Torrijos Fiesta today, feast of St. Ignacio de Loyola

Andreas Munoz as Ignacio de Loyola

Saint Ignatius of Loyola, SJ (Spanish: Ignacio de Loyola) (October 23, 1491 – July 31, 1556), whose feast day is also celebrated in the town of Torrijos in Marinduque,  was a Spanish knight from a local Basque noble family, hermit, priest and theologian, who founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and on 19 April 1541, became its first Superior General. Ignatius emerged as a religious leader during the Counter-Reformation. Loyola's devotion to the Catholic Church was characterized by absolute obedience to the Pope.

A feature film IGNACIO DE LOYOLA starring Andreas Munoz, Javier Godino and Julio Perillan is currently being shown at the Gateway Mall. The film focuses on the saint's conversion, his frustrations and his yearning for God.

The town of Torrijos is known for its white beaches offering a spectacular view of the Malindig Volcano, its historic sites, buntal fiber industry, small resorts, dive sites and Ka Amon cave, an archaeological excavation site that shows habitation in the earlier period of human occupation. 

Daily activities that saw the holding of comedy shows and concerts, beauty pageants and sports events culminate in today's happy Fiesta celebration.

View of Malindig Volcano from a Torrijos beach, Photo: BaTutzkie Reynes

Torrijos' handloom export industry

Explorers at the Ka Amon cave, Torrijos. Photo: National Museum

Pre-historic human skeletons found on the floor of the cave.
Photo: National Museum

A diving spot in Torrijos, just off the coast of Poctoy white beaach

Eyeing agricultural and tourism development of this historic town:
New Mayor of Torrijos, Lorna Quinto-Velasco

How they flattened two mountains in Zambales for Scarborough Shoal artificial island

China flattened Zambales mountain for Scarborough Shoal reclamation - governor
By: Erwin Tulfo,| InterAksyon

Chinese ships are seen off Masinloc, Zambales, in file photo. VERA FILES

If the allegations of the new governor of Zambales are correct, the Philippines was dealt a double whammy in China's reclamation spree in Scarborough Shoal.

As it happens, it appears the soil and rocks dumped by China on a wide area Bajo de Masinloc were gouged out from Zambales itself, in a mad, two-year operation that involved seven Chinese firms using nickel mining as cover.

The allegations were made by Gov. Amor Deloso, who said his predecessor, Hermogenes Ebdane, had allegedly allowed the massive excavations for over two years, practically "flattening a mountain" and damaging a wide area of Sta. Cruz's forested highlands. Worse, the soil and rocks taken from the mainland and dumped on the shoal did massive, unspeakable damage to the marine environment.

The carved-out sides of the mountains of Sta. Cruz are visible from afar - remnants of a mad endeavor to get earthern material for China to fill up parts of Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc), which Beijing has de facto occupied since an April 2012 standoff when its ships drove away Filipino boats from traditional rich fishing grounds.

Governor Deloso gave details of the mad frenzy: "Because Scarborough is purely corals, because they need materials for reclamation, kailangan nila ang pinakamalapit na supply ng materials. For two years, walang ginawa dito sa Zambales kundi maghakot ng malalaking bato [they did nothing here but haul away huge rocks] ...

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, nearly 3,000 hectares of Bajo de Masinloc have been dumped with earth and rocks by China's reclamation brigades.

No wonder, Deloso said, that the two mountains in the area are now nearly flat. "At that time, our impression was they were mining nickel. Because there were 450 trucks [traveling night and day from the site]. The roads were damaged eventually."

He conceded that taking on those behind the Chinese miners and excavators was no easy task: "Mahirap lumaban sa mga higante eh, pero wala akong choice. This involves the welfare of the people of my province. Tutal nasa Bayang Magiliw yan ... Ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo. Hindi ba?"

Deloso said he got information that seven Chinese companies had gouged out the area, using nickel mining as pretext.

