Mental health bill enacted after 20 years

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed Republic Act 11036, or the Philippine Mental Health Law, which aims to shed more light on the mental health of Filipinos.

The issue of mental health has been in the limelight following the recent suicide deaths of known personalities Kate Spade, Anthony Bourdain and the sister of Queen Maxima of Denmark.

The Philippines is the last country to pass a mental health law in Southeast Asia.

“No longer shall Filipinos suffer silently in the dark,” Senator Risa Hontiveros said in a statement on Thursday.

Hontiveros is one of the authors and the principal sponsor of the bill along with Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Senators Loren Legarda, Sonny Trillanes, Bam Aquino, Sonny Angara and Joel Villanueva.

In other developments:

• Deputy Speaker and Marikina Rep. Romero Quimbo on Thursday hailed the signing into law of the Mental Health Law.

“Truly fantastic news. It is a bill that languished in Congress for almost 20 years,” Quimbo said.

“Finally, the long wait is over. Today’s signing of the Mental Health Law will hopefully usher in the prevention of thousands of suicides that have been plaguing our country.”

Quimbo was the principal author of the House version of the then Mental Health Act.

• The enactment into law of the Mental Health Act is a huge step in making mental health care more affordable, accessible and equitable, Senator Juan Edgardo Angara said, but he renewed his call to PhilHealth to cover the fees for psychiatric consultations and medicines, saying early intervention and prevention was crucial in treating mental illness.

Under the Mental Health Act, he said, PhilHealth must “ensure that insurance packages equivalent to those covering the physical disorders of comparable impact are available to patients affected by mental disorders.”

PhilHealth now only covers hospitalization brought about by an acute attack of mental and behavioral disorder at a package rate of P7,800.

Hontiveros said that the new law would finally “secure the rights and welfare of people with mental health needs.”

She said it would finally be providing mental health services down to the smallest branch of the government, improving the country’s capability to properly handle mental health issues.

Among the law’s coverage is the provision of mental health services from health care facilities up to promoting mental health education in schools and workplaces where mental health risks are more prevalent.

The law also hopes to de-stigmatize and prevent political discrimination, give access to affordable essential health and social services, and increase research and development on different mental health advocacy and treatment.

The signed law may be considered a breakthrough effort of the government in providing not only physical health but also mental well-being, which is being given less priority because of the stigma attached to it. With Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

System failure

The economic managers were in Japan this week to finalize plans to borrow significant amounts of money to finance Build Build Build. We are borrowing $ 1 billion in yen denominated samurai bonds. The Japanese government is also giving us a little over a billion US dollars in loans and grants also for BBB.

I am sure we need all the money we can get to help us build needed infrastructure. But I am not sure about our readiness to use the money productively. The money can’t sit idly, waiting for us to get our act together.

I am not too hopeful. Two years after the Duterte administration took office, we have seen nothing yet. Everything so far is talk, road shows, and powerpoint presentations. Wishful thinking!

The projects they have been inaugurating lately were initiated by the last administration. While they get stars for allowing those projects to be completed, they should by this time be busy constructing projects from their long list under Build Build Build. Only the Clark Airport project being done by Megawide under contract with BCDA has been awarded and is actually being constructed.

I have been wondering what is keeping the likes of Tugade and Villar from getting the show on the road. From people who know the workings of government, the answer I keep on getting is simply this: the system to award projects is terribly broken. In other words, we have a system failure.

Let me explain by way of example... my favorite four kilometer LRT2 extension project to Antipolo. Jun Abaya made the horrible mistake of chopping up the project during PNoy’s watch. Because he did, the project is difficult to get completed.

The viaduct on which the rails will be laid were delivered a year ago. That is the part of the project that required a lot of heavy lifting, literally. Motorists have suffered unbearable traffic jams while it was being constructed. That inspired Abaya’s memorable observation that traffic jams don’t kill anyone.

But Abaya didn’t award the building of the stations, supply of and installation of the rails, the catenary (overhead line or overhead wire used to transmit electrical energy to trains) and signaling system. Under Art Tugade, DOTr awarded the building of the stations and that is now being constructed and will soon be completed.

But guess what? After the stations are completed, the trains will still be unable to run. Tugade has yet to award the supply of the catenary system, the rails and the signaling system.

They had a number of failed bids. Why? Because the project was so delayed… the cost estimate was circa 2012. Of course, prices have gone up by now, specially with the weak peso. There is, however, a rule that no bid above the estimated price can be awarded.

So a failed bidding is declared. Succeeding attempts to bid have also understandably failed. The budget department should provide a bigger budget, upgrade the estimate to reflect present costs.

Budget Secretary Ben Diokno told me that public biddings of Tugade’s projects are now being done by his department. If that is so, Ben should know they are wasting time. All those failed bids could have been avoided if they allocated additional funds.

Ben is so busy promoting BBB, but he miserably failed to attend to the details of how his department can get it done. I understand Tugade is experiencing the same problem with the common station which broke ground almost a year ago, but nothing else has happened since other than failed bids.

Maybe if Ben stops trying to steal the work of Martin Andanar as the administration’s point man for propaganda, he will find the time to address bottlenecks in implementation. This system failure will make BBB a big disappointment unless attended to right away.

There are other funny rules designed to prevent fraud in the public works arena that are also causing a slowdown in project implementation.

When they have to tear down houses or buildings to give way to a road project, they must first make an inventory of every screw, door locks, and other such things so COA can determine the compensation.

That is one reason why the much needed NLEX-SLEX connector road is unable to move faster. Right-of-way procurement is snail paced. And once the land had been acquired, dealing with the buildings is another arduous process.

It makes me wonder why ROW scams like that one in General Santos still happen. These tough rules are useless if real projects are delayed considerably, but crooks are still able to defraud the taxpayers as if it was the simplest thing to do.

If we are unable to carry out much needed projects in Metro Manila where the likes of Ben Diokno can easily monitor developments, what more in the provinces?

Ben was trying to impress me with the idea of geo-tagging projects so they can remotely see developments in the project sites. I am impressed, but I would be more impressed if Ben asks his procurement staff what’s keeping the LRT 2 Extension project from being completed a little more quickly.

Mark Villar can also be a little more hands-on with his ROW acquisition team and help alleviate the backlog of cases so projects can actually get started.

Mark made a big to-do with the groundbreaking of that C-6 Lakeshore project. But I found out the ROW has not been acquired. San Miguel, which won the right to do the project, cannot mobilize a construction crew until a significant amount of ROW is available.

The system is broken... no, it is worse. There is a system failure and the earlier the economic managers start fixing the system, the earlier they can get going on BBB. Until then, it’s all hot air.

PROPOSED NATIONAL ID SYSTEM WILL HARMONIZE AND INTEGRATE MULTIPLE GOVERNMENT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS

The proposed National Identification System has already been sponsored in the Senate, with Senator Panfilo Lacson delivering the bill’s sponsorship message on Monday, March 12, at the Senate Session Hall.

Senate deliberations shall commence this week, and DBM Sec. Benjamin Diokno is hopeful that the bill will be passed into law as early as next week.

The corresponding house bill on the National ID System, HB 6221, has been approved by the Lower House on third and final reading last September 2017.

SB 1738, entitled, “An Act Establishing the Philippine Identification System” will establish a single national identification system referred to as the “Philippine Identification System” or the “PhilSys” for  all citizens and resident aliens of the Philippines. This unified system would promote seamless delivery of service, improve the efficiency, transparency, and targeted delivery of public and social  services, and enhance administrative governance.


