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Vice President Sara Z. Duterte has rallied behind a coalition of senatorial candidates dubbed the "#Duter10", endorsing their shared vision for national unity.

In her Easter message released on Monday, the Vice President said: “This vision is solid enough to break through the walls of the existing political division in the country.”

Aside from the 10 senatorial candidates running under former President Rodrigo R. Duterte's PDP–Laban, she said reelectionist Senator Imee Marcos and Representative Camille Villar, share the common vision of a peaceful and prosperous Philippines.

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — A legal counsel to former President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday criticized the glaring double standard in the government's handling of overseas Filipino cases, comparing the intense attention on three Filipinos recently jailed in China on espionage suspicions with Duterte's detention at the International Criminal Court (ICC) facility.

Atty. Martin Delgra III, also the spokesperson for Duterte's campaign team, voiced his frustration in a casual interview with Michael King, a Duterte supporter, outside the ICC detention center.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go called for respect and truthfulness from government institutions, particularly uniformed personnel, amid the conduct of the Philippine National Police (PNP) during the March 11 arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.  

During the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations' public hearing on March 20, Go underscored the importance of integrity in public service, especially law enforcement.

Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa slammed the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., echoing Atty. Alexis Medina's legal opinion is that former President Rodrigo Duterte's constitutional rights were violated when authorities surrendered him to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

As he lamented the deep divisiveness in the country over the arrest of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte and his transfer to The Hague, Netherlands for trial before the International Criminal Court, Davao Archbishop Romulo G. Valles said justice must be pursued with fairness and integrity.

“It must remain free from partisan political motivations or personal vendettas,” Valles said in his Pastoral Message to all Christian faithful of Davao on Tuesday.

Asserts PH has no legal obligation to cooperate with ICC

The Office of the Solicitor General — the legal representative of the Philippine Government, its agencies and officials in any litigation — firmly declared that it is under no legal obligation to cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) or recognize any proceedings originating from it post-withdrawal from the Rome Statute.

There seem to be more juicy bits beyond Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla's revelations during recent media interviews.

It was explosive enough to say that the Office of the President chartered the silver Gulfstream jet with tail number RP-C5219 to transport former president Rodrigo Roas Duterte to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands.

This came a few days after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s late-night press briefing, minutes after the plane in which the former President was forcibly whisked into left.

This was how former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea described former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s arrest over murder allegations and transport to The Hague, Netherlands, on March 11.

In his manifestation during Duterte’s initial appearance before the International Criminal Court on Friday night (Manila time), Medialdea, one of the former’s lawyers, did not mince words in saying that “the whole world witnessed the degrading fashion in which a former president of a sovereign country was bundled onto a private aircraft and summarily transported to The Hague.”

Former Philippine National Police chief-turned-senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa slammed authorities for failing to present Duterte in a local court before flying him out of the Philippines.

“Isipin mo hindi man lang binigyan ng respeto ‘yung ating mga courts ‘no. Supposed to be kung talagang hinuli nila, dapat i-present muna nila sa court bago nila dalhin don sa ibang lugar, ibang bansa,” dela Rosa told reporters in a recent interview.

Dear Editor,

More questions on rescue ops, transparency, and integrity

I wish to raise significant concerns about a recent police operation on a kidnapped 14-year-old Chinese student of a British school in Taguig City, conducted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla is expected to be in a dramatic showdown with officials from the Philippine National Police (PNP) who are ready to unveil the truth behind a conflicting claim made by the former that the Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) staged a recent daring "rescue operation" for a kidnapped 14-year-old British School Manila student.

By Omar Fernando

Davao City First District Rep. Paolo Duterte has taken a stand that echoes the sentiments of many as he denounces the impeachment complaint filed against Vice President Sara Duterte, which he said is a “desperate and politically motivated" attack.

“I am appalled and enraged by the desperate and politically motivated efforts to railroad the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte,” he said Wednesday.

MANILA — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) emphasized the critical role of youth in the fight against climate change during the Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week Seminar held at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).

