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I will not resign because it will make Robredo president: Duterte

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said he will not step down because it will make Vice President Leni Robredo the next president of the country.

“Look, I will not resign because it will make her president,” Duterte said an media interview after gracing the National MSME Summit 2018 at the ASEAN Convention Center in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga.

Duterte said he preferred to hold general elections to determine the transition leader, who will head the proposed shift to a federal system of government.

“My resignation is addressed to the people so that they can choose whoever they want,” Duterte said.

“I would like the Filipino to choose a new leader, specially if it is a new structure and I have been an official of the structure of type of government which, since time immemorial, (is) unitary,” he added.

He said people might want to elect an experienced individual who would have the competence or enterprise to form the federal type of government.

Duterte said his suggestion to the Consultative Committee (ConCom) and to Congress as well is to revise the transitory provisions of the ConCom-proposed federal Constitution to prove his critics wrong that he wanted to stay in power beyond 2022.

“They can amend and make it a provision there that I will be co-terminus with the effectivity of the federal Constitution. Once it is implemented, they can, I said, provide a provision there that the Office of the President shall be declared vacant but you have to call for an election,” Duterte said.

“I’m willing to step down, call for an election, get a new leader and go on with the transition. That’s really fine with me,” he added.

The President believes his critics are the ones who are hungry for power and wanted to be a dictator.

“They are the one who will become dictator. That’s what they want. They are doing nothing but to invent malice in their minds. Or better still I will invite them to resign with me. Or not really resign but to agree to being, not really dismissed but to cease from being president and vice president,” Duterte said.

When asked to comment on Robredo’s plan to unite and lead the opposition, Duterte said: “She? I don’t think she can ever be ready to govern a country. Reason? Incompetence. She’s not capable of running a country like (the) Philippines”. (PNA)

Shortened term still up to people, Duterte says

It's still up to Filipinos whether they would allow President Rodrigo Duterte to cut short his term to pave the way for a transition leadership under a new federal constitution, the Chief Executive said on Tuesday.

"It’s a suggestion. They are free to accept it or not, kung ayaw nila, ayaw ng tao eh hindi because I am elected to serve until 2022," Duterte told reporters in Clark, Pampanga on Tuesday.

Duterte wants the guidelines for the proposed shift from a unitary to federal form of government, to provide for an elected leader during the transition, contrary to the Consultative Committee original proposal that he lead a 10-member Federal Transition Commission.

The Con-com later proposed elections not only for a transition president but also for a transition vice president if the proposed federal constitution is ratified in a plebiscite before 2022.

This proposed provision will cut short the term of not only Duterte but also of Vice President Leni Robredo.

"I would rather not even [lead] during the transition, I would like to cease being President and somebody else take over. If they can call a presidential election, madali man lang yan, it’s a one day affair. One ballot. One name," Duterte said.

"At the start of the transition government, if it is already assembled and it’s not shaky, it’s working and the structure can be a platform for governance, eh di walang problema. By that time I should go," he added.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte wanted “someone younger” to be elected by the people to serve as a transition leader until the proposed constitution takes effect in 2022.

He said that anyone who was qualified to run for the position of president could also seek the post of transition leader. —NB, GMA News

Bicam expected to finish 90 percent of final BBL draft on Tuesday night

The bicameral conference committee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law is expected to finish 90 percent of its work by the end of Tuesday night, panel chair Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri has said.

Zubiri told reporters that the committee had so far finished threshing out the issues in three of the six areas of concern in the proposed BBL.

These include the issues on taxation and other fiscal matters, public order and national security, and the composition of the Bangsamoro parliament.

"Less than 10 percent na lang [for tomorrow], pero yung most contentious, yung hindi namin ma-agreed upon today," he said.

Zubiri said the Senate and House panels had yet to reconcile the disagreeing provisions on territory and the plebiscite.

