UNICEF commends IRR on protecting children in armed conflict
THE United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in a statement said it commends the Philippine government in taking the next critical step toward improving the plight of children in conflict zones with the recent signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the law to protect Children in Situations of Armed Conflict (CSAC). Chief for Child Protection Grace Agcaoili was quoted in the statement as saying that “the release of the IRR of this first-ever comprehensive national law (Republic Act 11188) on CSAC is further proof of the government’s commitment to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.” She also reaffirmed UNICEF’s support in implementing the law as it marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
11 US fugitives deported
ELEVEN fugitives have been returned to the United States after Philippine officials helped tracked them down in Manila. In a statement, the US State Department said its Diplomatic Security Service at the US Embassy in Manila “located and apprehended 11 US fugitives wanted for crimes ranging from conspiracy to commit murder, securities fraud, child abuse, and sexual assault.” “We thank the Government of the Philippines for their longstanding support, and look forward to our future cooperation as friends, partners, and allies,” the State Department said. — Gillian M. Cortez
House holds orientation on legislation
FIFTEEN incoming first-term congressmen attended the first day of an orientation program and executive course on legislation, about a month before the 18th Congress begins. The three-day crash course, with three batches, was conducted by the House of Representatives together with the University of the Philippines-National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG). “Ang pag-aaralan nila ay kung paano sila gagalaw bilang bagong representatives. Tutulungan namin sila na malaman nila kung paano ang legislative process, policy process, paano sila gagalaw sa policy system na meron tayo,” UP NCPAG dean Dr. Fe Mendoza told reporters. (They will learn how to act as new representatives. We will help them learn the legislative process, the policy process, and how they will adjust to the policy system that we have.) Some of the subjects covered are understanding development concepts, public policy, budget process, legislative process, and citizen engagement. The new lawmakers will conduct a mock committee meeting and will also be required to work on a legislative agenda at the end of the training. — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras
DILG flags ministry to LGUs
THE Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has called on local government units to revoke the business permits of Kapa Community Ministry International Inc. following President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s call to shut down its operations. In a memorandum issued on June 13, DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año cited the Local Government Code and the mandate of city and municipal mayors “to issue licenses and permits and suspend or revoke the same for any violation of the conditions upon which said licenses or permits had been issued pursuant to law or ordinance.” “Marami na ang naloko at marami pa sa ating mga kababayan ang maloloko sa investment scam na ito kung hindi ito aaksyunan ng mga mayor,” Mr. Año said in a statement on Monday. (Many have been tricked and more people may be lured into this investment scam unless the mayors take action.) The DILG directive came after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) revoked Kapa’s certificate of registration and secured over P100 million of its assets in accordance with a freeze order by the Court of Appeals. — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras
