NETIZEN'S DOSE

Indie film director Brillante Mendoza eyes film on young Duterte’s life

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 04:09:00 +0000

Director Brillante Mendoza

Award winning independent films (indie film) director Brillante Mendoza is keen on doing a film on the life of a young Rodrigo Roa Duterte as he was growing up in Davao City.

Mendoza, who attended the Antipolo City leg of the Brillante Mendoza Film Festival at SM City Masinag here over the weekend told Manila Bulletin that if he will be given a chance to do a film about President Duterte, he would like to focus on his childhood days.

“I would love to do a movie about the childhood days of the President, how he was raised to become the country’s president by his parents,” Mendoza said.

But Mendoza is open to the possibility that President Duterte might turn down the proposal to do a film on his life as a young Digong.

Mendoza’s “Taklub,” a 2015 film about the struggles of the people of Tacloban in Leyte during the super-typhoon Yolanda in 2013 was featured in the one day only special screening at the SM Cinema here.

‘Taklub’, a 2015 Cannes Film Festival entry, won citations such as Special Mention from the Ecumenical Jury and Uncertain Regard at Cannes in May, 2015; Audience Vote for Best Feature Film in Panorama at Beirut International Film Festival; and Audience Award at 16th Asiatica Film Mediale, held in Rome, Italy, on Nov. 28, 2015.

President Duterte was born on March 28, 1945, in Maasin, Southern Leyte, to Vicente Duterte, who was governor of the undivided Davao in the late 1950s, and Soledad “Soleng” Roa, a teacher and civic leader.

The Duterte family moved from Cebu to Leyte and then finally to Davao in 1951. His father Vicente comes from Danao, Cebu, and his mother Soledad is a Maranao born in Agusan del Norte.

Nueva Vizcaya Police recovered the gun that they believe 'road rage murder' suspect Vhon Tanto used

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 04:00:00 +0000

Tanto, an Army reservist, was arrested in Masbate last week
for the death of cyclist Mark Vincent Garalde

Chief Inspector Jonathan Videz, Aritao town police chief said Tanto gave his gun -- a Norinco High Capacity cal .45 pistol -- to his brother-in-law Jonathan Leano in Barangay Kirang in Aritao town the day after the murder.

Tanto had been caught on CCTV arguing and fighting with cyclist Mark Vincent Garalde on a street in Quiapo, Manila last week. Video footage also showed him getting a gun from his car and shooting Garalde repeatedly. An 18-year-old bystander, Rocel Bondoc, was also hit by a stray bullet from the shooting.

"He did not know that the gun was used in the murder. We were informed by Western Police District (Manila Police District) after Tanto’s arrest in Masbate that his brother-in-law is in possession of his gun after handing it over to him," he said.

Videz said Leano has not returned home after turning the gun over to police. The gun has already been brought to Manila for further investigation, he said.

He said the PNP Firearms and Explosives Division (FED) had cancelled Tanto's gun license after he failed to renew his permit.

Filipinos with emergencies can now dial ‘911’ for help: Philippine National Police to arrest prank callers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 03:54:00 +0000

Hotline ‘911’ now active

Making good on its promise, the Philippine National Police activated the nationwide 911 hotline on the first day of August.

PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, together with Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, announced the activation in a press briefing at Camp Crame on Monday.

“Exactly one month since my assumption as chief PNP, we now have 911 as the nationwide emergency response number,” Dela Rosa said.

At the same time, the tough-talking police chief issued a warning to prank callers that the police would track them down and arrest them.

As of 12:01 a.m., the PNP monitoring center manned by 45 agents recorded 2,475 calls. Of that number, only 75 were legitimate.

At total of 304 were pranks while 1,119 were dropped calls.

Dela Rosa said that, for the meantime, the initial responders would be PNP members only.

He said the entire PNP, its 18 regional offices, 85 provincial officials, 1,100 city police offices and five police districts in Metro Manila, have been alerted and will address emergency concerns in their areas relayed through the hotline.

Shabu recovered in Quezon City Police District barracks

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 03:44:00 +0000

Police recovered 200 grams of shabu

The Quezon City Police District recovered four sachets said to contain shabu in the barracks that used to be occupied by members of the QCPD’s anti-illegal drug unit last Friday, an official said yesterday.

The QCPD’s District Special Operating Unit said the sachets were in an abandoned locker.

Senior Superintendent Guillermo Eleazar, QCPD chief, said the sachets were submitted to the Crime Laboratory for testing.

Last week, all 35 police officers of the anti-drug unit, including its head, were removed from their posts after one of its team leaders was killed in a sting.

Senior Inspector Ramon Catillo, 47, was gunned down in a shootout with police when he tried to escape after allegedly selling shabu to undercover officers.

Police recovered 200 grams of shabu, with an estimated street value of P1 million, from Catillo.

Ely Pamatong declares war against China

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 31 Jul 2016 10:53:00 +0000

Controversial presidential candidate Atty. Ely Pamatong declares war against China became a hot topic on social media after a video of himself declaring war against China went viral on Facebook.

