ICC likely to proceed with drug probe, says opposition lawmaker

June 16, 2021 | 8:52 pm

THE INTERNATIONAL Criminal Court (ICC) would probably go ahead with its investigation of President Rodrigo for alleged crimes against humanity in connection with his deadly war on drugs despite his noncooperation, according to an opposition senator.

“It’s easy to say ‘I will not recognize [the ICC jurisdiction]’ but when you start to talk about the path that is being undertaken, the nonrecognition will not result in the ICC stopping its investigation,” Senator Franklin M. Drilon told the ABS-CBN News Channel on Wednesday.

He noted that ICC Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda had ruled that the international tribunal could proceed with the probe even after the Philippines withdrew from the ICC.

“The President’s advisers are at a crossroad,” said Mr. Drilon, who is a lawyer. He added that Mr. Duterte could end up failing to defend himself if he fails to cooperate with the investigation.

Ms. Bensouda on June 14 asked the ICC’s pre-trial chamber to allow her office to probe the death of drug suspects in the Philippines.

She said she had finished a preliminary prober and has requested judicial authorization to proceed with an investigation.

Presidential spokesman Herminio L. Roque, Jr. on Tuesday said the move was “legally erroneous and politically motivated,” adding that the ICC does not have the power to hear cases involving crimes against humanity.

He also said the government would not cooperate with any investigation by the ICC, adding that the Philippines is no longer an ICC member.

Ms. Bensouda has said the court could still investigate alleged crimes that Philippine authorities committed when it was still and ICC member. The Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute, which established the ICC, in 2019.

“These extrajudicial killings, perpetrated across the Philippines, appear to have been committed pursuant to an official state policy of the Philippine government,” Ms. Bensouda said this week.

“Police and other government officials planned, ordered and sometimes directly perpetrated extrajudicial killings,” she said. “They paid police officers and vigilantes bounties for extrajudicial killings. State officials at the highest levels of government also spoke publicly and repeatedly in support of extrajudicial killings, and created a culture of impunity for those who committed them.”

Ms. Bensouda proposed the probe before retiring on June 15. Britain’s Karim Khan took over on June 16 and will take over the case if it prospers.

Tens of thousands of drug suspects have been killed in Mr. Duterte’s drug war. Police have put the number at about 7,000, but human rights groups have said the number could go as high as 27,000. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas

Court rejects plea for bail, house arrest of pork barrel ‘queen’

June 16, 2021 | 8:51 pm

*This story was corrected after the original carried the photo of Senator Leila M. de Lima. We regret the error.

THE SUPREME Court (SC) has denied a plea for bail or house arrest by a convicted plunderer who masterminded a multi-billion pork barrel scam in the early 2000.

In a Jan. 13 resolution made public on June 11, the high court rejected defendant Janet Lim-Napoles’s motion, as it ruled the law does not allow the release of convicted criminals just because they are at risk of getting a serious illness such as the coronavirus.

The defendant earlier said she is diabetic and is at risk of getting the coronavirus in prison.

“Neither the Nelson Mandela rules, the Bureau of Corrections Act of 2013 nor the worldwide trend to decongest jail facilities due to COVID-19 supports the release of prisoners pending the appeal of their conviction for a capital offense,” the high court said.

“Thus, Napoles failed to allege, much less prove, any source of right under international or domestic laws, to warrant her temporary release.”

The SC said the defendant is not entitled to bail, which is not applied to offenses punishable by death or life imprisonment when the evidence of guilt is strong.

The anti-graft court Sandiganbayan in 2018 found Ms. Napoles guilty of plunder, a capital offense, in connection with the P124 million pork barrel fund scam.

She is detained at the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City. — Bianca Angelica D. Añago

PHL a step ahead on domestic workers’ protection law, but gaps persist in benefits, labor conditions

June 16, 2021 | 8:50 pm

THE International Labor Organization (ILO) called on governments in the Asia-Pacific region to enhance laws for the protection of household workers, a sector that is seen to grow in the coming years given ageing populations across countries.

In its new report, titled Making Decent Work a Reality for Domestic Workers: Progress and Prospects in Asia and the Pacific, the ILO said more than half of domestic workers continue to be excluded from labor laws and work under informal conditions.

The report launched Wednesday showed 61% of domestic workers in the region are not covered by minimum wage and other laws, 71% have no limitation on normal working hours, 64% have no weekly rest days, 63% have no annual rest days, 68% are not entitled to maternity leaves and maternity cash benefits, among other benefits.

“Although the report clearly shows progress in legal coverage, it also lays bare the large gaps in the implementation of these laws…. Their wages and working hours, on average, are far less favourable than those of other workers,” ILO Director-General Guy Ryder said in the report.

“Indeed, there remains a long road ahead for many domestic workers in getting access to decent work. Yet domestic work is a sector that is likely to grow in light of ageing populations and their increasing need for long-term care. Closing these existing gaps is therefore even more of a priority,” he said.

The ILO also recommended the following: removal of administrative barriers; simplification of registration and contribution procedures, including through digital technologies; and the conduct of inspections for occupational safety and health.

PHILIPPINES
The report noted that the Philippines is the only country in Asia that ratified the Domestic Workers’ Convention in 2011. A year later, it passed Republic Act 10361 or the Kasambahay Law that set a minimum wage, benefits, and improved terms of employment.

But the reality on the ground shows working hours remain long and benefits are not widely given, according to the Philippines’ Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE).

Alice Q. Visperas, director of DoLE’s International Labor Affairs Division, said during the online launch of the report that challenges remain in the implementation of the Kasambahay Law.

She said DoLE’s Kasambahay Rider Survey revealed that live-in domestic workers in the country still work nine to 12 hours a day, and that 83% are still not covered by any social welfare benefit.

She said the department is looking to “intensify advocacy and improve administrative mechanisms” at both the national and local government levels.

One key step is the registration of domestic workers at the community level through the barangay, the smallest political unit in the Philippines, to ensure the delivery of social welfare benefits. — Bianca Angelica D. Añago

Local governments urged to give village frontliners hazard pay

June 16, 2021 | 8:50 pm

lockdown-philstar — PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

A LAWMAKER on Tuesday filed a resolution urging local governments to provide special compensation to village workers on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic.

In House Resolution No. 1834, Quezon City Rep. Anthony Peter D. Crisologo said barangay officials and other village workers should receive hazard pay because they have a “crucial role” in the government’s pandemic response.

“Barangays and their workers who serve for the general welfare of their community members are vital in ensuring that all groups, sectors and communities are protected from the pandemic and are reached by the government,” he said.

Mr. Crisologo noted that barangay workers are “not covered by the rules of the Civil Service Commission and are not entitled to the same benefits of regular government employees.”

Citing the Budget department’s Circular No. 2020-1 or the guidelines on the grant of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Hazard Pay, the House legislator said all village officials and workers who are identified as “frontliners” should be compensated for risking their safety and personal health in the name of service amid the pandemic.

Mr. Crisologo said there are 42,046 barangays nationwide based on government data. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Fish hatcheries needed in every province to boost supply — BFAR

June 16, 2021 | 8:48 pm

EVERY PROVINCE in the country should have at least one fish hatchery to improve the country’s fish fry supply and boost the local aquaculture sector, the top official of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said.

BFAR National Director Eduardo B. Gongona said on Wednesday that investment is needed to set up infrastructure for fry production.

“We need the infrastructure, especially the hatchery. We also need to establish satellite hatcheries, ponds, and other infrastructure dedicated to fisheries production,” he said during the joint hearing of the Senate Committees on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform and Finance.

Mr. Gongona said one multi-species fish hatchery requires P30 million.

Senator Cynthia A. Villar, however, questioned the suggestion, noting that not all provinces are in coastal areas.

Ms. Villar said the BFAR should prioritize areas that have potential in the fisheries industry.

“Not all areas have fishing as their primary industry like Isabela and Nueva Ecija – those are known for their rice industries. BFAR should prioritize areas that have fishing as the main livelihood,” she said.

BFAR Aquaculture Division OIC Chief Elymi Ar-J S. Tunacao said there are five fish hatcheries that are under construction in the provinces of Surigao del Sur and del Norte, Agusan del Norte, Lanao del Norte, and Quezon.

Ms. Tunacao said other planned fish hatcheries have problems in terms of site development such as uneven land and road right-of-way.

Meanwhile, Mr. Gongona committed to finish the five fish hatcheries being constructed and 25 others that have already been approved.

He said the country is currently able to produce 1.5 billion fry a year.

“In three to five years, we will improve in terms of hatcheries. We just need the infrastructure,” Mr. Gongona said.

Based on Philippine Statistics Authority data, local fisheries production fell 0.8% year on year to 978,618 metric tons (MT) in the first quarter of 2021.

