By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Named by Forbes as the Philippines’ richest woman, who has an estimated net worth of $2.2 billion, SM Investments Corporation Vice Chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson has urged the Marcos Jr. administration to engage China in dialogue instead of calling it out for each incident of aggression in the South China Sea.
Sy-Coson admitted that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s confrontational approach towards China has an impact on investors.
“I think we have to look at our own position. We don’t want to get involved in the US-China tensions,” Sy-Coson said, according to a Bloomberg report.
She added that the Philippines “cannot be too antagonistic” towards China.
“What we have to do is to have peaceful discussions with them because, after all, we can’t change our neighbors,” Sy-Coson stressed.
SM Prime Holdings Inc., which is owned by Sy’s family, operates nine malls in China. It is also the Philippines’ largest mall operator.
The Sys also own BDO Unibank, the Philippines’ largest lender, and has a 60% stake in the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).
“That’s why we are all cautiously optimistic because of the things that are happening beyond the businesses’ control,” Sy-Coson said.
(AI/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — There’s still the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel for the Filipino people as under the present administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. the country’s employment rate in October 2023 was 95.8 percent, higher than the 95.5 percent in the same month last year.
This was trumpeted on Thursday (December 7) by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), acknowledging the employment situation is the highest recorded since April 2005 and the same estimated rate in November 2022.
“In terms of levels, the number of employed persons 15 years old and over was recorded at 80 million in October 2023, which was higher compared with 47.06 million in October 2022 and 44.63 million in July 2023,” National Statistician and Civil Registrar General Dennies Mapa disclosed.
According to the PSA, the services sector dominated the labor market in October 2023 in terms of employed persons at 47.80 million, while the agriculture and industry sectors accounted for 22.2 percent and 17.8 percent of the employed persons, respectively.
It also noted that the unemployment rate dropped to 4.2 percent in October 2023, lower than the 4.5 percent in October 2022.
“The reported unemployment rate in October 2023 was the lowest since April 2005,” Mapa further said.
It was gathered that the National Capital Region (NCR) suffered the highest unemployment rate of 5.4 percent in October 2023, while the Davao Region had the lowest reported unemployment rate of 2.9 percent.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has tested positive for COVID-19 but vows to fulfill his duties and responsibilities during his five-day isolation.
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), doctors have advised Marcos to undergo mandatory five-day isolation.
“The President remains fit to carry out his duties and will continue his scheduled meetings via teleconference. Updates on his health will be provided as available,” PCO stated.
The President also urged Filipinos to take precautions to safeguard their health, such as getting vaccinated and wearing face masks in crowded places.
This marks the third time that Marcos has tested positive for COVID-19. He first contracted the virus in 2020 and again in 2022.
According to the Department of Health (DOH), the Philippines has recorded 1,340 new coronavirus cases from November 28 to December 4, 2023.
(AI/MNM)
By Lizelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. condemned the bombing at Mindanao State University on Sunday which claimed four lives and several others were injured.
Marcos assured that the government was on top of the situation and helping the victims of the terrorist attack.
On Sunday, a bombing happened inside the gym of MSU while a Holy Mass was being conducted.
“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the senseless and most heinous acts perpetrated by foreign terrorists upon the Mindanao State University (MSU) and Marawi communities early this Sunday morning. Extremists who wield violence against the innocent will always be regarded as enemies to our society,” Marcos said in a statement.
The Chief Executive also extended his condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, blaming foreign terrorists behind the bombing attack.
“I extend my most heartfelt condolences to the victims, their loved ones, and the communities that have been the target of this latest assault on peace. Government assistance to those impacted is ready and forthcoming,” he added.
The chief executive said that the government is now working closely with the regional government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the concerned local government units for their swift response in what he called the “latest assault on peace.”
Marcos also assured the public to “bring the perpetrators of this senseless act to justice.”
The President said he has instructed the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to ensure the protection and safety of civilians and the security of affected and vulnerable communities.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is anticipated to grant pardons to almost 1,000 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) this Christmas season, according to Justice Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano on Friday (01 Dec 2023).