As one of the most vulnerable nations to climate impacts, the Philippines continues to endure more severe typhoons, heavy rains, and destructive floods in various communities. This reality underscores the urgency of climate action and the importance of engaging the youth as future stewards of our planet.

“As far as I’m concerned, it’s a storm in a teacup,” declared President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in a rare admonition of the House of Representatives’ fixation to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte.

It’s probably the first time BBM openly contradicted the HoR led by his cousin, Speaker Martin Romualdez, prompting speculations that all is not well between the two.  

The Molbog indigenous peoples of Balabac, Palawan strongly denounced the SAMBILOG-Balik Bugsuk Movement for misrepresenting themselves as legitimate indigenous claimants to the lands of Bugsuk and Mariahangin.

In a joint statement issued by the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs) of Balabac and its barangays, the Molbog leaders asserted their rightful place as the ancestral custodians of these territories while exposing the group’s questionable origins and motives.  

The sanctity of confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) is paramount for any government aiming to safeguard its security and sovereignty, both on a national and international scale. These funds act as the silent backbone of state security operations, allowing intelligence agencies and security forces to preempt, counter, and neutralize threats that could destabilize the nation.

Without these funds, governments lose their ability to maneuver discreetly and effectively in the face of emerging challenges.

By Omar Fernando

DAVAO CITY – Vice President Sara Duterte bares her bold stand against House Speaker Romualdez, standing firm in her decision to boycott the ongoing hearing of the Committee on Good Governance and Public Accountability.

In a fiery press conference past midnight Saturday, she called out some House members' scandals and questionable characters, refusing to participate in a system lacking trust and credibility.

MANILA — The  Philippine Resilience Awards 2024 (PRA) will honor exceptional Filipino women and youth climate champions at a ceremony at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, on November 25.

This year’s PRA aims to recognize and support the trailblazers who have demonstrated leadership and innovation in advancing climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and resilience building within their communities.

By Omar Fernando

BUTUAN CITY — A farmers’ cooperative in Barangay Tigao in the town of Cortes in Surigao del Sur received a livelihood grant amounting to P150,000 from the Office of the Vice President (OVP) through the “Magnegosyo Ta Day” entrepreneurship program.

Vice President Sara Duterte personally handed over the check to Tigao Farmers Development Cooperative (TFDC) in a turnover ceremony held at the OVP satellite office in Butuan City on Nov. 20

By Omar Fernando

DAVAO CITY – Despite budget constraints, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) remains resolute in delivering crucial services and advancing its operations to benefit the nation.

Vice President Sara Duterte assured this at a press conference on Wednesday, Nov. 13, following the Senate deliberations on OVP’s budget.

The Senate approved the OVP’s 2025 budget, totaling PHP733 million, per the Finance Committee's proposal.

Contrary to the government’s recent claim that the Philippines is safer and people are more secure, a recent Social Weather Stations survey indicated a concerning increase in traditional crimes and cybercrime victimization rates compared to previous polls.

The Legal Cooperation Cluster (LCC) of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) strongly asserted that the recent arrests and detention of Porferio Tuna, Simeon Naogsan, and Wigberto Villarico were fully justified, legal, and moral.

A lawyer of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte said the latter’s no-show in today’s public hearing of the Joint Committee on Public Accounts, Dangerous Drugs, Public Order and Security and Human Rights (Quadcomm) is pointless, thus his unnecessary presence.

Lawyer Martin Delgra III, in a Nov. 5 letter addressed to Rep. Robert Ace S. Barbers,  Quadcomm chairperson, said the former president harbors some concerns regarding the integrity, independence, and propriety of the Quadcomm.

A day after the day of national mourning for the victims of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, survivors of Super Typhoon Yolanda – the most powerful storm that hit the Philippines 11 years ago – urged the government to enforce stronger climate accountability policies for corporations.

By Julian Gempesaw

GENERAL SANTOS CITY—In the wake of reignited fears among residents of South Cotabato Province caused by flashfloods unleashed by Tropical Storm Kristine, Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. allayed worries of environmental damage and destruction.

