Barangay officials make tough choices in drug war

May 16, 2018 | 9:17 pm

By PCIJ Story Project
First of two parts
The barangay officials who will take office next month after winning Monday’s election will find themselves at the frontlines of the war on drugs. President Duterte has repeatedly said he needs strong barangay officials who will implement the anti-drug campaign. Noncompliance, he warned, is not an option.
January 21, 2018. It’s fiesta time in Tondo, Manila. High-spirited marching bands compete with the trill of videoke machines on nearly every corner. It is almost impossible to navigate the winding alleys without tripping on a child.
Entire families and gangs of children are out on the streets, wearing the orange, blue or red of their respective neighborhoods, each shade representing one of Tondo’s 300 barangays. Over 600,000 people live in Tondo, crammed in an area less than nine square kilometers.
When Oplan Double Barrel, the government’s anti-drug campaign, was launched nearly two years ago, Tondo’s barangay captains faced tough choices. Throughout the country, local leaders were told to submit a watchlist of suspected drug users and dealers in their communities. They were supposed to share those lists with the police, who then conducted operations that resulted in drug suspects being killed.
It is hard to know the precise number of drug-related killings. Based on data collected from news reports, there were at least 380 drug casualties in the city of Manila from July 2016 to December 2017. Tondo has one of the highest casualty rates: 117 of those killings, 30 percent of the total, took place in Tondo.
Data from the Manila Police Department show that between July 2016 and February 2017, Police Stations 1 and 2 in Tondo conducted 77 operations that resulted in 88 casualties. These figures, however, include only those killed during uniformed police operations, not vigilante and other type of killings.
This is the story of three barangay officials in Tondo who responded to Oplan Double Barrel in different ways.
Barangay officials have the power to decide the shape of the war on drugs — they have the choice to go along with death, to submit to authority, or to adapt and resist.
But such power is constrained. Village officials have to comply with the directives of the national government. Refusal to do so may be seen as complicity with the drug trade. Authorities have said they have a list of over 200 barangay officials involved in illegal drugs. The President himself has stated that “if those backed up by drug money will win as barangay captains, it will be another war. It will be another killing.”
The barangay is the linchpin of the administration’s anti-drug operations. Faced with national government directives on an all-out war on drugs, what should barangay officials do? — Mixkaela Villalon, Abbey Pangilinan and Ica Fernandez

Senate OK’s bill on innovative start-ups

May 16, 2018 | 9:16 pm

THE SENATE on Wednesday passed on third and final reading the proposed innovative start-ups law, a priority measure which aims to provide start-up entrepreneurs tax breaks and other forms of assistance.
Senate Bill No. 1532, authored by Senator Paolo Benigno A. Aquino IV, was approved with 18 affirmative votes, no negative vote, and zero abstention.
According to a statement by the Senate, the measure also aims to provide easier business registration procedures and technical assistance and training programs.
“These are start-ups that provide unique and relevant solutions to our problems, from daily hassles, like finding a taxi during rush hour, to improving the delivery of health care, providing support for our farmers, and addressing unemployment,” Mr. Aquino said in the statement.
The senator also cited the additional incentive of exemption from fees and charges for the use of equipment, facilities and other services from government agencies.
“These benefits and incentives will be provided by the Department of Science and Technology (DoST), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and/or the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) under an Innovative Start-up Development Program,” Mr. Aquino said.
Other incentives include waived application fees, refund of fees for the permits and certificates, and expedited processing of permits and certificates.
The measure also includes a provision on setting up the Ten Billion-Peso Innovative Start-up Venture Fund which entrepreneurs can avail themselves of. This fund will be administered by the Department of Science and Technology.
Other benefits include research and development grants, access to applicable benefits and incentives provided by the Intellectual Property of the Philippines, subsidy for visa application, renewal, or extension of foreign owners, employees, and/or investors of an innovative start-up and support service provider, and exemption from the alien employment permit.

Nationwide Round-Up

May 16, 2018 | 9:15 pm

PNP signs deal with Samsung for emergency app

THE PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) signed on Wednesday a memorandum of agreement with Samsung Electronics Philippines, Inc. to develop a mobile application that would allow users to contact the police easily during emergencies. Samsung 321, an application already embedded in Samsung devices, contains the emergency contact numbers and the directions to the nearest police station using global positioning system (GPS). “This is a platform for reporting crime. There are two functions. First you can call the police station and second you can navigate through this app, you can go to the nearest police station,” said Julius Arguson, Samsung product engineering and technical compliance head for IT and mobile. PNP Director for Information and Communications Technology Management Napoleon C. Taas, meanwhile, urged the public to use the application and help supply contact information that are not yet in Samsung 321’s database. At the same time, Mr. Taas stressed that other mobile applications previously launched by the police remain in effect. Samsung’s Minsu Chu, business unit director for IT and mobile, said this is their first collaboration with the government and are looking to expand to other public service agencies. — Minde Nyl R. dela Cruz

Amendment to anti-dynasty provision in youth law proposed

THE HOUSE minority bloc has filed a bill amending the anti-dynasty provision of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Reform Act of 2015 under Republic Act 10742. The proposed amendment requires incumbent officials to voluntarily renounce their office one year ahead of the next SK elections in order for their youth relatives to qualify for candidacy. Section 10 of RA 10742 states that an SK official must not be related by affinity or second civil degree of consanguinity to any incumbent elected official in the national or local government within their locality. The provision, according to Rep. Alfredo A. Garbin, only applies to those related to government officials currently in office. “When an elected official resigns before the filing of the certificate of candidacy for Sangguniang Kabataan election, he ceases to be an incumbent and thus takes him out of the coverage of the anti-political dynasty,” states the bill’s explanatory note. The SK Reform Act is the first enabling legislation of the anti-dynasty provision in the 1987 Constitution.
TRAINING
MEANWHILE, the National Youth Commission reminded elected SK officials to get in touch with their Local Youth Development Officer or Local Government Operations Officer in their municipalities for the SK mandatory training (SKMT).
The SKMT is scheduled to begin today, May 17, to May 26. It will consist of a one day orientation on governance, RA 10742, ethics, and budgeting, among other subjects. — Charmaine A. Tadalan

Halfway there

May 16, 2018 | 9:14 pm

THIS P2-billion flood control project along the 3.31-kilometer riverbank of Cagayan River in Tuguegarao City is more than halfway done, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways. Contractor Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Co., Ltd. is expected to complete the project by 2019. The infrastructure is funded under a loan agreement between the Philippine and Japanese governments.

DPWH reforestation obligation delayed by lack of funds

May 16, 2018 | 9:13 pm

THE DEPARTMENT of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has been unable to meet its obligation for a reforestation program to replace trees cut down for a road widening project in Pototan, Iloilo due to lack of funds. “We admit that we have deficiency in the implementation due to budget constraint. But we will replace those trees,” said Edna Mae D. Cañete, assistant engineer of the DPWH second engineering district. Ms. Cañete said they are still waiting for directives from the DPWH Central Office. Under the permit issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the DPWH was allowed to cut up to 5,183 trees for the road project, with an obligation to replace each cut tree with at least 100 seedlings of indigenous species. The reforestation areas are in Calinog, Iloilo. The DPWH cut down 2,013 trees, which requires a replacement of at least 201,300 seedlings. The agency has so far planted only 600. DENR-Western Visayas Regional Director Jim O. Sampulna said DPWH has already asked for an extension, but he will not grant the request unless the agency signs an affidavit of undertaking to ensure that the tree planting will be implemented. — Louine Hope U. Conserva

DAR finally takes steps on Davao bulk water supply project

May 16, 2018 | 9:12 pm

DAVAO CITY — The last pending documentary requirement for the P12-billion bulk water supply project of Aboitiz-led Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. (AAII) is finally moving with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) scheduled to hold site inspection on May 17.
“We are at the last stages of our documentary requirements for the Department of Agrarian Reform conversion permit,” AAII General Manager Cirilo C. Almario III said in an interview with reporters Tuesday.
A team from the DAR central office in Metro Manila will conduct the inspection, which will form part of the basis of the agency’s recommendation on the project.
“Through the site inspection, DAR will determine if we already started or put up structures without the permit as it can be a ground for disallowing the project or for a possible penalty,” said Mr. Almario, adding that he is confident that they will soon get the final green light to start construction by June.
However, the AAII official expressed concern over the possible impact on getting the final signature with DAR Secretary John Rualo Castriciones having been bypassed by the Commission on Appointments.
“We have a bit of a concern with DAR since it has no secretary yet. It might prolong the process since Mr. Castriciones is still sitting in an acting capacity and he might have second thoughts on deciding on the project,” Mr. Almario said.
AAII — a partnership between Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV) and J.V. Angeles Construction Corp. (JVACC) — has formed a joint venture with the Davao City Water District (DCWD) for the project that is expected to supply the city with about 300 million liters of water per day, sourced from the Tamugan River.
DCWD deputy spokesperson Jovana Cresta T. Duhaylungsod said the operations of the project is expected to solve the water supply problem in District 2 and is part of the masterplan to ensure overall supply sustainability in the city.
AAII is covering the P10 billion investment for the construction of the raw water facilities, hydroelectric power plant, treatment plant, treated water pipelines, and other facilities for various off-take points in the city. DCWD, on the other hand, will pay for the P2-billion cost to construct the primary transmission lines and storage facilities.
AAII and DCWD are aiming to have the project operational by 2021. — Carmencita A. Carillo

