Archived News Headlines from May 1, 2018 to June 30, 2018
(Please note: some articles may have been removed by their respective publications)

A journalist Duterte cursed at just wrote the president’s first biography
A foreign news correspondent who was publicly cursed at by Rodrigo Duterte in 2016 has released what could be considered the president’s first biography. Jonathan Miller, Channel 4 News’ correspondent for Asia, wrote “Duterte Harry: Fire and Fury in the Philippines.” In an interview with the Australian National University on Soundcloud, Miller referred to the Philippine president as “the embodiment of populism.”

Catholic leaders open to Duterte-CBCP dialogue
MANILA -- Catholic prelates welcomed the plan of the government to hold talks with officials of the Catholic Church, particularly the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). Pastor “Boy” Saycon, one of the members of the panel formed by President Rodrigo Duterte, said they have not talked about any particular issue during last Friday’s meeting ...

Du30 agrees to one-on-one dialog with bishops
President Rodrigo Duterte will hold a one-on-one dialogue with leaders of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines to mend ties with the Catholic Church following his rant against God, Malacañang said Saturday. Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque met Friday night with the Papal Nuncio Gabriel Giordano Caccia where they agreed that both State and Church should work together ...

Cebu Pacific issues new guidelines for Guam flights
MANILA -- Local carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) will implement stricter security screening of powder-like substances in hand-carried baggage of passengers bound for Guam starting June 30, Saturday. CEB spokesperson Charo Lagamon disclosed this Friday, stressing that the airline may confiscate or dispose powder-like substances weighing 12 ounces or more.

What to expect and not to expect from the Balik Scientist Law
A new law seeks to spur the Philippines’ growing science and technology sector in the country, amid the clamor for better funding, support and recognition for the country’s scientists and researchers. President Rodrigo Duterte on June 15 signed into law Republic Act 11035 or “Balik Scientist Act,” through which the Department of Science and Technology is empowered to assist scientific and technological experts ...

06/25/2018

Duterte has been seen praying and kneeling. But he calls God ‘stupid.’
As expected, President Rodrigo Duterte received backlash after his recent tirade on the biblical creation story that is a pivotal part of Catholic doctrine, the belief of arguably a majority of those who voted for him. Supported by some sects but critical of the largest church in the country, the statement reveals the chief executive’s fluctuating relationship with the religious sector.

Samar ‘misencounter’ kills 6 cops, wounds 9 others
TACLOBAN CITY – Six junior police officers were killed while nine others were wounded in a misencounter Monday morning between patrolling cops and soldiers in San Roque village, Sta. Rita, Samar, the Philippine Army reported. Army’s 8th Infantry Division spokesperson, Capt. Francis Agno, said 17 soldiers of the 87th Infantry Battalion based in Calbiga, Samar “incidentally engaged” ...

The story behind Professional Heckler’s Twitter suspension
The Twitter account of social media personality “Professional Heckler” was suspended on Saturday after he shared a blog post that satirized Duterte’s “anti-tambay” directive. His supporters called out Twitter for the suspension, claiming that the social media personality’s account was reported by trolls and members of the DDS or “die-hard Duterte supporters.”

Palace backs DepEd’s stand vs. drug testing for elementary studes
MANILA -- Malacañang on Monday expressed support to the decision of the Department of Education (DepEd) to oppose the mandatory drug testing of elementary students proposed by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said that DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones earlier said that mandatory drug testing for elementary students violated ...

P4-billion MRT mess leads to graft raps vs Abaya
The Office of the Ombudsman has indicted former Transportation secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya for graft over the anomalous P4.2-billion maintenance contract of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3. Included in the charges were former undersecretaries Edwin Lopez; Rene Limcaoco, head of the negotiating team; Catherine Jennifer Francis Gonzales, vice head of the negotiating team ...

06/22/2018

Why Duterte’s ‘anti-tambay’ directive can be concerning
President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered a general crackdown on “tambays” or loiterers on the streets but the directive aimed at reducing street crime is actually raising concerns from Filipinos. The president declared that he will impose stricter measures to deal with “tambays” because “they are potential trouble for the public,” showing his tough stance on criminality.

