally. But when it comes to building a professional sport, I think it’s going in the right direction.” The amateur ethos of the Olympics, severely undermined by the success of state-sponsored competitors from the former Eastern Bloc, was swept away when the IOC agreed to allow professional athletes to compete in tennis, soccer and ice hockey at the 1988 Seoul Games Basketball followed in 1992 and superstar professionals from the NBA gained huge attention when coming together in the United States “Dream Team.” Despite the continuing lack of prize money, athletes in many sports receive hefty bonuses from their governments and sponsors for triumphing in the biggest shop window of all. Although athletics is the Olympics’ biggest sport by number of participants and TV audiences, the vast majority of athletes, including many medalists, face a constant struggle for funding. When Briton Coe won his 1,500 meters gold medals at the 1980 and 1984 Games, the Olympics and athletics were officially for amateurs, but he rejected the idea the new plan would undermine the amateur ethic. “I’m probably the last generation to have been on the 75p meal voucher and a second class rail ticket when competing for my own country,” the 67-year-old said. “So, I do understand the nature of the transition we’ve been in. It is a completely different planet from when I was competing, so it is very important that the sport recognizes that change in landscape and the added pressures on many competitors.” In 1992, the concept of trust funds for athletes was introduced and gold medallists at the 1993 world championships in Stuttgart received Mercedes cars. Gold medallists at last year’s world championships earned $70,000, only $10,000 more than when prize money was introduced in 1997. Olympic silver and bronze medallists in athletics will also receive prize money, but only from the 2028 Los Angeles Games, with details to be announced at a later date. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Dingdong Hatid ride-hailing motor taxi app launches

Angelo Gonzales

10/04/2024 16:54

DINGDONG HATID. A new ride-hailing motor taxi service launches Photo provided by Dingdong MANILA, Philippines – A new ride-hailing motor taxi app to compete with the likes of Angkas and Grab’s MoveIt was launched on Monday, April 8. Dingdong Hatid, borne from a partnership between two startups Dingdong and RiderKo, is a service supported by a network of 100,000 registered riders, shared with other Dingdong services for delivery and food delivery services. Approximately 7,000 riders are active on a daily basis. The companies said they are looking to expand their rider base by an additional 30,000 to 50,000 riders in the coming year, “adhering closely to the directives outlined by the Technical Working Group (TWG) of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).” Dingdong Hatid boasts a QR booking system that allows for rider-passenger matching using a QR instead of the usual online booking process, scheduled booking, and safety features such as an SOS emergency button on the app. The company also said it is “committed to offering more affordable travel solutions, thanks to its competitive promotional offers and competitive rates.” It also seeks to provide its motorcycle drivers a “stable and lucrative earning platform” and “distinguishes itself by offering riders daily guaranteed earnings – an assurance of income beyond their regular ride fares.” Asked what service providers in this industry can improve on, the company said, “Some key areas for improvement include ensuring the safety of both passengers and drivers, [which] remains paramount” and other aspects such as implementing “stricter background checks for drivers, enhancing vehicle inspection protocols, and providing safety features within the app.” Dingdong Hatid is now available through the Dingdong app via the App Store for iOS and Google Play Store for Android. Dingdong is a company founded by actor Dingdong Dantes, and also currently serves as its chief strategy officer. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Results, team standings: UAAP Season 86 volleyball

Jasmine Payo

05/05/2024 21:02

ROARING. NU's Bella Belen (left) and Alyssa Solomon react in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball finals UAAP Season 86 Media Team MANILA, Philippines – The UAAP Season 86 volleyball tournaments reach a tipping point with the men’s and women’s finals! LOOK: UAAP volleyball championship schedule Here are the results in the men’s and women’s divisions: MAY 15 May 11 MAY 8 MAY 5 MAY 4 MAY 8 MAY 5 MAY 4 ** – Twice-to-beat* – Final Fourx – Eliminated APRIL 27 APRIL 24 APRIL 21 APRIL 20 APRIL 17 APRIL 14 APRIL 13 APRIL 10 APRIL 9 APRIL 4 APRIL 3 MARCH 24 MARCH 23 MARCH 20 First round MARCH 17 MARCH 16 MARCH 13 MARCH 10 MARCH 9 MARCH 6 MARCH 3 MARCH 2 FEBRUARY 28 FEBRUARY 25 FEBRUARY 24 FEBRUARY 21 FEBRUARY 18 FEBRUARY 17 ** – Twice-to-beat* – Final Fourx – Eliminated APRIL 27 APRIL 24 APRIL 21 APRIL 20 APRIL 17 APRIL 14 APRIL 13 APRIL 10 APRIL 9 APRIL 4 APRIL 3 MARCH 24 MARCH 23 MARCH 20 First round MARCH 17 MARCH 16 MARCH 13 MARCH 10 MARCH 9 MARCH 6 MARCH 3 MARCH 2 FEBRUARY 28 FEBRUARY 25 FEBRUARY 24 FEBRUARY 21 FEBRUARY 18 FEBRUARY 17 – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Beyond Angge: UST flashes deep, Final Four-ready form as dehydrated Poyos sits out

jisaga0269

10/04/2024 18:28

STEPPING UP. UST spiker Jonna Perdido reacts in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament UAAP Season 86 Media Team MANILA, Philippines – Star players are obviously vital to any sports team, but a squad’s true strength is only determined by how well the supporting cast performs around its core piece. In the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament, the UST Golden Tigresses got a great opportunity to test their depth on Wednesday, April 10, as super rookie and possible MVP candidate Angge Poyos sat out against also-ran UP due to a bout with dehydration. Even without their top scorer, the Tigresses hardly missed her presence as they routed the Fighting Maroons, albeit with a third-set setback, 25-14, 25-13, 28-30, 25-15. Top wingers Reg Jurado and Jonna Perdido aptly filled in the offensive void with a pair of 24-point explosions, with the latter bombing down 12 in the third set alone, and head coach Kungfu Reyes couldn’t be prouder with his spikers’ efforts. “I think they embraced the added responsibility,” he said in Filipino. “Ahead of time, we knew Angge’s recovery wouldn’t reach in time for the UP game, but what’s most important is we have 12 strong ladies who are part of the team. That’s why it’s called a team.” Beyond Jurado and Perdido, fill-in starter Xyza Gula also tallied 12 points, rookie middle blocker Mae Coronado chipped in 9, while star setter Cassie Carballo scored 6 with 19 excellent sets. Over at the defensive end, captain libero Detdet Pepito was her usual, on-point self with 28-of-38 excellent digs and 9-of-14 excellent receptions, rounding out UST’s all-around efforts. “I said to them, lean on one another, but don’t just lean on one person,” Reyes continued. “That’s the beauty of the team that they are ready to respond with whatever task given to them.” With Poyos assured to return on Saturday, April 13, against historic rival FEU, Reyes is cautiously optimistic that his Final Four-bound squad is ready to face bigger challenges amid its pursuit for a finals return, and possibly even a long-awaited championship. “It’s very obvious that we are ready for the Final Four, but we will still take it one step at a time and respect the opponents we have left because the level of competition is really high this second round,” he continued. “All teams have doubled and tripled their effort.” “But those teams also include us. We’ve elevated our learning experiences and I’m confident we’ll bring them to our remaining games.” – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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DAR Tarlac defers installation of Tinang farmers

Joann Manabat - CMS

10/04/2024 17:51

KUBOL. File photo of the old nipa hut of MAKISAMA-Tinang Joann Manabat/Rappler PAMPANGA, Philippines – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) office in Tarlac has deferred the installation of the members of the Malayang Kilusang Samahan ng Magsasaka ng Tinang (MAKISAMA-Tinang) in the 200-hectare disputed land in Concepcion, Tarlac. The deferment was made “to give ample time in the completion of operational requirements and other matters necessary in the installation,” according to a letter sent to MAKISAMA-Tinang chairperson Alvin Dimarucut dated April 4. “A new schedule will be advised once all requirements have been settled,” the letter read. The original date of the installation was April 11. MAKISAMA-Tinang spokesperson Abby Bucad, said the deferment is “emotional torture.” They refused to receive the deferment letter as they have been given false hopes time and again, she said. Rogelio Marzan, PARO officer-in-charge, said there are a total of four groups that still need to be identified for the 200-hectare land to be appropriately distributed. Another dialogue is set on Monday, April 15, at the DAR central office, he said. The four groups Marzan mentioned are the members of the MAKISAMA-Tinang, the Tinang Multi-Purpose Cooperative, the Magtoto group, and a “supervisor’s group.” Marzan added, however, that the “Magtoto group” already obtained their parcel of land 25 years ago. He said that all groups are included in the discussion to reidentify the ARBs. Despite naming the four groups, he said he still doesn’t have a list of the ARBs. “Marami kasing grupo doon na dapat isaalang-alang based doon sa order. So ‘yung ina-identify ‘yung isang grupo na meron isang issue. Maraming grupo diyan. May mga sub-group pa itong mga to,” Marzan told Rappler on Wednesday, April 10. (There are a lot of groups that should be considered based on the order. So we are still identifying the other group that has an issue. There are many groups here. They also have sub-groups.) The ARBs of the 200-hectare disputed land had been reaffirmed by DAR in June 2022.  Bucad insisted that the groups should no longer be part of the discussion. The MAKISAMA-Tinang have also lamented the third revalidation attempt in February 2023. They have been calling on the DAR to expedite their installation as tensions continue to escalate year after year. Bucad said PARO has already complied with the requirements as everything is set from the Philippine National Police (PNP) to the Bureau of Land Tenure Improvement (BLTI) to assist them during the installation process. “Minta kami national (central office) para isumbong ing gewa na kekaming Marzan. Sabi ku emotional torture ining gagawan na kareng magsasaka. Paasahan na kami eh,” Bucad said in Kapampangan. (We went to the central office to report what Marzan has been doing to us. I said what he’s doing to the farmers is emotional torture. He’s giving us false hopes.) “Kasi complete na ing egana-gana, mekapagcomply na la keng PNP, BLTI, para mag assist kekami tapos ing gewa na kinansel ne pa. So labag keng kautusan keng central office ing gewa na,” she added. (Because everything is already complete. They have complied with the PNP, BLTI to assist us then he will suddenly cancel it. That is against the orders of the central office.) Bucad said the BLTI will again plot the land that was already allotted to them as the boundary markers have been destroyed in November 2023 and in January 2024. The members of the MAKISAMA-Tinang continue to stand as they approach the final step of their three-decades-old struggle to claim a portion of Hacienda Tinang. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Attacked for link to Palawan ranch, Loyzaga retorts: Why now? Who benefits?

Iya Gozum

10/04/2024 15:38

TONI. Environment Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga appears before the Senate Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change hearing on September 27, 2023. Senate PRIB photos MANILA, Philippines – Following controversies of illegal structures in protected areas in the Philippines, Environment Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga finds herself under attack over her family’s alleged ownership of vast tracts of public land in Palawan. The land in question is the 40,000-hectare Yulo King Ranch (YKR) in Palawan, which the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) sequestered in 1986 on grounds that it was part of the Marcoses’ ill-gotten wealth. “Ang tinatanong ko lang po ngayon is bakit po binabato po sa akin ngayon itong mga questions na ito at sino pong makikinabang dito sa pagbato sa amin ng ganitong mga tanong at mga akusasyon,” Loyzaga said in a radio interview on Wednesday, April 10. (I want to know why they are hurling these questions at me now, and who will benefit from the inquiries and accusations.) The environment secretary’s association with the ranch stems from her father, businessman and alleged Marcos “crony” Luis Yulo. The late Yulo was a major stockholder of YKR. “Ang iniisip ko po ngayon is may mga tao, may mga grupo na siguro hindi po masyadong masaya sa pag-approach ko [sa] evidence-informed governance. Pero meron din namang masaya doon,” Loyzaga said. (What I’m thinking now is that there are people, groups that probably aren’t happy with my approach with evidence-informed governance. But there are also people who are happy with that.) The environment secretary did not specify who, but she mentioned the controversies hounding Masungi Geopark in Rizal and the structures in Chocolate Hills, issues that need “investigation of previous administrations’ decisions.” “That is what I’m doing now,” she said. Loyzaga broke her silence last April 5 when she denied the Yulo family’s ownership of the pasture reserve in Palawan. “I wish to clarify that the Busuanga Pasture Reserve has always been government-owned. The Yulo family has never owned this land and has no interest in owning it,” she said in a press statement. She further denied having any knowledge of how YKR came to be under the Marcos dictatorship, as she was still in high school then. “Nasa high school pa po ako [noong] 1975 at ang alam ko po, this was a project that the first president Marcos, ang ating pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Sr., na in-envision niya para sa food security ng bayan,” Loyzaga said during the radio interview on Wednesday. “‘Yun lang po ang alam ko noong 1975. I wish to refute any allegation na napasaamin itong lupa na ‘to. Ni minsan, hindi naging pribado siya.” (I was still in high school in 1975 and what I know is that this was a project of the first president Marcos, which he envisioned to address food security in the country. That’s what I know back in 1975. I wish to refute any allegations that the land became ours. It never became private.) In 1975, the late Yulo, along with Roberto Sabido, Geronimo Velasco, Jose Madrigal, and Peter Morris organized the YKR Corporation. Three years later, Marcos Sr. attempted to centralize the importation of cattle and goats in YKR. In turn, the corporation was supposed to manage and develop the grazing land, as well as provide technological expertise. When it was sequestered in 1986, the PCGG gave the land back to then Ministry of Agriculture. A decades-long civil lawsuit followed. In 2023, the Sandiganbayan dismissed the case “for failure of the plaintiff to prove by preponderance of evidence the material allegations contained in the amended complaint.” This lifted the sequestration order on YKR. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Results, team standings: UAAP Season 86 volleyball

Jasmine Payo

05/05/2024 21:02

ROARING. NU's Bella Belen (left) and Alyssa Solomon react in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball finals UAAP Season 86 Media Team MANILA, Philippines – The UAAP Season 86 volleyball tournaments reach a tipping point with the men’s and women’s finals! LOOK: UAAP volleyball championship schedule Here are the results in the men’s and women’s divisions: MAY 15 May 11 MAY 8 MAY 5 MAY 4 MAY 8 MAY 5 MAY 4 ** – Twice-to-beat* – Final Fourx – Eliminated APRIL 27 APRIL 24 APRIL 21 APRIL 20 APRIL 17 APRIL 14 APRIL 13 APRIL 10 APRIL 9 APRIL 4 APRIL 3 MARCH 24 MARCH 23 MARCH 20 First round MARCH 17 MARCH 16 MARCH 13 MARCH 10 MARCH 9 MARCH 6 MARCH 3 MARCH 2 FEBRUARY 28 FEBRUARY 25 FEBRUARY 24 FEBRUARY 21 FEBRUARY 18 FEBRUARY 17 ** – Twice-to-beat* – Final Fourx – Eliminated APRIL 27 APRIL 24 APRIL 21 APRIL 20 APRIL 17 APRIL 14 APRIL 13 APRIL 10 APRIL 9 APRIL 4 APRIL 3 MARCH 24 MARCH 23 MARCH 20 First round MARCH 17 MARCH 16 MARCH 13 MARCH 10 MARCH 9 MARCH 6 MARCH 3 MARCH 2 FEBRUARY 28 FEBRUARY 25 FEBRUARY 24 FEBRUARY 21 FEBRUARY 18 FEBRUARY 17 – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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[OPINYON] Takoyaki tattoo at ang business model ng pang-iinis

Miriam Grace Go

10/04/2024 14:00

Hindi naman talaga pang-iinis lang. Kailangan iyong pang-iinis na kontrobersiyal, magiging popular, magiging trending, pag-uusapan, pagkakaguluhan. Madaling masukat ang paglaganap ng pang-iinis na ito. Ilang libo ba ang nag-share? Mataas ba ang engagement? Mahaba na ba ang thread? Karamihan ba ay may opinyon at pakialam na? Higit sa lahat, na-pickup na ba ng tradisyonal na media? Konteksto? Dahil umano sa isang April Fool’s Day prank. Hinamon ng isang tindahan ng takoyaki ang kanilang followers na magpa-tattoo sa noo ng kanilang company logo. Unahang magpa-tattoo sa noo. Umaatikabong P100,000 ang premyo. May pumatol. Hiningi ang premyo. Tumanggi ang may-ari ng tindahan ng takoyaki dahil joke lang daw iyon. Dinumog ang status. Humaba. Kumalat. Pinag-usapan. Ang pobreng kunwaring nagpa-tattoo, inulan ng simpatya at suporta. Binigyan ng tulong. May nag-volunteer na buburahin ang masagwang marka. Dagdag na istorya: dahil daw sa anak na nangangailangan ang dahilan kaya kapit sa patalim o, sa lagay ng kuwento, kapit sa tattoo needle ang kunwaring biktima. At siyempre, dahil sa kahirapan. Sino bang may puso ang hindi mahahabag? At sino bang may puso ang hindi magagalit sa inasal ng may-ari ng tindahan ng takoyaki? Ang daming emotional investment sa kuwento. Natangay ang marami sa kawalang damdamin ng may-ari. Bakit naman daw ba kasi sineryoso ang biruan? Sagot ng ilan, cultural ang dahilan ng April Fool’s Day. Tama naman. Hindi lahat ay may alam kung ano ang meron sa unang araw ng Abril, kung kailan nagsimula, kung ano ang mapapala natin dito, maliban pa sa pagpapalaganap ng walang taste at below-the-belt na biro. At saka paano kung talagang nangangailangan ang nagpa-tattoo sa noo? Mas masahol pa ba ito sa dating maprinsipyong abogadong naging payaso ng nagdaang gobyerno? Sa lakas ng panawagan sa traditional at social media, napilitang ibigay ang premyong P100,000. Kumpleto sa seremonyas at coverage. Pero dahil walang maililingid sa social media, natuklasang magkakilala pala ang biktima at ang wais na entrepreneur, na kalaunan, malalaman nating content creator na naghahabol lang para maging sikat na personalidad sa internet, o sa termino ng mga Gen Z, isang clout-chaser. Gawa-gawa lang ang lahat. Scripted. Paniwalang-paniwala ang marami sa atin. Mahirap pagdudahan noong unang mabalita ang istorya. Sa lente ng malikhaing pagsulat, maganda ang pagkakabuo ng plot. Maayos ang timing at setting. Buo ang mga tauhan: isang kulang sa pansin na entrepreneur (na malalaman nga nating isang cunning content creator), isang biktima na maraming umaasa. At tayo na nakatambay sa platform na kinagigiliwan ng lahat. Dito lumunsad ang kuwneto. Dito naglundo. At sana ay nagwakas. Ang dali nating magpadala sa kuwento. Maaari nga namang biktima talaga. Maaaring gipit na gipit. Maging ang tattoo sa noo, na halatang daskol ang pagkakagawa, minadali lang talaga para mahabol ang sandaang libong premyo. Tamang-tama lang din ang halaga ng premyo. Hindi milyon na napakadaling pagdudahan. O barya-baryang madaling ipamigay. Sandaang libong piso lang, abot-kaya ng isang content creator na may daan libong followers. Kailangan pang udyukan ang content creator para magbayad. I-cancel ng Gen Z kahit hindi pa sumisikat. Akala natin, tagumpay ng sambayanan ang pagbabayad ng P100,000. Pero ang totoo, bahagi lang ito ng kuwento, bahagi lang tayo ng kuwento! Dahil hindi mo naman kailangan ng komplikadong production sa mga palabas sa social media, madali nang makapagtatahi ng kuwento. Hindi kailangang professionally done ang optics at caption. Hindi kailangang mag-outsource ng advertising agency. Maaari talagang ma-promote o, gaya ng sa takoyaki brand ng entrepreneur na nagpasimula ng April Fool’s Day’s fools’ day joke (oo, hindi ito typo error, sinadya ko itong April Fool’s Day’s fools’ day joke), magkaroon ng following at traction ang page, na maaaring mangahulugan ng pagtangkilik sa produkto. Kahit pa, sa totoo lang, nakakainis ang kaniyang ginawa. Ang pagsamantalahan ang ating awa. May industriya para sa mga tao na kinaiinisan sa social media. Nagkakaroon sila ng trabaho bilang content creator at kumikita sa mataas na engagement. Walang pagtatangi sa engagement na ito. Walang pagkakategorya kung may kabuluhan o wala ang engagement, walang pagkakategorya kung pinupuri o kinamumuhian. Basta nag-share ka o nag-comment, plus one na sa engagement. Hangga’t nasi-circumvent ang community standards ng kahit anong kompanya ng social media, aalagwa ang content. Aangat sa newsfeed dahil sa paulit-ulit nating pag-comment at pag-share. Kapag mataas ang metrics sa social media, maraming uubrang pagkakitaan: patalastas, donasyon, endorsement, o product placement. May iba pang industriya ang mga kinaiinisan nating personalidad. Puwede silang maging endorser ng kinaiinisan nating politiko. Marami nang gumawa nito. Ang isa pa ngang social media content creator na malakas mang-asar, gumawa pa ng ilang pelikula. Laging uso ang eleksiyon. Natuklasan ng mga kandidato na mas mura at epektibo ang mangampanya sa mas malawak na ngayong social media. Kumuha ng mag-eendosong personalidad. Iyong maangas kahit walang integridad (hindi naman talaga isyu sa kandidato ang integridad, tingnan lamang ang profile ng mga nanalo noong nagdaang halalan). Iyong handang kasangkapanin ang popularidad para magpalaganap ng inis at pagkamuhi. Laging magduda sa intensiyon ng kahit sinong personalidad, lalo ngayong panahong kay daling umakda ng kuwentong kahabag-habag kung hindi man nakakainis. So, ano na ngayon ang gagawin sa mga page at content na nag-i-incite ng inis? Kung may nilalabag sa community standard, i-report. Pero tandaan sanang nakabatay sa nuances ng kultura ang inis, lalo’t nasusulat sa wika at sociolect ng isang lokalidad ang content. Kung hindi rin lang tahasang lumalabag sa community standard, walang puwang sa mga napikon at na-offend ang kompanya ng social media. Kung walang aksiyon ang social media sa reklamo mo, scroll-up o block. Huwag bigyan ng atensiyon. Atensiyon ang bubuhay sa mga content creators na nagpapanggap na nagtitinda ng produkto o nag-aalok ng serbisyo. Hindi ang pagtitinda o pag-aalok ng serbisyo ang core business ng mga kauri ng takoyaki seller. Kailangan nila ng social media engagement natin. Ang masama, may ideya naman tayo na ganoon ang ginagawa nila, pero pinapasikat pa rin natin sila nang todo hindi man tayo magpa-tattoo sa noo. – Rappler.com Associate professor ng seminar in new media, research, at creative writing sa Faculty of Arts and Letters at sa Graduate School ng University of Santo Tomas si Joselito D. De Los Reyes, PhD. Research associate din siya sa UST Research Center for Culture, Arts and Humanities. Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Attacked for link to Palawan ranch, Loyzaga retorts: Why now? Who benefits?

Iya Gozum

10/04/2024 15:38

TONI. Environment Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga appears before the Senate Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change hearing on September 27, 2023. Senate PRIB photos MANILA, Philippines – Following controversies of illegal structures in protected areas in the Philippines, Environment Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga finds herself under attack over her family’s alleged ownership of vast tracts of public land in Palawan. The land in question is the 40,000-hectare Yulo King Ranch (YKR) in Palawan, which the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) sequestered in 1986 on grounds that it was part of the Marcoses’ ill-gotten wealth. “Ang tinatanong ko lang po ngayon is bakit po binabato po sa akin ngayon itong mga questions na ito at sino pong makikinabang dito sa pagbato sa amin ng ganitong mga tanong at mga akusasyon,” Loyzaga said in a radio interview on Wednesday, April 10. (I want to know why they are hurling these questions at me now, and who will benefit from the inquiries and accusations.) The environment secretary’s association with the ranch stems from her father, businessman and alleged Marcos “crony” Luis Yulo. The late Yulo was a major stockholder of YKR. “Ang iniisip ko po ngayon is may mga tao, may mga grupo na siguro hindi po masyadong masaya sa pag-approach ko [sa] evidence-informed governance. Pero meron din namang masaya doon,” Loyzaga said. (What I’m thinking now is that there are people, groups that probably aren’t happy with my approach with evidence-informed governance. But there are also people who are happy with that.) The environment secretary did not specify who, but she mentioned the controversies hounding Masungi Geopark in Rizal and the structures in Chocolate Hills, issues that need “investigation of previous administrations’ decisions.” “That is what I’m doing now,” she said. Loyzaga broke her silence last April 5 when she denied the Yulo family’s ownership of the pasture reserve in Palawan. “I wish to clarify that the Busuanga Pasture Reserve has always been government-owned. The Yulo family has never owned this land and has no interest in owning it,” she said in a press statement. She further denied having any knowledge of how YKR came to be under the Marcos dictatorship, as she was still in high school then. “Nasa high school pa po ako [noong] 1975 at ang alam ko po, this was a project that the first president Marcos, ang ating pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Sr., na in-envision niya para sa food security ng bayan,” Loyzaga said during the radio interview on Wednesday. “‘Yun lang po ang alam ko noong 1975. I wish to refute any allegation na napasaamin itong lupa na ‘to. Ni minsan, hindi naging pribado siya.” (I was still in high school in 1975 and what I know is that this was a project of the first president Marcos, which he envisioned to address food security in the country. That’s what I know back in 1975. I wish to refute any allegations that the land became ours. It never became private.) In 1975, the late Yulo, along with Roberto Sabido, Geronimo Velasco, Jose Madrigal, and Peter Morris organized the YKR Corporation. Three years later, Marcos Sr. attempted to centralize the importation of cattle and goats in YKR. In turn, the corporation was supposed to manage and develop the grazing land, as well as provide technological expertise. When it was sequestered in 1986, the PCGG gave the land back to then Ministry of Agriculture. A decades-long civil lawsuit followed. In 2023, the Sandiganbayan dismissed the case “for failure of the plaintiff to prove by preponderance of evidence the material allegations contained in the amended complaint.” This lifted the sequestration order on YKR. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Marcos assures Teves of ‘compassion, fairness, security’