These people practically "bought the mountains" of Sta. Cruz, he added. Roads and farms were damaged. "They destroyed the total environment of Sta. Cruz....in the six years of your former friend the former governor..."

Residents admit they are affected adversely by the damage to their mountains and forests, but  said many of them have found jobs in the mines.

At press time, News5 was still trying to get Ebdane's side.

The new  chief of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Gina Lopez, was aghast at what happened.

She is forming a task force to investigate what happened.

'It's horrible. I'll find out whoever gave the permit why they are getting the soil. If there are DENR officials involved they'll be made accountable.."

The local government has stopped all mining activities in the province.

Remember this news exactly a year ago? 'Fishermen found these oil containment booms with Chinese markings off Cabangan town in Zambales province, prompting local government officials to seek an investigation into the origin of the objects', says the article. That's the last we heard about it. 

Nilalaman ng Freedom of Information order ni Pangulong Duterte

Para alam mo ang nilalaman ng tinaguriang 'Freedom of Information' order

“Every Filipino shall have access to information, official records, public records, and to documents and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, or decisions, as well as to government research data used as basis for public document.”

Executive Order No. 02, s. 2016
OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES·
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2016
MALACAÑAN PALACE
MANILA
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 02

OPERATIONALIZING IN THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH THE PEOPLE’S CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO INFORMATION AND THE STATE POLICIES TO FULL PUBLIC DISCLOSURE AND TRANSPARENCY IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE AND PROVIDING GUIDELINES THEREFOR

WHEREAS, pursuant to Article 28, Article II of the 1987 Constitution, the State adopts and implements a policy of full public disclosure of all its transactions involving public interest, subject to reasonable conditions prescribed by law;
WHEREAS, Section 7, Article III of the Constitution guarantees the right of the people to information on matters of public concern;
WHEREAS, the incorporation of this right in the Constitution is a recognition of the fundamental role of free and open exchange of information in a democracy, meant to enhance transparency and accountability in government official acts, transactions, or decisions;
WHEREAS, the Executive Branch recognizes the urgent need to operationalize these Constitutional provisions;
WHEREAS, the President, under Section 17, Article VII of the Constitution, has control over all executive departments, bureaus and offices, and the duty to ensure that the laws be faithfully executed;
WHEREAS, the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (R.A. 10173), including its implementing Rules and Regulations, strengthens the fundamental human right of privacy, and of communication while ensuring the free flow of information to promote innovation and growth;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution and existing laws, do hereby order:

SECTION 1. Definition. For the purpose of this Executive Order, the following terms shall mean:
“Information” shall mean any records, documents, papers, reports, letters, contracts, minutes and transcripts of official meetings, maps, books, photographs, data, research materials, films, sound and video recording, magnetic or other tapes, electronic data, computer stored data, any other like or similar data or materials recorded, stored or archived in whatever format, whether offline or online, which are made, received, or kept in or under the control and custody of any government office pursuant to law, executive order, and rules and regulations or in connection with the performance or transaction of official business by any government office.

“Official record/records” shall refer to information produced or received by a public officer or employee, or by a government office in an official capacity or pursuant to a public function or duty.

“Public record/records” shall include information required by laws, executive orders, rules, or regulations to be entered, kept and made publicly available by a government office.

SECTION 2. Coverage. This order shall cover all government offices under the Executive Branch, including but not limited to the national government and all its offices, departments, bureaus, offices, and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, and state universities and colleges. Local government units (LGUs) are encouraged to observe and be guided by this Order.

SECTION 3. Access to information. Every Filipino shall have access to information, official records, public records and to documents and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions or decisions, as well as to government research data used as basis for policy development.

SECTION 4. Exception. Access to information shall be denied when the information falls under any of the exceptions enshrined in the Constitution, existing law or jurisprudence.

The Department of Justice and the Office of the Solicitor General are hereby directed to prepare an inventory of such exceptions and submit the same to the Office of the President within fifteen (15) calendar days from the date of effectivity of this Order.