Ex-Pres. Aquino’s DAP case ‘consuelo de bobo’: Panelo
MANILA – Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo on Friday described the case filed against former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III over the alleged anomalous Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) as a mere “consuelo de bobo indictment”. Panelo made this reaction after the Office of the Ombudsman announced on June 20 that its special panel has found probable cause to indict Aquino ...

What the return of Maria Lourdes Sereno’s P5-million SUV means
Maria Lourdes Sereno has returned the luxury SUV assigned to her when she was chief justice after her motion for reconsideration on the quo warranto petition was denied by her former Supreme Court colleagues. Closed chapter? The Supreme Court voted 8-6 to deny the motion to reverse the granting of the quo warranto petition against Sereno.

PDEA to consult DepEd, DSWD on mandatory drug tests in schools
MANILA -- Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Aaron Aquino on Friday expressed his plans to talk to the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (Ched) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) before conducting mandatory drug testing on primary, secondary and tertiary students and teachers.

Like Ferdinand Marcos, Bongbong wants to be president
He told the Financial Times of London on Monday he was aspiring to become the next President of the Philippines and would be pushing for a type of government that advocates equal rights and fair opportunities for everyone. His platform could include supporting civil servants and teachers who would be appointed based on their ability instead of political perspective ...

06/20/2018

Where the 23 senators stand on Supreme Court’s ousting of Sereno
It’s final. The Supreme Court has junked the motion for reconsideration filed by the camp of ousted chief justice Maria Lourdes Sereno assailing the granted quo warranto petition that removed Sereno from her post. The decision from the high tribunal came amid opposition from a number of senators to to the case filed by Solicitor General Jose Calida in March 2018.

We have no policy of hatred against priests: Duterte
MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday said his government has no policy of hatred towards religious leaders particularly Catholic priests. “We have no policy of hatred against priests. Nothing of that sort. As a matter of fact, we respect the Church,” Duterte said in his speech during a gathering of the Philippines League of Councilors (PCL) in Iloilo City.

Philippine top court rejects government’s move to recover Marcos wealth
MANILA — The Philippine Supreme Court has rejected efforts to claim almost $1 billion in damages from the estate of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos and his cronies, saying the government had failed to prove alleged graft related major infrastructure projects. The court made the decision in April but it was only made public on Tuesday.

Duterte to ‘tambays’: No arrest, just don’t loiter
MANILA -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Wednesday insisted that his campaign to apprehend bystanders was for public safety, stressing that “a little discipline” would greatly benefit the country. “Wala namang inaaresto (No one is being arrested). I just don’t want you using the streets to loiter,” Duterte said in his speech in Iloilo City.

Philippines’ Duterte says no ‘justice’ for families of drugs war casualties
MANILA – Outspoken Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Monday the families of people killed in his controversial war on drugs will not receive “justice”, rejecting calls from rights groups seeking redress for the thousands of deaths. More than 4,200 suspected drug dealers have been killed by police in Duterte’s anti-narcotics campaign since June 2016 ...

06/18/2018

American woman’s racist rant shows how Filipinos are not safe from discrimination in US
An American woman’s hateful rant against Filipinos in a grocery story was caught on video and has gone viral showing how anti-immigrant discrimination and racism in the US could also be affecting the millions of overseas Filipino workers there. While many have come to the Filipino-American community’s defense, the video shows how their long-established presence in American soil has not been a shield from prejudice and discrimination.

Duterte on fish-taking incident in Panatag: It was barter
MANILA -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Monday refused to describe the Chinese Coast Guard personnel’s practice of taking catch from Filipino fishermen in the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal as “seizure” saying the better term to describe it was “barter." “It was a barter in exchange for the --- ‘yung isda (fish) ...

Imee Marcos says her dad is her hero on Father’s Day
Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos proudly proclaimed that her dad is her hero for Father’s Day, prompting an immediate backlash against the former strongman Ferdinand Marcos. Father’s Day was celebrated in June 17 but she released her tweet the day before. She has since deleted it but the original message was, “My dad is my hero. Happy Father’s Day to all!”

Philippine embassy party at Trump Hotel 'aboveboard': Cayetano
MANILA-- Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday said the event hosted by the Philippine embassy in Washington at the Trump International Tower to celebrate Independence Day was "aboveboard”. Cayetano’s clarification came after a ranking member of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations questioned Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez on how much was spent for the party.

Gordon wants Philippines to assert rights
Senator Richard Gordon on Sunday underscored the need for the Philippines to have a “deterrent force” in the Panatag or Scarborough shoal to assert the country’s rights over the area. In an interview on radio dzBB, Gordon said the government should boost its military capability in the area so that China will not belittle Filipinos by harassing fishermen who operate there.

06/15/2018

China carries out missile drills in South China Sea amid heightened tensions
BEIJING — China’s navy carried out drills in the South China Sea to simulate fending off an aerial attack, state media said on Friday, as China and the United States trade barbs over who is responsible for heightened tensions in the disputed waterways. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed concern during a visit to Beijing on Thursday over China’s efforts to militarise the seas.

Sereno asks Supreme Court to void show cause order
MANILA -- Ousted Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno has asked the Supreme Court to nullify the show cause order it issued against her for allegedly violating the sub judice rule (under judicial consideration) and maligning some members of the high court in connection with her quo warranto case.

Strike at condiments giant a symptom of Philippines’ labor troubles
The standoff between picketing workers at food condiment giant NutriAsia and police forces has taken a violent turn. Those who bore witness to the violence have shared stories from the strike that has lasted for almost two weeks. The clash at NutriAsia shows how even after the state’s announced crackdown on “illegal contractualization,” the labor sector continues to clamor for secure and safe employment.

Nueva Ecija priest's gunman nabbed
CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija -- The alleged gunman in the killing of Fr. Richmond Nilo was arrested Thursday evening, police said several minutes after the Catholic priest was laid to rest on Friday. Chief Supt. Amador Corpus, director of Central Luzon police, identified the suspect as Adell Roll Milan Matias, resident of Barangay Malapit, San Isidro, Nueva Ecija.

Philippine blasts Chinese CG for ‘fish thievery’
A palace spokesman on Thursday described the actions of Chinese coast guards as “fish thievery,” and said the Philippines concedes nothing in terms of fishing rights in the Scarborough or Panatag shoal. “For lack of a better word, let’s call it pangongotong in Tagalog, which is fish thievery,” Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said of the habit of Chinese coast guards to board Filipino fishing boats there and take part of their catch.

06/13/2018

Philippines asks China to stop coast guard from taking fishermen’s catch in Scarborough
MANILA — The Philippines said on Monday it has asked Beijing to stop the Chinese coast guard from taking the catch of Filipino fishermen in the disputed Scarborough Shoal, describing such actions as unacceptable. Local broadcaster GMA News last week aired a report that said Chinese coast guard patrols had made a habit of taking the best catches from fishermen in the area.

No need for Senate approval on ICC withdrawal, Palace maintains
MANILA -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte does not need the approval of the Senate to withdraw the Philippines’ ratification of the Rome Statute, a United Nations (UN) treaty creating the International Criminal Court (ICC), his spokesman maintained Wednesday. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque made this remark after the Philippine Coalition for the ICC (PCICC) filed a petition before the Supreme Court ...

Philippine troops kill 15 militants in air and ground assaults
MANILA — At least 15 pro-Islamic State militants were killed when Philippine troops launched air and ground assaults against a rebel bomb factory on Sunday, a military commander said. Air strikes and artillery pounded an area in the Liguasan marsh in Maguindanao, where the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) group had been making improvised explosive devices ...

Group wants more gov't incentives for e-vehicle industry
MANILA -- The Electric Vehicles Association of the Philippines (EVAP) pushes for more incentives from the government to fast track the growth of the electric vehicle industry in the Philippines, EVAP president Rommel Juan told reporters in an interview Wednesday.

Ex-VP Binay, several others face probe on BSP land sale
The Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday said its field identification office has already completed its probe of the P600-million sale of the property owned by the Boy Scouts of the Philippines on Malugay Street, Makati City. Charges for violation of Section 3(e) were also recommended against Alphaland Makati Place Inc. president Mario Oreta ...