DTI-Davao to convert pasalubong centers into OTOP shops

May 16, 2018 | 9:11 pm

THE DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry-Region 11 office (DTI-Davao) will convert existing pasalubong centers into OTOP (One-Town-One-Product) shops that will showcase products of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). “OTOP Philippine Hub are the existing pasalubong centers that will be converted and improved wherein MSMEs can display their products,” said DTI Assistant Secretary Demphna Du-Naga of the Regional Operations Group in an interview earlier this week. Ms. Naga said the setting up of OTOP sites is complemented by ongoing MSME assistance programs such as Brand Equity Development, product packaging, and even financing. Rachel S. Remitio, DTI-Davao chief for SME development services, said they are targeting to have the OTOP Hub by Oct. or Nov. this year. — Maya M. Padillo

Senate approves HIV AIDS Policy bill on second reading

May 16, 2018 | 9:10 pm

THE Senate on Wednesday approved on second reading a proposed measure that would provide a stronger government response to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrom (AIDS) epidemic in the country.
Senate Bill No. 1390 or the proposed HIV-AIDS Policy Act seeks to repeal Republic Act No. 8504 or the Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998 and address the rising incidence of HIV and AIDS by creating a national multi-sectoral strategy.
Senate committee on health chair Joseph Victor G. Ejercito and Senator Risa N. Hontiveros-Baraquel sponsored the bill, which was also identified as the Senate’s priority bills in its May session.
Its counterpart measure at the House of Representatives has been approved on third and final reading last December.
The bill would allocate more funds on HIV prevention, diagnosis and treatment. It also would mandate to provide an “up-to-date” education about HIV and AIDS in schools, communities, workplaces and other vulnerable areas.
Under the proposed measure, the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) would formulate a medium-term plan enumerating the country’s targets and strategies in addressing the epidemic.
A human rights provision was also included in the bill mandating the Department of Justice (DoJ) to develop redress mechanisms to protect the civil, political, economic and social rights of persons living with HIV.
The bill also accepted Senate President Aquilino L. Pimentel III’s proposed amendments providing stiffer penalties for the disclosure of HIV status. This was in response to news reports which revealed the HIV status of a suspect involved in the raid of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Bonifacio Global City last November.
“Our current response on the HIV-AIDS epidemic is borne out of the need to update an old law… This is our way of updating the government framework on HIV-AIDS. We need a scientific, medical, human rights-based and inclusive policy to fully address the problem,” Ms. Baraquel said in a statement.
The senator also noted that the Philippines has the highest HIV infection rate in the Asia-Pacific region, citing data from the United Nations that the country recorded a 140% increase in HIV infection in the past six years. — Camille A. Aguinaldo

Philippines and Papua New Guinea sign joint declaration on agricultural cooperation

May 16, 2018 | 9:09 pm

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter Charles Paire O’Neill at the Malacañang Palace on Wednesday, May 16, witnessed the signing of a joint declaration on agricultural cooperation for the expansion and strengthening of agro-industries in both countries.
Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol and Papua New Guinea Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Benny Allan signed the Joint Declaration on Agriculture Cooperation between the two states.
In his speech, Mr. Duterte said the Joint Declaration “signifies the shared commitment of the Philippines and Papua New Guinea to expand and strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation in the field of agriculture and agro-industries, particularly in areas such as rice grains and industrial crops production; aquaculture and inland fish farming; livestock breeding and improvement; and agri-business development.”
For his part, Mr. O’Nell said: “I appreciate the communiqué that we have signed today between our two ministers to advance again the agriculture relationship between our countries, particularly in the production of rice in our country where we need to ensure that there is food security for both Papua New Guinea and the Philippines.”
The Prime Minister also thanked the Filipino citizens who currently live and work in Papua New Guinea for their significant “contributions” to his country’s economic progress.
“We have a very strong presence of the Filipino investment community and not only that but also Filipino workers who are providing good technical support and particularly in education and health in our country,” Mr. O’Neill said.
Mr. Duterte also said that he expects to work closely with Prime Minister O’Neill and “to actively engage him in both bilateral and regional matters such as ASEAN Region Forum.”
The President congratulated Mr. O’Neill and expressed his full support for the Papua New Guinea’s APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) chairmanship in 2018. — Arjay L. Balinbin

13 senators support SC review of Sereno ouster

May 16, 2018 | 9:09 pm

THIRTEEN senators coming from both sides of the political fence signed a draft resolution urging the Supreme Court (SC) to review its earlier decision on the quo warranto petition against ousted Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P.A. Sereno.
“Now therefore, be it resolved, as it is hereby resolved to express the sense of the Senate of the Philippines to uphold the Constitution on the matter of removing a Chief Justice from office, and respectfully urge the Supreme Court to review its decision to nullify the appointment of Maria Lourdes Sereno as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines,” the draft resolution stated, which was released to media by the office of Senator Risa N. Hontiveros-Baraquel Wednesday evening.
According to Ms. Hontiveros, the draft resolution was signed by Senate President Aquilino L. Pimentel III, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph G. Recto, and Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon.
Senators from the majority bloc who also signed were Senators Francis G. Escudero, Sherwin T. Gatchalian, Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva, Grace S. Poe-Llamanzares and Juan Edgardo M. Angara.
Senators from the minority bloc, which included Senators Hontiveros, Francis N. Pangilinan, Antonio F. Trillanes IV, Leila M. De Lima, Paolo Benigno A. Aquino IV, also signed as well.
The SC voted 8-6 last May 11 granting Solicitor General Jose C. Calida’s quo warranto petition, which voided the appointment of Ms. Sereno as chief magistrate.
The Senate draft resolution stressed that the SC decision was a “dangerous precedent that transgresses the exclusive powers of the legislative branch to initiate, try, and decide all cases of impeachment.”
It cited Section 3, Article 11 of the 1987 Constitution which gives the House of Representatives the exclusive power to initiate all cases of impeachment and the Senate the sole power to try and decide impeachment cases.
The draft resolution also noted that while the government enforces the separation of powers, the doctrine “does not guarantee absolute autonomy in the discharge of functions of each branch,” adding that the “the corollary doctrine of checks and balances ensures their co-equality.”
In a statement, Ms. Hontiveros urged her colleagues to “cross partylines and unite” in asserting the Senate’s exclusive power to remove impeachable officials.
“I appeal to my fellow Senators to cross partylines and unite in defending the integrity of the Senate. We cannot issue strong statements on this travesty of the inviolability of the Constitution, yet not back it up with decisive action. We must not allow the Senate to be relegated to a hollow institution howling ineffectually at the margins,” she added.
She further warned that the SC decision would “render obsolete the country’s constitutional process of impeachment,” unless it was reversed.” — Camille A. Aguinaldo

OSG, PNP seek extension of submission of drug war records

May 16, 2018 | 9:08 pm

THE Office of the Solicitor-General (OSG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have sought a 60-day extension of a Supreme Court order directing them to submit the government’s records on its anti-drug campaign.
Thus far, submitted to the high court as of April 26 were 29 case folders on 35 death and injury cases, 35 summaries of administrative cases on anti-illegal drug operations by the PNP’s various Regional Internal Affairs Service (RIAS), as well as a copy of a “Double Barrel” circular that the Free Legal Assistance Group challenged as being unconstitutional.
The high court on April 3 gave the OSG and PNP 15 days for their submission of the drug-war records, in connection with the 3,806 confirmed deaths in the course of the anti-drug campaign between July 1, 2016, and Nov. 30, 2017.
The SC had dismissed a motion for reconsideration by the OSG citing possible repercussions with the disclosure of records being sought by the court.
In his letter of compliance dated April 26 and released to media on Wednesday, May 16, Solicitor-General Jose C. Calida sought “additional time to submit other documents required by the Court because said documents will be collected and validated.”
The OSG and PNP “respectfully request an extension of sixty days from April 26, 2018, or until June 25, 2018 to submit the other documents required by (the court,)” Calida’s letter also read in part. — Dane Angelo M. Enerio

Lawyer Karen Jimeno named PMS undersecretary

May 16, 2018 | 9:07 pm

By Arjay L. Balinbin, Reporter
MALACAÑANG announced on Wednesday, May 16, the appointment of lawyer Karen Olivia V. Jimeno as Undersecretary for Disaster Resiliency under the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) headed by Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher “Bong” T. Go.
Mr. Duterte appointed Ms. Jimeno in 2016 Undersecretary for Legal Affairs and Priority Projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). She reportedly left her position last month, but PMS and her staff at the DPWH could not give details about her resignation when sought for comment.
Ms. Jimeno, prior to her appointment to the DPWH, served as spokesperson for the late Chief Justice Renato Renato C. Corona during his 2012 impeachment trial.
According to the DPWH Web site, Ms. Jimeno also served “as Head for External Affairs & Communications for the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery, alongside Senator Panfilo Lacson, from 2014-2015 under the Office of then President Benigno Aquino III. In 2017, she was appointed as Legal Counsel for the Senate Ethics Committee for the 17^th Congress.”
“Her media experience includes being a program host and news anchor for CNN Philippines for (five) years, and a columnist for the Philippine Star newspaper from 2012 up to the present,” the department also said.
Mr. Duterte signed Ms. Jimeno’s appointment on Tuesday, May 15.
The President also signed the appointments of Bernadette Fatima R. Puyat as interim Secretary of the Department of Tourism (DoT), Abdullah D. Mama-o as Special Envoy of the President to the State of Kuwait, and Benjamin E. Palmero as Member of the Board of Directors, Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) Renewables Corporation.