Herbie G

10/04/2024 15:10

ABOUT ARNIE. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. talks to reporters about expelled Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr. in Bacolod on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Erwin Delilan/Rappler BACOLOD, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has assured expelled Negros Oriental congressman and suspected Degamo slay mastermind Arnolfo Teves Jr. that the government will act with compassion and fairness, and guarantee his security during his impending return from Timor-Leste. Marcos told reporters in Bacolod City that all legal processes would be followed, and Teves would be dealt with fairly as soon as the ex-congressman sets foot again on Philippine soil. “Walang nagbabanta sa buhay niya (No one is threatening his life),” he said on Monday, April 8. Teves, who was expelled by Congress and simultaneously designated as a terrorist in August 2023, is currently facing multiple murder charges in connection with the gruesome assassination of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and nine other civilians in Barangay 9-Poblacion, Pamplona town on the morning of March 23, 2023. Teves has repeatedly denied involvement in the broad-daylight murders. After about a year of evading arrest abroad, operatives from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), alongside police authorities in East Timor, caught Teves while he was playing golf at the Top Golf Driving Range and Bar in Dili, on March 21. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Teves’ return to the country from Timor-Leste is now being processed. Degamo’s widow, Janice, the mayor of Pamplona town, expressed some frustration over the case. “We are tired of the continued delaying tactics employed by Teves’ camp and his team of high-end lawyers,” she said. She said Teves still wields power and influence in Negros Oriental. She called on her provincemates to remain vigilant “as we continue to work alongside the national government to dismantle threats to all our fellow Negrenses.” – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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[ANALYSIS] A new era of noontime TV: GMA-7 takes in ABS-CBN’s ‘It’s Showtime’

gdecastro0289

10/04/2024 14:17

Images from EB X and GMA Network X/Graphic by Alejandro Edoria/Rappler MANILA, Philippines – GMA Network Incorporated and ABS-CBN Corporation marked a new partnership on Saturday, April 6, with the airing of the noon show It’s Showtime on the former’s flagship free TV Channel 7. “Welcome to the new era of noontime television,” GMA posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, as it trumpeted the pilot episode’s 9.6% ratings, twice more than TV5’s Eat Bulaga! A post shared by It's Showtime (@itsshowtimena) At the same time, the new start formalizes the end to a nearly three-decades-long partnership between GMA and long-time Eat Bulaga! producer, Television and Production Exponents Incorporated (TAPE), led by former Zamboanga del Norte Congressman Romeo Jalosjos Sr. TAPE had a blocktime agreement with GMA until end of December 2024, but gave it up after an unsuccessful project with Tahanang Pinakamasaya, headlined by former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and actor Paolo Contis. After all is said and done, TAPE’s dispute with showbiz veterans and Eat Bulaga! hosts Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon (TVJ) over how to run the Philippines’ longest running noon show will be remembered as a classic case of corporate succession gone wrong. For 42 years, Eat Bulaga! was run by Antonio “Tony” P. Tuviera, who owns 25% of TAPE, with Jalosjos Sr. and his children owning the rest. Tuviera produced the show with talents TVJ. All was well until Jalosjos decided to retire Tuviera as president and CEO in March 2023, and appointed his son, Romeo “Jon” Jalosjos Jr. as his replacement. He had also named his son Seth Fredrick “Bullet” Jalosjos as TAPE chief finance officer (CFO), and daughter Soraya Jalosjos as executive vice president for production. His children are around two to three decades younger than Tuviera and TVJ, with differences in values and mindsets. Since the Jalosjos children had been out of the picture for four decades, TVJ resented the easing out of Tuviera and the way the second-generation Jalosjos children ran the company, based on exclusive interviews the children granted to entertainment website pep.ph in June 2023 after TVJ left TAPE on May 31, 2023. Proposals by the Jalosjos family to change some of the hosts and production staff, and reintroduce a segment on kasambahays (household helpers) were criticized by TVJ. One of the controversial proposals was salary deduction in order to cut costs. Other issues were thrown into the dispute, including alleged unpaid talent fees and possible financial mismanagement. Bottomline, however, it’s a management textbook case of failed corporate succession. The Jalosjos children meant well. They saw the need to make some changes, given that Eat Bulaga!’s main competitor, ABS-CBN’s It’s Showtime, had younger lead hosts (Vice Ganda, 48, is at least 20 years younger than TVJ) and were much more powerful on social media. They also saw the need to professionalize the way the company was being run, such as improving human resources and financial management. Based on the latest available financial statement of TAPE obtained by Rappler, the company still managed to make money in 2022. It had a net profit of P90.4 million that year, but this was much less than the P213 million in net profit in 2021, a pandemic year. But the Jalosjos children were brought in to manage the company too late in the game, leading to resentment from the older officers, content creators, and production staff, who had gotten used to working with the former president and CEO Tuviera. Had they been brought in earlier by their father, they may have been able to earn the respect they needed to run the company. Respect and trust aren’t earned easily; these need time and a lot of interactions at work. Companies often resort to team building sessions to build camaraderie and team spirit. Were the children of the owner qualified to run the company? It’s a difficult issue in management of family-owned companies, but making them go up the ladder based on merit is better than suddenly giving them key positions and making them call the shots. When TVJ left TAPE on May 31, the Jalosjos children’s shortcomings became obvious. Their Tahanang Pinakamasaya hosts were no match to the Vice Ganda-led It’s Showtime, and the TVJ-led E.A.T. on TV5 in terms of the overall goal of delivering laughter to the audience. A post shared by Joey de Leon (@angpoetnyo) A decision to fight for the Eat Bulaga! trademark, an invention of Joey de Leon, cost TAPE loss of goodwill among viewers, as TVJ repeatedly pointed out that it was their creation and made it appear that TAPE was stealing what was rightfully theirs. A decision by an Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines adjudicator on the use of Eat Bulaga! for merchandising in favor of TVJ all the more made TAPE unpopular among netizens. A nail in TAPE’s coffin as producer was the withdrawal of support from companies that had been supporting Eat Bulaga! for a long time, such as retail giant Puregold. A major advertiser of Eat Bulaga! for years, Filipino billionaires Lucio and Susan Co abandoned the show and committed to TVJ on TV5 after TVJ left TAPE. A post shared by Joey de Leon (@angpoetnyo) Thus, on March 8, 2024, TAPE waved the white flag on Tahanang Pinakamasaya after just nine months, ending 44 years of producing a noon show, 28 years on GMA’s number one channel. All is not lost on the Jalosjos family, however. They can still produce another show, but perhaps in another channel. And they still have their political clout in Dipolog City, southern Philippines, where Bullet Jalosjos serves as city mayor. The family also has its Dakak Park and Beach Resort in Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte, with its 750-meter beach cove catering to local and foreign tourists. On the part of ABS-CBN, the new era symbolizes how its world has shifted since it lost its lucrative broadcast business in May 2020. It’s no longer the favorite whipping boy of a sitting president. After the Duterte administration took away its main distribution networks – free TV Channel 2, DZMM 630 TeleRadyo, its digital terrestrial television (digital Channel 23 and sub-channels), its digital satellite SkyDirect on Sky Cable – its popular content could only be seen on digital media. But since digital revenues are much lower than broadcast earnings, it had to rebuild its broadcast distribution system so that the mass market can watch its popular shows and get advertisers to support them again. First came televangelist Eddie Villanueva’s Zoe Network’s A2Z, which took in its prime time teleseryes, It’s Showtime, and other content starting October 2020. This was followed a few months later, March 2021, by a content sharing deal with Manny V. Pangilinan’s TV5. A post shared by ABS-CBN PR (@abscbnpr) Next came a joint venture on between ABS-CBN and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, which essentially resurrected DZMM on radio via DWPM TeleRadyo Serbisyo in June 2023, and symbolically shielded the Lopez company from some key political enemies. When Pangilinan’s TV5 decided to take in TVJ for the noon slot staring July 1 last year, ABS-CBN turned to its erstwhile enemy GMA and found a new home for It’s Showtime on Good TV or GTV, the Kapuso network’s second main channel. TV war is finally over! -Atty. Felipe Gozon, Chairman and CEO of GMA Network, Inc. #ItsShowtimeGnaG pic.twitter.com/bcjBwxjYA8 Then-GMA CEO Felipe Gozon declared it the end of the country’s “TV war.” And when TAPE gave up on Tahanang Pinakamasaya on March 8, GMA fully opened its doors to ABS-CBN‘s It’s Showtime on Channel 7. Unlike TAPE’s blocktime deal with GMA, it’s a co-production agreement with ABS-CBN, allowing the Kapuso network to engage in other creative endeavors to promote its talents and shows while giving Kapamilyas extensive reach. “It’s a great move by ABS-CBN to get distribution for its content,” a former ABS-CBN officer told Rappler. “With It’s Showtime on GMA-7, it gets a nationwide audience. A good show and a good network is the perfect solution.” The show of support from the companies that advertised on It’s Showtime for its pilot episode on GMA-7 bodes well for the formerly beleaguered Lopez-led ABS-CBN. McDonald’s Philippines’ support for Vice Ganda, for instance, was obvious in the pilot episode with the fast-food company of McDonald’s Philippines founder George Yang and billionaire Andrew Tan’s Alliance Global placing multiple spots last Saturday. There’s a stronger Kapuso-Kapamilya partnership for the noon slot, and there’s also a Kapamilya-Kapatid partnership in the prime time evening slot. ABS-CBN is not out of the woods yet financially, but indeed a “new era” has dawned on the Philippine television industry. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Marcos: Jeepney consolidation deadline on April 30 is final

lkyu0285

10/04/2024 14:47

PUV. Jeepneys ply along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on December 12, 2023. Jire Carreon/Rappler MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed that there will be no further extension to the April 30 deadline for individual jeepneys to consolidate into cooperatives and corporations. “Asahan ninyo, wala na pong extension ‘yung modernization. Kailangan na kailangan na natin ‘yan,” Marcos said during a town hall on Metro Manila traffic on Wednesday, April 10. This came after Roberto “Ka Obet” Martin of the Pasang Masda transport group asked that the government stick to the industry consolidation deadline, noting that “almost 86%” of the jeepney sector have consolidated. Back in 2023, Marcos had said that the government would not extend its December 31 deadline for consolidation. This had meant that more than 1,900 unconsolidated jeepney and UV Express routes were at risk of being wiped out by February 1, 2024, leading the President to eventually cave in to pressure from protestors and lawmakers to grant another extension until April 30. As part of its Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program, the government has been trying to get individual jeepney operators to consolidate into either a cooperative or corporation since June 2023. But this has been met with repeated protests from some transport groups that oppose both the consolidation of franchises and the eventual requirement to buy expensive modern jeepneys. Now, after Marcos gave his word that this would be the final deadline for industry consolidation, Ka Obet and other representatives from the jeepney sector stood and cheered. But although the scene might have suggested that industry consolidation is widely accepted by all members of the jeepney sector, certain transport groups remain vocal about their opposition – only they weren’t there. PISTON and Manibela, the two groups that led multiple transport strikes in 2023, were not invited to the town hall, based on the list of program attendees seen by Rappler. Instead, Martin – a Marcos supporter since the 2022 elections – was designated the representative of transport groups during the event’s open forum. This snubbing of certain transport groups was not lost on Manibela, as the transport group’s chairman Mar Valbuena took to social media to air his frustration. “Sa town hall meeting dapat kasama ang lahat! Mahalaga na bawat isa ay maanyayahan upang maipahayag ang kanilang mga pananaw at opinyon hinggil sa isyu ng jeepney phaseout. Bilang mga mamamayan, may karapatan tayong ipahayag ang ating mga hinaing at maging bahagi ng prosesong demokratiko,” Valbuena said in a Facebook post on Wednesday, April 10. (Everyone should be included in a town hall meeting! It’s important that everyone is invited to share their views and opinion on the issue of jeepney phaseout. As citizens, we have the right to express our grievances and be part of the democratic process.) The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has also announced that the April 30 deadline will stand. “So we are asking now the jeepney operators to now avail of the last extension because come April 30, we will no longer allow those who did not consolidate to ply the routes of Metro Manila,” LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III said on Monday, April 8. Guadiz said that the LTFRB will revoke the franchises of those individual operators who failed to consolidate before the deadline, making them “colorum.” This means that only consolidated entities will be allowed to ply the routes of Metro Manila. “We need to consolidate because that is the first part of the modernization program,” the LTFRB chief said. The next steps under the government’s PUV Modernization Program include fleet modernization, which means that operators will have to replace their old units with new “modern jeepneys” that are compliant with the Philippine National Standard. Some operators worry that this requirement will bury their cooperative or corporation in debt, as modern units cost an average of P2.48 million each. This could affect commuters too. A research study done by the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies estimates that minimum jeepney fares could soar up to P40 as operators try to cover their monthly loan amortization for their new units. (READ: Anti-poor? How gov’t defends PUV modernization, why jeepney stakeholders oppose it) It seems that the President is at least aware of this possibility that operators may be buried in debt, explaining during the town hall, “Ang tinitiyak lang namin na hindi mapabigat pa ang babayaran at i-uutang ng driver-operator, kaya ginagawa nating maayos at ginagawa nating well-organized ‘yung sistema na ‘yan.” (What we’re making sure of here is that the amount that driver-operators have to pay or borrow doesn’t get heavier, which is why we’re making this system proper and well-organized.) – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Results, team standings: UAAP Season 86 volleyball

Jasmine Payo

05/05/2024 21:02

ROARING. NU's Bella Belen (left) and Alyssa Solomon react in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball finals UAAP Season 86 Media Team MANILA, Philippines – The UAAP Season 86 volleyball tournaments reach a tipping point with the men’s and women’s finals! LOOK: UAAP volleyball championship schedule Here are the results in the men’s and women’s divisions: MAY 15 May 11 MAY 8 MAY 5 MAY 4 MAY 8 MAY 5 MAY 4 ** – Twice-to-beat* – Final Fourx – Eliminated APRIL 27 APRIL 24 APRIL 21 APRIL 20 APRIL 17 APRIL 14 APRIL 13 APRIL 10 APRIL 9 APRIL 4 APRIL 3 MARCH 24 MARCH 23 MARCH 20 First round MARCH 17 MARCH 16 MARCH 13 MARCH 10 MARCH 9 MARCH 6 MARCH 3 MARCH 2 FEBRUARY 28 FEBRUARY 25 FEBRUARY 24 FEBRUARY 21 FEBRUARY 18 FEBRUARY 17 ** – Twice-to-beat* – Final Fourx – Eliminated APRIL 27 APRIL 24 APRIL 21 APRIL 20 APRIL 17 APRIL 14 APRIL 13 APRIL 10 APRIL 9 APRIL 4 APRIL 3 MARCH 24 MARCH 23 MARCH 20 First round MARCH 17 MARCH 16 MARCH 13 MARCH 10 MARCH 9 MARCH 6 MARCH 3 MARCH 2 FEBRUARY 28 FEBRUARY 25 FEBRUARY 24 FEBRUARY 21 FEBRUARY 18 FEBRUARY 17 – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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LIST: Filipino athletes who qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics

jisaga0269

12/03/2024 21:31

CHAMPION. The Philippines' EJ Obiena celebrates after winning the gold medal in the men's pole vault in the 19th Asian Games. Dylan Martinez/REUTERS MANILA, Philippines – The clock is ticking for the world’s best athletes to punch their tickets to the 2024 Paris Olympics, and so far, the Philippines is on track to once again be well-represented in the top quadrennial multi-sport showpiece. Several Filipino standouts have already qualified to fly the flag in Paris, with many more in the wings waiting for their shot at ultimate sporting glory. The Philippines will have a lot to prove in the 2024 Olympics after a historic 2021 run in Tokyo, where living legend Hidilyn Diaz won the country’s first-ever gold through a masterful weightlifting display. Additionally, the 19-strong Filipino delegation also secured the nation’s biggest medal haul ever in a single Olympics, with Diaz’s gold topping a big four-medal tally, boosted by two silvers and one bronze from boxers Carlo Paalam, Nesthy Petecio, and Eumir Marcial, respectively. Here is the updated list of athletes hoping to make more history for the Philippines in Paris, in chronological order of qualification: First on the list is one of the Philippines’ best hopes for a 2024 Olympics medal, pole vaulting superstar EJ Obiena. Ranked No. 2 in the world just behind reigning Olympic champion Mondo Duplantis, the 28-year-old is looking to capitalize on a monumental 2023 season highlighted by notching a new personal and Asian record 6-meter jump on June 10, 2023 and an early Paris qualification on July 3, 2023. Looking to prove doubters wrong after a controversial split with his old coach, artistic gymnastics phenom Carlos Yulo punched his Olympic ticket on October 1, 2023, and has continuously trained to perfect his craft just in time for Paris. At just 24 years old, the two-time world champion, six-time Asian champion, and nine-time Southeast Asian (SEA) Games champion is gunning for his first Olympic gold, particularly in his floor exercise pet event. Prior to even stepping foot in Paris, Aleah Finnegan is already a history maker for Philippine gymnastics, as her qualification on October 3, 2023, marked the first time a Filipina gymnast qualified for the Olympics since 1964. Only representing the Philippines for two years so far since her 2022 SEA Games debut, the 21-year-old prodigy is out to make herself a household name with a stellar Olympics debut, and perhaps, win even more hearts with her first medal. Another familiar face in the upcoming Olympics, boxing star Eumir Marcial is up for another round (or two, or three) with the world’s best, and is looking for a better shine to his 2021 bronze medal. Qualified for Paris on October 4, 2023, the 28-year-old veteran makes a forced jump to the men’s 80kg class after his favored 75kg division was scrapped for the 2024 Games and is now out to prove himself and the world that he can still bring his best foot forward in the ring even in uncharted territory. One of the Philippines’ best female boxers today, 31-year-old Nesthy Petecio is right in the middle of her athletic prime, and now has a golden opportunity to improve on her historic 2021 Olympic silver with a return trip to the sport’s biggest stage. After qualifying on March 12, 2024, Petecio returns to the women’s 57kg event in Paris, where she has a chance to make more history for Filipina boxing. Making her Olympics debut in July, Aira Villegas joins Petecio as the other Filipina boxer who will give the Philippines a much-needed extra medal chance, this time at the women’s 50kg class after also booking her spot on March 12, 2024. At 29 years old, the Leyte native already has significant experience under her belt to make her go toe-to-toe with other world-class sluggers and possibly snag an Olympic medal in just her first try. Weightlifter John Ceniza  looks all set for an Olympic debut after securing his Paris Games spot after a strong performance in the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Cup men’s 61kg event in Phuket, Thailand, on April 2, 2024. The 26-year-old rising Cebuano star stayed well inside the qualification cutoff as only the top 10 in each weight category will compete in the sport’s biggest stage. Elreen Ando sealed her Olympic return after a solid showing in the IWF World Cup in Phuket, Thailand on April 3, 2024 to secure her place in the women’s 59kg division of the Paris Games. The 25-year-old Cebuana weightlifter, though, had to do it at the expense of Hidilyn Diaz – the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medalist – as only one weightlifter per country per weight category will advance to Paris. She bested Diaz with a total lift of 228kg in the World Cup to stay inside the top 10 qualification cutoff. Ando, who shattered the Southeast Asian Games record last year, aims to surpass her Olympic debut performance where she finished seventh in the Tokyo Games in 2021. Reigning Southeast Asian Games champion Vanessa Sarno secured a spot in the Paris Games on April 7, 2024, paving the way for the Philippines to have its biggest weightlifting contingent in the Olympics in nearly four decades. The 20-year-old pride of Bohol stayed inside the top 10 of the women’s 71kg class in the IWF Olympic Qualification Ranking after an impressive stint in the World Cup where she shattered her own national record in the snatch event. Far from the Olympic radar, Levi Jung-Ruivivar pulled off the improbable to become the Philippines’ third gymnastic bet in the Paris Games. The Filipino-American teen, who narrowly reached the final as the last qualifier, captured a silver in the women’s uneven bars of the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Series in Doha, Qatar on April 19, 2024. With her medal breakthrough, Jung-Ruivivar hiked her qualification points to become the country’s 10th Olympian in Paris. Joanie Delgaco became the Philippines’ first female rower to qualify for the Olympics on April 21, 2024 after a strong performance in the women’s single sculls of the World Rowing Asian and Oceanian Olympic Qualification Regatta in Chungju, South Korea. Delgaco finished fourth in the 2,000-meter event, staying in the top five to earn her ticket to Paris. Philippine fencing booked a return trip to the Olympic stage after three decades as Samantha Catantan topped the continental Paris Games qualifiers. A former UAAP standout, Catantan ruled the women’s foil category in the Asia-Oceania Zonal Olympic Qualifier in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates on April 27, 2024 to become the first Filipino fencer to earn an Olympic spot since Walter Torres competed in the 1992 Barcelona Games. A fourth gymnast joined the Philippines’ Olympic cast as Filipino-American Emma Malabuyo sealed her bid with a medal-winning performance in the qualifiers. Malabuyo, a varsity member of the University of California, Los Angeles, claimed her spot in the Paris Games after bagging a bronze in the individual all-around of the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Asian Championships on May 24, 2024 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Olympic silver medalist Carlo Paalam made sure to book a return trip to the sport’s biggest stage. Although the Cagayan de Oro boxer took a longer route after falling short in the two previous qualifiers, Paalam did so convincingly this time, winning all of his five bouts in the the men’s 57kg of the World Qualification Tournament in Bangkok, Thailand to claim his Paris Games ticket on June 1, 2024. Paalam, who had a thrilling debut run in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 before settling for silver, hiked Philippine boxing’s Olympic contingent to four. Make that five Filipino boxers in the Paris Games. Hergie Bacyadan made Philippine boxing the biggest contingent for the country in this year’s Olympics after earning her spot in the women’s 75kg. A former world champion in the combat sport vovinam,  Bacyadan earned a unanimous decision win over Venezuela’s Maryelis Yriza in the World Qualification Tournament in Bangkok, Thailand on June 2, 2024 to book her ticket to Paris. Earning another trip to the Olympics, golfer Bianca Pagdanganan completed the 60-women field after making the Paris Games cut-off in the world rankings released on June 25, 2024. But the 26-year-old Pagdanganan aims for a better showing this time after finishing 43rd in the Tokyo edition in 2021. Golfer Dottie Ardina reached the quadrennial showpiece for the first time after making the the 60-women cut-off for the Paris Games released on June 25, 2024. The 30-year-old Ardina competed in just two LPGA events this year, but looks to rebound in Paris after a tough season. Filipina-Japanese judoka Kiyomi Watanabe secured a second consecutive Olympic stint after clinching one of the two continental quotas reserved for Asia  in the women’s -63kg category on June 25, 2024. The 27-year-old bet targets a better showing in the Paris Olympics after a first-round exit in the Tokyo Games. Lauren Hoffman earned her Paris Olympics spot via the world rankings in the women’s 400m hurdles on July 2, 2024. Hoffman – the Filipino-American who holds the national record in the women’s 100m hurdles – accomplished the feat by the skin of her teeth as she made the 40-entry cutoff at the 39th spot, collecting just enough points to advance. Another hurdler made it to the Paris Olympics via the world rankings as John Cabang Tolentino qualified on July 2, 2024. Tolentino, a Filipino residing in Spain, finished 30th out of 40 qualifiers in the men’s 110m hurdles, just a couple of months after setting the Philippine record in the same event. Swimmer Kayla Sanchez advanced to the Olympics for the second straight edition as she qualified via universality on July 3, 2024. Helping Canada win a silver and a bronze in the Tokyo Games, Sanchez will represent the Philippines this time a year after her citizenship switch as she is set to see action in the women’s 100m freestyle. Like Kayla Sanchez, Jarod Hatch formalized his Olympic entry via universality on July 3, 2024. Hatch, who won three medals in the previous Southeast Asian Games, will compete in the men’s 100m butterfly. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Marcos ‘horrified’ by Duterte’s alleged gentleman’s agreement with China on West PH Sea

Dwight de Leon

10/04/2024 12:52

CHIEF EXECUTIVE. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the special summit between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Australia in March 2024. Penny Stephens/ASEAN MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said his administration has no idea about a supposed gentleman’s agreement between the administration of his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte and China on the West Philippine Sea conflict, but asserted that the thought of it was appalling. “I am horrified by the idea that we have compromised, through a secret agreement, the territory, the sovereignty, and the sovereign rights of the Filipinos,” Marcos said in an ambush interview on Wednesday, April 10. “Kung ay ang sinasabi sa agreement na ‘yan na kailangan nating magpermiso sa ibang bansa para gumalaw sa ating sariling teritoryo, mahirap sigurong sundan ang ganyang klaseng agreement (If that agreement says we have to ask permission from other countries in order to navigate our own territory, that kind of agreement would probably be difficult to follow),” he added. Former presidential spokesman Harry Roque previously said that during the Duterte administration, the Philippines supposedly agreed with China to keep the status quo in the territorial waters. This meant only basic supplies, not building materials, would be deployed to the BRP Sierra Madre, the dilapidated Philippine Navy ship that serves as the country’s military outpost in Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal). Another Duterte-era official, former chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo, denied that then-president Rodrigo Duterte had entered into a gentleman’s agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Department of Foreign Affairs said that Beijing had raised this gentleman’s agreement in its proposals to Manila on how to de-escalate tensions in the West Philippine Sea, but the DFA added that those were contrary to the Philippines’ national interests. Marcos said he will still have to clarify details of the supposed deal with Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian, and added that his administration is having conversations with former officials of the Duterte administration. “We don’t know if it’s a secret agreement. We don’t know anything about it. There is no documentation, there is no record,” Marcos said. “We were not briefed when I came into office.” In a statement on Thursday, April 11, the Chinese embassy in Manila said Beijing had been “exploring…the pragmatic way to effectively manage the situation of Ren’ai Jiao without prejudice to either country’s principled position on the dispute” with the current administration and administrations past. Still seemingly insisting that the agreement on Ayungin Shoal stood, the Chinese embassy said “because the understandings and agreements were no longer adhered to, the situation around [Second Thomas or Ayungin Shoal] became difficult and incidents happened once and again.” Tensions in the West Philippine Sea have escalated since Marcos rose to the presidency, with numerous harassment tactics by China against Philippine vessels. Marcos’ remarks on Wednesday came just before his flight to Washington DC, where he is set to participate in a landmark trilateral summit with US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister. That meeting is set to discuss the Beijing problem in the South China Sea. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. Problem solved. China please move on. Another Duterte-era official, former chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo, denied that then-president Rodrigo Duterte had entered into a gentleman’s agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping. I appreciate President Marcos Jr.’s statement: “I am horrified by the idea that we have compromised, through a secret agreement, the territory, the sovereignty, and the sovereign rights of the Filipinos.” If he is horrified by such an idea, what will he do to the person who caused such “horror”? Take note at this time; he showed that he is excellent at handling an ambush interview. Perhaps this is because such an interview is not about Marcos Sr.’s atrocities and corruption and their family’s unpaid billion peso estate tax. How does this make you feel?

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Results, team standings: UAAP Season 86 volleyball

Jasmine Payo

05/05/2024 21:02

ROARING. NU's Bella Belen (left) and Alyssa Solomon react in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball finals UAAP Season 86 Media Team MANILA, Philippines – The UAAP Season 86 volleyball tournaments reach a tipping point with the men’s and women’s finals! LOOK: UAAP volleyball championship schedule Here are the results in the men’s and women’s divisions: MAY 15 May 11 MAY 8 MAY 5 MAY 4 MAY 8 MAY 5 MAY 4 ** – Twice-to-beat* – Final Fourx – Eliminated APRIL 27 APRIL 24 APRIL 21 APRIL 20 APRIL 17 APRIL 14 APRIL 13 APRIL 10 APRIL 9 APRIL 4 APRIL 3 MARCH 24 MARCH 23 MARCH 20 First round MARCH 17 MARCH 16 MARCH 13 MARCH 10 MARCH 9 MARCH 6 MARCH 3 MARCH 2 FEBRUARY 28 FEBRUARY 25 FEBRUARY 24 FEBRUARY 21 FEBRUARY 18 FEBRUARY 17 ** – Twice-to-beat* – Final Fourx – Eliminated APRIL 27 APRIL 24 APRIL 21 APRIL 20 APRIL 17 APRIL 14 APRIL 13 APRIL 10 APRIL 9 APRIL 4 APRIL 3 MARCH 24 MARCH 23 MARCH 20 First round MARCH 17 MARCH 16 MARCH 13 MARCH 10 MARCH 9 MARCH 6 MARCH 3 MARCH 2 FEBRUARY 28 FEBRUARY 25 FEBRUARY 24 FEBRUARY 21 FEBRUARY 18 FEBRUARY 17 – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Families of Duterte’s drug war victims: ‘We will tell our story every day’

Jodesz Gavilan

09/04/2024 7:30

CONTINUE TELLING STORIES. Families of drug war victims light candles as they vow to continue telling stories as they fight for justice for their slain loved ones. Rappler photo MANILA, Philippines – Memory is often fickle and complicated, but not for families who continue to hold on to the words of their loved ones killed in Rodrigo Duterte’s violent war on drugs. The bravery of those left behind to tell their stories is one of the main foundations – if not the main one – of journalist Patricia Evangelista’s critically acclaimed book Some People Need Killing: A Memoir of Murder in My Country. Inside a church full of drug war victims’ families in Payatas, Quezon City – one of the first events of her Philippine tour – the former Rappler investigative reporter emphasized the important part they played in allowing her to tell their stories. “Walang libro, walang kuwento, walang istorya, kung iyong mga taong nakakita, ang mga taong nakaramdam, sinabi nilang ‘ayoko magkuwento dahil takot ako’,” Evangelista said on Monday, April 8, emphasizing the climate of fear that continues to exist. “Pero kasi nagkuwento kayo, wala akong karapatang hindi magkuwento,” she added. (There would have been no book, no stories, if the people who witnessed and experienced the horrors said that they were too afraid to tell their stories. But since they trusted me with their stories, I have no right not to tell their stories.) One of those who trusted Evangelista is Jane Lee, whose husband Michael was gunned down by unidentified men in May 2017, leaving her to care for their three children. Since then, Jane has volunteered for Rise Up for Life and for Rights, a group composed mostly of widows and mothers steadfast in calling for justice for drug war victims. Jane admitted that constantly speaking about her experience can be hard, but she has accepted that it is something she has to do. “Nais kong samantalahin ang pagkakataon para sabihin na nagsasalita kami dahil gusto naming patunayan na kami ang patotoong buhay na meron talagang malawakang patayan,” she said during a sharing session on Monday organized by artists’ group Respond and Break the Silence Against the Killings (RESBAK). “Kung ito ang tangi naming magagawa, iyong magsalita para sa mga mahal namin sa buhay at sa iba pang mga biktima, bakit hindi natin araw-arawin kung iyon ang bahagi namin para sa hustisyang nais naming makamit?”Jane added. (I want to take every opportunity to speak up because we want to show that we’re living proof that there were widespread killings. If this is what we must do, to continue talking about our loved ones and other victims, we will do it every day if it means getting justice.) It has been almost eight years since Duterte, from the presidential pulpit, ordered his men to kill suspected drug personalities. The night after his inauguration, in front of a poor community in Tondo, he urged parents to themselves kill their children, warning that death will catch up with anyone who dares to get involved in illegal drugs. The former Davao City mayor fulfilled this warning. He left Malacañang in June 2022 with a trail of blood and violence, with at least 6,252 individuals killed in police anti-illegal drug operations alone. Including those killed vigilante-style would raise the number to almost 30,000 killed, according to estimates of human rights groups. The death toll between 2016 and 2022 is staggering to say the least, with many of these victims gunned down in front of their families inside their own homes, or whose bodies were dumped on sidewalks or creeks. Each night, families would recall to a steady stream of media the last moments of their loved ones – the begging they heard, or the last words they said before they disappeared only to turn up lifeless hours after. In her reporting and eventual book, Evangelista always sought to put a human face to the numbers, to go beyond details of incidents and try to translate into pages the life the victims led. Rodalyn Adan’s husband Crisanto Abliter – whom she called “mahal” (love) – was one of the people rounded up by authorities during a big time operation in 2016. She would later receive a call from a relative, asking what funeral parlor they would use for Crisanto, who died from gunshot wounds. It’s been almost eight years since that fateful day, but the pain remains fresh. When things get rough, Rodalyn tries to remember how caring and loving her husband Crisanto was to their seven children, including a then-one-month-old infant. “Si Crisanto, kapag dumarating siya sa bahay, sasalubong ang mga bata, yayakapin siya at may mga pasalubong po siya,” she recalled. “Para sa akin, sobrang mapagmahal po niya na kahit po nag-away kami, gusto niya ilang minuto lang bati na kami.” (Whenever Crisanto goes home, bringing with him goodies, our children would rush to meet him at the door and hug him. He was also a really loving husband. Our fights never lasted that long.) Marilyn Malimban, whose partner Jessie Cule was killed by police in August 2016, encouraged other widows and mothers not to lose hope, and to continue speaking out for justice. “Huwag tayo matakot, tayo po ang pinatayan, hindi tayo ang pumatay,” she said. “Magkuwento tayo nang magkuwento kahit hindi tayo makakuha ng hustisya… makakamtan natin iyong, kung hindi man dito, meron sa taas na magbibigay ng hustisya para sa mga mahal natin na pinatay ng mga pulis.” (Let us not be scared. We are the ones who lost loved ones who were killed. We were not the ones who killed. Let’s continue telling our stories even if we don’t obtain justice. We will get it there, maybe not here on earth, but there’s someone above who can give justice for our loved ones killed by police.) Thousands were killed and yet justice remains elusive for the victims and their families. Only a few have been convicted in drug war-related killings, including the policemen involved in the deaths of 17-year-old Kian delos Santos, Carl Angelo Arnaiz, and Reynaldo “Kulot” de Guzman. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is investigating killings committed under Duterte’s drug war. The court’s appeals chamber in June 2023 rejected the Philippine government’s appeal, meaning ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan’s probe can continue. There is no set timeline as to when new developments – including a possible arrest warrant – will happen. Kristina Conti, secretary general of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers-National Capital Region (NUPL-NCR), said that continually telling and documenting stories of drug war victims is important even if the legal route might be long and uncertain. From the legal perspective, she said these could count as “perpetuation of testimony” which could make the stories public and could help gain traction in international bodies, such as the ICC and even the United Nations. “[In crimes against humanity], the discussion is about patterns, what happened – that’s why the fact of the killings has already been established. What we need to know and what we need to establish is if all these killings are related,” Conti, ICC-accredited assistant to counsel, explained to Rappler in a mix of English and Filipino. “And if these stories are all out there, and they mirror one particular narrative, that it was Duterte who ordered these killings in 2016, definitely these could become part of the overall context of the case,” Conti added. Father Danny Pilario, one of the most outspoken Catholic priests against extrajudicial killings under Duterte, praised families who remain resolute in calling for justice even in the face of harassment. Aside from being the president of Adamson University, he also organized Project Solidarity for Orphans and Widows of Payatas (Project SOW) that helps families find livelihood, among others. “Nais kong pasalamatan ang mga nanay na tumayo sa kanilang sariling mga paa hanggang ngayon, kahit na hindi naniniwala ang mundo, kahit na hindi naniniwala ang mga politiko, kahit na ayaw pakinggan ang kanilang mga kuwento,” Pilario said. “Narito sila ngayon, buhay at nakikitang nakikipaglaban para sa hustisya at kapayapaan,” he added. (I want to thank the mothers who remain standing until now even if the world doesn’t believe, even if politicians don’t believe and won’t listen to their stories. They are here today, alive and fighting for justice and peace.) – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. I am inspired by the strength of these women who continue to tell their stories and to Pat Evangelista who gave them the platform to voice the narrative of loss and justice. How does this make you feel?