“This granting of pardon occurs annually, typically coinciding with the President’s birthday and Christmas. We compile a list for the Parole and Probation Administration, which is then forwarded to the Executive Secretary,” explained Clavano.
He mentioned that they expect a similar number of recipients as last year, nearly 1,000 PDLs.
While Clavano couldn’t confirm the exact number, he emphasized that there is no specific priority list.
“Qualification is the key factor. Whether a person qualifies for pardon, parole, or probation, those are the criteria for inclusion. We do not prioritize individuals; it’s about their eligibility.”
Clavano further clarified, “We consider factors such as age, disabilities, or severe illness. Elderly individuals or those with health issues are eligible for a pardon, as detaining them would lack humanitarian considerations and be detrimental to their well-being.”
(AI/MNM)
MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged the Filipino populace to draw inspiration from Andres Bonifacio’s unwavering heroism and profound love for the nation during the commemoration of the revolutionary leader’s 160th birth anniversary at the Bonifacio National Monument in Caloocan City.
In his address, Marcos emphasized that heroism is a natural trait for those whose hearts are fueled by love, concern, and understanding for their people and country. He highlighted the modern heroes among Filipinos, including nurses, doctors, teachers, police, military personnel, and overseas Filipino workers.
“Ilaan natin ang araw na ito upang pangaralan si Gat Andres Bonifacio at ang kanyang kontribusyon sa pagtataguyod ng ating pagkakakilanlan bilang Pilipino. Bukod dito, inaanyayahan ko rin ang bawat isa na tularan ang kanyang kabayanihan at pagmamahal sa bayan at ipakita ang mga ito sa ating mga pang-araw araw ng gawain,” Marcos conveyed, encouraging everyone to spend the day honoring Bonifacio and embodying his love for the country in daily actions.
Marcos emphasized the pivotal role each Filipino plays in advancing the Philippines, underscoring the importance of everyone’s participation in enriching the country’s culture, economy, and society as part of his administration’s vision for a “new Philippines.”
He encouraged Filipinos to emulate Bonifacio’s role as a beacon of hope and inspiration for their fellow countrymen, stating, “Sa diwa ng bayaning si Gat Andres Bonifacio, tayo ay tinatawag hindi lamang na ialay ang ating buhay para sa Inang Bayan kundi pati na ang pagbuhos ng ating kahusayan, galing, tapang at oras upang ang bawat hakbang natin ay maging ilaw ng pag-asa at inspirasyon para sa ating mga kababayan.”
Honoring Bonifacio for standing up for principles and defending oppressed Filipinos, Marcos acknowledged the enduring spirit of Bonifacio’s bravery and leadership even after more than a century and a half.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines led the event themed “Katungkulan at Pananagutan Tungo sa Kaunlaran ng Bayan,” emphasizing the collective responsibility for the country’s advancement.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines joined the commemoration with simultaneous flag-raising and wreath-laying rites, echoing the call to embody heroism in all actions. PA chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido emphasized the importance of mutual understanding and a unified commitment to contributing to the nation’s welfare and promoting peace within the country’s borders.
As one of the Philippines’ national heroes, Bonifacio’s legacy lives on, co-founding the Katipunan in 1892, initiating the Philippine Revolution, and ultimately securing the country’s independence from Spanish colonial rule in 1898.
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MANILA — Artemio and Phebie Dy, a business couple who fell victim to an alleged investment scam, are now demanding repayment from the perpetrator, Mario Pacursa Marcos.
After overcoming three diversionary cases filed against them, the Dy couple has now refocused on their demand letter pinning for the return of the whole sum of P12 million filed before the Makati and Taguig City Prosecutor’s offices that were allegedly unlawfully take from them by the fake PBBM relative.
The Dy couple expressed their focused commitment to pursuing justice, stating, “We will now prioritize the two demand letters we filed against Mario Pacursa Marcos to recover the P12 million he defrauded from us.”
Misrepresentation
Mario Pacursa Marcos is facing charges of misrepresentation for falsely claiming to be a relative of President Bongbong Marcos.
The Dy couple discovered the deception with the help of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Undersecretary Gilberto DC Cruz, the Executive Director of PAOCC in September.
PAOCC later confirmed that Mario Pacursa Marcos had no familial ties to President Bongbong Marcos.