The declaration of war against China by Pamatong was captured on a video which was first posted in one of the country's most popular Facebook Page, the Even Demata FB Page.

According to Pamatong, he calls on the attention of every Filipino citizens to join his cause of declaring war against China due to the alleged invasion of China in the Philippines.

Atty. Pamatong cited some sources that the Chinese already declared war against the Philippines and even invaded the country through clandestine operations in Zambales and in the Davao Region in Mindanao.

The leader of the so-called USAFFE forces urged every Filipino to join him in attacking China. He also accused the government of Pres. Duterte as a puppet of China and did not believe in the legitimacy of Pres. Rody Duterte as the duly-elected President of the Philippines.

Watch the viral video of Ely Pamatong

Blink controlled camera provides recipe for awkward moments

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 31 Jul 2016 10:06:00 +0000

Take pictures by blinking with Blincam on your glasses

If you thought the idea of taking a picture with the wink of an eye died with Google Glass, think again. A new hopeful product-to-be called Blincam is bringing back the idea: a standalone, handsfree camera that attaches to any pair of glasses and captures photos with a wink.

Details about the Blincam are unfortunately sparse since it’s so early in the development process, but here’s what we know. It’s bluetooth enabled to connect with your phone, can take a microSD card if wireless isn’t your thing, and will cost about $185 USD (19,800 yen) when it ships in early 2017.

To take a picture, just wink. It uses a “patent pending” eye movement sensor to make the magic happen.

They’re calling it “the world’s smallest and quickest camera” but we wouldn’t take that title to Guinness World Records if we were you. For now, the camera is decidedly in the crowdfunding stage. It’s available on crowdfunding site Makuake where it’s been almost 1,000% funded (not a typo) with quite a bit of time left to go.

Here’s a short, cheesy video showing the camera in action:

Steve Harvey will host the Miss Universe pageant in the Philippines

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 30 Jul 2016 15:02:00 +0000

Host Steve Harvey during the 2015 Miss Universe Pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada

Yes, comedian Steve Harvey will be the host of the next Miss Universe pageant in the Philippines.

"According to Department of Tourism (DOT) undersecretary Kat de Castro, Harvey told the Miss Universe organization that he wants to personally apologize to Filipinos after making a hash of announcing the country's bet Pia Wurtzbach as the new title-holder," reports ABS-CBN News.

The report noted: "In December 2015, Harvey mistakenly named Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez as the new Miss Universe, when the title was supposed to go to Wurtzbach. He has since asked for forgiveness from both the Filipina beauty queen and Gutierrez."

Scout rangers take over a defensive position of the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 30 Jul 2016 14:52:00 +0000


	Army Scout Rangers hoist the Philippine flag on Friday after gaining control of one of the defensive positions of A bu Sayyaf in Basilan. The military offensives against the terror group continue

The Army’s elite Scout Rangers made a symbolic hoisting of the Philippine flag on Friday afternoon after it gained full control of one of the defensive positions of the notorious Abu Sayyaf Group in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan.

The flag was raised at Hill 490, one of the staging points of the Abu Sayyaf in trying to shoot down choppers, and attacking military detachments and headquarters.

An insider from the Joint Task Group Basilan, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media, narrated that the Scout Rangers trekked the opposite side of the cliff, where the terrorists least expected them, for three days to evade detection.

The Western Mindanao Command said that nine soldiers were wounded from the clashes that started Friday morning.

But the officer claimed 17 Scout Rangers were wounded from the clashes with the Abu Sayyaf. Only 11 soldiers were brought to the hospital, while the rest with minor injuries did not seek further medical treatment.

Four Abu Sayyaf members were killed from the clashes, which the soldier described as a “bunker-to-bunker fight.” The troops were able to recover a .50 caliber machine gun while other rebels fled.

Hill 490, which appears to have been designed for battle, has foxholes around — the fortified shelters with overhead covers made of round logs. Landmines were also all over the place in order for government troops to have a hard time getting in.

The Joint Task Group Basilan — a mix of Army and Marine troops — had been battling the Abu Sayyaf for nearly a month now, in attempts to flush out the IS-inspired group from the province.

In order to prevent the Abu Sayyaf from returning, soldiers from the Army will secure Hill 490, the officer said.

Government forces are currently clearing Hill 490 from the remaining landmines. The Wesmincom said the all-out offensives against the Abu Sayyaf continue in Basilan and Sulu.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has prohibited UV Express shuttles on Edsa

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 30 Jul 2016 09:41:00 +0000

UV Express shuttles 'are not allowed to traverse EDSA,
except when crossing the same,' according to a new LTFRB circular

Looks like highly popular UV Express vehicles will need to find other routes other than perennially traffic-clogged EDSA – the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has banned UV Express shuttles from traversing EDSA, except when crossing it.

The ban comes via the department’s Memorandum Circular 2016-009, which amends Memorandum Circular 2009-019 stating that GT (UV) express vehicles had to traverse a specified/particular route going from point a to point b. Now the vehicles are allowed to use the shortest and/or the most convenient point to their destination, provided that they do not traverse EDSA while doing so. Crossing EDSA is permitted though.