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Not just a Canino team: La Salle coaches demand more leadership as MVP recovers

jisaga0269

09/04/2024 22:01

GET IT TOGETHER. The La Salle Lady Spikers huddle after a point in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament UAAP Season 86 Media Team MANILA, Philippines – The La Salle Lady Spikers remain the top team in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament with a 9-1 record despite not having injured reigning MVP Angel Canino for the last two games. However, a closer look at the defending champions reveals big cracks in their once-formidable group as they crawled to the finish line in back-to-back games against clear underdogs UP and UE. Following a five-set grind against the sixth-ranked Lady Warriors, 25-23, 21-25, 25-17, 22-25, 15-12, on Tuesday, April 9, head coach Ramil de Jesus and top deputy Noel Orcullo have seen enough. They did not let the remaining Lady Spikers’ apparent lack of heart pass by unchecked. “As of now, it’s like they’re still looking for Angel,” Orcullo said, as Canino once again sat out due to ongoing recovery from a freak right hand accident. The MVP, however, has shed her arm sling, albeit still keeping thick hand wraps. “Right now, there are only a few leaders left in the court. I said last night, we can’t just have one leader, or just the captain. We all need to lead. We can’t rely on just a few people. You all need to lead yourselves.” In a way, veteran blocker Thea Gagate responded to the call despite the extended game against UE, as the two-time reigning Best Middle Blocker tallied a season-high 22 points on 17 attacks, 3 blocks, and 2 aces. Sophomore star Shevana Laput was right there alongside her senior teammate, scoring 21 on 17 hits, 3 rejections, and an ace. “I just reminded my teammates that he had to have bigger desires to do our jobs,” Gagate added in Filipino. “We should hustle on defense whether on the floor or on the net and we have to show better desire in our spikes.” “We just keep on reminding one another because sometimes, our emotions get the better of us, and we have to calm down so our games return to form.” The Lady Spikers have limited time to adjust without Canino, as the red-hot Bella Belen and the NU Lady Bulldogs await on Sunday, April 14, at the Mall of Asia Arena. With or without Canino, La Salle is still supposed to be better than its last two showings. The coaches and the players know it, and the champs will work hard to figure it out. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Eid Mubarak! Filipino Muslims announce Eid’l Fitr celebration on April 10

Paterno Esmaquel II

09/04/2024 20:35

RAMADAN. Muslims gather at the Blue Mosque in Taguig City for evening prayers and iftar, or breaking of the fast, on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan, March 12, 2024. Jire Carreon/Rappler MANILA, Philippines – Filipino Muslim leaders announced that they will celebrate Eid’l Fitr on Wednesday, April 10, after moonsighting committees across the country sighted the crescent moon on Tuesday evening, April 9. The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) made this announcement at around 8:22 pm on Wednesday, a few minutes after the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta also determined that the crescent moon was sighted in the Philippines. While the Philippine government declared the Eid’l Fitr holiday on Wednesday, the date of the Muslims’ celebration depended on the sighting of the new moon on the 29th day of the month of Ramadan, which is April 9 this year. Since the new moon was sighted on April 9, then the new Islamic month – called Shawwal – begins the next day. This means the preceding month of Ramadan is over. Watch the video of the NCMF annnouncement below: Eid’l Fitr, also known as Hari Raya Puasa, literally means “Festival of Breaking Fast.” It marks the end of Ramadan, the month when Muslims are required to fast from food, sex, and even water from sunrise to sunset. Traditionally, Muslims gather in mosques to pray on the first day of Eid’l Fitr, and also visit and feast with family and friends. Eid’l Fitr is traditionally celebrated for three days. Dimapuno Datu-Ramos Jr. of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos also said in a 2020 interview that the following values are emphasized during Eid’l Fitr: Liyana Asmara, a Muslim interfaith advocate in Singapore, also said in a previous Rappler interview: “Eid’l Fitr is a victorious celebration for those who hustled both physically and spiritually during the fasting month. You express your gratitude to God by observing a special prayer during Eid’l Fitr and opening your house for a treat for families, friends, and neighbors.” – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Shaira to re-release ‘Selos’ after agreement with original artist Lenka’s team

Ysa Abad

09/04/2024 12:08

Shairaa Moro Singer's Facebook page MANILA, Philippines – Bangsamoro pop singer Shaira Moro announced that her viral hit song “Selos” will be returning to online streaming platforms after her team reached an agreement with the camp of Australian singer-songwriter Lenka. The update came weeks after “Selos” was taken down from all online streaming platforms after Shaira’s team acknowledged that the track uses the melody of Lenka’s 2008 song “Trouble Is A Friend.” At the time, Shaira’s agency AHS Productions clarified that they voluntarily removed “Selos” from all online streaming platforms as they are currently in the process of clarifying “the legality of the publication of the song.” On Sunday, April 7, the Mindanao-based singer clarified that there were no charges filed against her and her team. “Wala pong kaso ang isinampa laban sa amin. Sa katunayan, naging mahinahon at mapayapa ang pag-uusap namin ng kampo ni Lenka at nauwi po ito sa pagkakaroon ng kasunduan,” Shaira said. (No case was filed against us. In fact, we had an amicable and peaceful communication with Lenka’s camp and it resulted to us reaching an agreement.) The artist also opened up that while she and her team felt hurt by the negative comments they received because of this issue, they’ll choose to consider it as a lesson. “Sa tulad kong isang local artist na baguhan pa lamang sa kalakaran ng musika, naging leksyon po sa amin ang mga naturang pangyayari,“ she continued. (For a local artist like me who’s only starting in the music industry, this served a lesson for us.) With this, she updated fans that she will soon re-release “Selos” on streaming platforms, alongside her other new songs. Shaira then expressed her gratitude towards those who continue to support their team. “Sana po ngayon ay maging masaya na lamang po tayo dahil hindi lang naman po ito para sa akin, para rin po dito sa mga kapwa kong Bangsamoro artists at sa mga kapwa kong Pilipino,” she said. (We hope that you’ll be happy for us because this isn’t only for us, but also for my fellow Bangsamoro artists and other Filipino artists.) Aside from “Selos,” Shaira’s “Forever Single (Walang Jowa)” was also removed from streaming platforms, as netizens have pointed out that the song sounds similar to “Masih Mencintainya” by Indonesian band Papinka. As of writing, Shaira has 520 monthly listeners on Spotify. Some of her other songs that are still available to stream on Spotify include “Datu Manis,” “Pakboy – Fuckboy,” and “Natipbad (Lalakeng Abusado),” among others. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Why DOJ pushes case vs ex-employers of abused domestic helper Elvie Vergara

Jairo Bolledo

09/04/2024 18:02

ABUSED. In this photo, Elvira Vergara speaks to Senator Raffy Tulfo during the motu propio inquiry into her severe battery rby her employers, esulting to her partial blindness and other injuries, on September 25, 2023. Angie de Silva/Rappler MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Justice (DOJ) said the prosecution has moved to indict the former employers of abused domestic helper Elvie Vergara. In a resolution dated January 21, but was only publicized on Monday, April 8, Assistant State Prosecutor Jayvee Laurence Bandong indicted Franilyn and Pablo Ruiz, Vergara’s former employers, on charges of serious illegal detention with serious physical injuries. A criminal case will be filed against the two before a court. A non-bailable offense, serious illegal detention usually carries a penalty of life imprisonment. The prosecution dismissed the anti-trafficking complaint. As to the serious physical injuries complaint filed against Kim Jerome Ruiz, Police Executive Master Sergeant Maria Eliza Palabay, and Barangay Chairman Jimmy Patal, the prosecution referred the complaint to the Occidental Mindoro prosecutor’s office for appropriate action. The resolution also said that the complaint for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10361 or Batas Kasambahay has been referred to the Department of Labor and Employment.resolution. In the resolution, the prosecutors said Franilyn and Pablo should be held liable for serious illegal detention. According to records, Vergara was detained against her will from 2020 up to her rescue in 2023. Although Vergara started working in 2017, her ordeal only started in 2020, when she was physically abused by her then-employers. Vergara said in he testimony that she was able to escape in 2021, but was later returned to her former employers’ custody. Since then, she said she was locked inside a high-fenced and gated area located at the back of the employers’ house. “This clearly shows that complainant Vergara was deprived of liberty to leave the residence of respondents Ruiz Family while the abuse was being inflicted on her. The fact that respondents Pablo took her custody again in 2021 shows that there was intent to prevent complainant Vergara from escaping her detention,” the resolution read. The Ruiz family explained that Vergara was not detained, and in fact, could have easily asked for help from neighbors in the compound. They said that structural composition of the house “made it impossible for her to be confined thereat.” According to the prosecution, the family also presented witnesses saying that there was no person detained in the house and that the gate was always open. However, the prosecution was not convinced with the respondents’ explanation. In the resolution, the prosecution said that even though the gate can be opened from the inside, this was not enough to eliminate the possibility that Vergara’s freedom was deprived. The prosecution also noted that Vergara was kept inside a compound and surrounded by people who work for the Ruiz family, and that the “structure and composition of the compound itself is ideal for detaining a person.” As to the charge of physical injuries, the resolution read: “On the other hand, respondents Ruiz Family denies the allegations against them as the injuries were either self-inflicted or the result of complainant Vergara’s poor hygiene and medical condition. However, based on the evidence submitted, this Office is not convinced with the explanation of respondents Ruiz Family on how complainant Vergara acquired her injuries.” Meanwhile, the prosecution junked the anti-trafficking complaint because there was no “clear and convincing evidence” to support the allegations. In her affidavit submitted to the prosecution, Vergara said Franilyn abused her every day: she punched and kicked her, pulled her hair, bumped her head against the wall, and hit different parts of her body. The abuse started after Franilyn accused Vergara of stealing her watch and money, and of putting “pubic hair, menstruation blood, and rust on the food” Vergara prepared for her employers. Vergara also noted that the other respondents, including Pablo and Kim Jerome, helped and assisted Franilyn in abusing her. Franilyn also allegedly hit Vergara’s left ear every day, which caused bleeding, and later on, permanent damage. There was also a time when Franilyn allegedly dragged Vergara to the toilet where the respondent kicked, punched, and repeatedly hit the domestic helper’s head against the wall, causing it to bleed. There were also instances when Franilyn allegedly fed Vergara chili and dog food. Vergara said that in 2021, Franilyn allegedly punched and hit her left eye using a ladle. This caused damage to her eye, leading to blindness. The domestic helper’s case caught national attention, and the Senate conducted a probe into her plight. The Senate subpoenaed the Ruiz family to interrogate them over what happened to Vergara. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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PRIMER: Marcos’ trip to Washington DC for US-Japan-PH trilateral summit

Dwight de Leon

10/04/2024 8:00

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his visit to Tokyo for the Commemorative Summit on the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation in December 2023. PCO MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is heading back to Washington DC a year since his last visit to the US capital to take part in the first-ever trilateral summit between the Philippines, the United States, and Japan. This will be his sixth overseas trip in 2024. Rappler breaks down key details of that trip. Marcos is expected leave Manila on Wednesday, April 10. The flight takes around 15 hours, but since Washington is 12 hours behind the Philippine capital, Marcos is expected to arrive there later the same day, local time. Also on Wednesday, Biden will welcome Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to the White House for an official visit and state dinner. On Thursday, April 11, Kishida will deliver a speech before Congress. Biden will also hold a separate bilateral meeting with Marcos on Thursday to review, as per the White House, “the historic momentum in US-Philippines relations and discuss efforts to expand cooperation on economic security, clean energy, people-to-people ties, and human rights and democracy.” Later that day, the three leaders will convene for the trilateral summit. According to Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Acting Deputy Undersecretary Hans Mohaimin Siriban, Marcos will have other meetings on Friday, April 12, before he returns to Manila. Siriban said the summit seeks to further the partnership among the three countries, putting the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region on top of the agenda. The trilateral meeting comes as tensions continue to worsen in the South China Sea, amid continued harassment by China – which claims the vast waterway as its own – against Philippine vessels. The three countries are expected to double down on their commitment to international rules-based order, and affirm their support for the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling won by the Philippines, which invalidated China’s all-encompassing claims to the territorial waters. The three countries will come up with a joint vision statement after the summit. “This vision statement is intended to be a forward-looking document that not only identifies common principles that guide the trilateral partnership but also provides concrete areas and projects for cooperation,” Siriban said. “We can expect an alignment of views among the three countries on the recent incidents in the West Philippine Sea,” he added. “We will continue to call for peace and stability, and that the recent incidents be solved in a peaceful and diplomatic manner.” – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. I hope this will be a productive trip. Can we have information about the details of his entourage? Is he bringing the whole Marcos-Romualdez clan again? Are 2022 election campaign fund donors included in his entourage, too? Is Sandro’s sweetheart part of it, too? This information is essential for the Filipino people. How does this make you feel?

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Drought-hit town in Negros Occidental declares calamity, seeks aid

Herbie G

09/04/2024 17:10

DRIED UP UP. A closer look at a rice field in Pontevedra town, Negros Occidental, shows the effects of the dry weather conditions. courtesy of Grace Supe NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – The local government of a small town in Negros Occidental declared the municipality under a state of calamity to allow the use of reserved funds to cushion the impact of the El Niño phenomenon. The San Enrique town council held a special session and passed a resolution, declaring the municipality under a state of calamity, on Monday, April 8. The move makes San Enrique the first town in Negros Occidental to be declared by its officials under a calamity state following weeks of rising temperatures, dry weather conditions, and lack of rainfall. San Enrique Mayor Jilson Tubillara said 90% of the town’s rice fields have already dried up, and farmers couldn’t start replanting due to the unfriendly weather conditions. San Enrique is home to 26,000 people and is one of the top rice-producing towns in the province. Much of the town’s 2,884.75-hectare land area is devoted to rice farming. “Now, we cannot replant rice because the rice fields have already dried up. We cannot find water sources to irrigate them to resume rice replanting,” Tubillara said. He said it was the town’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) that recommended the immediate declaration of the state of calamity so the local government could tap its quick response fund (QRF) to help the farmers. Tubillara said one of San Enrique’s 10 villages, Tibsok, was the worst hit. There, he said, people have no more source of drinking water, and they don’t even have water to take a bath. The town government started daily water rations in Tibsok as a result, he said. “I fear that the water crisis would also happen in other barangays in San Enrique. There has been no rain in southern Negros for four months now,” Tubillara said. Town officials said they would also use local government funds to send food packs to residents of their 10 villages as soon as their resolution is given the go-ahead by the provincial board. They said they hoped the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) would also send aid. Negros Occidental Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer told Rappler that they were waiting to receive an official copy of San Enrique’s resolution. He said the province’s legislators would likely approve it as soon as they receive it. Tubillara said drought was the last thing San Enrique officials and residents wanted given that they were still recovering from the damage caused by the spread of the African Swine Fever (ASF) that killed more than 6,000 hogs in the town in 2023. “Now, our rice fields are being affected,” Tubillara said. As of April 1, a report from the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) in Western Visayas revealed that the damage to rice and corn in Western Visayas has reached to nearly P770 million, impacting some 20,000 farmers across the region. Not yet factored into the El Niño-induced damage report is the impact on the sugar industry, as the assessment procedures are being handled by the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA). In Negros Occidental alone, 13 towns, including San Enrique, are currently struggling due to the effects of the El Niño phenomenon. These include the cities of Sipalay, Kabankalan, and Himamaylan, as well as the towns of Ilog, Cauayan, Binalbagan, Isabela, La Castellana, Moises Padilla, Hinigaran, and Valladolid. Data from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) showed that the dry weather conditions have caused initial crop damage amounting to P87.4 million in these 13 areas. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Even ‘pakwans’ can be ‘heroes’: Martyrs and heroes as defined by Bantayog foundation

gdecastro0289

09/04/2024 16:40

MARTYRS AND HEROES. The Wall of Remembrance of the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation on February 23, 2022. Rappler.com MANILA, Philippines – For over 30 years, the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation Incorporated has been honoring “martyrs and heroes” whose names are etched on a Wall of Remembrance in a lot in Quezon Avenue, Quezon City. But who exactly are “martyrs” and “heroes,” as defined by the foundation? In an event last February 24 that honored the late green activist Isagani Serrano on his fifth death anniversary where Rappler was invited, officers of the foundation elaborated on how they reworded their definitions of “heroes” and “martyrs.” Former Commission on Population executive director Juan de Perez III, a member of the board of the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation, said their original definition of “martyrs” covered those who died in the struggle for justice and freedom during the 20-year reign of Ferdinand E. Marcos, father of the current Philippine president, from 1965 to 1986. These were people who either died in armed struggle or those who were involved in legal activities and passed away during the reign of Marcos Sr. Sixty-five martyrs led by freedom fighter Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. were included in the first batch enshrined in November 1992. The following year, however, Perez said the foundation decided to revise the definition to include those who fought for justice and freedom but did not pass away during the Marcos dictatorship. Thus, in November 1993, the first batch of “heroes” were recognized: former senator and Presidential Commission on Human Rights chair Jose W. Diokno, Manila Times newspaper publisher Joaquin “Chino” Roces, and nationalist and former senator Lorenzo M. Tañada. A year later, three heroes were honored by the foundation: ­civil libertarian and former Supreme Court Chief Justice Roberto Concepion, disabled people advocate and former congresswoman Estelita G. Juco, and former Asian Institute of Management professor Gaston “Gasty” Ortigas. More are added yearly by the foundation after passing its scrutiny. “All martyrs are heroes but not all heroes are martyrs. Ang heroes ang nagsurvive (Heroes are those who survived),” said Edicio de la Torre, vice chairperson of the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation, during the February 24 event organized by Serrano’s long-time partner, social enterprise advocate Marie Lisa Dacanay. Under this reworded definition, even “pakwans” (watermelons) can be heroes, De la Torre said, citing Serrano as an example. “Kasi ang social justice, ang kulay ay pula, pero ang environment ay berde o luntian, so ano ka? E di pakwan. Berde sa labas, pula pa rin sa loob – at may buto-buto pa,” he explained, drawing laughter from the audience. “Gani was the epitome of that.” (Because the color of social justice is red but it’s green for the environment, so what are you? A watermelon. Green on the outside but red on the inside – and with seeds even.) Serrano was an activist who was detained twice during Martial Law and released after the EDSA Revolution in February 1986. He became a leader of various nongovernmental organizations that pushed for sustainable development until he died of cancer on February 22, 2019. He was honored by the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation on November 30, 2023. Others recognized with him in 2023 were Jesus Antonio Carpio, Luis de Castro General Jr., Melecio “Tatin” Marimon, Emerito “Pekong” Rodriguez, and Manuel “Buyog” Sampiano. De la Torre said Serrano, a former president of the rural development nonprofit, Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement or PRRM, “wanted us to reflect on the best possibilities of a Filipino and I think that is the best function of a hero or bayani we honor.” “As [the late former] Senator [Jovito] Salonga said, a nation should be defined by the people it honors.  So, in honoring Gani, we also honor our nation,” he said. On Tuesday, De la Torre said at a Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation event that each generation faces its own challenges from where martyrs and heroes develop. As of 2023, the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation has recognized 326 martyrs and heroes. It maintains a website of most of their biographies. On Tuesday, April 9, Araw ng Kagitingan, the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation honored 13 special individuals  – Haligi ng Bantayog or Pillars of the Bantayog – who, according to its current chairman Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno, “devoted their time, effort, and expertise to a most worthy cause – memorializing the heroes and martyrs who fought for our rights and freedoms during the darkest period in recent memory, when we were ruled by a dictator.” The 13 are: Gloria Jopson Kintanar, wife of the late activist Edgar Jopson. She served as a member of the Bantayog screening committee from 2013 to 2015, and a trustee from 2004 to 2014. Deogracias Vistan, who was president of Landbank of the Philippines from 1986 to 1992. He served in various capacities for the foundation, including head of its screening committee and member of its finance committee from 1992 to 1993. Wigberto “Bobby” Tañada, who served as senator from 1987 to 1995. He served as trustee and foundation chair from 2016 to 2022. Rene Saguisag, who was senator from 1987 to 1992. The human rights lawyer served as foundation trustee from 1998 to 2000. Artemio Panganiban, who was Supreme Court Chief Justice from 2005 to 2006, and justice from 1995 to 2005. He was a trustee from 1999 to 2000. Judy Araneta Roxas, chair of the Gerry Roxas Foundation who was among the initial sponsors of the foundation. Edcel Lagman, currently congressman representing the first district of Albay. He served as trustee from 2005 to 2006. Jose “Pete” Lacaba, award-winning writer, editor, and activist. A Carlos Palanca Awardee for poetry, he was a trustee from 1999 to 2005. Felipe Gozon, current chairman of broadcasting firm GMA Network Incorporated. He was a trustee and treasurer from 1999 to 2022. Feliciano Belmonte, former House Speaker and Quezon City mayor. He served as foundation benefactor. Carolina “Bobbie” Malay, teacher-writer. She served as head of the Bantayog Museum Committee from 2013 to 2015, and trustee from 2010 to 2022. Helen Mendoza, a UP professor and writer who helped start the documentation of the martyrs and heroes. Salvacion Perez, former Antique fovernor who was a trustee from 2002 to 2008. “Sa ngalan po ng buong Bantayog family, nais kong personal na magpasalamat sa inyong lahat…. At dahil ngayon ay Araw ng Kagitingan, napakaganda ng timing ng ating pasasalamat at pagkilala sa kanila,” Diokno said in a statement. (On behalf of the Bantayog family, I wish to personally thank you all. And because today is Araw ng Kagitingan, it’s the best time to thank and honor you all.) “What better day than today to honor the members of the Bantayog family who gave so much of themselves to keep the memories of our heroes and martyrs alive for our youth and for future generations of Filipinos. Sa tulong ninyo, napapanatili nating buhay ang alaala ng mga lumaban at nagbuwis ng buhay noong panahon ng diktadurya para maibalik natin ang demokrasya at kalayaan sa ating inang bayan,” he added. (With your help, we have been able to keep alive the memories of those who fought and sacrificed their lives during the dictatorship so that we can restore democracy and freedom in our country.) – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Francisco Motors wants to give free jeepneys. Slow LTFRB permits stand in the way.

lkyu0285

09/04/2024 16:23

MODERN. A previous prototype of the modern jeepney manufactured by Francisco Motors. Elmer Francisco Francisco Motors, one of the country’s oldest jeepney manufacturers, has an ambitious plan to offer “unli ride” tickets along jeepney routes and to provide operators with free modern jeepneys. But government bureaucracy is delaying what could have been a pilot program launched in March. “Sobrang tagal ng LTFRB, at sila lang ‘yung nagiging hindrance, nagpapabagal sa program na ito,” Franciso Motors head Elmer Francisco said during a recent public roundtable discussion on jeepney modernization issues. (The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board is taking so long, and they’re the only one hindering and slowing down this program.) “In short, the only thing standing in between Francisco Motors giving away these free jeepneys to the jeepney operators and jeepney cooperatives is LTFRB,” he added. The visibly frustrated CEO didn’t stop there, as he bemoaned the government’s slow response and told the LTFRB’s Chief Transportation Development Officer Joel Bolano: “Sabihin mo sa boss mo, ang bagal niya (Tell your boss that he’s so slow).” Based on documents seen by Rappler, Francisco Motors intends to give its modern jeepneys out for free, as long as operators stay in what it calls the “TsuperHero Program.” Under this program, Francisco Motors will offer commuters unlimited ride tickets for certain routes, similar to Japan’s unlimited rail pass. Jeepney operators will then accept passengers with unlimited ride tickets, although operators can still get direct payments from commuters without the unli ride pass. Jeepney operators are entitled to a share of Francisco Motors’ sales of its unli ride tickets. The transport corporation or cooperative will also retain ownership over its franchise and Francisco Motors’ jeepneys, which will remain free as long as they stay in the program. On top of this, Francisco Motors is also supposed to set up jeepney stops along routes. Commuters can get on and off jeepneys at these designated stops, which is also where their unli ride tickets will be validated. Sounds like an interesting plan? The government thinks so too – except it’s been painfully slow to act. According to records verified by Rappler, Elmer Francisco first floated the idea of an unli jeepney ride program to Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista during a meeting on December 21, 2023. By late February, Francisco Motors said they were ready to do a pilot for three months starting March 1. The plan was to partner with a transport cooperative and replace its 28 old jeepney units, which cover a 4-kilometer route from Merry Homes in Caloocan City to Sta. Monica Shop and Ride in Novaliches, Quezon City. But, first, the DOTr said that the jeepney manufacturer needed to secure a special permit from the LTFRB. Francisco met with LTFRB representatives on March 4, and the following day he sent a letter request for special permit to Secretary Bautista and LTFRB chief Teofilo Guadiz III. April 1 was the new target start date. After a series of follow-ups, the LTFRB confirmed that the TsuperHero proposal was up for evaluation during its March 14 board meeting. On March 15, Guadiz told Francisco that the board had “some reservations” about the proposal – though he did not specify what they were. The LTFRB chairman did not respond to Francisco’s several follow-ups. More than two weeks later and past the April 1 target day, Francisco aired out his frustrations with the government during the jeepney modernization roundtable. “What we need from the government is to act fast. If you cannot act fast, please just stay out of the way. Give us a letter of no objection. We will do it for you. And we are not faulting you. Ang sa akin lang (For me), we move fast for the benefit of the Filipino people,” Francisco said on Monday, April 8. According to a DOTr document seen by Rappler, the transportation department said that it could not provide an official endorsement of the program, given its April 1 timeline. The DOTr’s official response – dated March 22, but only sent to Francisco Motors on April 1 – also explained that the department still has to thoroughly examine how the proposal would fit in with existing policies and other consolidated jeepney operators serving the same route. The DOTr also urged Francisco Motors to submit an application for a certificate of compliance for their modern jeepney model. Francisco also finally received a response letter from LTFRB Chairman Guadiz mere hours after he publicly berated the LTFRB’s inaction – although the letter was dated April 2, nearly a week earlier. In it, Guadiz said that the LTFRB Board recognized the benefit that the program would provide for the government’s modernization program, but several legal roadblocks stood in the way. First, the proposed route is not an existing route of the transport cooperative. Under the current policy, the special permit that Francisco Motors needs may only be issued after the proposed route is opened through an LTFRB memorandum circular – which has not happened. Regarding the unli ride and fleet management proposal, Guadiz said that current LTFRB guidelines require fare collection to be based on distance and service area. Francisco Motors doesn’t have the authority to set its own fares under the proposed program. The LTFRB again said it needed more time to study the proposal without giving any timeline or estimated dates. It also did not yet specify any steps or recommendations for Francisco Motors to act on. And like the DOTr, the LTFRB also highlighted that Francisco Motors did not yet have a certificate of compliance for its jeepney models. Asked why the jeepney manufacturer has yet to secure a certificate for their electric jeepneys, Francisco told Rappler that they’re still finalizing their two new prototypes – a battery electric vehicle variant and fuel cell electric vehicle variant – before filing an application. “The old prototype that we currently have is not the one that we will mass produce. The upgraded one is what we will submit for COC in which we are still finishing the new prototype,” Francisco told Rappler. “Alam naman nila ‘yan sa DOTr and LTFRB. Nirurub-in lang nila dahil wala silang ibang masabi (The DOTr and LTFRB knows this. They’re just rubbing it in since they have nothing else to say) to cover-up their delaying tactics.” Meanwhile, the government’s Maharlika Investment Corporation (MIC) has already agreed to fund Francisco Motor’s first jeepney terminal under the TsuperHero Program. Rappler reported earlier in January that the company managing the country’s first sovereign fund was eyeing an investment in the jeepney manufacturer. Back then, Maharlika’s president and chief executive officer Joel Consing already believed that Francisco Motors “checked all of the boxes” for a good investment. And after a third meeting on March 27, the MIC agreed to bankroll the development of Francisco Motors’ first jeepney terminal, according to Francisco. A tripartite agreement will govern this, in which the Office of House Speaker Martin Romualdez will look for a 5-hectare government-owned property within Metro Manila, the MIC will provide the funds for the jeepney terminal’s development, and Francisco Motors will serve as its operator. A total of 100 jeepney terminals are planned to be built nationwide. With the government committing money to the TsuperHero Program, Consing and Romualdez are also reportedly asking what’s taking the LTFRB so long to give the green light. If you ask Elmer Francisco, it’s all red tape. But, for now, the question remains: after building generations of traditional jeepneys, will Francisco Motors be able to pull off this revival of the King of the Road? – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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PANOORIN: Pagbasa ni Patricia Evangelista mula sa ‘Some People Need Killing’

Jodesz Gavilan

09/04/2024 16:01

MANILA, Philippines – Isinulat ni Patricia Evangelista ang librong Some People Need Killing: A Memoir of Murder in My Country makaraan ang maraming taong pag-iimbestiga sa malawakang patayan sa ilalim ng war on drugs ni dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte. Aniya, hindi niya magagawa ang libro kung wala ang tiwala at permiso ng mga kapamilya ng mga biktima. Noong Lunes, Abril 8, humarap muli si Evangelista sa mga pamilya upang magbalik-tanaw sa mga at magbigay-pugay sa kanilang katapangan. Sa pagtitipong inorganisa ng Respond and Break the Silence Against the Killings (RESBAK), binasa ni Evangelista ang isang bahagi ng kaniyang libro na isinalin sa Filipino ng makatang si Mikael de Lara Co. Ginanap ito sa Payatas, Quezon City, kung saan maraming pinatay noong kasagsagan ng administrasyong Duterte. “Iba po kasi na ikuwento ang istorya ng bansa natin sa ibang tao, pero importanteng ikuwento ito kung saan nangyari, sa mga taong kanino nangyari, para sa mga susunod na henerasyon, para hindi na mangyari ulit,” ayon kay Evangelista. Lagpas 6,252 ang mga namatay sa kamay ng mga pulis sa war on drugs ni Duterte. Maaaring umabot hanggang 30,000 ang bilang na ito kung isasama ang mga biktima ng vigilante-style killings, ayon sa mga human rights groups. Iniimbestigahan ng International Criminal Court ang malawakang pagpatay na ito. – Rappler.com How does this make you feel?