The Office of the President shall thereafter, immediately circularize the inventory of exceptions for the guidance of all government offices and instrumentalities covered by this Order and the general public.

Said inventory of exceptions shall periodically be updated to properly reflect any change in existing law and jurisprudence and the Department of Justice and the Office of the Solicitor General are directed to update the inventory of exceptions as the need to do so arises, for circularization as hereinabove stated.

SECTION 5. Availability of SALN. Subject to the provisions contained in Sections 3 and 4 of this Order, all public officials are reminded of their obligation to file and make available for scrutiny their Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations, and the spirit and letter of this Order.

SECTION 6. Application and Interpretation. There shall be a legal presumption in favor of access to information, public records and official records. No request for information shall be denied unless it clearly falls under any of the exceptions listed in the inventory or updated inventory of exceptions circularized by the Office of the President provided in the preceding section.
The determination of the applicability of any of the exceptions to the request shall be the responsibility of the Head of the Office which is in custody or control of the information, public record or official record, or the responsible central or field officer duly designated by him in writing.
In making such determination, the Head of the Office or his designated officer shall exercise reasonable diligence to ensure that no exception shall be used or availed of to deny any request for information or access to public records, or official records if the denial is intended primarily and purposely to cover up a crime, wrongdoing, graft or corruption.

SECTION 7. Protection of Privacy. While providing access to information, public records, and official records, responsible officials shall afford full protection to the right to privacy of the individual as follows:
Each government office per Section 2 hereof shall ensure that personal information in its custody or under its control is disclosed or released only if it is material or relevant to the subject-matter of the request and its disclosure is permissible under this order or existing law, rules or regulations;
Each government office must protect personal information in its custody or control by making reasonable security arrangements against leaks or premature disclosure of personal information which unduly exposes the individual whose personal information is requested, to vilification, harassment or any other wrongful acts.
Any employee, official or director of a government office per Section 2 hereof who has access, authorized or unauthorized, to personal information in the custody of the office, must not disclose that information except when authorized under this order or pursuant to existing laws, rules or regulation.

SECTION 8. People’s Freedom to Information (FOI) Manual. For the effective implementation of this Order, every government office is directed to prepare within ninety (90) calendar days from the effectivity of this Order, its own People’s FOI Manual, which shall include among others the following provisions:
The location and contact information of the head, regional, provincial, and field offices, and other established places where the public can obtain information or submit requests;
The person or office responsible for receiving requests for information;
The procedure for the filing and processing of the request as specified in the succeeding section 8 of this Order.
The standard forms for the submission of requests and for the proper acknowledgment of requests;
The process for the disposition of requests;
The procedure for the administrative appeal of any denial for access to information; and;
The schedule of applicable fees.

SECTION 9. Procedure. The following procedure shall govern the filing and processing of request for access to information:
Any person who requests access to information shall submit a written request to the government office concerned. The request shall state the name and contact information of the requesting party, provide valid proof of his identification or authorization, reasonably describe the information requested, and the reason for, or purpose of, the request for information: Provided, that no request shall be denied or refused acceptance unless the reason for the request is contrary to law, existing rules and regulations or it is one of the exceptions contained in the inventory or updated inventory of exception as hereinabove provided.
The public official receiving the request shall provide reasonable assistance, free of charge, to enable, to enable all requesting parties and particularly those with special needs, to comply with the request requirements under this Section.
The request shall be stamped by the government office, indicating the date and time of receipt and the name, rank, title and position of the receiving public officer or employee with the corresponding signature, and a copy thereof furnished to the requesting party. Each government office shall establish a system to trace the status of all requests for information received by it.
The government office shall respond to a request fully compliant with requirements of sub-section (a) hereof as soon as practicable but not exceeding fifteen (15) working days from the receipt thereof. The response mentioned above refers to the decision of the agency or office concerned to grant or deny access to the information requested.
The period to respond may be extended whenever the information requested requires extensive search of the government office’s records facilities, examination of voluminous records, the occurence of fortuitous cases or other analogous cases. The government office shall notify the person making the request of the extension, setting forth the reasons for such extension. In no case shall the extension go beyond twenty (20) working days unless exceptional circumstances warrant a longer period.
Once a decision is made to grant the request, the person making the request shall be notified of such decision and directed to pay any applicable fees.