This is both a boon and a bane to UV Express vehicles which previously had to follow strict routes that were given in their franchise lest they be stopped by traffic enforcers for travelling out of line. They now have a free hand to use whatever route they want moving forward, though they’ll have to avoid EDSA like a psychotic ex if they don’t want hefty fines levied on them while travelling.

President Rodrigo Duterte mulls abolition of party-list system since it is not ‘responsive to the will of the people’

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 30 Jul 2016 05:26:00 +0000

President Rodrigo R. Duterte says he will insist on removing the partylist system in the new
Charter as it has been abused by many. He made the statement during his visit at
Camp Morgia in Doña Andrea, Asuncion, Davao del Norte on Friday, July 29, 2016

President Rodrigo Duterte has expressed to amend the 1987 Constitution by first eliminating the country’s party-list system.

Speaking after his visit to wounded military men who have clashed against communist rebels in Davao del Norte on Wednesday, he said that the faulty system would cease to return in his administration. He believed that majority of party lists were more beneficial to the rich who would then use it for their own good.

“Representing what, security guards? That’s a mockery of the law,” he said.

One might remember Ang Galing Pinoy, the party-list of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s son, which aimed to represent small businessmen, farmers, tricycle drivers and the aforementioned security guards. The party-list of Juan Miguel ‘Mikey’ Arroyo has since been disqualified by the Comelec over three years ago, since it failed to represent the ‘laylayan’ or the marginalized sector of the country.

The President also claimed that the new Constitution would be receptive to the will of the public, and would not discriminate his fellow Filipinos.

His administration has pushed to amend the Constitution through a constituent assembly (Con-ass) instead of the costly constitutional convention (Con-con).

However, the public feared that those elected in office might abuse their power by prioritizing their personal interests.

In response to their reservations, Duterte vowed that he would not let these lawmakers get ahead of themselves.

“I will be there. When worse comes to worst, they (the lawmakers) know what will happen,” he added.

He stated that the end result of the Con-ass should prioritize the public they are serving

President Rodrigo Duterte to New People’s Army: Explain attack or I'll end ceasefire

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 11:24:00 +0000

Explain or I will cancel the ceasefire

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday demanded an explanation from the New People’s Army (NPA) after a government militiaman was killed and four others were wounded in an ambush by the communist group.

“Sabi ko, ‘Ano ba ito, are we in into these truce or are we not?’ Sabi ko sa kanila, Give me an answer by tonight because kapag tomorrow, wala, tatanggalin ko, balik tayo sa away,” Duterte said during a speech at Camp General Nakar in Lucena City, Quezon, on Thursday afternoon.

The President said the NPA should provide him with an explanation before midnight on Thursday or else he would cancel the unilateral ceasefire he declared during his State of the Nation Address on July 25.

“If you do not honor or you kill a single soldier or a CAFGU, which is also a soldier of the Republic, eh sabi ko kalimutan na natin ito. Fight na lang. I am demanding an explanation from the Communist Party of the Philippines,” Duterte said.

“Kung nagkasala kami rito, we punish our men and women sa serbisyo. Expect the same and I demand an answer na kung sino ang nagkasala, they must also put under disciplinary action. Otherwise, wala tayong pinag-usapan. That is my deal,” he added.

On Wednesday, NPA rebels attacked Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu) in Barangay (village) Gupitan in Kapalong, Davao del Norte.

President Duterte and four former presidents of the Philippines joined the National Security Council meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 12:21:00 +0000

It is the first time that the five leaders come in unity to plan for the country’s betterment

Together we stand, divided we fall.

President Rodrigo “Digong” Roa Duterte along with four previous Philippine presidents gathered in the National Security Council (NSC) meeting on Wednesday, July 27.

Five past and present presidents of the Philippines unite for the first time to lay out strategy and organize policy for the country’s future.

The Palace previously noted that Duterte plans to assemble the NSC ”in order to agree on vital policies and strategies on important matters, including the recent ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration on the West Philippine Sea.”

An overview of the road map for peace and development will be discussed in the first meeting. Moreover, updates on Duterte government’s fight against illegal drugs will also be a topic.

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar shared a photo where President Duterte sits across former presidents Benigno Aquino III, Joseph Estrada, Fidel Ramos and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA). At the side of GMA is newly-elected Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III whereas newly-elected House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez sits next to Aquino.

Coming from the two branches of government, the executive and the legislative, respectively, is a council of 35 leaders. The members include Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo, Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez. The majority and minority leaders of Houses of Congress, heads of Senate and House committees and other members of the Cabinet are also part of the council.

The meeting started at 3pm today. It was scheduled after US State Secretary John Kerry made a courtesy visit in Malacañang.

Senator Grace Poe to fast-track bill that will give Duterte crisis powers to solve traffic problems in the country

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 11:56:00 +0000

Senator Grace Poe to fast-track bill that will give Duterte crisis powers to solve traffic problems in the country

The newly elected chair of the Senate committee on public services, Senator Grace Poe, guaranteed the fast-track process of the passage of a measure that aims to grant President Rodrigo Duterte the emergency powers to address the present traffic situation in the country.

According to Poe who was elected as chair on Tuesday, the traffic problem in the country has caused paralysis of the economy and the people. She then vowed to set the measure for public hearing in the soonest time possible.

“A Senate bill for such emergency powers has been assigned to the public services committee that I will chair and the best course of action is to set it for public hearing as soon as possible so we can engage the Department of Transportation and all other stakeholders and experts to determine its necessity and if so the best terms under which such powers will have to be carried out to achieve its purpose,” she said in a statement.

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez has proposed a bill called the “Traffic Crisis Act” which aims to give President Duterte the emergency powers for two years in doing away with mandatory procurement bidding of equipment in transportation and in taking over errant transport franchises in order to solve the growing traffic problems in Metro Manila and Cebu.

In addition, the bill also includes a proposal to create a “superbody” that would address traffic problems on land and air in Metro Manila and Cebu.

Senator Poe said that she shares the exasperation of the people when it comes to the worsening traffic in the country and that she supports and is willing to do everything to alleviate the problem the quickest way she can.

“And I am ready to do my share as chairman of the Senate public services committee to collaborate with the executive in order to fast track the process and assure that the law we will come up with is what we really need to effectively address the traffic mess that has paralyzed our economy and our people,” Poe stated.

Some legislators reacted to the passage of the bill. Senator Sonny Angara supported the measure, saying that only few ironing are needed while Senator Kiko Pangilinan wanted to look into the details of the proposals in order to ensure that the emergency powers to be given to the president will not be abused.

Ex-President Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos, Sr. to be buried in Libingan ng mga Bayani

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 11:37:00 +0000

The Senator confirmed ongoing plans for his father’s burial in Libingan ng mga Bayani

Sen. Bongbong Marcos confirmed that his father, the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos, will be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

In an interview with PEP, Marcos said plans are ongoing to ensure the transfer of his father’s remains by September which is his birth month.

According to the younger Marcos, they plan to hold a simple burial service for his father which would be preceded by a memorial service in Ilocos Norte.

“Ang gagawin naman, I think we will have some memorial services muna sa Ilocos Norte Norte bago siya dadalhin dito sa Maynila, bago siya ilalagay sa Libingan ng mga Bayani,” he said. “It would be very simple, sa panahon ngayon ni President Duterte, simple lang.”

[What we’ll do is, I think we will have some memorial services first in Ilocos Norte before we bring him here in Manila, before we bury him at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. It would be very simple, in keeping with the time of President Duterte.]

At the same time, he said they are mulling whether to hold memorial services around Ilocos Norte to allow his father’s supporters to pay their last respects to him.

“Pero ‘yung mga Ilocano, sinasabi nila na gusto nila na makapag-goodbye sa kanilang pangulo bago dalhin sa Maynila,” he said. “Baka muna sa Sarrat, dahil doon siya ipinanganak; maybe in Paoay, kasi that’s where he lived. And eventually, ‘yung last night, for sure, sa Batac, bago namin dalhin sa Maynila, very early in the morning.”

[The Ilocanos, they want to say good-bye to their president before he is brought to Manila. Maybe a memoria service first in Sarrat because it’s his birthplace, maybe in Paoay because that’s where he lived. And eventually, the last night for sure is in Batac before we bring him to Manila very early in the morning.]

Zamboanga solon confident Mindanao rail project will finally get rolling

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 11:15:00 +0000

The Mindanao Railway Project is essential to the interconnection of Mindanao, Lobregat said

Zamboanga Rep. Celso Lobregat is optimistic that his bill for the Mindanao Railway Project (MRP) will be approved at the House and will be realized during the Duterte administration.

This, after President Rodrigo Duterte highlighted the MRP in his first State of the Nation Address on Monday as one of his priorities to balance development in the country.

“I am very optimistic that this Mindanao Railway Project will be started under the Duterte administration,” Lobregat said of the development of MRP, which has long been planned.

Lobregat stressed that the MRP is not only a priority of the president, but is a requirement for the interconnection of Mindanao's provinces.

Duterte said his administration will be pursuing rail projects in Metro Manila and major key points in the country, including Mindanao.

“I assure you because it’s going to materialize,” Duterte said in his SONA adding that road development projects shall complement his administration’s thrust to modernize agriculture by expanding and improving the construction and rehabilitation of roads and irrigation and establishing modern harvest and post-harvest facilities to minimize losses.

The president vowed to accelerate infrastructure spending by improving national roads and bridges and implementing the Mindanao Logistics Infrastructure Network and other road network master plans, as well as pursuing inter-island linkage projects.

Lobregat filed House Bill 123 -- an Act Creating the Mindanao Railways Corporation -- last June 30 as one of his priority bills in the 17th Congress.

The lawmaker said that based on the Terms of Reference of the National Economic and Development Authority for the conduct of a feasibility study for the MRP, the project is supportive of the thrusts of the updated 2011-2016 Philippine Development Plan.

The Zamboanga congressman disclosed that before filing the measure at the House of Representatives, he communicated with Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, author of the Senate version of the proposal, to inform him of his plan to adopt the bill and file it with amendments.

“The Senate president was very happy and said it’s a good start,” Lobregat said.

Lobregat said the proposed MRP will enhance interconnectivity and linkages through passengers and freight railway transport development, and further boost trade, commerce and tourism in Mindanao.

He said the proposed MRP will compliment projects that will address the lingering problem posed by the poor quality of roads and incomplete road networks in some parts of Mindanao.

Mindanao, known as the country's food basket, is the second largest island group in the country with a population of 22 million and an annual population growth rate of 1.9 percent from 2000 to 2010.

No mention of plans to end “contractualization” in SONA criticized

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 12:08:00 +0000

Bayan-NMR criticized Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte
for failing to highlight the steps to end contractualization during his SONA

The progressive group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan in Northern Mindanao (Bayan-NMR) criticized President Rodrigo Duterte for failing to highlight the steps to end contractualization during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) which happened on Monday.

An article by Alwen Saliring and Erwin Mascarinas for Sun Star said members of Bayan-NMR also criticized Duterte for not giving proper emphasis on the plight of the laborers, farmers, the lumad and his plans on the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) during his SONA.

Almost 10,000 people across the region gathered in Cagayan de Oro City in order to stage the support rally of Duterte’s SONA. The gathering was unusual as it was made to support Duterte; contrary to the usual protest rallies against the SONA of former presidents in the country.

Wildon Barros, Bayan-NMR Secretary General, said that Duterte failed to mention one of his promises during the elections, which is ending the contractualization scheme that has failed to provide security of tenure among laborers.

The group was also disappointed with Duterte not mentioning his plans on scrapping EDCA and junking the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA).

Barros revealed that the group will stage protest rallies in the coming days to claim the promises of Duterte, and rated his SONA a five out of 10.

An article by Ina Andolong for CNN Philippines said the Duterte administration promised to be firm on imposing a no-contractualization policy; however, it may be lenient to companies with thousands of employees.

Incoming Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello said his department will work with business executives to stress to them that the new administration will not allow contractualization.

Contractualization is an arrangement where workers are hired for not more than five months; stripping them of benefits granted to regular employees by law. Such workers are provided by labor-only suppliers or agencies.

Netizens divided on Supreme Court issues temporary restraining order (TRO) on curfew implementation

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 11:49:00 +0000

Supreme Court halts curfew implementation in Manila, QC, Navotas

THE Supreme Court decision temporarily stopping the implementation of curfew ordinances in three cities in Metro Manila sent social media abuzz, with netizens arguing on the impact of the order to the welfare of minors.

Some netizens expressed alarm that the temporary restraining order (TRO) will expose minors to danger and abuse by criminal gangs, while others argued it was just appropriate as the ordinances needed some tweaking.

“OK let’s just sit back and watch the result of the SC halting curfew in Manila, QC, and Navotas. I just hope there won’t be any incidence of crime while TRO is enforced,” wrote one Joseph Quintos-Ruiz on Facebook.

“This will become precedence to other cities to junk curfew in their respective area. Babalik na naman sa lansangan mga minor na kabataan kahit dis oras ng gabi, maglipana ulit mga batang palaboy nyan, problema na naman ng gobyerno,” said Xerxes Getaruelas Dangel.

“SC is trying to review thoroughly the constitutionality of this ordinance. Baka may pinapalantsa lang,” Luvimi Salamanca posted.

The high tribunal on Tuesday issued a TRO on the curfew ordinances in Manila, Quezon City, and Navotas, ordering the local governments to comment on the petition filed by the Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan (SPARK).

In its petition, SPARK said the Manila ordinance was contrary to Republic Act No. 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act. Petitioners said curfew ordinances deprive minors of their right to liberty and right to travel, adding that parents were also deprived of their natural and primary right in rearing their children.

Netizens said curfew ordinances were meant to protect minors and not deprive them of freedoms, while others said these tend to be “unfair” and abusive as they called for review of the implementing guidelines.

“I am pro-curfew. Pero ’di ko talaga gusto ‘yung way ng pag-impelement nito. Medyo marahas para sa mga minor. Authorities should be there to protect the minor not traumatize them. Also, minsan ang bata lumalabas ng bahay kasi binubugbog, nire-rape… So kung may batang makukuha sa kalsada, dapat diretso sa DSWD para maibestigahan. Hindi ganyan na temporary ikukulong sa vehicle,” said Karen Yunlang.

“The government has to protect thre young and invest on it to become good citizens. Besides, what is the business of these kids in the wee hours of the night?” wrote Verano Natad.

“Bakit selected? It must be stopped all around the Philippines until such time there will be clear implementing rules and regulations. Or a need for total ban of these unfair laws/ordinances that impede minors to develop their self-esteem in the community,” said Noel Fabros.

Under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, curfew violations are considered status offenses, or ones that discriminate only against a child while an adult does not suffer any penalty for committing similar acts.

The Manila, Quezon City and Navotas local governments all welcomed the TRO on Tuesday.

Press these points on your palm to naturally eliminate pain

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 11:14:00 +0000

Hand reflexology has the same benefits as reflexology has with the feet and works in the same way

Western or alternative medicine is becoming more and more used nowadays. Alternative medicine can be actually much ahead than western when it comes to alleviating pain.

But, combining of these two may be the best solution for treating any type of health problems.

This article pays particular attention to explaining why reflexology comes as an alternative form of pain resolution. Its main principles contribute to finding the pressure within the palm of your hand that is connected to a body part which is already triggering the pain.

Press the thumb point into the corresponding part of the hand for 5 seconds and then release it for 3 seconds in order to get the best results. Press it again and repeat several times a day for several minutes.

In the video, we’re presenting you bellow, Dr. Oz has a guest, who is Reflexologist, explaining that both hands and feet can be seen as microcosm of the entire body.

All of the members from the audience that came forward were suffering from upper back pain, constipation, sinus congestion, low libido, bloating exhaustion, and insomnia. She managed to show on each one of them how to work on their problem or pain. There were different forms of pressing or massaging a different part by using one hand. It was unbelievable when they soon felt relieved from the pain they felt.

Take a look at the video. It is always worth trying something that will alleviate your pain and promote good health in a very easy way.

China shuts down several online news operations amid a crackdown on political and social news reporting

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 03:48:00 +0000

Sina owns one of China's largest online portals

News services run by some of China's biggest online portals, including Sina, Sohu, NetEase and iFeng, were shut for publishing independent reports instead of official statements, the media said.

The sites had seriously violated reporting rules, officials said.

China has tightened controls on online communications in recent years.

Most Chinese news sites are prohibited from gathering or reporting on political or social issues themselves, and are instead meant to rely on reports published by official media, such as state news agency Xinhua.

However, many news organisations had hired investigative journalists to produce their own reports, to cover major social issues and attract more readers and revenue.

Now, several major online news columns, such as Sina's News Geek, Sohu's Click Today, and NetEase's Signpost, have all been closed, along with related social media accounts, newspapers Beijing Daily and the Beijing News reported.

They had "published large amounts of independently-gathered news reports, in serious violation of the rules", and could also face fines, the newspapers added.

News outlets in China operate under tight Communist Party control, with censorship and self-censorship common.

Thousands of cyber-police also watch the web and social media, and material deemed politically and socially sensitive is filtered.

In February, Chinese President Xi Jinping toured state media outlets, and said journalists must give absolute loyalty to the Communist Party.

PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa urged over 30,000 newly promoted police officers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 03:33:00 +0000

PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa urged over 30,000 newly promoted police officers to prove themselves by improving their service to the people and waging an intensified campaign against illegal drugs.

“With your promotion, I now expect a stronger and more efficient police service,” he said during the mass promotion ceremony at Camp Crame during yesterday’s weekly flag-raising.

“But this is not time for you to sit back and rest on your laurels. This must inspire and encourage you more and to do even better service to our nation and to prove to the rest of the PNP and to our countrymen that you indeed deserve the added rank on your shoulders,” he added.

Dela Rosa said 30,893 police officers were promoted nationwide, with 2,726 of them commissioned officers or ranked from Inspector to Superintendent.

The remaining 28,167 are non-commissioned officers and have the ranks of Police Officer 2 to Senior Police Officer 4.

Dela Rosa noted that 663 commissioned officers and 1,077 non-commissioned officers who were promoted are assigned to Camp Crame-based national support units, Command Group and Directorial Staff.

Dela Rosa congratulated the newly promoted police officers, noting their collective outstanding performance and their adherence to police ideals.

He reminded them of President Duterte’s directive for the police to stamp out crime, illegal drugs, and corruption within three to six months.

The PNP chief warned any police officer who uses or pushes drugs or protects drug pushers or drug lords has no place in the police force.

As he acknowledged the danger of his job and the enormity of his responsibility to the nation, Dela Rosa urged all policemen nation to support him to be able to accomplish their mission.

“I accepted this job without reservation, as I knew that I would be supported by the gallant and highly capable men and women of the PNP,” he said.

“Change is happening around us, but for change to be truly effective, it must start from every individual in the PNP,” he added.

Dela Rosa assured the police officers that as long as they do their jobs well, they “will be rewarded and supported well by the PNP leadership.”

Full Video of President Rodrigo "Rody" Roa Duterte's SONA 2016 speech

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 15:17:00 +0000

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivered his first State of the Nation Address
live at the at Batasang Pambansa on Monday, July 25, 2016

President Duterte is expected to report the present economic, political, and social condition of the country. He is also expected to state the accomplishments and plans of the government to “change” the Philippines.

Secretary Martin Andanar said that the President wrote his own speech and it would last for about 38 minutes or more if Duterte insert adlibs.

Andanar also said that the speech is so powerful that will awaken the patriot in every Filipino. He admitted crying after reading the speech for the first time.

Keep locked on this page. President Duterte’s State of the Nation Address ‘SONA 2016’ full replay video will be added here once available online.

Watch the replay video below (courtesy of Inquirer)

Highlights and Quotes: 2016 State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo "Rody" Roa Duterte

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 12:57:00 +0000

President Rodrigo Rody Roa Duterte

ALMOST a month after taking office, President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday delivered his first State of the Nation Address (Sona) at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.

Duterte’s speech, which started at around 4 p.m., ran for 1 hour and 33 minutes.

The speech touched on the government’s relentless war on drugs. It also tackled human rights, federalism, climate change and environmental matters, traffic and transportation issues, and peace talks with communist rebels, among others.

The Sona coincided with the opening of the 17th Congress.

It was directed by award-winning film director Brillante Mendoza.

Highlights

President Rodrigo Duterte enumerated his program of government in his first State of the Nation Address on July 25, 2016.

The DENR is directed to review all permits granted to mining logging and other environmentally sensitive activities.
The military is directed to intensify its support role against anti-illegal logging and anti-illegal mining activities.
We shall also pursue rail projects in Metro Manila and major key points in the country.
As for driver’s licenses, its effectiveness will be extended from the current 3-year period to 5 years.
Processing time in issuing permits and licenses shall be reduced.
Our anti-colorum campaign and out-of-line apprehension including the removal of terminals will be intensified.
Announcing a unilateral ceasefire with the CPP/NPA/NDF.
We shall be implementing structural mitigation measures to address the perennial flooding in Metro Manila and neighboring areas.
We will accelerate infrastructure spending by improving national roads and bridges and implementing the Mindanao Logistics Infrastructure Network.
We shall also conduct a nationwide soil analysis to determine areas most suitable for rice farming to optimize production.
The field of tourism, we shall construct more access roads from tourism gateways to service centers and tourist sites.
We shall also enhance local business environment by addressing bottlenecks in business registration and processing.
Implementing Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law must also be put into full force and effect.
My administration shall implement a human rights-based approach to development and governance.
We will increase the number of residential treatment and rehabilitation centers.
Passport validity will be extended to 10 years.
We will increase the number of treatment and rehabilitation facilities in all regions of the country.
Enact the Whistleblower Protection Law while the present Witness Protection Program shall be strengthened.
A law should be passed to create the People’s Broadcasting Corporation, replacing PTV-4, the government-run, TV station, which now aims to replicate international government broadcasting networks.
We will put up the First Muslim and Lumad television channels.
The DENR is directed to review all permits granted to mining, logging and other environmentally sensitive activities.
The Clark airport can be utilized to shift some operations of our domestic and international airlines.
Sangley Point will be offered to general aviation.
Our anti-colorum campaign and out-of-line apprehension including the removal of terminals will be intensified.
We will create an agency for overseas Filipino workers.
There will be no demolition of squatter areas without relocation plans.
Develop a National Broadband Plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optic cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed.
WiFi access shall be provided at no charge in selected public places.
We shall intensify our war against human traffickers and illegal recruiters that prey on our migrant workers.
A mandatory financial education for all migrant families and their communities shall be pursued
I have directed the DSWD to provide rice subsidies to the poorest Filipino families every month
We will also intensify and expand the Alternative Learning system programs.
I order all agencies, oversight bodies and local government units down to the barangay level to fully implement the Magna Carta for Women.
The government will also provide universal health insurance for all Filipinos.
The government has issued Certificates of Ancestral Domain Titles to Lumad communities.

Quotes

Below is a compilation of quotes from the State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Duterte on July 25, 2016.

What I see are widows and orphans and I see their pain and grief.
Sorrow cuts across every strata of society.
Let us end the centuries of distrust and war.
Courage knows no limits, cowardice does.
Fingerpointing is not the way of honorable men
Courage knows no limits, cowardice does.
He who is the cause of the cause is the cause of them all.
This will be a clean government.
In this quest I will put at stake my honor, my life, my presidency.
All of us want peace, not the peace of the dead, of course, but the peace of the living.
For those who have valid reasons to complain against corruption, the gates of Malacañang are open.

The president’s address started at 4:07 p.m. and ended at 5:40 p.m. and interrupted 108 times by applause from the audience.

Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III takes Senate presidency for the 17th Congress with 20 out of 23

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 07:30:00 +0000

Sen. Koko Pimentel starts his term as Senate president on Monday, July 25, 2016.
The senator followed the footsteps of his father, Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr.,
who was the country’s 19th Senate president

After obtaining 20 votes, Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III was elected as the new Senate president at the opening session of the 17th Congress on Monday.

Pimentel secured votes from the Senate majority coalition composed of incumbent Sens. Nancy Binay, JV Ejercito, Loren Legarda, Bam Aquino, Sonny Angara, Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Franklin Drilon, Cynthia Villar, Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan II and Grace Poe as well as returning Sens. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Richard “Dick” Gordon and Panfilo “Ping” Lacson. Neophyte Sens. Joel Villanueva, Sherwin Gatchalian, Risa Hontiveros, Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao and Leila De Lima also picked Pimentel.

Pimentel was nominated by Sotto and Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri.

The newly elected Pimentel, who sought the Senate presidency after leading the campaign of his Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) party-mate President Rodrigo Duterte, won over Ralph Recto.

Recto, who was nominated by Escudero and Trillanes, is now the Minority Floor Leader.

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, who earlier expressed intention of leading the Senate but later withdrew, was absent during the session.

Duterte earlier said he would not side with either Pimentel or Cayetano in the race for Senate president.

Pacquiao administered Pimentel's oath taking.

Priorities

Pimentel thanked his fellow senators for voting for him, a Mindanaoan and the sole representative of PDP-Laban.

He said he finds it "greatly gratifying" that a fellow Mindanaoan was elected president for the first time in history, while "the members of the House of Representatives are installing (as Speaker of the House) by overwhelming numbers" another Mindanaoan, Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez.

"It had never been this way before... In fact, for a long time, the people of Mindanao have felt excluded from the center of political power that defined policies and programs for the progress and development of the nation," Pimentel said.

He added that fairness would be his guiding principle as Senate president.

Pimentel enumerated the "essential elements of the program of government for change," which he said a majority of the senators agreed upon. He said these are:

Dedicate ourselves to the all-out search for peace;
Move for the adoption of a federal system of government;
Support all-out war against crime, drugs and corruption;
Reform taxation system and make it more just and progressive;
Strengthen rule of law and make our justice system work;
Reform the budget and declare a war on waste;
Call for sustainable and inclusive economic growth;
Protect the environment;
Deliver quality education and quality health care;
Fight abuse and the abusive;
Focus on the needs and the situation of the helpless and impoverished members of Philippine society, especially the sick, the elderly and the children; and
Support the legislative initiatives that President Rodrigo Duterte envisions as necessary to promote the public welfare.

Pimentel also thanked his family, specifically his father former Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. for inspiring him to become a senator and inculcating in him "the attitude of focusing on the people."

The senator followed the footsteps of his father, who was the country’s 19th Senate president. The older Pimentel headed the Senate from November 13, 2000 - July 23, 2001.

AFP Joint Task Force-National Capital Region troops, soldiers and assets on standby for Sona

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 07:18:00 +0000

AFP Joint Task Force-National Capital Region

The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (AFP’s JTF-NCR) has placed its soldiers and assets on standby for the first State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Duterte.

JTF-NCR acting commander Col. Vic Tomas on Monday said they have deployed six crowd control companies (or 600 soldiers in total) and several air and land assets.

Military assets that were deployed include eight K-9 teams, eight explosive ordnance disposal teams, five ambulance-medic teams, a platoon of quick reaction force, three special reconnaissance teams, and one CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense) platoon.

They also placed one mass casualty decontamination unit, a rescue helicopter, air traffic controller team, a communication van and a rapid deployment force with armor units.

The AFP’s Joint Task Force-National Capital Region went on red alert Sunday midnight for the Sona to be held at Batasang Pambansa.
Tomas said they will be in support of the police to secure the Sona.

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed the Executive Order on the Freedom of Information

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 24 Jul 2016 09:50:00 +0000

President Rodrigo Duterte signs the executive order on freedom of information

President Rodrigo Duterte has finally signed the executive order (EO) on Freedom of Information (FOI) after three weeks of delay.

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar revealed Sunday that Duterte signed the EO at 7 p.m. on Saturday. It was titled “Operationalizing in the executive branch the people’s constitutional right to information and the state policies of full public disclosure and transparency in the public service and providing guidelines thereof of the freedom of information.”

Andanar said it was a milestone for Duterte as he has only been seated as president for only 23 days while the FOI proposal has been filed 29 years ago by late Rep. Raul Roco.

"It just so happened that the EO was finalized on Saturday night when the chief presidential legal counsel Secretary Panelo, Executive Secretary Medialdea and Undersecretary Boy Quitain had finally agreed to this final draft," Andanar said in a televised press conference.

The FOI seeks to promote transparency and accountability in government to enjoin greater citizen participation and bring back the public’s trust.

Andanar said information that falls under any exceptions enshrined in the Constitution is excluded from the EO.

Earlier, Duterte announced that he would sign the FOI “at the very least” during the second week of July. However, presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said the issuance got a little delayed as some points were still being furnished.

On the other hand, Andanar said Duterte was preoccupied with the ruling on the South China Sea row issued by an international arbitral tribunal last July 11 but vowed that it would be signed ahead of the opening of the 17th Congress.

During the campaign period, Duterte said the FOI in the executive branch would be his first EO. However, after taking his oath of office as the country’s 16th president, his first issued EO was about the reorganization of the Office of the President.

The FOI has constantly been demanded by several groups including the media. It was part of former President Benigno Aquino III’s Aquino campaign in 2010 and was also part of his Good Governance and Anti-Corruption Plan of 2012-2016 but it was not delivered by his administration during his term.

Andanar said the copy of the EO with stamp and seal would be released on Monday.