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Officials alarmed as Negros Occidental, Bacolod see more suspected pertussis cases

Herbie G

09/04/2024 15:20

VACCINATION. Children's vaccination is in full swing in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, as ordered by Mayor Neil Lizares due to the pertussis threat in the province. Talisay City government BACOLOD, Philippines – The governor of Negros Occidental and the mayor of Bacolod sounded alarm bells on Tuesday, April 9, as the number of suspected pertussis infections surged in the province and city. Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez released a joint public advisory, urging the public to take precautions and follow basic health protocols. Lacson said Negros Occidental logged one confirmed case of pertussis involving a two-month-old infant, while provincial health officer Dr. Gerlie Pinongan said 11 more were being monitored for showing signs of the deadly respiratory disease. Pinongan said four of those feared to have pertussis were admitted to a hospital, while the others were placed under isolation. She said specimens were taken from them and sent to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) for laboratory confirmation. In Bacolod, the City Health Office-Environmental Sanitation Division logged three suspected pertussis cases. The office’s head, Dr. Grace Tan, said all were under close monitoring in a health facility. Health authorities said pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a respiratory disease transmitted from one person to another through coughing or sneezing. Early symptoms include runny or stuffy nose, occasional coughing, and low-grade fever. In their joint advisory, Lacson and Benitez said the number of people with pertussis symptoms in the province and city has reached alarming levels, prompting them to appeal to Negrenses and Bacoleños to take necessary precautionary measures to avoid being infected by the contagious respiratory illness caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. The governor and mayor also asked health facilities, especially hospitals, to set up fast lanes for patients with respiratory or influenza-like illnesses. The local chief executives called on parents and guardians to bring their children, particularly six-week-old to 14-week-old infants, to the nearest health centers and avail of free primary vaccinations. Catch-up immunization and booster doses for those beyond the ages set by the National Immunization Program (NIP) are now available either at the provincial or city health offices, they said. They also urged all health facilities in Negros Occidental and Bacolod to closely coordinate with the provincial and city health offices, and step up an information dissemination campaign and outbreak response vaccination and surveillance. In the Western Visayas region, Iloilo City has already been declared under a state of calamity on March 26 due to a pertussis outbreak. Based on health experts’ recommendations, Lacson and Benitez urge their constituents to do the following: – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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FACT CHECK: Ad for apple cider vinegar shampoo is AI-manipulated

Ailla Dela Cruz

09/04/2024 19:30

Claim: Filipino actress Sue Ramirez and online health personality Dr. Willie Ong, also known as Doc Willie, endorse the use of an apple cider vinegar shampoo for hair growth and dandruff treatment. Why we fact-checked this: The video containing the claim has 1,500 views, 36 comments, and 31 reactions as of writing. Several Facebook pages also reposted it. The video shows an interview of Ramirez with Filipino television host Boy Abunda, where Ramirez seemingly shared how the Paloma Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo helped her grow her hair. The video also shows Ong supposedly endorsing the same product. The facts: Neither Ramirez nor Ong endorsed the shampoo. The video consists of clips manipulated using artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. Sensity, a web-based tool for detecting AI, found the video “suspicious” in their pixel and voice analyses. The audio of the video scored 99.9% confidence level, while face manipulation scored 79.1%. “High confidence indicates that the detector has found definite signals of AI generation or manipulation. The minimum confidence for this detector is 50%,” according to Sensity. The altered interview of Ramirez came from a video originally posted on June 30, 2018. Nowhere in the interview did Ramirez endorse a specific product for hair growth. Instead, she talked about her annoyance with people’s speculations on her then newly-cut hair. Meanwhile, Ong’s clip was originally from a March 22, 2024 video, where he talked about the whooping cough outbreak. Not FDA registered: Paloma Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo is not on the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) list of cosmetic products with certificates of product notification. The FDA verification portal shows no results for searches using the keywords “Paloma shampoo” and “Paloma apple cider vinegar shampoo.” FDA Administrative Order 2007-013 requires a company or person to secure a certificate of product notification before cosmetic products are placed on the market. The notification shall contain the following information: Rappler has fact-checked advertisements that use AI manipulation techniques to promote unregistered products: – Ailla Dela Cruz/Rappler.com Keep us aware of suspicious Facebook pages, groups, accounts, websites, articles, or photos in your network by contacting us at factcheck@rappler.com. Let us battle disinformation one Fact Check at a time. Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Modyul para sa pagtuturo ng Filipino tampok sa paglulunsad at lektura sa Abril 17

Russell Ku

09/04/2024 15:49

Ito ay isang press release mula sa Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino. Magkakaroon ng lektura at paglulunsad ang Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) ng Modyul sa Pagtuturo ng Filipino Bilang Pangalawang Wika sa Miyerkoles, Abril 17, 1-4 ng hapon, sa Philippine Normal University, Maynila. Tampok sa paglulusad ang pagbibigay ng lektura nina Dr. Purificacion Delima (Komisyoner para sa Wikang Ilokano ng KWF mula 2013 hanggang 2020) at Dr. Wennielyn Fajilan (propesor at direktor ng UST Sentro ng Salin at Araling Salin), kabilang sa mga awtor na gumawa ng modyul. Mababasa sa modyul ang mga batayang teorya at praktika na may kinalaman sa pagkatuto at pagtuturo ng Filipino bilang pangalawang wika na makatutulong sa mga guro sa buong bansa. Bukás at libre ang pagdalo sa online o face-to-face na lektura at paglulunsad. Maaaring magpatalâ sa https://forms.gle/YCoXDiy4TQStCR2n6 o makipag-ugnay sa rcagalingan@kwf.gov.ph. Hinihikayat ng KWF na dumalo ang mga guro, lalo na ang mga nagtuturo sa labas ng National Capital Region at Luzon. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Results, team standings: UAAP Season 86 volleyball

Jasmine Payo

05/05/2024 21:02

ROARING. NU's Bella Belen (left) and Alyssa Solomon react in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball finals UAAP Season 86 Media Team MANILA, Philippines – The UAAP Season 86 volleyball tournaments reach a tipping point with the men’s and women’s finals! LOOK: UAAP volleyball championship schedule Here are the results in the men’s and women’s divisions: MAY 15 May 11 MAY 8 MAY 5 MAY 4 MAY 8 MAY 5 MAY 4 ** – Twice-to-beat* – Final Fourx – Eliminated APRIL 27 APRIL 24 APRIL 21 APRIL 20 APRIL 17 APRIL 14 APRIL 13 APRIL 10 APRIL 9 APRIL 4 APRIL 3 MARCH 24 MARCH 23 MARCH 20 First round MARCH 17 MARCH 16 MARCH 13 MARCH 10 MARCH 9 MARCH 6 MARCH 3 MARCH 2 FEBRUARY 28 FEBRUARY 25 FEBRUARY 24 FEBRUARY 21 FEBRUARY 18 FEBRUARY 17 ** – Twice-to-beat* – Final Fourx – Eliminated APRIL 27 APRIL 24 APRIL 21 APRIL 20 APRIL 17 APRIL 14 APRIL 13 APRIL 10 APRIL 9 APRIL 4 APRIL 3 MARCH 24 MARCH 23 MARCH 20 First round MARCH 17 MARCH 16 MARCH 13 MARCH 10 MARCH 9 MARCH 6 MARCH 3 MARCH 2 FEBRUARY 28 FEBRUARY 25 FEBRUARY 24 FEBRUARY 21 FEBRUARY 18 FEBRUARY 17 – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Why Muslims look for the moon: The lunar calendar, explained

Paterno Esmaquel II

12/03/2024 18:00

MOONSIGHTING. Muslims join a moonsighting activity at the Manila Baywalk along Roxas Boulevard, Manila, March 10, 2024, to determine the start of the fasting month of Ramadan. On this humid Sunday afternoon, a handful of men alighted from a vehicle parked in front of a popular Filipino restaurant along Roxas Boulevard in Manila. Our contact, an official of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), sent us a text message, “Tapat kami Aristocrat (We are in front of Aristocrat),” as he gave us the make and plate number of their vehicle so that we could easily find them. The men, as we walked to their vehicle, were unloading a tripod and a tool that was to be the star of the evening: a telescope – Astromaster 130EQ of Celestron, which, according to its website, “provides bright, clear images of the Moon, planets, star clusters, and more for great nighttime viewing.” It was around 4:30 pm, and the “show” was scheduled an hour and a half later. We were about to watch sunset at 6:05 pm – and to check if the new moon could already be sighted. It was a moonsighting activity mounted by the NCMF in the National Capital Region (NCR) on Sunday, March 10, to determine the start of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan. From our meeting place at Rajah Sulayman Park, we crossed Roxas Boulevard so that we could station ourselves at the iconic Manila Baywalk, the perfect spot to view the postcard-worthy Manila Bay sunset. We joined around two dozen Muslims, including NCMF staff, many of whom – in true Filipino fashion – took photos of themselves peering into the telescope. At one point, sandwiches were distributed to participants. The mood was a mix of curiosity and excitement, although subdued. Would they see the moon that evening? If they spot the moon, then the fasting month of Ramadan would begin the next day, Monday, March 11. If not, then Ramadan would start on Tuesday, March 12. Moonsighting is the process by which Muslims determine the date not only of the start of Ramadan, but also their two great feasts: Eid’l Fitr, which is the end of Ramadan, and Eid’l Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice. If you ever wondered why there are no fixed dates (and no fixed holidays) for these observances, the lunar calendar of Islam provides an explanation. But why the moon? What are the roots of moonsighting? How is it conducted? Why is it relevant in the Muslim faith? Islam uses a lunar calendar, which is based on phases of the moon, unlike the commonly used solar calendar, which is based on the Earth’s position relative to the Sun. The Islamic calendar is made up of 12 months, each of which is 29 or 30 days long. Because the number of days in a month vary, the length of the year varies as well – either 354 or 355 days, shorter than the 365 days in the solar calendar. The name of this Islamic dating system is the Hijri calendar. It begins in the year 622 AD, when the Prophet Muhammad escaped persecution in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to the city of Medina, which is around 338 kilometers away. In contrast, the dating system now generally used around the world is called the Gregorian calendar, named after Pope Gregory XIII, who instituted this calendar in 1582 AD. The Gregorian calendar was an improvement of the Julian calendar, which was proposed by, and named after, Julius Caesar in 46 BC. Each year in the Gregorian calendar is commonly denoted as “AD” or anno Domini (year of Our Lord), since the counting of years begins with the birth of Christ. (BC means “Before Christ,” referring to the period before the Gregorian calendar started counting years.) Each year in the Hijri calendar is called “AH” or anno Hegirae in Latin, or “the year of the Hijrah,” since it begins with the Hijrah of the Prophet Muhammad. The 12 months of the Hijri calendar are as follows: Muharram, Safar, Rabi al-Awwal, Rabi al-Thani, Jumada al-Awwal, Jumada al-Thani, Rajab, Sha’ban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhul al-Qadah, and Dhul Hijjah. Each of these names has a meaning. The first month of the Islamic calendar, Muharram, means “forbidden” – a time when all forms of fighting are prohibited. The second month, Safar, means “empty” – “because pre-Islamic Arabs used to leave their homes in search of food during this month,” according to the Islamic advocacy website Amaliah. Other sources say that this name “derived from pre-Islamic Arabs conducting raids during this time on houses, leaving them ’empty.’” Ramadan, according to Amaliah, comes ”from the root word ‘ramad,’ which means ‘burning’ in reference to the scorching heat that characterized this month.” The context, of course, was the climate in the Middle East where Islam was born. In a video by the Al-Rasoul Islamic Society in Canada, Islamic scholar Sayed Mohammed Baqer Al-Qazwini explained the roots of the Islamic lunar calendar. “One reason why Islam went by the lunar calendar is that, at that time, this was the most practical calendar for the people. Why? Because if you want to go by the solar calendar, you have to have a calendar, you need to know how to read and write, you need to keep track of the days,” said Al-Qazwini. Many people then, however, “were illiterate” and were “Bedouins living in the desert” who “did not know how to keep track” of dates on pen and paper. “The other calendar, which is the lunar one, is more practical for most people. Because all you need to do, at the beginning of the month, is see what? See the crescent. Even if you’re not educated, even if you do not know how to read and write, you can get out there in the desert and just see the moon,” the Islamic scholar said. “So the people who lived at that time, they just look at the moon, they know which night it is,” he said. The second reason, according to Al-Qazwini, is that the lunar calendar “gives you diversity.” This is because the Islamic observances fall on different parts of the Gregorian calendar each year, given that the Hijri calendar follows its own timeline. The month of Ramadan, for example, sometimes falls in the summer or in the winter, said Al-Qazwini. “That’s beautiful. That way, you get to fast in all seasons, and you can taste these events and you can experience fasting in all seasons.” While Ramadan this year began on March 12, in fact, it was not always around this time of the year. Ten years ago, in 2014, it began on June 28. Twenty years ago, in 2004, it began on October 15. Viewing the moon ahead of Ramadan, said Islamic scholar, is also being faithful to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. Alzad Sattar, an Islamic Studies professor from the University of the Philippines Diliman, said this was stated in the hadith or sayings of the Prophet Muhammad. “The Prophet said, ‘Before you fast in the month of Ramadan, you first have to see the moon,’” Sattar said in a mix of English and Filipino while waiting for the moonsighting activity last Sunday. Sattar explained that if the new moon is sighted on the 29th day of the month of Sha’ban, then the month of Ramadan can begin the next day. If not, then Muslims need to complete the 30th day of the month of Sha’ban, which means beginning Ramadan two days later. But who gets to declare that the moon was sighted? And, of all the Muslim authorities who conduct their moonsighting activities, whom should ordinary Muslims believe? This is where it gets complicated. Esmael Abdul, cultural affairs chief of the NCMF in Metro Manila, said any adult who is trusted and credible in the community can conduct moonsighting activities. Even just one such person who sees the moon is enough, he said. Not even a telescope is required. “Even in the case of the Prophet Muhammad, there were no telescopes during their time,” he explained. In the Philippines, there are two main authorities when it comes to moonsighting and other Muslim affairs. The NCMF, created on February 18, 2010, is tasked to advise the Philippine president on Muslim affairs, and to “act as the primary government agency through which Muslim Filipinos could seek government assistance and redress.” The NCMF is led by a secretary appointed by the president. The other authority when it comes to Muslim affairs is the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta, the Islamic advisory council of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta is led by a mufti, an Islamic legal expert. There have been times when the NCMF and BARMM had different findings in their moonsighting activities. While this can already be confusing, there are also Filipino Muslims who choose to look outside the Philippines – in particular, Saudi Arabia – for their sighting of the new moon. “Their view is that this is because Islam began in Saudi Arabia,” said Sattar. This is why in Facebook comment sections, it is common to see a few Muslims arguing over which authority to believe when it comes to moonsighting. In one instance, the moon was seen in Saudi Arabia and not in the Philippines, and a believer was insistent that the Saudi declaration carried more weight. An irked Muslim replied on Facebook, “Then go live there.” “The issue before, as they said, was that instead of moonsighting, it became ‘moonfighting.’ Because there are different views and different approaches,” said Sattar. “So to solve such kind of problem, there should be coordination.” Abdul of NCMF-NCR said there have been efforts to streamline the results of moonsighting activities across the Philippines. “This year, I really made a way by which the two offices (NCMF and the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta) can coodinate. Muslims shouldn’t have to choose between the two. All of them have Islamic scholars, so these two offices should really reach an agreement and act as one,” Abdul said. Within the NCMF alone, officials have been cautious in releasing their new moon findings. The NCMF is composed of 11 regional offices, and NCMF-NCR is only one of these. The moonsighting activity at the Manila Baywalk last Sunday was an activity only by NCMF-NCR, and the telescope used was actually personal equipment owned by Abdul because their regional office did not have its own. According to the Celestron website, the telescope is now priced at $349.95 or roughly P19,380. Two days before the moonsighting activity in Manila, Abdul cautioned our team against reporting the NCMF-NCR findings as the findings of the whole NCMF. We had to wait until the reports from all regional offices were consolidated, he said. Only the NCMF national office can release the conclusive findings. During Sunday’s moonsighting activity, the coordination was immediate – and high-tech. Shortly after sunset at 6:05 pm, we saw Abdul and his assistant chief Al-Jomer Ali looking at their smartphones, dimly illuminating their faces as the dark of night crept in. Only three male journalists from the Rappler team, a female journalist for Indonesian TV, and a male photojournalist from a broadsheet were covering the activity for news purposes. There were no other big cameras from mainstream TV news outlets, indicating little interest, even as many Filipino Muslims held on to their seats: Will Ramadan begin on Monday or Tuesday? “What is that?” we asked Ali, as we turned the sharper light of our camera in their direction. Abdul and Ali were apparently on Zoom, where other regional offices gave updates on their own moonsighting activities. “Soccsksargen, not sighted. Northern Luzon, northern Mindanao, no sighting. What else?” said Ali, as he waited for updates from other regions. “Before Zoom and Facebook were invented, how was coordination done for moonsighting?” we asked them. Abdul answered, “Phone calls.” That night, it was a centuries-old tradition merging with modern technology. “It is faster, it is more accurate, it is something for which Muslim communities can better prepare,” Ali said in Filipino. Roughly two hours later, at around 8 pm, the NCMF released its announcement: the agency “has determined that no moon was observed tonight by all the NCMF regional and field offices and their moonsighting groups.” Ramadan, then, would begin on Tuesday instead of Monday. When asked how he felt that the moon was not sighted, Abdul said the feeling was normal. “It is really like that,” he said. “I have not seen the first moon on the 29th day of Sha’ban.” Beyond determining another month in the Islamic lunar calendar, however, Sattar said moonsighting holds religious significance for Muslims like him. “We see this as a good deed,” Sattar said – proof that “we are truly following the sunna of the Prophet Muhammad.” The end of the moonsighting activity was proof of this. A few minutes after sunset, Muslims walked to another part of the Manila Baywalk, rolled their prayer mats, faced in the direction of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, and knelt with their heads touching the ground in front of Manila Bay. While the moon was not sighted that evening, their faith as shown through obedience was still on full display. And their chanting, borne of a faith that spans many centuries, mixed with the sea breeze. – Rappler.com Error. 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SC affirms dismissal of disqualification case vs Senator Raffy Tulfo

Jairo Bolledo

09/04/2024 11:28

LAWMAKER. In this photo, Senator Raffy Tulfo presides over the senate hearing on the lapses of power outages in Panay Island, on January 10, 2024. Angie de Silva/Rappler MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court (SC) has upheld the dismissal of the disqualification case against Senator Raffy Tulfo. In its ruling, the High Court reiterated that the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) has the exclusive jurisdiction over disqualification case against winning senatorial candidates who were already proclaimed, had taken oath, and assumed office. SC magistrates decided the case on April 3, the SC Public Information Office said. Citing section 17, article VI of the 1987 Constitution and relevant jurisprudence, the High Court clarified in the decision the division of powers in cases like election disputes. Once winning candidates have been proclaimed, taken oath, and assumed office, the SET assumes jurisdiction or coverage over them, and the Commission on Election (Comelec) loses its jurisdiction over the candidate in relation to election contests stemming from the poll, returns, or disqualification cases. The High Court explained that Julieta Licup Pearson, who filed the disqualification case against Tulfo, failed to file in time the appropriate case with the SET and “cannot remedy this failure by invoking the Court’s certiorari powers.” Certiorari is legal remedy used to review a body’s decision or grave abuse of discretion. Broadcast journalist Tulfo won in the 2022 senatorial elections. A month before the polls, Pearson, his alleged wife, filed the disqualification case based on the following grounds: The Comelec’s First Division junked Pearson’s petition for failure to attach the required proof of service. Tulfo garnered over 23.1 million votes in the 2022 elections, and finished third in the Senate race. He was later proclaimed as a winner, took his oath, and assumed office. His wife moved for reconsideration in the case, but the Comelec denied the motion for lack of jurisdiction. Pearson elevated the case to the High Court, where she filed a petition for certiorari. In her petition, Pearson claimed she married Tulfo in October 1982 in Capas, Tarlac, and that their marriage was never nullified. Tulfo, as early as 2019, admitted he had a child with Pearson, but claimed that she was just trying to extort money from him. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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LIVE UPDATES: Marcos at the 1st US-Philippines-Japan trilateral summit

No author found

13/04/2024 14:42

MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is in Washington for the inaugural summit between the United States, Japan, and the Philippines. The landmark event comes as tensions continue to mount in the South China Sea, an issue that is front and center during the landmark summit. Marcos meets with US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during the summit on Thursday, April 11. Bookmark this page for live updates. President Marcos says in a media interview in Washington that he also plans to get answers from former Duterte officials on his predecessor’s “gentleman’s agreement” on Ayungin Shoal with his Chinese counterpart. Read more. A cooperation agreement by the Philippines, the United States, and Japan will change the dynamic in the South China Sea and the region, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Friday, April 12, while seeking to assure China it was not a target. “I think the trilateral agreement is extremely important,” Marcos told a press conference in Washington a day after meeting US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in the nations’ first trilateral summit. “It is going to change the dynamic, the dynamic that we see in the region, in ASEAN in Asia, around the South China Sea,” Marcos said, referring to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Read more. “That’s not the role of the Vice President or the secretary of education to talk about China,” President Marcos says in an interview with Philippine media in Washington. Read more. Business deals that the Philippines secured at a summit with Japan and the United States will not affect China’s investments in the Philippines, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Friday. “This (trilateral agreement) is separate from any proposed or potential Chinese investments in the Philippines. How do I see it, how will it affect? I don’t see that it will affect, one way or the other,” Marcos told a press conference in Washington after the summit. WASHINGTON, USA – The White House said on Friday, April 12, there is no reason for China to see a US summit this week with Japan and the Philippines as a threat. White House national security spokesperson John Kirby spoke after China complained to Japan and the Philippines about some of the rhetoric emerging from President Joe Biden’s summit talks with the leaders of Japan and the Philippines this week. “These meetings were not about any one other nation. This was about deepening and revitalizing existing alliances and partnerships and strengthening some new ones,” Kirby told reporters. “There’s no reason for the PRC to look at this as any kind of a threat. This was simply a discussion between three allies about mutual challenges and quite frankly mutual opportunities that we are trying to explore in the Indo-Pacific region,” he said. – Rappler.com Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., US President Joe Biden, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida take part in the first-ever trilateral summit between the three countries. Rappler multimedia reporters Bea Cupin and Dwight de Leon give a rundown of what was discussed, from the South China Sea problem, to investment pacts. The three nations call out Beijing’s “dangerous and destabilizing conduct” in Ayungin Shoal, where Chinese ships routinely obstruct Philippine missions to a military outpost. Read more. Ahead of the first trilateral United States-Japan-Philippines leaders’ summit, US President Jos Biden holds a bilateral meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the White House in Washington on April 11 (April 12, Manila time).

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Not just a Canino team: La Salle coaches demand more leadership as MVP recovers

jisaga0269

09/04/2024 22:01

GET IT TOGETHER. The La Salle Lady Spikers huddle after a point in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament UAAP Season 86 Media Team MANILA, Philippines – The La Salle Lady Spikers remain the top team in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament with a 9-1 record despite not having injured reigning MVP Angel Canino for the last two games. However, a closer look at the defending champions reveals big cracks in their once-formidable group as they crawled to the finish line in back-to-back games against clear underdogs UP and UE. Following a five-set grind against the sixth-ranked Lady Warriors, 25-23, 21-25, 25-17, 22-25, 15-12, on Tuesday, April 9, head coach Ramil de Jesus and top deputy Noel Orcullo have seen enough. They did not let the remaining Lady Spikers’ apparent lack of heart pass by unchecked. “As of now, it’s like they’re still looking for Angel,” Orcullo said, as Canino once again sat out due to ongoing recovery from a freak right hand accident. The MVP, however, has shed her arm sling, albeit still keeping thick hand wraps. “Right now, there are only a few leaders left in the court. I said last night, we can’t just have one leader, or just the captain. We all need to lead. We can’t rely on just a few people. You all need to lead yourselves.” In a way, veteran blocker Thea Gagate responded to the call despite the extended game against UE, as the two-time reigning Best Middle Blocker tallied a season-high 22 points on 17 attacks, 3 blocks, and 2 aces. Sophomore star Shevana Laput was right there alongside her senior teammate, scoring 21 on 17 hits, 3 rejections, and an ace. “I just reminded my teammates that he had to have bigger desires to do our jobs,” Gagate added in Filipino. “We should hustle on defense whether on the floor or on the net and we have to show better desire in our spikes.” “We just keep on reminding one another because sometimes, our emotions get the better of us, and we have to calm down so our games return to form.” The Lady Spikers have limited time to adjust without Canino, as the red-hot Bella Belen and the NU Lady Bulldogs await on Sunday, April 14, at the Mall of Asia Arena. With or without Canino, La Salle is still supposed to be better than its last two showings. The coaches and the players know it, and the champs will work hard to figure it out. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Francisco Motors wants to give free jeepneys. Slow LTFRB permits stand in the way.

lkyu0285

09/04/2024 16:23

MODERN. A previous prototype of the modern jeepney manufactured by Francisco Motors. Elmer Francisco Francisco Motors, one of the country’s oldest jeepney manufacturers, has an ambitious plan to offer “unli ride” tickets along jeepney routes and to provide operators with free modern jeepneys. But government bureaucracy is delaying what could have been a pilot program launched in March. “Sobrang tagal ng LTFRB, at sila lang ‘yung nagiging hindrance, nagpapabagal sa program na ito,” Franciso Motors head Elmer Francisco said during a recent public roundtable discussion on jeepney modernization issues. (The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board is taking so long, and they’re the only one hindering and slowing down this program.) “In short, the only thing standing in between Francisco Motors giving away these free jeepneys to the jeepney operators and jeepney cooperatives is LTFRB,” he added. The visibly frustrated CEO didn’t stop there, as he bemoaned the government’s slow response and told the LTFRB’s Chief Transportation Development Officer Joel Bolano: “Sabihin mo sa boss mo, ang bagal niya (Tell your boss that he’s so slow).” Based on documents seen by Rappler, Francisco Motors intends to give its modern jeepneys out for free, as long as operators stay in what it calls the “TsuperHero Program.” Under this program, Francisco Motors will offer commuters unlimited ride tickets for certain routes, similar to Japan’s unlimited rail pass. Jeepney operators will then accept passengers with unlimited ride tickets, although operators can still get direct payments from commuters without the unli ride pass. Jeepney operators are entitled to a share of Francisco Motors’ sales of its unli ride tickets. The transport corporation or cooperative will also retain ownership over its franchise and Francisco Motors’ jeepneys, which will remain free as long as they stay in the program. On top of this, Francisco Motors is also supposed to set up jeepney stops along routes. Commuters can get on and off jeepneys at these designated stops, which is also where their unli ride tickets will be validated. Sounds like an interesting plan? The government thinks so too – except it’s been painfully slow to act. According to records verified by Rappler, Elmer Francisco first floated the idea of an unli jeepney ride program to Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista during a meeting on December 21, 2023. By late February, Francisco Motors said they were ready to do a pilot for three months starting March 1. The plan was to partner with a transport cooperative and replace its 28 old jeepney units, which cover a 4-kilometer route from Merry Homes in Caloocan City to Sta. Monica Shop and Ride in Novaliches, Quezon City. But, first, the DOTr said that the jeepney manufacturer needed to secure a special permit from the LTFRB. Francisco met with LTFRB representatives on March 4, and the following day he sent a letter request for special permit to Secretary Bautista and LTFRB chief Teofilo Guadiz III. April 1 was the new target start date. After a series of follow-ups, the LTFRB confirmed that the TsuperHero proposal was up for evaluation during its March 14 board meeting. On March 15, Guadiz told Francisco that the board had “some reservations” about the proposal – though he did not specify what they were. The LTFRB chairman did not respond to Francisco’s several follow-ups. More than two weeks later and past the April 1 target day, Francisco aired out his frustrations with the government during the jeepney modernization roundtable. “What we need from the government is to act fast. If you cannot act fast, please just stay out of the way. Give us a letter of no objection. We will do it for you. And we are not faulting you. Ang sa akin lang (For me), we move fast for the benefit of the Filipino people,” Francisco said on Monday, April 8. According to a DOTr document seen by Rappler, the transportation department said that it could not provide an official endorsement of the program, given its April 1 timeline. The DOTr’s official response – dated March 22, but only sent to Francisco Motors on April 1 – also explained that the department still has to thoroughly examine how the proposal would fit in with existing policies and other consolidated jeepney operators serving the same route. The DOTr also urged Francisco Motors to submit an application for a certificate of compliance for their modern jeepney model. Francisco also finally received a response letter from LTFRB Chairman Guadiz mere hours after he publicly berated the LTFRB’s inaction – although the letter was dated April 2, nearly a week earlier. In it, Guadiz said that the LTFRB Board recognized the benefit that the program would provide for the government’s modernization program, but several legal roadblocks stood in the way. First, the proposed route is not an existing route of the transport cooperative. Under the current policy, the special permit that Francisco Motors needs may only be issued after the proposed route is opened through an LTFRB memorandum circular – which has not happened. Regarding the unli ride and fleet management proposal, Guadiz said that current LTFRB guidelines require fare collection to be based on distance and service area. Francisco Motors doesn’t have the authority to set its own fares under the proposed program. The LTFRB again said it needed more time to study the proposal without giving any timeline or estimated dates. It also did not yet specify any steps or recommendations for Francisco Motors to act on. And like the DOTr, the LTFRB also highlighted that Francisco Motors did not yet have a certificate of compliance for its jeepney models. Asked why the jeepney manufacturer has yet to secure a certificate for their electric jeepneys, Francisco told Rappler that they’re still finalizing their two new prototypes – a battery electric vehicle variant and fuel cell electric vehicle variant – before filing an application. “The old prototype that we currently have is not the one that we will mass produce. The upgraded one is what we will submit for COC in which we are still finishing the new prototype,” Francisco told Rappler. “Alam naman nila ‘yan sa DOTr and LTFRB. Nirurub-in lang nila dahil wala silang ibang masabi (The DOTr and LTFRB knows this. They’re just rubbing it in since they have nothing else to say) to cover-up their delaying tactics.” Meanwhile, the government’s Maharlika Investment Corporation (MIC) has already agreed to fund Francisco Motor’s first jeepney terminal under the TsuperHero Program. Rappler reported earlier in January that the company managing the country’s first sovereign fund was eyeing an investment in the jeepney manufacturer. Back then, Maharlika’s president and chief executive officer Joel Consing already believed that Francisco Motors “checked all of the boxes” for a good investment. And after a third meeting on March 27, the MIC agreed to bankroll the development of Francisco Motors’ first jeepney terminal, according to Francisco. A tripartite agreement will govern this, in which the Office of House Speaker Martin Romualdez will look for a 5-hectare government-owned property within Metro Manila, the MIC will provide the funds for the jeepney terminal’s development, and Francisco Motors will serve as its operator. A total of 100 jeepney terminals are planned to be built nationwide. With the government committing money to the TsuperHero Program, Consing and Romualdez are also reportedly asking what’s taking the LTFRB so long to give the green light. If you ask Elmer Francisco, it’s all red tape. But, for now, the question remains: after building generations of traditional jeepneys, will Francisco Motors be able to pull off this revival of the King of the Road? – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Drought-hit town in Negros Occidental declares calamity, seeks aid