Aquaculture production accounted for 53.7% or 525,321 MT of total production, followed by municipal fisheries at 26.3% or 257,622 MT, and commercial fisheries at 20% or 195,673 MT. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Bill filed for proper road signages to minimize accidents

June 16, 2021 | 8:47 pm

A SENATOR on Wednesday filed a measure requiring the government to put up road and public safety signages that follow international standards to lessen accidents.

Senate Bill No. 2293 or the Public Safety Signages Accountability Act, filed by Senator Grace S. Poe-Llamanzares, will mandate the government to provide citizens timely and correct information on traffic instructions, road hazards and other warning signages.

“Articles and images of faulty or questionable signages have been reported throughout the years and such still remain as evident threats to both motorists and pedestrians,” said Ms. Poe, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Services.

She said while there are other factors that contribute to accidents, having visible road signs and ideal distances would protect and save lives.

In the capital region alone, road crashes in 2019 reached 121,771, of which 372 were fatal, Ms. Poe said citing data from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). In 2020, 65,032 road crashes resulting in 337 deaths were registered despite mobility restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Under the bill, the Department of Public Works and Highways will be in charge of public safety signs in national roads while the MMDA will oversee national roads in Metro Manila. Local government units will monitor local roads.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau will be tasked to update the geohazard map and identify areas that are susceptible to natural calamities for the installation of appropriate warning signs.

Under the proposed law, government officials may be held liable for deaths or injuries resulting from the lack or absence of proper signages. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas

3 arrested at illegal investment operator’s Panabo office

June 16, 2021 | 8:46 pm

PANABO City authorities arrested three people working at a local branch of Mer’s Business Center, which has been tagged by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as an illegal investment operator.

The city government said representatives of its Business Permits and Licensing Section and the police nabbed on June 14 the company’s branch manager and two other workers, who are all from General Santos City.

Panabo police chief Verna L. Cabuhat said the operation against Mer’s Business Center was prompted by a complaint and she called on other “victims” of the illegal scheme, which promises a 3% monthly interest on investment, to come forward for the filing of charges against the company.

The SEC Davao office, meanwhile, lauded the local government’s action saying it was a “big boost” to the agency’s campaign against illegal investment schemes.

The SEC issued an advisory against Mer’s Business Center last May 6 for solicitations without the appropriate license.

“The Panabo City (local government) and its police are worth emulating for their conscious efforts in running after those who continue to solicit investments without the necessary license,” SEC-Davao said in a statement on Wednesday.

Fishers’ group frowns at coconut palms planted along Manila Baywalk

June 16, 2021 | 8:46 pm

THE DEPARTMENT of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) led the planting of coconut trees along Roxas Boulevard on Wednesday as part of the Manila Bay beautification project, an initiative that was frowned upon by a fishers’ group.

Fisherfolk organization Pamalakaya, in an emailed statement, described the activity as “absurd, trying hard, a waste of public resources, and simply for aesthetics with a meager to no contribution to (the) rehabilitation of Manila Bay.”

Pamalakaya National Chairperson Fernando L. Hicap said, “Just because it’s natural (for coconut palm trees to grow on coastlines) doesn’t mean it is necessary… to restore the bay’s ecosystem. Planting of coconut palm trees along the shores reflects the government’s thrust on Manila Bay rehabilitation which is solely based on external beautification, rather than restoration of its marine and fishery resources.”

The group said the DENR should instead focus on planting mangrove and seagrass, which serve as fish sanctuaries, pollution filters, and can protect communities against flooding.

“Mangrove reforestation and seagrasses restoration are more relevant to the Manila Bay rehabilitation than the costly yet futile beach nourishment project,” Mr. Hicap said.

According to a PTV4 report, the DENR’s artificial white sand beach project along the bay is 80% complete.

The coconut planting project was supported by the Manila City government, Philippine Coconut Authority, and the Metro Manila Development Authority. — Angelica Y. Yang

QC gives Zuellig ultimatum to fix vaccination scheduling system

June 16, 2021 | 8:40 pm

Joy-Belmonte-081419 — QUEZON CITY Mayor Maria Josefina G. Belmonte — *PHILSTAR*

THE QUEZON City government said on Wednesday it is “seriously considering” the termination of its contract with Zuellig Pharma Corporation after glitches in its online system for vaccination scheduling.

“We have issued an ultimatum to Zuellig so they can improve their system quickly and provide all the deliverables. If not, we have no other choice but to find another company that can do the job quickly and efficiently,” Mayor Maria Josefina G. Belmonte said in a statement.

She said they tapped the company’s eZConsult service to supposedly speed up and ease the process for residents in getting a vaccination schedule, complementing efforts to organize the actual vaccination procedures.

