House leader urges priority passage of tax amnesty bill

A leader of the House of Representatives on Wednesday urged  Congress to prioritize the passage of the tax amnesty bill over the Tax Reform for Attracting Better and High quality Opportunities, also known as the “Trabaho law.”

At a news conference, Minority Leader Danilo Suarez of Quezon said the tax amnesty bill will provide “a clean state” for taxpayers leading to compliance to national tax policies, increased revenue collection and reduced corruption, which he claimed has “become a culture in the BIR [Bureau of Internal Revenue].”

“The new tax amnesty bill, when enacted, will provide a clean slate for delinquent taxpayers  and will encourage all taxpayers, especially low-income and middle-income earners, professionals and even overseas Filipino workers to avail [themselves] of this program and register to the Bureau of Internal Revenue,” Suarez, one of the authors of the bill, said.

Suarez claimed that “TRAIN [1] only worsens the condition of [the] economy” despite the P1.41-trillion total revenue collection in the first half of 2018, reportedly 9 percent higher than the target, according to the report by the Bureau of Treasury.

“We can say that the increased collection was due to the implementation of the first package of TRAIN. However, TRAIN only worsens the condition of our economy,” he said.

“My point is, when we passed TRAIN, we were all affected.… They said that the public will benefit from the TRAIN. I checked the [House Committee on] Ways and Means, and I can’t see why [you] would increase tax for basic commodities when the economy is bad. That’s not the right time to pass taxes,” he added.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/house-leader-urges-priority-passage-of-tax-amnesty-bill/

Follow Constitution, VP camp says on Duterte's succession remark

The camp of Vice President Leni Robredo clapped back at President Rodrigo Duterte for once again expressing doubts about her competence to lead the country.

This, after the chief executive floated the scenario of him stepping down from his post or being ousted by the military.

“I am hesitant to suggest a constitutional succession. I have nothing against Robredo. She’s a lawyer. You have heard her talk. But I do not think she can improve on anything here,” Duterte, who is sworn to uphlod the Constitution, said Tuesday. He claimed that the vice president’s bailiwick, Naga City, has been a “hotbed of shabu.”

He added he prefers a junta — a council or committee, sometimes composed of the military — to lead the country.

In 2017, Duterte floated and then eventually abandoned the idea of declaring the creation of a "revolutionary government" where all positions in government would be considered vacant.

The supposed plan prompted criticism from opposition and activist groups who raised concerns that it would lead to the expansion of martial law or to one-man rule.

The president later clarified that he would only set up a revolutionary government if “things go out of control” and the government is in danger of being overthrown violently.

Robredo spokesman: What competence?

Barry Gutierrez, Robredo’s spokesperson and a former Akbayan lawmaker, in response, turned the tables and questioned the competence of former and current officials of the Duterte administration.

“The ‘competent’ people according to the president: [former] Tourism secretary who did nothing but engage in corruption, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council head who disappeared when there is flooding [and] National Food Authority chief whose rice supply has been depleted,” he said in a mix of Filipino and English.

Gutierrez added: “He can keep the endorsement to himself, let’s just follow the Constitution.”

In a tweet, Rep. Gary Alejano (Magdalo party-list) also said that Robredo is the rightful successor to the presidency “regardless of the competence and opinion of Duterte.”

The 1987 Constitution states that in case of death, permanent disability, removal from office or resignation of the president, the vice president shall become the president and serve the unexpired term.

Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, now speaker of the House, became president in January 20, 2001 when former President Joseph Estrada was considered to have resigned from office after days of protests.

He was later found convicted on plunder charges and sentenced him to reclusion perpetua but it was pardoned by President Macapagal-Arroyo on October 26, 2007.

This is not the first time that President Duterte has hinted at leaving office — he has said it to promote the push for federalism and the passage of what is now known as the Bangsamoro Organic Law — nor is it the first time that he has cast doubt on the vice president's competence.

"I will not resign because it will make her president," Duterte said in July, citing her supposed incompetence.

Read more at https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/08/15/1842819/follow-constitution-vp-camp-says-dutertes-succession-remark#llKc4rFE4w5xEHJs.99

Duterte on ABS-CBN beef: 'Let it pass'

President Rodrigo Duterte appears ready to move on from his beef with broadcast network ABS-CBN.

Duterte struck the conciliatory tone during a dinner he hosted on Tuesday in Malacañang for the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, which counts ABS-CBN as one of its members.

In his speech, Duterte admitted he was hurt by the airing of the controversial political ad against him paid for and by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, a defeated vice presidential bet, in the run up to the May 2016 elections.

"That was really hurting. Kaya minsan I blurt it out but I have learned to live with it actually. Kung minsan mag-init lang ang ulo ko," the President said.

“But let’s just understand each other, and let it pass. I said because let no man with no sin cast the first stone," he said.

ABS-CBN has been a frequent target of Duterte's rants, with the President accusing the network of accepting funds from him without airing his political advertisements.

‘Yung placement ko na hindi natuloy, tapos nababoy pa ako," Duterte said.

He had also threatened to block the renewal of ABS-CBN's franchise, which is set to expire on March 30, 2020. —JST, GMA News

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/664270/duterte-on-abs-cbn-beef-let-it-pass/story/?utm_source=GMANews&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_campaign=news

Good move for now kasi nasa DTV Transition ang Philippine tv ngayon. Sila pa ang may widest DTV coverage at may good lineup pa sa ngayon. Otherwise magflop agad ang DTV sa pinas.

