KAYA FC-Iloilo stayed on top of Group B in the ongoing Copa Paulino Alcantara following its defeat of JPV Marikina FC, 1-0, in their clash on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
Alfred Osei delivered the winning blow for Kaya to hand his team the full three points to improve to 2-0-0 with six points in the inaugural season of the cup competition.
The match started tight but eventually Kaya got to dictate the tempo of the contest in the opening half which finished with a goalless tie.
In the second half, both teams tried to hold sway and had it nip-and-tuck.
Mr. Osei though would step up big for Kaya in the 75th minute when scored what turned out to be the marginal goal off a free kick.
JPV tried to rally back after but Kaya’s defense and goalkeeper Ace Villanueva’s work would not allow the Marikina-based team any headway.
“It was a really tough match. I would say JPV played an attacking-oriented game. I think we played well throughout 90 minutes, it’s just that we couldn’t get our finishing in the final third. We were able to control the midfield, get to the penetration area, but for the team to win games, we need to get shots on goal. We had shots, but we only had two or three on target. That’s something we have to work on,” said Kaya head coach Noel Marcaida after the game.
With the win, Kaya extended its dominance over JPV for 2018, beating the latter for six consecutive times to date. But more importantly, it gave Kaya a good shot at securing the top spot in Group B with a win on Sunday, Sept. 23, against Global Cebu FC.
In the Copa Paulino Alcantara, the top two teams in the two groupings at the end of classification play advance to the crossover semifinals.
Heading into weekend action, Kaya leads Group B followed by JPV (1-0-1) with three points and Global (1-0-2) with three points.
In Group A, Stallion Laguna FC (1-0-1) has three points, Davao Aguilas Bellmare FC (1-0-0) with three points, and Ceres Negros FC (1-0-2) with three points. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Throughout LeBron James’ reign as the best player in the National Basketball Association for the better part of the last decade, the primary contention bolstering his value has been that of his capacity to make teammates better. And from the outside looking in, the numbers bear him out. Even as he’s already 33 with a whopping 1,382 regular season and playoff games under his belt, he continues to pad stat lines en route to three championships off eight straight Finals appearances and nine all told.
For all James’ accomplishments, however, a fresh, far less appealing, narrative has emerged. Emboldened by recent developments, naysayers have woven a counter-argument predicated on the Lakers’ inability to land another marquee name after they spread the welcome mat for him last July. Never mind that head of hoops operations Magic Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka have remained steadfast in their plan of prudence. Unlike those from the previous dispensation, they believe they can nab at least one more star without having to break the bank or give up significant assets.
Admittedly, James’ presence brings added pressure to the rest of the roster, and not simply because of his past achievements. He works extremely hard at his craft, even during supposed downtimes, and expects the same from those around him. Likewise, he’s a ball-dominant power on the court, with a playing style that necessarily relegates everybody else to supporting roles. In this context, he can stunt instead of promote growth, his extreme efficiency notwithstanding.
No doubt, the constant spotlight on James spurs would-be alpha dogs to seek better arrangements or stay away. It’s why Kyrie Irving wanted out of the Cavaliers last year despite their success together, and why Kawhi Leonard and Jimmy Butler — despite their initial preference for the Lakers, seem to have shifted their sights to the Clippers. Heck, even Paul George’s decision to stay with the Thunder has been dumped on the four-time league Most Valuable Player’s lap, all evidence to the contrary.
Needless to say, James has long accepted the burden of leadership. In fact, he continues to thrive in it. Since taking the NBA by storm in 2003, he has met, and exceeded, all reasonable expectations. It’s why all free agency decisions have him in mind, and why, concomitantly, he will continue to be a polarizing figure for some time to come.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994.
By Vann Marlo M. Villegas
THE Department of Justice (DoJ) has found probable cause to charge Ozamiz City Police Chief Inspector (PCI) Jovie R. Espenido and other police officers with six counts of homicide in connection with a police operation in June last year.
In a 10-page resolution signed by Assistant State Prosecutor Loverhette Jeffrey P. Villordon, the DoJ recommended that Mr. Espenido, SPO4 Renato J. Martir, Jr. and PO1 Sandra L. Nadayag be charged with six counts of homicide under Article 249 of the Revised Penal Code.
The complaint was filed by Carmelita U. Manzano, in connection with the deaths of her husband Fancracio Manzano, son Jerry Manzano, and four other relatives and in-laws.
According to her, they were celebrating the birthday of a brother-in-law at their house at around 2:00 p.m. of June 1, when three policemen alighted from a vehicle outside and started shooting.
Ms. Manzano and her three grandchildren were rushed to the house of a neighbor, Laureto Ugmad, who lived with his six children, and they were told to “get down on the ground and face away from the street.” She said she “heard continuous shots coming from outside.”
Ms. Manzano herself was detained by Ozamiz Police Station that day and was only allowed to leave a week later, after signing an Affidavit of Arrest/Complaint/Search for violation of Republic Act No 10591 or Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
In its resolution, the DoJ noted the stand of the accused that the killings were in the course of their duty.
“In other words, they wish to avail of justifying circumstance of fulfillment of a duty or killing in the lawful exercise of a right or office. Unfortunately for respondents, their admission of killing the herein victims is, on its own, sufficient to establish probable cause for the crime of homicide,” the resolution read in part.
The DoJ also took note of Mr. Espenido’s claim that the targets were robbery and homicide suspects.
It also stated that the Supreme Court previously held that if the accused admitted of the death of a victim “and his defense is anchored on a justifying circumstance, it is incumbent upon him to prove such justifying circumstance to the satisfaction of the court.”
On the other hand, the DoJ dismissed the charges of arbitrary detention and murder also filed by Ms. Manzano for “lack of probable cause.”
The DoJ also dismissed the complaint against respondent PCI Glyndo L. Pujanes, saying that “he was not part of the operation, and only arrived at the scene after the incident had already occurred.”
Mr. Espenido led the drug raid which killed Ozamiz City Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog and 14 others on July 30, 2017.
A SECOND QUARTER poll conducted in June found 5.3% (or an estimated 1.2 million) of families reporting victimization by crimes within the past six months, a figure that’s 1.3 points below the 6.6% (est. 1.5 million) in March.
The Second Quarter 2018 Social Weather Survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) said this drop is “the lowest since the record-low 3.7% in June 2017.”
Crimes monitored by the non-commissioned survey, which was conducted in June, include pickpocketing or robbery of personal property, break-ins, carjacking, and physical violence. PROPERTY CRIMES, PHYSICAL VIOLENCE FALLS
The survey found 5.1% (est. 1.2 million) of families losing property to street robbery, burglars (break-ins), or carjacking within the past six months. “This is 1.0 point below the 6.1% (est. 1.4 million) in March 2018, and lowest since the record-low 3.1% in June 2017,” the poll said.
The survey also found a record-low 0.2% (est. 45,000) of families with members hurt by physical violence, if a dip of 0.4 point below the 0.6% (est. 145,000) in March 2018, and of 0.1 point below the previous record-low of 0.3% in June 2011 and June 2014.
The survey pointed out that “(v)ictimization by common crimes reported in SWS surveys is much higher than the number of crimes actually reported to the police.”
It added: “Except in March 2013 and June 2016 when it was at 10.5% and 11.4% respectively, victimization of families by any common crime was at single-digit levels from March 2012 to June 2018. Meanwhile, except in June 2016 when it was 10.9%, victimization of property crimes was also at single-digit levels from March 2012 to June 2018.” FEAR REMAINS
The survey found 55% of Filipino adults agreeing with the statement, “In this neighborhood, people are usually afraid that robbers might break into their houses.” This is similar to 54% in March 2018, and lower than 59% in December 2017, the poll said.
The survey found 46% agreeing with the statement, “In this neighborhood, people are usually afraid to walk in the street at night because it is not safe.” The earlier March poll also led to 46%, but this was slightly lower than the 48% in December last year, SWS said.
The survey also found street robberies falling in all areas — notably 2.7 points in Metro Manila and the Visayas — but rising 2 points in Mindanao, the one region under martial law since May 2017. On the other hand, families fearing unsafe streets fell by 12 points in Mindanao, from 48% in March to 36% in June.
Among other crimes monitored by the survey, carjacking yielded 0.0 in Metro Manila and the Visayas, but rose to 0.7% in Balance Luzon and 0.8% in Mindanao.
The survey also found that among the 4.0% who have been victims of street robbery, 61% were women and 34% were men. Victimization by street robbery rose by 2 points among women, from 59% in March, but fell by points among men, from 38% also in March.
The survey was conducted June 27-30, using face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults (18 years old and above) nationwide: 300 each in Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, with sampling error margins of ±2.5% for national percentages and ±6% each for the said areas.
In response to the survey, Presidential Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, Jr. said: “Bumaba pa po ang numero ng krimen at ang taumbayan na mismo ang nagsasabi nito (The crime rate has dropped and our countrymen themselves are saying this).”
By Camille Aguinaldo, Reporter
DEFENSE SECRETARY Defin N. Lorenzana and US Department of State Secretary Michael R. Pompeo reaffirmed the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty between the two countries in a meeting on Wednesday in Washington D.C.
In a statement, US Under Secretary of State Heather Nauert said the two officials also “discussed cooperation on regional security challenges,” including militarization in the South China Sea and the denuclearization of North Korea.
Mr. Pompeo also reiterated to Mr. Lorenzana the US’ continuing assistance to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization program.
“Secretary Pompeo also expressed condolences for the destruction and loss of life caused by Typhoon Ompong and offered US assistance in humanitarian relief efforts,” Ms. Nauert said.
The 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty mandates both countries to support each other in case the Philippines or United States is under attack in the Pacific region.
This agreement has been cited in the South China Sea issue as to whether it will be enforced if Philippine troops or vessels are attacked in the disputed waters.
The Philippines has long depended on the US for military hardware and support. However, President Rodrigo R. Duterte has recently turned to China and Russia for trade and defense cooperation.
Mr. Lorenzana also had a meeting with US Defense Secretary James N. Mattis last Tuesday at the Pentagon to discuss the continuing defense alliance of the two countries.
According to the Philippine Embassy in Washington, Mr. Lorenzana and Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel G. Romualdez also met with US senators Cory S. Gardner and Daniel S. Sullivan last Tuesday.
Mr. Gardner is the chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific while Mr. Sullivan is a member of the Senate Armed Services committee.
By Arjay L. Balinbin, Reporter
MALACAÑANG on Thursday maintained that the guilty verdict on President Rodrigo R. Duterte by the International People’s Tribunal (IPT) is a “sham.”
Mr. Duterte was convicted by the said court of “crimes against humanity, war crimes, and violations of law and legal instruments.”
According to the IPT Philippines, as posted on its social media page, the IPT announced its verdict in Brussels, Belgium, last Wednesday, Sept. 19, on the charges filed against President Rodrigo R. Duterte, United States President Donald J. Trump, International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, World Trade Organization, and transnational corporations and foreign banks doing business in the Philippines “of gross and systematic violations of civil and political rights; gross and systematic violations of economic, social and cultural rights; and gross and systematic violations of the rights of the people to national self-determination and development and violations of international humanitarian law.”
In a video, an IPT juror said: “The Defendants Duterte, Trump and all other Defendants are guilty of all the charges specified in the Indictment, which account for their accountability for crimes against humanity, war crimes and violations of law and legal instruments referred to in the Indictment.”
Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay), one of the complainants, said in a press statement: “Last year, Kadamay had led more than 8,000 families in a successful occupation of public housing projects that have been idle for more or less five years. The group underscored the injustice of having hundreds of thousands of socialized housing units unused for so long amidst a worsening homeless problem.”
Other complainants, according to the IPT, include Bayan, Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), Gabriela, Anakbayan, Migrante, Karapatan, Hustisya, Desaparecidos, Selda, Sandugo, and Rise Up for Life and Rights.
Kadamay’s representative, Concepcion Opalla, who testified against “the gross negligence and grave threats made by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte against the movements of urban poor and homeless,” was quoted as saying: “Things are not getting any better for the homeless. Both Duterte and the NHA have worked to worsen the housing crisis, treating it like a business rather than a public service. In the last year, more idle homes have been put up while the agency continues to profit and make profits for corporate developers. They are doing more to guarantee the flow of money to their pockets rather than ensure homeless Filipinos have a roof over their heads.”
For its part, the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) said: “The International Peoples’ Tribunal is a legitimate venue and alternative or parallel platform initiated by the people to seek redress when existing traditional institutions and remedies are either limited, inadequate, unavailing or even skewed.”
The NUPL stressed that the IPT “follows and respects due process where the Defendants are duly notified and given an adequate opportunity to participate and defend themselves; has its rules of procedure that is consistent with universal standards of evidence; convened by prestigious and respected international lawyers’ organizations; presided by a panel of eminent jurors of different disciplines; and where the proceedings are conducted in an open and public trial.”
“Leaders and governments must take these credible initiatives by the people seriously. They must frontally address the complaints, grievances and charges against them before the international community,” the NUPL also said.
For his part, Presidential Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, Jr. said: “That’s a sham decision. It has no official sanction. The validity of the findings will depend on the credibility of the tribunals — I’m in this field of law. I do not know who sat there. They appear to be a propaganda body of the international left; and, therefore, we set it aside as being a useless piece of propaganda against the government.”
By Charmaine A. Tadalan, Reporter
MALACAÑANG said it will implement any decision by the Office of the Ombudsman on the complaints filed against Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Assistant Secretary Esther Margaux J. Uson.
“The Ombudsman can already order the dismissal of anyone in government, because it is both an administrative and a criminal case,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, Jr. said in a press briefing, Thursday.
The Philippine Federation of the Deaf (PDF) on Thursday filed before the Office of the Ombudsman a complaint against Ms. Uson and blogger Andrew Olivar over another controversial video.
“Igagalang po ng Palasyo ang proseso — kung sinabi ng Ombudsman, sibakin, hindi po natin tututulan iyan,” Mr. Roque also said. (The Palace will respect the process — if the Ombudsman orders for her dismissal, we will not object to that.)
He added, however, that the Palace is not considering Ms. Uson’s dismissal. “Sa ngayon po hindi (As of now, no),” Mr. Roque said when asked about this.
The complaint stemmed from the “Pepederalismo for Deaf People” video posted on her Facebook page “Mocha Uson Blog” on Sept. 14, with Mr. Olivar shown interpreting the sign languagem.
The complaint was filed by PDF President Carolyn B. Dagani with Hazel D. Bual, Lauro de Leon Purcil, Jr. and Liza B. Martinez. The PDF on Tuesday had also filed a similar complaint before the Commission on Human Rights.
The video, according to the PDF, violated Republic Act 9442 or the Magna Carta of Persons with Disabilities, which prohibits verbal and non-verbal ridicule and vilification against Persons with Disability.
THE PESO weakened against the dollar on Thursday due to corporate demand ahead of expected monetary policy tightening by the local and US central banks.
The local unit ended yesterday’s session at P54.075, 8.5 centavos weaker than the P53.99-per-dollar finish on Wednesday.
The peso opened the session stronger at P53.91 versus the US currency, which was also its best showing for the day. Meanwhile, its intraday low stood at P54.09 versus the greenback.
A foreign exchange trader said the peso weakened as offshore selling “faded” throughout the session.
“From its P53.91 opening rate, it quickly traded [weaker] I think due to corporate demand,” the trader said in a phone interview.
“We saw local buying below P54 as more corporate demand was interested in the P54 level.”
The trader added that the peso-dollar pair traded relatively quiet during yesterday’s session. “It’s more of positioning in order to accommodate for the corporate demand.”
Another trader concurred, adding the peso depreciated “on bargain-hunting following the recent strength of the peso ahead of major monetary policy decisions next week.”
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reiterated signals of “strong” monetary response to surging inflation when the Monetary Board meets on Sept. 27.
Previously, BSP Governor Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr. committed to “take strong immediate action” in response to the faster-than-expected 6.4% August inflation print.
The BSP has raised rates by a cumulative 100 basis points since May, with rates currently ranging at 3.5-4.5%.
Meanwhile, two more rate hikes in September and December are expected from the US Federal Reserve.
A number of Fed officials have signalled they are expecting further policy tightening in the coming months on the back of strong economic growth boosted by the tax cuts implemented December last year.
For Friday, the first trader expects the peso to move between P53.90 and P54.10 versus the dollar, while the other gave a P54-P54.20 range.
“The local currency might weaken ahead of likely upbeat US manufacturing and services data which could increase the appeal of the greenback over the peso,” the second trader noted in an e-mail. — K.A.N. Vidal
THE MAIN INDEX sank deeper into bear territory on Thursday, as investors favored international markets versus placing their investments in the country.
The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) extended its decline yesterday, plunging 1.19% or 86.50 points to close at 7,134.73. The broader all-shares index likewise dropped 0.96% or 42.75 points to 4,411.96.
Thursday’s close marks a 21% drop from the PSEi’s peak of 9,078 recorded last January. The main index officially entered bear territory on Wednesday after it fell back to the 7,200 level, or 20% lower than the previous record high.
“No end in sight for the sell-down as the Philippines was still viewed as a riskier asset class versus the more developed US economy. In fact, US stocks closed mostly higher Wednesday as investors took escalating trade tensions in stride to instead focus on improving economic fundamentals,” Regina Capital Development Corp. Managing Director Luis A. Limlingan said in a mobile message.