In addition, the National ID is expected to reduce corruption, curtail bureaucratic red tape, avert fraudulent transactions and misrepresentations, strengthen financial inclusion, and promote ease of doing business.


Consequently, every Filipino and resident alien of the country shall be identified through the use of a unique and permanent PhilSys Number (PSN), which is randomly generated. It shall be the standard number assigned to each individual to be incorporated in all identification systems of government agencies.

National ID vs. UMID

Currently, the most harmonized identification system that the Philippines has is the Unified Multi-purpose ID or UMID, which is issued to the members of the Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund).

However, the UMID only covers less than 20% of the population since the start of its implementation and enrollment process in 2010. Hence, the UMID is not enough to solve the inconvenience and unnecessary and costly redundancies of multiple government ID systems.

On issues of privacy

Indiscriminate data collection may pose risks to individual privacy. Such is the reason why privacy remains to be one of the main concerns surrounding the establishment of a national ID system.

As such, data to be collected by the Philippine Registry for the national ID shall be limited to demographic information such as: a) Name; b) Age; c) Sex; d) Date of Birth; e) Place of Birth; f) Address.

Other information such as Mobile Number and E-mail address of the cardholder are optional. Also, Biometrics information to be collected include facial image, full set of fingerprints, iris scan and if necessary, other identifiable features of an individual as may be determined.

Funding the National ID

For FY 2018, funding for the national ID system amounting to PhP 2 Billion has already been made available under the budget of the Philippine Statistics Authority, as provided in the General Appropriations Act.

Local firm and Chinese partners look to build Makati subway

Real estate developer IRC Properties and its international consortium partners were granted "original proponent status" for its proposed $3.7-billion Makati subway project, the firm said on Wednesday.

In a disclosure to the stock exchange, IRC said it proposes to construct an 11-kilometer intra-city subway system with 8 to 10 stations that will connect key points in Makati's two districts with no cashout for the city.

"The proposed subway will complement the mass transport projects of the national government as it will interconnect with the MRT, the proposed Metro Manila Mega Subway and Pasig River ferry," the company said.

IRC said Chinese companies Greenland Holdings Group, Jiangsu Provincial Construction Group Co Ltd, Holdings Ltd, and China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd have indicated their intention to join the consortium it would lead.

The company recently applied to increase its authorized capital to P10.5 billion from P1.5 billion.

Kris Aquino understands ABS-CBN will not risk its "franchise renewal"

• Kris Aquino can’t affiliate with ABS-CBN as of this moment.
• However, Kris will host a talk show soon.
• She also didn’t want to disclose any details about the online talk show.

Kris Aquino recently hinted at hosting a talk show. However, she will have it online instead of having it on a television network. ABS-CBN can’t risk to affiliate themselves with her family’s ties to the Liberal Party.

During the I Love You, Hater media launch, Kris admitted how much she misses working in ABS-CBN.

In the said press conference, Kris revealed how the Kapamilya network has yet to offer her any new show. She also added that the network won’t risk it due to her family’s ties to the Liberal Party.

“I know that their franchise is at stake. I’m being so honest, diretsahan na ‘yan so why do they risk it by giving me a show especially na kahit wala naman kaming isyu ng Pangulo, hindi naman ako type ng supporters niya. So naiintindihan ko kung bakit wala.”

Kris continued that if netizens want to see her, they can log in to social media for a Facebook, Instagram and/or YouTube Live.

“Pero they can see me every night if they want to, I’m online and I have 53 brands supporting me.”

Here’s Kris’ explanation:

Barkada movie of the year

THE CAST of Regal Entertainment’s ‘Walwal’

Regal Entertainment Inc. is coming out soon with “Walwal” starring Elmo Magalona, Jerome Ponce, Kiko Estrada and Donny Pangilinan.

Directed by Jose Javier Reyes, the movie is reminiscent of classic Filipino barkada movies, only this time, it represents the relationships and sensibilities of the current generation.

“Walwal” is a colloquial word among Pinoy millennials. The term is believed to have been derived from the phrase “walang pakialam” and its closest English translation is “to get wasted” from drinking too much alcohol.

Elmo plays Dondi, a good son who lived life pleasing the people around him. Jerome is Intoy in the movie – a young athlete aspiring to discover the real identity of his biological father.

Direk Joey returns to Regal after he helmed “Our Mighty Yaya” in 2017. “Walwal” could be considered as the millennial counterpart of his 1994 youth-oriented movie, “Pare Ko.”

“Walwal” opens in cinemas on June 27.

• • •

So the story goes

Ken Chan

On the GMA primetime series “The Cure,” Ken Chan as Joshua and Arra San Agustin’s character Anna are a couple expecting their first child.

His becoming a father soon has given Joshua another reason to live and the more he has become intense in his desire to help his mother Evangeline (Jaclyn Jose) in finding a cure for the epidemic that has affected their people.

Topbilled by Jennylyn Mercado and Tom Rodriguez, “The Cure” airs weeknights on GMA Telebabad.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, June 21, go to former Gov. Chavit Singson, Ruby Tuazon, Edgar Allan, Al Santos, Janette Martinez, Princess Lizette Villegas, Dinia Entrata, Junjun King Austria, Baby Avenido, Emily Mendoza, MJ Marfori and Margaret Ong… June 22: Corazon Sandico, lawyer-musician Wowee Posadas, Evelyn Mateo, Doris Velasco, Virginia Delmonte, Baby Diestro, Esa Atienza, Mark Balmores, Kali Hofileña, Mico Aytona, Mary Christle Isip, Jay Cabanacan, Nikki dela Vega, Apples dela Vega, Jean Sison, Carmi Tan, Green Tan and Suzi Entrata…Belated happy birthday to "Magandang Buhay" program producer JC Ruby and Gener Sison, Mandaluyong City Assessor (June 18)…

LRMC: Phase 1 of LRT 1 Cavite Extension only 95% complete

TRAIN operator Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC) has yet to receive a single portion of the right-of-way (ROW) for the construction of the Cavite Extension of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1.

LRMC Operations Director Rodrigo P. Bulario said in a chance interview that the ROW acquisition for the first phase of the extension is only 95-percent complete.

This means the government cannot deliver the said easement to the company, as based on the concession agreement, the acquisition rate has to be 100 percent before delivery.

“The acquisition of the ROW for the first phase is less than 5-percent incomplete,” Bulario said.

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All the stations located in Parañaque City—Redemptorist, MIA, Asiaworld, Ninoy Aquino, Dr. Santos—compose the first phase of the Cavite Extension.

The company aims to start constructing the first phase of the extension by October, but with the rate of acquisition of easement, Bulario believes the company may start with the so-called mobilization.

“We will start mobilization in October, which means we will assemble machines and materials in the area,” he said.

Actual construction may start “early next year,” he noted.

The company broke ground for the 11.7-kilometer extension of the oldest overhead railway system in Asia in February 2017.

Targeted for completion in about four years after the delivery of easement, the 11.7-kilometer Cavite extension will connect into the existing system immediately south of the Baclaran Station and run in a generally southerly direction to Niyog, Cavite.

It will consist of elevated guideways throughout the majority of the alignment, except for the guideway section at Zapote, which will be located at grade.

Eight new stations will be provided with three intermodal facilities across Pasay City, Parañaque City, Las Piñas City and Cavite.

The new stations will be accessible to and from nearby community facilities, such as shops, schools, stadium and park, and will be located to suit passenger-flow routes from residential areas.

