The Duterte Times: Politics

Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts

Sunday, June 25, 2017

Sen. Trillanes Badly Misjudged Davao City

Space Ranger June 25, 2017 1

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV urged Filipinos to be discerning about a leader who usually broke his word, noting how President Rodrigo Duterte has several times acted against his own promises, “The Duterte campaign is based on a lie, on propaganda.

It’s not true that Davao is a paradise. Duterte has no agenda for corruption and drugs. This is all gimmickry. He is a billionaire,” Trillanes said. The Senator vowed to withdraw from Vice Presidential race and to resign as a senator if Duterte prove him wrong.

He added that if Duterte gets elected he would use the documents he had for Duterte’s impeachment.

Saturday, June 24, 2017

Politics

Marcos urged to pay P2.08-B Comelec expenses due to his protest

Space Ranger June 24, 2017 0

The P2.08 billion is the cost of the non-return of 97,365 vote-counting machines to technology provider Smartmatic

MANILA, Philippines – Lawyers of Vice President Leni Robredo insist former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr must shoulder the expenses that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has incurred because of his election protest.

Robredo's lawyers Romulo Macalintal and Maria Bernadette Sardillo said they reiterated this in a motion filed before the Supreme Court (SC), sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), on Tuesday, June 20.

In their motion, Robredo's lawyers also asked the PET to direct the Comelec to clarify who should pay for the expenses the poll body mentioned in an earlier manifestation.

Following an order from the PET, the Comelec earlier provided an itemized list of expenses it may be required to pay under its contracts concerning the May 2016 automated elections.

The Comelec then said it is expecting to pay up to P2.08 billion due to the failure to return the 97,365 vote-counting machines (VCMs) to technology provider Smartmatic on or before December 1 last year.

Aside from this, the poll body also informed the PET that it is incurring a monthly fee of P5.62 million for the rental and operational expenses of its warehouse in Sta Rosa, Laguna.

Over P2.3 million of this is for the lease of the warehouse, P2.1 million for the equipment rental, P461,164 for salaries of personnel there, and around P261,280 for electricity and water costs.

Macalintal reiterated that these costs came in because of Marcos' protest against Robredo, which was filed June 29 last year.

"Noong naghain ng election protest si Marcos noong June 2016, isa sa mga hiniling niya ay ang pagsasagawa ng technical examination at forensic investigation ng mga VCMs. At ang mga VCMs na iyan ay iyong ginamit sa lahat ng 92,508 clustered precincts," Macalintal said.

(When Marcos filed his election protest in June 2016, one of his requests was to conduct a technical examination and forensic investigation of the VCMs. And these VCMs are those used in all 92,508 clustered precincts.)

He reiterated that Marcos blocked the Comelec's closure and stripping activities for the VCMs. (READ:TIMELINE: Marcos-Robredo election case)

The manifestation of the Vice President's camp came as they are about to face another financial burden – settling the P7.7-million balance for the protest fee required by the PET on or before July 14.

Robredo was required to pay a total of P15.7 million for the service fee of the 31,278 established precincts she is contesting. She paid the first installment of P8 million on May 2.

Meanwhile, the PET required Marcos to pay P66 million for the 132,446 established precincts he is questioning. He paid the first half of P36 million on April 17, saying 40 donors helped him raise the money. The second installment of P30 million should be paid on or before July 14 as well.

Marcos' spokesperson Vic Rodriguez called the latest motion a "brazen attempt" that "insults to the highest order the intelligence and sentiment of the Filipino people."

"She is obviously in panic now that the case is moving. Instead of her usual thoughtless buck passing, why won't she make her beloved Liberal Party (LP), Comelec, and partner Smartmatic accountable for the mess they did to our system?" he said.

Marcos accused Robredo and the LP of orchestrating massive electoral fraud – the basis of his election protest against her.

Friday, June 23, 2017

Politics

Koko Pimentel waives assistance cap for senators helping Marawi victims

Space Ranger June 23, 2017 0

Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III has issued a “special” order allowing senators to give assistance to displaced Marawi residents more than the 5-percent limit set by the Senate rules.

Pimentel pointed out that under Section III, Item 17.1 of Memorandum Circular 2016-002, the Senate President “may grant exemption to the limitation of 5% for Welfare Assistance expenses from the budget of each senator’s office.”

“The war against terrorism is not just won with bullets and bombs. It is won by the unity of the people, and through this measure, I hope to show our displaced brothers and sisters that they are not forgotten,” Pimentel said in a statement on Saturday.

Thousands of Marawi residents had been displaced since the fighting between government forces and the Maute terrorist group erupted last May 23. President Rodrigo Duterte has already placed the entire region of Mindanao under martial law.

And as Ramadan about to end, Pimentel urged the government to provide three-meals a day for Marawi residents, saying the need for food might increase in evacuation centers.

Eid al-Fitr, which falls on Monday, June 26, marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan and is welcomed with great joy throughout the Muslim world.

“Let’s join our Muslim brethren in celebrating Eid al-Fitr with prayers for peace and giving them help in their hour of need,” the Senate leader added.

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting for Muslims

Monday, June 5, 2017

Politics

Imee Marcos backs Duterte’s martial law

Space Ranger June 05, 2017 0

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in a light moment with Governor Imee Marcos during 2016 Outstanding TOFIL AWARDS held in Malacanang Palace, heroes hall. INUIRER PHOTO/JOAN BONDOC

Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos on Monday said she supports President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of a 60-day martial law in Mindanao.

In a chance interview at the Court of Appeals, Marcos said we should trust Duterte in making decisions in solving matters of national security.

“Tulad ng nakararami, nananalig tayo sa ating Presidente ‘pag matters of national security at sa nakikita natin sa mga video footage at kwento ng mga kapatid nating Muslim, talagang nanganganib ang kanilang buhay,” Marcos told reporters.

(Like most people, we trust the President when it comes to national security, and according to the video footage and the stories of our Muslim brothers, their lives are really in danger.)

“We need to help the President and the military in solving this threat,” she added as she asked for the public’s support for the government.

The Ilocos Norte Governor is the daughter of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos.

President Duterte said his martial law will be harsh like that of Mr. Marcos. JE

Inquirer calls for support for the victims in Marawi City

Responding to appeals for help, the Philippine Daily Inquirer is extending its relief to victims of the attacks in Marawi City

Cash donations may be deposited in the Inquirer Foundation Corp. Banco De Oro (BDO) Current Account No: 007960018860.

Inquiries may be addressed to Inquirer’s Corporate Affairs office through Connie Kalagayan at 897-4426, ckalagayan@inquirer.com.ph and Bianca Kasilag-Macahilig at 897-8808 local 352, bkasilag@inquirer.com.ph.

Monday, May 15, 2017

Politics

VP Robredo's net worth down by P2.1-M

Space Ranger May 15, 2017 0

MANILA - The net worth of Vice President Leni Robredo has gone down by around P2.1 million in six months.

A copy of her Statement of Assets Liabilities and Net worth (SALN) released on Tuesday shows Robredo's net worth decreased from P11,053,138 in June 2016 to P8,878,111.43 in December 2016, down by about P2.1 million.

The SALN also shows that Robredo's total assets decreased from P17,953,138 to P15,778,111.43 during the same period. Her liabilities, meanwhile, remain at 6.9 million.

Last week, President Rodrigo Duterte reported a net worth of P27,428,862.44 in December 2016, an increase of over P3.3 million (14 percent) from the P24,080,094.04 he declared in June 2016.

Duterte's total assets totaled P28,428,862.44 million as of the end of 2016. However, he also declared total liabilities of P1 million due to a personal loan from Samuel Uy.

The increase in the President's net worth is also partly due to the decrease in his liabilities. His personal loan from Uy decreased by P100,000 making his liabilities down to P1 million from P1.1 million.

He was among the first officials whose SALN was available at the Office of the Ombudsman.--report from Adrian Ayalin, ABS-CBN News

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Politics

'Na-ano lang': Sotto twits Taguiwalo for having children out of wedlock

Space Ranger May 03, 2017 0

Taguiwalo daughter: 'No woman deserves that kind of treatment.'

MANILA - (UPDATED) Senator Vicente "Tito" Sotto III on Wednesday needled Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo for having two daughters outside marriage. Sotto brought up Taguiwalo's status as a solo parent during her confirmation hearing before the Commission on Appointments (CA), where the bicameral body assessed whether or not her cabinet posting should be affirmed. "On the lighter side, Sen. Drilon and I were looking at the personal information about you and you have 2 children, daughters ba or sons? Two daughters. But you're single," Sotto told Taguiwalo. Taguiwalo answered in the affirmative, saying: ""My life has never been a normal one. I never had a whole mother-father-children kind of thing, except when I was growing up in Bacolod." She explained that she was a student activist in the University of the Philippines during the Martial Law years. Taguiwalo, a human rights victim during the Marcos regime, then said she spent her life in the underground and in prison from 1972 to 1986. "My story will be different from the stories of those who have gone through UP, corporation, et cetera," she said. Sotto's response was reminiscent of his noontime show jokes: "In the street language, when you have children and you are single, ang tawag doon ay 'na-ano lang.'" Several people in the room laughed at Sotto's remarks while Taguiwalo merely pursed her lips. Taguiwalo, a former UP professor, then told the senator, "Mr. Sotto, I teach Women's Studies so we respect all kinds of families, and that includes solo parents." Despite the joke, Sotto said he backed Taguiwalo. "You have my 100 percent support," Sotto said as the titters subsided. A daughter of Taguiwalo, who requested not to be named, took offense over Sotto's remarks and demanded a public apology for her mother. "I think my mom deserves a public apology from Tito Sotto... No woman deserves that kind of treatment," she said. Sotto's comments also drew comments online, with several scoring him for sexism and misogyny.

Politics

Gina Lopez Rejected as DENR Secretary by CA (Commission on Appointments)

Space Ranger May 03, 2017 0

A panel of the Commission on Appointments (CA) rejected on Wednesday the appointment of controversial Environment Secretary Gina Lopez.

The decision of the CA’s committee on environment and natural resources was reached in an executive session held at
the Senate.

The committee presented its recommendation to the CA plenary, which will vote whether to adopt or reject it.

Lopez is the second presidential appointee to be rejected by the CA – next to former Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay.

Lopez was earlier bypassed by the CA, but President Rodrigo Duterte reappointed her.

Lopez’s order in February to close 23 mines and suspend the operations of five others did not sit well with miners and some government officials who accuse the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) of not following due process in its audit.

At least three senators had openly said they would vote for Lopez— Senate Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Senators Manny Pacquiao and Joseph Victir “JV” Ejercito.

‘It’s not often you find somebody who has that courage to go against the giant mining firms, the tycoons of the mining industry. So whatever they said about her (Lopez), let’s not miss this opportunity pass with somebody who would really implement ‘yung (the) mining law, without fear or favor,” Ejercito said before the executive session.

But Lopez was faced with strong opposition and criticisms after she ordered the closure of 23 mines and the suspension of five others.

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Politics

"KADAMAY SUMUSOBRA NA KAYO!" netizens says

Space Ranger May 02, 2017 0

Image may contain: 1 person, crowd and outdoor

MANILA- President Rodrigo Duterte on Labor Day said he sympathizes with members of urban poor group Kadamay, saying he understands their plight.

"Wala akong sama ng loob sa inyo. I know how it is to be..." he said, adding that he does not want fighting between Filipinos.

Duterte made the comment during the Labor Day Assembly in Davao City.

Last month, Duterte allowed members of Kadamay to have the homes they occupied in Bulacan but warned them not to do it again.

Kadamay members said they occupied houses that were intended for National Housing Authority beneficiaries to compel government to address housing problems in the country.

Duterte blasts 'oligarchs' anew

In the same speech, Duterte also warned "oligarchs" who do not pay proper taxes that he will distribute their lands to others.

Duterte said within the next 3 months, he would ask Filipinos to occupy lands of oligarchs in areas such as Makati and Pasay.

"I will ask the Filipino people to occupy the lands in your hands...I will ask the Filipino people to get it from you and occupy your own land," he said.

He claimed that these "oligarchs" have enriched themselves at the expense of other Filipinos.

"Sumobra na kayo eh sa totoo lang. You have enriched your families for generations tapos at the expense of the Filipino," Duterte said.

Friday, April 14, 2017

Politics

Skusta Clee handang suportahan si President Duterte

Space Ranger April 14, 2017 0

MANILA, Philippines — Social Media Star Daryl Ruiz a.k.a "Skusta Clee" post something on facebook to show support to President Duterte.

There are other artists who support President Duterte:

As soon as the speculation of Rodrigo Duterte’s rumor on running for Presidency came out,some of the famous local celebrities have been outwardly sharing their support as seen on their respective social media accounts.

Know these smart local artists who bravely support our beloved Mayor Rodrigo Duterte free of charge.

Aiza Seguerra supports Mayor Duterte absolutely for free. The transgender child actor once said, “Voluntary because for me, if a candidate pays me to campaign for him/her, it’s just like I am selling my rights and principles. I don’t like that”.

Kristine Hermosa & Oyo Sotto. The married couple have been very vocal on their support for Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, as seen on their Instagram posts.” Yes… Future generation! Sya lang ang nag sabi nun. Yung iba parepareho na lang. Puro lumang tugtugin.#LEADERSHIP” – Oyo Sotto

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Chito Miranda. He was once offered 2M to support one of the aspirants but the famous local band Parokya ni Edgar lead vocal declined the offer as he is firm in believing that Mayor Duterte is capable and equipped to become the next President.

Ellen Adarna. The Cebuana Kapamilya actress posted on Instagram:

“Showtime. TonightsEntertainment in fairness Dutz.. gi fine kog 10k sauna kai nanigarilyo kos davao ahahahaha #du30” The actress finally expressed her support after the second #PilipinasDebates2016 hosted by TV5.

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Angelica Panganiban. And her truthful quote on reason why she wants Mayor Duterte to be the next President. “Feeling ko, kailangan natin ng isang taong magpapatigil ng kalokohan ng mga… wala na kasi tayong disiplina, e”

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Mocha Uson and Mocha Girls. Uson, the lead vocalist stated, PLEASE HAVE MERCY. Wake up! The continuous rise of crime in our country is now a concern for all. Will we have to wait for something bad to happen to our loved ones before we come to our senses? We need a TOUGH and STRONG PRESIDENT. WE NEED AN IRON HAND IN DEALING WITH CRIMINALS IN THIS COUNTRY. We need a president who is BRAVE AND WHO HAS GENUINE CONCERN FOR OUR COUNTRY and that is none other than DUTERTE!)

Robin Padilla. And the Padilla brothers. Their support started since then, even before Mayor Rodrigo Duterte decided to run for President. Robin Padilla to be specific has been very hands on on his support for Duterte’s candidacy.