Alam ng Pangulo ang tamang gagawin. Napaka-selfish naman niya kung ayaw o gustong niyang i-renew ang ABS-CBN. Maraming nabibigyan ng trabaho at oportunidad. Parte na ng buhay ng Pilipino ang ABS-CBN at kahit iba pang network. Kaya sana'y maging maayos na ang ABS-CBN lalo na sa balita tungkol sa Pangulo.

Woman found dead at Baguio pawnshop near City Hall, police station

BAGUIO CITY – A customer found a dead woman inside a pawnshop on Wednesday afternoon (Aug. 15).

The pawnshop is just a few meters away from the Baguio City Hall and the Baguio City Police Office.

The remains of the 23-year-old store clerk were found before 5 p.m. inside the 202 Cellphone Pawnshop along the busy Abanao Road. Her body was bound and her throat slashed.

Forensic investigators said the woman may have been killed in the morning.

Saleswomen manning a neighboring store said they did not realize an intruder had entered the pawnshop. They said the slain woman had been working at the pawnshop for the past few months.

Security camera footage recorded a man, wearing a face mask, exit the pawnshop past 9 a.m., police said.

The police had yet to determine if any pawnshop items were stolen.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1021681/woman-found-dead-at-baguio-pawnshop-near-city-hall-police-station

Duterte mellows down on ABS-CBN

President Rodrigo Duterte has mellowed down on broadcast giant ABS-CBN, whose franchise he had threatened to block after accusing its owners of swindling and favoring his political rivals.

Duterte said he was hurt when the network reported about the allegations of Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV that he has billions in hidden wealth during the election season.

He also claimed that ABS-CBN did not air his political advertisement but did not return the money he paid for the air time.

"Minsan sinobrahan (Sometimes the reports went so far) I will not say I am sorry but you should understand me. 'Yung placement ko na hindi natuloy, tapos nababoy pa ako. Billions and billions sabi raw ng... Hindi naman totoo (The placement did not push through and I was maligned. They claimed I had billions. It's not true)," the president said during a dinner with members of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas in Malacañang last Tuesday.

Duterte also recalled that ABS-CBN had aired a negative ad that featured children who questioned his capabilities as a leader, something that he said was against the law.

But Duterte, who cursed former ABS-CBN Chairman Gabby Lopez a number of times in his previous speeches, is now ready to move on from the issue.

"That was really hurting. Sometimes, I blurt it out but I've learned to live with it, actually. Sometimes, I become temperamental. But let's just understand each other, and let it pass. I said because let no man with no sin cast the first stone," the president said.

Duterte has accused ABS-CBN of peddling "garbage" stories that defame him and has called Lopez a "swindler" for not returning his advertisement money even if his television commercials did not air. He had also threatened to file a criminal case against the Lopez family for their alleged failure to pay billions it owed the state-run Development Bank of the Philippines.

Last August 3, Duterte said he was favor or not in favor of renewing the franchise of ABS-CBN, which would expire on March 30, 2020. He had called the owners of the network "thieves" who trick small people.

"Now, ABS-CBN, their franchise is due for renewal. They sent emissaries to me. They sent Gabby away because nothing will happen. I will not talk to you, but I will also never intervene. But if I had my way, I would not give it back to you," the president said in a speech in Bukidnon last August 3.

House Bill No. 4349, which aims to renew the ABS-CBN's franchise for 25 years is still pending at the committee level. — Alexis Romero

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/08/15/1842850/duterte-mellows-down-abs-cbn

House committee approves substitute anti-wiretapping bill

The House Committee on Dangerous Drugs led by Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers has approved a substitute bill for a measure seeking amendments to the Anti-Wiretapping Act in order to “unshackle” anti-drug operatives from it.

The currently unnumbered substitute bill also sees to it that Republic Act (RA) 4200, or the Act to prohibit and penalize wiretapping and other related violations of the privacy of communication, would become more attuned to these days of smartphones, tablets, and other high-tech mobile communication devices.

A “clean copy” of the bill sent to House reporters by Barbers’s office showed that the proposed amendments to Section 3 of the law includes illegal drug offenses, among others, in the list of crimes wherein wiretapping would be allowed on the part of law enforcers.

Specifically covered by the Section 3 of the bill are violations of RA 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

This would give authorities more avenues to go after drug traffickers and smugglers in the same way that the current law is limiting them.

Enacted in 1965, RA 4200 exempts wiretapping only in cases of treason, espionage, provoking war and disloyalty in case of war, privacy, mutiny in the high seas, rebellion, conspiracy and proposal to commit rebellion, inciting to rebellion, sedition, conspiracy to commit sedition, inciting to sedition, and kidnapping.

Under the ongoing 17th Congress, eight measures namely HB nos. 289, 587, 1868, 3406, 3616, 3627, 3733, and 4151 were filed by congressmen to effect changes to the decades-old Anti-Wiretapping Act in the light of President Rodrigo Duterte’s no-nonsense campaign against the illegal drug menace.

The substitute bill serves as the consolidation of the eight measures.

Aside from adding to the number of exempted offenses, the Committee-approved substitute bill also expands the basic definition of “anti-wiretapping” as stated in its proposed amendments to Section 1.

“It shall be unlawful for any person, not being authorized by any party to any oral, wire, radio, digital or electronic private communication, to tap, intercept or record such communication with the use of any electronic, mechanical, digital or analog phone system, or similar devices,” read Section 1 of the substitute bill.

The particular section adds that it “shall also be unlawful for any person, be he a participant or not in the act or acts penalized in the next preceding sentence, to knowingly possess any tape record, wire record, disc record, or any other such record, or copies thereof, of any oral, wire, radio, digital or electronic private communication secured either before or after the effective date of this Act in the manner prohibited by this law; or to replay the same for any other person or persons; or to communicate the contents thereof, either or in writing, or to furnish transcriptions thereof, whether complete or partial, to any other person: Provided, That the use of such record or any copies thereof as evidence in any civil, criminal investigation or trial of offenses mentioned in section 3 hereof, shall not be covered by this prohibition.”

Currently, the prohibition in RA 4200 only covers “dictaphone or dictagraph or dictaphone or walkie-talkie or tape recorder, or however otherwise described.”

Dangerous Drugs panel Chairman Barbers is a staunch supporter of the administration’s drive against narcotics.

Aside from him, the authors of the substitute bill are Reps. Michael Romero, Leopoldo Bataoil, Ferdinand Hernandez, Romeo Acop, Enrico Pineda, Cristal Bagatsing, and Gary Alejano.

New Zealand bans most foreigners from buying homes

Wellington — New Zealand has banned most foreigners from buying homes as it tries to tackle runaway housing prices.

The government on Wednesday passed legislation that allows only New Zealand residents to buy homes as it attempts to improve housing affordability and increase the rate of home ownership.

Previously the housing market was open to investors worldwide. The new law fulfills a campaign pledge by the liberal-led government which came to power last year.

There are some exceptions to the new rules. Foreigners who live in New Zealand and have residency status will still be able to buy homes, as will people from Australia and Singapore thanks to existing free-trade agreements.

Foreigners who already own homes in New Zealand won’t be affected.

Opposition lawmakers say the bill is unnecessary.   /vvp

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1021558/new-zealand-bans-most-foreigners-from-buying-homes#ixzz5OFSPdMX1
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook

Phivolcs lifts alert level on Mt. Bulusan

LEGAZPI CITY – The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has lifted the alert level on Bulusan Volcano from one to zero, after noting a general decline in volcanic activities.

“This means observational parameters have returned to baseline or background levels and no magmatic eruption is foreseen in the immediate future,” a Phivolcs bulletin released at 8 a.m. said.

Phivolcs said the volcano has returned to normal since its phreatic eruption on June 5, 2017.

Bulusan’s upper slope has deflated since June 2018, and the frequency of volcanic earthquakes has declined.

The gas emission has also dropped below detection levels.

Despite the lifting of the alert, Phivolcs said they were strictly prohibiting people from entering the four-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone, particularly near the vents on the south-southeastern slopes, due to the possibility of sudden and hazardous steam-driven or phreatic eruption, rockfall and landslide.

They also advised pilots not to fly close to the volcano’s summit as ash from any sudden phreatic eruption could be hazardous to aircraft.

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1021559/phivolcs-lifts-alert-level-on-mt-bulusan#ixzz5OFSBxcnC
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook

‘Let it pass,’ says Duterte on mess with ABS-CBN

While he said he was hurt by ABS-CBN’s alleged refusal to provide him airtime for his campaign ads during the presidential race in 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte now appears to be turning over a new leaf with the television network.

In a pronouncement that seems to soften his expletive-laced tirades against ABS-CBN, Duterte said he wants to let go of the network’s move to air anti-Duterte ads paid for by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV.

“That was really hurting. Kaya minsan (So sometimes) I blurt it out but I’ve learned to live with it, actually. Kung minsan mag-init lang ang ulo ko (From time to time I get mad),” Duterte said in a speech before the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) on Tuesday night.

“But let’s just understand each other, and let it pass. I said because let no man with no sin cast the first stone,” the chief executive also said during the KBP’s event at Malacañang.

Duterte lamented that during the election, his supposed ad placement on ABS-CBN did not air, but an attack ad sponsored by Trillanes was aired on the network.

“But you know what, ‘wag na lang ‘yung away kasi talagang nasaktan ako doon at nauna pa ‘yung kay Trillanes na black propaganda ‘yung bata. ‘Yung tuturuan sila… (But you know what, let’s not quarrel about this anymore, but I was really hurt that they first aired Trillanes’ black propaganda) which is really against the law,” the President said.

“‘Yung placement ko na hindi natuloy, tapos nababoy pa ako. Billions and billions sabi raw ng… Hindi naman totoo. Ano man ang makuha nila, sa totoo lang? Tinignan na nila ‘yan. ‘Yan sila diyan. (My ads were not aired, then I was stabbed at the back. There’s no truth in those attack ads. What will they get out of it? ) I never had that money,” he said.

The chief executive had earlier threatened to file estafa charges against ABS-CBN and block its franchise renewal. He also accused the television network of swindling. /ee

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1021556/let-it-pass-says-duterte-on-mess-with-abs-cbn

Kung totoo iyan, good move otherwise magflop ang DTV. DTV won’t be flopped even without ABS-CBN.

The thing is ABS-CBN currently has the widest DTT reach in the country, plus yung TVplus na maraming gumagamit. Hindi man magflop ang DTV, pero a step backward to for the TV industry.

Other TV networks will follow suit before its total migration from analog to digital... GMA is already catching up as well as with BEAM and PTV for expanding their DTV service nationwide... Well, I do not need to argue on these things. An established one is somehow better than those currently expanding. I just hope for a positive outcome and the full and proper implementation of DTT in the country.

Syempre na sa KBP si Pangulong Duterte nag-tatalumpati.

House passes "Revised Agricultural Tariffication Act" on final reading

The House of Representatives, voting 200-7 with two abstentions, approved on third and final reading on Tuesday, House Bill 7735 which seeks to liberalize rice imports by replacing the quantitative import restrictions on rice with tariffs, and create the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund.

Principally authored by Committee on Agriculture and Food Chairman Jose Panganiban Jr., CPA, LLB (Party-list, ANAC IP), the approved “Revised Agricultural Tariffication Act" aims to protect producers of agricultural products, ensure food security and make the agricultural sector viable and globally competitive.

The measure declares that consistent with the constitutional mandate of protecting Filipino firms against unfair trade, it is the policy of the State to employ anti-dumping and countervailing measures to protect local producers from unfair trade practices and non-use of quantitative import restrictions.

Likewise, to help the agricultural sector compete globally, the State shall seek to raise farm productivity levels by providing the necessary support services such as irrigation, farm-to-market roads, post-harvest equipment and facilities, credit, research and development, extension services, other market infrastructure and market information.

The bill refers to quantitative import restrictions as non-tariff restrictions that are used to limit the amount of imported commodities, including discretionary import licensing and import quotas, whether qualified or absolute.

Meanwhile, it refers to tariff as a tax levied on a commodity imported from another country. It earns revenues for the government and is regarded as an instrument to promote local industries by taxing their competitors. The benefit is accorded to the local producers through the maintenance of a domestic price at a level equal to the world price, plus tariff.

Lastly, the bill defines tariffication as the lifting of all existing restrictions such as import quotas or prohibitions imposed on agricultural products and replacing these restrictions with tariffs.

The bill provides that in lieu of quantitative restrictions (QRs), the maximum bound rate commitments of the Philippines under the World Trade Organization (WTO) shall be imposed on the agricultural products whose QRs shall be repealed by the proposed Act. The President shall issue the corresponding tariffs. The schedule of the initial and final applied rates shall not exceed the country’s WTO tariff binding commitments.

In case of shortages or abnormal price increases in agricultural products whose QRs are lifted under the Act, the President may propose to Congress revisions, modifications, or adjustments of the minimum access volume (MAV). In case Congress fails to act after 15 days from receipt of the proposal, the same shall be deemed approved.

In lieu of the QR on rice, the maximum bound rate shall be as notified by the Philippines to the WTO.

Upon effectivity of the Act, the MAV on rice will revert to its 2012 level at 350,000 metric tons as indicated in the country’s commitment to the WTO.

The bound rate of rice imported in the Philippines shall be : a) 40 percent MFN (Most Favored Nation) rate for importation within the 350,000 metric tons MAV from non-ASEAN WTO member countries; and b) 180 percent MFN quota tariff rate.

For imported rice originating from ASEAN Member States, the import duty rate commitments of the Philippines in the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) shall be applied.

The bill also provides for the composition of the National Food Authority Council (NFAC) which shall be headed by Department of Agriculture Secretary as Chairperson and the National Food Authority Administrator as Vice Chairperson. The following shall be its members: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor; Executive Secretary; Secretaries of the Departments of Finance, Trade and Industry, Social Welfare and Development, Interior and Local Government, and National Economic and Development Authority; National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Chairman; and two farmers’ representatives to be selected based on the guidelines to be issued by the NFAC.

The National Food Authority (NFA) shall establish rules and regulations governing the importation of rice and license, impose and collect fees and charge for said importation.

The President shall be empowered to act with full delegated authority in the adjustment of applied rate and regulation of rice imports.

The bill also provides for the creation of the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) which shall be used for the following purposes: 1) raise productivity of farmers and fisherfolk by providing the necessary credit to them and their cooperatives and associations, and micro and small scale enterprises, for the acquisition and establishment of production, postharvest, and processing machineries, equipment and facilities, farm inputs and improvements; 2) research and development on agricultural and fishery products of state universities and colleges; and 3) comprehensive and attractive grant-in-aid program for agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and veterinary medicine education to promote the development of agriculture and fisheries.

The ACEF shall consist of all duties collected from the importation of agricultural products, except rice, under the MAV mechanism, including unused balances and collections from repayments from loan beneficiaries, including interests, if any. | Rowena B. Bundang

House panel approves CBCP media franchise renewal

With Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez no longer in the House leadership, the proposed renewal of the congressional franchise of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has finally passed the committee level.

During Wednesday’s hearing, the Committee on Legislative Franchises, House Bll 4820 was approved within 30 minutes after being pending for two years in the congressional panel.

The measure seeks to extends the congressional franchise granted to the CBCP (formerly the Catholic Welfare Organization) “to construct, install, establish, operate and maintain radio and or television broadcasting stations in the Philippines” under Republic Act 7530 for another 25 years.

The CBCP’s congressional franchise has lapsed in August 2017.

The bill was authored by Albay Rep. Joey Salceda. Buhay Party List Rep. Lito Atienza moved for its approval.

The approval came after President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent “word war” with Philippine Catholic hierarchy who have been critical over his controversial war on drugs and the recent ouster of Alvarez from the House leadership last July 23.

It was rumored that both Duterte and Alvarez were the personalities who are blocking the franchise renewal of CBCP.

Alvarez was replaced by former President and now Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, a devout Catholic who has close ties with Church leaders.

http://politics.com.ph/house-panel-approves-cbcp-media-franchise-renewal/

LOOK: US Ambassador pays courtesy call on Speaker Arroyo

United States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim visited former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to congratulate her on being elected Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Arroyo was installed as the House’s leader after the 2018 State of the Nation Address on July 23.

Under Arroyo, a classmate of former US president Bill Clinton, the Philippines enjoyed strong ties with the US government, then under former US President George W. Bush during her term.   /vvp

CBCP broadcast franchise renewal hurdles House panel

A bill seeking the broadcast franchise renewal of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines was approved Wednesday in the committee level at the House of Representatives.

Filed in January 2017, House Bill 4820 extends for another 25 years the congressional franchise of CBCP to construct, install, establish, operate and maintain radio and or television broadcasting stations in the Philippines.

The House Committee on Legislative Franchises approved the measure in under 30 minutes.

The development comes about a month after President Rodrigo Duterte, who has repeatedly lambasted the Catholic Church, met with CBCP leaders.

Members of the Church hierarchy in July also dined with former president and now House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, a devout Catholic.

CBCP's last franchise was granted by Republic Act 7530. It lapsed in August 2017.

The bill seeking its renewal was authored by Albay Rep. Joey Salceda.

Buhay party-list Rep. Lito Atienza moved for its approval, which was carried due to lack of objections.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/15/18/cbcp-broadcast-franchise-renewal-hurdles-house-panel

‘Very emotional’ witness tags frat brothers in Atio Castillo case

A “very emotional” Marc Anthony Ventura took the witness stand on Tuesday and identified 10 of his fellow Aegis Juris fraternity members who were allegedly involved in the fatal hazing of University of Santo Tomas law student, Horacio “Atio” Castillo III.

Ventura, the first prosecution witness to be presented in court, was initially calm and composed when he narrated what happened during the initiation rites on Sept. 16, 2017.

But when it was nearly time for him to identify the accused, he was teary-eyed, said Carmina Castillo, the victim’s mother, who was at the hearing.

“He did not exactly break down but he was reduced to tears. He was very emotional,” she added.

As Ventura identified the suspects, they were asked to stand in court —Ralph Trangia, Robin Ramos, Jose Miguel Salamat, Danielle Hans Matthew Rodrigo, Marcelino Bagtang, Arvin Balag, Mhin Wei Chan, Axel Munro Hipe, Oliver John Audrey Onofre and Joshua Joriel Macabali.

Carmina said that as she and her husband listened to Ventura, images of her son collapsing and dying played in her head.

“I kept asking myself, why didn’t they bring him to the hospital? Maybe we wouldn’t be here; maybe my son would still be alive,” she said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1021361/very-emotional-witness-tags-frat-brothers-in-atio-castillo-case

9 endangered animals taken from zoo in Rizal province

Nine endangered animals have disappeared from the country’s biggest zoo whose management took to Facebook on Tuesday to ask for help in finding them.

Taken from Avilon Zoo, located in Rodriguez, Rizal, were three mature red-footed tortoises, a mature yellow-footed tortoise, a mature common snapping turtle, three mature black palm cockatoos and a juvenile brown tufted capuchin monkey.

The zoo management said the animals were part of the zoo’s WildCare Conservation Breeding Program. They were also listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, a multilateral treaty meant to protect animals and plants.

Zoo coordinator Stephanie Joven said the tortoises, turtle and monkey were first reported missing in mid-July.

“They were taken from their exhibits which have walls that they could not climb or escape from on their own,” she told the Inquirer. “Someone must have crawled in there and took them.”

On Monday, caretakers reported three missing cockatoos—rare birds placed in a quarantine room which was accessible only through a padlocked door.

No suspects yet

“With the exhibited animals, anyone could have taken them, including some visitors,” Joven said, adding: “But with the cockatoos, we cannot easily pinpoint who could have done it.”

The zoo occupies 7.5 hectares and houses around 3,000 animals from at least 500 species.

Joven said whoever took the animals probably planned to sell them on the black market. A cockatoo with complete papers can be sold for a minimum of P150,000.

However, under the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, mere possession of an endangered animal is punishable by up to four years in jail and a fine of up to P300,000.

On speculations that rogue zoo staffers were behind the theft, Joven said that their investigation was still ongoing.

While no reward has been offered for the animals, she added that the zoo was hoping for their safe return.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1021359/9-endangered-animals-taken-from-zoo-in-rizal-province

Homeowner preparing breakfast scares off burglar

An allegedly notorious burglar in San Juan City was arrested after one of his would-be victims caught him in his kitchen on Monday morning.

A report to Senior Supt. Bernabe Balba, Eastern Police District director, said that Stephen Stoc Jr., a resident of Barangay Little Baguio, broke into a house of a businessman on Pilar Street at Barangay Addition Hills around 7 a.m.

After the 27-year-old Stoc climbed over the fence, he entered the house and began taking valuables, starting with a cell phone, the report added.

However, he came across the house owner who was preparing breakfast in the kitchen.

The police said Stoc fled but was later arrested by patrolling policemen, PO2 Luigi Rey Tejada and PO1 Albert Oamil. Seized from the suspect was a knife.

Police records showed that Stoc was involved in other burglaries earlier this year, on top of jeepney robberies, where he allegedly preyed on drunk or sleeping passengers.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1021272/homeowner-preparing-breakfast-scares-off-burglar

Davao City approves P1-million aid to flood-stricken Marikina

DAVAO CITY — The Davao City government will extend financial aid of P1 million to Marikina City, its sister city, which was severely hit by flooding caused by heavy rainfall due to the southwest monsoon aggravated by Tropical Storm Karding last week.

The City Council approved the financial aid on Tuesday

“The money is intended to help residents of the 10 barangays affected by the massive flooding,” the city Public Information Office here reported.

“Mayor Inday Sara Duterte asked the City Council to give her the authority to utilize a portion of the Quick Response Fund of the city to help Marikina City, which happens to be our sister city,” Vice Mayor Bernard Al-ag said.

“The City of Davao has always been willing to help other cities or provinces in casea of calamities. Mayor Inday has always been quick to give assistance to those in need,” Al-ag added.

Over 3,000 families were displaced when the Marikina River to overflow. Flooding reached third alarm on Sunday, prompting 16,349 people to leave their houses.

Since January this year, the city has extended financial help to 11 different cities and provinces due to calamities. Inquirer Mindanao



Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1021400/davao-city-approves-p1-million-aid-to-flood-stricken-marikina#ixzz5OFYV7f1I
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook

Retired cop linked to Parojinogs arrested in Misamis Oriental

LUGAIT, Misamis Oriental — Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Northern Mindano (Region 10) arrested on Tuesday a retired police officer in Purok Mabini, Barangay Poblacion in this town here on Tuesday.

Ruben Vilbar, 58, served in the Philippine National Police (PNP) for 29 years before retiring in 2016 with the rank of senior police officer 4 (SPO4).

Vilbar, a trusted partner of Ozamiz City Councilor Reynaldo Parojinog, is considered a high value target, being 14th in the PDEA list of drug personalities in the region, according to Wilkins Villanueva, PDEA regional director. Vilbar served the PNP for 29 years.

“Isa siya sa mga trusted cohort ni [Ricardo] Ardot Parojinog. He has been into selling of [illegal] drugs since 2014 [two years before he retired from PNP]. Isa siya sa mga ‘nakalista’ na nasa serbisyo pa,” Villanueva said.

He described Vilbar as the “distributor” in Parojinog’s drug trade.

Villanueva also said Parojinog had been a frequent visitor at Vilbar’s house, where the search warrant was served against him.

The search warrant was issued by a Regional Trial Court in Cagayan de Oro City.

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1021398/retired-cop-linked-to-parojinogs-arrested-in-misamis-oriental#ixzz5OFYIRbHg
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook

Chiz or Bongbong yes, Leni no – DU30

IF a leader “like” Senator Francis Escudero or former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. would be his successor, President Rodrigo Duterte would step down.

Duterte said this during a dinner with the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) on Tuesday after telling his audience he is “ready” to resign during his speech.

“If you follow the succession and (Vice President Leni) Robredo takes over, hindi niya kaya (she can’t hack it).... Kung sino lang sana diyan, in the likes of Escudero or Bongbong Marcos (If there were someone else, the likes of Escudero or Bongbong Marcos),” the President said.

Earlier that evening, Duterte rejected Robredo as his successor even if the 1987 Constitution states that she will replace him if he steps down.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque yesterday said Duterte won’t resign as long as Robredo is the vice president and therefore his constitutional successor.

When asked if Duterte would respect the 1987 Constitution, Roque told DZRH, “Tama po ‘yun kaya hindi siya magreresign (That’s correct, that’s why he won’t resign).”

According to Roque, the President will only resign if a “fitting” successor is ready to take his place.

“Ang tingin ko po kung naniniwala siya sa papalit sa kanya eh seryoso po siya ,” Roque said, also on DZRH.

“Kapag conditions are ripe at may nakita siyang tao na pupuwedeng magpatuloy ng kanyang trabaho ay gagawin niya po ‘yan (If conditions are ripe and he sees a person who can continue his job, he will do it).”

Duterte has not kept a secret his admiration for and friendship with former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who is locked in an electoral case with Robredo for the vice presidency.

Marcos claims cheating in the polls led to his defeat, by a slim margin, to Robredo. The electoral protest is being heard by the Presidential Electoral Tribunal which is the Supreme Court sitting as an electoral court.

The SC is currently composed of 5 Duterte appointees out of the total 15. But by 2022, 13 out of 15 will be his appointees.

Duterte’s vocal support for Marcos’ abilities as a leader sharply contrasts with his remarks about Robredo who he has called “incompetent.”

Aside from his friendship with Marcos Junior, Duterte also frequently cites the former senator’s sister, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, as one of his “few” allies among local politicians.

http://www.journal.com.ph/news/nation/chiz-or-bongbong-yes-leni-no-du30

Bills seek creation of Department of Culture

Buhay Representative Lito Atienza is opposed to the proposals, saying culture should just be part of the Department of Education

NEW DEPARTMENT. Lawmakers in the House of Representatives want to create a Department of Culture. Photo by Sofia Tomacruz/Rappler

Several bills in the House of Representatives are seeking to establish a new Department of Culture (DOC), which would effectively replace the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

A joint House committee took up on Tuesday, August 14 House Bills (HB) 6113 and 6260, authored by Sorsogon 1st district representative Evelina Escudero and Pangasinan 4th district representative Christopher de Venecia. Both bills are known as the “Department of Culture Act of 2017.”

During the committee hearing, NCCA Plan and Policy Formulation and Programming Division Head Bernan Corpuz said the commission supported the passage of the bill as “culture is our soul, our identity, our heritage and this is what binds us as Filipinos no matter how diverse we are.”

The NCCA also said the creation of an independent body focusing on culture was essential to coordinating efforts and activities in “promoting national identity and culture and to mainstream culture in national development policy.”

Obstacles ahead: The proposed bills are being opposed by Buhay Representative Lito Atienza, who pushed that culture be lodged as a bureau under the Department of Education instead.

Atienza said this would be the more cost-effective approach and would also allow effects of cultural education to be felt among students “immediately.” He is the author of another bill in the House that seeks to revert the Department of Education (DepEd) back to its previous name as the “Department of Education, Culture, and Sport” to strengthen sports and cultural training programs.

De Vencia, however, said cultural education and training was just one aspect of the proposed bill. “I don't think you can disregard all of the other proposed functions of the Department of Culture by simply just putting it within the banner of the department of education,” he said.

“One of the many benefits of putting a premium on arts and culture, at least for other countries, is that they're able to leverage it for economic development and economic growth,” De Vencia added.

National Book Development Board Director Katarina Rodriguez also said the NCCA’s nature as an attached agency oftentimes leaves it overlooked, with mother agencies more familiar and concerned with their own issues.

Attaching it to DepEd, she said, will not change this.

“They still choose what to prioritize so culture will again be minor, marginalized, or placed in the sidelines. This is not the goal. The goal is to have equal recognition between education and culture,” she said.

Proposed powers: Under HB 6113 and 6260, the newly created DOC would be responsible for “the protection, preservation, regulation, development, management, dissemination, and promotion” of both tangible and intangible Philippine culture and arts.

It would also be responsible for crafting disaster risk reduction and management plans for culture and cultural properties, and would give the proposed department membership in the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Corpuz also suggested that the proposed department be allowed to “ensure the widest dissemination of the artistic and cultural products” to audiences both in the Philippines and overseas.

Key features: 6 bureaus will be created under the proposed department.

Among these are the Bureau of Cultural Communities and Traditional Arts Development, Bureau of Cultural Properties Protection and Regulation, Bureau of Cultural Properties Preservation, Bureau of Artistic Resources Development, Bureau of Cultural Research, Education, and Dissemination; and Bureau of Cultural and Creative Industries.

The bills will also create 3 national commissions for the following functions:

• National Commission of Living Traditions - to form programs to safeguard, sustain and propagate cultural heritage, particularly for indigenous communities;
• National Commission of Cultural Heritage Preservation - to form programs and projects in conservation arts, sciences, trades with focus on the preservation of cultural property and vocational training for the youth;
• National Commission of Culture and Arts Management - to form programs related to the education, training, and certification of cultural officers

The bills also seek to establish cultural centers and hubs to be known as “Sentro Rizal” in regions and overseas. It also proposes the creation of regional and overseas offices.

Apart from these, the Department of Culture would also have 12 attached agencies to harmonize cultural and artistic programs:

• Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP)
• National Museum of the Philippines (NMP)
• National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP)
• National Library of the Philippines (NLP)
• National Archives of the Philippines (NAP)
• Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino (KWF)
• Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP)
• National Book Development Board (NBDB)
• Design Center of the Philippines (DCP)
• Intramuros Administration (IA)
• National Parks and Development Committee (NPDC)
• Nayong Pilipino Foundation (NPF)

Corpuz noted the Department of Tourism wished to retain under its jurisdiction the IA, NPDC, and NPF after discussions. DCP would also remain attached to the Department of Trade and Industry.

Moving forward: No concrete decisions on the creation of the DOC were made during the hearing.

Lawmakers instead asked the Department of Budget and Management to submit a proposed cost for a new department and another one for new bureaus under the DepEd.

A counterpart measure for the creation of the DOC in the Senate is up for second reading.

NEW DEPARTMENT. Lawmakers in the House of Representatives want to create a Department of Culture. Photo by Sofia Tomacruz/Rappler

‘In Davao, there’s another dictator in the offing,’ says Duterte

There’s another dictator in the offing. President Rodrigo Duterte said she resides in Davao City.

“In Davao, there’s another dictator offing. Not me. She has a Duterte surname,” Duterte said during a speech before business leaders and government officials in Malacañang on Tuesday.

The chief executive’s daughter, Sara Duterte, is the mayor of Davao City.

“If you go to Davao at 12 midnight, everything closes,” the President said. “Even if you’re drinking, the waiters will get it from your hand and say ‘It’s 12 o’clock and you have to go home.”

“She does not want it,” the President said. “You cannot smoke. You cannot drink beyond 12 o’clock [midnight]. If you stand there in the corner and just talk there, you’ll be asked by the police to continue your conversation in jail.”

The President clarified, however, that loiterers in Davao under her daughter’s leadership, particularly minors, would not be arrested, but they would just be taken in for questioning.

“It’s the duty of the nation, the republic to take care of its young. We do not deprive them of the freedom to move. That’s a constitutional guarantee,” the President said.

“But under the great powers of state, the police power, you can take in minors who are there outside. There’s a curfew in Davao for minors: It’s 10 o’clock. You are taken into custody. You are not arrested.”

Mayor Duterte recently launched her regional political party Hugpong ng Pagbabago (Alliance of Change). Three national political parties and six local parties have already allied with her party.

The national parties are the National Unity Party, Nationalist People’s Coalition, Nacionalista Party. /atm



Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1021342/in-davao-theres-another-dictator-in-the-offing-duterte#ixzz5OFY6noW7
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook

Lawmakers deliberate on proposed creation of Department of Culture

The House Committees on Government Reorganization and Basic Education and Culture on Tuesday continued their deliberations on the proposed creation of a Department of Culture.

The hearing capped with a motion by Committee on Basic Education and Culture Chairman Ramon Durano, VI (5th District, Cebu) to request the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to submit a comparative computation on the costs of creating a new department as against the creation of a bureau.

Durano said this will enable the members of the two committees to decide on what proposal to adopt. The comparative costs will be discussed in the next hearing.

House Bill 2628 authored by Rep. Jose Atienza (Party-list, Buhay) seeks to promote cultural and sports training of the Filipino youth by reorganizing the Department of Education (Deped) into the Department of Education, Culture, and Sports (DECS).

Atienza said that even as he supports the wishes of the people to harness, cultivate and develop Filipino culture, he believes that the creation of a Department of Culture will be disadvantageous to the government because as per computation by the DBM, an initial amount of P1 billion will be needed to create a new department.

He cited the unsuccessful creation of the Department of Housing as it failed to serve its purpose as shown by the unsolved housing problem in the country.

“In order for the government to save billions of funds, why not integrate culture and sports into the Department of Education?,” said Atienza.

Rep. Mark Go (Lone District, Baguio City) expressed support for Atienza’s bill during the hearing.

On the other hand a substitute bill has been crafted for HBs 4884, 6113 and 6260, seeking to establish a Department of Culture. The bills are authored by Reps. Jose Antonio Sy-Alvarado (1ST District, Bulacan), Evelina Escudero (1st District, Sorsogon), and Christopher V.P. De Venecia (4th District, Pangasinan), respectively.

The substitute bill seeks to make the Department of Culture a distinct and independent agency from DepEd. The authors believe the issues on culture and arts can be addressed by the DepEd. The DECS was reorganized in 2001 wherein the aspects of culture and sports were removed from the department’s jurisdiction, thus becoming solely as the Department of Education.

De Venecia said the cultural factor in the country’s socio-economic planning has been neglected and ignored which resulted in its place in the lowest level of the national bureaucracy.

“Even as cultural creative industries contribute a good percentage to our country’s economy and GDP, disunity among political, economic, social and ethnic divisions are preventing the country from achieving its potential as a modern and progressive nation. Therefore, the creation of the Department of Culture is highly sought,” said de Venecia./ Jojo Menorca

Panel creates TWG for bill on Cordillera autonomous region creation

The House Committee on Local Government chaired by Rep. Pedro Acharon Jr. (1st District, South Cotabato) in a hearing on Tuesday created a technical working group (TWG) to address the concerns of the bill which seeks to create the autonomous region in the Cordilleras.

House Bill 5343, or “An Act Establishing The Autonomous Region Of The Cordillera (ARC),” is authored by Reps. Teddy Baguilat Jr. (Lone District, Ifugao), Joseph Sto Niño Bernos (Lone District, Abra), Eleanor Bulut-Begtang (Lone District, Apayao), Ronald Cosalan, (Lone District, Benguet), Mark Go (Lone District, Baguio City), Allen Jesse Mangaoang (Lone District, Mangaoang) and the late Maximo Dalog (Lone District, Mt. Province).

Cosalan in his sponsorship speech said that Cordillera autonomy is seen as the most effective option to provide the region with the needed solid foundation to pursue sustainable development as the region hopes to benefit from the management and use of its natural resources.

He further said Cordillera autonomy will bring to the national attention as well the benefits of accepting and promoting cultural diversity through the formulation of multi-cultural policies for Indigenous Peoples (IPs).

Two Organic Acts for Autonomous Region of the Cordillera were enacted in 1990 and 1998. Both failed ratification, however, mainly because of the people’s lack of information and discussion on the pros and cons of self-governance.

“This is the third attempt we have on autonomy so we are hoping that this will be finally accepted by our people in the Cordillera region,” Cosalan said.

It was Rep. Khalid Dimaporo (1st District, Lanao del Norte) who made the motion for the creation of a TWG to address the issues regarding the autonomous region for the Cordilleras.

“If I am not mistaken, one of the requirements just like what we have done in the Bangsamoro Organic Law is our public hearings prior to approval. If that is the intention of the Chair, I would like to move for the creation of a TWG, membership of which will be decided by the Chairman,” Dimaporo said.

Rep. Wilter Wee Palma (1st District, Zamboanga Sibugay) who presided over the meeting also expressed support for the creation of the Cordillera Autonomous Region.

“Kami naman pong taga Mindanao ang magsusuporta sa inyo. You have done the same for us,” he said.

Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan expressed his appreciation and commended Congress on the approval of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL which he said is in compliance with Section 16, Article 10 of the 1987 Constitution.

The said provision mandates the creation of autonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao and in the Cordilleras consisting of provinces, cities, municipalities and geographical areas sharing common and distinctive historical and cultural heritage, economic and social structures and other relevant characteristics within the framework of the Constitution, the national sovereignty, and the territorial integrity of the country.

Domogan said public hearings chaired by the members of the local government panel regarding the Cordillera autonomy have already been conducted in the City of Baguio which covers Baguio City and Benguet Province and second public hearings were done in Mountain Province (Mt. Province) which include the province of Ifugao and other areas of Cordillera.

Palma advised Domogan to submit their records of the public hearings as well as the proposals for amendments that can be used as a point of reference by the TWG.

Go disclosed that during recess of Congress, the authors of the bill held consultation meetings with their constituents in Baguio, Benguet, Kalinga, and the Mt. Province with the authority of the Committee Chairman.

He assured Domogan that the panel will consider the proposed amendments saying “your inputs will be documented and at the same time included in the amendments that we will have in the proposed bill.”

Baguilat assured Domogan that they will fast-track the conduct of the meetings on the bill.

He said that as a legislator for seven years it is also important to get the feel of Congress. “We may have various proposals based on our consultations in our provinces but at the end of the day, we have to defend it here in Congress.”

Rep. Manuel Zubiri (3rd District, Bukidnon) recommended to the panel the creation of a timeline for the bill.

Dimaporo suggested that the panel approve the bill in principle, saying the problem seems to be a little administrative kink which has to do with holding a public hearing which he thinks the TWG can do and then come up with a draft committee report.

Palma said that he would like to do the same, but the panel can’t simply approve the bill in principle as the proposed amendments to be submitted may be substantial. He instead suggested the creation of a timeline as what Zubiri proposed.

Go said there is no problem with the timeline as the panel will work it out in such a way as to address the concerns and the proposed amendments and come up with a draft substitute bill immediately.

He told the group of Domogan, who all came all the way from the different areas of Cordillera, to attend the meeting to see to it that they will win in the plebiscite that will be called for. /Vicki Palomar