SECTION 10. Fees. Government offices shall not charge any fee for accepting requests for access to information. They may, however, charge a reasonable fee to reimburse necessary costs, including actual costs of reproduction and copying of the information required, subject to existing rules and regulations. In no case shall the applicable fees be so onerous as to defeat the purpose of this Order.

SECTION 11. Identical or Substantially Similar Requests. The government office shall not be required to act upon an unreasonable subsequent identical or substantially similar request from the same requesting party whose request from the same requesting party whose request has already been previously granted or denied by the same government office.

SECTION 12. Notice of Denial. If the government office decides to deny the request, in whole or in part, it shall as soon as practicable, in any case within fifteen (15) working days from the receipt of the request, notify the requesting party the denial in writing. The notice shall clearly set forth the ground or grounds for denial and the circumstances on which the denial is based. Failure to notify the requesting party of the action taken on the request within the period herein stipulated shall be deemed a denial of the request for access to information.

SECTION 13. Remedies in Cases of Denial of Request for Access to Information.
Denial of any request for access to information may be appealed to the person or office next higher in the authority, following the procedure mentioned in Section 7 (f) of this Order: Provided, that the written appeal must be filed by the same person making the request within fifteen (15) calendar days from the notice of denial or from the lapse of the relevant period to respond to the request.
The appeal be decided by the person or office next higher in authority within thirty (30) working days from the filing of said written appeal. Failure of such person or office to decide within the afore-stated period shall be deemed a denial of the appeal.
Upon exhaustion of administrative appeal remedies, the requesting part may file the appropriate case in the proper courts in accordance with the Rules of Court.

SECTION 14. Keeping of Records. Subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations, government offices shall create and/or maintain accurate and reasonably complete records of important information in appropriate formats, and implement a records management system that facilitates easy identification, retrieval and communication of information to the public.

SECTION 15. Administrative Liability. Failure to comply with the provisions of this Order may be a ground for administrative and disciplinary sanctions against any erring public officer or employee as provided under existing laws or regulations.

SECTION 16. Implementing Details. All government offices in the Executive Branch are directed to formulate their respective implementing details taking into consideration their mandates and the nature of information in their custody or control, within one hundred twenty (120) days from the effectivity of this Order.

SECTION 17. Separability Clause. If any section or part of this Order is held unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in full force or effect.

SECTION 18. Repealing Clause. All orders, rules and regulations, issuances or any part thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Executive Order are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly: Provided, that the provisions of Memorandum Circular No. 78 (s. 1964), as amended, shall not be deemed repealed pending further review.

SECTION 19. Effectivity. This Order shall take effect immediately upon publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

Done, in the City of Manila, this 23rd day of July in the year of our Lord Two Thousand and Sixteen.

(Sgd.) RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE
President

By the President:
(Sgd.) SALVADOR C. MEDIALDEA
Executive Secretary

US State Sec in Manila tries to quell tensions with China before war erupts

Kerry Tries to Quell Tensions in South China Sea Before War Erupts

SputnikNews

AP Photo/Zha Chunming

Increased militarization by the US and its allies against Beijing tell a very different story as war may ultimately breakout as Washington seems to have "overplayed their hand."

On Tuesday evening, US Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Manila, conveying Washington’s interest in avoiding a "confrontation" in the South China Sea, following Beijing’s refusal to submit to the judgment of the Hague arbitration court’s ruling that rejects China’s claim to most of the waters in the region.

© AFP 2016/ JIM WATSON

Beijing blasted the ruling and has steadfastly denied its findings, arguing, as a majority of international legal scholars have, that the court lacks jurisdiction over the country under a treaty which requires both parties to a dispute to first submit to being bound by the court’s decisions, what is known as conditional jurisdiction.

China has also expressed its growing disdain with United States meddling in the region, part of the Obama Administration’s "pivot towards Asia," with the express goal of empowering China’s regional competitors to encircle the regime. Chinese President Xi Jinping also warned this weekend against Japan intervening in the territorial dispute, given that Tokyo has no active claim to the waters.

While calling for calm, US Secretary of State John Kerry was reticent to forfeit the leverage garnered by the international tribunal, claiming, "The decision itself is binding, but we’re not trying to create a confrontation."

Kerry called on China and the Philippines to join in two-party talks to try to establish a compromise, one that will certainly leave Beijing with less regional control than they believe themselves entitled to.

"We hope to see a process that will narrow the geographic scope of the maritime disputes, set standards for behavior in contested areas, lead to mutually acceptable solutions, perhaps even a series of confidence-building steps," said Kerry.

The statement comes in the wake of Beijing accusations that the US, Japan and Australia, all not parties to the dispute, are “fanning the flames” of regional tensions by making a joint statement on the South China Sea.

"Now it is the time to test whether you are peacekeepers or troublemakers," said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

As Kerry looks to simmer tensions before they erupt into war, Loud & Clear’s Brian Becker sat down with author Patrick Lawrence and activist David Ewing to discuss the situation. Listen

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte with four former presidents, Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Fidel V. Ramos and Benigno S. Aquino III prior to the NSC meeting

Meanwhile the National Security Council (NSC), the Philippine principal forum for considering national security and foreign policy matters with senior advisers and Cabinet officials was convened on July 27. The council was last convened in 2002.

NSC meeting, Malacanang, Manila

Sa P300-M: Liham ng Marinduque vice-gov sa gov

Vice-Governor Romulo Bacorro Jr.

Pormal na nagpadala ng liham ang Bise-Gobernador ng Marinduque, Romulo Bacorro, Jr. sa Punong-Lalawigan Carmencita O. Reyes hinggil sa kanyang mga reserbasyon sa usaping may kinalaman sa Php 300-million na pondong utang sa DBP. Sa kadahilanang patong-patong na ang mga usaping 'teknikal, administratibo at legal status' ng naipasang Supplemental Budget No. 2 ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan tungkol dito, inihayag ni Bacorro ang kanyang panalangin na kilalanin naman ni Reyes ang mga findings at observations hinggil sa nabanggit na usapin. 

Ayon sa nasabing opisyal na liham na ang kopya ay ipinadala sa mga kinauukulan, ang mga ito ay ang sumusunod (salin sa Tagalog; ang orihinal na kabuuhan sa Ingles ay makikita sa ibaba):

1) Ang mga kinakailangang boto ayon sa Article 107 (g) IRR ng Local Government Code of 1991 ay hindi naman nakamit kaya't ang nasabing Budget ay hindi rin mapapakinabangan (inoperative).

2) Kung ipagpapalagay halimbawa na nagamot na at naratipika na ang mga diumano'y depekto, discrepancies at deficiencies, sa mga aspetong teknikal, procedural at legal na may kinalaman sa bagay na ito, ang marupok na interpretasyong ito ay magdudulot naman ng epekto ng pagbabalewala sa mga naunang ginawang hakbang na inasahang maayos na isinagawa tulad ng, at hindi limitado sa, public bidding na naganap na at ang pag-gawad ng mga kinauukulang kontrata, sapagkat ang paiiralin na petsa ng ABC (Section 7, RA 9184), ay kung kailan talaga naipasa ang Budget.

