Balita online editor

UST law dean calls charges over Atio Castillo hazing death ‘baseless’

Oct 212017

MANILA, Oct 10 (Mabuhay) — University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law dean Nilo Divina on Tuesday shrugged off his inclusion in the criminal complaint pending before the Department of Justice in connection with the hazing death of Horacio Castillo III. “I am sure it is baseless since I have not breached any law and have always discharged my functions as Dean with utmost diligence,” Divina said. Divina however declined to comment in detail, saying he has yet to read the supplemental complaint filed by Castillo’s parents, Horacio II and Carminia, on Monday. The UST law dean is facing charges for murder, perjury, violation of the Anti-Hazing Law (Republic Act 8049) and obstruction of justice. In their supplemental complaint, the Castillos said Divina admitted during the Senate inquiry on September 25 that he was aware about Castillo’s hazing and injuries in the hands of members of the Aegis Juris Fraternity even before the freshman law student’s parents were informed. The dean also allegedly did not act on the information as regards the hazing and Castillo’s fatal injuries. “It is also worth noting that respondent school administrators [Divina and UST Faculty of Civil Law secretary Arthur Capili] are complicit in the cover-up of the hazing and murder of our son,” the complaint stated. “Respondent Capili categorically stated [during the Senate hearing] that he already knew that a UST student died on Sunday, September 17, 2017, due to hazing. The same statement was made by respondent Divina. However, it should be Read More …

Strike won’t stop jeepney modernization plan: Malacañang

Entertainment

Oct 212017

Strike won’t stop jeepney modernization plan: Malacañang

Activists stage a transport strike against the government’s public vehicle modernization program in Quezon City on Monday. The government’s modernization program aims to replace vehicles aged 15 years and above for newer and eco-friendly models.(MNS photo) MANILA, Oct 16 (Mabuhay) – Despite the nationwide transport strike, Malacañang on Monday said it was committed to pursuing the jeepney modernization program. “The Administration remains committed to the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), which is long overdue,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement. Abella said “there were several attempts in the past to modernize the public transport system but these have been thwarted due to similar transport strikes, which unfortunately resulted in an outdated public transport system.” The Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper and Opereytor Nationwide or Piston on Monday launched a two-day transport strike nationwide to protest the government’s program phasing out jeepneys at least 15 years old. Piston is protesting the PUV modernization program aimed at phasing out old PUVs, while the government plans to replace the jeepneys with “eco-friendly” PUVs. The strike prompted Malacañang to suspend classes and government work nationwide on Monday. “Government is ready and prepared as it laid out contingency measures to assist commuters hit by the nationwide transport strike,” Abella said. Quoting the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Abella said they have deployed 35 city buses to ferry passergers in Metro Manila. “This is in addition to the 4 military trucks, 4 buses, 4 vans and 4 service vehicles provided by the Read More …

Troops rescue 20 more hostages in Marawi

Entertainment

Oct 212017

MANILA, Oct 16 (Mabuhay) — Government forces rescued at least 20 more hostages of the Maute group in Marawi City. Colonel Romeo Brawner, Joint Task Force Marawi deputy commander, said the hostages were rescued by troops during operations since Saturday. The military earlier said the Maute group still has at least 40 civilian hostages. Government troops failed to meet the October 15 deadline to end the Marawi crisis. Brawner said the remaining Maute group members, which just around 40, are still using their hostages as human shields against the advancing troops. The crisis started with the Maute group’s attack in the city on May 23. The military said more than 800 militants and 162 soldiers and policemen have been killed. The civilian death toll, meanwhile, was still at 47. (MNS)

Gov’t expects massive surrender after deaths of Hapilon, Omar – Adiong

Entertainment

Oct 212017

MANILA, Oct 16 (Mabuhay) – The government can expect more Maute-ISIS fighters to surrender to security forces in Marawi City following the deaths of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and Maute group leader Omar Maute early Monday. “Kung totoo talaga yung information, we are expecting (surrenderers) from their ranks. Expect na natin ‘yun at talagang mag-weaken ang positions nila sa main battle area,” Marawi Crisis Management Committee head Zia Alonto Adiong said. Adiong, during the interview, said he has yet to receive confirmation from the military on the killings of Hapilon and Maute. Later in the day, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana confirmed the deaths of Hapilon and Omar Maute. He said the bodies will be subjected to a DNA test. Adiong welcomed the development saying the end of the conflict in Marawi City is in sight since the two terrorist leaders served as the brains and morale boosters of the ISIS-inspired fighters. “Ito po ay nagsisimbulo na patapos na po ang bakbakan dito,” he said. “Hudyat po ito na talagang patapos na po dahil itong dalawang leaders ang kumbaga center of gravity.” “(Sila) po yung nagmu-move, nagpa-plan, and at the same time nagbibigay ng morale sa kanilang fighters. Kung mawala ho talaga sila ay talagang mag-weaken exponentially, substantially ang kanilang strength at pati na rin ang kanilang ipinaglalaban,” Adiong added. Adiong also said the end of the conflict would help affected residents start their recovery. “Imagine for more than four months our evacuees have been living sa mga evacuation centers. Read More …

Palace confirms deaths of Omar Maute, Isnilon Hapilon

Entertainment

Oct 212017

MANILA, Oct 16 (Mabuhay) — Malacañang on Monday confirmed the death of pro-ISIS Maute group leader Omar Maute and Abu Sayyaf subleader and supposed ISIS emir in Southeast Asia Isnilon Hapilon. “We confirm that government forces killed Omar Maute and Isnilon Hapilon early morning today, Monday, the 16th of October in Marawi City,” presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement, which echoed the earlier announcement of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. He said that an initial report from Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ground commanders in Marawi mentioned that both Maute and Hapilon were neutralized while government troops were conducting an operation to retake the remaining stronghold of the terrorists in the city. “Our operating units have already recovered their bodies… Mopping up operations are now underway. Details of the operation will be released by the AFP as soon as permissible,” Abella said. He added that the termination of hostilities would be announced once government troops neutralize or capture the remaining terrorists holed up in Marawi and once they clear all structures of improvised explosive devices and other traps. “Once the fighting stops and the clearing operations end, we will put our efforts and energies on the challenging task of rebuilding and rehabilitating Marawi,” Abella said. (MNS)

Ely Buendia’s new collaboration with Itchyworms is a wonder

Entertainment

Oct 212017

Ely Buendia’s new collaboration with Itchyworms is a wonder

Ely Buendia (MNS photo) The new single from Ely Buendia and the Itchyworms, “Lutang” and “Pariwara,” is a must-have not only for fans of the respective artists but also for fans of good music. Both Buendia and Itchyworms have had a knack for melody to go with clever lines, insightful and personal lyrics that stick to one’s heart and mind. When Buendia collaborated with the late Francis Magalona on “In Love and War,” the result was magic. Just like when Magalona infused a rock edge to his rap when he involved his band, Hardware Syndrome. Now, the Itchyworms have been one of the most tuneful bands with a dash of Weezer to come out this new millennium. It was obvious when Itchyworms first came out, Buendia’s old outfit, the Eraserheads – and the Beatles—were a major influence. So when the stars align – like Pearl Jam and Neil Young’s “Mirror Ball” or David Bowie and Queen on “Under Pressure” to name a few of a good many—great stuff happens. “Pariwara” was released in 2016 and I love the song with its Asin-like intro after which its infectious beat with its skiffle-like style that harks back to ‘60s music and harmony. And as simple as its chorus of “ngunit hindi tayo ‘di tayo titiklop” is, it’s beautiful and it’s going to be a classic as a mantra or anthem. And who would have thought that lightning would strike twice with both collaborating once more on “Lutang” despite the more somber mood? Read More …

Duterte leads Philippine Army’s 58th change of command rites

Entertainment

Oct 142017

Duterte leads Philippine Army’s 58th change of command rites

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte walks past honor guards upon his arrival at Fort Andres Bonifacio in Taguig City for his attendance to the 58th Philippine Army Change of Command Ceremony on October 5, 2017. Accompanying the President is outgoing Philippine Army Commander Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda. (Photo by Karl Norman Alonzo/Presidential Photo) MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday, October 5, reminded the members of the Philippine Army to remain loyal to the Constitution and to the people as he led the Philippine Army’s 58th change of command ceremony at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. “Maintain your loyalty to the Constitution and to the flag. Do not nurture a personal or a person diyan,” the President said in his address before the troops. “Kaming lahat diyan sa gobyerno, dumadaan lang. But it behooves upon you, I said, to see to it that this country will grow, prosper until the end of time,” he said. The President also said he wants to leave the presidency with a strong army and police that can respond to simultaneous attacks. But to achieve that goal, the Armed Forces and the Philippine National Police must upgrade their equipment and capability to cope with the present challenges, especially in fighting terrorism, he said. One of the President’s suggestions is for the Armed Forces to use its properties and forge join ventures with the private sector. The AFP could enter into long-term lease agreements to fund its modernization program. “I’ll give you this place. Lahat ito with a one sole condition. ‘Yung lahat Read More …

Cayetano tells Al Jazeera: More than 3,000 killed in police ops all drug dealers

Entertainment

Oct 142017

Cayetano tells Al Jazeera: More than 3,000 killed in police ops all drug dealers

SELFIE WITH THE DFA CHIEF. Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano grants a selfie with Consul General Tess Dizon de Vega (2nd from left), and other officers of the FilAm Press Club of New York — Marivir Montebon (left), Cristina Dc Pastor (right), and Elton Lugay of the Inquirer International, outside the Philippine Consulate General Office in New York on September 21, 2017 at 3 a.m. (Philippine time). (Photo by King Rodriguez/Presidential Photographers) MANILA, Oct 7 (Mabuhay) –Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano defended President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs in an in-depth interview on Al Jazeera on Friday. Cayetano answered UpFront host Mehdi Hasan’s questions regarding the country’s anti-illegal drug campaign, including more than 3,000 deaths as a result of police operations. The DFA chief told Hasan that the victims of the drug war were drug dealers despite the host questioning the lack of due process in anti-drug operations. “How do we know that? You didn’t try them. You didn’t prosecute them. You didn’t charge them. You shot them on sight. That’s not a democratic way of solving crime, is it?” Hasan asked. “You’re absolutely saying it as if you’re not on the ground. Come and look. So, if I pull a gun on you here, right now, and you shoot me, it’s your fault? Or it’s my fault?” Cayetano said. Hasan countered, “That’s not what I asked. I said three and a half thousand people have been killed… Are they all criminal drug dealers?” “Yes,” Cayetano answered. In Read More …

President Duterte returns from fruitful trip to Brunei — Abella

Entertainment

Oct 142017

MANILA, Oct 7 (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte is back from a short but productive trip to Brunei Darussalam, a Malacañang official said Saturday. In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said that the President personally conveyed his warm greetings to His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah on the occasion of the golden anniversary of his accession to the throne. Abella said the President also reaffirmed the long and enduring ties between the Philippines and Brunei and renewed the special friendship between the two countries. Likewise, the occasion had given President Duterte a chance to reaffirm ties with key leaders from within and outside of the region, including Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen, Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo and Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak. Moreover, Abella said “The President described His Majesty the Sultan Bolkiah as a friend of the Philippines in the truest and most profound sense…” and that the Brunei ruler has maintained a “principled commitment to the pursuit of just and lasting peace and development in Mindanao.” Duterte arrived in Davao City at about 1:47 a.m. (MNS)

Senators weigh in on dip in Duterte’s satisfaction, trust ratings

Entertainment

Oct 142017

Senators weigh in on dip in Duterte’s satisfaction, trust ratings

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, in his speech during the 58th Philippine Army Change of Command Ceremony at Fort Andres Bonifacio in Taguig City on October 5, 2017, reminds the government troops to remain loyal to the Constitution and to the flag. KARL NORMAN ALONZO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO MANILA — Senators on Monday expressed various reactions to the dip in the recent net satisfaction and trust ratings of President Rodrigo Duterte — some downplaying it and others saying it should be a cause for concern. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, an ally of Duterte, said that it should not be a cause for concern because historical data shows that presidents usually experience a dip in trust and approval ratings after their first year in office. “It’s just a part of the cycle of politics, and it shouldn’t be a cause for concern in Malacañang,” Gatchalian said in a statement. Gatchalian pointed out that despite the ratings dip, what is clear in the survey results is that the Filipino people continue to trust the President and approve of his performance. He, however, said that this does not mean that the Executive Branch should not be complacent and urged the administration to view the survey results as “constructive challenge” to do more for Filipinos. Senator Panfilo Lacson, like Gatchalian, said that the drop in trust and approval ratings was “bound to happen.” “It was bound to happen kasi ganyan naman talaga ang trend. After the so-called honeymoon period nagkakadiperensya lang kung mas mabilis ang one presidente sa iba Read More …

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