During their initial meeting in April 2023, Marcos allegedly misrepresented himself, claiming to be working on big-ticket projects under the Marcos administration. He accordingly enticed the Dy couple, who is involved in construction, by offering to secure a mega project for them.
The legal counsel of the Dy couple highlighted that the cases filed before by Pacursa-Marcos were attempts to stall or act as preemptive measures over the real issue.
Dismissed cases
The court dismissed theft and qualified theft cases filed by Marcos against the Dy couple, stating they had no basis, as Marcos failed to prove ownership of the collateral—a condominium unit and gemstones that were later proven of no value.
Marcos and his counsel were absent during the recent preliminary investigation hearing first week of November, prompting the Dy couple to anticipate a resolution for warrant of arrest this week.
The Dy couple believes that Marcos filed charges against them only to delay the legal action against him.
After gaining their trust, Marcos borrowed P6 million from the Dy couple, and when a post-dated check issued by Marcos as guarantee bounced, he borrowed an additional P6 million using the fake gemstones and a land title as collateral.
In an interview over the weekend, Phebie Dy encourages other potential victims to come forward, to not be afraid.
“If there are other victims of this person, I am encouraging them to come forward and file appropriate complaints. Let us not be afraid. This, I believe, is the right way to stop this man and prevent him from inflicting physical, emotional, and financial damages to victims like us.”
Mario Pacursa Marcos, who presented himself as a congressional candidate from Bicol, is presently on bail for previous estafa cases, with a Hold-Departure Order and revoked firearm license.
Two other complainants
Two other complainants, Jennylei Caberte and retired Army General Arnulfo Jose Marcos, collectively claim to have lost P20 million to Marcos through various schemes, including financing PR events and false promises of government projects.
Investigations continue with the active involvement of law enforcement agencies and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Despite the announcement of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to grant amnesty to rebel groups, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has blatantly defied its Commander-in-Chief by saying that there will be no ceasefire and the fight against insurgency continues.
Some political pundits told Maharlika NuMedia that this controversial amnesty proclamation could be used by the “hawks” in the military establishment as a pretext to launch a coup d’etat against Marcos Jr. and hand over the presidency to “rabid anti-communist” Vice President Sara Duterte.
“While we are offering this opportunity for them to return the fold of the law, we will continue to exert pressure. We will continue to conduct security patrols. Kasi iyong encounter po, nangyayari naman ito dahil sila ay na andiyan at lumalaban,” AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar declared at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City on Saturday, November 25.
He said the AFP will continue to conduct security protocols to ensure the safety of communities, especially in areas still under the influence of what the AFP tags as terrorist groups.
For his part, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro on Friday, November 24, lauded Marcos’ issuance of Executive Order (EO) No. 47 (s. 2023), which amended EO No. 125 (s. 2021) or the Creation of the National Amnesty Commission (NAC), together with Proclamation Nos. 403, 404, 405, and 406.
“The granting of amnesty offers an invaluable opportunity for our brothers and sisters to transform their lives, avail [of] government services, and rejoin their families and communities,” Teodoro noted.
He added that the DND is hoping for the support of all Filipinos for PBBM’s “historic move” to find a long-lasting solution to the internal conflicts.
Earlier, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), headed by lawyer and former journalist Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil, said the amnesty is granted to organizations that committed crimes whether punishable under the Revised Penal Code or special penal laws, including but not limited to rebellion or insurrection; conspiracy and proposal to commit rebellion or insurrection; disloyalty of public officers or employees; inciting to rebellion or insurrection; sedition; conspiracy to commit sedition; and inciting to sedition.
According to the PCO, the amnesty was granted “to encourage them (rebels) to return to the folds of law.”
Still, the problem lies in the mindset of some military officials who only see the “military solution” as the means to end armed insurgency, said some political observers who asked not to be named for fear of reprisal.
“Millions of pesos of confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) will be gone if there’s no more insurgency,” they said.
They noted that VP Duterte has justified the use of CIF for her “anti-communist” drive but drew public uproar when the Office of the Vice President (OVP) spent P125 million in just 11 days in 2022.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — “There is no instance of a nation benefitting from prolonged warfare,” thus said the legendary military genius Sun Tzu and seemingly the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. was inspired by this nugget of wisdom as the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced the President’s amnesty proclamation.
On Saturday, the Bangsamoro government quickly acknowledged the “historic move” and expressed its “genuine gratitude” for Marcos Jr.’s granting amnesty to the members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
“The Bangsamoro Government and the Bangsamoro People express genuine gratitude to the Government of the Philippines for showing unwavering commitment to the Bangsamoro Peace Process and all signed peace agreements with the advancement of these Amnesty Proclamation,” said Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo, spokesperson of the Bangsamoro Government Minister.
On Friday, November 24, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said that the following groups have been granted amnesty under Proclamation Nos. 403, 404, 405 and 406, respectively:
* Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB)
* Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF)
* Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)
* Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
The PCO, headed by lawyer and former journalist Chelov Velicaria-Garafil, said the amnesty is granted to organizations that committed crimes whether punishable under the Revised Penal Code or special penal laws, including but not limited to rebellion or insurrection; conspiracy and proposal to commit rebellion or insurrection; disloyalty of public officers or employees; inciting to rebellion or insurrection; sedition; conspiracy to commit sedition; and inciting to sedition.
According to the PCO, the amnesty was granted by President Marcos Jr. “to encourage them (rebels) to return to the folds of law.”
There was no immediate reaction from the CPP-NPA-NDF which has been waging a “protracted armed struggle” for nearly 55 years now and which was copied from the Chinese revolution led by Mao Zedong.
“This development is a significant milestone in the achievement of meaningful and enduring peace in the Bangsamoro, as this will form part of former combatants’ full transformation towards being productive and peace-loving Filipino citizens,” Sinarimbo noted, speaking on behalf of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
(AI/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In an effort to reduce logistic costs and enhance market access for agrarian reform communities (ARCs), the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Investment Coordination Committee–Technical Board has approved the P28.243 billion bridge project that will benefit both agrarian reform beneficiaries and consumers.
This was gathered by Maharlika NuMedia on Thursday following the confirmation of Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III of NEDA’s approval of “Pang-Agraryong Tulay para sa Bagong Bayanihan ng mga Magsasaka” or Project PBBM.
“The DAR has so far identified and validated 354 possible sites for the bridges following close coordination with the Department of Agriculture Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering, the Department of Public Works and Highways, and local government units,” Estrella III said in a statement.
He disclosed that Project PBBM intends to accelerate rural development by building bridges that will boost the productivity and income of at least 350,000 households.
Estrella further said the modular steel bridges will enhance mobility for ARCs, providing better logistics support, increased income opportunities, and better access to social services.
Appointed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Estrella was the House Deputy Speaker in the previous 18th Congress.
He is now holding the same post held by his grandfather, Conrado F. Estrella Sr., during the administration of PBBM’s late father former President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos Sr.
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By Ismael Amigo, Sr.
Here’s our bet: Methinks there is a big possibility that PBBM’s administration would allow the entry of the ICC to investigate the so-called ‘bloody drug war” of the previous administration of FPRRD.
This is the “NEXT PICTURE” that many movie houses use to announce at the entrance while you are enjoying the week’s blockbuster, which is nothing less than the temporary freedom of incarcerated former lady senator Leila de Lima after almost seven (7) long years.
Incumbent Senator and former PNP chief Bato dela Rosa was correct down to the letter when he said that “ganun talaga wala na kasi si PRRD kaya humina ang kaso.”
Dela Rosa was the head of the country’s police force when then-president Rpdrigo Roa Duterte slammed D5 into the slammer way back in 2017 based on what she calls “trumped-up drug charges.”
A lawyer and former CHR chairperson, De Lima was slapped with three drug charges filed against her in 2017 based on allegations that she was involved in the illegal drug trade in the national penitentiary.
She was acquitted in her first charge in February 2021 and her second charge in May this year.
Department of Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla himself, in an interview with the Philippine Star, offered that “chances are she (De Lima) will be acquitted.”
Why?
Take it away chief:
“Chances are she will be acquitted. There’s a huge chance. Bail is not granted just like that. We trust the judge on this matter,” Remulla said in a separate interview with CNN Philippines.