He said the issues boiled down to the inclusion of 39 barangays in North Cotabato and six municipalities in Lanao Del Norte to the Bangsamoro region, and the manner of the plebiscite.

"The fundamental difference of the two versions is, in the House version, it has to be majority vote of the province. In the Senate version, that is not necessary. It's just the majority vote of those municipalities," Zubiri said.

The proponents of the BBL version of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), he said, are arguing that they will not have the chance to push for their proposals as regards territory if it is to be decided by a majority vote of the province.

Zubiri, however, cannot say that there will be a "win-win" solution for all parties when it comes to issues on the Bangsamoro territory.

"Merong uuwing luhaan," he said. "But we're making an appeal to the supporters of the Bangsamoro organic act there we're trying our best to pass a measure that is constitutionally-sound."

Peace and order

Zubiri said that the bicameral panel had decided to put the Bangsamoro police and armed forces under the direct command of the national Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines.

"There will be no other armed group or armed force in the region. We are going to treat this just like a province," he said.

"We have a provision here that the regional police force, the bangsamoro regional police force shall be headed by regional director who shall upon consultation with the chief minister be appointed in accordance with RA 6975," he added.

RA 6975 is the law that established the PNP.

Zubiri said senators were insisting on retaining the provision in the Senate version of the BBL proposal prohibiting the Bangsamoro parliament to procure firearms, considering that allowing it may have negative repercussions in the future.

"What if 30 years down the line, there’s a new brand of leadership that goes in the Bangsamoro and they radicalized and they want to do some foolishness and they will buy firearms tanks and airplanes with this fund?" Zubiri said.

"This law will not allow it. This provision will not allow that," he added.

Other provisions

Apart from these, Zubiri said lawmakers had retained the four major taxes that may be levied the Bangsamoro government, which are taxes on capital gains, documentary stamps, donor's tax and estate tax.

The rights of indigenous peoples are likewise retained in the BBL proposal, he said.

Moreover, the share of taxes of the Bangsamoro government with the national government will be 75 percent for the former and 25 percent for the latter, Zubiri said, adopting the version of the House.

Meanwhile, Zubiri said the panel would review the reported removal of the anti-dynasty provision in the BBL proposal.

"We will still go back to that. The problem kasi they feel that the political dynasty provision is only limited to some seats of the parliament," Zubiri said.

"So parang ang gusto ng BTC, why they are being discriminated in the anti-political dynasty when the whole country has no other political dynasty provisions. Bakit sila ang sini-single out?" he added.

Zubiri is expecting that the panel will come up with a clean and final version of the BBL proposal by Wednesday night.

Once the panel reconciles the varying provisions of the versions of the two chambers, the Senate and the House will separately ratify the measure on the opening of the Third Regular Session on July 23.

The final version of the measure will then be submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte for signing later that day, in time for his third State of the Nation Address. —NB, GMA News

HIGHLIGHTS: Inside the Con-com’s proposed federal charter

The Consultative Committee (Con-com) tasked by President Rodrigo Duterte to review the 1987 Constitution has crafted a 114-page proposal for a fundamental law of the land that would usher in a shift from a unitary to a federal form of government.

Within hours of Monday's formal turnover ceremony, Duterte approved the proposal for endorsement to Congress almost as a whole. The only change he reportedly wanted in the submission was a provision for a new elected leader during the country's envisioned, but still uncertain, transition to federalism.

He is "tired," his spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said, and would want to step down before any transition takes place, in an attempt to "remove all suspicions" that changing government systems would enable him to prolong his original six-year term, due to end in 2022.

But those rules, expected to be revised, are contained in only one of the 22 proposed provisions of the 22-member Con-com. Here are some highlights from the rest of them, some similar to their counterparts in the 1987 Charter.

The full document of the Con-com's proposal, whose main pitch is the distribution of state powers historically concentrated in the national government, could be viewed here.

Preamble

Envisions a sovereign Filipino people building a "permanent and indissoluble nation," a reference to an anti-secession provision

Article 1, National Territory

• The Philippines has sovereignty over its territory and even islands and features outside or archipelagic baselines "pursuant to the laws of the Federal Republic, the law of nations, and the judgments of competent international courts or tribunals" — a likely nod to the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling in 2012 that invalidated China's massive claims to the South China Sea
• Country has sovereign rights over maritime expanse beyond territorial sea to the extent reserved by international law, "as well as over its extended continental shelf, including the Philippine Rise."

Article 2, Declaration of Principles and State Policies

• The Philippines as a democratic and republic state; renounces war as an instrument of national policy; civilian authority "at all times" supreme over the military's;  observance of rule of law; inviolable separation of church and state
• The Philippines to pursue independent foreign policy; freedom from weapons of mass destruction in territory; steps against graft and corruption, etc

Article 3, Bill of Rights

• Additional demandable rights: prohibition against unreasonable searches and seizure through technological, electronic, or any other means
• Social and economic rights: adequate food, universal and comprehensive healthcare, complete, quality education, adequate and decent housing, livelihood and employment opportunities
• Environmental and ecological rights: protection from and seek compensation for damage to environment and ecology caused by illegal and unsustainable natural resource exploitation

Article 4, Citizenship

• Those with Filipino citizen parentage or naturalized in accordance with law are considered Filipino citizens
• Dual allegiance of citizens "is inimical to the national interest and shall be dealt with by law"

Article 5, Suffrage and Political Rights

• On political parties: All parties need to be registered with Federal Commission on Elections with required submissions;
• Religious sects and political parties which seek to achieve goals through "violence or unlawful means" or are supported by any foreigner or foreign government won't be registered
• Financial contributions from foreigners, foreign governments given to political parties and affiliated organizations "constitute interference in national affairs" and is an added ground for registration cancellation
• Political parties to provide "as far as practicable" for "equal representation of women candidates" in every election
• Campaign financial contributions from religious groups, foreigners, foreign governments and illegal sources are prohibited
• Democracy fund: repository of campaign funds
• Political party members banned from switching parties within their term of office; candidates or political party officials prohibited from switching parties two years after election and two years before next
• Ban on political dynasties — No persons related to incumbent elective official within second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity can run for same position in the immediately following polls

Article 6, People's Initiative, Plebiscite, and Referendum

• Power of the sovereign people to directly propose amendments or revisions of the Constitution and propose, enact amend or repeal laws, acts, ordinances or resolutions passed by any legislative body

Article 7, Legislative Department

• At least one senator
• Up to 400 members of the House of Representatives — 60 percent to be elected from legislative electoral districts; 40 percent proportional representation (half of 40 percent to come from labor, peasant, urban poor, indigenous peoples, and fisherfolk groups in the three elections following Constitution's ratification)
• Six-year terms (for senator), three-year terms (for representatives), more than two consecutive terms

Article 8, Executive Department

• President, vice president to be elected
• Vice president shall be appointed, without need for confirmation, as Cabinet member
• Six-year term, one-reelection
• Grounds for declaration of martial law: "invasion, rebellion, or lawless violence, when the public safety requires it"

Article 9, Judicial Department

• Judicial power to be vested in Federal Supreme Court, Federal Constitutional Court, Federal Administrative Court, Federal Electoral Court
• The current Judicial and Bar Council to be renamed to Judicial Appointments and Disciplinary Council and vested investigative powers over disciplinary cases against judiciary officials, members and employees

Article 10, Constitutional Commissions

• Federal Civil Service Commission, Federal Commission on Elections, Federal Commission on Audit, Federal Commission on Human Rights, Federal Ombudsman Commission, Federal Competition Commission

Article 11, Federated Regions, the Bangsamoro, and the Federated Region of the Cordilleras

• There will be 16 federated regions (these are the constituent political units of an imagined federal republic) + the Bangsamoro and the Federated Region of the Cordilleras
• Prohibition against advocacy, demand, and support for secession from the federal republic
• Each federated region to have regional legislature, executive, and judiciary branches of government

Article 12, Distribution of Powers of the Government

• Federal government to have exclusive power over defense, foreign affairs, international trade, customs and tariffs, elections, law and order, federal crimes and justice system, etc
• Federated region to have exclusive power over its own socio-economic development planning, creation of sources of revenue, financial administration and management, tourism, etc.

Article 13, Fiscal Powers and Financial Administration

• Delineation of taxing powers of federal government and federated regions
• No double taxation to be allowed
• Federated regions to be given a share of not less than 50 percent of all collected income, excise and value added taxes and customs duties of the federal government, to be divided among them "equally" for automatic release
• Federal Intergovernmental Commission to administer Equalization Fund and assist federated regions in need in order to attain economic viability and sustainability

Article 14, Accountability of Public Officers

• Impeachment of president, vice president, members of the three high courts and the Federal Electoral Court, and members of the Constitutional Commissions to be both a political and judicial process, meaning an impeachment committee would be formed in Congress, but the articles of impeachment, if any, would be filed before the Federal Constitutional or Administrative Court.

Article  15, National Economy and Patrimony

• Equitable distribution of opportunities, income, and wealth
• Private corporations whose shares of stocks are owned or controlled at least 60 percent by Filipinos may lease up to 1,000 hectares of alienable lands of the public domain for only up to 25 years, renewable for another 25.
• Exploration, development and utilization of natural resources to be a shared power of federal and regional governments
• Marine wealth of the Philippines which lies in its archipelagic waters, territorial sea and exclusive economic zone "is reserved exclusively to Filipino citizens."

Article 16, Social Justice

• No person to be denied employment by reason of age, gender, political or religious belief, ethnicity, status, physical appearance or disability, and other conditions that amount to discrimination
• Qualified Filipino citizens to be given employment preferences in all industries
• Agrarian reform — state to encourage and undertake the "just distribution of all agricultural lands" subject to reasonable limits prescribed by Congress
• Continuing program for urban land reform and housing
• Integrated and comprehensive approach to health development and availability of universal health care
• Protection of working women through provision of safe, healthful working conditions, considering maternal functions
• Respect for the role of independent people's organizations

Article 17, Education, Science and Technology, Arts, Culture and Sports

• Protection and promotion of all citizens' right to quality education at all levels, take appropriate steps to make education "accessible to all"
• All educational institutions required to teach the Federal Constitution, Philippine history and culture
• National language: Filipino; Official languages: Filipino, and until otherwise provided by law, English; regional languages to serve as auxiliary media of instruction

Article 18, The Family

• No reference to same-sex marriages or same-sex civil unions, only provides for the republic's defense of spouses' right to found a family in accordance with religious convictions, demands of responsible parenthood, rights of children, the family, etc.

Article 19, National Security and Public Order

• Tour of duty of Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Chief of the Philippine Federal  Police, and the Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard: No less than two years and no more than three years from time of appointment, "unless sooner removed by the president for loss of trust and confidence"
• In the event of a cyberattack that "clearly endangers the security of the Federal Republic," president to take "all necessary actions to repel and quell the attack"

Article 20, General Provisions

• "In case any region fails to comply with its obligation, as provided for in the Constitution, which seriously undermines the sovereignty, territorial integrity, economy, or the unity of the Federal Republic, the President may intervene and take all measures necessary and proper to address the failure;" then the president would report to Congress, which may in turn authorize him or her to "take further actions until the crisis is resolved."

Article 21, Amendments or Revision

• Amendments or revisions of Constitution may be proposed by people's initiative, the Federal Congress upon a vote of a third of all its members "voting separately," or a constitutional convention;
• "The democratic and republican character of the government, its federal structure, its indissolubility and permanence shall not be subject to amendments or revisions."
• No amendment or revision to the Constitution to be allowed within five years of its ratification. After that, no change will be allowed within five years from the plebiscite to amend or revise it.

Article 22, Transitory Provisions (subject to review and revision in accordance with Duterte's instructions)

• President to head a Federal Transition Commission, a 10-member body of experts in economy, law, fiscal management, governance or development
• All living past presidents may be consulted by this proposed commission
• The transition commission will be tasked to formulate, adopt, and execute a transition plan for the "orderly shift to the new system of government."
• It is proposed to have the power and duty to "exercise all powers necessary and proper to ensure a smooth, speedy, and successful transition."
• "The term of the President and Vice President, which shall end on June 30, 2022, shall not be extended."

Nationwide Round-Up

VP Robredo ready to head united opposition groups in 2019 polls

REUTERS

VICE PRESIDENT Maria Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo on Tuesday said she is ready to take on the role as the leader of opposition groups planning to unite ahead of the 2019 midterm elections. At a press briefing in Quezon City, Ms. Robredo, the opposition Liberal Party’s chairman, said she has been standing as an opposition leader, citing the instances where she voiced her statements against the policies of the Duterte administration. This time, she said, she wants to be the voice of the opposition groups united in dissent. “There are many groups that have the same beliefs. There are many groups voicing the same opinions against an issue. But because of the lack of discussion at one another, the voices are not united. And that is the role I want to take: to ensure that those voices are united so it would be listened to, to ensure that the message is understood clearly, and to urge those who believe the same sentiments to unite with us,” she said. — Camille A. Aguinaldo

List of experts to study Dengvaxia cases submitted to Palace

THE LIST of experts recommended to study the Dengvaxia cases in the Philippines has been submitted to the Office of the President, Presidential Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, Jr. said on Tuesday, July 10. Mr. Roque could not reveal the names of the experts yet, but he said there are four, one each from Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, and Sri Lanka. Mr. Roque also said that Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III reported the development during the Cabinet meeting last Monday. President Rodrigo R. Duterte is expected to choose three from the list. The spokesperson, speaking in Filipino at a press briefing in Indang, Cavite, also assured that the government has the budget to invite the experts who will study the “real effect of Dengvaxia.” — Arjay L. Balinbin

OSG defends decision to drop Comelec in voting threshold case

THE OFFICE of the Solicitor General (OSG) has defended its decision to not represent the Commission on Elections (Comelec) before the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) in Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo’s motion to uphold a 25% voting threshold in her ongoing election recount against losing candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. Solicitor-General Jose C. Calida, in a manifestation submitted on Friday, dropped the Comelec as its client and urged the PET to uphold its earlier April 10 resolution to impose a 50% threshold as there “is no basis to impose a 25% threshold in determining whether a vote is valid.” He added that “the Comelec has no jurisdiction over vice-presidential election contests.” Mr. Calida also asked the PET to give the Comelec 10 days to submits its comment on Ms. Robredo’s petition. Responding to criticism of the agency’s decision, the OSG said in a statement released on Tuesday that “it is the Solicitor-General’s duty to present to the Presidential Electoral Tribunal the position he perceives to be in the best interest of the Republic, notwithstanding the stance of his client, specifically the Comelec, on the issue.” The OSG cited the Supreme Court’s ruling in Pimentel vs. Comelec which ruled, “the Solicitor-General may, as it has in instances, take a position adverse and contrary to that of the Government on the reasoning that it is incumbent upon him to present to the court what he considers would legally uphold the best interest of the government although it may run counter to a client’s position.” Ms. Robredo’s camp was sought for comment but did not respond as of writing. — Dane Angelo M. Enerio

Hazard pay, additional insurance coverage for journalists sought

Journalists and other media practitioners covering conflict and disaster areas should be given insurance coverage and hazard pay, according to a bill filed by Senator Leila de Lima.

De Lima, chair of the Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development, filed a measure mandating additional insurance benefits for journalists, including for disability, health and hospitalization.

Journalism and news reporting is a "dangerous profession," and it is "imperative" that the people involved be given these benefits, said De Lima.

"Journalists face the problem of contractual labor, with no job security and no law-mandated benefits… they often do double jobs and work double time for their media company. These pose harm to their physical well-being," she said in a statement released on Monday.

Under her proposal, journalists are to be given disability benefits of P350,000 if they will suffer total or partial disability sustained during performance of duty; death benefits of P300,000 if they die in the line of duty, and; reimbursement of actual medical costs up to P200,000 if they are to be hospitalized or shall require medical attendance for injuries sustained while in the performance of duty.

This is on top of the current insurance benefits provided to regular employees of media outfits.

De Lima also suggested that the Social Security System and the Government Service Insurance System create and offer a special insurance program for freelance journalists.

Persons deployed in "difficult, strife-torn and embattled areas," among others, should be also be given a hazard pay equivalent to at least 25 percent of their gross monthly salary for the duration of such deployment. This will not be subjected to tax, according to the measure.

De Lima cited media reports that at least 9 journalists were killed under the Duterte administration.

The report by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) and the Philippine Press Institute (PPI) also mentioned 16 libel cases, 14 cases of online harassment, 11 death threats, 6 slay attempts, 6 cases of harassment, 5 cases of intimidation, 4 cases of website attack, revoked registration or denied franchise renewal, verbal abuse, strafing, and police surveillance of journalists and media agencies.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/09/18/hazard-pay-additional-insurance-coverage-for-journalists-sought

PH movies make waves at New York Asian filmfest

Six Filipino films are competing in the 17th New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF), and these are twice as many Filipino features than last year.

The six Filipino films this time are “BuyBust” directed by Erik Matti, “Neomanila”(Mikhail Red), “On The Job” (Erik Matti), “Respeto” (Treb Monteras II), “Sid & Aya (Not A Love Story)” (Irene Villamor), and “We Will Not Die Tonight” (Richard Somes).

“Neomanila,” “On The Job” and “Respeto” have already earned nominations, and received accolades from prominent award-giving bodies in the Philippines. “BuyBust,” an action-thriller will make its world premiere at NYFF, along with “We Will Not Die Tonight.”

Representatives of the Filipino films will be supported by the FDCP’s International Film Festival Assistance Program (IFFAP), including Gawad Urian Best Actor Abra of “Respeto,” producer Dondon Monteverde, and directors Somes, Monteras II and Matti.

“All around the world, Filipino films continue to compete and be recognized by the most prestigious of film festivals and we are proud that NYAFF is doing its part in introducing Filipino Films – genre Filipino films especially – to the North American audience. We hope that this is the first step for more of our films to be recognized and distributed in that side of the world,” said FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño.

The 2018 NYAFF runs till July 15.

• • •

Ruru on ‘The Cure’

Ruru Madrid is the latest addition to the cast of the GMA series “The Cure.” He joins former “Encantandia”co-star Kylie Padilla who plays Adira.

According to the actor, he’s delighted to be working again with Kylie especially in action scenes. He certainly will enjoy doing the action scenes since it has been his dream to be an action star.

So what will be his role in the life of Adira and Charity (Jennylyn Mercado) and Greg (Tom Rodriguez)? Watch out for it.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, July 10, go to Rep. Evelio Leonardia, Marco Sison, Princess Revilla, Linda Dizon, Armand Brawn Jr., Philip Nazareno, Alex Timbol, Sally Ancheta, Millie Gurfinkel, Bert Agliam, Senedy Que, Vince Bersola and Wilma Doesnt… July 11: Sylvia Gala, Baby Monroy, Robert Roque, Eliseo Aurelio Jr., Charmaine Gail Pagente, Meynard Penalosa, Oliver Teves, Bex Vinaviles, Hannah Flores, Herminio Agunias, Editha Nacion, and Mercy Lejarde…