Lacson on making peace with GMA, winning without pork

A firm handshake was what Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson offered to make peace with former President and now Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, whose administration he once accused of persecuting him.

Lacson said the occasion came last May when he and Arroyo sat down as members of the bicameral conference committee that was trying to reconcile the Senate and House versions of the national identification (ID) system. The senator headed the Senate panel, while Arroyo was a member of the House panel.

After the committee came up with a common version of the national ID, its members took a group photo to mark the occasion.

“(Arroyo) came forward, I met her and we shook hands. It was a warm handshake and it was genuine. It was sincere, at least on my part,” said the senator during last week’s Meet Inquirer Multimedia forum.

Dacer-Corbito ambush

After almost two decades of feuding, Lacson said he now wanted to keep the peace with Arroyo, his old nemesis whose administration had accused him of being behind the November 2000 abduction and killing of publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer and his driver, Emmanuel Corbito.

Allegations of his involvement in the killing, made by a former subordinate, police Senior Supt. Cezar Mancao II, in January 2009 forced the senator, a former chief of the Philippine National Police, to slip out of the country in early 2010.

He disappeared shortly before a Manila judge ordered his arrest for the Dacer-Corbito ambush. He denied having any hand in the crime.

The Court of Appeals later junked the charges against Lacson, who resurfaced in 2011 after 13 months in hiding.

“We are now at peace with each other, but there’s no saying I will not also [criticize her] when [an issue] goes against my advocacy,” said the 70-year-old senator, Arroyo’s biggest critic who exposed alleged corruption in her administration.

Before becoming a senator and exposing corruption in government, such as the pork barrel allocations of lawmakers in the national budget, Lacson was a disciplinarian national police chief who was praised for, among other things, ordering all police officers to trim their bellies and going after “kotong” cops.

Lacson said he did not reinvent himself when he became a senator.

His statement came as a reply to a query posed by Inquirer columnist Ramon Farolan, himself a retired military general.

“I didn’t plan those,” he  said.

Lacson said he had learned to adapt to his new environment as a civilian but also never wavered from the teachings taught to cadets at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).

“It’s still embedded, it’s still very much within my person, very much within my character. That is the only thing I could take pride in until my service in government ends, whenever that will be,” he said.

Lacson said the PMA’s vow of courage, integrity and loyalty would remain in him as long as he lives.

To Farolan, a fellow PMAyer, Lacson said, “All right, sir, all right”—a phrase that covers the PMA cadet’s code of honor where a PMAyer does not lie, cheat, steal or condone those who do.

Asked how he could survive the crazy politics in the country, such as winning elections without his share of the pork barrel, Lacson said his secret was his campaign contributors.

Kindhearted supporters

He said these kindhearted supporters—“who I cannot remember anymore”—were people he had helped when he was still with the PNP.

Lacson, the former chief of the government’s main antikidnapping task force, admitted that people whom he had rescued offered money to him and his team in gratitude.

But he said he had made a stand then that policemen should not expect rewards since they were only doing their duty. He also did not want his men to become choosy in helping only people who could offer a reward.

When he first ran for the Senate, these people told him they wanted to help him out through contributions to his campaign, according to Lacson.

And that was why whenever he ran for office, these people contributed to his election campaign. “They know I don’t have pork barrel, so they help me,” Lacson said.

With the next presidential elections coming in four years, Lacson said he was not keen on running for the highest position in the land a second time. He ran for President in 2004 and lost to Arroyo.

“I’m more bored than excited [about it],” he said, admitting that the current political system is “very frustrating to say the least.”

Lacson likened the situation in the country to Sisyphus, the cruel king in Greek mythology who was punished by the gods to roll a massive boulder to the top of a steep hill forever.

Lacson admitted he felt titillated to hear people say he should succeed President Duterte, who ends his term in 2022.

“I guess it’s a question of fire in the belly,” he said, adding that for now he did not feel the excitement of going for the presidency this time around.



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PTV-4 history

1992 was also the same year that saw the return of ABC, another station closed by the martial law in 1992. In 1993, the PTV lost third place to ABC. The resurgence of RPN and IBC led to further decline of the audience for the network. In 1995, it became the last place among the five channels.

In 1996, then received a presidential citation President Fidel V. Ramos for the successful coverage of the Atlanta Olympics. Two years later, it was the official broadcaster for the country's 100th anniversary celebrations on June 12, 1998. A few weeks earlier Joseph Estrada succeeded President Ramos as president of the country after winning the 1998 elections.

In 1999, PTV remained in sixth place, but was ahead of another station, ZOE TV, which opened in 1998 and became the new last place among the seven channels.

Arroyo administration and name change to NBN (2001-2010)

In 2001, President Estrada resigned as president as a result of the Second Revolution of EDSA and was succeeded by then Vice President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. On July 16 of that year, it became NBN (National Broadcasting Network) and carried a new slogan: "One People. One Nation. One Vision". For a new image in line with your new programming advances.

NBN expanded its broadcasting reach with the launch of NBN World on February 19, 2003, in cooperation with the Broadcasting and Television Service (TARBS). This global expansion signals new directions for NBN as it becomes accessible to the rest of the world, particularly the millions of Filipinos abroad. NBN can be seen in Australia, North America and Asia-Pacific. NBN is previously broadcasting via satellite nationwide using Agila 2, then moved to ABS 1 (now ABS 2) in September 2011 (now on Telstar 18 at the current time).

The decline of the station's audience continued in that decade, along with the other networks, at the height of rivalry between the two major networks, ABS-CBN and GMA.

In 2007, while maintaining NBN as its name, it adopted another brand, the NBN Information Channel, to position the channel as a news and information station.

Revert to PTV and recent developments (2010-present)

By 2010, NBN's top studios in Quezon City and its regional stations in Baguio, Cebu and Naga will be equipped with state-of-the-art news gathering equipment to compete with major television networks. In addition, a new Harris transmitter was installed. The power of the NBN transmitter should be increased from 40 kW to 60 kW (However, a few years later in 2013 the network was downgraded to its transmission power from 60 kW to 50 kW later, later to 40 kW or 25 kW in June 2016 to control energy costs). The NBN digital channel is now available on channel 48 now moved to channel 42 using the Japanese digital TV standard.

In 2011, NBN continued to upgrade its digital transmission capabilities with equipment donated by the Japanese government. This equipment will also allow the NBN to begin transmitting emergency alerts when needed (similar to the US Emergency Alert System), but it is more likely due to the use of the Japanese digital TV standard that the system would be based on the Japanese System J-Alert).

The station also began to eliminate the NBN brand in 2011, when it launched PTV as a secondary brand at the beginning of the year. In the latter part of 2011, the NBN brand was withdrawn and PTV was reinstated as the station name.

In March 2013, President Benigno Aquino III signed Republic Act No. 10390, which replaces the old law, in which the administration will be under reorganization and the government will infuse P5 billion into PTV to revitalize the station and make it "digitally competitive" ". PTV earned P59 million of revenue generated for the first and second quarters of 2014.

The PTV began its modernization program since 2012, including the acquisition of technical equipment for studio cameras, vehicles and high power transmitters to the main office in Visayas Avenue, Quezon City, along with some regional offices, including in their plans is the rehabilitation of PTV stations in Naga, Baguio, Iloilo, Cebu, Zamboanga, Cotabato, Calbayog, Tacloban, Pagadian and Dumaguete.

By operating with little or no budget, the new PTV was still able to cover major events in the country, including the 2013 national and local elections, the 2013 Central Visayas earthquake, Typhoon Ketsana, visits by US President Barack Obama and of Pope Francis, the APEC Philippines 2015 and the national and local elections of 2016.

It should be noted that in 2005 several Radyo ng Bayan shows were also shown on NBN with the Visayas Avenue studios used for some of them under the banner of Tinig ng Bayan. In 2014, the partnership between the two was revived with a new morning news program, RadyoBisyon, which is also broadcast simultaneously on the IBC-13 and heard on Radyo ng Bayan across the country, broadcasted from their own studios and of the RnB radio booth. Prior to launching, RnB - as part of the Philippine Broadcasting Service - has since 2012 been simultaneously broadcasting News @ 1 and News @ 6 on radio in all stations.