“They committed a seamless service but they failed repeatedly,” the mayor said given the series of total or partial technical difficulties in the system.

Ms. Belmonte said the company has until June 18 to deliver its obligations or face contract termination and possible legal action for damages.

Bangsamoro chief minister vows transmittal ‘soon’ of electoral code

June 16, 2021 | 8:38 pm

THE HEAD of the Bangsamoro region in southern Philippines promised the immediate transmission of the draft electoral code, a key legislation amid uncertainty over the scheduled election next year for the autonomous territory’s parliament members.

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim told members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, who currently make up the parliament, that the electoral code being drafted by the Cabinet will be transmitted “as soon as possible.”

“The electoral code which is probably one of the most sensitive legislation that this Parliament will enact must be carefully crafted to ensure that we put premium to the betterment of the electorate. We must ensure that it will pave the way for a genuine political exercise that shall serve the core of the regular Bangsamoro Government,” Mr. Ebrahim said during the opening of parliament’s third regular session on June 15.

At the same time, the BARMM leader expressed confidence that the proposal to postpone the election and extend the transition authority’s mandate by another three years will be granted by the Philippine Congress.

“Before I end this speech,” he said, “I would like to share with you that although there are bureaucratic challenges along the way — the call for the extension of the transition period has never been more resounding than now.”

“The President and the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives are giving us the nod that it will happen,” Mr. Ebrahim said.

He also reiterated that the call to extend the transition period “is never about power.”

“It is about ensuring the successful implementation of the Bangsamoro Peace Process.”

Apart from the electoral code, the local government and revenue codes are among the six priority regulations that must be passed by the interim government as provided under the Bangsamoro Organic Law. The three others — administrative, civil service, and education — have already been approved.

Del Pan Bridge area of Pasig River found to have high fecal coliform level

June 16, 2021 | 8:37 pm

A PORTION of the Pasig River under the Del Pan Bridge in Manila has been found to have extra high amounts of fecal coliform, based on a water quality test conducted by the monitoring team from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Philippine Coast Guard.

Documents from the DENR showed that the fecal coliform count in the river hit 17 million most probable number per 100 milliliters (MPN/100 mL). The DENR standard for Class C waters or those used for boating or fishing stands at only 200 MPN/100 mL.

The DENR explained that water bodies with high levels of fecal coliform or waste found in humans and animals implies improper sanitary waste disposal. It added that this indicates contamination of human or animal waste from various residential and commercial areas.

The DENR-Coast Guard joint team conducted the monitoring test to look for possible sources of water pollution.

Among the possible polluters include domestic waste from informal settlers and traditional sailing boats called batil. — Angelica Y. Yang

PHL Azkals settle for 1-1 draw with Maldives

June 16, 2021 | 6:27 pm

THE Philippine national men’s football team settled for a 1-1 draw with Maldives as it finished its campaign in the second round of the joint 2022 International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) World Cup and 2023 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup Qualifiers early on Wednesday morning (Manila time) in the United Arab Emirates.

Veteran Angel Guirado put the Azkals ahead 19 minutes into the match at the Sharjah Stadium but they could not maintain the lead as six minutes later Maldives pulled even, care of Ali Fasir.

The two teams tried to score the marginal goal to claim all three points the rest of the way but were not successful in it, leaving them to share the spoils and get a point each for their efforts.

After their second-round qualifiers campaign, the Azkals ended up with 11 points from a record of 3-2-3, good for solo third place in Group A.

It was not enough to book the Philippines a spot in the next round of the qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, but the Azkals earned a trip to the next phase of that of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup to be played later this year.

Maldives (2-1-5), for its part, finished at fourth place in the group with seven points.

Syria (7-0-1) and China (6-1-1) topped Group A and are heading to the third round of the World Cup qualifiers and booked their spots in the Asian Cup. Syria progressed for winning Group A and China as one of the best runners-up.

Guam, the other team in the grouping, wound up with no wins to show for in eight matches.

PROGRESSING
Meanwhile, apart from Syria and China in Group A, also progressing in the next round of the World Cup qualifiers are Australia (Group B), Iran (Group C), Saudi Arabia (Group D), Japan (Group E) and UAE (Group F), which finished number one in their respective groups.

Korea Republic, Oman, Iraq, Vietnam and Lebanon, progressed as among the best runner-up teams.

Among the teams which have advanced, Vietnam is the lone first-timer in the third round of the World Cup qualifiers. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo