LP commemorates Cory’s role in restoring democracy
ON THE 9th death anniversary of former President Maria Corazon “Cory” Cojuangco-Aquino, the Liberal Party (LP) commemorated her significant role in restoring Philippine democracy.
“For us who spent our youth under the rule of a dictator, President Cory was a symbol of a new day. She was a woman of strength and had done right by her duty to country. It was by no means an easy choice — but she, like all people fighting for our freedom back then, chose what is right. Now, we face similar choices as we continue to battle against tyranny and age-old injustices,” Senator Francis N. Pangilinan, LP president, said in a statement.
He recalled that last Saturday, LP member Sen. Leila M. De Lima, who has been detained for more than a year now, was awarded the Liberal International’s Prize for Freedom “in recognition of her achievements and her continuing fight for human rights even while wrongly imprisoned.”
Ms. Aquino was the first Filipina to receive the annual award, according to Mr. Pangilinan, “in her fight for democracy.”
Senator Paolo Benigno A. Aquino IV, a nephew of the late president, said: “She is often referred to as the Mother of our Democracy, but to me, she was primarily a loving, thoughtful, humble and gracious aunt. She inspired a generation to continue the work of safeguarding our freedom and improving the lives of our countrymen. “
“I don’t have any formula for ousting a dictator or building democracy. All I can suggest is to forget about yourself and just think of your people. It’s always the people who make things happen,” the senator quoted Ms. Aquino as saying.
The lawmaker also said that Ms. Aquino “reminds us, to this day, that it is up to all of us, together, to move this country forward and create a better Philippines.” — Arjay L. Balinbin
De Lima files bill vs premature campaigning
SENATOR LEILA M. De Lima has filed a bill prohibiting premature campaigning for prospective candidates a year before the official campaign period for both national and local elections.
Senate Bill No. 1893, titled Anti-Premature Campaigning Act of 2018, seeks to amend related provisions in Batas Pambansa Bilang 881, the Omnibus Election Code.
“The bill defines a prospective candidate as any person aspiring for or seeking an elective public office, whether or not he has explicitly declared his intention to run as a candidate immediately preceding elections,” Ms. De Lima said in a statement.
Under the bill, premature campaigning activities that will be banned include endorsing any product or service whether for a fee or not; appearing in any infomercial; appearing in any documentary or movie whether for a fee or not; appearing or guesting in any television or radio program, except for legitimate news coverage; accepting any employment in any media outfit as a news anchor, writer or regular talent; and buying any print, radio, television or internet space to advertise himself or any product or service. — Camille A. Aguinaldo
Duterte says daughter Sara not gunning for a national post
PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte on Tuesday said his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara “Inday” Duterte-Carpio, will not be running for a national post in the 2019 elections.
“Inday, I can tell you, I know her. Hindi magtatakbo ‘yan ng national (she will not run for a national post),” Mr. Duterte said in his speech at the 68th anniversary celebration of the National Security Council and the 69th founding anniversary celebration of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency in Pasay City on Tuesday evening, July 31.
The President also took a swipe at political families whom he said have “superstar complex.” — Arjay L. Balinbin
