The 21 residents of Sitio San Roque who were arrested last Wednesday after holding a protest demanding for food aid have been freed after posting bail.
The Save San Roque alliance reported Monday that the 21 protesters have each posted a ₱15,000 bail bond, which was partly funded by the family of Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, actors Ria Atayde and Enchong Dee, and friends Biboy Arboleda, Mariole Alberto, Johnny Manahan, Deo Endrinal, Dolor Guevara, Leo Katigbak, Carlo Magdaluyo, Jo-Ann Maglipon, Joel Mercado, Enrico Santos, Pat-P Daza, Keren Pascual, Jeff Remigio, Korina Sanchez, Law Tan, Margot Torres, Cory Vidanes, Karen Davila, Rajo Laurel, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Sandy Romualdez, Mons Romulo, Tim Yap, former President Benigno Aquino III, former Vice President Noli de Castro, House Speaker Alan Peter and Taguig Rep. Lani Cayetano, Sen. Pia Cayetano, former Sen. Bam Aquino and Antique Rep. Loren Legarda.
The group also said the 21 were also required to pay a processing fee of ₱2,500. They were also asked to give an affidavit of undertaking, a waiver, a house sketch, barangay certification of residency and clearance, nine copies of 2x2 photos.
“The whole process just shows how anti-poor the current justice system is,” said Nanoy Rafael from the Save San Roque Alliance. “From the bail bond- which is equivalent to more than a month’s wage, to the mountain of requirements – these already put the marginalized families at a disadvantage.”
The 21 had staged a protest clamoring for food aid, which they said they have not yet received. Authorities said this was in violation of the rules against mass gatherings in place while Luzon is under an enhanced community quarantine.
The local government of Quezon City denied these claims, saying there has been "continuous distribution of food packs throughout the city, both from the local government and the barangays to ensure that affected families are looked after during this crisis period."
"Nevertheless, the mayor has instructed city personnel to review the list to make sure nobody has been inadvertently left out," it added.
The city government said the group Kadamay instigated individuals to hold the rally and claim they were not given aid.
The protesters are facing charges for violation of the Public Assembly Act of 1985, Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act and Resistance and Disobedience to a Person in Authority.
https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/4/6/21-Quezon-City-protesters-food-aid-freed-posting-bail-.html
Monday, April 6, 2020
House may hold virtual sessions when it resumes
THE House of Representatives may hold virtual sessions once Congress resumes on May 4 if the risk of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) still persists, House Speaker Alan Peter S. Cayetano said.
“So as far as the pragmatic side, eh kung may danger pa rin sa virus then pwedeng virtual pa rin yung session. But actually, Senate Majority Leader Zubiri, nag-usap kami once at sabi nga niya na we might have to look at the calendar depende nga dito sa nangyayari sa COVID. So habang papalapit tayo sa May 4, saka tayo mag brief about that,” he said in a virtual press conference on Friday. (So as far as the pragmatic side, if there is still a danger from the virus then we can have a virtual session. But actually, we — Senate Majority Leader Zubiri and I — talked once and he said that we might have to look at the calendar, it will depend on what happens with COVID. So, we will brief you as we get closer to May 4.)
The House Speaker added that they are still coordinating with the Senate about covening the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.
Mr. Cayetano also said that there is a need to have a “new mindset” as the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Because whether we like it or not we have to have a new mindset. Hindi pwede yung (we can’t have the) old mindset natin sa (in the) new normal. So lahat ng pinag uusapan (everything we are talking) about the environment, protecting the forest, about mass transportation, prioritizing health facilities, it was an awakening among all of us. We can’t really go back. I still expect a rat race na bumalik pa rin once na mag (will return one we arrive at the) new normal but I think we will all never forget what happened now,” he said. — Genshen L. Espedido
https://www.bworldonline.com/house-may-hold-virtual-sessions-when-it-resumes/
“So as far as the pragmatic side, eh kung may danger pa rin sa virus then pwedeng virtual pa rin yung session. But actually, Senate Majority Leader Zubiri, nag-usap kami once at sabi nga niya na we might have to look at the calendar depende nga dito sa nangyayari sa COVID. So habang papalapit tayo sa May 4, saka tayo mag brief about that,” he said in a virtual press conference on Friday. (So as far as the pragmatic side, if there is still a danger from the virus then we can have a virtual session. But actually, we — Senate Majority Leader Zubiri and I — talked once and he said that we might have to look at the calendar, it will depend on what happens with COVID. So, we will brief you as we get closer to May 4.)
The House Speaker added that they are still coordinating with the Senate about covening the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.
Mr. Cayetano also said that there is a need to have a “new mindset” as the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Because whether we like it or not we have to have a new mindset. Hindi pwede yung (we can’t have the) old mindset natin sa (in the) new normal. So lahat ng pinag uusapan (everything we are talking) about the environment, protecting the forest, about mass transportation, prioritizing health facilities, it was an awakening among all of us. We can’t really go back. I still expect a rat race na bumalik pa rin once na mag (will return one we arrive at the) new normal but I think we will all never forget what happened now,” he said. — Genshen L. Espedido
https://www.bworldonline.com/house-may-hold-virtual-sessions-when-it-resumes/
Frankie Pangilinan, Sharon Cuneta, celebrities help post bail for San Roque 21
Frankie Pangilinan, together with parents Sharon Cuneta and Kiko Pangilinan and other celebrities, contributed to post bail for the "San Roque 21" or the 21 members of the San Roque community that were recently detained after rallying for food on the streets of EDSA in Quezon City.
According to a statement the Save San Roque Alliance sent to Philstar.com, Kapamilya actors Ria Atayde and Enchong Dee, as well as other celebrities, also Biboy Arboleda, Mariole Alberto, Johnny Manahan, Pat-P Daza, Deo Endrinal, Dolor Guevarra, Leo Katigbak, Carlo Magdaluyo, Jo-Ann Maglipon, Joel Mercado, Enrico Santos, Keren Pascual, Jeff Remigio, Korina Sanchez, Law Tan, Margot Torres, Arnold Vegafria, Cory Vidanes, Karen Davila, Rajo Laurel, Tessa Alindogan, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Sandy Romualdez, Mons Romulo, Tim Yap, former President Benigno Aquino III, former Vice President Noli de Castro, House Speaker Alan Peter and Taguig Rep. Lani Cayetano, Sen. Pia Cayetano, former Sen. Bam Aquino and Antique Rep. Loren Legarda contributed for the needed amount and legal fund for the group's release.
The statement added that the following documents were requested in order for the detainees to file bail: an affidavit of undertaking; waiver; house sketch; barangay certification of residency and clearance; handprints; nine copies of 2x2 photos; bond money of Php 15,000 and processing fee of Php 2,500; and certificate of detention from Camp Karingal.
According to Nanoy Rafail of the Save San Roque Alliance, the whole process showed "how anti-poor the current justice system is."
“From the bail bond- which is equivalent to more than a month’s wage, to the mountain of requirements – these already put the marginalized families at a disadvantage,” he said.
“It is also ironic to think how slow their release has been taking, as compared to their swift arrest just a week ago,” added Jmar Atienza, one of the Alliance’s co-conveners.
The San Roque 21 spent almost a week in jail since they went out in EDSA to ask for food.
The Alliance extends its gratitude to the massive support the people have shown toward the San Roque community.
It can be recalled that in a Twitter post last week, Frankie said that she and her family are willing to pay for the bail of San Roque 21.
https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2020/04/06/2005892/frankie-pangilinan-sharon-cuneta-celebrities-help-post-bail-san-roque-21
According to a statement the Save San Roque Alliance sent to Philstar.com, Kapamilya actors Ria Atayde and Enchong Dee, as well as other celebrities, also Biboy Arboleda, Mariole Alberto, Johnny Manahan, Pat-P Daza, Deo Endrinal, Dolor Guevarra, Leo Katigbak, Carlo Magdaluyo, Jo-Ann Maglipon, Joel Mercado, Enrico Santos, Keren Pascual, Jeff Remigio, Korina Sanchez, Law Tan, Margot Torres, Arnold Vegafria, Cory Vidanes, Karen Davila, Rajo Laurel, Tessa Alindogan, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Sandy Romualdez, Mons Romulo, Tim Yap, former President Benigno Aquino III, former Vice President Noli de Castro, House Speaker Alan Peter and Taguig Rep. Lani Cayetano, Sen. Pia Cayetano, former Sen. Bam Aquino and Antique Rep. Loren Legarda contributed for the needed amount and legal fund for the group's release.