Tamayo Jr. denied large-scale mining operations in the hinterlands of Tampakan South Cotabato.

Agusan del Norte’s Second District Rep. Dale B. Corverahas nothing but good words about former President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s attendance in Monday’s Senate probe into the previous administration’s drug war.

“Despite his being a private citizen now, I saw on TV an old statesman still effectively connected with the people who longed for streets and surroundings that are free from drug addicts and criminals,” Corvera’s Facebook post on Tuesday read.

By Lorraine Marie T. Badoy

They claim they’re scandalized by what the Vice President (VP) said. They think she went beyond the pale by threatening to dig up the Marcos carcass and throwing it to the WPS. How she dishonors the dead, they said.

And yet they won’t talk about the series of unfortunate incidents that brought the Vice President to this point. Or how the Marcos siblings first dishonored the dead by deprecating the gift of a dignified burial extended to their father by a President of the Republic.

Climate Change Commission Deputy Executive Director Romell Antonio O. Cuenca delivers a speech on behalf of Secretary Robert EA Borje during the "Scaling Up Climate Action Against Loss and Damage" event at the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Manila on October 14.

By Omar Fernando

DAVAO CITY—Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rexlon Gatchalian’s claim that all referrals from the Office of the Vice President (OVP) are accommodated has been branded “inaccurate and misleading.”

This, according to Director for Operations Norman Baloro, on Tuesday, exposing a critical gap in the narrative.

By Omar Fernando

DAVAO CITY – Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go said the Filipino people are the fitting judges for former President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s (FPRRD) anti-illegal drugs campaign.

The statement came in response to the ongoing investigations at the Lower House, which he observed to demonize FPRRD’s anti-drug campaign seemingly.

A former indigenous peoples’ (IP) party-list group nominee challenged the integrity of Sulong Katribu, accusing it of fabricating conflict with Epanaw Sambayanan to shield its own misdeeds.

“Katribu’s calculated and premeditated response against Epanaw Sambayanan is more than expected,” Datu Jomorito Goaynon said in a recent interview.

“They are aware that Epanaw Sambayanan will use the electoral platform to expose Katribu’s nefarious activities that victimize indigenous communities and ancestral domains,” he added.

The recent arrest of Porferio Tuna, Jr., a former National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) consultant during the 2016 peace talks, and the potential revival of formal negotiations between the Government of the Philippines and the NDFP have brought renewed attention not only to the peace process but also to a long-standing Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) tactic aimed at rescuing their prominent leaders from incarceration.

Former Finance Undersecretary Cielo Magno gave a fiery critique of the government's budget decisions, particularly regarding PhilHealth and the reversion of P89.9 billion in unspent funds to the national treasury.

Magno, an economics professor at the University of the Philippines, said Department of Finance Secretary Ralph Recto is spinning a new press release about why PhilHealth was ordered to return the unused health funds supposedly to create jobs and pump up the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) head Royina M. Garma has been criticized for seemingly orchestrating a diversion with her affidavit and statementsin Friday’s Quad Committee hearing at the House of Representatives.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go said Garma’s tactics are nothing more than a smokescreen to obscure the grave allegations surrounding her alleged involvement in a murder plot.

“Malicious and unsubstantiated statements should have no place in any credible investigation,” Go said in a statement on Saturday.

MANILA – This year’s Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) will spotlight how satellites, drones, and artificial intelligence (AI) can transform disaster risk reduction (DRR).  

The event, slated on October 14-18 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, will explore the potential of these technologies to enhance disaster prediction, preparedness, and response.

Former anti-insurgency body chief Allen Capuyan announced Monday that he will elevate Indigenous peoples’ (IP) advocacy to a higher level of struggle by participating in the 2025 senatorial elections.

The controversial retired military officer, who served as Chairperson of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), has been at the forefront of the IPs’ struggle for their rights and lands, as several IP communities in Mindanao have endorsed his senatorial bid.

By Omar Fernando

DAVAO CITY—Top leaders in the province of Lanao del Norte met with former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to express their heartfelt gratitude for “making the dream of the people of the province come into reality” through the completion of the Panguil Bay Bridge.

Governor Imelda “Angging” Quibranza-Dimaporo and her husband Abdullah “Bobby” Dimakuta Dimaporo, the former second district representative of Lanao del Norte, led the delegation during the recent visit.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR 

Reports have surfaced that Speaker Martin Romualdez and NCIP (National Commission on Indigenous Peoples) Chairperson Jennifer Sibug-Las met, during which the alarming news was revealed that the House leadership is considering abolishing the NCIP and amending the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA).

This development not only threatens the future of indigenous peoples' rights in the Philippines but also raises serious concerns about the motivations behind this drastic move.

Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said on Tuesday that the disbarment case filed against him by lawyer Melvin Matibag before the Supreme Court for the “polvoronic” video posted on the former’s social media page was a desperate act of attention.  

“We have to understand that the posting of the video in social media is protected by free speech under the privileged doctrine,” Atty Roque said. “It involves a serious disease of a President that deserves an admission or denial. PBBM has not done either.”

By Omar Fernando

DAVAO CITY – Deliberately missing the crucial budget hearing for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) at the House of Representatives last week, Vice President Sara “Inday” Duterte not only cited the technical reasons for her absence but also unleashed a contentious issue that the public must scrutinize.

By Omar Fernando

DAVAO CITY – Netizens who read an article published by the state-run Philippine News Agency (PNA) expressed disgust with the narrations made by Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, director of the Police Regional Office-Davao (PRO-11), in a press briefing on Sept. 9.

The story, headlined “PNP: Quiboloy cornered, forced to surrender,” was posted on the PNA's Facebook page the same day.

As of 11:26 p.m. on Sept. 9, the article gained 373 reactions, 92 comments, and 11 shares.

The students of Jose Maria College Foundation, Inc. (JMCFI) called on the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Legal Education Board (LEB), and the Department of Education (DepEd) to stand on the right side of history amid the ongoing tensions caused by a police raid in search for Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo C. Quiboloy.

“Your silence amid these attacks on academic freedom and the right to education is complicit in emboldening these abuses,” a group statement issued on Wednesday read.

In a powerful call for peace, sobriety, and mutual respect among the residents of Davao City, Davao Archbishop Romulo G. Valles, D.D. on Wednesday expressed alarm over the prolonged search for Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo C. Quiboloy since Saturday dawn.

“The prolonged search being conducted, coupled with the overwhelming presence of law enforcers in a place dedicated for religious worship, and for the education of the youth, is alarming and troubling, as it touches some sensitive issues on religious freedom,” Valles said in a statement.

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) criticized the National Economic and Development Authority’s (NEDA) outrageous claim that a Filipino can thrive on just ₱64 for three meals daily.

TUCP, in a statement Thursday, said the low poverty threshold is an insult to Filipino workers.

 “How can anyone expect families to survive on such a meager amount? It said this assertion is not just absurd; it’s a slap in the face to those struggling to make ends meet.

The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) has announced the release of ASEAN Post commemorative stamps featuring the iconic “Manila Central Post Office Building” to mark the Joint Issue of the General ASEAN Post Office 2024.

The ASEAN POST stamp features the “General Post Office” building as the theme for 2024. Ten countries in the ASEAN Postal Region have introduced each façade of their main post office building, which symbolizes unity, integration, and cooperation among the ASEAN Post member states.

A political analyst called on government officials to practice what they preach in tackling the illegal drug crisis by embodying the values they advocate.

Marlon Villarin, a Political Science professor at the University of Santo Tomas, took to Facebook on Monday to challenge President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and all legislators to embody the values they promote by leading by personal example to effectively combat illegal drugs.