06/10/2018

Roilo Golez: Staunch defender of West Philippine Sea
Following the sudden passing of Congressman Roilo Golez on June 11, many remembered his strong stance in the West Philippine Sea row with China. “Nakakagulat! I just interviewed him on my show this morning. Now he is dead,” said DZRH host Cesar Chavez, who interviewed him on June 10 for a story story that aired on Monday morning.

Clark infrastructure pushes Central Luzon growth to 9.3%
TAGUIG CITY, May 26 -- Key infrastructure developments in Clark are boosting Central Luzon’s gross domestic product (GDP) which grew to 9.3 percent in 2017, almost three percent higher than the country’s GDP of 6.7 percent for the same year. Central Luzon business chambers attributed the growth to the high-impact projects under the Build Build Build Infrastructure Program ...

Despite strong words, the US has few options left to reverse China’s gains in the South China Sea
At a top regional security forum on Saturday, US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said China’s recent militarisation efforts in the disputed South China Sea were intended to intimidate and coerce regional countries. Mattis told the Shangri-La Dialogue that China’s actions stood in “stark contrast with the openness of [the US] strategy,” and warned of “much larger consequences” if China continued its current approach.

DPWH intensifies drive vs roadside encroachment
MANILA, May 19 -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is appealing for local government units (LGUs) participation in maintaining rightful space for motorists and pedestrians along national roads and sidewalks. DPWH National Capital Region Director Melvin B. Navarro made the statement following another round of clearing operations along the newly-widened Road Radial 10 (R-10) in Manila.

One Filipina in the audience in Seoul found the scene difficult to watch
A Filipina student-volunteer during President Rodrigo Duterte’s meeting with the Filipino community in Seoul described on Facebook how it was difficult to watch him onstage. Facebook user Cil Borlaza shared in a now-viral post that she was part of the audience when Duterte kissed a woman on the lips before hundreds of Filipinos in Seoul at the Grand Hilton Hotel Convention Center on June 4.

06/08/2018

Philippines ‘second least peaceful’ among Asia-Pacific nations
The Philippines slipped one notch to 137th out of 163 countries in the 2018 Global Peace Index, giving it the second-worst score in the Asia Pacific, just ahead of North Korea, which placed 150th. The Institute for Economics and Peace, which does the yearly survey, said the Philippines “suffered particularly badly as President Duterte continued his assault on alleged drug dealers ...

Concom wants people power to amend Constitution, pass laws
MANILA -- The Consultative Committee (Concom) tasked by President Rodrigo R. Duterte to review the 1987 Constitution wants to give people the power to amend or revise the Constitution under its proposed federal charter. This is among the proposed provisions approved by the subcommittee on Political Reforms and Leveling the Political Field.

Duterte to resign if women protest ‘the kiss’? Campaign makes attempt
Following President Rodrigo Duterte’s announcement that he will resign should “enough women” protest his controversial kiss with a Filipino migrant earlier in June, one group started a campaign calling for the president’s resignation. An online statement denouncing Duterte’s willing lips-on-lips kiss with a married Filipino woman in South Korea ...

Duterte admits apologizing to Kris over Mocha’s post
MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday personally acknowledged that he apologized to popular TV host and actress Kris Aquino through his top aide, Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, amid the verbal tussle between the former Presidential sister and Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson.

Con-Com to submit proposed federal Charter to Duterte in July
The consultative committee created by no less than President Rodrigo Duterte proposing changes to the 1987 Constitution said it would submit a draft federal Charter to the chief executive on July 9, or barely two weeks before Duterte delivers his 2018 State of the Nation Address on July 23.

06/05/2018

Waterway choked with trash, plastic
The blanket of trash on a creek that flows between the makeshift homes of a Manila slum is so dense it appears one could walk across it like a paved street. However, the thick and fetid mosaic of plastic bottles, takeaway containers, and plastic bags is just a porous layer atop the filthy water of Estero de Magdalena.

4.6% inflation won’t hinder gov’t projects: Dominguez
MANILA -- Department of Finance Secretary Carlos “Sonny” Domingez III on Tuesday said that the rising inflation rates will not hinder the Duterte administration from implementing projects that will be beneficial to Filipinos in the long run. “We shall continue to prioritize investments that will improve health and education of our people, enhance security and public order ...

Kris Aquino slams Mocha for video of Ninoy comparing him to Duterte
PCOO assistant secretary Mocha Uson earned the ire of Kris Aquino when the former uploaded a video in defense of President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial kiss to a female overseas Filipino worker. The video featured Kris’ father, former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., being kissed by some of his female supporters after he arrived in the Philippines from a self-imposed exile.

Duterte assures South Korean businessmen's safety in the Philippines
MANILA -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Tuesday assured South Korean businessmen that they will be “safe and sound” while in the Philippines. Duterte made this commitment during a business forum in Seoul, South Korea where an estimated USD4.8 billion worth of business deals were signed.

Vietnam has vigilantes going after crooks, but they don’t kill people
In Vietnam, residents volunteer as “street knights” to help keep Ho Chi Minh City safe amid the growing problem in minor crimes with a meager police force. As described by Reuters, these street knights normally wear flip-flops and tracksuits as they rode scooters to look for crooks at night, catch them and turn them over to the police.

06/01/2018

Pentagon chief says U.S. to continue operations in South China Sea
ABOARD A U.S. MILITARY AIRCRAFT — U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Tuesday that the United States would continue to confront what Washington sees as China’s militarization of islands in the South China Sea, despite drawing condemnation from Beijing for an operation in the region over the weekend.

Impact of air pollution in human health, environment
Air pollution is a concern which poses threat to human health and likewise greatly impacts the ecosystem and the environment. An expert on air quality and pollution, Environment and Management Bureau Consultant Engr. Reynaldo Tejada shares his knowledge on the impact of air quality and pollution in human health, the ecosystem and the environment ...

UN executive weighs in on Sereno ouster
A UN human rights official has expressed grave concerns about public threats issued by President Rodrigo Duterte against ousted chief justice Maria Lourdes Sereno just before her dismissal, saying it was a chilling message to judges and a serious threat to judicial independence.

ARMM holds forum on Islamic heritage
COTABATO CITY – In an effort to highlight the heritage of Moro people in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the region’s Bureau of Cultural Heritage (BCH-ARMM) on Thursday conducted a forum on Islamic heritage as part of this year’s National Heritage Month celebration.

What is ‘wealth shaming’ and what does it say about the Philippine economy?
A Facebook post of a graduate from De La Salle University-Manila went viral for sharing the experience of being “wealth shamed” by some people in the workforce—a phenomenon that points to the current wealth gap in the Philippines. Facebook page “DLSU-Manila Secret Files” shared a story that was submitted by a graduate of the university’s business program.

05/30/2018

What makes the Golden State Warriors so popular among Filipinos?
The Golden State Warriors are off to their fourth straight National Basketball Association championship bout with Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. While basketball fans are drawing battlelines, stories of the connection between the reigning champions from Oakland and basketball-savvy Filipinos have surfaced.

President Duterte leads ceremonial opening of Alegria Oilfield Polyard-3 well site
ALEGRIA, Cebu, -- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Saturday, May 19, led the Ceremonial Opening of Oil and Gas Production of the Alegria Oilfield Polyard-3 Well Site here, saying that this development would create job opportubities and generate income for the Filipinos.

Con-Com wants JBC to have more powers
Aside from having the power to screen nominees for the Judiciary, the consultative committee tasked by President Rodrigo Duterte to review the 1987 Constitution is looking at giving the Judicial Bar Council additional powers to discipline officials and employees in the Judiciary.

Sereno asks SC to reverse decision on quo warranto
MANILA -- Ousted Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno on Wednesday asked the Supreme Court (SC) to reverse its May 11 decision to grant the quo warranto petition filed by the Office of the Solicitor General which effectively nullify her appointment as chief magistrate.

Bye, Manila! What government offices will look like, where they will move
The Senate of the Philippines has drawn both cheers and jeers for its new building set to rise in Taguig in 2021. The Philippines’ upper chamber of congress however is not the only government body that has gone in search of a new home in recent years.

05/25/2018

Other possible solutions for Manila traffic other than cable cars
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade has once again floated the idea of installing cable cars around Metro Manila as the solution to the growing traffic problem. Despite positive results from cable car projects in other countries, not all Filipinos are convinced that Tugade’s vision is the cure the nation has been hoping for.

Bacolod drug group leader killed in police ops
BACOLOD CITY-- An alleged notorious drug group leader and his cousin were killed in a police pursuit operation in Sitio Sibucao, Barangay Banago in this city late Thursday afternoon. Police identified the fatalities as Ramy Poja, 36, the number one most wanted of Bacolod City Police Station 3, and one of Western Visayas’ high-value targets; and Roberto “Bobby” Lim, a suspected member of the notorious Poja drug group here.

Duterte loves Xi, but activists are still citing ‘rehimeng US-Duterte’
It has been a running criticism of national democrat activists that no matter who the president is, they will always protest against the “US-[Insert Name]” regime. This has been repeated more and more as social media users raise concerns over China’s incursions into the Philippine’s exclusive economic zone and the Duterte administration’s perceived lack of action over them.

DOJ removes Napoles from witness protection program
MANILA -- Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Friday terminated the provisional coverage under the Witness Protection Program (WPP) of alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles. Guevarra has issued a letter to Napoles through her counsel, giving notice of the termination of her provisional coverage under the Witness Protection Security and Benefit Program (WPSBP), effective May 25.

Airline heiress in trouble for hiring Philippine maids
Seoul, South Korea—A Korean Air heiress known for a “nut rage” tantrum that sparked national uproar was summoned for questioning Thursday for illegally hiring immigrants to work as maids, the latest scandal to engulf her billionaire family. Cho Hyun-ah faces allegations that she illegally hired some 10 Filipinas to work as housemaids in the family home by disguising them as company trainees to obtain visas.

05/23/2018

Opposition plans to impeach justices
The members of the opposition in the House of Representatives said Tuesday they will file the impeachment complaint against the eight justices who voted in favor of the quo warranto petition removing Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno if the Supreme Court fails to render its final ruling on the issue.

Lawmakers weigh in on bicam approval of nat'l ID bill
MANILA – Lawmakers at the House of Representatives on Wednesday weighed in on the approval of the proposed national identification (ID) card system by the bicameral conference committee. House Appropriations Committee chairman Karlo Nograles lauded the bill's swift approval at the bicam level, noting that the national ID system could strengthen the country's campaign against lawlessness including terrorism and drug-trafficking.

Vietnam says Chinese bombers in disputed South China Sea increase tensions
HANOI — Recent activity by China’s strategic bombers in the South China Sea’s Paracel Islands seriously violated Vietnam’s sovereignty over the disputed territory, Vietnam’s foreign ministry said on Monday. China’s air force said bombers such as the H-6K had landed and taken off from islands and reefs in the South China Sea as part of training exercises last week.

Philippine withdrawal from ICC can’t be cured thru plea: Palace
MANILA -- The decision of the Philippine government to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) cannot be cured by a petition made by opposition lawmakers, a Palace official said Wednesday. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque made this remark after opposition senators filed a petition asking the Supreme Court to declare the country’s withdrawal from the ICC as “invalid or “ineffective” without concurrence of at least two-thirds of the Senate.

Duterte’s ‘no woman ombudsman’ remark and a brief history of misogyny
President Rodrigo Duterte’s remark that he does not want the next ombudsman to be a woman has earned the ire of many is just the latest of a rather long list of anti-women comments he dropped publicly since he assumed the presidency in 2016. On May 16, the president said that the next ombudsman “could not be [a] politician, especially not a woman.”

05/21/2018

What the National Geographic is saying about Manila this time
The slums of Manila were prominently featured again on National Geographic as part of its newly launched environmental awareness project “Planet or Plastic.” Depressed areas at Binondo or Chinatown, the Pasig River watershed and Barangay Baseco were captured by biologist-turned-filmmaker Randy Olson.

Cesar Montano quits as Tourism Promotions Board chief
MANILA -- Cesar Montano on Monday formally resigned as the chief operating officer (COO) of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) amid allegations of corruption. Tourism chief Bernadette Romulo-Puyat confirmed to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that she received Montano's courtesy resignation.

How Tito Sotto came to be the next Senate president
Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III is once again gaining attention for the recently signed resolution passed by the Senate which elects him as the highest official within the Congress’ upper house. Previously, Pimentel said that Sotto was his “top choice” to replace him as the Senate President, following talks of a “leadership change.”