Revitalization under Duterte administration

Under the guidance of Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, the network will carry out a major revitalization plan to improve station scheduling and expand its national presence to stay abreast of UK state-owned equipment, NHK Japan, PBS of United United States, CBC Canada and ABC Australia. It will also implement editorial independence at the station. Andanar noted that teams from the ABC and BBC state networks will be sent to the Philippines to help with PTV's revitalization plan. He also approved a former ABS-CBN News executive, Charie Villa, to oversee the PTV-4 news division. However, Villa declined the offer because of his strong opposition on major national issues.

In June, President-elect Rodrigo Duterte said he would no longer hold press conferences and, instead, air announcements and press releases through PTV. Two months later, his promise was withdrawn, and interviews and press conferences resumed on the channel.

On June 17, 2016, PTV and Japan signed an amount of 38.20 million yen of Cultural Aid and acquisition of programs of NHK to improve the general programming of the network. Within weeks, NHK's Japan video topics returned to the channel after several years. However, one year later, on July 11, 2017, PTV and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed an agreement on another cultural aid for the planned transmission of 600 educational and cultural programs of the Japanese state broadcaster NHK in the channel through the ISDB-T digital TV standard.

On July 7, 2016, the president of PTNI, Maria Cristina C. Mariano, the PTNI vice president, Veronica Baluyut-Jimenez, the general manager of the network, Albert D. Bocobo, and the directors Josemaria Claro and Cindy Rachelle Igmat , all named during the Aquino administration, presented their resignation to Duterte through Andanar. And followed by the slogan "Telebisyon ng Bayan" was removed from the logo while retaining the 2012 PTV logo. 3 days later, former PTNI news and administrative secretary, Alex Rey V. Pal assumes the position of Responsible for the temporary network and, while Bocobo remains as General Manager of the Network until November 24, 2016. Andanar also announced the appointment of Dino Antonio C. Apolonio, former vice president of production engineering of TV5 as the general manager of the network received. However, 4 months later, on November 25, 2016, it was officially announced that the PTV named Apolonio was appointed General Manager of the Network replacing Bocobo and also assumed as director of operations of the network, while the network board member, Josemaria Claro was also appointed vice president of network.

GOCC Undersecretary George Apacible announced during the network's Christmas party on December 20, 2016 that PTV sees its goals to stand out in the television audience until 2017 as it intends to occupy third place at the currently held audience by TV5.

On January 4, 2017, PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar announced that the power of the PTV transmitter increased from 25 kW to 55 kW for clearer and better signal reception.

On January 12, 2017, PTV and the Japanese company NEC signed an agreement for the commissioning of new digital transmitters and head-end system for the transition from the network to digital terrestrial television. The network is set to launch its digital terrestrial television service initially at six locations in the Philippines by introducing DTT transmitters and compression multiplexers in Manila, Baguio, Naga, Guimaras, Cebu and Davao in the Philippines by July 2017.

A new PTV logo, replacing its 2012 version, was visualized in the March 11, 2017 issue of PTV Newsbreak on the occasion of the inauguration of the station's Cordillera hub in Baguio city. Along with the inauguration, the government transferred the new outboard vans and the digital satellite news collection vehicles. The inauguration was led by President Duterte and PCO Secretary Martin Andanar. The transition to the new logo began on April 3 of the same year, when PTV launched the wordmark logo, corresponding station identification and new graphics. Another logo, which represents some elements of the Philippine flag, is launched after the registration of the station on June 28, 2017. Also the network was relaunched as the new slogan "Para sa Bayan (for the nation)", July 2016 (before re-branding).

On June 3, 2017, PTV began simultaneous CGTN programming programs, part of its staff having visited its facilities earlier this year as part of a series of training visas for state and private TV channels around the world.

In his first address of the State of the Nation, President Duterte proposed the creation of a law that merges and integrates the People's Television Network and the Philippine Broadcasting Service into a single entity called the People's Broadcasting Corporation (PBC), similar to the BBC . The proposed PBC will also launch the country's first specialty channels for the Muslim minority (Salaam TV) and the southern Lumad people. PBC will also place the TV broadcast centers in Visayas and Mindanao, as well as its main headquarters in Luzon and TV broadcast studios in major cities. The Salaam TV began to be tested on July 10, 2017 and began regular broadcasts on July 23 of the same year.

Nat’l ID system law to take effect Aug. 25 —PSA

The law that will put in place a national identification system is set to take effect on August 25, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said on Saturday.

The Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) Act was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on August 6 and was published in newspapers on August 9.

The law will take effect 15 days after publication in general circulation, "so August 25 pa magte-take effect," PSA chief and National Statistician Lisa Grace Bersales said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.

The law seeks to harmonize, integrate, and interconnect the countless and redundant government IDs by establishing a single national identification system to be known as the Philippine Identification System.

The Phil-ID will contain information such as the PhilSys number, full name, facial image, sex, date of birth, blood type, and address.

The implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the law is targeted to be completed in September.

"Kapag na-publish na [ang IRR] puwede na kaming mag-procure at i-implement ang national ID," Bersales said.

She said the PSA targets to initially distribute one million national IDs.

An initial funding of P2 billion has been earmarked for the implementation of the national ID system under the 2018 national budget. — Ted Cordero/MDM, GMA News

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/664624/nat-l-id-system-law-to-take-effect-aug-25-psa/story/

ABS-CBN Franchise earns a ‘pass’ from Pres. Rodrigo Duterte?

• During the May 2016 elections, ABS-CBN did not air President Rodrigo Duterte’s political advertisements.
• President Rodrigo admitted his hurt from a controversial political advertisement which ABS-CBN aired.
• The President, however, is ready to move on and let it pass.

During a dinner with Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas, President Rodrigo Duterte admitted his hurt from a controversial political advertisement which ABS-CBN aired. Although he had been threatening to stop the corporation’s franchise renewal, he had since moved on and mellowed down from the issue.

The said ad featured children who questioned his capabilities as a leader.

History

During the May 2016 elections, ABS-CBN did not air President Rodrigo’s political advertisements. They, however, aired a controversial political advertisement against him which was paid by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV. This caused a beef between him and the corporation became a frequent target of the President’s rants.

Rants.

The President accused the corporation’s of writing and publishing stories that defame him. He also called former ABS-CBN Chairman Gabby Lopez a “swindler” for not returning his advertisement money even if his political commercials didn’t air. The President also continued to threatened to file a criminal case against the Lopez family.

“Thieves.”

In early August, President Duterte stated that he is not in favor of the corporation’s franchise renewal which will expire on March 30, 2020. The President also called the Network owner thieves for tricking small people. In a speech he made on August 3, the President hoped that the franchise won’t push through.

“Now, ABS-CBN, their franchise is due for renewal. They sent emissaries to me. They sent Gabby (Lopez) 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.”

Wrong allegations.

In the said dinner, President Rodrigo noted that his ad placement did not push through. He, however, was maligned and accused of stealing billions from people.

“Minsan sinobrahan… 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 President, however, is ready to move on and let it pass.

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

https://www.msn.com/en-ph/entertainment/celebrity/abs-cbn-franchise-earns-a-%E2%80%98pass%E2%80%99-from-pres-rodrigo-duterte/ar-BBM4IZv?li=BBuSk52

Deniece Cornejo: A woman of courage

Deniece Cornejo

She may have suffered a lot in her life, but Deniece Cornejo is a woman of strength and courage.

Deniece was an achiever early on. She was a consistent honor student in school, and even after studying at De La Salle University, her quest for education remained unhampered by occasional modelling and endorsing jobs.

In 2013, she was chosen as SM Style Ambassadress and represented the Philippines in the 50th anniversary of the world-renowned brand Mary Kay. She also competed in beauty pageants, trained by Kara G, who was a judge in the grand finals of “Asia’s Next Top Model” competition.