All 11 Army infantry Divisions recently fell under the spell of corrupt forces as core members and a solon representative (whose name sounds like a classic movie involving a colossal ape) of a House leader, alongside two compromised PMA graduates belonging to the 70s era, infiltrated their ranks.

Indulging in extravagant feasts, golf outings, and opulent dinner gatherings, the corrupt visitors shamelessly dangled hefty sums of cash before their targets.

Lawyer Harry Roque on Thursday urged a senator to desist from using the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) controversy as a “convenient excuse to demonize the family members and close allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte.”

Lawyer Harry Roque on Tuesday vowed to fully cooperate with the Bureau of Immigration, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force, and the Chinese Embassy in bringing an alleged fugitive from China to justice.   

Roque, former presidential spokesperson, assured Filipino and Chinese authorities that PH2 Corporation, where he is a stockholder, would never abet or harbor a wanted foreign criminal in any of its properties.

In a statement, Roque said PH2 had rescinded its lease contract this month with its Chinese female lessee, Wan Yun.

Shocking claims of nepotism and cronyism at the highest ranks of the Armed Forces of the Philippines were recently unveiled, including favoritism that is allegedly tainting the military’s promotion system.

The pervasive favoritism is said to benefit those from the Comptroller family or close associates of the AFP’s Chief of Staff. Top officials are accused of compromising meritocracy for personal gains, and close associates are reportedly appointed to key positions. 

With stress as a constant companion, a new wellness oasis is emerging, offering more than just the promise of a fitter body.

Surge Fitness + Lifestyle is a game-changing hub not just about sculpting bodies but transforming lives. It caters to the whole family and promises a lifestyle upgrade.

TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte – More than 500 indigenous people (IPs) and their supporters come together in a powerful display of unity for justice and reconciliation.

Beneath the scorching sun on Tuesday, a defiant spirit blazes and their fervor cause radiates along the national highway in front of the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex here.

ASUNCION, Davao del Note – A group of former cadres and members of the CPP-NPA-NDFP yesterday lauded the conviction of former Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Satur Ocampo and Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT-Teachers) Rep.France Castro for child kidnapping charges.

“The court decision is a crucial step toward justice for the lumads (indigenous peoples) of Talaingod, who have long been exploited by false promises of radical change,” KalinawSoutheastern Mindanao Region said in a statement.

MANILA City — Climate advocates from civil society and development partners from the private and public sectors gathered at the 1st National Stakeholders Conference 2024 on the Green Climate Fund (GCF) held on June 27 to discuss and develop strategies for addressing the Philippines’ urgent need for sustainable and responsive action through climate financing.

The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost), in collaboration with Museo Orlina, is inviting students, designers, and Illustrators to join the nationwide stamp-design contest in celebration of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) 150th founding anniversary.

The UPU is a specialized agency of the United Nations created on 9 October 1984 under the Treaty of Bern. It unites the postal networks of 192 member countries. 
The competition is open to high school and college students, artists,  designers, illustrators, and other interested individuals.

Nominations for the 2nd Philippine Resilience Awards (PRA), an initiative that recognizes outstanding contributions to climate action and disaster resilience, are now open.  

Themed “Kabataan at Kababaihan: Katatagan ng Bayan,” this year’s awards will honor both women champions and youth leaders from across the country.

As the Philippines commemorated its 126th Independence Dayon Wednesday, the spirit of hope and resilience shone brightly among Pinoys across the globe. In unity and optimism, messages of courage and perseverance from the recent Maisugrally in Japan echo through their hearts – standing firm in the face of challenges.

“Freedom isn’t free. You have to pay a price, you have to sacrifice for your liberty.”  – Atty. Harry Roque, former Presidential spokesperson

Former President Rodrigo R. Duterte made a fiery statement on Thursday, branding June 10, 2024, as a day of infamy for members of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) church and all law-abiding citizens.

Vice President Sara Z. Duterte didn’t let it pass.

Duterte, in a statement, made a stand a day after more than a hundred forces of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group stormed into several KJC compounds in Davao City, Samal Island, and Sarangani in search of its leader, Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy.