Maniolas

By Cielito M. Reganit President Rodrigo R. Duterte holds a meeting with local officials at the 104th Brigade Camp in Isabela City, Basilan on July 21. (MNS photo) MANILA  (PNA) — Two partylist lawmakers on Monday called for a review of the party-list system law instead of its abolition, as they cited the numerous accomplishments of “true” partylist groups in previous Congresses. Reacting to President Rodrigo Duterte’s call for the abolition of the partylist system under a proposed federal government, Magdalo Partylist Rep. Gary Alejano and Akbayan Partylist Rep. Tom Villarin said it would be more prudent for a review or investigation on the party-list system law in order to institute needed reforms. Although he does not support the abolition of the partlylist system, Alejano said “I agree that the party-list law should be amended to weed wealthy opportunists out of the system.” “The Supreme Court aptly stressed that the party-list system is a tool for social justice. To abolish it completely without conducting a comprehensive study of its implementation is to deprive the marginalized, the underrepresented a voice in the highest lawmaking body of the Republic,” he said. “It is a well known fact that there are many well-meaning party-list groups that have successfully and actively pursued the interests of the sector they represent in Congress,” Alejano said. A comprehensive review of the implementation of the 21-year old law may help in preserving the “true” intention of RA 7941, he said. “I propose studying the background of the different Read More …

Embassy’s Chargé d’Affairés, Minister Patrick A. Chuasoto delivers his opening remarks at the FYLPRO DC Info session held at the Romulo Hall of the Philippine Embassy on 26 July 2016. WASHINGTON, DC – FYLPRO alums Melissa Medina and RJ Diokno led the information session on the 5th FYLPRO Immersion Program on 26 July 2016 at the Romulo Hall of the Philippine Embassy. Every year since its establishment in 2012 by former Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., the Filipino-American Youth Leadership Program (FYLPRO) brought 10 high-performing, next generation Filipino-Americans, known as FYLPRO delegates, on an all-expense paid immersion trip to the Philippines. The immersion program aims to equip and inspire the delegates to promote advocacies geared towards progress in the Philippines and engagement with the multi-faceted Filipino-American community in the United States. FYLPRO alums RJ Diokno and Melissa Medina explained the immersion program, answered questions on the application process, and shared their insights on the overall FYLPRO experience. In his opening remarks, the Embassy’s Chargé d’Affairés (CDA), Minister Patrick A. Chuasoto said, “The FYLPRO immersion experience endeavors to transform delegates in such a way that they can become effective leaders in their respective communities and give back to the Philippines at the same time.” The information session provided the audience with an overview of the program and insights into the application process, which requires applicants to identify at least three Legacy projects that focus on the Philippines and Filipino communities abroad that foster further professional/leadership development such as social Read More …

By Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan Philippine National Police Chief Director-General Ronald dela Rosa answers questions during a press conference at Camp Crame, Wednesday. Three high-ranking PNP officials allegedly involved in illegal drugs tagged by President Duterte reported to Dela Rosa to clear their names. (MNS photo) MANILA  (PNA) – As part of its intensified anti-drug campaign, the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said it will look into affluent people and celebrities involved in illegal drugs. Southern Police District (SPD) Acting Director Sr. Supt. Tomas Apolinario said from the PNP’s anti-drug operations also aims to curb the prevalence of party drugs such as ‘ecstasy’. He recalled the five fatalities at the Closeup Forever Summer concert in Pasay City last May 21 who used methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and alcohol. MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, is a psychoactive drug used primarily as a recreational drug. Desired effects of MDMA include increased empathy, pleasure, and heightened sensations. With the incident, Apolinario said party and concert organizers are now coordinating with the police to ensure that their events will not be used as a venue for illegal drug trade as these are usually attended by wealthy youth and celebrities. Despite the deployment of civilian-clothed and uniformed policemen during concerts or parties, Apolinario admitted that is difficult to track down people who used drugs before going to an event. As a precautionary measure, Apolinario said that they will deploy drug-testing kits in the entrance of the event to test the suspicious actions of an individual. Meanwhile, Read More …

Taking their oath before speaking at the Senate hearing on the Mamasapano incident are PDDG. Leonardo Espina, Officer-in-Charge of the Philippine National Police, Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. (MNS photo) MANILA  (Mabuhay) – Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Alan Purisima has asked the Sandiganbayan to allow him to stay in the United States of America for more than three weeks to visit his son. In a three-page motion filed with the Sandiganbayan Sixth Division, Purisima asked the anti-graft court to allow him to travel to USA from September 5 to 27. Purisima said he intends to visit his son who is studying at the Culinary Institute of America in California. Purisima said he, together with his family, has already booked their tickets for the travel as early as March of this year even before a graft case was filed against him by the Office of the Ombudsman in May. “Section 6, Article III of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that the right of every individuals to travel shall not be impaired except in the interest of national security, public safety or public health,” Purisima’s motion read. “Accused Purisima humbly submits that his travel abroad does not, in any means, impair the interest of national security, public safety or public health,” it added. Purisima said he is also willing to post a travel bond that the court may fix as a precondition for his request and as an assurance of his Read More …

President Rodrigo R. Duterte shares a light moment with US Secretary of State Secretary John F. Kerry during a courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on July 27, 2016. (MNS photo) MANILA  (PNA) – The Philippines and the United States affirmed their long-standing relations at Wednesday’s lunch meeting between President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry at the President’s Hall of Malacanang. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella, in a briefing, told the Malacanang Press Corps that PRRD and Kerry took note of the special relationship, with around four million Filipinos in America and at least 500,000 Americans in the Philippines. Kerry is the highest Cabinet member of U.S. President Barack Obama’s administration to visit President Duterte so far. He led a delegation of U.S. State Department officials and a lone military officer, US Vice Admiral Frank Pandolfe, who serves as assistant chairman to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Abella said, “First, it was a courtesy call. It was a very interesting lunch because they shared common interests. They talked about motorcycles and hunting.” He added that “they also discussed common concerns: terrorism, crime, drugs, religious fanaticism, and maritime security. They also mentioned a menu of solutions.” The Palace official disclosed that the U.S. has committed USD 32 million in training and services to the Philippines, mainly for law enforcement. He said the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) was touched upon and “it was affirmed that whatever works for the Philippines will be what Read More …