Herbie G

09/04/2024 17:10

DRIED UP UP. A closer look at a rice field in Pontevedra town, Negros Occidental, shows the effects of the dry weather conditions. courtesy of Grace Supe NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – The local government of a small town in Negros Occidental declared the municipality under a state of calamity to allow the use of reserved funds to cushion the impact of the El Niño phenomenon. The San Enrique town council held a special session and passed a resolution, declaring the municipality under a state of calamity, on Monday, April 8. The move makes San Enrique the first town in Negros Occidental to be declared by its officials under a calamity state following weeks of rising temperatures, dry weather conditions, and lack of rainfall. San Enrique Mayor Jilson Tubillara said 90% of the town’s rice fields have already dried up, and farmers couldn’t start replanting due to the unfriendly weather conditions. San Enrique is home to 26,000 people and is one of the top rice-producing towns in the province. Much of the town’s 2,884.75-hectare land area is devoted to rice farming. “Now, we cannot replant rice because the rice fields have already dried up. We cannot find water sources to irrigate them to resume rice replanting,” Tubillara said. He said it was the town’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) that recommended the immediate declaration of the state of calamity so the local government could tap its quick response fund (QRF) to help the farmers. Tubillara said one of San Enrique’s 10 villages, Tibsok, was the worst hit. There, he said, people have no more source of drinking water, and they don’t even have water to take a bath. The town government started daily water rations in Tibsok as a result, he said. “I fear that the water crisis would also happen in other barangays in San Enrique. There has been no rain in southern Negros for four months now,” Tubillara said. Town officials said they would also use local government funds to send food packs to residents of their 10 villages as soon as their resolution is given the go-ahead by the provincial board. They said they hoped the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) would also send aid. Negros Occidental Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer told Rappler that they were waiting to receive an official copy of San Enrique’s resolution. He said the province’s legislators would likely approve it as soon as they receive it. Tubillara said drought was the last thing San Enrique officials and residents wanted given that they were still recovering from the damage caused by the spread of the African Swine Fever (ASF) that killed more than 6,000 hogs in the town in 2023. “Now, our rice fields are being affected,” Tubillara said. As of April 1, a report from the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) in Western Visayas revealed that the damage to rice and corn in Western Visayas has reached to nearly P770 million, impacting some 20,000 farmers across the region. Not yet factored into the El Niño-induced damage report is the impact on the sugar industry, as the assessment procedures are being handled by the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA). In Negros Occidental alone, 13 towns, including San Enrique, are currently struggling due to the effects of the El Niño phenomenon. These include the cities of Sipalay, Kabankalan, and Himamaylan, as well as the towns of Ilog, Cauayan, Binalbagan, Isabela, La Castellana, Moises Padilla, Hinigaran, and Valladolid. Data from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) showed that the dry weather conditions have caused initial crop damage amounting to P87.4 million in these 13 areas. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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WATCH: Widows of Duterte’s drug war victims tell their stories

Jodesz Gavilan

09/04/2024 15:03

JUSTICE. Families of drug war victims continue to seek justice for their loved ones. Errol Almario/Rappler MANILA, Philippines – At the center of journalist Patricia Evangelista’s critically acclaimed book, Some People Need Killing: A Memoir of Murder in My Country, are the families and their courage to tell the stories of their loved ones killed in Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs. On Monday, April 8, three widows whose experiences were included in Evangelista’s book recalled what happened to their husbands, how the deaths have affected their lives, and the unrelenting desire for justice. Rodalyn Adan, Marilyn Malimban, and Jane Lee spoke before a church full of drug war victims’ families in Payatas, Quezon City. The place was where many of the killings occurred. This place, which many of the victims called home, is the first Philippine stop for Evanglista’s book tour. Watch the videos below to see and hear Rodalyn, Marilyn, and Jane tell their stories. Duterte’s drug war left least 6,252 individuals killed in police anti-illegal drug operations alone. The death toll is estimated to reach almost 30,000 if those killed vigilante-style are included, according to human rights groups. Almost eight years since the drug war began, or two years since Duterte’s term ended, justice remains elusive for victims and their families. Only a few have been convicted in drug war-related killings, including the police involved in the deaths of 17-year-old Kian delos Santos, Carl Angelo Arnaiz, and Reynaldo “Kulot” de Guzman. The International Criminal Court (ICC), however, is currently investigating the killings for alleged crimes against humanity. The timeline is uncertain, as well as the possible outcome, but as Marilyn emphasized to other families: “Magkuwento tayo nang magkuwento kahit hindi tayo makakuha ng hustisya.” (Let’s continue telling our stories even if we don’t obtain justice.) – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Even ‘pakwans’ can be ‘heroes’: Martyrs and heroes as defined by Bantayog foundation

gdecastro0289

09/04/2024 16:40

MARTYRS AND HEROES. The Wall of Remembrance of the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation on February 23, 2022. Rappler.com MANILA, Philippines – For over 30 years, the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation Incorporated has been honoring “martyrs and heroes” whose names are etched on a Wall of Remembrance in a lot in Quezon Avenue, Quezon City. But who exactly are “martyrs” and “heroes,” as defined by the foundation? In an event last February 24 that honored the late green activist Isagani Serrano on his fifth death anniversary where Rappler was invited, officers of the foundation elaborated on how they reworded their definitions of “heroes” and “martyrs.” Former Commission on Population executive director Juan de Perez III, a member of the board of the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation, said their original definition of “martyrs” covered those who died in the struggle for justice and freedom during the 20-year reign of Ferdinand E. Marcos, father of the current Philippine president, from 1965 to 1986. These were people who either died in armed struggle or those who were involved in legal activities and passed away during the reign of Marcos Sr. Sixty-five martyrs led by freedom fighter Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. were included in the first batch enshrined in November 1992. The following year, however, Perez said the foundation decided to revise the definition to include those who fought for justice and freedom but did not pass away during the Marcos dictatorship. Thus, in November 1993, the first batch of “heroes” were recognized: former senator and Presidential Commission on Human Rights chair Jose W. Diokno, Manila Times newspaper publisher Joaquin “Chino” Roces, and nationalist and former senator Lorenzo M. Tañada. A year later, three heroes were honored by the foundation: ­civil libertarian and former Supreme Court Chief Justice Roberto Concepion, disabled people advocate and former congresswoman Estelita G. Juco, and former Asian Institute of Management professor Gaston “Gasty” Ortigas. More are added yearly by the foundation after passing its scrutiny. “All martyrs are heroes but not all heroes are martyrs. Ang heroes ang nagsurvive (Heroes are those who survived),” said Edicio de la Torre, vice chairperson of the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation, during the February 24 event organized by Serrano’s long-time partner, social enterprise advocate Marie Lisa Dacanay. Under this reworded definition, even “pakwans” (watermelons) can be heroes, De la Torre said, citing Serrano as an example. “Kasi ang social justice, ang kulay ay pula, pero ang environment ay berde o luntian, so ano ka? E di pakwan. Berde sa labas, pula pa rin sa loob – at may buto-buto pa,” he explained, drawing laughter from the audience. “Gani was the epitome of that.” (Because the color of social justice is red but it’s green for the environment, so what are you? A watermelon. Green on the outside but red on the inside – and with seeds even.) Serrano was an activist who was detained twice during Martial Law and released after the EDSA Revolution in February 1986. He became a leader of various nongovernmental organizations that pushed for sustainable development until he died of cancer on February 22, 2019. He was honored by the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation on November 30, 2023. Others recognized with him in 2023 were Jesus Antonio Carpio, Luis de Castro General Jr., Melecio “Tatin” Marimon, Emerito “Pekong” Rodriguez, and Manuel “Buyog” Sampiano. De la Torre said Serrano, a former president of the rural development nonprofit, Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement or PRRM, “wanted us to reflect on the best possibilities of a Filipino and I think that is the best function of a hero or bayani we honor.” “As [the late former] Senator [Jovito] Salonga said, a nation should be defined by the people it honors.  So, in honoring Gani, we also honor our nation,” he said. On Tuesday, De la Torre said at a Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation event that each generation faces its own challenges from where martyrs and heroes develop. As of 2023, the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation has recognized 326 martyrs and heroes. It maintains a website of most of their biographies. On Tuesday, April 9, Araw ng Kagitingan, the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation honored 13 special individuals  – Haligi ng Bantayog or Pillars of the Bantayog – who, according to its current chairman Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno, “devoted their time, effort, and expertise to a most worthy cause – memorializing the heroes and martyrs who fought for our rights and freedoms during the darkest period in recent memory, when we were ruled by a dictator.” The 13 are: Gloria Jopson Kintanar, wife of the late activist Edgar Jopson. She served as a member of the Bantayog screening committee from 2013 to 2015, and a trustee from 2004 to 2014. Deogracias Vistan, who was president of Landbank of the Philippines from 1986 to 1992. He served in various capacities for the foundation, including head of its screening committee and member of its finance committee from 1992 to 1993. Wigberto “Bobby” Tañada, who served as senator from 1987 to 1995. He served as trustee and foundation chair from 2016 to 2022. Rene Saguisag, who was senator from 1987 to 1992. The human rights lawyer served as foundation trustee from 1998 to 2000. Artemio Panganiban, who was Supreme Court Chief Justice from 2005 to 2006, and justice from 1995 to 2005. He was a trustee from 1999 to 2000. Judy Araneta Roxas, chair of the Gerry Roxas Foundation who was among the initial sponsors of the foundation. Edcel Lagman, currently congressman representing the first district of Albay. He served as trustee from 2005 to 2006. Jose “Pete” Lacaba, award-winning writer, editor, and activist. A Carlos Palanca Awardee for poetry, he was a trustee from 1999 to 2005. Felipe Gozon, current chairman of broadcasting firm GMA Network Incorporated. He was a trustee and treasurer from 1999 to 2022. Feliciano Belmonte, former House Speaker and Quezon City mayor. He served as foundation benefactor. Carolina “Bobbie” Malay, teacher-writer. She served as head of the Bantayog Museum Committee from 2013 to 2015, and trustee from 2010 to 2022. Helen Mendoza, a UP professor and writer who helped start the documentation of the martyrs and heroes. Salvacion Perez, former Antique fovernor who was a trustee from 2002 to 2008. “Sa ngalan po ng buong Bantayog family, nais kong personal na magpasalamat sa inyong lahat…. At dahil ngayon ay Araw ng Kagitingan, napakaganda ng timing ng ating pasasalamat at pagkilala sa kanila,” Diokno said in a statement. (On behalf of the Bantayog family, I wish to personally thank you all. And because today is Araw ng Kagitingan, it’s the best time to thank and honor you all.) “What better day than today to honor the members of the Bantayog family who gave so much of themselves to keep the memories of our heroes and martyrs alive for our youth and for future generations of Filipinos. Sa tulong ninyo, napapanatili nating buhay ang alaala ng mga lumaban at nagbuwis ng buhay noong panahon ng diktadurya para maibalik natin ang demokrasya at kalayaan sa ating inang bayan,” he added. (With your help, we have been able to keep alive the memories of those who fought and sacrificed their lives during the dictatorship so that we can restore democracy and freedom in our country.) – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Fire hits Cebu community twice in less than a day

jsitchon0312

09/04/2024 15:43

FIRE. Cebu City Fire Station personnel, together with responders from different barangays, struggled with the huge fire that hit Barangay Sambag 2 for almost 7 hours on Monday, April 8. Cebu City Public Information Office CEBU, Philippines – Fire broke out at a residential area in Barangay Sambag 2 in Cebu City twice in less than 24 hours, leaving more than 160 families homeless. According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Cebu City, the first fire happened at around 4 pm on Monday, April 8, and authorities declared it extinguished at around 10 pm. Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera said at least 161 families or 651 people and 84 houses were affected by the fire in Barangay Sambag 2. Initial investigation revealed that Monday’s fire started when an air conditioning unit overheated, destroying property estimated at P7.5 million. No fatalities were recorded. But at around 1:20 pm on Tuesday, April 9, firefighters were dispatched to the barangay again after another fire broke out in the residential area. Personnel from the Cebu City Fire Station declared a fire out at 2:03 pm. Affected residents have been evacuated to the City Central National High School along Osmeña Boulevard in Cebu City and have been given food packs and medical assistance by the local government. Authorities are investigating the cause of the second fire as of posting time. This report will be updated once more details are available. Meanwhile, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Barangay Sambag 2 has started receiving donations to help the fire victims. – Rappler.com If you’d like to donate, you can contact them through their official Facebook page here. Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Families of Duterte’s drug war victims: ‘We will tell our story every day’

Jodesz Gavilan

09/04/2024 7:30

CONTINUE TELLING STORIES. Families of drug war victims light candles as they vow to continue telling stories as they fight for justice for their slain loved ones. Rappler photo MANILA, Philippines – Memory is often fickle and complicated, but not for families who continue to hold on to the words of their loved ones killed in Rodrigo Duterte’s violent war on drugs. The bravery of those left behind to tell their stories is one of the main foundations – if not the main one – of journalist Patricia Evangelista’s critically acclaimed book Some People Need Killing: A Memoir of Murder in My Country. Inside a church full of drug war victims’ families in Payatas, Quezon City – one of the first events of her Philippine tour – the former Rappler investigative reporter emphasized the important part they played in allowing her to tell their stories. “Walang libro, walang kuwento, walang istorya, kung iyong mga taong nakakita, ang mga taong nakaramdam, sinabi nilang ‘ayoko magkuwento dahil takot ako’,” Evangelista said on Monday, April 8, emphasizing the climate of fear that continues to exist. “Pero kasi nagkuwento kayo, wala akong karapatang hindi magkuwento,” she added. (There would have been no book, no stories, if the people who witnessed and experienced the horrors said that they were too afraid to tell their stories. But since they trusted me with their stories, I have no right not to tell their stories.) One of those who trusted Evangelista is Jane Lee, whose husband Michael was gunned down by unidentified men in May 2017, leaving her to care for their three children. Since then, Jane has volunteered for Rise Up for Life and for Rights, a group composed mostly of widows and mothers steadfast in calling for justice for drug war victims. Jane admitted that constantly speaking about her experience can be hard, but she has accepted that it is something she has to do. “Nais kong samantalahin ang pagkakataon para sabihin na nagsasalita kami dahil gusto naming patunayan na kami ang patotoong buhay na meron talagang malawakang patayan,” she said during a sharing session on Monday organized by artists’ group Respond and Break the Silence Against the Killings (RESBAK). “Kung ito ang tangi naming magagawa, iyong magsalita para sa mga mahal namin sa buhay at sa iba pang mga biktima, bakit hindi natin araw-arawin kung iyon ang bahagi namin para sa hustisyang nais naming makamit?”Jane added. (I want to take every opportunity to speak up because we want to show that we’re living proof that there were widespread killings. If this is what we must do, to continue talking about our loved ones and other victims, we will do it every day if it means getting justice.) It has been almost eight years since Duterte, from the presidential pulpit, ordered his men to kill suspected drug personalities. The night after his inauguration, in front of a poor community in Tondo, he urged parents to themselves kill their children, warning that death will catch up with anyone who dares to get involved in illegal drugs. The former Davao City mayor fulfilled this warning. He left Malacañang in June 2022 with a trail of blood and violence, with at least 6,252 individuals killed in police anti-illegal drug operations alone. Including those killed vigilante-style would raise the number to almost 30,000 killed, according to estimates of human rights groups. The death toll between 2016 and 2022 is staggering to say the least, with many of these victims gunned down in front of their families inside their own homes, or whose bodies were dumped on sidewalks or creeks. Each night, families would recall to a steady stream of media the last moments of their loved ones – the begging they heard, or the last words they said before they disappeared only to turn up lifeless hours after. In her reporting and eventual book, Evangelista always sought to put a human face to the numbers, to go beyond details of incidents and try to translate into pages the life the victims led. Rodalyn Adan’s husband Crisanto Abliter – whom she called “mahal” (love) – was one of the people rounded up by authorities during a big time operation in 2016. She would later receive a call from a relative, asking what funeral parlor they would use for Crisanto, who died from gunshot wounds. It’s been almost eight years since that fateful day, but the pain remains fresh. When things get rough, Rodalyn tries to remember how caring and loving her husband Crisanto was to their seven children, including a then-one-month-old infant. “Si Crisanto, kapag dumarating siya sa bahay, sasalubong ang mga bata, yayakapin siya at may mga pasalubong po siya,” she recalled. “Para sa akin, sobrang mapagmahal po niya na kahit po nag-away kami, gusto niya ilang minuto lang bati na kami.” (Whenever Crisanto goes home, bringing with him goodies, our children would rush to meet him at the door and hug him. He was also a really loving husband. Our fights never lasted that long.) Marilyn Malimban, whose partner Jessie Cule was killed by police in August 2016, encouraged other widows and mothers not to lose hope, and to continue speaking out for justice. “Huwag tayo matakot, tayo po ang pinatayan, hindi tayo ang pumatay,” she said. “Magkuwento tayo nang magkuwento kahit hindi tayo makakuha ng hustisya… makakamtan natin iyong, kung hindi man dito, meron sa taas na magbibigay ng hustisya para sa mga mahal natin na pinatay ng mga pulis.” (Let us not be scared. We are the ones who lost loved ones who were killed. We were not the ones who killed. Let’s continue telling our stories even if we don’t obtain justice. We will get it there, maybe not here on earth, but there’s someone above who can give justice for our loved ones killed by police.) Thousands were killed and yet justice remains elusive for the victims and their families. Only a few have been convicted in drug war-related killings, including the policemen involved in the deaths of 17-year-old Kian delos Santos, Carl Angelo Arnaiz, and Reynaldo “Kulot” de Guzman. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is investigating killings committed under Duterte’s drug war. The court’s appeals chamber in June 2023 rejected the Philippine government’s appeal, meaning ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan’s probe can continue. There is no set timeline as to when new developments – including a possible arrest warrant – will happen. Kristina Conti, secretary general of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers-National Capital Region (NUPL-NCR), said that continually telling and documenting stories of drug war victims is important even if the legal route might be long and uncertain. From the legal perspective, she said these could count as “perpetuation of testimony” which could make the stories public and could help gain traction in international bodies, such as the ICC and even the United Nations. “[In crimes against humanity], the discussion is about patterns, what happened – that’s why the fact of the killings has already been established. What we need to know and what we need to establish is if all these killings are related,” Conti, ICC-accredited assistant to counsel, explained to Rappler in a mix of English and Filipino. “And if these stories are all out there, and they mirror one particular narrative, that it was Duterte who ordered these killings in 2016, definitely these could become part of the overall context of the case,” Conti added. Father Danny Pilario, one of the most outspoken Catholic priests against extrajudicial killings under Duterte, praised families who remain resolute in calling for justice even in the face of harassment. Aside from being the president of Adamson University, he also organized Project Solidarity for Orphans and Widows of Payatas (Project SOW) that helps families find livelihood, among others. “Nais kong pasalamatan ang mga nanay na tumayo sa kanilang sariling mga paa hanggang ngayon, kahit na hindi naniniwala ang mundo, kahit na hindi naniniwala ang mga politiko, kahit na ayaw pakinggan ang kanilang mga kuwento,” Pilario said. “Narito sila ngayon, buhay at nakikitang nakikipaglaban para sa hustisya at kapayapaan,” he added. (I want to thank the mothers who remain standing until now even if the world doesn’t believe, even if politicians don’t believe and won’t listen to their stories. They are here today, alive and fighting for justice and peace.) – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. I am inspired by the strength of these women who continue to tell their stories and to Pat Evangelista who gave them the platform to voice the narrative of loss and justice. How does this make you feel?

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PANOORIN: Pagbasa ni Patricia Evangelista mula sa ‘Some People Need Killing’

Jodesz Gavilan

09/04/2024 16:01

MANILA, Philippines – Isinulat ni Patricia Evangelista ang librong Some People Need Killing: A Memoir of Murder in My Country makaraan ang maraming taong pag-iimbestiga sa malawakang patayan sa ilalim ng war on drugs ni dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte. Aniya, hindi niya magagawa ang libro kung wala ang tiwala at permiso ng mga kapamilya ng mga biktima. Noong Lunes, Abril 8, humarap muli si Evangelista sa mga pamilya upang magbalik-tanaw sa mga at magbigay-pugay sa kanilang katapangan. Sa pagtitipong inorganisa ng Respond and Break the Silence Against the Killings (RESBAK), binasa ni Evangelista ang isang bahagi ng kaniyang libro na isinalin sa Filipino ng makatang si Mikael de Lara Co. Ginanap ito sa Payatas, Quezon City, kung saan maraming pinatay noong kasagsagan ng administrasyong Duterte. “Iba po kasi na ikuwento ang istorya ng bansa natin sa ibang tao, pero importanteng ikuwento ito kung saan nangyari, sa mga taong kanino nangyari, para sa mga susunod na henerasyon, para hindi na mangyari ulit,” ayon kay Evangelista. Lagpas 6,252 ang mga namatay sa kamay ng mga pulis sa war on drugs ni Duterte. Maaaring umabot hanggang 30,000 ang bilang na ito kung isasama ang mga biktima ng vigilante-style killings, ayon sa mga human rights groups. Iniimbestigahan ng International Criminal Court ang malawakang pagpatay na ito. – Rappler.com How does this make you feel?

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https://www.rappler.com/philippines/patricia-evangelista-reads-filipino-translation-excerpt-some-people-need-killing/?utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0rpez76FTRl2Ns6rS8jkYE6w__kBDqbnQq0tDLOayStkB__qmM_774AW4_aem_ob5O0ElRmLsXKbs4B8fYLQ

NLEX rewards unheralded Dominick Fajardo with salary upgrade for steady play

delfin.dioquino editor

07/04/2024 14:20

SHOT. Dominick Fajardo in action for the NLEX Road Warriors in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup. PBA Images MANILA, Philippines – Dominick Fajardo is just as pivotal to the NLEX Road Warriors’ success in the PBA Philippine Cup as his more acclaimed teammates. So the Road Warriors gave the unheralded rookie a well-deserved salary upgrade after he helped NLEX clinch its fourth straight victory in the All-Filipino tournament by way of an 87-74 win over Magnolia on Saturday, April 6. Fajardo finished with 6 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 block as the Road Warriors improved to 5-1. “They said I’m playing well so the NLEX management and the bosses rewarded me. They adjusted my salary,” Fajardo said in Filipino. “I need to double my effort and hard work in practices and in games because I’m now well-compensated.” Fajardo worked as an NLEX employee before joining the Road Warriors in the PBA, serving as a security crew for the tollways company. An MVP in the Universities and Colleges Basketball League, the Bulacan State University product still found time for the sport as he saw action in the MVP Olympics, a tournament for companies owned by tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan. There, the Road Warriors discovered Fajardo and tapped him for their PBA 3×3 team, the Cavitex Braves. Fajardo, who is considered undersized for the position he plays as a six-foot forward, admitted he never imagined reaching the PBA considering the Braves only brought him in as a last-minute replacement for David Murrell. “It was only because of an emergency why I got into 3×3. I just continued to play well there, and coach probably saw my potential,” said Fajardo. But Fajardo exceeded expectations as he helped Cavitex win multiple leg titles. His exploits in the PBA 3×3 paved the way for NLEX to include Fajardo in its lineup for the PBA On Tour, a series of exhibition games during the offseason. Fajardo once again impressed and averaged in double-figure scoring, taking advantage of the playing time given to him by head coach Frankie Lim. Convinced he is ripe for the PBA, Fajardo threw his name in the 2023 draft, and the Road Warriors snagged him in the third round as the 30th pick. “He is so hungry to learn. He wants people to teach him. He is so humble to work on his game,” said NLEX team manager Larry Fonacier. “That is the kind of character that we want here at NLEX.” “Just looking at his history from where he began to where he is now finishing games and playing a crucial role in our team, I think it is just fair that we give him an increase midseason.” After juggling his corporate job and his professional basketball career throughout his PBA 3×3 and PBA on Tour stints up to his first conference in the league, Fajardo is now a full-time athlete. Being able to focus solely on basketball has worked wonders for Fajardo as he averages 7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1 block. His best game came in a 103-97 win over Blackwater last March 13, where Fajardo put up a season-high 14 points on top of 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks. “I’m really happy because I’m able to focus on cutting down weight. I can focus on my skills. And I can recover longer because I do not have to go work after practice,” Fajardo said. His contract set to expire at the end of the year, Fajardo said he wants to remain with the Road Warriors as long as they continue to acquire his services. “I earn more as a player compared to being an employee. I want to stay here in the long run so I can save money,” Fajardo said. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Modyul para sa pagtuturo ng Filipino tampok sa paglulunsad at lektura sa Abril 17

Russell Ku

09/04/2024 15:49

Ito ay isang press release mula sa Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino. Magkakaroon ng lektura at paglulunsad ang Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) ng Modyul sa Pagtuturo ng Filipino Bilang Pangalawang Wika sa Miyerkoles, Abril 17, 1-4 ng hapon, sa Philippine Normal University, Maynila. Tampok sa paglulusad ang pagbibigay ng lektura nina Dr. Purificacion Delima (Komisyoner para sa Wikang Ilokano ng KWF mula 2013 hanggang 2020) at Dr. Wennielyn Fajilan (propesor at direktor ng UST Sentro ng Salin at Araling Salin), kabilang sa mga awtor na gumawa ng modyul. Mababasa sa modyul ang mga batayang teorya at praktika na may kinalaman sa pagkatuto at pagtuturo ng Filipino bilang pangalawang wika na makatutulong sa mga guro sa buong bansa. Bukás at libre ang pagdalo sa online o face-to-face na lektura at paglulunsad. Maaaring magpatalâ sa https://forms.gle/YCoXDiy4TQStCR2n6 o makipag-ugnay sa rcagalingan@kwf.gov.ph. Hinihikayat ng KWF na dumalo ang mga guro, lalo na ang mga nagtuturo sa labas ng National Capital Region at Luzon. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Cagayan de Oro’s legislature allows firm to supply water to city’s consumers

Herbie G

09/04/2024 13:11

WATER. A man fetches water from a water tanker sent by city hall during a water interruption in Barangay Canitoan, Cagayan de Oro, several weeks back. Cagayan de Oro City Information Office CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – The Cagayan de Oro city council allowed a bulk water supplier, whose dealings with the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) were frowned upon by state auditors years ago, to directly supply treated water to households and establishments in the city. The city council gave the Rio Verde Water Consortium Incorporated (RVWCI) the green light on Monday, April 8, just four days after the deadline set by another bulk water supplier for the water district to settle a disputed debt or face disconnection. The Manny V. Pangilinan-controlled Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Incorporated (COBI), which supplies about half of Cagayan de Oro’s tap water via the COWD, gave the water district only until April 12 to pay P426 million, a debt which the latter refused to acknowledge. With 15 in favor, one objection, and two abstentions, the city council approved Resolution No. 2024-692, allowing Rio Verde to provide “end-to-end Level III water supply to all 80 barangays of Cagayan de Oro City.” “We held a special session to approve the resolution because of the disconnection threat. We are not taking any chances,” said Councilor Edgar Cabanlas, head of city hall’s Task Force on Water Supply and Distribution. Cabanlas said the city government, through the city council, registered no objection to allowing Rio Verde to directly sell to the city’s water consumers given the April 12 COBI deadline. Rio Verde had sought the city council resolution as a legal requirement for it to secure a supply permit from the National Water Resources Board (NWRB). Rio Verde was the COWD’s first bulk water supplier for Cagayan de Oro in 2007 until a court voided a contract it made with the water district. The Commission on Audit (COA) also called out the COWD for its purchases from Rio Verde and issued notices of disallowances, stating that the payments “had no legal basis.” Subsequently, COWD entered into an agreement with Pangilinan’s Metro Pacific Water, which then formed COBI in 2017. Under the setup, Metro Pacific controls 95% of the shares while the COWD owns 5%. On November 9, 2009, the COA’s Fraud Audit and Investigation Office (FAIO) Audit Observation issued Memorandum (AOM) 2009-0019, where state auditors led by lawyer Alexander Juliano reported that the public bidding preceding the controversial COWD-Rio Verde deal did not comply with the Government Procurement Act. Court records reveal that state auditors noted the following concerns: Cabanlas said the COA notices only applied to the transactions between the COWD, a government-owned and controlled corporation, and Rio Verde. In the new arrangement, Rio Verde will treat and supply water directly to the city’s consumers, alongside the COWD rather than through it. “What can we do? We cannot just stand by and watch the city go waterless after April 12,” Councilor Joyleen Mercedes Balaba said. – with reports from Herbie Gomez/Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Results, team standings: UAAP Season 86 volleyball

Jasmine Payo

05/05/2024 21:02

ROARING. NU's Bella Belen (left) and Alyssa Solomon react in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball finals UAAP Season 86 Media Team MANILA, Philippines – The UAAP Season 86 volleyball tournaments reach a tipping point with the men’s and women’s finals! LOOK: UAAP volleyball championship schedule Here are the results in the men’s and women’s divisions: MAY 15 May 11 MAY 8 MAY 5 MAY 4 MAY 8 MAY 5 MAY 4 ** – Twice-to-beat* – Final Fourx – Eliminated APRIL 27 APRIL 24 APRIL 21 APRIL 20 APRIL 17 APRIL 14 APRIL 13 APRIL 10 APRIL 9 APRIL 4 APRIL 3 MARCH 24 MARCH 23 MARCH 20 First round MARCH 17 MARCH 16 MARCH 13 MARCH 10 MARCH 9 MARCH 6 MARCH 3 MARCH 2 FEBRUARY 28 FEBRUARY 25 FEBRUARY 24 FEBRUARY 21 FEBRUARY 18 FEBRUARY 17 ** – Twice-to-beat* – Final Fourx – Eliminated APRIL 27 APRIL 24 APRIL 21 APRIL 20 APRIL 17 APRIL 14 APRIL 13 APRIL 10 APRIL 9 APRIL 4 APRIL 3 MARCH 24 MARCH 23 MARCH 20 First round MARCH 17 MARCH 16 MARCH 13 MARCH 10 MARCH 9 MARCH 6 MARCH 3 MARCH 2 FEBRUARY 28 FEBRUARY 25 FEBRUARY 24 FEBRUARY 21 FEBRUARY 18 FEBRUARY 17 – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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SK councilor, other youth activists red-tagged via posters near Cebu university

jsitchon0312

09/04/2024 13:19

RED-TAGGING. According to Angel Mendiola, student leaders found the posters accusing her and fellow activisits of being 'NPA recruiters' around the vicinity of the University of San Carlos Main Campus in Cebu City on Monday, April 8, 2022. Angel Mendiola CEBU, Philippines – Youth activists, including a Sangguniang Kabataan councilor, were accused of being recruiters for the New People’s Army (NPA) through posters spotted near the University of San Carlos (USC) main campus in Cebu City on Monday, April 8. Members of the Kabataan Partylist in USC (KPL-USC) condemned the accusations made against Sambag Uno Sangguniang Kabataan Councilor John Kyle Enero, National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) Vice President for Visayas Angel Mendiola, Bayan Muna Regional Chairperson John Ruiz, and Anakbayan Cebu Chairperson Kei Galon. In a Facebook post, Mendiola challenged the “patriotic movement” to substantiate their accusations with proof and concern themselves with helping the ongoing education crisis and other social issues instead of attacking activists. “Don’t be shy and show yourselves! Again, I challenge you, indulge us. Otherwise, you are only ghost creations of state forces and the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC),” Mendiola said. This is not the first time that Mendiola and her colleagues were red-tagged. It was Mendiola’s third time to be labeled as “communist” on a poster. Mendiola told Rappler on Tuesday, April 9 that in previous occasions, the accusations were made through social media posts and shared by different Facebook pages seemingly owned by police stations in Cebu. Enero, who is also the Cebu chairperson of KPL, was red-tagged via posters spotted near the University of Cebu-Main SHS Campus in Cebu City a few days before the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on October 30, 2023. Mendiola said that they will be looking for closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage of the incident and pursue legal action against the perpetrators. “We call for a thorough investigation into the signatory group ‘Patriotic Students Against Communism Movement’ responsible for spreading such defamatory and dangerous propaganda,” KPL-USC said in their statement on Monday evening, April 8. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Ticket prices, seat plan: BINI’s ‘BINIVERSE’ concert

Russell Ku

05/04/2024 17:03

Photo from BINI's Instagram page MANILA, Philippines – Getting a ticket to P-pop girl group BINI’s upcoming BINIVERSE concert has become a challenge for the group’s fans, also known as Blooms, as tickets for the group’s first solo show on June 28 at the New Frontier Theater sold out in just two hours. The demand for the concert prompted BINI’s agency, Star Music PH, to add second and third concert days on June 29 and 30. Tickets for the new shows will go on sale Tuesday, April 9. P-pop girl group BINI is extending its "BINIVERSE" concert for a second day on June 29 at the New Frontier Theater. Tickets for the new show go on sale April 9.Blooms have been clamoring to have the venue for the concert upgraded to the nearby Araneta Coliseum. #BINI… pic.twitter.com/XOKbt5puVS Ticket prices for the second and third shows are as follows: All seats are reserved seating and are open to concertgoers ages 7 and up. Those who secure a SVIP ticket will get to have a group photo opportunity, sound check access, and a random photo card. Tickets will go on sale April 9, through Ticketnet outlets and ticketnet.com.ph. Buyers can only purchase a maximum of four tickets per transaction. Despite the announcement of the second show, Blooms trended the hashtag #WeWantBINIverseInAraneta, urging Star Music PH to upgrade the concert to the nearby Araneta Coliseum. The New Frontier Theater has a seating capacity of 2,325 people, while the Araneta Coliseum can accommodate 9,513 concertgoers with a concert stage setup. ABS-CBN Entertainment Production and Star Magic head Laurenti Dyogi noted fans’ sentiments for a venue upgrade in an Instagram Live on Friday, April 5. “‘Yang Araneta at ‘yang MOA na ‘yan, sa takdang panahon, darating din tayo sa lugar na ‘yan. Of course, who does not want to have a big concert in Araneta or MOA? But definitely, hindi pa mangyayari ‘yan ngayon,” he said. (Regarding Araneta and MOA, we will eventually get there at the right time. Of course, who does not want to have a big concert in Araneta or MOA? But definitely, it will not happen for now.) The hashtag #WeWantBINIverseInAraneta is among the top five Philippine trends on X, as Blooms suggest that BINI’s “BINIVERSE” concert be moved to the Araneta Coliseum.The P-pop group’s June 28 show at the New Frontier Theater was sold out in just two hours on Tuesday, April 2,… pic.twitter.com/9tnD5TQ5cP BINI debuted in June 2021 and is composed of eight members: Jhoanna, Maloi, Stacey, Aiah, Colet, Gwen, Mikha, and Sheena. BINI recently rose to viral fame with its hit “Pantropiko” and released its first EP Talaarawan with the single “Salamin, Salamin” on March 8. The group is also known for songs such as “Na Na Na,” “Lagi,” and “Huwag Muna Tayong Umuwi.” BINI is also confirmed to participate in the Chinese show Show It All with fellow P-pop girl group G22. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Ticket prices, seat plan: BINI’s ‘BINIVERSE’ concert

Russell Ku

05/04/2024 17:03

Photo from BINI's Instagram page MANILA, Philippines – Getting a ticket to P-pop girl group BINI’s upcoming BINIVERSE concert has become a challenge for the group’s fans, also known as Blooms, as tickets for the group’s first solo show on June 28 at the New Frontier Theater sold out in just two hours. The demand for the concert prompted BINI’s agency, Star Music PH, to add second and third concert days on June 29 and 30. Tickets for the new shows will go on sale Tuesday, April 9. P-pop girl group BINI is extending its "BINIVERSE" concert for a second day on June 29 at the New Frontier Theater. Tickets for the new show go on sale April 9.Blooms have been clamoring to have the venue for the concert upgraded to the nearby Araneta Coliseum. #BINI… pic.twitter.com/XOKbt5puVS Ticket prices for the second and third shows are as follows: All seats are reserved seating and are open to concertgoers ages 7 and up. Those who secure a SVIP ticket will get to have a group photo opportunity, sound check access, and a random photo card. Tickets will go on sale April 9, through Ticketnet outlets and ticketnet.com.ph. Buyers can only purchase a maximum of four tickets per transaction. Despite the announcement of the second show, Blooms trended the hashtag #WeWantBINIverseInAraneta, urging Star Music PH to upgrade the concert to the nearby Araneta Coliseum. The New Frontier Theater has a seating capacity of 2,325 people, while the Araneta Coliseum can accommodate 9,513 concertgoers with a concert stage setup. ABS-CBN Entertainment Production and Star Magic head Laurenti Dyogi noted fans’ sentiments for a venue upgrade in an Instagram Live on Friday, April 5. “‘Yang Araneta at ‘yang MOA na ‘yan, sa takdang panahon, darating din tayo sa lugar na ‘yan. Of course, who does not want to have a big concert in Araneta or MOA? But definitely, hindi pa mangyayari ‘yan ngayon,” he said. (Regarding Araneta and MOA, we will eventually get there at the right time. Of course, who does not want to have a big concert in Araneta or MOA? But definitely, it will not happen for now.) The hashtag #WeWantBINIverseInAraneta is among the top five Philippine trends on X, as Blooms suggest that BINI’s “BINIVERSE” concert be moved to the Araneta Coliseum.The P-pop group’s June 28 show at the New Frontier Theater was sold out in just two hours on Tuesday, April 2,… pic.twitter.com/9tnD5TQ5cP BINI debuted in June 2021 and is composed of eight members: Jhoanna, Maloi, Stacey, Aiah, Colet, Gwen, Mikha, and Sheena. BINI recently rose to viral fame with its hit “Pantropiko” and released its first EP Talaarawan with the single “Salamin, Salamin” on March 8. The group is also known for songs such as “Na Na Na,” “Lagi,” and “Huwag Muna Tayong Umuwi.” BINI is also confirmed to participate in the Chinese show Show It All with fellow P-pop girl group G22. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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From wildcard to champion: Hidilyn Diaz in the last 4 Olympics

delfin.dioquino editor

06/04/2024 11:02

ELATED. Hidilyn Diaz of the Philippines celebrates after a lift in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Edgard Garrido/REUTERS MANILA, Philippines – For the first time in two decades, there will be no Hidilyn Diaz on the Philippines’ Olympic roster. Gunning for a fifth straight Olympic appearance, Diaz lost her Paris Games spot to Elreen Ando following the conclusion of the women’s 59kg qualification in the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Cup in Phuket, Thailand, on Wednesday, April 3. Unable to improve on her best lift of 224kg that put her in the top 10 of the IWF Olympic Qualification Ranking, the 33-year-old Diaz saw the younger Ando punch her ticket to Paris with a 228kg total in the World Cup. The two were forced to compete in the same 59kg class after their previous weight categories in the Tokyo Games – Diaz’s 55kg and Ando’s 64kg – got scrapped for the Paris Olympics. Also, only one athlete per weight category per country will advance to Paris. With Diaz set to miss the Olympics, let us look back on her journey in the last four editions: No stranger to making historic feats for the Philippines, Diaz made one when she first set foot on the Olympic stage. In the 2008 Beijing Games, Diaz – just 17 years old then – became the first female weightlifter to represent the Philippines in the Olympics as she took part in the women’s 58kg division as a wildcard entry. Although Diaz finished 10th out of the 12 competitors after recording 85kg in snatch and 107kg in clean and jerk for a total lift of 192kg, it was an experience that set the tone for her storied and inspired weightlifting career. “I didn’t even really know what the Olympic Games were then, but I quickly realized that I was surrounded by and competing with the best of the best,” Diaz told Olympics.com. A return trip to the Olympics augured well for Diaz. Determined to put on a better showing as she served as the Philippines’ flag bearer in the 2012 London Games, Diaz cleared 97kg in the snatch portion of the 58kg category – 12kg more than her best lift in Beijing. But just when it seemed things were looking up for the Zamboangueña, she endured one of the biggest heartbreaks of her career at 21 years old. Diaz registered a “did not finish” after three unsuccessful clean and jerk attempts at 118kg and exited the stage a picture of sorrow as she burst into tears, convinced she let the country down. “I felt like a loser that time. I felt like I was an embarrassment to the Philippines because I did not perform well in London,” Diaz told the For The Love Of The Game podcast in Filipino. “Good thing there was still another Olympics.” Third time proved to be the charm for Diaz. Competing in a lighter 53kg class in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, Diaz became the first Filipina to win an Olympic medal as she snagged silver with a total lift of 200kg (88kg in snatch and 112kg in clean and jerk). Diaz finished behind Chinese Taipei’s Hsu Shu-ching, ending the Philippines’ 20-year Olympic medal drought since boxer Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco bagged silver in the 1996 Atlanta Games. She also became the first Filipino weightlifter to medal for the country. “Only a few knew that I could win in the Olympics that time. Then one day, Filipinos woke up and realized someone won,” Diaz told the For The Love Of The Game podcast. “We thought it was impossible but it was possible.” While time and experience shaped Diaz, then already 25, in her Rio de Janeiro breakthrough, winning the silver also took a little bit of luck as she admitted she only set her eyes on the bronze considering the caliber of her rivals. At the top of that list was China’s Li Yajun, who appeared on her way to the gold when she topped the snatch portion with an Olympic record 101kg. Li, however, went home empty-handed as she set the bar too high for herself in the clean and jerk, failing to lift 123kg in her first try and 126kg in her second and third attempts. Hsu and Diaz both cleared just 112kg for their best clean and jerk lifts. “That’s all I wanted – a bronze medal. But God gave me the silver medal,” said Diaz. Although Diaz showed how to get the job done following her terrific performance in Rio de Janeiro, ending the Philippines’ near decade-long quest for the elusive Olympic gold still seemed like an improbable task. Prior to the 2020 Tokyo Games – held in 2021 due to the pandemic – the Philippines’ all-time medal tally stood at 10. Only three of those were silvers. A formidable foe in the form of China’s Liao Qiuyun, the reigning world champion and world record holder in the 55kg division at the time, also stood in the way of Diaz. Liao beat Diaz in every event in the lead-up to the Olympics, with the Chinese star ruling the World Weightlifting Championships and Asian Weightlifting Championships before Tokyo. But Diaz defied the odds once again as she stunned Liao with the help of her Team HD: head coach Gao Kaiwen, strength and conditioning coach Julius Naranjo, nutritionist Jeaneth Aro, and sports psychologist Karen Trinidad. Diaz and Liao both wrapped up the snatch portion with 97kg, setting up a gripping mano a mano between the two finest weightlifters in the 55kg class that put hopeful Filipinos at the edge of their seats. In the end, it was the fierce Filipina who emerged triumphant, lifting 127kg in clean and jerk for a total of 224kg – both Olympic records. Liao settled for silver with a 223kg total as she used her third and final clean and jerk attempt at 126kg. “I never gave up because I knew I’m capable of winning,” said Diaz. Diaz not only delivered the Philippines’ first and only Olympic gold but also invigorated the campaign of the rest of Filipino contingent in Tokyo. Inspired by Diaz, boxers Nesthy Petecio (silver), Carlo Paalam (silver), and Eumir Marcial (bronze) also secured podium finishes, resulting in the Philippines’ biggest medal haul in Olympic history. More than becoming the Philippines’ first Olympic champion, Diaz has grown into a role model for the next generation of Filipino athletes, particularly for future weightlifters who look to follow in her footsteps. The spotlight Diaz put the sport under, thanks to her international success, has paved the way for a promising batch of Filipino weightlifters. A post shared by Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo OLY (@hidilyndiaz) Just in the last Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, rising stars Ando and Vanessa Sarno, Angeline Colonia, Lovely Inan, Rosalinda Faustino, and John Tabique – all 25 years old and under – won medals. The Philippines captured a total of seven medals in the 2023 Phnom Penh edition: two golds, four silvers, and one bronze. In contrast, only Diaz won a weightlifting medal for the country in the 2013 SEA Games, three years before her silver finish in Rio de Janeiro. The Paris Games also serve proof to the massive contributions Diaz has made for the sport. If things go accordingly, four Filipino weightlifters may see action in Paris, the most by the country in any edition of the Olympics. “For me, I don’t feel any pressure in setting an example. I just want to inspire the young generation to get involved in sports, especially in weightlifting,” Diaz told Olympics.com. An end of an era looms for Diaz, but her legacy is here to stay. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Ticket prices, seat plan: BINI’s ‘BINIVERSE’ concert

Russell Ku

05/04/2024 17:03

Photo from BINI's Instagram page MANILA, Philippines – Getting a ticket to P-pop girl group BINI’s upcoming BINIVERSE concert has become a challenge for the group’s fans, also known as Blooms, as tickets for the group’s first solo show on June 28 at the New Frontier Theater sold out in just two hours. The demand for the concert prompted BINI’s agency, Star Music PH, to add second and third concert days on June 29 and 30. Tickets for the new shows will go on sale Tuesday, April 9. P-pop girl group BINI is extending its "BINIVERSE" concert for a second day on June 29 at the New Frontier Theater. Tickets for the new show go on sale April 9.Blooms have been clamoring to have the venue for the concert upgraded to the nearby Araneta Coliseum. #BINI… pic.twitter.com/XOKbt5puVS Ticket prices for the second and third shows are as follows: All seats are reserved seating and are open to concertgoers ages 7 and up. Those who secure a SVIP ticket will get to have a group photo opportunity, sound check access, and a random photo card. Tickets will go on sale April 9, through Ticketnet outlets and ticketnet.com.ph. Buyers can only purchase a maximum of four tickets per transaction. Despite the announcement of the second show, Blooms trended the hashtag #WeWantBINIverseInAraneta, urging Star Music PH to upgrade the concert to the nearby Araneta Coliseum. The New Frontier Theater has a seating capacity of 2,325 people, while the Araneta Coliseum can accommodate 9,513 concertgoers with a concert stage setup. ABS-CBN Entertainment Production and Star Magic head Laurenti Dyogi noted fans’ sentiments for a venue upgrade in an Instagram Live on Friday, April 5. “‘Yang Araneta at ‘yang MOA na ‘yan, sa takdang panahon, darating din tayo sa lugar na ‘yan. Of course, who does not want to have a big concert in Araneta or MOA? But definitely, hindi pa mangyayari ‘yan ngayon,” he said. (Regarding Araneta and MOA, we will eventually get there at the right time. Of course, who does not want to have a big concert in Araneta or MOA? But definitely, it will not happen for now.) The hashtag #WeWantBINIverseInAraneta is among the top five Philippine trends on X, as Blooms suggest that BINI’s “BINIVERSE” concert be moved to the Araneta Coliseum.The P-pop group’s June 28 show at the New Frontier Theater was sold out in just two hours on Tuesday, April 2,… pic.twitter.com/9tnD5TQ5cP BINI debuted in June 2021 and is composed of eight members: Jhoanna, Maloi, Stacey, Aiah, Colet, Gwen, Mikha, and Sheena. BINI recently rose to viral fame with its hit “Pantropiko” and released its first EP Talaarawan with the single “Salamin, Salamin” on March 8. The group is also known for songs such as “Na Na Na,” “Lagi,” and “Huwag Muna Tayong Umuwi.” BINI is also confirmed to participate in the Chinese show Show It All with fellow P-pop girl group G22. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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GAME SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball

jisaga0269

08/05/2024 20:35

It’s down to the last two teams standing as the University of Santo Tomas and National University battle for the UAAP volleyball championship in both the women’s and men’s divisions! The league’s best separate themselves from the pack as the Final Four showdown kicks off! Here’s the schedule: UAAP Season 86 volleyball action intensifies as the second round of the men’s and women’s divisions begins on Wednesday, March 20. The contenders will separate themselves from the pack, with each game determining which teams will make the Final Four. Here’s the schedule: Volleyball action is back in the UAAP! Stars from both men’s and women’s divisions are set to ply their growing skill sets once again in front of thousands of fans, beginning on Saturday, February 17 and Sunday, February 18, both at the Mall of Asia Arena. Here are the first-round schedules for both divisions: *The March 13 games will be played at the Mall of Asia Arena. Notable matches include women’s champion La Salle’s debut against contending Adamson on Saturday, 4 pm, at MOA, while men’s three-time defending titlist NU rolls into an immediate finals rematch with UST on Sunday, 12 pm, also at the same venue. La Salle and NU – finalists in the last two women’s tournaments with one title won each – will wrap up their first-round schedule on March 16, 2 pm at Araneta. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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SC affirms dismissal of disqualification case vs Senator Raffy Tulfo

Jairo Bolledo

09/04/2024 11:28

LAWMAKER. In this photo, Senator Raffy Tulfo presides over the senate hearing on the lapses of power outages in Panay Island, on January 10, 2024. Angie de Silva/Rappler MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court (SC) has upheld the dismissal of the disqualification case against Senator Raffy Tulfo. In its ruling, the High Court reiterated that the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) has the exclusive jurisdiction over disqualification case against winning senatorial candidates who were already proclaimed, had taken oath, and assumed office. SC magistrates decided the case on April 3, the SC Public Information Office said. Citing section 17, article VI of the 1987 Constitution and relevant jurisprudence, the High Court clarified in the decision the division of powers in cases like election disputes. Once winning candidates have been proclaimed, taken oath, and assumed office, the SET assumes jurisdiction or coverage over them, and the Commission on Election (Comelec) loses its jurisdiction over the candidate in relation to election contests stemming from the poll, returns, or disqualification cases. The High Court explained that Julieta Licup Pearson, who filed the disqualification case against Tulfo, failed to file in time the appropriate case with the SET and “cannot remedy this failure by invoking the Court’s certiorari powers.” Certiorari is legal remedy used to review a body’s decision or grave abuse of discretion. Broadcast journalist Tulfo won in the 2022 senatorial elections. A month before the polls, Pearson, his alleged wife, filed the disqualification case based on the following grounds: The Comelec’s First Division junked Pearson’s petition for failure to attach the required proof of service. Tulfo garnered over 23.1 million votes in the 2022 elections, and finished third in the Senate race. He was later proclaimed as a winner, took his oath, and assumed office. His wife moved for reconsideration in the case, but the Comelec denied the motion for lack of jurisdiction. Pearson elevated the case to the High Court, where she filed a petition for certiorari. In her petition, Pearson claimed she married Tulfo in October 1982 in Capas, Tarlac, and that their marriage was never nullified. Tulfo, as early as 2019, admitted he had a child with Pearson, but claimed that she was just trying to extort money from him. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Salt or mangroves? Gov’t to evaluate ‘beneficial use’ of abandoned fish ponds

Iya Gozum

09/04/2024 11:34

A salt maker or 'mang-iiras, scrapes the salt beds on their embankment, in Barangay Santa Isabel, Kawit, Cavite on April 20, 2023. Dennis Abrina/Rappler MANILA, Philippines – Under the Fisheries Code of 1998, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) has to restore abandoned fish ponds “in their original mangrove state,” once the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reverts these back to the agency. But in light of a new law, Republic Act 11985 or the Philippine Salt Industry Development Act, the DENR will now assess whether certain abandoned fish ponds are to be restored back as mangroves forests or to designate them as potential salt production areas. “It will be based on a thorough and careful evaluation on what we’ll do with the abandoned fish ponds,” Environment Undersecretary Jonas Leones told Rappler in Filipino. Abandoned fish ponds are public lands transferred by the DENR to BFAR for fish pond development, but have been left idle by the tenants. These areas are enclosed by dikes, bare of the mangroves they used to have. Leones said conversion of abandoned fish ponds to salt farms is “not automatic” and that they will be adopting “beneficial use of the area.” The environment undersecretary said the salinity or salt content of abandoned fish ponds is a factor in deciding how these will be restored. Leones said that fish ponds with high salinity will be considered for salt production. Otherwise, he added, mangroves will not be able to grow there because of harsh environment. “But if the area has low salinity…[it can be converted] as a mangrove area,” Leones explained. Aside from abandoned fish ponds, the DENR will be scouting public lands and municipal waters to map and identify potential salt production areas six months after RA 11985 takes effect in April. Together with concerned bureaus and attached agency National Mapping and Resource Information Authority, the environment department will prioritize public lands in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Marinduque, Quezon Province, Misamis Oriental, and Antique. Meanwhile, Leones assured the public that salt production in municipal waters would not impede the livelihood of small fisherfolk, as production will only take place near the coast. The Philippines imports 93% of salt, ironic for a country with one of the longest coastlines in the world. RA 11985 aims to make the Philippines salt self-sufficient and a net exporter of salt by expanding the number of farms, promoting public and private investments, and ensuring technical and financial support to industry players. Abandoned fish ponds are where mangroves used to be, marine scientist and mangrove expert Jurgenne Primavera told Rappler in a previous interview. Seven members of the National Academy of Science and Technology forwarded their critique to the DENR in January, before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the law. In their critique, they said that the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) must revert back the abandoned, unused and underutilized fish ponds to the DENR so these can be “regenerated back to mangroves, as mandated by law.” The scientists emphasized that mangroves, when regenerated from abandoned ponds, can provide storm protection and carbon sequestration. The restored mangroves’ value “would be far greater than any salt production, as they protect human lives,” the critique read. The law seeking to revitalize the salt industry said that fish pond lease agreements previously issued by the BFAR “may now include salt production as among the valid activities that may be undertaken by the leaseholder.” If fish ponds will be returned to their original state, Primavera said she recommends restoring tidal flow before evaluating the level of salinity inside the pond. “[T]he first step of reverting abandoned ponds to mangroves is to restore hydrology or tidal flow (and therefore seawater salinity) by breaking the dikes,” Primavera told Rappler in a message. Primavera said this is a “quick and inexpensive step” because only a portion of the dike should be broken to allow tidal flow during spring tide. According to the scientists, government should focus more on expanding capacity of desalination facilities. This would solve the issue of brine discharge, expansion of salt farms into critical habitats, and regeneration of mangroves. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Demands for justice mount after murder of Subanen woman in Dipolog

Ralf Rivas

09/04/2024 11:16

DIPOLOG, Philippines – Nobody seemed to care when 24-year-old Mayumi (not her real name), a woman seen to be of low social standing in this conservative and predominantly Catholic city, who was found dead a month ago. Initially diagnosed as “sudden cardiac arrest” case by a physician, a subsequent autopsy revealed that somebody strangled her. Now, at least 44 of her friends – fellow Subanens, plain homemakers, LGBTQ members, young workers, and out-of-school youths – banded together to claim her body and chipped in money to give her a decent burial. They demanded justice for Mayumi. “Bisan ug sa mata sa mga tawo makasasala siya nga babaye, pero aduna gihapon siyay tawhanong katungod sama kanato ug walay katungod si bisan kinsa kanato nga mokutlo sa iyang kinabuhi, Ginoo ra,” said a housewife who said that Mayumi used to give money for her young children’s schooling. (Even if she was a sinner in the eyes of the people, she also had human rights just like all of us, and nobody had the right to take her life, only God.) The number of those who seek justice for Mayumi continuously grows with the Subanen community, members of the LGBTQ community, and several women’s organizations joining in, as they plan to hold a prayer rally on April 16, Mayumi’s 40th day after death, to which Catholics believe is the final day for souls of those who died to leave Earth. Dipolog City Police Chief Vedasto Dasmarinas III, whose investigators earlier found Mayumi to have died a natural death, told Rappler on Sunday, April 7, that the case was still under investigation but that they already have a person of interest, a security guard who was last seen carrying Mayumi on his back before she was brought to hospital. A 23-year-old close friend of Mayumi said she’s confused as to why there have been substantial efforts to defend the guard identified as Junrey Gonzales, adding that a week ago, she received a message allegedly from a policeman saying that their group should stop from going after Mayumi’s killer. As of Monday, April 8, Gonzales is already in hiding, and Mayumi’s mother, who was scheduled to sign an affidavit complaint against the guard that day, could no longer be found at her home in Lebanon town, about 120 kilometers southwest of Dipolog. The morning after Mayumi died, Gonzales told reporters that he did not know the victim and just saw her already unconscious together with another girl on the road in the private market owned by the family of Representative Ian Adrian Amatong. However, Gonzales changed his statement on March 14, saying that Mayumi was his close friend and that she and her cousin were at the guard’s house within the market to use his cell phone at about 1 am on March 8. “Nag-roving ko then pagbalik nako nangatulog na man sila, milakaw na pud ko ug pagbalik nako nagdaot na man si Mayumi, mao to akong gibala ug gidala sa dalan para mangita ug motorcab,” Gonzales told reporters. (I went on roving and when I was back they were already sleeping. I went out again, but when I returned, Mayumi was already sick, I carried her on my back towards the road to get a motorcab) An ambulance brought Mayumi to Corazon Aquino Hospital, but she was declared dead on arrival at 3 am. Dr. Arjay Lao issued a “temporary” death certificate, stating that the cause of death was “sudden cardiac arrest.” However, an autopsy by a medico-legal from the Philippine National Police-Zamboanga del Norte Forensic Unit 9, conducted last March 9 and released over a week later, found that Mayumi died of strangulation. The autopsy also found contusion and hematoma at the lower back of Mayumi’s head, on her cheeks, on the neck, the arms, and legs; “strapped muscle” and bleeding on the trachea and esophagus; fractured sternal bone with blood clots; and cyanotic swelling on “labia majora” that “suggests blunt object was inserted into Mayumi’s sex organ.” A 22-year-old woman whose family took care of Mayumi at 14 when her mother went back to Labason said that she considered the victim her sister whose longing for her family pushed her to make a lot of friends that became her comfort zone. “Sir nanghangyo mi sa Rappler, ug bisan kinsa nga dunay maluloy-on nga kasingkasing, nga tabangi mi kay duna gyud dagkong tawo nga gustong mahilom mi (Sir, we are pleading with Rappler, and anybody who has big heart, please help us because there are really powerful people who want to silence us),” she said. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Rare Ginebra loss to Terrafirma highlights Scottie Thompson’s absence

delfin.dioquino editor

08/04/2024 22:06

MIDAIR. Scottie Thompson in action for Barangay Ginebra in the 2023-24 PBA Commissioner's Cup. PBA Images MANILA, Philippines – A rare loss to Terrafirma has only emphasized how badly Barangay Ginebra misses star guard Scottie Thompson. Thompson remains sidelined with a back injury. The Gin Kings lost to the Dyip for just the second time in PBA history following a surprising 91-85 defeat in the Philippine Cup on Sunday, April 7. It has been a rollercoaster start for Ginebra in the All-Filipino tiff without the former league MVP, who has not played since the conference began in February. The Gin Kings won three of their first four games before they suffered back-to-back losses as they slipped to a 3-3 record. “When Scottie’s out, you don’t just make up for points – you make up for points, you make up for rebounds, you make up for assists, you make up for defense,” said Ginebra assistant coach Richard del Rosario. “Scottie’s a special player and he gives a lot to the team. So we need contributions from everyone and we don’t put that pressure on one particular guy. We have to figure it out as a team how to work around Scottie’s absence.” Thompson averaged 11.1 points, 7.3 assists, and 6.6 rebounds in the last Commissioner’s Cup. He then scored 3.5 points, 9 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and 1 block as Gilas Pilipinas crushed Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei to sweep the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in February before he was sidelined. That is the kind of production and versatility the Gin Kings have been missing as they slumped to their worst six-game start since the 2021 Governors’ Cup, where they also lost half of their first six matches. Del Rosario, though, said Ginebra should have already adjusted to life without Thompson going into the second half of the elimination round. “We can’t use that as an excuse. We’re waiting for him to get healthy. We don’t want to rush him. He’s very important. He’s career is very important,” said Del Rosario. “He’ll play when he’s ready.” – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Sandiganbayan suspends ex-Quezon City administrator over graft case

Mia Gonzalez

09/04/2024 10:49

ANTI-GRAFT. File photo of Sandiganbayan in Quezon City taken on June 30, 2018. Rappler MANILA, Philippines – The anti-graft court Sandiganbayan has ordered the 90-day suspension of National Defense College Executive Vice President Aldrin Cuña over a graft case involving an alleged anomalous Quezon City project when he was the city’s administrator. The Sandiganbayan Third Division’s order, promulgated on April 3, takes effect immediately upon service of the directive. The court furnished Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. a copy of the six-page resolution for implementation. It directed the defense chief to inform it about actions taken in relation to the order within five days. The resolution was penned by Presiding Justice and Third Division chairperson Amparo M. Cabotaje-Tang with concurrences from Associate Justice Bernelito R. Fernandez and Associate Justice Ronald B. Moreno. Cuña’s suspension stemmed from a 2023 graft case filed against him as co-accused of former Quezon City mayor Herbert Bautista. They are accused of causing undue injury to the city government by allegedly favoring contractors Cygnet Energy and Power Asia, Incorporated despite noncompliance with documentary requirements and procedures, in violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. In December 2023, the Sandiganbayan gave Cuña a non-extendible 10-day period to explain why he should not be placed under preventive suspension. Cuña, however, did not file any pleading so the court declared that he had waived his right to contest the his preventive suspension “Verily, once the Information is found to be sufficient in form and substance, the court must issue the order of suspension as a matter of course. There are no ifs or buts about it,” the court said. It stressed that the preventive suspension is not a penalty and that the defendant is entitled to reinstatement and payment of salaries and benefits withheld during suspension if he is eventually acquitted. “In this case, there is absolutely no question to the validity of the subject Information. Accused Cuña is now serving as the Executive Vice President of the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP). Thus, his preventive suspension should now follow as a matter of course,” the court said. In the graft case, Ombudsman investigators alleged that Bautista and Cuña approved the contract worth P25.34-million in favor of Cygnet, meant for installing solar power and waterproofing systems of Civic Center Building F. Cygnet received the payment for the project despite not being entitled to it, the Ombudsman said, because it “failed to apply for and secure a Net Metering System from Meralco,” which was a mandatory requirement under the terms of reference and the supply and delivery agreement. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Biggest drug haul in BARMM: Narcs seize P34M in shabu in Lanao del Sur

Herbie G

09/04/2024 10:34

PDEA-BARMM Regional Director Gil Castro (seated, 3rd from left) and security officials present P34 million in confiscated shabu during a press conference in Cotabato City on April 8, 2024. Ferdinandh Cabrera/Rappler COTABATO, Philippines – Narcotics agents seized some P34 million worth of shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) during a drug buy-bust in Lanao del Sur on Monday afternoon, April 8. It was the biggest shabu haul so far in a province under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in the history of the five-year-old Muslim-majority region or even before its creation, according to Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Director Gil Cesario Castro. Castro said five kilograms of shabu in pouches used in packing Chinese tea bags were confiscated from a suspect identified as Zacaria Jaji Nandang during the operation in Barangay Matalin, Malabang town in Lanao del Sur, past noon on Monday. Nandang, a resident of Bagua 2, Cotabato City, was arrested and taken back to Cotabato where investigators are pressing him for information. Authorities said they suspected that Nandang did not act alone and there was a group behind him. Castro said investigators were also looking into the possibility that the foiled illegal drug trade was meant to raise funds ahead of the 2025 elections. “We are still validating it,” he Castro, adding that the PDEA in the BARMM had subjected Nandang to weeks of surveillance over intelligence information that indicated a multimillion-peso illicit drug trade taking place in the Bangsamoro region. He said authorities pounced on Nandang while the suspect was selling a kilogram of shabu to a PDEA agent who posed as a buyer. When narcotics agents searched the suspect’s car, they found four more kilograms of shabu. Castro said the way the shabu was packed and the use of Chinese tea bag pouches were similar to those seized by authorities during previous operations in the BARMM, and they suspected that these were smuggled into the country. “After this, we will go after the supply chain of illegal drugs. We have to dig deeper to identify those behind this narco trade. We have a lead. We continue to profile him (Nandang) and conduct a backtracking investigation so we will know who are the players behind it,” he said. Castro and Police-BARMM Director Brigadier General Prexy Tanggawohn said Nandang’s arrest and the shabu haul was a result of a collaboration among the PDEA, the military, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), and the police. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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At least P5.5-M found in Tarlac POGO; town mayor denies abetting crimes

Joann Manabat - CMS

09/04/2024 10:11

CASH BUNDLES. A total of P5.5 million in bundles of P1 thousand were seized by the authorities during the breaking of the vaults at the raided Zun Yuan Technology Incorporated in Bamban, Tarlac on Monday, April 8. Joann Manabat/Rappler TARLAC, Philippines – Millions in cash, passports and other documents were found on Monday, April 8, in 11 vaults at the Baofu Compound of Zun Yuan Technology Incorporated, a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) that was raided by authorities last month. The Philippine National Police (PNP) Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) confiscated P5.5 million, US$444, 20,000 Vietnamese dong, and 20 Hong Kong dollars from 11 vaults. Twenty-seven vaults were discovered in the Baofu compound during the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC)-led raid last March 13. The vaults were opened based on a separate search warrant issued by Executive Judge Hermenegildo Dumlao II of Regional Trial Court Branch 81 in Malolos, Bulacan. Authorities will continue to break open the remaining 16 vaults on Thursday, April 11. The Anti-Money Laundering Council was present during the breaking of the vaults together with the PAOCC, PNP CIDG, and representatives of the barangay. PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio said they are hoping to find crypto wallets, seed phrases, and financial documents for forensic accounting and analysis. Acetylene was used to break open the vaults as electricity and water lines in Baofu compound were disconnected, he said. “What’s important are the financial documents, the crypto wallets and seed phrases that will allow access into their crypto accounts. What we need is evidence that will lead us to the digital currency of their digital accounts.” Casio said. “Wala na yang mga pera diyan sa loob ng vault. Barya nalang yang mga nandiyan. Natuto na sila doon sa unang raid operation sa Sun Valley sa Clark (Pampanga) kaya baka ang nakalagay nalang siguro diyan sa mga vaults are the operational cost of the POGO, yung pampasweldo, etc.” (There is no more money in the vault. Those are just coins. They have learned already from the first raid operation at the Sun Valley in Clark, Pampanga. So maybe what’s in the vaults are the monies for the operational cost of the POGO, for the salaries, etc.) Casio said one of the passports found in one of the vaults was the missing passport of a female Chinese named Lilly who was rescued during the raid. Lilly is a trafficked victim who was reportedly tortured and remains unpaid. Casio added that the owner of the vault is Malaysian Walter Wong, a property manager at Zun Yuan Technology Corporation. Wong is among eight foreigners charged with alleged human trafficking and serious illegal detention and physical injuries. Bamban Mayor Alice Guo, in a statement sent to Rappler on Monday, denied the allegations of supporting and facilitating the illegal activities at Zun Yuan. Guo is being linked to Zun Yuan as some documents found during the raid are under her name. Guo said she welcomes any investigation by authorities, and she will defend herself at the proper forum, if needed. Three days prior to Guo’s statement, a special task force was created by the Department of Interior and Local Government to investigate any administrative misconduct or neglect by the local government officials of Bamban. Guo said the allegations are unfounded as the crimes of human trafficking, torture, and illegal detention are intolerable. She said she has been “unfairly persecuted” without real investigation. “It is with great sadness and disappointment that I face the unjust, unfounded accusations hurled against me by a member of the Senate of the Philippines and PAOCC. I am certain that the good Senator and PAOCC are simply acting in good faith, on the basis of information that was given to them. Nevertheless, I deny in the strongest terms all of these allegations of criminal conduct – or at least, allegations that I have somehow aided and abetted the supposedly illegal acts of Zun Yuan Technology Incorporated,” she said. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian earlier said Guo might be involved in the POGO’s activities. “Human trafficking, torture, and illegal detention are heinous crimes that I would never, ever tolerate, much less be involved  in. I must admit, these shocking allegations have disturbed my peace and have hurt me and my family,” she added. In response, PAOCC said they will await the conclusion of the ongoing investigation on the alleged participation of Guo. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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GAME SCHEDULE: 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference

jisaga0269

27/04/2024 22:53

PVL Images The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) heads to another title showdown between the league’s top sister teams! Defending champion Creamline and sister squad Choco Mucho dispute the PVL All-Filipino championship for the second straight conference in a best-of-three series. Here’s the schedule: It’s all even again for the top four teams. The semifinalists of the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference battle in a single round-robin, where the top two teams will advance to the best-of-three finals. Here’s the schedule: Near-daily volleyball is back to satisfy fans’ hunger for action as the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) releases its 2024 All-Filipino Conference schedule, starting on February 20. The development comes after the UAAP also released its Season 86 men’s and women’s volleyball tournament schedules on a Wednesday-Saturday-Sunday rotation. The PVL, meanwhile, stays in its usual Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday slate, kicking off Tuesday, February 20, at the PhilSports Arena with a double-header featuring newcomers Strong Group Athletics and Capital1 taking on contenders Petro Gazz and Chery Tiggo, respectively. Capping off the conference’s first week is an appearance at the Araneta Coliseum, with reloaded Farm Fresh challenging the Creamline dynasty in the 6 pm triple-header main event. Fans outside NCR, however, will have fewer chances to see their favorite PVL stars live unlike the past conference, as only the Ynares Center in Antipolo, Rizal and the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna are the announced venues away from Metro Manila. The season-starting All-Filipino Conference is scheduled to run for three months until May 14 at the maximum, unless plans change. Other notable elimination round matches are Choco Mucho vs. Petro Gazz on February 27, Petro Gazz vs Creamline on April 6, PLDT vs Chery Tiggo featuring multiple former F2 Logistics veterans on April 16, and the Creamline-Choco Mucho finals rematch on April 18. Here is the entire conference schedule, as of Wednesday, February 14: – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Families of Duterte’s drug war victims: ‘We will tell our story every day’

Jodesz Gavilan

09/04/2024 7:30

CONTINUE TELLING STORIES. Families of drug war victims light candles as they vow to continue telling stories as they fight for justice for their slain loved ones. Rappler photo MANILA, Philippines – Memory is often fickle and complicated, but not for families who continue to hold on to the words of their loved ones killed in Rodrigo Duterte’s violent war on drugs. The bravery of those left behind to tell their stories is one of the main foundations – if not the main one – of journalist Patricia Evangelista’s critically acclaimed book Some People Need Killing: A Memoir of Murder in My Country. Inside a church full of drug war victims’ families in Payatas, Quezon City – one of the first events of her Philippine tour – the former Rappler investigative reporter emphasized the important part they played in allowing her to tell their stories. “Walang libro, walang kuwento, walang istorya, kung iyong mga taong nakakita, ang mga taong nakaramdam, sinabi nilang ‘ayoko magkuwento dahil takot ako’,” Evangelista said on Monday, April 8, emphasizing the climate of fear that continues to exist. “Pero kasi nagkuwento kayo, wala akong karapatang hindi magkuwento,” she added. (There would have been no book, no stories, if the people who witnessed and experienced the horrors said that they were too afraid to tell their stories. But since they trusted me with their stories, I have no right not to tell their stories.) One of those who trusted Evangelista is Jane Lee, whose husband Michael was gunned down by unidentified men in May 2017, leaving her to care for their three children. Since then, Jane has volunteered for Rise Up for Life and for Rights, a group composed mostly of widows and mothers steadfast in calling for justice for drug war victims. Jane admitted that constantly speaking about her experience can be hard, but she has accepted that it is something she has to do. “Nais kong samantalahin ang pagkakataon para sabihin na nagsasalita kami dahil gusto naming patunayan na kami ang patotoong buhay na meron talagang malawakang patayan,” she said during a sharing session on Monday organized by artists’ group Respond and Break the Silence Against the Killings (RESBAK). “Kung ito ang tangi naming magagawa, iyong magsalita para sa mga mahal namin sa buhay at sa iba pang mga biktima, bakit hindi natin araw-arawin kung iyon ang bahagi namin para sa hustisyang nais naming makamit?”Jane added. (I want to take every opportunity to speak up because we want to show that we’re living proof that there were widespread killings. If this is what we must do, to continue talking about our loved ones and other victims, we will do it every day if it means getting justice.) It has been almost eight years since Duterte, from the presidential pulpit, ordered his men to kill suspected drug personalities. The night after his inauguration, in front of a poor community in Tondo, he urged parents to themselves kill their children, warning that death will catch up with anyone who dares to get involved in illegal drugs. The former Davao City mayor fulfilled this warning. He left Malacañang in June 2022 with a trail of blood and violence, with at least 6,252 individuals killed in police anti-illegal drug operations alone. Including those killed vigilante-style would raise the number to almost 30,000 killed, according to estimates of human rights groups. The death toll between 2016 and 2022 is staggering to say the least, with many of these victims gunned down in front of their families inside their own homes, or whose bodies were dumped on sidewalks or creeks. Each night, families would recall to a steady stream of media the last moments of their loved ones – the begging they heard, or the last words they said before they disappeared only to turn up lifeless hours after. In her reporting and eventual book, Evangelista always sought to put a human face to the numbers, to go beyond details of incidents and try to translate into pages the life the victims led. Rodalyn Adan’s husband Crisanto Abliter – whom she called “mahal” (love) – was one of the people rounded up by authorities during a big time operation in 2016. She would later receive a call from a relative, asking what funeral parlor they would use for Crisanto, who died from gunshot wounds. It’s been almost eight years since that fateful day, but the pain remains fresh. When things get rough, Rodalyn tries to remember how caring and loving her husband Crisanto was to their seven children, including a then-one-month-old infant. “Si Crisanto, kapag dumarating siya sa bahay, sasalubong ang mga bata, yayakapin siya at may mga pasalubong po siya,” she recalled. “Para sa akin, sobrang mapagmahal po niya na kahit po nag-away kami, gusto niya ilang minuto lang bati na kami.” (Whenever Crisanto goes home, bringing with him goodies, our children would rush to meet him at the door and hug him. He was also a really loving husband. Our fights never lasted that long.) Marilyn Malimban, whose partner Jessie Cule was killed by police in August 2016, encouraged other widows and mothers not to lose hope, and to continue speaking out for justice. “Huwag tayo matakot, tayo po ang pinatayan, hindi tayo ang pumatay,” she said. “Magkuwento tayo nang magkuwento kahit hindi tayo makakuha ng hustisya… makakamtan natin iyong, kung hindi man dito, meron sa taas na magbibigay ng hustisya para sa mga mahal natin na pinatay ng mga pulis.” (Let us not be scared. We are the ones who lost loved ones who were killed. We were not the ones who killed. Let’s continue telling our stories even if we don’t obtain justice. We will get it there, maybe not here on earth, but there’s someone above who can give justice for our loved ones killed by police.) Thousands were killed and yet justice remains elusive for the victims and their families. Only a few have been convicted in drug war-related killings, including the policemen involved in the deaths of 17-year-old Kian delos Santos, Carl Angelo Arnaiz, and Reynaldo “Kulot” de Guzman. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is investigating killings committed under Duterte’s drug war. The court’s appeals chamber in June 2023 rejected the Philippine government’s appeal, meaning ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan’s probe can continue. There is no set timeline as to when new developments – including a possible arrest warrant – will happen. Kristina Conti, secretary general of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers-National Capital Region (NUPL-NCR), said that continually telling and documenting stories of drug war victims is important even if the legal route might be long and uncertain. From the legal perspective, she said these could count as “perpetuation of testimony” which could make the stories public and could help gain traction in international bodies, such as the ICC and even the United Nations. “[In crimes against humanity], the discussion is about patterns, what happened – that’s why the fact of the killings has already been established. What we need to know and what we need to establish is if all these killings are related,” Conti, ICC-accredited assistant to counsel, explained to Rappler in a mix of English and Filipino. “And if these stories are all out there, and they mirror one particular narrative, that it was Duterte who ordered these killings in 2016, definitely these could become part of the overall context of the case,” Conti added. Father Danny Pilario, one of the most outspoken Catholic priests against extrajudicial killings under Duterte, praised families who remain resolute in calling for justice even in the face of harassment. Aside from being the president of Adamson University, he also organized Project Solidarity for Orphans and Widows of Payatas (Project SOW) that helps families find livelihood, among others. “Nais kong pasalamatan ang mga nanay na tumayo sa kanilang sariling mga paa hanggang ngayon, kahit na hindi naniniwala ang mundo, kahit na hindi naniniwala ang mga politiko, kahit na ayaw pakinggan ang kanilang mga kuwento,” Pilario said. “Narito sila ngayon, buhay at nakikitang nakikipaglaban para sa hustisya at kapayapaan,” he added. (I want to thank the mothers who remain standing until now even if the world doesn’t believe, even if politicians don’t believe and won’t listen to their stories. They are here today, alive and fighting for justice and peace.) – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. I am inspired by the strength of these women who continue to tell their stories and to Pat Evangelista who gave them the platform to voice the narrative of loss and justice. How does this make you feel?

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Rare Ginebra loss to Terrafirma highlights Scottie Thompson’s absence

delfin.dioquino editor

08/04/2024 22:06

MIDAIR. Scottie Thompson in action for Barangay Ginebra in the 2023-24 PBA Commissioner's Cup. PBA Images MANILA, Philippines – A rare loss to Terrafirma has only emphasized how badly Barangay Ginebra misses star guard Scottie Thompson. Thompson remains sidelined with a back injury. The Gin Kings lost to the Dyip for just the second time in PBA history following a surprising 91-85 defeat in the Philippine Cup on Sunday, April 7. It has been a rollercoaster start for Ginebra in the All-Filipino tiff without the former league MVP, who has not played since the conference began in February. The Gin Kings won three of their first four games before they suffered back-to-back losses as they slipped to a 3-3 record. “When Scottie’s out, you don’t just make up for points – you make up for points, you make up for rebounds, you make up for assists, you make up for defense,” said Ginebra assistant coach Richard del Rosario. “Scottie’s a special player and he gives a lot to the team. So we need contributions from everyone and we don’t put that pressure on one particular guy. We have to figure it out as a team how to work around Scottie’s absence.” Thompson averaged 11.1 points, 7.3 assists, and 6.6 rebounds in the last Commissioner’s Cup. He then scored 3.5 points, 9 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and 1 block as Gilas Pilipinas crushed Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei to sweep the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in February before he was sidelined. That is the kind of production and versatility the Gin Kings have been missing as they slumped to their worst six-game start since the 2021 Governors’ Cup, where they also lost half of their first six matches. Del Rosario, though, said Ginebra should have already adjusted to life without Thompson going into the second half of the elimination round. “We can’t use that as an excuse. We’re waiting for him to get healthy. We don’t want to rush him. He’s very important. He’s career is very important,” said Del Rosario. “He’ll play when he’s ready.” – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Marcos takes a swipe at Quiboloy’s demands for surrender | The wRap

Nina Liu

08/04/2024 21:34

Here are today’s headlines – the latest news in the Philippines and around the world: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. takes a swipe at fugitive doomsday preacher Apollo Quiboloy for laying down conditions for his surrender. Vice President Sara Duterte says she has ‘no comment’ on the continued Chinese harassment of Filipino vessels in the West Philippine Sea. The National Privacy Commission’s initial findings reveal the personal data of 597 Department of Science and Technology employees were exposed in the hacking of the agency’s sites. The owner of the Takoyaki shop that went viral for its April Fools’ tattoo prank says the incident was a planned ‘marketing stunt.’ Mac Coronel also known as Filipino drag queen Taylor Sheesh was assaulted by a concert attendee in Bayambang, Pangasinan on Saturday, April 6. — Rappler.com How does this make you feel?

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GMA bares rating of ‘It’s Showtime’ pilot episode; Teddy Corpuz urges netizens to stop fighting

gdecastro0289

08/04/2024 18:48

COMEDIAN. Vic Sotto of 'Eat Bulaga!' and Vice Ganda of 'It's Showtime' Composite from TV5 Twitter and Vice Ganda's FB MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines’ leading broadcasting company GMA Network disclosed on Monday, April 8, the television ratings of rival noon shows It’s Showtime and Eat Bulaga! last Saturday. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), GMA said It’s Showtime’s pilot Saturday episode on its two major television channels plus two others got a rating of 9.6% based on Nielsen Philippines’ overnight National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM) while Eat Bulaga! registered 4.4%. Maraming salamat sa inyong mainit na pagtanggap sa #ItsShowtime, Madlang Kapuso! 💙💛❤️Abangan ang #ItsShowtime tuwing 12:00 p.m. mula Lunes hanggang Sabado sa GMA at GTV! pic.twitter.com/A4hR24sQU4 It’s Showtime was shown on GMA’s Channel 7 and GTV, Zoe Network’s A2Z, and Kapamilya Channel on pay cable TV. Eat Bulaga! aired on TV5 and RPTV Channel 9. Channel 7 is GMA’s free TV channel with the strongest reach in the Philippines due to its wide transmission. GMA chairman Felipe Gozon had predicted last month that It’s Showtime’s ratings would improve once the show starts on GMA and GTV. Prior to Saturday, It’s Showtime was airing on GMA’s GTV plus A2Z and on cable TV. “Welcome to the new era of noontime television!” said GMA. “Maraming salamat sa inyong mainit na pagtanggap sa It’s Showtime, Madlang Kapuso! (Many thanks for your warm welcome of It’s Showtime, Kapuso viewers of the show!)” Meantime, It’s Showtime co-host Teddy Corpuz appealed to netizens to stop destroying each other and to just watch both shows. Yung pinag aaway nyo kami, pero bakit di nalang tangkilikin parehas? Yes may competition… minsan talo, minsan panalo. Parehong gumagawa at nag nanais mapasaya kayo. Kung di ka masaya sa isa, eh di dun ka sa kabila at wag ka na lang manira. Focus ka sa tv mo at wag sa tv ng… “Yung pinag aaway nyo kami, pero bakit di nalang tangkilikin parehas? Yes may competition… minsan talo, minsan panalo. Parehong gumagawa at nag nanais mapasaya kayo. Kung di ka masaya sa isa, eh di dun ka sa kabila at wag ka na lang manira. Focus ka sa tv mo at wag sa tv ng kalaban mo,” the singer, lead vocalist of Filipino rock band, Rocksteddy, said on X on Sunday. (You’re making us fight, why not just patronize both? Yes, there’s competition…sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Both shows try to make you happy. If you’re not happy with one show, just watch the other show and stop destroying. Focus on the TV and not on the TV [show] of your competitor.) Loyal fans of both competing noon shows have aired their respective support for It’s Showtime and Eat Bulaga! on social media. Rappler’s initial Facebook post on the pilot episode, for instance, got over 1,500 comments. “Let’s just be grateful that these shows entertain us and relieves our stress of daily life,” said commenter Marie Sarmiento Hicaro on Rappler’s Facebook. Others noted that while GMA and ABS-CBN are battling TV5 in the noon slot, ABS-CBN’s prime time shows air on the Kapatid channel every night. Some fans of Eat Bulaga! said it had to take two companies to beat the country’s longest-running noon show which started in 1979. It’s Showtime’s Saturday episode was the first co-produced by the two former broadcast rivals after GMA and the Jalosjos family-owned Television and Production Exponents Incorporated (TAPE) agreed last month to end their blocktime deal on airing the short-lived noon show Tahanang Pinakamasaya on Channel 7. It’s Showtime’s Saturday episode got significantly more commercials for the pilot show and it also won the battle on combined page views. Eat Bulaga! held a “National Barangay Day” last Saturday where several local villages got to participate in the show. On Monday, comedian Vice Ganda thanked “Madlang Kapuso” viewers for a successful pilot episode, saying they will continue to bring them happiness and love. Despite the rise of internet viewing, many Filipinos still watch noon shows on television while having lunch, and major companies still find it useful to place commercials that market medicines, laundry soap, fast-food, beer, shampoo, milk, coffee, noodles, bread, diapers, and dog food. Meantime, It’s Showtime hosts were the guests for the first time on the popular game show Family Feud Philippines on the Kapuso channel on Monday. What a fun episode! Thank you for watching, Madlang Kapuso! 💙💛🌈 #FamilyFeudPH | April 8, 2024#FeudItsShowtime #BestTimeEver pic.twitter.com/jiLVjBb9WJ Team Anne, composed of Anne Curtis, Teddy Corpuz, Ogie Alcasid, and Vhong Navarro, battled with Team Vice comprising Vice Ganda, Jhong Hilario, Amy Perez and Jugs Jugueta. Team Anne won the first two rounds, but Team Vice won the third round. Vice Ganda and Jhong Hilario moved on to the the Fast Money Round but failed to reach the minimum 200 points for the jackpot prize. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Shaira to re-release ‘Selos’ after agreement with original artist Lenka’s team

Ysa Abad

09/04/2024 12:08

Shairaa Moro Singer's Facebook page MANILA, Philippines – Bangsamoro pop singer Shaira Moro announced that her viral hit song “Selos” will be returning to online streaming platforms after her team reached an agreement with the camp of Australian singer-songwriter Lenka. The update came weeks after “Selos” was taken down from all online streaming platforms after Shaira’s team acknowledged that the track uses the melody of Lenka’s 2008 song “Trouble Is A Friend.” At the time, Shaira’s agency AHS Productions clarified that they voluntarily removed “Selos” from all online streaming platforms as they are currently in the process of clarifying “the legality of the publication of the song.” On Sunday, April 7, the Mindanao-based singer clarified that there were no charges filed against her and her team. “Wala pong kaso ang isinampa laban sa amin. Sa katunayan, naging mahinahon at mapayapa ang pag-uusap namin ng kampo ni Lenka at nauwi po ito sa pagkakaroon ng kasunduan,” Shaira said. (No case was filed against us. In fact, we had an amicable and peaceful communication with Lenka’s camp and it resulted to us reaching an agreement.) The artist also opened up that while she and her team felt hurt by the negative comments they received because of this issue, they’ll choose to consider it as a lesson. “Sa tulad kong isang local artist na baguhan pa lamang sa kalakaran ng musika, naging leksyon po sa amin ang mga naturang pangyayari,“ she continued. (For a local artist like me who’s only starting in the music industry, this served a lesson for us.) With this, she updated fans that she will soon re-release “Selos” on streaming platforms, alongside her other new songs. Shaira then expressed her gratitude towards those who continue to support their team. “Sana po ngayon ay maging masaya na lamang po tayo dahil hindi lang naman po ito para sa akin, para rin po dito sa mga kapwa kong Bangsamoro artists at sa mga kapwa kong Pilipino,” she said. (We hope that you’ll be happy for us because this isn’t only for us, but also for my fellow Bangsamoro artists and other Filipino artists.) Aside from “Selos,” Shaira’s “Forever Single (Walang Jowa)” was also removed from streaming platforms, as netizens have pointed out that the song sounds similar to “Masih Mencintainya” by Indonesian band Papinka. As of writing, Shaira has 520 monthly listeners on Spotify. Some of her other songs that are still available to stream on Spotify include “Datu Manis,” “Pakboy – Fuckboy,” and “Natipbad (Lalakeng Abusado),” among others. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Snapped twice, now with 3 legs

Jee Geronimo

09/04/2024 17:24

RARE. Abigail Manahan, graduating BS Geology student of the National Institute of Geological Sciences in the University of the Philippines Diliman, stands beside her thesis subject, a three-legged coconut tree in Barangay Matugnao, Palanas, Masbate – a testament to an extremely rare phenomenon of a fault segment slipping twice within a period of only 17 years. Courtesy of Mario Aurelio MASBATE, Philippines – The propeller-driven plane shivered as it dropped intermittently a few tens of meters vertically each time. Engines roared, counteracting the headwind as the plane prepared to land on a short airstrip on an island province in southern Luzon. If this happened some 30 years ago, the pilot and crew would have been rewarded with thunderous applause from the passengers in appreciation of a successful landing amid the challenging circumstances – something that Caribbean air travelers still do today. It was almost two years ago when I last set foot in Masbate – this boomerang-shaped island traversed and fringed on its eastern coast by branches of the deadly Philippine Fault, a 1,200-kilometer-long active fault that runs from Bangui, Ilocos Norte, in the north, to Mati, Davao Oriental, in the south, and generator of disastrous earthquakes in the recent past such as the magnitude 7.8 July 16, 1990 Luzon earthquake and the magnitude 7.2 Abra earthquake of July 27, 2022. In July of 2022, I brought a class of more than 50 students to conduct a geological mapping activity of the island as part of their requirements to complete a bachelor’s degree in geology. This time, I was revisiting the island together with my thesis advisees, Abigail and Sandra, assisted by industry colleagues and former students now gainfully employed in the island province. On February 15, 2003, Masbate was struck by a magnitude 6.3 earthquake centered in the town of Uson on the central eastern coast of the island. Damage was reported to be minimal, including a school and a few residential houses sustaining a few cracks and minor displacements on some road segments. Seventeen years later, on August 18, 2020, the island was once again hit by a magnitude 6.6 tremor, with the epicenter located in the southern coastal town of Cataingan. The 2020 tremor was about five times more powerful than the 2003 event, leaving at least one individual dead and a collapsed building near the epicenter. The point where the released energy emanates during an earthquake is called the focus. It is always located below the surface of the earth. The depth of focus, or focal depth, may range from 1 to more than 500 kilometers below the surface. Earthquakes with focal depths of between 1 and 30 kilometers are said to be shallow, 30 to 70 kilometers as moderate depth, and beyond 70 kilometers as deep. The energy released by an earthquake dissipates (loses strength) away from the focus. Such dissipating energy produces seismic waves that propagate outwards in all directions – think ripple marks created by a stone dropped on a calm liquid surface, where the height of the ripples (waves) that are produced are tallest at and near the drop point and become shorter farther away, then virtually tilt that rippled surface vertically to simulate a fault plane slicing through the earth. Large-magnitude, shallow-focus earthquakes may generate seismic waves that reach the surface and still pack large amounts of energy. When this happens, the moving fault can break the ground at the surface, called a surface ground rupture. Surface ground ruptures are among the most notorious causes of extensive damage to infrastructure during an earthquake because these are capable of splitting concrete pavements and similar infrastructure. On the hilly barangay of Matugnao (meaning cold in the Masbate vernacular) in the town of Palanas in southeastern Masbate, ground ruptures created by the earthquakes of 2003 and 2020 split not concrete but a single coconut tree. In 2003, the tree was split into two, rendering it to stand on two legs after the earthquake. The earthquake of 2020 further split one of the legs into two, leaving the tree to now stand precariously on three legs. This phenomenon of a tree split twice by the movement of the same fault within a short period is extremely rare. In the current understanding of earthquake dynamics, when a fault ruptures to produce an earthquake, it releases energy, allowing itself to be stress-free for a long period of time thereafter. This fault, then, remains immobile for a while, and no earthquakes are expected to be generated from it in the immediate future. It would take hundreds or thousands of years, or even longer, for stresses to accumulate on that fault again before the next movement is expected. The length of time between earthquakes along the same segment of a fault is called its “return period.” Abigail Manahan, a graduating student of the National Institute of Geological Sciences of the University of the Philippines Diliman, is working on an undergraduate thesis on the rare phenomenon of a short return period of earthquake faults. The segment of the Philippine Fault in Matugnao is the perfect subject to carry out her studies. The results of her work are expected to contribute significantly to the current body of knowledge in earthquake geology. This is crucial in understanding better the behavior of active faults and bears important implications to efforts in making earthquake prediction possible. I was in Masbate when a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck and wreaked havoc in Abra in northern Luzon on July 27, 2022. I was again in Masbate when a magnitude 7.6 temblor hit eastern Taiwan on April 3, 2024. I hope that this trend will be broken the next time I and my research team come back to the island to continue our studies on the three-legged coconut tree in Matugnao, and instead bring us closer to finding the holy grail of earthquake prediction. – Rappler.com Mario A. Aurelio, PhD is a professor at the National Institute of Geological Sciences-University of the Philippines, interested in the study of earthquakes. His research laboratory is involved in several studies to better understand the behavior of active faults that have caused much destruction in the Philippines in recent years. Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Why DOJ pushes case vs ex-employers of abused domestic helper Elvie Vergara

Jairo Bolledo

09/04/2024 18:02

ABUSED. In this photo, Elvira Vergara speaks to Senator Raffy Tulfo during the motu propio inquiry into her severe battery rby her employers, esulting to her partial blindness and other injuries, on September 25, 2023. Angie de Silva/Rappler MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Justice (DOJ) said the prosecution has moved to indict the former employers of abused domestic helper Elvie Vergara. In a resolution dated January 21, but was only publicized on Monday, April 8, Assistant State Prosecutor Jayvee Laurence Bandong indicted Franilyn and Pablo Ruiz, Vergara’s former employers, on charges of serious illegal detention with serious physical injuries. A criminal case will be filed against the two before a court. A non-bailable offense, serious illegal detention usually carries a penalty of life imprisonment. The prosecution dismissed the anti-trafficking complaint. As to the serious physical injuries complaint filed against Kim Jerome Ruiz, Police Executive Master Sergeant Maria Eliza Palabay, and Barangay Chairman Jimmy Patal, the prosecution referred the complaint to the Occidental Mindoro prosecutor’s office for appropriate action. The resolution also said that the complaint for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10361 or Batas Kasambahay has been referred to the Department of Labor and Employment.resolution. In the resolution, the prosecutors said Franilyn and Pablo should be held liable for serious illegal detention. According to records, Vergara was detained against her will from 2020 up to her rescue in 2023. Although Vergara started working in 2017, her ordeal only started in 2020, when she was physically abused by her then-employers. Vergara said in he testimony that she was able to escape in 2021, but was later returned to her former employers’ custody. Since then, she said she was locked inside a high-fenced and gated area located at the back of the employers’ house. “This clearly shows that complainant Vergara was deprived of liberty to leave the residence of respondents Ruiz Family while the abuse was being inflicted on her. The fact that respondents Pablo took her custody again in 2021 shows that there was intent to prevent complainant Vergara from escaping her detention,” the resolution read. The Ruiz family explained that Vergara was not detained, and in fact, could have easily asked for help from neighbors in the compound. They said that structural composition of the house “made it impossible for her to be confined thereat.” According to the prosecution, the family also presented witnesses saying that there was no person detained in the house and that the gate was always open. However, the prosecution was not convinced with the respondents’ explanation. In the resolution, the prosecution said that even though the gate can be opened from the inside, this was not enough to eliminate the possibility that Vergara’s freedom was deprived. The prosecution also noted that Vergara was kept inside a compound and surrounded by people who work for the Ruiz family, and that the “structure and composition of the compound itself is ideal for detaining a person.” As to the charge of physical injuries, the resolution read: “On the other hand, respondents Ruiz Family denies the allegations against them as the injuries were either self-inflicted or the result of complainant Vergara’s poor hygiene and medical condition. However, based on the evidence submitted, this Office is not convinced with the explanation of respondents Ruiz Family on how complainant Vergara acquired her injuries.” Meanwhile, the prosecution junked the anti-trafficking complaint because there was no “clear and convincing evidence” to support the allegations. In her affidavit submitted to the prosecution, Vergara said Franilyn abused her every day: she punched and kicked her, pulled her hair, bumped her head against the wall, and hit different parts of her body. The abuse started after Franilyn accused Vergara of stealing her watch and money, and of putting “pubic hair, menstruation blood, and rust on the food” Vergara prepared for her employers. Vergara also noted that the other respondents, including Pablo and Kim Jerome, helped and assisted Franilyn in abusing her. Franilyn also allegedly hit Vergara’s left ear every day, which caused bleeding, and later on, permanent damage. There was also a time when Franilyn allegedly dragged Vergara to the toilet where the respondent kicked, punched, and repeatedly hit the domestic helper’s head against the wall, causing it to bleed. There were also instances when Franilyn allegedly fed Vergara chili and dog food. Vergara said that in 2021, Franilyn allegedly punched and hit her left eye using a ladle. This caused damage to her eye, leading to blindness. The domestic helper’s case caught national attention, and the Senate conducted a probe into her plight. The Senate subpoenaed the Ruiz family to interrogate them over what happened to Vergara. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Eid Mubarak! Filipino Muslims announce Eid’l Fitr celebration on April 10

Paterno Esmaquel II

09/04/2024 20:35

RAMADAN. Muslims gather at the Blue Mosque in Taguig City for evening prayers and iftar, or breaking of the fast, on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan, March 12, 2024. Jire Carreon/Rappler MANILA, Philippines – Filipino Muslim leaders announced that they will celebrate Eid’l Fitr on Wednesday, April 10, after moonsighting committees across the country sighted the crescent moon on Tuesday evening, April 9. The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) made this announcement at around 8:22 pm on Wednesday, a few minutes after the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta also determined that the crescent moon was sighted in the Philippines. While the Philippine government declared the Eid’l Fitr holiday on Wednesday, the date of the Muslims’ celebration depended on the sighting of the new moon on the 29th day of the month of Ramadan, which is April 9 this year. Since the new moon was sighted on April 9, then the new Islamic month – called Shawwal – begins the next day. This means the preceding month of Ramadan is over. Watch the video of the NCMF annnouncement below: Eid’l Fitr, also known as Hari Raya Puasa, literally means “Festival of Breaking Fast.” It marks the end of Ramadan, the month when Muslims are required to fast from food, sex, and even water from sunrise to sunset. Traditionally, Muslims gather in mosques to pray on the first day of Eid’l Fitr, and also visit and feast with family and friends. Eid’l Fitr is traditionally celebrated for three days. Dimapuno Datu-Ramos Jr. of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos also said in a 2020 interview that the following values are emphasized during Eid’l Fitr: Liyana Asmara, a Muslim interfaith advocate in Singapore, also said in a previous Rappler interview: “Eid’l Fitr is a victorious celebration for those who hustled both physically and spiritually during the fasting month. You express your gratitude to God by observing a special prayer during Eid’l Fitr and opening your house for a treat for families, friends, and neighbors.” – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Whistleblower charged with cyber libel for posting teacher’s alleged abuse

Michelle Abad

09/04/2024 21:40

ARRESTED. Robert, not his real name, guests in a September 2022 Rappler Talk episode to talk about his experience of sexual harassment at the Bacoor National High School. Rappler screenshot MANILA, Philippines – A 22-year-old alumnus from Bacoor National High School (BNHS) was arrested for cyber libel more than a year after he posted online a screenshot showing a teacher’s alleged sexual harassment of another student. Robert, not his real name, was arrested on Friday, April 5, for four counts of cyber libel, said the Enough is Enough (EIE), an organization of survivors of school-based sexual harassment and their supporters. A information acquired by Rappler for one of the cyber libel counts showed that the charges were filed before the Bacoor City Regional Trial Court Branch 110 back in July 2023, but Robert only knew about the warrant when he was arrested last Friday, said EIE. The prosecutors accused Robert of cyber libel for posting in August 2022 a screenshot of an online conversation involving then BNHS teacher Nelson Feranil and another student. In the information provided the court, the prosecution said the accused had the malicious intent of “besmirching the honor, integrity and reputation of Feranil” when he posted on social media screenshots of the conversation of the former BNHS teacher with another person. The prosecution included text of the conversation in the information. Robert had experienced sexual harassment at BNHS himself, and became an advocate for speaking out for other victim-survivors. Aaron Pedrosa, a lawyer assisting EIE and Robert, said on Tuesday, April 9, that while it was too early to discuss legal strategy, “all legal remedies” would be exhausted for him. “We will exhaust all legal remedies available to defend alias Robert in the current cyber libel charge and to prosecute the perpetrators for the crime committed against alias Robert and all victims of Bacoor National High School – which is the real issue here,” said Pedrosa. EIE in a statement on Monday, April 8, slammed the apparent prosecution of victims rather than predators. They demanded for Robert’s release and the immediate resolution of the cases. “EIE deplored the prosecution of victims instead of predators, by allowing cyber libel charges to be used in retaliation against students seeking accountability from teacher-predators and the lackadaisical effort of the Department of Education to bring them to justice,” EIE said. Sophie Reyes, EIE lead convenor, said that Robert’s incarceration is a threat to all victims seeking justice. “But this is not the time to cower into submission. All the more victims and advocates alike must overcome all odds, including the weaponization of the cyber crime law, in the pursuit of justice and safer campuses,” said Reyes. EIE is currently soliciting funds for Robert’s bail. Rappler interviewed Robert in a September 2022 Rappler Talk episode, where he talked about his own experience of sexual harassment when he was in Grade 9 at BNHS. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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LIVE UPDATES: Marcos at the 1st US-Philippines-Japan trilateral summit

No author found

13/04/2024 14:42

MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is in Washington for the inaugural summit between the United States, Japan, and the Philippines. The landmark event comes as tensions continue to mount in the South China Sea, an issue that is front and center during the landmark summit. Marcos meets with US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during the summit on Thursday, April 11. Bookmark this page for live updates. President Marcos says in a media interview in Washington that he also plans to get answers from former Duterte officials on his predecessor’s “gentleman’s agreement” on Ayungin Shoal with his Chinese counterpart. Read more. A cooperation agreement by the Philippines, the United States, and Japan will change the dynamic in the South China Sea and the region, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Friday, April 12, while seeking to assure China it was not a target. “I think the trilateral agreement is extremely important,” Marcos told a press conference in Washington a day after meeting US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in the nations’ first trilateral summit. “It is going to change the dynamic, the dynamic that we see in the region, in ASEAN in Asia, around the South China Sea,” Marcos said, referring to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Read more. “That’s not the role of the Vice President or the secretary of education to talk about China,” President Marcos says in an interview with Philippine media in Washington. Read more. Business deals that the Philippines secured at a summit with Japan and the United States will not affect China’s investments in the Philippines, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Friday. “This (trilateral agreement) is separate from any proposed or potential Chinese investments in the Philippines. How do I see it, how will it affect? I don’t see that it will affect, one way or the other,” Marcos told a press conference in Washington after the summit. WASHINGTON, USA – The White House said on Friday, April 12, there is no reason for China to see a US summit this week with Japan and the Philippines as a threat. White House national security spokesperson John Kirby spoke after China complained to Japan and the Philippines about some of the rhetoric emerging from President Joe Biden’s summit talks with the leaders of Japan and the Philippines this week. “These meetings were not about any one other nation. This was about deepening and revitalizing existing alliances and partnerships and strengthening some new ones,” Kirby told reporters. “There’s no reason for the PRC to look at this as any kind of a threat. This was simply a discussion between three allies about mutual challenges and quite frankly mutual opportunities that we are trying to explore in the Indo-Pacific region,” he said. – Rappler.com Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., US President Joe Biden, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida take part in the first-ever trilateral summit between the three countries. Rappler multimedia reporters Bea Cupin and Dwight de Leon give a rundown of what was discussed, from the South China Sea problem, to investment pacts. The three nations call out Beijing’s “dangerous and destabilizing conduct” in Ayungin Shoal, where Chinese ships routinely obstruct Philippine missions to a military outpost. Read more. Ahead of the first trilateral United States-Japan-Philippines leaders’ summit, US President Jos Biden holds a bilateral meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the White House in Washington on April 11 (April 12, Manila time).

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Not just a Canino team: La Salle coaches demand more leadership as MVP recovers

jisaga0269

09/04/2024 22:01

GET IT TOGETHER. The La Salle Lady Spikers huddle after a point in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament UAAP Season 86 Media Team MANILA, Philippines – The La Salle Lady Spikers remain the top team in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament with a 9-1 record despite not having injured reigning MVP Angel Canino for the last two games. However, a closer look at the defending champions reveals big cracks in their once-formidable group as they crawled to the finish line in back-to-back games against clear underdogs UP and UE. Following a five-set grind against the sixth-ranked Lady Warriors, 25-23, 21-25, 25-17, 22-25, 15-12, on Tuesday, April 9, head coach Ramil de Jesus and top deputy Noel Orcullo have seen enough. They did not let the remaining Lady Spikers’ apparent lack of heart pass by unchecked. “As of now, it’s like they’re still looking for Angel,” Orcullo said, as Canino once again sat out due to ongoing recovery from a freak right hand accident. The MVP, however, has shed her arm sling, albeit still keeping thick hand wraps. “Right now, there are only a few leaders left in the court. I said last night, we can’t just have one leader, or just the captain. We all need to lead. We can’t rely on just a few people. You all need to lead yourselves.” In a way, veteran blocker Thea Gagate responded to the call despite the extended game against UE, as the two-time reigning Best Middle Blocker tallied a season-high 22 points on 17 attacks, 3 blocks, and 2 aces. Sophomore star Shevana Laput was right there alongside her senior teammate, scoring 21 on 17 hits, 3 rejections, and an ace. “I just reminded my teammates that he had to have bigger desires to do our jobs,” Gagate added in Filipino. “We should hustle on defense whether on the floor or on the net and we have to show better desire in our spikes.” “We just keep on reminding one another because sometimes, our emotions get the better of us, and we have to calm down so our games return to form.” The Lady Spikers have limited time to adjust without Canino, as the red-hot Bella Belen and the NU Lady Bulldogs await on Sunday, April 14, at the Mall of Asia Arena. With or without Canino, La Salle is still supposed to be better than its last two showings. The coaches and the players know it, and the champs will work hard to figure it out. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Whistleblower charged with cyber libel for posting teacher’s alleged abuse

Michelle Abad

09/04/2024 21:40

ARRESTED. Robert, not his real name, guests in a September 2022 Rappler Talk episode to talk about his experience of sexual harassment at the Bacoor National High School. Rappler screenshot MANILA, Philippines – A 22-year-old alumnus from Bacoor National High School (BNHS) was arrested for cyber libel more than a year after he posted online a screenshot showing a teacher’s alleged sexual harassment of another student. Robert, not his real name, was arrested on Friday, April 5, for four counts of cyber libel, said the Enough is Enough (EIE), an organization of survivors of school-based sexual harassment and their supporters. A information acquired by Rappler for one of the cyber libel counts showed that the charges were filed before the Bacoor City Regional Trial Court Branch 110 back in July 2023, but Robert only knew about the warrant when he was arrested last Friday, said EIE. The prosecutors accused Robert of cyber libel for posting in August 2022 a screenshot of an online conversation involving then BNHS teacher Nelson Feranil and another student. In the information provided the court, the prosecution said the accused had the malicious intent of “besmirching the honor, integrity and reputation of Feranil” when he posted on social media screenshots of the conversation of the former BNHS teacher with another person. The prosecution included text of the conversation in the information. Robert had experienced sexual harassment at BNHS himself, and became an advocate for speaking out for other victim-survivors. Aaron Pedrosa, a lawyer assisting EIE and Robert, said on Tuesday, April 9, that while it was too early to discuss legal strategy, “all legal remedies” would be exhausted for him. “We will exhaust all legal remedies available to defend alias Robert in the current cyber libel charge and to prosecute the perpetrators for the crime committed against alias Robert and all victims of Bacoor National High School – which is the real issue here,” said Pedrosa. EIE in a statement on Monday, April 8, slammed the apparent prosecution of victims rather than predators. They demanded for Robert’s release and the immediate resolution of the cases. “EIE deplored the prosecution of victims instead of predators, by allowing cyber libel charges to be used in retaliation against students seeking accountability from teacher-predators and the lackadaisical effort of the Department of Education to bring them to justice,” EIE said. Sophie Reyes, EIE lead convenor, said that Robert’s incarceration is a threat to all victims seeking justice. “But this is not the time to cower into submission. All the more victims and advocates alike must overcome all odds, including the weaponization of the cyber crime law, in the pursuit of justice and safer campuses,” said Reyes. EIE is currently soliciting funds for Robert’s bail. Rappler interviewed Robert in a September 2022 Rappler Talk episode, where he talked about his own experience of sexual harassment when he was in Grade 9 at BNHS. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Stop airstrikes in hinterland villages, rights groups ask AFP

Herbie G

08/04/2024 20:16

DEMONSTRATION. Activists troop to the headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to call for the cessation of airstrikes in countryside areas, on April 5, 2024. courtesy of Katribu NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – Human rights groups have called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to cease airstrikes against suspected rebels at the expense of communities in the countryside. Beverly Longid, convenor of Katribu Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas, said the attacks were indiscriminate and characterized by excessive force and have impacted the innocent and livelihoods of people living in hinterland communities. Katribu said the recent series of bombings in Santa Maria in Ilocos Sur, and Pilar in Abra, on April 2 and 3, forced the evacuation of 700 residents. The group said the encounters have led to evacuations and class cancellations as pursuit operations unfolded, including military airstrikes that persisted for hours. These airstrikes, it said, caused damage to livelihoods and properties in the communities. The series of encounters in the country resulted from heightened military operations by the AFP aimed at eliminating all guerrilla fronts of the New People’s Army (NPA). However, Katribu said, the military campaign has negatively impacted communities and endangered villagers. In Negros Occidental, the February 21 encounter of the Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion against a group of eight suspected members of the NPA also led to airstrikes, forcing the evacuation of many families. Two alleged NPA members and a farmer claimed by the Army to belong to the dismantled NPA’s Northern Negros Front were killed in the clashes. Negros Bishop Gerardo Alminaza criticized the military airstrikes, calling them “disproportionate.” He added that such actions caused fear, panic, anxiety, and damage to properties. In less than a week, another alleged encounter occurred in the area of operation of the 61st Infantry Battalion in San Joaquin town in Iloilo province on February 28 against a band of 20 suspected communist rebels. Video footage taken during an alleged airstrike circulated. However, the military explained that it was their surveillance plane hovering around the area. Longid said, “These bombings, described by locals as overkill, are not only a gross violation of human rights but also a reckless display of force.” Longid previously called on the United Nations special rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, Irene Khan, to investigate indigenous peoples (IP) rights violations in the islands of Panay and Negros, expressing deep concern about how the AFP was handling its counterinsurgency efforts. The week-long armed encounters in Himamaylan City in October 2022 severely damaged the city’s ancestral lands, forcing 18,000 residents to flee their homes and leave their livelihoods behind, she said. Longid alleged that the government uses the whole-of-nation approach through the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) against indigenous peoples, especially those opposed to oppressive state policies. “The trauma inflicted upon innocent civilians, especially women and children, is immeasurable and demands urgent attention,” she said. On Friday, April 5, various progressive groups gathered at the headquarters of the AFP in Camp Aguinaldo, condemning the recent series of bombings that have ravaged communities, including those in Ilocos Sur and Abra. “We appeal to all peace-loving Filipinos to support the affected communities. Together, let us condemn these senseless acts of violence and urge the AFP to cease its attacks on communities,” Longid said. Lieutenant Colonel J-Jay Javines, public information chief of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, told Rappler on Monday, April 8, they set some parameters before conducting airstrikes against the NPA to protect the residents. “We always adhere to our rules of engagement in every operation. Before launching airstrikes, we have specific parameters that we follow. These parameters include ensuring that we are at least one kilometer away from residential areas and far from any living animals,” he said. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

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Marcos sets town hall on traffic woes, sans major transport advocacy groups

Dwight de Leon

08/04/2024 18:15

CONGESTION. Heavy traffic builds up on the southbound section of EDSA in Quezon City on August 24, 2023. Jire Carreon/Rappler MANILA, Philippines – The administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has scheduled a public consultation to discuss the perennial problem of traffic in Metro Manila and potential solutions to it, but some major transport advocacy groups did not receive an invitation. The event, dubbed the “Bagong Pilipinas Town Hall Meeting on Traffic Concerns,” will take place at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Wednesday, April 10. A draft of the program seen by Rappler indicated that Marcos himself will grace the event and deliver a speech, while the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will submit a synthesis of proposals to address traffic in the capital region. There will also be an open forum whose participants include: Marcos already hinted at the event in a nearly six-minute vlog uploaded on his YouTube channel on Sunday, April 7. In that video, he mentioned work-from-home and four-day work week setups, alternatives which he said may be “[discussed] further in detail together with other government agencies and local government units.” “Watch out for it, you will also get to join via the comments section, so that we will know what ideas you have,” Marcos said in Filipino. Data from the 2023 TomTom Traffic Index showed Metro Manila is the world’s slowest metro area to drive in. While an MMDA advisory seen by Rappler extends the invitation to transport groups of public utility vehicle owners, advocates for more inclusive public transportation appear to be missing from the list. Some groups such as the Move as One Coalition, AltMobility PH, and Make It Safer Movement told Rappler on Monday, April 8, that they did not get an invitation. These groups advocate for active transport modes, like biking and walking, and for commuters’ rights. PISTON and Manibela, groups which have been active in opposing the government’s jeepney modernization program and consolidation plan, were also not invited, based on the list seen by Rappler. AltMobility PH director Ira Cruz said the absence of the public from the event is perplexing, but he hopes that this is just the beginning of the process. “It’s looking more like a traffic management seminar hosted by the MMDA rather than the traffic summit that we had hoped for from the President – one that we perceived was an initial step to coming up with a comprehensive plan to address mobility issues of the country,” he said. “Any initiative that aims to craft a transportation plan should be led by the Department of Transportation, the government agency with a national mandate to address mobility needs, and actively participated in by relevant groups,” Cruz added. The Move as One Coalition and the Make It Safer Movement also reiterated their call for the government to significantly rethink how it addresses the transportation crisis in Metro Manila. “The MMDA already held a three-day ‘traffic summit’ in 2022. Nothing has changed since then because the focus has been on ‘traffic’ – the movement of cars from point A to point B, instead of transportation – the movement of people from point A to point B,” Move as One said in a statement. “We’ve been doing all that we can to communicate policy proposals and solutions to anyone in government and private sector willing to listen. We’ll be ready to participate when they are, too,” Make It Safer Movement organizer Cristina Batalla added. The Move as One Coalition and the Make It Safer Movement will mount what they call a “critical mass ride for safe and inclusive roads” on Wednesday, coinciding with Marcos’ town hall. They say the intention is to oppose the MMDA ban against tricycles, pedicabs, and light electric vehicles on national roads, fight for the 94% of the population who do not have cars, and raise awareness of the climate crisis. – Rappler.com Not invited to Marcos’ traffic town hall but want to weigh in on the transport crisis? Rappler will hold a simultaneous live commentary before, during, and after the traffic summit. Rappler journalists and transport groups will fact-check, annotate, and provide analysis and reactions to the statements made by government officials during the summit. To find out more, check the Make Manila Liveable page on the morning of April 10, the day of the town hall. You can be part of the discussion by joining the Liveable Cities chat room on the Rappler Communities app during the live commentary. We will read out your questions and insights from the chat room. Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

Rappler

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Ticket prices, seat plan: BINI’s ‘BINIVERSE’ concert

Russell Ku

05/04/2024 17:03

Photo from BINI's Instagram page MANILA, Philippines – Getting a ticket to P-pop girl group BINI’s upcoming BINIVERSE concert has become a challenge for the group’s fans, also known as Blooms, as tickets for the group’s first solo show on June 28 at the New Frontier Theater sold out in just two hours. The demand for the concert prompted BINI’s agency, Star Music PH, to add second and third concert days on June 29 and 30. Tickets for the new shows will go on sale Tuesday, April 9. P-pop girl group BINI is extending its "BINIVERSE" concert for a second day on June 29 at the New Frontier Theater. Tickets for the new show go on sale April 9.Blooms have been clamoring to have the venue for the concert upgraded to the nearby Araneta Coliseum. #BINI… pic.twitter.com/XOKbt5puVS Ticket prices for the second and third shows are as follows: All seats are reserved seating and are open to concertgoers ages 7 and up. Those who secure a SVIP ticket will get to have a group photo opportunity, sound check access, and a random photo card. Tickets will go on sale April 9, through Ticketnet outlets and ticketnet.com.ph. Buyers can only purchase a maximum of four tickets per transaction. Despite the announcement of the second show, Blooms trended the hashtag #WeWantBINIverseInAraneta, urging Star Music PH to upgrade the concert to the nearby Araneta Coliseum. The New Frontier Theater has a seating capacity of 2,325 people, while the Araneta Coliseum can accommodate 9,513 concertgoers with a concert stage setup. ABS-CBN Entertainment Production and Star Magic head Laurenti Dyogi noted fans’ sentiments for a venue upgrade in an Instagram Live on Friday, April 5. “‘Yang Araneta at ‘yang MOA na ‘yan, sa takdang panahon, darating din tayo sa lugar na ‘yan. Of course, who does not want to have a big concert in Araneta or MOA? But definitely, hindi pa mangyayari ‘yan ngayon,” he said. (Regarding Araneta and MOA, we will eventually get there at the right time. Of course, who does not want to have a big concert in Araneta or MOA? But definitely, it will not happen for now.) The hashtag #WeWantBINIverseInAraneta is among the top five Philippine trends on X, as Blooms suggest that BINI’s “BINIVERSE” concert be moved to the Araneta Coliseum.The P-pop group’s June 28 show at the New Frontier Theater was sold out in just two hours on Tuesday, April 2,… pic.twitter.com/9tnD5TQ5cP BINI debuted in June 2021 and is composed of eight members: Jhoanna, Maloi, Stacey, Aiah, Colet, Gwen, Mikha, and Sheena. BINI recently rose to viral fame with its hit “Pantropiko” and released its first EP Talaarawan with the single “Salamin, Salamin” on March 8. The group is also known for songs such as “Na Na Na,” “Lagi,” and “Huwag Muna Tayong Umuwi.” BINI is also confirmed to participate in the Chinese show Show It All with fellow P-pop girl group G22. – Rappler.com Error. Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines. There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation. How does this make you feel?

Rappler

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