Remulla also stressed that De Lima’s last drug case, in which she allegedly conspired to commit illegal drug trading using New Bilibid Prison inmates, is non-bailable in fact.
But “when it becomes bailable, it (only) shows the kind of evidence that the prosecution was able to establish in the eyes of the judge. This case cannot be granted bail if the evidence is strong. Vice versa, if the evidence is weak, bail can be granted,” Boying explains.
Judge Gener Gito of the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 206 allowed De Lima to post a P300,000 bail, pointing to the prosecution’s lack of substantial evidence to sufficiently establish her guilt.
As this is happening under the present admin of PBBM, it is safe to say that there is something bigger coming to happen.
And with Remulla himself announcing the possible acquittal of the feisty former lady lawmaker, methinks this “softening” could lead to “eventual hardening” of the DOJ’s resolve to finally allow the ICC to step into the country and investigate the thousands of drug-related, “nanlaban” killings charges vs FPRRD.
And its heavy steps, while in the country doing its investigation, could smash and bury for good the political dreams of the DUTERTES including that of VP Sara’s as she is accordingly implicated in the ICC case.
With it, we need not mention here who will benefit the most from that scenario.
But your guess is as good as mine.
This could be no more than the top man of the country’s House of Reps who is maintaining a moist eye for president in the 2028 national elections, although methinks he will first throw in his hat in the 2025 midterm elections for senator and once elected, level-up via that mid-term perks for senators seeking a higher office.
They simply slide back as a senator if he or she won’t win a higher office as president or vice president.
Moving on, that ICC entry would also hammer in the last nail to UniTeam’s coffin, and I’m very sure FPRRD would once again tell daughter VP Sara the sad refrain of: “I told you so.”
After all, we never heard of FPRRD supporting PBBM politically or otherwise before and after the 2022 national elections.
Instead, FPRRD openly accused PBBM as a “weakling,” not qualified to lead the country. Simple words but daggerlike. And what we know is the Marcoses never instantly react. They prefer to operate quietly, tersely, slowly but surely.
Hint: PBBM never lifted a finger to protect VPSDu while the latter was on the griller re her fave but now infamous “confidential funds.”
Abangan natin mga tao!
(Email ismaelamigo@yahoo.com)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The newly appointed Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Monday said that the P20 per kilogram unit price of rice was “an inspiration but still not possible today.”
In a press briefing, Laurel said he hopes to make the rice more affordable but “it will be not easy.”
“The P20 per kilo (unit price) was an aspiration, ‘di ba? Ang problem now, we are in the 15-year high sa world market…Today that is not possible. But with ‘yung directive ni Presidente to modernize, irrigate, use the right seeds, mechanize, and all of that, maraming gagawin, we are getting ready to do our best, to try to make rice affordable na kayang-kaya ng bulsa ng mamamayan,” Laurel said.
“But of course, modernizing is not easy. So it might take a little time, but we will do it as fast as possible,” he added.
The DA chief said that lowering the price of rice would be possible, however, he did not mention the exact price.
“It is possible to lower the price. But we have to have our silos, we have to have buffer stock, we have to change some laws, I believe,” Laurel said.
Earlier, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who at the time was the DA Secretary, was confident about lowering the price of rice to P20 per kilo nationwide.
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By Junex Doronio
AS PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Sunday strongly condemned the dastardly killing of Misamis Occidental radio journalist Juan Jumalon and ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct a thorough probe, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) said it has alerted the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to help gather evidence.
“I condemn in the strongest terms the murder of broadcaster Juan Jumalon,” President Marcos Jr. posted on X (formerly Twitter).
He stressed that such brazen attack on media practitioners has no place in a democratic society.
“Attacks on journalists will not be tolerated in our democracy, and those who threaten the freedom of the press will face the full consequences of their actions,” the President said.
For his part, PTFoMS Executive Director Paul Gutierrez said Jumalon’s death is considered “work-related for the moment” until another motive is determined.
“We also call on our colleagues in the media and the public not to resort to any speculation or make baseless accusations that can only distract our investigators on the true motive for the attack on Jamalon,” Gutierrez said.
Police said Jumalon was broadcasting on radio station 94.7 Calamba Gold FM in his residence early Sunday when an unidentified gunman shot him in the head.
Police BGen. Ricardo Layug, Jr., acting regional director of Police Regional Office 10, said the newly-formed Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) will to look into Jumalon’s killing in Misamis Occidental.
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By Liezelle Soriano
The President of Timor-Leste José Ramos-Horta will be visiting the Philippines on November 10 to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries a ranking official said Sunday.
“The state visit of President Jose Ramos Horta involves discussions with President Bong bong Marcos on various areas of cooperation between the Philippines and Timor-Leste in terms of technical, political, educational and economic partnerships,” Press Secretary Cheloy Garafil said.
Sec. Garafil added that department secretaries of the following agencies will be present during the meeting: Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
In May, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. gave Timor-Leste assurances about the Philippines’ unwavering support for its transition into a full member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during a bilateral meeting held on the fringes of the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Indonesia.
“In the Philippines, you have a partner. We have always been supportive,” President Marcos told Timor-Leste Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak in the said bilateral meeting at the sidelines of the 42nd ASEAN Summit.
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By Junex Doronio
NO LESS THAN ARMED FORCES CHIEF Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. has confirmed an earlier expose’ that there would be a coup d’etat against the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Earlier, vlogcaster Armand Dean Nocum I made a video claiming that a columnist close to the military reportedly overheard “undercurrent discussions” among the military ranks, saying “tanggalin na si Marcos” and install Vice President Sara Duterte.
Brawner claimed that he asked the group of retired military officers trying to convince military troops to overthrow the PBBM administration not to involve the active men and women in the AFP.
“I said to them, ‘Sir, you have the right to do that because we are in a democracy but please do not involve the active personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’,” he disclosed.
Brawner virtually confirmed Nocum’s earlier warning of a coup plot during the change of command ceremony at the Western Mindanao Command between outgoing Westmincom chief Maj. Gen. Steve Crespillo and incoming head Lt. Gen. William Gonzales on Friday, November 3.
“Once we find out that any of our active personnel are involved in this, we will act swiftly,” the AFP chief warned.
But on Saturday, November 4, AFP spokesperson Colonel Medel Aguilar said in a statement that Brawner was “misquoted” when “he merely mentioned the reported efforts by certain individuals to upset the peace and stability that the country is enjoying right now” under President Marcos Jr.
“Therefrom, General Brawner again reminded all AFP personnel to remain professional and loyal to their oath to protect the people and the State,” Aguilar said.
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By Liza Soriano
Senators have welcomed the appointment of Francisco Tiu Laurel as the new Department of Agriculture Secretary.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said that Laurel has the management experience and the “common touch to lead what is perhaps the most important agency in the country today.”
“I am glad that the President personally headed the Department of Agriculture for a time… but it is also right that the DA now be helmed by a new Secretary who can be devoted to the agriculture sector,” Zubiri said in a statement.
Sen. Chiz Escudero lauded President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for choosing a full-time DA Secretary.
Escudero said he has known Laurel to be a “sincere, no-nonsense, honest and hardworking patriot.”
“I congratulate Secretary Laurel on his appointment, wish him well, and look forward to working with him.”
Meanwhile, Sen. Grace Poe said that the new DA chief must have the focus, fortitude to get things done, and genuine feeling for the sector.
“As the first order of the day, we hope the new DA chief would take to heart the President’s warning in his SONA against smugglers, hoarders and price fixers,” Poe said.
“Kailangan din ng pangmatagalang programang magpapapataas sa produksyon sa agrikultura at mangangalaga sa kapakanan ng ating magsasaka,” she added.
On Friday, Marcos announced that he administered the oath of Laurel as the new DA Secretary.
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In a press conference on Friday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. disclosed that Israel has pledged its support to facilitate the departure of Filipinos from the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing, with the evacuation expected to occur by either Friday or Saturday, ensuring their safe relocation to Egypt.
The commitment was established following a meeting between Philippine Ambassador to Israel Pedro Laylo Jr. and Israeli President Isaac Herzog, as announced by President Marcos at the Malacañan Palace in Manila.