Deniece has also been invited as resource speaker at school events, at the Arellano University Ad Congress, as well as in NGOs and government institutions.

She is a recipient of various awards. The most heartening to her was when she was recognized as first Filipino to assist the female troops of the AFP in Marawi (she went there by herself!) and was later awarded at the 120th anniversary of Philippine National Independence.

Also very memorable for Deniece was when she was invited to speak during the Women’s Month Celebration of the Department of Education and the British Embassy’s “Press for Progress” event. The British Embassy also invited Deniece to a celebration of the 92nd birthday of Queen Elizabeth.

By the way, Deniece also has a passion for music and the arts. She has exhibited her art works at the Bonifacio Global City. She has had guesting stints on TV, too.

***

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Aug. 18, go to former BM Angelica Jones Alarva, Jojie de Nero, Ballsy Aquino-Cruz, Marilen Tantoco, Gerlie M. Antonio, Clarita Cristobal, Marilou Morera, Gerlie Tan, Boy Limjoco, Noel Bautista, Elena Diga, Virgie Vega, Dr. Manny Calayan, Mark Meily, Fr. Manuel Roux, Marilou Irene Oganiza-Inocencio, Edna Panganiban, Carmen Javier, Lea Pamorcanand Wendell Ramos… Aug. 19: Mother Lily Monteverde, Maribel Lopez, Conrado Estrella, Tonton Young, Nancy Harel, Manuel Bediones, Celine Africa, Ernie Duque, AJ Siytangco, Rey Panaligan, Atty. Mar Santiago, Letlet Veloso, Lit del Rosario, Randy Ortiz, Iwa Moto, Ella Guevara, Loida Lagana-Huang, Merlita Macahindog and Hannah Nolasco…Aug. 20: Fr. Franklin Beltran, Toy Cuaycong, Chief Justice Emilio Gancayco, Noel Trinidad, Consul Fortune Ledesma, Christine Gatchalian, Cheloy Ignacio, Tanya Montenegro, Jaime Picornell, Melon Recto Silverio, Vincent del Rosario, Atty. Jose Villanueva, Alex Datu, Ruben Ilagan, Phillip Salvador, Max Collins, Mervin dela Cruz, Precy Langkay, Lani Glorioso, Coach Ronjay Reyes Enrile, Anders Moeller, Hercules Callanta, Leah Gutierrez and Bro. Mike Velarde… Belated b-day greetings to Agustina Baby Bernardino, Abby Rebong, Mike David, Jean Gaecerro, Angeline del Carmen, Rainier Tolentino, Bayani Agabin and Neil Clark (Aug. 17)…Condolences to the family of late Nestor Amago of Barangay Aguado, Trece Martires, Cavite who died last Aug. 15… Aug 21: Sec. Martin Andanar, Sen. Lito Lapid, Jeanne Margaret Goulbourn, Hector Villanueva, Nina Teves, Charlie Uy, Eva Gonzalez, Francis Zamora, Noemi B. Reyes, George del Rosario, Mayor Manny Ilumba, Mutya C. Laxa, Chit Picache Vizconde, Carmelita “Baby” Millado, Jay Valenciano-Glorioso, Carol Yap, Pinky and Miguel Mendoza, Ace Esmeralda and Marissa Ching… Happy wedding anniversary to Col. and Mrs. Clemente Lobusta…

Duterte tells Comelec: Deputize me for 2019 polls

Deputize me.

This was what President Rodrigo Duterte told the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday to help ensure a clean conduct of the 2019 midterm elections.

Duterte added that he will impose the “Alunan” doctrine, which limits the number of armed guards of politicians.

“I commit to the Filipino people that this will be a clean election. Sabihin ko sa Comelec na i-deputize personally ako [I’m telling the Comelec to deputize me personally],” Duterte said in a speech before a political gathering in Davao City.

“In the next few months, I will impose the Alunan doctrine. You cannot bring long firearms during the election,” the Chief Executive said.

Likewise, Duterte chastised the communist rebels, telling them not to terrorize the public during the local and national polls.

“Itong mga NPA, huwag kayong makialam kasi election to [These NPA rebels, do not meddle because this is an election]. Do not terrorize. I will tell the Armed Forces and the police not to interfere if you are not deputized,” he said. /jpv

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1022498/duterte-tells-comelec-deputize-me-for-2019-polls

Duterte not a quitter – Panelo

By Genalyn Kabiling

President Duterte is not a quitter, and will continue to serve the nation despite recently expressing readiness to relinquish his post to a military junta or a competent successor, according to a Palace official.

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said the President will not be resigning anytime soon, believing the Chief Executive was merely exasperated by the lingering corruption in government.

“The intention is precisely to tell the people that he is disgusted, exasperated, he wants to resign but he will not do it,” Panelo said in a television interview. “He’s so pissed off but knowing him, he is not a quitter,” he said.

Panelo, however, said the President was not the kind of public servant, who would cling on to power.

“If he sees and feels that the situation is ripe for him to step down, he will. But not now, I don’t think so,” he added.
Asked if Duterte will finish his term, Panelo said: “I think so.”

President Duterte recently said he was mulling on resignation amid difficulties in resolving the problems of corruption and illegal drugs within his term. Duterte, however, was reluctant to quit since a constitutional succession means being replaced by Vice President Leni Robredo, whom he said was not competent for the job.

Instead, Duterte said he might step down only if political allies like Senator Francis Escudero and former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. or a military junta would take his place.

Duterte’s term will end on June 30, 2022.

Panelo, meantime, said the President is expected to fire more high ranking government officials for alleged involvement in corruption.

“He didn‘t expect that the magnitude of corruption is this much. So he has to make double time in firing officials… until corruption has dwindled to the minimum,” he said.

Panelo said the anti-corruption campaign would also be intensified by the government. “He has been saying that the illicit drug trade is still there, then there must be more actions against these people in the coming days,” he said.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/08/17/duterte-not-a-quitter-panelo/

PNP to follow Constitution after Duterte floats junta scenario

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday it will only support a constitutional succession in the event of a vacancy in the Office of the President even as it expressed satisfaction with the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Duterte on Tuesday expressed frustration at how difficult it is to rid the government of corruption, prompting him to float again the possibility of cutting short his six-year term that ends in 2022.

The President said he prefers a military junta or the likes of Senator Francis Escudero and former Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to replace him instead of Vice President Leni Robredo, his constitutional successor whom he deemed incompetent to take on the job.

PNP spokesperson Senior Superintendent Benigno Durana Jr, however, said the police organization was cool to the idea.

"As far as the Philippine National Police is concerned, I think that’s also made clear by Armed Forces of the Philippines, we will follow what’s written in the Constitution," Durana said at a press briefing in Malacañang.

Interior and Local Government officer-in-charge Eduardo Año has also said he does not see any possibility for a military junta to prosper.

A former military chief, Año said the AFP and PNP are happy with the leadership of Duterte, who put premium on the welfare of the military and police by doubling their salaries and enhancing their capabilities.

Durana added Duterte "has given almost a free hand" to the PNP leadership to do its job unlike in the past where there were "a lot of political influences."

"In my 30 years in the service, we’re just being given lip service by the previous administration – not this time. So this government has taken good, real good care of our uniform services now," the PNP official said.

He also cited continued public support — as reflected in the surveys — for the war on drugs, the centerpiece campaign of the Duterte administration which has drawn criticism here and abroad for supposed extrajudicial killings of drug suspects.

"The President was spot on all along that’s why he built the capacity of the Philippine National Police in dealing with our campaign against illegal drugs and our campaign against criminality because if you have a very good peace and order in our country, you know, it will create an enabling environment for peace and progress to thrive in this country," Durana said.

"And probably later on, this economic progress and development can trickle down to the rest of 90 percent of the Filipinos." — MDM, GMA News

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/664512/pnp-to-follow-constitution-after-duterte-floats-junta-scenario/story/

PNP: No reason to grab power from Duterte

The Philippine National Police on Friday said there is no reason for the police or military to grab power from President Rodrigo Duterte, as the country’s law enforcement agencies are happy with how the chief executive is running things.