Analysts also warned of the inflationary pressures seen from the effects of typhoon Ompong, which ravaged parts of Northern Luzon last weekend. Agricultural damage reportedly now reached P14 billion, which may hamper economic managers’ expectations of inflation slowing in the fourth quarter.
Sectoral counters closed in the red once more. Holding firms led the decline, losing 1.71% or 120.93 points to 6,927.50, followed by mining and oil which gave up 1.42% or 129.65 points to 8,978.41. Property dropped 1.36% or 49.57 points to 3,594.83; services shed 1.24% or 18.60 points to 1,474.66; industrials went down 0.27% or 29.62 points to 10,862.52, while financials slipped 0.14% or 2.32 points to 1,574.95.
“The balance of payments (BoP) surplus data which came in [Wednesday] afternoon was not enough to calm investors into buying back into the market [on Thursday],” Mr. Limlingan added.
The country’s BoP position reverted to a huge surplus in August as the Philippines raised fresh funds from yen-denominated bonds, although the eight-month tally still remained negative.
The Philippines’ external position settled at a $1.272-billion surplus last month, turning around from the $455-million deficit in July and the $7-million deficit logged in August 2017, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reported on Wednesday.
Despite the positive print last month, the year-to-date BoP tally still ended at a $2.44-billion deficit. This is wider than the $1.391- billion shortfall posted as of August 2017, and is still wider than the $1.5-billion deficit expected for the entire 2018.
Some 792.15 million issues switched hands, resulting in a value turnover of P4.59 billion, slightly lower than the previous session’s P5.49 billion.
Decliners outpaced advancers, 113 to 82, while 33 names remained unchanged.
Foreign investors recorded net sales of P385.70 million, lower than the Wednesday’s P636.47 million. — A.B. Francia
Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri — FACEBOOK/MIGSZUBIRI
SENATE MAJORITY Leader Juan Miguel F. Zubiri called on President Rodrigo R. Duterte to promptly appoint an Anti-Red Tape Authority head in compliance with the recently enacted Republic Act. No 11302, the Ease of Doing Business law.
He said he has received reports of continuing delays and obstacles that small entrepreneurs and industry chambers still face when they transact with government.
“We want business and livelihoods to move fast. Our citizens need government services for all their needs. That’s why we crafted a law to speed up transactions. I certainly hope it won’t be government who’s violating its own laws,” Mr. Zubiri said in a statement.
Sought for comment, Presidential Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, Jr. said at a press briefing, “We appreciate the suggestion, but let’s give the law a chance. It’s a new law. Maybe we will remind all heads of offices under the executive branch to strictly comply. And I understand, there are also penal provisions in case officers do not comply with the Ease of Doing Business Law.”
Under the law, the anti-red tape “czar” is mandated to investigate and file cases before the Ombudsman and the Civil Service Commission (CSC) against violators. — Camille A. Aguinaldo
DoJ asserts request for arrest warrant, HDO vs Trillanes
THE DEPARTMENT of Justice (DoJ) has submitted its reply to the comment and opposition of Sen. Atonio F. Trillanes IV before the Makati City Regional Trial Court Branch 150, asserting its request for an arrest warrant and hold departure order against the senator.
In its 10-page reply submitted Wednesday, the prosecutors reinstated that Mr. Trillanes did not comply with the requirements for the granting of amnesty.
“The pieces of evidence he submitted allegedly prove the submission of his application for amnesty, are all self-serving and deserve scant consideration. Without prejudging the authenticity and admissibility of the pieces of evidence submitted by the accused, the photograph of the accused in the Philippine Daily Inquirer on June 5, 2011 would show that the application form held by the accused did not bear proof receipt of the DND (Department of National Defense),” the reply read.
The DoJ also stated that the video evidence submitted by Mr. Trillanes did not prove that he has admitted his guilt and participation in the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny and 2007 Manila Peninsula Siege.
“Further as aptly pointed out by this Honorable Court during the motion hearing, the best evidence that the accused could submit to prove his claim is a copy of his application form bearing the receiving mark/stamp of the DND. This accused, failed to do so,” it added.
The prosecutors also claimed that there was no admission of guilt on the part of Mr. Trillanes “as evident in his pronouncements to the public and the media,” citing a report by GMA News on Jan. 5, 2011.
During the hearing last Sept. 14, Branch 150 Judge Elmo M. Alameda asked the lawyer of Mr. Trillanes, Atty. Reynaldo B. Robles, to present the senator’s application form. However, he only provided the Certificate of Amnesty and other affidavits including media reports showing Mr. Trillanes filed his application form.
The dismissal of the rebellion case in Sept. 7, 2011 following the grant of Mr. Trillanes’ amnesty is also void, said the government lawyers, because the motion to dismiss was only done because the Court was “misled to believe that the grant of amnesty was valid.”
“A void judgement is regarded as a nullity situation is the same as it would be if there were no judgements. It, accordingly, leaves the parties litigants in the same position they were in before the trial,” it said.
The prosecutors also claimed that the court still has jurisdiction over Sen. Trillanes’ rebellion case over the Manila Peninsula Siege in 2007, citing the resolution of the Supreme Court, which denied the senator’s petition for temporary restraining order and referring to the Makati RTCs the proceedings the legality of Proclamation No. 572.
Mr. Trillanes, in his comment filed before Makati RTC Branch 150 on Sept. 14, claimed that the court has already lost its jurisdiction for rebellion as its decision to dismiss the case in Sept. 2011 due to the grant of amnesty is final and executory.
Former President Benigno S.C. Aquino III in 2011 granted amnesty to Mr. Trillanes and others involved in the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny, 2006 Manila Standoff, and 2007 Manila Peninsula Siege.
Makati City RTC Branch 148 and Branch 150 ordered the dismissal of the coup d’etat and rebellion cases, respectively, of Mr. Trillanes following his amnesty.
President Rodrigo R. Duterte, through Proclamation No. 572, declared void from the beginning the amnesty granted, claiming that Mr. Trillanes did not submit his application form and there was no admission of guilt over the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny and 2007 Manila Peninsula Siege. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas
Absent mayors in typhoon Ompong areas given time to explain
MALACAÑANG ON Thursday said mayors who were absent during the onslaught of typhoon Ompong (international name: Mangkhut) in the Cagayan Valley Region and Cordillera Administrative Region have been given at least “five days” to explain their side.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) previously reported that more that 10 municipal mayors were physically absent when the typhoon struck last weekend.
“I’m not sure if it’s five or ten days, pero isang araw pa lang po ang nakakalipas (only one day has passed). So they are being accorded their right to due process and decision to be made shortly thereafter,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, Jr. said in a press briefing at the Palace on Thursday afternoon, Sept. 20.
The DILG has yet to make public the names of the local government leaders saying it wants to avoid trial by publicity.
Mr. Roque, for his part, said the government supports the DILG’s position that heavy penalties should be slapped on those mayors who will be found guilty of having been “missing in action” at a time when their constituents needed them most.
In a press conference last Wednesday, DILG Undersecretary for Peace and Order Bernardo C. Florece, Jr. said apart from suspension, charges could be filed before the Office of the Ombudsman, which could lead to removal from office. — Arjay L. Balinbin
At least 176 residents of Barangay Poblacion in Bakun, Benguet, assisted by heavy equipment provided by DJY Construction (Joseph Yubos) and Justino Fernandez, clear out the road that was buried following a landslide over the weekend during the onslaught of typhoon Ompong (international name: Mangkhut). The barangay was isolated for several days. With the clearing operations, the Ampusongan to Poblacion Proper Road along the Acop-Kapangan-Kibungan-Bakun Road has been made accessible.
MAXIMUM TOLERANCE will be observed today, Sept. 21, as various groups mark the National Day of Protest, coinciding with the 46th anniversary of the declaration of martial law by late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos, Malacañang said yesterday. Presidential Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, Jr., in a press briefing at the Palace, said maximum tolerance is prescribed by the law and that is what President Rodrigo R. Duterte adheres to. “So, we will give maximum tolerance to everyone; because, after all, the President was not the one who declared martial law on September 21 many years ago,” he said. As for the threat of destabilization against the Duterte administration, Mr. Roque said: “It’s not anything that the state cannot deal with; dream on to those who want to remove the President.” Mr. Duterte officially declared Sept. 21 as the National Day of Protest last year through Proclamation No. 319. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Manila District Traffic Enforcement Unit (MDTEU) advised motorists traversing Manila City to take alternate routes on Friday and Sunday as several roads will be closed for activities in commemoration of martial law. Starting 6 a.m. today, the following will be closed: North and south-bound lanes of Roxas Boul. from Katigbak to Pres. Quirino Ave.; Eastbound lane of TM Kalaw from Ma. Orosa to Taft Ave.; and east and west-bound lanes of TM Kalaw from M.H Del Pilar to Roxas Blvd. — Arjay L. Balinbin