President Marcos stated, “They have given us their assurance that Filipinos will be allowed to depart either today or tomorrow and at the latest, by Saturday.”
He continued, “This is the latest information I received this morning from our Secretary of the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs), and I hope it becomes a reality soon so we can facilitate the departure of those who wish to leave and bring them back safely to our homeland.”
Marcos affirmed that the Philippine Embassy in Cairo is fully prepared to provide support to Filipinos who will cross the Rafah border and ultimately be repatriated. Additionally, he mentioned that the Philippine government has extended its assistance to other Southeast Asian nations whose citizens are also stranded in the Gaza Strip.
Concerning the situation, Marcos expressed, “I know many people are concerned about our Filipino nationals in Gaza, in the middle of the conflict. We received reports that those in Gaza are still unable to exit through the Rafah crossing, and some are questioning why. Unfortunately, it is beyond our control. It is a matter between the Israelis and the Palestinians.”
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, there are currently 134 Filipinos in the Gaza Strip, with 115 of them awaiting permission to cross the border.
President Marcos acknowledged that some Filipinos, particularly those married to Palestinians, are grappling with the decision of whether to leave Gaza. He explained, “There is a complication as well because some of the Filipino nationals are women who are married to Palestinians. Palestinians are not permitted to leave.”
He added, “Many of them are undecided about whether they want to leave or not because, of course, they do not want to leave their spouses and their children.”
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By Liezelle Soriano
Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has been named the new Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA), as announced by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday, November 3, 2023.
The President confirmed that he administered the oath of office to the new Secretary.
“I have just administered the oath of office for the new Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Francisco Laurel. This decision was made because we need someone who thoroughly comprehends the challenges facing the agriculture sector,” Marcos stated.
President Marcos has been serving as the DA Secretary since he assumed the presidency last year.
Marcos explained that he took on the role of DA chief due to specific issues that only the President could address.
“I strongly believed, and I think I have been proven right, that there were critical matters that only a President could tackle. These problems were so significant and complex that I believed the authority and, I suppose, the moral persuasion of a President were necessary for us to find solutions. Agriculture is much more intricate than most people realize,” the President emphasized.
Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. owns Frabelle Fishing Corporation, a company that supplies frozen and processed seafood products.
(ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
Describing the appointment of fishing magnate Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. as the new head of the Department of Agriculture (DA) as a “breakthrough” for the country’s fisheries, former Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol expressed his anticipation of a revitalized agriculture sector.
Laurel’s appointment came after more than a year during which President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. served as the agriculture chief.
“Congratulations!” Piñol posted on Facebook on November 3.
On Friday, PBBM finally handed over the reins of the DA to Laurel, the owner of Frabelle Fishing Corp, who reportedly donated P30 million to Marcos Jr.’s 2022 presidential campaign.
Piñol stated, “His appointment is a significant step forward for the Fisheries Sector, which had long been neglected.”
According to a Rappler report, Laurel serves as the president of Frabelle Fishing Corporation, a seafood production company that was first established in 1966.
Frabelle boasts “a fleet of over 100 vessels and a growing workforce of 5,000” on its website. It is recognized as a go-to source for fresh, frozen, and processed seafood, with a market that extends to Asia, Europe, the Middle East, South Africa, and the United States.
“I am ready to listen and work with all of you,” said Laurel during a press conference.
“Above all, I am committed to working for you,” Laurel pledged to the agricultural sector.
(ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
SEEMINGLY TAKEN FROM “KAPAG PUNO NA ANG SALOP” movie by the late Fernando Poe Jr who was his father former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada’s best buddy, Senator JV Ejercito has sternly asked China’s envoy Huang Xilian to go back to his country.
Ejercito was obviously enraged by China’s incursions into the West Philippine Sea that he wanted China’s ambassador out of the country ASAP (as soon as possible).
“黄溪连 大使，回家中國了！！！
(Chinese Ambassador Huang Xi Lian go home to China!),” Ejercito recently wrote in Chinese and English on his Facebook account.
Ejercito’s remarks last October 28 came following a series of China’s harassment of the country’s resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal, located within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is also expected to file a case against China for environmental damage in the resource-rich waterway early next year.
(ai/mnm)