Duterte has said the PNP or the Armed Forces are free to oust him in a coup if they feel that he is no longer capable as a leader.

PNP spokesperson Senior Superintendent Bong Durana, however, said the 170,000-strong PNP is very satisfied with the President’s leadership.

“As far as the PNP is concerned, we will follow what’s written in the constitution,” Durana said in a Palace press briefing.

“In my 30-plus years in service, it is only now that the PNP leadership is empowered, unlike before there are a lot of political influences. The president has given almost a free hand to the PNP to do their job," he added.

Duterte has said he is not afraid of being overthrown in a coup, and has in fact expressed preference to it instead of relinquishing his post to Vice President Leni Robredo.

Interior and Local Government officer-in-charge Eduardo Año, a former military chief, said “there is no existing condition” that would call for a coup or junta. He said the military is satisfied with Duterte’s leadership.

Duterte earlier this week said he was “tired” and thinking of stepping down, as he expressed frustration over the rampant corruption in government and persistence of the illegal drug trade.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/17/18/pnp-no-reason-to-grab-power-from-duterte

Robredo lawyer to Duterte: VP Leni qualified to be president

Vice President Leni Robredo is qualified to be President and should be given a chance to prove so, her lawyer asserted Friday.

Addressing President Rodrigo Duterte, lawyer Romulo Macalintal said Robredo is just as fit for the presidency as the 73-year-old chief executive under qualifications required by the charter.

"Yes, Idol President, VP Leni is qualified to be President because her qualifications are just the same qualifications you possess as required of a president under the constitution," Macalintal said in a statement.

Macalintal's comments came after Duterte aired his doubts over Robredo's competence, saying he would rather have the military or the likes of former Sen. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Sen. Francis Escudero to lead the country.

Macalintal explained that the presence of illegal drugs in the country cannot be a basis for Robredo's alleged incompetence, the same way it does not disqualify Duterte as president.

"Hence, VP Robredo deserves the right to prove her qualifications and abilities to be president in her own style and approach on current problems of the country while you take a break and take that much-needed rest," he said.

"So, idol President, why can’t you give VP Robredo a chance to prove her qualifications? As a lawyer, you know she is entitled to due process or right to be heard before she could be accused of not being qualified to perform the functions of the presidency [to] which under the constitution she is the rightful successor," he added.

The veteran election lawyer added that the President, who earlier revealed mulling to step down, can take a break with confidence that Robredo can lead the country.

"Yes idol President, if you feel like taking a break, then do it the constitutional way by allowing the constitutionally mandated VP Leni to take the realm of the presidency while you are having your much-needed rest days," Macalintal said.

"You really need a good break Mr. idol President and when you come back you can rest assured that the country has been that good, if not better, in the hands of the qualified VP Robredo," he added.

Robredo is facing a poll protest from Marcos, who has asked the Presidential Electoral Tribunal to invalidate her victory in the 2016 elections. A recount is ongoing.

Malacañang on Thursday said Duterte might make good on his promise to step down if Marcos wins his poll protest.

Duterte had said he would like to relinquish his post as he expressed frustration over rampant corruption in government and the persistence of the illegal drug trade.

But the President said he is not amenable to following the constitutional line of succession.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/17/18/robredo-lawyer-to-duterte-vp-leni-qualified-to-be-president

Duterte: 'I am ready to step down'

(2nd UPDATE) – President Rodrigo Duterte declared he is ready to leave the presidency should the military and police "find" the right successor.

"At this time, I am telling you, I am ready to step down and retire," he said on Tuesday, August 14, during the Pilipinas Angat Lahat launch in Malacañang.

He supposedly also told this to security officials during a recent joint military and police command conference.

"Sinabi ko sa mga sundalo at pulis (I told the soldiers and police), 'Guys, I want you to know that I am thinking of stepping down,'" he said, explaining that he was "tired" and frustrated by corruption in government.

"I am exasperated because however I try – I was dealing with the problem of Nayong Pilipino," he said, referring to the supposedly "flawed" lease contract between Nayong Pilipino Foundation and Landing Entertainment, a Chinese casino operator.

"Graft is so embedded, it is endemic, and it is always part of the territory of a transaction especially by government.... I do not think I can fulfill my promise to the people," he said.

It's not clear how serious Duterte is since he has made similar pronouncements before. He has spoken of resigning or not completing his term, but usually takes a light-hearted tone. (READ: Duterte's constant musings on death, resignation)

The President also started and ended his speech with his idea of resigning. At the beginning of his speech, he even said he was "embarrassed" to talk about it in the presence of House Speaker and former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as it would "cheapen" the presidency.

No to Robredo as president

Duterte expounded on a scenario of his possible "resignation," even sharing his thoughts on who should succeed him.

He said he would resign if security officials "find" the right leader.

"If you say, 'President, sir, we find you not at par or not in parity with the expectations,' and you say, 'We have found a leader,' I will step down," he said.

Duterte, however, rejects Vice President Leni Robredo as his successor, even if the 1987 Constitution states the vice president takes over upon the president's resignation.

"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," he said.

Duterte even claimed Naga City, where Robredo is from, is a "hotbed" for illegal drugs.

Why entrust the choice of the next president to the police and military?

"They are the only organizations that can control [the situation] when everything breaks loose," said Duterte.

VP camp: 'Just follow the Constitution'

The Vice President’s camp brushed aside the value of Duterte’s “endorsement,” citing his measure of competence, based on the performance of some of his appointees.

“Mga ‘competent’ ayon sa Pangulo: Tourism Sec na walang ginawa kundi mangurakot, NDRRMC head na nawawala kapag baha, NFA chief na naubusan ng bigas. Kanya na ‘yung endorsement niya, sumunod na lang tayo sa Konstitusyon,” Robredo’s spokesperson Barry Gutierrez said in a statement on Wednesday, August 15.

(‘Competent’ people, according to the President: a tourism secretary who is always on the take. An NDRRMC head who goes missing when there’s flooding, an NFA chief who ran out of rice. He can have his endorsement, let’s just follow the Constitution.)

Gutierrez was referrring to former tourism secretary Wanda Teo, who resigned following public outrage over the multimillion-peso Department of Tourism ad placement in the TV show of her brother.

Earlier this year, senators blamed National Food Authority chief Jason Aquino for the price increase in NFA rice as they probed the dwindling rice stocks in the country. Duterte later removed Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr – who had policy differences on rice importation with Aquino – as head and member of the NFA Council.

GMA H1 income down 21% to P1.22B

Media giant GMA Network Inc. saw its profit decline in the first semester of 2018 as its main television and radio advertising revenues dropped.

GMA said in a stock exchange filing that net income from January to June this year hit P1.22 billion, down 21 percent versus the same period in 2017.

This came amid a 6-percent decline in revenue to P7.25 billion.

Television and radio airtime sales accounted for 88 percent of total revenues in the first half of the year. The segment dropped 7 percent to P6.4 billion during the period.

“This year saw a notable contraction in television placements from advertisers, which was felt across the broadcasting industry,” GMA said in its filing.

GMA noted that other revenues, including its international operations, rose 3 percent to P856 million. Its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ended the firs half at P2.46 billion, down 17 percent.

“In spite of challenging market conditions, GMA Network was still able to breach the one billion-peso mark in terms of net income for the first half of 2018. We look forward to seeing the rest of the year with better results for our company,” GMA Network chair and CEO Felipe Gozon said in a separate statement.

For the second quarter alone, GMA saw profit grow 13 percent to P805.7 million. Total revenues during this period were up 1 percent to P3.98 billion.

GMA noted that expenses were stable as operating costs rose 0.5 percent to P5.57 billion.

It said general and administrative expenses rose 6 percent to P2.64 billion. This included personnel costs, which increased 8 percent as the company implemented annual salary adjustments and provisioning for retirement.

The increase was offset by the 4-percent drop in production costs to P2.93 billion.

During the company’s annual meeting in May, Gozon said GMA still expected to post a growth in profit for the whole of 2018.

Its net income in 2017 dropped 30 percent to P2.54 billion, mainly on the absence of political ad spending that propped up earnings the previous year. Gozon said the company was also focused on the rollout of its digital television platform across the Philippines within the year.

http://business.inquirer.net/255736/gma-h1-income-21-p1-22b/amp?utm_campaign=Echobox&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter&__twitter_impression=true

“LET IT PASS” SAYS PRESIDENT RODRIGO DUTERTE ON HIS RIFT WITH ABS-CBN

• President Rodrigo Duterte may just dismiss his rift against ABS-CBN pass.
• He spoke and admitted he was hurt with what had happened in the past.
• The rift started when ABS-CBN aired a controversial political advertisement against him.

During the May 2016 elections, ABS-CBN did not air President Rodrigo Duterte‘s political advertisements. The Network, however, aired a controversial political advertisement against him which was paid by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV.

This caused a beef between him and the corporation that became a frequent target of the President’s rants.

“Let it pass.”

During a dinner he hosted on August 14, Tuesday in Malacañang for the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, he spoke and admitted he was hurt by what ABS-CBN did to him, but the President, however, is ready to move on and let it pass.

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

Not that long ago, the President repeatedly threatened to block the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise, which is set to expire in 2020. During a speech he made on August 3, Friday, President Rodrigo brought up his grievances against the said corporation.

Leni Robredo to Duterte: 'Let’s just work'

The country has so many problems, let’s just work.

That was Vice President Leni Robredo’s response to the statements made by President Duterte against her.

Speaking to reporters in Naga City yesterday, Robredo brushed aside Duterte’s claim that her hometown is a hotbed of illegal drugs.

She also dismissed remarks by the President saying she is not capable of running the country should she succeed him as Chief Executive.

“Personally, I don’t want to react. I don’t want to respond to those statements because they do not help,” she said in Filipino.

“Our country has a lot of problems. Let us just try to fix it and avoid politics,” she added.

Robredo said she and Duterte were both elected to serve until 2022, maintaining that they have an obligation to serve the public until the end of their terms.

“We are obligated to do our best for the country because that is our mandate,” she said.

“Instead of wasting time on things that are not true, we should just work,” added the Vice President.

Duterte earlier said Robredo would not be able to solve the country’s problems should she become president.

He said he would rather have a military junta or the likes of Sen. Francis Escudero III and former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. lead the country.

Malacañang yesterday said Duterte might resign if Marcos wins in his electoral protest against Robredo.

Robredo’s lead counsel Romulo Macalintal said Duterte may have to finish his term as Marcos will not win in his election protest.

Macalintal expressed confidence that they will not lose in the ongoing case.

“Insofar as we are concerned, President Duterte’s resignation will never happen because Mr. Marcos will never win his electoral protest,” he said.

Marcos filed an election protest in 2016 after losing to Robredo in the vice presidential race with a slim margin of 263,473 votes.

He has contested the results in various cities and municipalities and sought the nullification of votes in some provinces where he alleged that massive fraud occurred.

The recount for Marcos’ selected pilot provinces is ongoing.

The camp of Robredo has repeatedly maintained that no fraud happened and that she won squarely in the vice presidential race.

The Vice President urged residents of Naga to unite amid the attacks. – With Rhodina Villanueva

Read more at https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/08/17/1843367/leni-robredo-duterte-lets-just-work#8uhS5q5iZTICdsgc.99

Duterte not resigning for now

Despite his frustrations over endemic corruption in government, President Duterte will not step down from office for now, a Malacañang official said yesterday.

Duterte might resign if former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. wins his electoral protest against Vice President Leni Robredo, according to presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr.

“The President has said that former senator Bongbong Marcos is one of the qualified leaders to succeed him. If he wins the poll protest and he becomes vice president, perhaps the President will make good on his promise to resign,” Roque said.

Marcos’ poll protest against Robredo remains pending before the Presidential Electoral Tribunal.

Duterte earlier said he is not amenable to following the Constitution when it comes to succession.

“The President is worried that his successor may not be qualified,” Roque said, referring to Robredo.

In a statement, Marcos said he is grateful to the President for trusting him.

“I thank the President for his faith in my abilities. But I urge him not to resign as the Filipino people still need him for  the betterment of the country,” Marcos said.

More heads to roll

Since the President is not yet resigning, Roque said the public should expect more heads to roll in the government if corruption would continue to persist.

“I guess more corrupt government officials will be sacked. So wait for further announcements,” Roque said

He asked the Malacañang Press Corps to announce the names of those who will be fired for corruption.

“We will be the anti-graft dissemination corps,” Roque said.

As for the recommendation for Duterte to take a break from work, Roque said, “He should probably file officially a leave and designate the Executive Secretary in an acting capacity.”

Duterte’s readiness to step down from office is an indication that he would not hang on to power, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said.

Cayetano said the President remains a strong leader and enjoys the people’s support.

“So let’s continue to pray for him and support him, let’s do our part. Let’s not wait that he gets to a point that he will step down,” he said.

Erap: Philippines needs Duterte

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada asked President Duterte not to resign, saying the country needs him at this “crucial time.”

Estrada said he advised the President not to resign when they met at an event on Wednesday night.

Estrada said the administration’s war on drugs should continue without letup. –  With Pia Lee-Brago, Jose Rodel Clapano

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/08/17/1843399/duterte-not-resigning-now

Pimentel bares shortlist of senatorial bets

By VANNE ELAINE TERRAZOLA

SENATOR Aquilino “Koko” Pi­mentel III has formally asked President Duterte to look into the possible candidates of the Partido Demokratiko ng Bayan-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) for the 2019 senatorial elections.

In a letter dated Aug. 15, 2018, Pimentel, PDP-Laban president, sought President Duterte’s opinion on the shortlist of 24 names for their senatorial slate in the May, 2019 midterm polls.

The letter mentioned personali­ties known to be allies of the Chief Executive, including Pimentel, who will be seeking his third term, and Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go; former MMDA chairman and Presidential Political Adviser Francis Tolentino; Representative Karlo Nograles; Rep. Zajid Mangudadatu; Rep. Geraldine Roman; Rep. Monsour del Rosario; Rep. Alfredo Benitez; Rep. Dakila Cua; musician Freddie Aguilar, and journalist Jiggy Mani­cad.

Pimentel also cited non-PDP-La­ban members, whom he described as “friends of the party.” They were Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio; Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque; Taguig City Rep. Pia Cayetano; former senator Lito Lapid, former Interior and Local Government secretary Rafael Alunan, former police chief and Bureau of Corrections chief Gen. Ronald dela Rosa; broadcaster Ramon Tulfo, actor Robin Padilla.

The PDP-Laban leader, on Thurs­day, urged Duterte-Carpio to run for a Senate seat in 2019, despite repeated denial from the presiden­tial daughter that she will run as senator and to seek re-election as Davao City Mayor.

Pimentel also endorsed to the President the five reelectionist senators in the Senate’s majority bloc, namely: Sens. Sonny Angara, Nancy Binay, Joseph Victor Ejer­cito, Grace Poe, and Cynthia Villar.

He told Duterte that the sena­tors were “generally supportive of your administration.”

Pimentel, in his letter, also asked the President for a meeting on the matter “at the earliest possible time” to prepare for the elections.

http://tempo.com.ph/2018/08/17/pimentel-bares-shortlist-of-senatorial-bets/

Sen. Ejercito lauds Rep. Sato for ‘tirelessly working’ to pass the bill creating PUP branch in Occidental Mindoro

Senator JV Ejercito has lauded Occidental Mindoro Rep. Josephine Ramirez-Sato for “tirelessly” pushing for a the passage of a bill that seeks to establish a Polytechinic University of the Philippines campus in her province.

Rep. Sato was the principal author of the Republic Act 11056, or an act establishing PUP branch in Sablayan. The law was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last Aug. 9.

Senator Ejercito, meanwhile, was Rep. Sato’s counterpart in the upper chamber.

“As a principal author and my counterpart in the House of Representatives, I thank you for tirelessly working for the passage of this bill. I am happy to see our efforts will usher better tertiary education in the province,” Senator Ejercito said in a letter to Rep. Sato.

For her part, Rep. Sato also thanked the Senator for his support to the bill and to the education of the youth in Occidental Mindoro.

“Maraming Salamat Sen. JV Ejercito sa pagpapahalaga sa kapakanan ng mga kabataan ng OkSi para sa mabuting edukasyon!,” said Sato.

“Salamat din po sa pagkilalang binigay ninyo sa ating pagtutulungan upang isa-batas ang “PUP-Sablayan Campus Act” (R.A. 11056). Dahil dito, magkakaroon na ng sapat na taunang pondo upang itaas ang kalidad ng pagtuturo at dagdagan ang mga kursong aangkop sa pangangailangan ng OkSi at mga karatig-probinsya,” she added.

Marcos replacing Duterte? 'Not a shocker, but #NeverAgain'

Although President Rodrigo Duterte's choice isn't unexpected, some Filipinos hope it wouldn't become reality

It appears no one was surprised when Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque declared Thursday, August 16, that President Rodrigo Duterte would resign if former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr wins his election protest.

After all, Duterte and Marcos are known allies, and the President himself said way back in October 2016 that the Philippines could have a new vice president if Marcos wins his case over Vice President Leni Robredo.

Duterte also repeated earlier this week that he wants someone like Marcos to succeed him.

But although the President's choice isn't unexpected, some Filipinos hope it wouldn't become reality.

For them, #NeverAgain to another Marcos as president – not after the Martial Law era under the former senator's father, Ferdinand Marcos. The period was marred by human rights abuses and corruption.

Duterte might resign if Bongbong wins VP poll protest — Palace

(Updated 1:35 p.m.) — President Rodrigo Duterte might fulfill his promise of stepping down from office if defeated vice presidential candidate Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. wins his electoral protest against Vice President Leni Robredo.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Thursday said Duterte has been worried about his successor as he wants a "better qualified" person to replace him.

"If there's a better leader or if there's a qualified leader to take over and he has said that Senator Bongbong Marcos is one of the better qualified leaders to succeed him, if there's developments and he will win the protest and he becomes vice president, yes, he will make true on his word," Roque said in a press briefing.

On Tuesday, Duterte said he was tired with his fight against corruption and, once again, mentioned his intention to step down.

"While I am not against or angry against anybody. My chase against graft and corruption seems to be endless and it has contaminated almost all government departments and offices," Duterte said.

Roque, on the other hand, clarified that Duterte would not be resigning any time soon.

"For now, he remains president," Roque said.

In April, the Supreme Court, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, started the recount of votes for the election protest of Marcos against Robredo.

Marcos, son of ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos, claimed there was "massive cheating" in the vice presidential race, which caused him to lose against Robredo by some 260,000 votes.

On Wednesday, Duterte said he prefers Marcos or Sen. Francis "Chiz" Escudero as his successors if ever he steps down as president.

Both Marcos and Escudero ran for vice president in 2016 with the late Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Sen. Grace Poe as their running mates, respectively.

Duterte did not even mention his 2016 running mate, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano.

Asked about Duterte's preference on his possible successor, Roque insisted that Cayetano remains the president's top pick.

"Let's see what Alan Cayetano has to say about that... I'm sure his number one preference is Cayetano," Roque said, adding that Escudero and Marcos are not the only people included in Duterte's list of preferred successors.

"I guess he was just saying that there's so many other people who are better qualified but I'm sure the list is longer than just those two," Roque said.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/08/16/1843117/duterte-might-resign-if-bongbong-wins-vp-poll-protest-palace

Duterte might step down if Bongbong wins poll protest — Palace

President Rodrigo Duterte may make true of his promise to step down if former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos wins his electoral protest against Vice President Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo, Malacañang said Thursday.

Duterte on Tuesday said he was already “tired” and wanted to step down but would want the likes of former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero to succeed him.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the President’s remark was just “statement of exasperation.”

“Well, what he actually said is a real statement of exasperation and genuine wish to step down if there’s a better leader or a qualified leader to take over, and he has said that he thinks that Senator Bongbong Marcos is one of the better qualified leader to succeed him if there is a development and he wins the protest and he becomes the vice president, yes he will make true his word,” Roque said in a Palace briefing.

Under the 1987 Constitution, the vice president becomes the president should the highest political post in the country becomes vacant.

Duterte has belittled Vice President Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo’s qualities as a leader.

Robredo is facing an electoral protest before the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) after Marcos accused the vice president of cheating him in the May 2016 elections, which also catapulted Duterte to the presidency.

“If he (Marcos) wins, if he becomes vice president, perhaps the President he will make true his word, he will step down. Because what he is worried about is if we use Constitutional succession, then the successor may not be qualified,” Roque said.

“That’s a conclusion that you can make,” he added. /je

Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1021985/duterte-bongbong-marcos-electoral-protest-leni-robredo-palace-vice-president#ixzz5ORXkFG8X
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Not Leni nor Alan: Duterte prefers Bongbong, Chiz to succeed him

President Rodrigo Duterte recently stated that his ideal replacements should he step down are Sen. Francis Escudero and former senator Bongbong Marcos, and not sitting Vice President Leni Robredo.

Duterte’s statement came less than a month after he expressed belief that Robredo could be a capable president.

The president’s preference

Duterte made the statement at a conference with the Kapisanan ng Mga Broadkaster ng Pilipinas on Tuesday.

“I think deep in my heart, if you follow the succession and Robredo takes over, she can’t handle it. That’s my honest opinion. I wish it were someone in the likes of Escudero or Bongbong Marcos,” Duterte said.

In a separate statement, Duterte claimed that Robredo was incapable of assuming the presidency as her hometown Naga had  become a “hotbed of shabu.”

“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,” he said.

Duterte has been critical of the vice president in recent months. In July 2018, the 73-year old chief executive said that he would not step down so that Robredo would not become president.

A month later, he commented that Robredo would be a capable successor in the event that he passed away.

His recent criticism came less than a month since his rare expression of confidence in Robredo.

Critics reminded the president to follow both the succession of leaders as mandated by the current constitution and the results of the 2016 elections.

Duterte has been consistently for Bongbong

Marcos, who finished second to Robredo in the vice presidential race, has been praised by Duterte even before the latter’s presidency.

In February 2016, Duterte remarked that he would give the presidency to Marcos if he was unable to fulfill his promise of ending crime in the country within three to six months. This is despite the fact that the president ran alongside then vice presidential candidate and Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, who donated an amount larger than his own net worth to Duterte’s campaign kitty.

It was also during Duterte’s presidency that the remains of Marcos’ father, the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, were buried in the Libingan ng Mga Bayani.

The Supreme Court decision that allowed the move was widely protested.

Robredo and Marcos are currently awaiting the results of a recount of the vice-presidential, following protests from Marcos’ camp.

Escudero and Marcos have aligned with the administration despite running for vice-president alongside Duterte’s opponents in the 2016 polls.

Duterte’s running mate in the elections was current Foreign affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, who finished third behind Robredo and Marcos.

Robredo’s legal adviser Barry Gutierrez hit back at the criticism by reminding Duterte that Cayetano was his running mate, and not Escudero or Marcos.

Tatlong bagay lang. Una, 155,000 na pamilya ang natulungan ni VP Leni, na walang anomalya, walang kurakot, at habang walang puwesto sa Cabinet. Pangalawa, pasensiya na siya, pero TALO si BBM at Chiz nung eleksyon. Pangatlo, hanggang dito ba naman nakalimutan pa rin si Alan? https://t.co/ruDwXWYXQw

— Barry Gutierrez (@barrygutierrez3) August 15, 2018

President prefers the likes of Marcos, Escudero as successor

President Rodrigo Duterte said on Tuesday he would step down if the likes of Sen. Francis Escudero and former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. would succeed him.