The statement added that the following documents were requested in order for the detainees to file bail: an affidavit of undertaking; waiver; house sketch; barangay certification of residency and clearance; handprints; nine copies of 2x2 photos; bond money of Php 15,000 and processing fee of Php 2,500; and certificate of detention from Camp Karingal.
According to Nanoy Rafail of the Save San Roque Alliance, the whole process showed "how anti-poor the current justice system is."
“From the bail bond- which is equivalent to more than a month’s wage, to the mountain of requirements – these already put the marginalized families at a disadvantage,” he said.
“It is also ironic to think how slow their release has been taking, as compared to their swift arrest just a week ago,” added Jmar Atienza, one of the Alliance’s co-conveners.
The San Roque 21 spent almost a week in jail since they went out in EDSA to ask for food.
The Alliance extends its gratitude to the massive support the people have shown toward the San Roque community.
It can be recalled that in a Twitter post last week, Frankie said that she and her family are willing to pay for the bail of San Roque 21.
https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2020/04/06/2005892/frankie-pangilinan-sharon-cuneta-celebrities-help-post-bail-san-roque-21
Sitio San Roque residents picked up in protest for food post bail
After days in detention, the 21 residents of Sitio San Roque who were arrested for an earlier protest action successfully posted bail late Monday afternoon.
While demanding food and financial aid, the 21 were arrested last week after a spontaneous protest action they held was dispersed by the Quezon City Police District (QCPD). Accounts of the dispersal said that police violently hit the protesters during the dispersal.
According to Police Lt. Johanna Sazon of the QCPD Public Information Office, the 21 could all be released within the day provided they have no pending warrants.
"Their releases are on process, yes. They'll file bail, at which point we'll check their records, and if there aren't any other pending warrants of arrest, they'll be released today," she told Philstar.com in Filipino in a text message.
Urban poor groups Kadamay and Save San Roque have said that the rally was unplanned and occurred because residents of Sitio San Roque, a poor community near the city's malls, had been told incorrectly that supplies were on their way to them.
Police reports said then that the 21 faced charges for violating the Bayanihan Heal as One Act and the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act, among other laws.
Save San Roque, in its statement on the 21 posting bail, also noted that the families of Sen. Francis Pangilinan, celebrities Ria Atayde, David Chua, Enchong Dee, Chienna Filomeno, Luke Jickain, Mark MacMahon, Joseph Marco, Zanjoe Marudo and Miko Raval, Biboy Arboleda, Mariole Alberto, Johnny Manahan, Pat-P Daza, Deo Endrinal, Dolor Guevarra, Rikka Infantado Fernandez, Leo Katigbak, Carlo Magdaluyo, Jo-Ann Maglipon, Joel Mercado, Enrico Santos, Keren Pascual, Jeff Remigio, Korina Sanchez, Law Tan, Margot Torres, Arnold Vegafria, Cory Vidanes, Karen Davila, Rajo Laurel, Tessa Alindogan, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Philippine Daily Inquirer president and CEO Sandy Romualdez, Mons Romulo, Tim Yap, former President Benigno Aquino III, former Vice President Noli de Castro, House Speaker Alan Peter and Taguig Rep. Lani Cayetano, Sen. Pia Cayetano, former Sen. Bam Aquino and Antique Rep. Loren Legarda were among those who contributed for legal fees.
According to Bayan Secretary-General Renato Reyes Jr, the 21 were ordered to pay around P15,000 each.
“The whole process just shows how anti-poor the current justice system is,” said Nanoy Rafael from the Save San Roque Alliance, one of the groups assisting the community and the arrested protesters.
“From the bail bond, which is equivalent to more than a month’s wage, to the mountain of requirements, these already put the marginalized families at a disadvantage.”
Earlier that day, QCPD personnel were deployed to Sitio San Roque, supposedly to conduct a dialogue with members of the community over supposed violations of quarantine procedures.
However, Save San Roque said in an earlier statement that the police operatives raided a community kitchen set up to feed residents and tore down protest posters.
“It is also ironic to think how slow their release has been taking, as compared to their swift arrest just a week ago,” added Jmar Atienza, one of the Alliance’s co-conveners. — with reports from James Relativo
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2020/04/06/2005877/sitio-san-roque-residents-picked-protest-food-post-bail
While demanding food and financial aid, the 21 were arrested last week after a spontaneous protest action they held was dispersed by the Quezon City Police District (QCPD). Accounts of the dispersal said that police violently hit the protesters during the dispersal.
According to Police Lt. Johanna Sazon of the QCPD Public Information Office, the 21 could all be released within the day provided they have no pending warrants.
"Their releases are on process, yes. They'll file bail, at which point we'll check their records, and if there aren't any other pending warrants of arrest, they'll be released today," she told Philstar.com in Filipino in a text message.
Urban poor groups Kadamay and Save San Roque have said that the rally was unplanned and occurred because residents of Sitio San Roque, a poor community near the city's malls, had been told incorrectly that supplies were on their way to them.
Police reports said then that the 21 faced charges for violating the Bayanihan Heal as One Act and the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act, among other laws.
After several days in jail, San Roque 21 successfully posts bail depsite derails in processing.— Save San Roque (@SaveSanRoque) April 6, 2020
SEE FULL PRESS RELEASE: https://t.co/WIObaiqxMk#TulongHindiKulong#StandWithThePoor pic.twitter.com/zMqgn3BWBH
Save San Roque, in its statement on the 21 posting bail, also noted that the families of Sen. Francis Pangilinan, celebrities Ria Atayde, David Chua, Enchong Dee, Chienna Filomeno, Luke Jickain, Mark MacMahon, Joseph Marco, Zanjoe Marudo and Miko Raval, Biboy Arboleda, Mariole Alberto, Johnny Manahan, Pat-P Daza, Deo Endrinal, Dolor Guevarra, Rikka Infantado Fernandez, Leo Katigbak, Carlo Magdaluyo, Jo-Ann Maglipon, Joel Mercado, Enrico Santos, Keren Pascual, Jeff Remigio, Korina Sanchez, Law Tan, Margot Torres, Arnold Vegafria, Cory Vidanes, Karen Davila, Rajo Laurel, Tessa Alindogan, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Philippine Daily Inquirer president and CEO Sandy Romualdez, Mons Romulo, Tim Yap, former President Benigno Aquino III, former Vice President Noli de Castro, House Speaker Alan Peter and Taguig Rep. Lani Cayetano, Sen. Pia Cayetano, former Sen. Bam Aquino and Antique Rep. Loren Legarda were among those who contributed for legal fees.
According to Bayan Secretary-General Renato Reyes Jr, the 21 were ordered to pay around P15,000 each.
“The whole process just shows how anti-poor the current justice system is,” said Nanoy Rafael from the Save San Roque Alliance, one of the groups assisting the community and the arrested protesters.
“From the bail bond, which is equivalent to more than a month’s wage, to the mountain of requirements, these already put the marginalized families at a disadvantage.”
Earlier that day, QCPD personnel were deployed to Sitio San Roque, supposedly to conduct a dialogue with members of the community over supposed violations of quarantine procedures.
However, Save San Roque said in an earlier statement that the police operatives raided a community kitchen set up to feed residents and tore down protest posters.
“It is also ironic to think how slow their release has been taking, as compared to their swift arrest just a week ago,” added Jmar Atienza, one of the Alliance’s co-conveners. — with reports from James Relativo
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2020/04/06/2005877/sitio-san-roque-residents-picked-protest-food-post-bail
Comelec to decide on May 11 plebiscite to ratify division of Palawan
By Leslie Ann Aquino
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has not decided yet whether to push through or not with the May 11 plebiscite to ratify the division of the province of Palawan.
Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said they will have to wait for the latest developments before deciding on its fate.
“@COMELEC suspended preparation for Palawan plebiscite but plebiscite not postponed yet,” she said in her Twitter account (@commrguanzon).
“It is in May. But we will see this month if possible,” added Guanzon.
Last month, the poll body suspended the preparatory activities related to the May 11 plebiscite due to the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) that the government imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
It was last November when the poll body set the conduct of the plebiscite to ratify the division of the province of Palawan into Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental, and Palawan del Sur on May 11 in accordance with Republic Act No. 11259 which provides that the plebiscite should be held on the second Monday of May, 2020.
RA 11259 was signed into law by President Duterte in April last year.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/04/06/comelec-to-decide-on-may-11-plebiscite-to-ratify-division-of-palawan/
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has not decided yet whether to push through or not with the May 11 plebiscite to ratify the division of the province of Palawan.
Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said they will have to wait for the latest developments before deciding on its fate.
“@COMELEC suspended preparation for Palawan plebiscite but plebiscite not postponed yet,” she said in her Twitter account (@commrguanzon).
“It is in May. But we will see this month if possible,” added Guanzon.
Last month, the poll body suspended the preparatory activities related to the May 11 plebiscite due to the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) that the government imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
It was last November when the poll body set the conduct of the plebiscite to ratify the division of the province of Palawan into Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental, and Palawan del Sur on May 11 in accordance with Republic Act No. 11259 which provides that the plebiscite should be held on the second Monday of May, 2020.
RA 11259 was signed into law by President Duterte in April last year.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/04/06/comelec-to-decide-on-may-11-plebiscite-to-ratify-division-of-palawan/
Star World - Bench Universe Teaser
Training the international spotlight on Filipino creativity and talent, Starworld is premiering the Bench Universe 2012 Denim and Underwear Fashion Show tonight at 9, making it the first entertainment production in the Philippines to be broadcast in pay TV throughout Southeast Asia.
Bench's fashion show is held every two years, but this year's Bench Universe was the biggest, most extravagant event to date, spanning a two-day event on Sept. 13 and 14 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Bench Universe is the largest denim and underwear fashion show in the Philippines, featuring collections from Bench, which has consistently drawn endorsements from the brightest local celebrities as well as global stars such as Maroon 5's Adam Levine and Korean superstar Lee Min Ho. The show celebrated the brand's 25th anniversary and featured a strong line-up of celebrities, including Georgina Wilson, Isabelle Daza, Manny Pacquiao and his wife Jinkee, and America's Next Top Model's alums Sophie Sumner and Dominique Reighard.
Starworld viewers will be treated to behind-the-scenes footage of the fantastical production, giving them backstage access to get close to the models of Bench Universe in their most unguarded moments. They will marvel at musical performances by international stars MiG Ayesa of Rock of Ages fame and Far East Movement, whose breakthrough dance hit Like a G6 has rocked clubs all over the world.
Bench Universe 2012 also features the works of fashion designers Ezra Santos, Joey Samson, Cary Santiago, Val Taguba, Rajo Laurel, Albert Andrada, Randy Ortiz, Furne One and Michael Cinco.
Celebrities such as Precious Adona, Asia Agcaoili, Carlene Aguilar, Marco Alcaraz, Gerald Anderson, Antonio Aquitania, Jon Avila, Phoemela Baranda, Benj Basa, James Blanco, Kris Bernal, Gian Carlos, David Chua, Geneva Cruz, Franco Daza, Alessandra de Rossi, JC de Vera, Robi Domingo, John Estrada, Ejay Falcon, Frencheska Farr, Tanya Garcia-Lapid, Rachelle Ann Go, Katrina Halili, Kristine Hermosa, Brent Javier, Luke Jickain, Bianca King, Doug Kramer, Maureen Larrazabal, Mikee Lee, Xian Lim, Ehra Madrigal, Michelle Madrigal, Rissa Mananquil, Robby Mananquil, Zanjoe Marudo, Alicia Mayer, Sam Milby, Priscilla Meirelles-Estrada, Carlos Morales, Ron Morales, Iwa Moto, Marc Nelson, Juliana Palermo, Angelica Panganiban, Bubbles Paraiso, Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio, Tyrone Perez, Sam Pinto, Cassandra Ponti, Camille Prats, John Prats, Francine Prieto, Bruce Quebral, Dex Quindoza, Rufa Mae Quinto, Wendell Ramos, Iago Raterta, Keanna Reeves, Rafael Rosell, Johan Santos, Jome Silayan, Jay-R Siliona, Prince Stefan, Geoff Taylor, John James Uy, Nicole Uysiuseng, Alfred Vargas, Iya Villania, Corey Wills, Maggie Wilson and Valerie Weigmann are not attending during the event.
Also available: Bench Uncut: A Bold Look at the Future (2010 Denim and Underwear Show) aired last October 24, 2010 on ABS-CBN Sunday's Best and Bench Under the Stars: 30th Anniversary Denim and Underwear Show on Cignal Pay-per-View, IWant and KBO!