Pedestrian access to all new stations will be direct, safe and easy. Details, such as lighting to distinguish access points, pedestrian-cross striping and curb cuts for handicapped access, will be provided.

LRMC, controlled by Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and Ayala Corp., has invested P7.5 billion in the railway system so far since it took over in 2015.

COA: PPP center needs to collect P845-M from terminated contracts of gov’t agencies

The Commission on Audit said the Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines (PPPCP) needs to collect a total amount of P845.84 million from national government agencies and government owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) for projects which were either terminated or no longer pursued.

In its 2017 annual audit report on PPP, the COA said the receivables from national government agencies amount to P679.029 million, which comprises projects of the Department of Transportation which includes the Automatic Fare Collection System Project, North-South/Integrated Luzon Railway Project, LRT 1 Extension to Dasmarinas, Cavite, Mactan-Cebu International Airport New Passenger Terminal, Manila-Makati-Pasay-Taguig Mass Transport Loop Project, Puerto Princesa Airport and Clark International Airport.

Also included in the receivables from national government agencies are from projects such as the Improvement/Rehabilitation of Quirino Highway Project, NAIA Expressway-Phase 2, Plaridel Bypass Toll Road Project, Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike Project of the Department of Public Works and Highways; and the Vaccine Self-Sufficiency Project of the Department of Health.

For the GOCCs, the receivables amounting to P166.812 million would come from terminated projects such as the Rehabilitation, Operation and Maintenance of the Angat Hydro-Electric Power Plant Turbines, New Centennial Water Source Project of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System; and the Batangas-Manila Natural Gas Pipeline Project of the Philippine National Oil Company.

The COA noted that the termination of the projects is made by the implementing agencies by sending letters of termination to the PPPCP, stating the status and the reasons for the cancellation or termination of the projects.

The reasons of termination were as follows: no contract variation or amendment was executed to extend the term of the contract, fund shifting from PPP to Official Development Assistance (OCA), the National Economic Development Authority decided to defer the project, possible security issues raised by the military, protracted preparation and development of the project.

“Moreover, according to the PPPCP website, another reason for project termiantion was the policy directions set by the new administration, changing of funding scheme from PPP to ODA,” the COA noted.

The COA said that the DPWH and DOH both confirmed that as per their records, they have no outstanding payables to the PPPCP but it is an indication that their finance divisions were not informed of their obligations to the PPPCP despite their signed Technical Assistance Agreements (TAAs).

“We recommended and management agreed to: (a) enforce the provision of the TAA on the payment to the PPPCP by the IAs (implementing agencies) concerned of the PDC (project development cost) for the terminated proejcts, plus the 10 per cent administrative cost; and, (b) require the accountant to coordinate with the IAs concerned for the reconciliation of both accounts,” the COA said. 

FDCP honors Marichu Maceda

(FROM LEFT): FDCP Chairperson Liza Diño, Ms. Marichu Maceda and Mother Lily

The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) honored recently Maria Azucena Vera-Perez Maceda, fondly called Manay Ichu, one of the matriarchs of the local film industry. The event, “A Spotlight on Mothers of Philippine Cinema,” was held June 9 at the Cinematheque Centre Manila.

Manay Ichu literally grew up in the industry, having hailed from the family who owned Sampaguita Pictures, one of the biggest film productions in the Philippines from the ’30s to the ’70s. Sampaguita Pictures produced the most beloved classics and generated thousands of jobs for Filipino filmmakers and talents throughout its existence.

Manay Ichu, herself, became a producer of popular and highly acclaimed films like “Dyesebel” and “Batch ’81.” Her passion and love for the industry did not stop in producing films. With her Sampaguita roots, she helped found film-related agencies, like the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation, Inc . (MOWELFUND), the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), the Philippine Motion Pictures Producers Association, the Experimental Cinema of the Philippines and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) where she headed the International Film Festival Committee (IFFCOM).

“Truly, Manay Ichu is an exceptional force in the film industry,” said FDCP Chairperson Liza Diño.

In her speech, Manay Ichu mentioned the lessons she has learned in the industry. “Remember that aside from being an art form, this is basically a business, so you have to at least break even so you can recover your investment and produce the second film.”

The celebration was attended by people close to Manay Ichu’s heart: Gina Alajar, Nova Villa, Ms. Gloria Romero, JoAnn Bañaga and Mother Lily Monteverde. Everyone gave special messages for Manay Ichu including two of her sons, Atty. Ernest and Erwin Maceda.

• • •

Dingdong explores the beauty of Earth

Dingdong Dantes showcases the unseen beauty of Earth on GMA’s newest infotainment program “Amazing Earth.”

Dingdong Dantes

The show has the Philippine presentation of British Broadcasting Company’s (BBC) award-winning series “Planet Earth II.”

“I love to travel. In my every destination, I always discover na marami pa talaga akong hindi nalalaman at dapat ma- explore about how beautiful the planet is. Kaya naman in this show, expect me to be part of the journey of every viewer – that in every episode, I will be learning side-by-side with them,” he said.

Dingdong – an advocate of education, youth development and protection of the environment – is proud that the show highlights how everyone should properly treat and protect the people, animals and our planet.

“Amazing Earth” airs Sundays after “24 Oras Weekend” on GMA Sunday Grande.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, June 19, go to Joel Torre, Bing Davao, Rachel Anne Wolfe, Fe Canonizado, Engr. Jess Luciano, Nena Borromeo, Dr. Ping Duran, Julie Amargo, Edfie Littlefield, Pinggot Zulueta, Nina Raymundo and Jojo Alejar… June 20: Jose Rodriguez, Alicia Poltan, Frannie Jacinto, Beny Baluyut, Arsi Baltazar, Linda Marquez, Caterina Santos, Simone Louise Hubert, Jerry Donato, Dindo Balares and Emma Cordero…Belated b-day greetings to Christine Mae Gueta…

Erich: Enchong is a big part of my life

Erich Gonzales (left) and Enchong Dee in Paris

He was with me during the difficult times. I feel his genuine love and care,” said Erich Gonzales of Enchong Dee, her costar in “The Blood Sisters.”

“It helps that I’m working with someone whom I am really close to,” added Erich, who portrays the triplets Agatha, Carrie and Erika in the drama series. “Our relationship continues even after work.”

The actress got embroiled in a controversy that led to the breakup of her relationship with Daniel Matsunaga in 2016. (The Brazilian-Japanese model-actor is now dating Polish model Karolina Pisarek.)

Erich said the experience had taught her a lot. “Yes, I carry with me the lessons of the past,” she declared, adding that she was able to survive with the help of family and good friends like Enchong, whom she first worked with in 2009 in her launching TV series, “Katorse.”

Erich Gonzales (left) and Enchong Dee

“With all the good things that’s happening in my life right now, I have no more time for anything negative, or anything that’s not worth getting stressed about,” she said.

The actor related: “I’ve always been a confidant to her. We’re part of a bigger group, and we all support each member. Yes, I was with her during that stage in her life when she was really down emotionally.”

“I would respond to her call and spend time with her—no matter how expensive the restaurant she chose … I was there,” Enchong quipped. “Friendship is the foundation of our relationship. We would text each other whenever we feel like it, wherever we are in the world. We never fail to show each other that we care.”

Enchong also has this to say about Erich as a coactor: “I’ve been saying this in my interviews; she’s become a really good actress now. I think she was able to learn a lot from whomever she has worked with in the past and is able to apply them now,” he observed, adding that Erich “deserved the success and the attention” she is currently experiencing.

“They are gifts from God. They are her reward for surviving tough times,” he pointed out. “This show is really for her. Everything that we are doing here is for her. We’re working hard as one unit to help her and the show succeed.”



Read more: http://entertainment.inquirer.net/279504/erich-enchong-big-part-life#ixzz5InSSj3Eg
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Baby Go opens new company

Businesswoman and film producer Baby F. Go is going mainstream with future movie projects under an additional film outfit, Global Films Production International Inc.

She stressed though that BG Productions is still producing indie films. And some are already in the works and in its finishing stages. At the moment, there are two new movies being finished, “School Service” under the helm of Louie Ignacio and “Latay” by Ralston Jover.

Her vision is the same for Global Films Production International Inc., wherein she will continue producing quality commercial mainstream movies. Her upcoming film projects also prompted her to sign up new talents for development and casting for her projects. They are Angelo Mamay, Jasmine Henry, Celine Juan, Jillian Angel Juan, Jordhen Juan. Rhea Usares, Wynona Calderon, Woersha Calderon, Walline Calderon, Welcy Calderon, and Winter Calderon.

• • •

Open letter

In a recent Instagram post, “Kambal, Karibal” star Marvin Agustin expressed admiration for his young co-stars Miguel Tanfelix, Bianca Umali, Kyline Alcantara,  and Pauline Mendoza, but that he is findings ways on how to make life difficult for them in forthcoming episodes.

Instead of being alarmed, Miguel was even more challenged to do his best upon reading Marvin’s open letter. He and his fellow stars in the top rating GMA primetime series were excited to read the actor’s post.

“Kambal, Karibal” airs on GMA Telebabad.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, June 16, go to Jodi Sta. Maria, Keno, Jacqui Maniquis, Rizza Pili, Noli Pili, Cesar Canchela, Rommel Sanchez, Gerhard Acao, and Jodell Stasi…June 17: Former Sen. John Osmeña, Dada Santiago, Jet Montelibano, Juliet Cadiente, Elsie Abacajan, Jenara Newman, Nene Fenix, Prof. Marietta Escorpizo, Lilia Recto, Minda Agtarap, Paul Daza, Edd Gumban, Vaughn Ong, Mari Abainza, Kyle Echarri and Biboy Arboleda…Belated happy birthday to Queenmelo Esguerra (June 13) and Toni Abad (June 12)… June 18: Cherie Gil, Rosanna Ortiz, Angela Perez, Lita Garcia, Eddie Austria, Roger dela Cruz, Mario Casayuran, Don Gallardo, Elmer Dumlao, Tofer Vengco and Nydie M. Aguilar…

SMC awaits Duterte OK for $15-billion Bulacan airport

San Miguel Corp., the country’s diversified conglomerate, hopes to soon get the Duterte administration’s approval for its proposed $15 billion airport in Bulacan.

“Let’s hope it will be soon so passengers will no longer have a difficult time traveling,” SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang said during the company’s annual stockholders meeting in response to a query on when the project will take off.

In a briefing after the meeting, Ang said the President is very strong willed so the project’s approval may move faster than expected if Duterte wants it.

Ang touted the Bulacan airport as the solution to the airport taxiway and runway congestion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

“The problem with NAIA now is not just runway congestion. It’s also airport taxiway congestion,” he said.

He has already tapped the best masterplanners and builders to design and construct the airport, which he said could be the cleanest and most efficient in the country.

 “Once the government gives us the go-signal, we will reveal to the public the design of the project, but it will be a green airport, the cleanest, easiest, and friendliest,” Ang said.

Last April, the National Economic and Development Authority Board gave the green light for the airport project. But Ang said it could still take a long time given that there would still be negotiations with the Department of Transportation (DOTr). The project still needs to be subjected to a Swiss challenge.

He believes the project will attract 20 million foreign tourists and generate at least 40 million new jobs.

Ang also reiterated the proposed Bulacan airport could put the Philippines on the radar screen of foreign tourists as it would help decongest the existing airports such as the NAIA and support the Clark gateway in Pampanga.

Filipino Muslims pray for passage of self rule law as fasting month ends

Manila: Thousands of Filipino Muslims joined their families for Eid festivities across the country amid fervent hopes that a law that would provide them with genuine self-rule would be passed.

Muslims in the Philippines attended Eid prayers at the Golden Mosque and Cultural Centre in Manila’s Quiapo district to celebrate Eid Al Fitr.

Haji Mohammad Ersad Malli, administrator of the Golden Mosque said as the tasting month ended for Filipino Muslims, he hopes Senators and House of Representatives finish with their work with the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

“We are praying and hoping that the BBL will become a law. We, who are in Luzon, are also affected by conflicts in the south. God willing, BBL will push through, according to them the bill is now in the bicameral and we hope it would be signed before the State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Duterte,” Malli was quoted by the state-run Philippine News Agency as saying.

During the last week of May the House and the Senate passed their respective versions of the BBL, a legal framework for a Moro self-rule region in southern Philippines that would replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The ARMM, which is already more than two decades old, had failed to end the fighting in southern Philippines as it failed miserably to address the root causes of the conflict such as inequity in the distribution of wealth, among others.

The two chambers’ work on the BBL marks the first time proposals on this matter had gone past discussions in the plenary.

Still, work on the law is still far from finished and a consolidated version of the Senate and House versions of the proposal must be approved first in the bicameral conference committee (Bicam), before it can be submitted for Duterte’s approval.

Duterte in May certified the BBL as an “urgent” measure.

It had been hoped that the BBL will finally bring peace in southern Philippines.

“We pray every day for peace to reign in Mindanao, particularly in Marawi City,” he said.

Known as the Philippines’ Islamic City with more than 90 per cent of the population Muslim, Marawi City was turned into a battleground last year for five months as Daesh-inspired groups mounted an insurrection and tried to establish an Islamic fundamentalist “caliphate” in the city.

The fighting disrupted the lives of destroyed homes of the residents and left more than a thousand dead.

Walang overnight? Duterte wants trip to Kuwait to be quick

President Rodrigo Duterte has no plans of staying long in Kuwait even if he’s dead set on visiting the Gulf state out of gratitude.

In a speech before newly elected barangay chiefs of CALABARZON Thursday (June 14), Duterte expressed gratitude to Kuwait for agreeing to all of his demands for the contents of the agreement for the protection of Filipino migrant workers.

Among the President’s demands which were included in the contract is the prohibition on employers’ confiscation of the Filipino workers, a mandatory one day off, and the freedom to cook their own food and practice their own religion.

“So about seven of them were granted. That’s why I’m going to Kuwait. Huwag kayong mag-alala. I will just take the commercial flight. Mag-commercial lang ako just to say ‘salamat po’ and then I’ll take the next available flight back home. Just to show our gratitude,” he said in Laguna.

Duterte lashed out at Kuwait for the “inhumane” treatment of Filipino workers after the body of domestic helper Joanna Demafelis was found in a freezer in February.

The incident led to the ban on deployment of Filipino workers to Kuwait for a few months.

Duterte lifted the deployment ban after the agreement with Kuwait was signed.

Robredo calls for a form of BBL that ‘adequately’ reflects hopes, dreams of Muslims

At the end of Ramadan, Vice President Leni Robredo once again called for the immediate passing of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in a form that would “adequately” reflect the hopes and dreams of the Muslims.

Robredo, in a statement issued for the Eid’l Fitr celebration this year, expressed hope that BBL “will soon be passed.” However, she noted that along with its passing into a law, the government must ensure that it will be in a “form that adequately reflects the hopes and dreams of our dear Bangsamoro brothers and sisters.” This, she said, will help “end their long-drawn suffering and fulfill their desire for lasting peace.”

In the proposed BBL, it is suggested that existing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will be abolished. It will be replaced with Bangsamoro Region – one that will be governed by a duly elected Parliament.

As the country joins the Muslim community in celebrating Eid ul Fitr, Robredo paid tribute to the Muslims. “The value of sacrifice for the good of others is one of the foundations of Islam,” she said. “For one whole month, Muslims all over the world abstain from worldly pleasures and, instead, feed and clothe the poor. In the process, they renew their faith and show their commitment to service in the name of Allah,” she added.

Robredo also noted that last year, “we have seen first-hand, how our Muslim brothers and sisters were willing to sacrifice their own well-being to help people in need.” She was referring to the Marawi Siege wherein the government forces clashed with a local terrorist group for months.

“Many of our Muslim countrymen were willing to give food to those who had none to eat, to give shelter to those who had lost their homes, and to give comfort to those who were in despair in the midst of the crisis in Marawi,” Robredo said. “These were examples of selflessness that the rest of us Filipinos would do well to emulate,” she added.

Aside from the passing of the BBL, Robredo also wished that the Muslim community to be rewarded “for your sacrifices and selflessness to those in need.” She added that may the celebration of Eid ul Fitr may “strengthen your faith in Islam and give you the strength to overcome the challenges that you and the nation face” and will also become a “time to reflect and celebrate, as Allah’s hand blesses the whole of humanity.”

My Proposed PTV 4 Schedule (August 2018)

Weekdays

• 4 am – Oras ng Katotohanan
• 5 am (replay) –
• Mon: PTV News Weekend
• Tues-Fri: PTV News Headlines
• 5:30 am – Salaam TV
• 6 am – Bagong Pilipinas 
• 7 am – Sa Totoo Lang (Mon), Ben Tulfo Unfiltered (Tue), Edukado (Wed), Kalusugan Mo Sagot Ko (Thu), Linya ng Pagbabago (Fri)
• 7:30 am – Pinoy US Cops (Tue), ITravel Pinas (Thu)
• 8 am – Bitag Live (temporary: Bitag and Pinoy US Cops replays)
• 9 am – Daily Info
• 9:30 am – DOSTv: Science for the People
• 10 am – Chinese Shows (Anime, Movies and Documentaries)
• 1 pm – Sentro Balita
• 2 pm – Chinese Shows (Anime, Movies and Documentaries)
• Fri: Damayan Ngayon
• 3 pm – Chinese Shows (Anime, Movies and Documentaries)
• 4 pm – Kilos Pronto 
• 5 pm – Mon: BizNews 
• Tue: Public Eye
• Wed: Insider Exclusive
• Thu: Iskoolmates
• Fri: GSIS Members’ Hour
• 6 pm – PTV News
• 7 pm – PTV Sports 
• 7:30 pm –Chinese Shows (Anime, Movies and Documentaries)
• 9 pm – PCSO Lottery Draw
• 9:30 pm – Chinese Shows (Anime, Movies and Documentaries)
• 10:30 pm – PTV News Headlines
• 11 pm – The Medyo Late Night Show with Jojo A. All The Way!
• 11:30 pm – PNA Newsroom 
• 12 MN – Oras ng Himala

Saturday

• 5 am – PTV News Headlines (Replay)
• 5:30 am – Oras ng Katotohanan
• 6:30 am – Soldiers for Christ 
• 7 am - Oras ng Himala
• 8 am –Yan ang Marino
• 8:30 am – Lakbayin ang Magandang Pilipinas
• 9:30 am – Mag-Agri Tayo
• 10:30 am – Pros and Cons
• 11 am – Cabinet Report sa Teleradyo
• 12:30 pm – Tahor: Your Ultimate Gamefowl Show
• 1 pm – Auto Review
• 2 pm – Like Pinas
• 2:30 pm – Du30 on Duty
• 3 pm - Chinese Shows (Anime, Movies and Documentaries)
• 5 pm – Mga Pinoy sa tsina
• 6 pm – PTV News
• 7 pm – Chinese Shows (Anime, Movies and Documentaries)
• 9 pm – PCSO Lottery Draw
• 9:30 pm – Crime Desk
• 10 pm – Bitag: The New Generation
• 11:00 pm – CGTN: Travelogue / CGTN: Assignment Asia/Travelogue
• 11:30 pm - CGTN: Culture Express
• 12 mn to 2 am – Jesus Miracle Crusade

Sunday

• 4:30 am – Key of David
• 5 am – Oras ng Katotohanan
• 6 am – Talitha Kum Healing Mass
• 7 am – LWYD (Loving What You Do) 
• 7:30 am – Buhay Abroad
• 8:00 am – Buhay Pinoy
• 8:30 am – The Doctor is In: Made More Fun
• 9:00 am –Tulay: Bridging People, Business and Government for Unity, Peace, and 
• 9:30 am – SME GO: Powered by Go Negosyo
• 10:30 am - Payo Alternatibo ng Dok Alternatibo
• 11:00 am – Kakaibang Lunas
• 11:30 am – Sagisag Kultura TV
• 12 nn – CGTN: Rediscovering China
• 12:30 pm - Bagong Bayani TV
• 1:00 pm - Chinese Shows (Anime, Movies and Documentaries) 
• 3:00 pm – Trabahante 
• 4:00 pm – Chinese Shows (Anime, Movies and Documentaries)
• 6 pm – PTV News
• 7 pm – Chinese Shows (Anime, Movies and Documentaries)
• 9 pm – PCSO Lottery Draw
• 9:30 pm – Kasangga Mo Ang Langit/Biyaheng Langit 
• 10 pm – Salaam TV
• 10:30 pm - Lumad TV
• 11 pm – Chinese Shows (Anime, Movies and Documentaries)
• 12 mn - Oras ng Himala

 =)

Enchong Dee - PBB 737

House minority solons want provisions on flag, anthem out of BBL bill

HOUSE Minority leaders on Thursday set conditions on approving the final Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to be reconciled by the Bicameral Conference Committee in July.

“I supported the passage of the BBL, but they must take note: we must remove some elements from the approved version,” Deputy Minority leader Jose L. Atienza, Jr. said in a press briefing.

Mr. Atienza was referring to the provision allowing the Bangsamoro region to have its own flag and anthem.

“Meron ba namang area na may sariling pambansang awit (Is there even an area that has its own national song) beside the Philippine National Anthem? I’m quite sensitive to that. I really believe in the constitutional mandate that there should only be one Philippine national anthem,” he said, adding that if the bicameral version still contains said provisions he will change his vote.

Article 2, Section 3 of House Bill 6475 grants the Bangsamoro Parliament to adopt an official flag, emblem and anthem of the Bangsamoro, which Mr. Atienza said could open the region to possible secession.

“That’s a prescription of a serious national disintegration, magkakaroon tayo ng mga (there will be a) secession movement,” he said.

The same provision is present in the Senate version, but on the condition that the Bangsamoro flag will always be displayed alongside the Philippine flag. It was also specified the Bangsamoro can have a hymn, which should always be sung with the National Anthem.

Minority leader Danilo E. Suarez also disagreed with some provisions of the BBL, particularly on the proposed block grant, which he said is “counterproductive.”

“Alam mo kapag ginawa mo yan, the Cordillera, gagayahin ‘yan (You know, if you do that, the Cordillera might follow). That will not stop other areas (from coming) up with their own,” Mr. Suarez said.

A provision in both versions of the bill states the National Government will allocate an annual block grant to the Bangsamoro government, which will amount to 5% of the net National Internal Revenue collection of the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the net collection of the Bureau of Customs.

The Bicameral Conference Committee is set to hold meetings from July 9 to 13 as it targets to submit the reconciled bill in time for President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s third State of the Nation Address on July 23.

Vista Mall opening tomorrow

Part of the 10th Anniversary of Inquirer Lifestyle Series "Fitness.Fashion" with Samsung show was the opening of Vista Mall Naga tomorrow, no other than Keren Pascual, the PR practitioner and talent manager of Enchong Dee, along with Architect Miguel Pastor, Suyen chairman and CEO Ben Chan, president Virgilio Lim, treasurer Nenita Lim and VP business development Bryan Lim.

In a text messages according to Arnold Vegafria, Pascual, Pastor and Chan (minus Mr. Dee) will attend the opening of Vista Mall Naga tomorrow morning and he will speak in front of the guests.

"Bukas pa ang opening ma traffic na, Kakaagi ko lang din sir pa Camella. dalawa daw pa open ang VISTAMALL and WILCON DEPOT grabe na tulos ang volume kan traffic."

Viewed inside Camella Naga

Back-to-back win for TFC

THE TEAM behind the original ‘Balitang America’ documentary titled ‘Box City’ (from left) Jeremiah Ysip (director of photography), Jon Santos (editor), Henni Espinosa (producer/writer/host), Patrick Luna (photographer). Not in photo are: Mike Carrion (graphic artist), and John Lazatin and Olivia de Jesus (over-all in charge of production)

TFC won two awards at the recent 47th Annual Northern California EMMY Awards held at the SF Jazz Center.

TFC bested KTVU Fox 2, KRCB in Sonoma County, and Hawaii News Now (KGMB) when “Box City,” an original “Balitang America” documentary, won in the Public/ Current/ Community Affairs – Program/Special – English category. The documentary tells the story of homeless Filipinos, who built their small homes made of cardboard and plywood, living in an encampment they call Box City.

“Box City” was produced by the same team behind the EMMY award-winning documentary “The Filipino Champions Of SOMA,” that won the regional EMMY for the same category five years ago.

At the red-carpet interview with NBC Bay Area’s Kevin Wing, producer, writer and host Henni Espinosa said, “When we first went into the encampment filled with homeless Filipinos, we didn’t know what to expect. My cameraman, Jeremiah, told me ‘You need to get in there. These are people with stories who don’t want to be judged; they just want to share why they’re in that situation.’”

• • •

76th anniversary of Bataan Death March

Philippine Veterans Bank successfully staged the 2018 Mariveles-San Fernando-Capas Freedom Trail with over 600 participants, including those from the three major services of Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police. The 160 kilometer, two-day trek is done in commemoration of the 76th Bataan Death March anniversary.

The Freedom Trail traces the steps of along the actual route the infamous Bataan Death March and aims to honor Filipino World War II heroes and survivors by involving the public in this solemn remembrance of heroism.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, June 14, go to Giselle Toengi, Digna Rosales, Norma Calleja, Wilda Jimenez, Yola Viana, Lilia Tolentino, Christian Dimaapi, Venus Velasco, Jerry Sineneng, Alfred Gachalian, IS Properties President Raymos Oriente, Bong Go, Oca Malapitan and Erlinda Rapadas…June 15: Rep. Eric Singson, Tony Esperon, Ray-An Fuentes, Jullie Yap Daza, Michelle Soliven, Dr. Modesto Tatlonghari, Carrie Bautista, Honey Girl de Leon, Sonny Valencia, Raymond Ronquillo, Tony Castro, Kai Palaganas, and Jarius Bondoc…Belated b-day greetings to Darla Sauler (June 10)…

Growing family: ABS-CBN Films no longer just Star Cinema

Celebrating its 25th year, Star Cinema has become the most recognizable film company in the country, and while it has been, to the Filipino audience, synonymous to ABS-CBN, it is now just one part of a growing filmmaking family.

Star Cinema, the flagship film outfit of the Kapamilya network, had been for a long time the lone brand under ABS-CBN Films. Moving forward, it will be joined by three other film production brands: CinemaOne Originals, CineBro Originals and Black Sheep.

During a recent gathering of employees in celebration of Star Cinema's anniversary, managing director Olivia Lamasan explained that distinction among the four brands under ABS-CBN Films.

Star Cinema, she said, will "remain committed to producing family-oriented stories."

CinemaOne Originals, already an established brand, will carry on as an annual festival for "edgier, arthouse" films.

CineBro Originals is geared towards male market, while Black Sheep aims to produce movies for the millennial market.

Addressing co-workers in ABS-CBN Films, Lamasan said: "I am confident in our people and our capability to face the trying and exciting challenges that await us.

"Sama-sama nating haharapin ang mga pagsubok, sama-sama din natin yayakapin ang tagumpay, habang patuloy tayong nagbibigay ng magagandang pelikula at mga alaala sa mga Pilipino. Kapit-bisig tayo."

Bill on Filipino Sign Language pushed

The main author of the bill mandating the establishment of a Filipino Sign Language system on Tuesday said he is optimistic the measure will soon get enacted.

ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio made the statement following the approval on second House Bill 7503 during last session day of Congress last May 30.

HB 7503 mandates the state to ensure that Filipino deaf can exercise their right to expression and opinion by requiring the use of FSL in schools, broadcast media, and workplaces when communicating with the deaf.

The bill is in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Tinio said.

Under the bill, the Department of Education, the Commission on Higher Education, the Technical Educational Education and Skills Development Authority, and all other national and local government agencies involved in the education of the deaf are tasked to henceforth use FSL as the medium of instruction in deaf education.

The FSL shall be taught as a separate subject in the curriculum of deaf learners. The reading and writing of Filipino, as the national language, other Philippine languages, and English shall also be taught to deaf learners.

The University of the Philippines and the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, professional sign linguistics and linguistic researchers, in collaboration with the CHED, DepEd and the Early Childhood Care and Development Council, shall come up with guidelines in the development of training materials for the education of the deaf. These materials shall be used by all state universities and colleges as well as their teachers and staff.

In the justice system, the FSL shall be the official language of legal interpreting for the deaf in all public hearings, proceedings, and transactions of the courts, quasi-judicial agencies, and other tribunals.

To ensure effective and equal access of the deaf to justice and facilitate their effective roles as direct and indirect participants in the legal system, the courts, quasi-judicial agencies, and other tribunals are hereby mandated to ensure the availability of a qualified sign language interpreter in all proceedings involving the deaf, without prejudice to the right of the deaf to choose other forms or modes of communication, if they so prefer.

The bill provides that hearings, proceedings and transactions shall include those that are held in police stations and before the Lupong Tagapamayapa as well as preliminary investigations and other initial stages in the court, other quasi-judicial bodies and tribunals.

The FSL also shall be the official language of the deaf employed in the civil service and in all government workplaces. All government offices shall take reasonable measures, including the conduct of awareness and training seminars on the rationale and use of FSL, to encourage its use among deaf and hearing-impaired government employees.

In the health system, state hospitals and all health facilities shall ensure access of the Filipino deaf to health services, including the free provision of FSL interpreters and accessible materials upon the request of deaf patients or individuals who have deaf family members.

The FSL shall also be used as the medium of official communication in all other public transactions, services, and facilities.

Similarly, the FSL shall be the language of broadcast media interpreting. The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas and the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (shall, within one year from the effectivity of the Act, require FSL interpreter insets, compliant with accessibility standards for television, in news and public affairs programs.

The bill mandates the KWF, in coordination with the DepEd Secretary, CHED Chairperson, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director-General, Professional Regulation Commission Chairperson, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the Secretary of Justice, and the heads of other relevant agencies, and in consultation with representatives of the deaf community, teachers with knowledge and experience with the use of FSL in deaf education, the academe, interpreters, and other persons concerned, to promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of the Act.

Bill on Filipino Sign Language pushed

The main author of the bill mandating the establishment of a Filipino Sign Language system on Tuesday said he is optimistic the measure will soon get enacted.

ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio made the statement following the approval on second House Bill 7503 during last session day of Congress last May 30.

HB 7503 mandates the state to ensure that Filipino deaf can exercise their right to expression and opinion by requiring the use of FSL in schools, broadcast media, and workplaces when communicating with the deaf.

The bill is in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Tinio said.

Under the bill, the Department of Education, the Commission on Higher Education, the Technical Educational Education and Skills Development Authority, and all other national and local government agencies involved in the education of the deaf are tasked to henceforth use FSL as the medium of instruction in deaf education.

The FSL shall be taught as a separate subject in the curriculum of deaf learners. The reading and writing of Filipino, as the national language, other Philippine languages, and English shall also be taught to deaf learners.

The University of the Philippines and the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, professional sign linguistics and linguistic researchers, in collaboration with the CHED, DepEd and the Early Childhood Care and Development Council, shall come up with guidelines in the development of training materials for the education of the deaf. These materials shall be used by all state universities and colleges as well as their teachers and staff.

In the justice system, the FSL shall be the official language of legal interpreting for the deaf in all public hearings, proceedings, and transactions of the courts, quasi-judicial agencies, and other tribunals.

To ensure effective and equal access of the deaf to justice and facilitate their effective roles as direct and indirect participants in the legal system, the courts, quasi-judicial agencies, and other tribunals are hereby mandated to ensure the availability of a qualified sign language interpreter in all proceedings involving the deaf, without prejudice to the right of the deaf to choose other forms or modes of communication, if they so prefer.

The bill provides that hearings, proceedings and transactions shall include those that are held in police stations and before the Lupong Tagapamayapa as well as preliminary investigations and other initial stages in the court, other quasi-judicial bodies and tribunals.

The FSL also shall be the official language of the deaf employed in the civil service and in all government workplaces. All government offices shall take reasonable measures, including the conduct of awareness and training seminars on the rationale and use of FSL, to encourage its use among deaf and hearing-impaired government employees.

In the health system, state hospitals and all health facilities shall ensure access of the Filipino deaf to health services, including the free provision of FSL interpreters and accessible materials upon the request of deaf patients or individuals who have deaf family members.

The FSL shall also be used as the medium of official communication in all other public transactions, services, and facilities.

Similarly, the FSL shall be the language of broadcast media interpreting. The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas and the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (shall, within one year from the effectivity of the Act, require FSL interpreter insets, compliant with accessibility standards for television, in news and public affairs programs.

The bill mandates the KWF, in coordination with the DepEd Secretary, CHED Chairperson, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director-General, Professional Regulation Commission Chairperson, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the Secretary of Justice, and the heads of other relevant agencies, and in consultation with representatives of the deaf community, teachers with knowledge and experience with the use of FSL in deaf education, the academe, interpreters, and other persons concerned, to promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of the Act.

Duterte heckler arrested

A protester who disrupted President Rodrigo Duterte’s speech in Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite, was arrested on Tuesday morning, police said.

A report from Kawit Municipal Police Station identified the protester as 20-year-old Francis Couichie.

While Duterte was delivering his speech during the commemoration of the 120th Independence Day celebration, Couichie and nine other protesters made a scene by heckling the President.

Reports said they were shouting “huwad na kalayaan” (false freedom) while the President was speaking.


Couichie was caught and arrested by police authorities while the nine other protesters managed to escape.

However, Duterte kept his cool, saying protestors have the right to practice their freedom of speech.

“I will understand. Our Constitution guarantees, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly and freedom of expression. I would just advise the law enforcement to just deal with them peacefully and [with]maximum tolerance,” he said.

The President added there was one common denominator between him and the protestors—love for the country.

“Nobody can ever question my love for the country, I was in Mindanao but I went all the way here. Why do you think? Ambition? It’s love of country and love of Caviteño. Even the protestors, I love them. You don’t believe me? That is the truth,” Duterte said.

Couichie is now under the custody of Kawit Municipal Police Station for investigation and documentation. He will face charges of public disturbance in accordance with Article 153 of the Revised Penal Code.

Attacks

In his speech, Duterte said numerous attacks from within still imprison the country, 120 years after the Philippines declared its independence from Spain.

Poverty, corruption, environmental degradation, terrorism, criminality and illegal drugs are social ills that continue to imprison the Philippines, the President said.

“Indeed, the story of how our forebears fought for our sovereignty and established a Filipino nation shall forever inspire us to cherish the freedoms that we enjoy all of us today. Sadly, more than a century since our heroes liberated is from foreign subjugation, our nation still has to face enemies that attack from within,” he added.

“At this crucial juncture in our history, we need to draw strength from the lessons of our past to ensure that these ills do not cause any more damage to our future.”

He also voiced hope that the Bangsamoro Basic Law, which seeks to abolish the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), will be passed by congress.

Duterte skipped the arrival honors and the wreath-laying ceremony of his first Independence Day celebration because of the inclement weather.

Last year, Duterte skipped the ceremonies in Luneta because he “was not feeling well.”

with ROY NARRA

Duterte warns of ruckus if BBL is not passed into law

By GENALYN KABILING

Another ruckus or “near revolution environment” might erupt in Mindanao if the bill creating the Bangsamoro region is not passed into law, President Duterte warned Tuesday.

Addressing the nation on the 120th anniversary of Philippine Independence in Kawit, Cavite, the President said he hopes that the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) would be approved in Congress to avoid trouble in the south.

“We are talking with the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front). ‘Yung Bangsamoro is in Congress. I hope it will pass,” Duterte said in his speech.

“If it does not, then there’s going to be another round of ruckus there. I hope it would not again result to a near revolution environment,” he added.

Apart from the MILF, Duterte said he was engaged in dialogue with Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chair Nur Misuari on the peace initiatives.

“Sabi niya, hintay lang ako kung ano ang mabuting pag-usapan natin,” he said.

The President recently certified the proposed BBL as urgent, allowing the two houses of Congress to pass their versions of the bill. Duterte said the approval of the BBL was a manifestation of the government’s commitment to address the diverse needs of the Bangsamoro people and other communities towards a just and lasting peace in Mindanao.

A bicameral conference committee is expected to reconcile the Senate and House versions and submit the measure in time for President Duterte’s State of the Nation Address next month.

Duterte warns of ruckus if BBL is not passed into law

By GENALYN KABILING

Another ruckus or “near revolution environment” might erupt in Mindanao if the bill creating the Bangsamoro region is not passed into law, President Duterte warned Tuesday.

Addressing the nation on the 120th anniversary of Philippine Independence in Kawit, Cavite, the President said he hopes that the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) would be approved in Congress to avoid trouble in the south.

“We are talking with the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front). ‘Yung Bangsamoro is in Congress. I hope it will pass,” Duterte said in his speech.

“If it does not, then there’s going to be another round of ruckus there. I hope it would not again result to a near revolution environment,” he added.

Apart from the MILF, Duterte said he was engaged in dialogue with Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chair Nur Misuari on the peace initiatives.

“Sabi niya, hintay lang ako kung ano ang mabuting pag-usapan natin,” he said.

The President recently certified the proposed BBL as urgent, allowing the two houses of Congress to pass their versions of the bill. Duterte said the approval of the BBL was a manifestation of the government’s commitment to address the diverse needs of the Bangsamoro people and other communities towards a just and lasting peace in Mindanao.

A bicameral conference committee is expected to reconcile the Senate and House versions and submit the measure in time for President Duterte’s State of the Nation Address next month.

Duterte confronted by hecklers

By Arjay L. Balinbin, Reporter

A GROUP of protesters heckled President Rodrigo R. Duterte in Kawit, Cavite, where he led the 120th commemoration of Philippine independence on Tuesday, June 12.

The mood among demonstrators was upbeat, amid the drizzle and cloudy weather as Mr. Duterte began his speech at the historic house of Emilio Aguinaldo, the country’s first president.

The protesters chanted, “Duterte, traydor (Duterte, traitor)! Hunyo dose, huwad na kalayaan (June 12, fake freedom)! Duterte, patalsikin (Oust Duterte)!”

“Hayaan mo lang (Let it be). It’s a freedom of speech. You can have it. Okay lang (It’s okay),” the President said when he was about to start his speech at the balcony of the Museo de Emilio Aguinaldo.

As voices from the protesters were getting louder, Cavite Governor Jesus Crispin C. Remulla was seen whispering to the President.

Responding to the governor, the President said, “Di bale, manonood ako (Never mind, I’ll watch).”

He then waived at the crowd and ordered the police and security “to just deal with them peacefully and with maximum tolerance.”

“We cannot agree at all times for all seasons. But at least we have this exercise once every six years, I suppose, under this new Constitution and you can elect the leaders that you want to run the country…. We may not understand each other but at least there is a common denominator and that is love of country,” the President also said.

In his speech, he said the Philippines has been facing “modern challenges of poverty, corruption, environmental degradation, terrorism, criminality and illegal drugs.” It is his “personal mission to rid [the] nation of these ills,” he added.

“But I cannot do it alone. At this crucial juncture in our history, we need to draw strength from the lessons of our past to ensure that these ills do not cause any more damage to our future,” he added.

Riffing on his speech, the President asked his Caviteño audience to visit his hometown, Davao City.

“I want you to go to Davao City…. Everything [there] is really done according to the book. Environmentally we’re quite more or less — we can pass the satisfactory level. In terms of law and order, you can walk about anytime of the day or night,” he said.

“We have a mixed crowd there: Muslim, Christians, Lumads and all. All tribes. There’s a big community of Caviteños in the City of Davao. And if they happen to sojourn here, ask them… It is not extraordinary, but unlike the others, talagang ‘yung wala ng disiplina (others do not observe discipline)….”

He also raised the topic of peace negotiations with rebel groups.

“I’m inviting the Reds to… Ito, itong mga nagsigaw (These people who are shouting). Kaya mahal ko ito sila (That is why I love them). Then choose a camp where you can stay there and I will contribute to your subsistence for the 60 days…. If it succeeds, then my only problem would be the rebellion in Mindanao,” he said.

He also cited talks with Nur Misuari of the Moro National Liberation Front as well as the truce with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. “Yung Bangsamoro (Basic Law) is in Congress. I hope it will pass. If it does not, then there’s gonna be another round of ruckus there. I hope it would not again result (in) a near revolutionary environment,” Mr. Duterte said.

He also said, “Eh ‘yung sinundan ko dito (the one I succeeded), the great Aguinaldo, is gone. But still we are struggling. Ang masama dito, ang kalaban mo Pilipino. Hindi naman sana kung mag-away tayo ng prinsipyo, okay lang.” (What’s wrong about this is that your enemy is also Filipino. If we’re opposed as a matter of principle, that’s okay.)

Duterte heckled during Independence Day commemoration

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Duterte heckled at his first Independence Day rites

(UPDATE) - President Rodrigo Duterte’s first Independence Day speech in Kawit, Cavite was met with protest, but the chief executive remained calm and said he understood his hecklers’ dissent.

Duterte had just started speaking at the balcony of the historic Aguinaldo Shrine when members of left-leaning group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) - Southern Tagalog heckled him, shouting “Duterte traydor (traitor),” “Duterte patalsikin (oust Duterte)," and “Hunyo a-dose, huwad na kalayaan! (June 12, false independence).”

The President was caught off guard but continued with his speech as police ushered the protesters out of the venue and staff behind Duterte scrambled to contain the situation.

Members of the crowd supportive of the President also tried to drown out the heckling with their cheers.

“Our Constitution guarantees freedom of the press, freedom of assembly and free expression,” Duterte said of the protesters.

Duterte also ordered law enforcers to “just deal with them peacefully and maximum tolerance.”

“We cannot agree at all times for all seasons,” he said.

“We may not understand each other, but at least there is a common denominator between us, and that is love of country. Nobody can ever question ang pagmamahal ko sa bayan (my love for our country).”

He said he loves every Filipino, even those who mounted today’s protest against him.

The President then went on to talk about discipline and invited the public, including the protesters, to visit Davao City where he ruled as mayor for over two decades. Duterte has touted Davao City’s prosperity and peace and order situation as the product of his leadership.

“If we don’t have discipline and people continue to ignore the laws and the rules by which we live, we will have a hard time,” he said.

Senior Supt. William Segun, Cavite Police chief, said only 1 of the approximately 10 protesters were arrested. The arrested protester will be charged with a public disturbance case.

Left-leaning groups have been critical of Duterte’s policies such as the war on drugs and Manila’s continued military engagement with Washington.

BAYAN held the lightning protest even as Duterte recently ordered the revival of peace talks between the government and the communist National Democratic Front of the Philippines as he sought to end the decades-long insurgency that has gripped the country.

“Sana maawa ang Diyos sa atin (I hope God will have mercy on us). If it succeeds, my only problem will be rebellion in Mindanao,” he said of the talks.

He also again defended his war on drugs, saying it was his “sworn duty” to protect the Filipino family, especially the youth.

“I just want the Filipino during my time [to have a] comfortable [life]. I’m not expecting any economic miracles. Impossible. I will be humble enough to admit that I can only do so much,” he said.

Tuesday's Independence Day rites in Cavite was the first for Duterte as the country’s chief executive, as he missed last year’s commemoration at the Rizal Park.

Duterte’s Independence Day heckler in Cavite arrested

A PROTESTER who disrupted President Rodrigo Duterte’s speech during the 120th anniversary of Philippine independence in Cavite on Tuesday was arrested.

In a report from the Kawit Municipal Police Station, the protester was identified as Francis Couichie, 20.

Couichie and nine other protesters heckled the President, shouting “Huwad na Kalayaan” (false freedom) at the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit.

Police arrested Couichie while his nine companions escaped.

Police confiscated Couichie’s placard. He is now under the custody of Kawit police for investigation and documentation. He will face charges of disturbance of peace in accordance with Article 153 of the Revised Penal Code. ROY NARRA