Duterte awaits JBC shortlist for Chief Justice nominees
MANILA -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte will have to wait for a short list of candidates for the Supreme Court Chief Justice post before he could select a replacement for the ousted top magistrate Maria Lourdes Sereno. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the President will follow the process of waiting for a shortlist of candidates from the Judicial Bar Council (JBC) before appointing a new one to fill Sereno’s vacated post.

China no threat to Philippine security, says Duterte
President Rodrigo Duterte does not see any immediate threat to the Philippines’ maritime security from the deployment of Chinese long-range bombers on an island claimed by Manila, citing the country’s “newfound friendship with China.” Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said that the Foreign Affairs has already taken note of the China’s fresh action and will deal with the matter “quietly.”

05/17/2018

How law students, professors are coping with Supreme Court’s decision to oust Sereno
Some law students and professors felt lost after the unprecedented removal of Maria Lourdes Sereno through a quo warranto petition which they thought goes against everything they learned when they were studying law. Melencio Sta. Maria Jr., Dean of Far Eastern University’s Institute of Law, wrote a hopeful message for law students, saying that they should “make right what has been grotesquely damaged.

Duterte orders total lifting of OFW deployment ban to Kuwait
MANILA -- Malacañang on Wednesday announced that President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the full lifting of the deployment ban of the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Kuwait. “Upon recommendation of Special Envoy to Kuwait Abdullah Mama-o, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte tonight instructed (Labor) Secretary to totally lift the ban on deployment of Filipino workers ...

From bold promise to ‘publicity stunt’: The evolution of Duterte’s jet ski pledge
In the third presidential debate of the 2016 elections, Rodrigo Duterte boldly promised that he will personally ride a jet ski and plant the Philippine flag in the Spratly Islands or Scarborough Shoal and assert the country’s sovereignty amid China’s encroachment.

Duterte reveals more gov’t officials under investigation
MANILA – President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Wednesday revealed list of government officials who are under investigation for graft and corruption. In an ambush interview after his bilateral meeting with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill at Malacañang Palace, Duterte named some of them including two who, Palace has said, were asked by the President to resign or be fired for corruption.

Rody talks tough on West Philippine Sea
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte acknowledged late Tuesday that China was “slowly eating up” the country’s territorial waters by reclaiming reefs and turning them into military garrisons but said the Philippines is not conceding any of its rights in the West Philippine Sea.

05/09/2018

As Ombudsman Morales’ term ends, take a brief look at her 50-year law career
As Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales’ term winds down, ending in July 2018, a new investigation has been announced focusing on presidential son Davao City Vice-Mayor Paolo Duterte. The probe could be the last major investigation done by the Office of the Ombudsman under the helm of Morales, who has been in the legal profession for 50 years.

No Filipinos affected in Kenya floods: DFA
MANILA -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday reported there were no Filipino casualties of the deadly floods that battered the southern part of Kenya in the past two months, which killed at least 100. The Philippine Embassy in Nairobi said it is coordinating with members of the Filipino community under its jurisdiction to ensure that they are all safe and accounted for.

Graft body targets son of Duterte
OMBUDSMAN Conchita Carpio-Morales said resigned Davao City vice mayor Paolo Duterte is now the subject of a preliminary investigation into his supposed ill-gotten wealth. “I was told that the investigation respecting his unexplained wealth has been closed and terminated. When you say closed and terminated, that is without prejudice to another investigation if warranted,” she said.

Duterte 'sad' to let go of some gov't officials
MANILA -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Wednesday said that he was ‘”sad” to let go of some government officials he appointed because of alleged corruption or misconduct, especially those who supported his presidential campaign. “You know, if you’d notice, karamihan kong nawala sa akin (most of the ones I’ve lost) are the very first person who…but I’m very sad that they are the very first to go ...

Academe to agriculture to tourism: Bernadette Romulo-Puyat’s public service history
Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, a long-time Department of Agriculture official, will now head the tourism department following an on-the-spot appointment by President Rodrigo Duterte Tuesday. Puyat related how she initially thought that Duterte was joking when he offered her the post during a meeting concerning the National Food Authority in Malacañang.

05/07/2018