The President said he was not in favor of Vice President Leni Robredo, who defeated  Marcos, an ally of the President.

“I think deep in my heart, if you follow the succession and Robredo takes over, she’s not capable (of leading),” he said.

Constitutional successor

The President reiterated his claim that Naga City, the hometown of Robredo, was a hotbed of illegal drugs.

His spokesperson, Harry Roque, said the President was serious about leaving Malacañang only if he believed in his successor.

Told that Robredo was the constitutional successor of the President, Roque said: “That’s right and that’s why he will not resign.”

Barry Gutierrez, Robredo’s spokesperson, snapped back at the President, who had been appointing officials to the Cabinet who bungled their stints in office.

“The ‘competent’ people according to the President: the (former) tourism secretary who did nothing but steal; the head of the (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council) who disappeared during floods, and the National Food Authority chief under whose watch, the country’s rice supply has disappeared,” Gutierrez said in a statement.

Escudero was flattered by the President’s endorsement.

“That’s his belief. As I said, it’s flattering but that’s as far as it goes,” he told reporters.

House opposition

Opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives came to the defense of Robredo.

“It’s very clear that Vice President Robredo is competent to become the President of the republic just in case,” said Camarines Sur Rep. Gabriel Bordado.

Marikina Rep. Miro Quimbo reminded the President that the 1987 Constitution explicitly states that the Vice President is his lawful successor.

Despite their political differences, Robredo has consistently expressed her support for the President’s leadership, according to Quimbo. —With reports from Melvin Gascon, DJ Yap and Marlon Ramos

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1021869/president-prefers-the-likes-of-marcos-escudero-as-successor

Duterte bares plan to quit: Robredo? No; Marcos? Yes

President Rodrigo Duterte said Tuesday he would step down from office if former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. or Senator Francis Escudero—and not Vice President Leni Robredo—would succeed him.

In a speech during a dinner he hosted for the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas in Malacañang, Duterte belittled Robredo’s ability to lead the country, saying she could not be a good leader compared to Marcos or Escudero.

The President said he had nothing against Robredo but said he did not think she was capable of running a country with pressing problems, such as the drug menace.

Duterte said he thought of stepping down because the fight against corruption was seemingly without n end.

“I think deep in my heart if you follow the succession and Robredo takes over, no. That’s my honest opinion. If only it were someone else, in the likes of Escudero or Bongbong Marcos,” he said.

This was not the first time the President cast doubts on Robredo’s ability to be President.

Both Marcos and Escudero lost in the 2016 vice presidential race against Robredo. Marcos, however, has a pending election protest before the Presidential Electoral Tribunal.

Duterte has also said he would step down as early as next year, if the proposed federal charter is ratified by the public.

Robredo’s legal adviser, Barry Gutierrez, lashed out at the President for saying he would prefer a military junta to lead the country than to follow the Constitution’s law of succession that Robredo should take over the presidency if he steps down.

He said it was not Robredo who was incompetent, but Duterte’s Cabinet officials who were.

“They [officials] are competent, according to the President. Look [at the former] tourism secretary who did nothing but to commit corruption, the NDRRMC head who was missing in action during the floods, [and the] National Food Authority chief who had caused a rice shortage,” he said.

He added that the vice president did not need a presidential endorsement.

“Just abide by the Constitution,” Gutierrez said.

Escudero said he was flattered to be included in the President’s list of worthy successors, but said Duterte had no legal say in making this happen.

“I think he merely expressed his frustration due to the slow pace of what he wanted to see and achieve in our country in the field of corruption and peace,” Escudero said.

The Palace on Wednesday said the President was in good health and active after he said he was tired and thinking of stepping down.

In a press briefing in Malacanang,  Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the 73-year-old President is very active, very sharp and obviously does not suggest any problem in his physical condition.

“I assure you that he’s strong and healthy. He is almost everywhere all the time,” Duque said.

Last year, in one of his speaking engagement, Duterte said that he has been experiencing migraines and back pains caused by problems with his spine.

He also admitted having Buerger’s disease, a cause of blockages in the blood vessels, which he acquired from smoking during his youth, and Barrett’s esophagus, which is associated with an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, meanwhile, said he is in favor of the President taking a needed respite from his daily task of running the government, just like other leaders of foreign governments do.

At the weekly Kapihan sa Manila Bay on Wednesday held at the Café Adriatico in Manila, Dominguez said the Chief Executive has been working “nonstop” for two years and a break from his job might be needed.

“That guy is 73 years old and working nonstop for two years,” Dominguez said, adding the daily task of steering the government, running after corrupt government workers, drug problems, and not to mention the stress brought by the destruction of Marawi City due to heavy fighting between government troops and ISIS-affiliated extremists in Mindanao for five months last year, might have been taking their toll on his physical well being.

“He needs a holiday... even the US presidents take a vacation. Even ordinary people take a vacation,” he said.

Duterte told the military and the police in a speech in Malacañang during a command conference that he was tired of running after corrupt government employees.

“… My chase against graft and corruption seems to be endless, and it has contaminated almost all government departments and offices,” Duterte said.

Early this week, Duterte relieved 20 military officials allegedly involved in corruption, including anomalous and ghost projects at the V. Luna Medical Center in Quezon City.

Before that, Duterte also fired last week the entire board of directors of Nayong Pilipino Foundation over a “grossly disadvantageous” 70-year property lease contract.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said he did not believe the President was serious about stepping down only if he would be replaced by Marcos or Escudero and said the remark was probably said in exasperation.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon and Senator Francis Pangilinan, on the other hand, said the President’s preference of his successor would not prevail over the Constitution.

“That’s not an option in the Constitution. If the President resigned, the Vice President will assume the position,” Drilon said.

Pangilinan added that it is not up to the President or a military junta to decide who takes his place if he steps down.

A ranking military official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Wednesday guaranteed members of Congress that he would reject a junta even if ordered by his Commander-in-Chief.

During the Commission on Appointments committee on national defense confirmation hearing on the appointment of Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Senator Panfilo Lacson posed the question of a military junta.

“My question is purely hypothetical. You are summoned by the Commander-in-Chief, one-on-one, no other officer of the AFP is present, you’re asked to support a military junta, how would you react?” Lacson asked.

“In such case that the current President is the one to ask me, I would…” Dela Vega began, but he was cut by Lacson.

“It doesn’t matter who the President is,” he said because the question was hypothetical.

Dela Vega, AFP Western Mindanao Command chief, replied: “I would deny the instruction, sir, as it’s against the laws of the land, your honor.”

Lacson thanked the nominee and said in jest that opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros would recommend his confirmation to the plenary.

Hontiveros, who was at the hearing, said she was nodding her head “with full appreciation” when she was listening to Dela Vega’s response.

“Your response this morning gives me that much more hope… that the AFP will help stay the course for a democratic and civilian-led government so thank you for your answer,” she said.

The panel later recommended Dela Vega’s nomination along with other military officers. With Julito G. Rada

http://www.manilastandard.net/news/top-stories/273168/duterte-bares-plan-to-quit-robredo-no-marcos-yes.html

After Duterte tirade, Leni lets Jesse speak up for her: 'The truth will prevail'

Vice President Leni Robredo shares an old video interview of her late husband Jesse Robredo as a reply to President Rodrigo Duterte's latest insult against her

Vice President Leni Robredo refuses to play the political game of President Rodrigo Duterte, who once again belittled her capability to rule the country if he steps down from office.

But on Wednesday, August 15, the Vice President responded to Duterte through her late husband, former Department of Interior and Local Government chief Jesse Robredo.

Leni posted on her Facebook account a two-minute excerpt of an old GMA 7 interview with Jesse.

In her caption, the Vice President said she received “so many messages” asking her to defend herself after Duterte questioned her competence as a leader for the second time.

He said he is ready to step down if the military and police finds his successor, but the President later said he would prefer if the likes of losing vice presidential bets Senator Francis Escudero and ex-senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr would be his successor.

What does Jesse’s video say? Leni wrote in her caption: “Since we’re commemorating his (Jesse) 6th death anniversary on Saturday, will let him do the talking. Ganyan din naman sagot ko (My answer would be the same anyway).”

In the video, Jesse was first explaining how he, his wife, and their 3 daughters would have preferred a simple life outside politics.

But Jesse said Leni understood serving in government would give “meaning to [his] existence,” despite the consequences of the job.

“Maayos naman hangarin mo. Nais mong magtrabaho nang maayos. Gusto mo pang pagsipagan ito. Bakit nagkaganito pa?” asked Jesse.

(You have good intentions. You want to do your job right. You want to work hard on this. But why is this happening?)

He then said he could not make himself play the game that politicians tend to play, especially in building their public image just so the people would like them.

“I will not pay anyone just to build up my name, build up my image… I will not do that because you know, in doing that, I don’t believe in myself anymore,” said Jesse.

“So sa akin, ‘yong larong ‘yan, ‘di talaga ako puwede. Kung ganyan ‘yong laro sa Maynila, maling player ako. O mali ‘yong larong nasalihan ko,” said Jesse.

(So that game is not for me. If that’s the game in Manila, I’m the wrong player. Or maybe I joined the wrong game.)

How would the Robredos respond? The video ended with the former interior secretary saying he still believes the truth will prevail in the end.

It is a line Leni herself usually uses in her speeches and interviews.

“Ang dulo ng lahat ng bagay, ‘yong totoo ‘yong mananaig. Number two, ang dulo ng lahat, ‘yong matino ‘yong nananalo," said Jesse.

(In the end, the truth will prevail. Number two, in the end, the good will still win.)

"So I think in time, all of these will pass and people will realize what the truth is and hopefully by that time, nandiyan pa rin ako (I'd still be there) and people will look at things differently,” he added.

Jesse's tragic death in a plane crash in 2012 eventually forced his wife Leni into the national political spotlight.

Unlike his boss, Leni’s spokesperson Barry Gutierrez made a feisty comeback against Duterte, tweeting the President that he forgot to include his running mate and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano in his list of preferred successors.

Reacting to Duterte’s statement, Robredo posts Jesse’s video interview

NAGA CITY — Reacting to President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent pronouncement that she is not fit to be his successor, Vice President Leni Robredo has posted on her Facebook account a brief interview clip of her late husband and former Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo.

On Tuesday, Duterte said in a speech in front of businessmen and  diplomats that he was ready to “step down and retire.”

But he said Robredo was not fit to be his successor. The President also tagged Naga City, Robredo’s hometown, as once a “hotbed of shabu.”

In her Facebook post, Robredo said she received so many messages asking her to react and defend herself.

“Since we’re commemorating his (Jesse’s) 6th death anniversary on Saturday, [we] will let him do the talking. Ganyan din naman sagot ko (That’s also my answer),” her post said.

The video, which lasted for two minutes, was a one-on-one interview with Jesse in a television show.

In the video, the former DILG secretary talked about how he and his family always wanted a simple life and that they would never engage in any controversies in politics.

Jesse was also recorded as saying, “Maayos naman ang hangarin mo. Gusto mo magtrabaho ng maayos. Gusto mo pang pagsipagan ito pero bakit nagkakaganito pa? (You have good intentions. You want to work hard. But why is this happening?)”

He added that he cannot play the game. “I will not pay anyone just to build up my name, build up my image because if I do that, then I don’t believe in myself anymore,” he said.

“Ang dulo ng lahat ng bagay ay palaging ang matino ang mananalo…(In the end, it’s always the good one that wins). That’s why I think in time, although this will all pass, people will realize what the truth really is,” he said.

Robredo will be in Naga City on Saturday (August 18) to commemorate Jesse’s 6th death anniversary.

Jesse died in a plane crash in Masbate in 2012, while he was serving as Interior Secretary under the Aquino administration. /ee

Read more: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1021808/reacting-to-dutertes-statement-robredo-posts-jesses-video-interview#ixzz5ORZDX18V
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Init lang ng ulo: Duterte to let grudge against ABS-CBN pass

Is President Rodrigo Duterte ready to bury the hatchet with ABS-CBN?

Duterte appeared to have softened his stance towards the broadcast giant, which had often been the subject of his attacks, during a dinner he hosted for officials of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) on Tuesday (August 14).

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 added.

Duterte has frequently lambasted ABS-CBN over its alleged bias against him. He recently said that if it were up to him, the network’s franchise, due to expire on March 30, 2020, will not be renewed and and cease to broadcast.

The bill for the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise is still pending at the committee level at the House of Representatives.

http://politics.com.ph/init-lang-ng-ulo-duterte-to-let-grudge-against-abs-cbn-pass/

Tessie Tomas looks forward to taking a vacation

Tessie Tomas

What’s next for seasoned actress Tessie Tomas when “The Blood Sisters” ends tomorrow? Well, she’s off to The Isle of Man.

Tessie who plays Dr. Rosemarie “Mamita” Bermudez on the series said that she would be gone for a month. But it’s not all vacationing for the multi-talented Tessie as she also plans to pursue her dream indie film project.

According to her, the passion to produce indie film was fuelled by the 15 indie films she has done. Tessie even bagged recently the Best Actress award for her role in “Old Skool” at the first Subic Bay International Film Festival.

She said that from her experience, she now understands the framework of an indie film and what appeals to the audience. “I also have a lot of ideas because I’m also a writer,” she quipped.

Tessie is also working on her memoirs.

“The Blood Sisters” starring Erich Gonzales as the triplets Carrie, Agatha and Erika, ran for almost seven months.

• • •

Last concert for Anne Curtis?

Anne Curtis

In celebration of her 21st anniversary in showbiz, Anne Curtis headlines “ANNEkulit: Promise, Last Na ’To,” at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum on Aug. 18. Joining Anne in her milestone concert is a powerhouse line-up of artists composed of Sarah Geronimo, James Reid, Ex Battalion, Aegis and Regine Velasquez-Alcasid.

Anne first made a transition from actress to singer via her debut concert “ANNEbisyosa: No Other Concert” on Jan. 28, 2011 at the Araneta Coliseum.This was followed by “ANNEkapal: The Forbidden Concert” on May 16, 2014, also at the Big Dome.

“ANNEkulit…” is a production by VIVA Live with ABS-CBN as official TV partner. Proceeds will benefit the special projects of Dream Machine Phils.

By the way, Anne’s critically acclaimed movie “Sid & Aya (Not A Love Story)” is reportedly the highest-grossing film of 2018. And “BuyBust” exceeded expectations when it was shown locally and when it was premiered internationally in New York, Canada and South Korea.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Aug. 16, go to Evelyn Mandac, Raquel Villavicencio, Baby Rodriguez, former DOT Sec. Alberto Lim, Ma. Esperanza Lee, Richelle Santos, Maricris Sarino, Ivy Leah Mendoza, Rod Nepomuceno, Michelle M. Gerilla, Adjes Carreon II, Ian Valdez, Gigi Posadas, Greyson Chance, Lani Golosia, Jing Cabanig, Atty. Noel del Prado, Bong Aquino, Juana Esteban, Flora Manipi, Mark Joseph Tumarag, Renz Santos Caparas, Kimberly Pineda, Lemeul Gem Almanza, Katherine Galanida and Allaijah Mae Aranda…Belated happy birthday to Bong Quintana and "TWBA" production assistant Lani Gutierrez (Aug. 9)… Aug. 17: Fred Elizalde, Apolinario Lozada Jr., Jean Saburit, Fe Marzan, Jowee Mendoza, Susan Sta. Ana, Elena Fernando, Belen Lovina Ticzon, former Mayor Jose Yap, Rey Salac, Elona Magwale, Emma Lim, Karl Ymmanuel N. Martinez, Cristina Pecson Rodriguez, Roldan Castro and Carmina Villaroel…

https://entertainment.mb.com.ph/2018/08/16/tessie-tomas-looks-forward-to-taking-a-vacation/

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.