3) Ang Komisyon sa Audit ay walang pasubaling naglahad na ang pangungutang ay "hindi kailangan at hindi nirerekomenda" at ito ay naipaliwanag ng may kahabaan sa nilalaman ng PGM AOM No. 16-08 na may petsang April 11, 2016. (kalakip ang kopya)

4) Ang proseso ng procurement ay hindi naaayon sa ibat-ibang standard requirements na kailangang sundin ayon sa mga probisyon ng IRR ng RA 9185 tulad ng napakahabang paliwanag na mababasa naman sa PGM AOM No. 16-05 na may petsang March 28, 2016. (kalakip ang kopya)

Kopya ng liham (page 1)

5) Hindi kailanman, sa usaping may kinalaman sa utang, nabigyan ang mandato ng Provincial Development Council na bigyang halaga ang mga aspetong teknikal, administratibo, legal at procedural, bagamat mandatory ang partisipasyon ng institusyong ito sa pagbalangkas ng long term, medium term at annual Socio-Economic Development policies, mga plano, mga programa at mga proyekto, kasama na ang taunang public investment programs (Section 106 at 109, RA 7160).

6) Ang mga proposed projects na may kinalaman dito ay pawang nangangailangan ng prior assessment ng ecological impact. Ang kahandaan at mitigation aspects sa panahon ng pagpapatupad ng mga ito ay lumalabas na hindi binigyan ng kaukulang pansin. Ang mandatory consultation requirement naman ng batas ay higit na mahalagang ipinaparating sa mga apektadong sektor. (Section 2, 26, 27 at 16, RA 7160)

7) Ang kahalintulad na mga usapin na inihayag ng mga concerned Marinduquenos at nasasaad sa kasong isinampa ni Mr. Eliseo Obligacion et. al. na nakabinbin sa korte ay dapat na maresolba.

Sa link na ito mula sa isang Inquirer article mababasa ang tungkol sa kasong nabanggit.

Tila malalim naman ang isang bahagi pa rin ng nasabing opisyal na liham ng Bise-Gobernador sa pagbanggit niyang, ang kasaysayan ay palaging magiging mabait sa sinumang maglakas-loob na higit na unawain, malampasan at mapaglabanan ang tinagurian niyang 'primordial complexities' at mga conflict sa simula pa lamang na pumapailalim aniya, sa isang payak na katotohanan. ("History will always be kind to those who dare to decipher, transcend and overcome the primordial complexities and conflicts underlying a simple truth.")

(Page 2)

Babala ng COA, tanong

Matatandang nauna nang nagbabala ang Komisyon ng Audit tungkol sa mga iregularidad na may kinalaman sa usaping ito na ayon sa kanila ay maaaring mapansin ng media at ng publiko. Magdudulot lamang anila ito ng masamang imahe sa paglilingkod bayan. ("The irregularity could also draw the attention of the media and the public, casting a bad image on public service.") 

Tanong: May posibilidad kaya na magkaroon ng katuparan ang mga dinadalangin hindi lamang ni G. Bacorro, kundi pati na ng ilan sa kanyang mga dati at mga bagong kasamahan sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan? Ng mga kinauukulang ahensya ng pamahalaan? Ng mga kaparian at obispo? Ng mga nababahalang Marinduqueno at publiko?

Maituturing marahil na kapuri-puri ang hakbang na ito na ginawa ng Bise-Gobernador. Sa panahong kasalukuyan na isinisigaw ng mas malakas ng bagong Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa kanyang mga ipinahayag sa ibat-ibang sulok ng Pilipinas, maging sa kanyang unang SONA kahapon lamang,  na ang korapsyon sa gobyerno ay dapat itigil ng mga kinauukulan ('This, must, stop!'; 'Pagbabago!'),  marapat lamang na ang ganitong panawagan ay pakinggan, sundin, hindi dalhin sa palusot o pagmamaang-maangan tulad ng nakagawian.

Ano naman po sa inyong palagay?

Also read:

Kasong pang-Ombudsman laban sa mga tiwali sa Marinduque (again!)

A first in Duterte's SONA: He meets with the activists

We were seated at the island along Batasan Road, resting while waiting for the pack up of the stage when we were approached by the PNP who asked us to go with them. The PNP did not say where and why. We just followed thinking they wanted to just discuss something. Turns out we were brought to a lounge where the President was waiting. He wanted to meet the activists gathered outside. Many had left though. Kami ni Beng yung na-pick up ng PNP. The Mindanao delegation had to walk back to Batasan to catch up as they too were going home. In the meeting with the President, we talked about peace and how the president wanted to devote more resources to social services once the armed conflict was resolved. He talked about how the Lumad can return home without fear for their safety. It was a long meeting, starting at 7pm and ending at 830pm. It was a gesture we truly appreciated. A lot of firsts indeed in the president's first SONA. - FB post from Renato Reyes Jr.

Duterte meets with lumad, Muslim leaders after SONA

CONVERSATION. President Rodrigo Duterte meets with activists, lumad, and Moro leaders after his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 25, 2016. Photo courtesy of Renato Reyes Jr

Just as activists, lumad, and Muslim marchers from Mindanao were packing up right after the State of the Nation Address (SONA), cops invited their leaders to a meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte Monday night, July 25.

In a Facebook post, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) secretary general Renato Reyes said that Duterte "engaged them in a conversation."

Thousands of marchers from Mindanao traveled to Manila hoping to bring to Duterte's attention their concerns about alleged militarization in their communities.

Post from Renato Reyes Jr

KALUMBAY Regional Lumad Organization chairperson Datu Jomorito Goaynon, one of the caravan's leaders, shared the ordeal they went through just to reach the country's capital.

"Kinahanglan nga magpadayon kami sa pagpanawagan sa paghunong sa militarisasyon sa among mga komunidad ug sa pagpaningil sa saad sa bag-ong Presidente nga ipull-out ang mga military sa among komunidad. Lisod, kapoy, ug puno og sakripisyo kining Manilakbayan 2016, apan dili kini babag para sa amoa nga mga lumad na ipaabot sa bag-ong administrasyon ang padayon namo nga panawagan alang sa among katungod para sa kaugalingong paghukom uban ang among katungod diha sa among yutang kabilin."

(It is important for us to continue our call against militarization in our communities and to ask for the President's pronouncement to pull out the military troops in our communities. Manilakbayan 2016 is hard, tiring, and full of sacrifices, but these should not be a hindrance for us lumad to register our calls for our right to self-determination along with our right to our ancestral lands for the new administration. In addition, our participation in this Manilakbayan 2016 is a show of support for the campaign of the resumption of the formal peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front to attain substantial change in society by the time the root causes of the armed conflict will be addressed.) – Rappler

Duterte signs Freedom of Information order

“Every Filipino shall have access to information, official records, public records, and to documents and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, or decisions, as well as to government research data used as basis for public document.”

From Twitter @PresidentialCom

Duterte signs FOI order

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed the executive order (EO) implementing freedom of information (FOI) in the executive branch.

In a press conference in Davao City on Sunday, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said that the President signed the EO at 7 p.m. on Saturday.

“Only 25 days as President, this is a record-breaking speed of a cornerstone or milestone executive order being signed,” Andanar said.

The Palace official also read the provisions of the executive order.

The executive order read: “Every Filipino shall have access to information, official records, public records, and to documents and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, or decisions, as well as to government research data used as basis for public document.”

Access to information shall be denied when the information falls under any of the exceptions provided for in the 1987 Constitution.

Filipinos may request for the information they need by submitting a written request to the government office concerned. The letter should contain a proof of identity of the requesting party, a description of the information needed and the purpose of the request.

Requesting for information in government offices shall be free of charge. However, the offices may charge a “reasonable” fee to shoulder the actual costs of reproduction and copying of the information being requested.

Under Section 15 of the said order, any employee or public officer who will fail to comply with the provisions of the EO may face administrative and disciplinary sanctions.

The Department of Justice and the Office of the Solicitor General are directed to prepare a list of exceptions within 30 days from the date of the effectivity of the EO.

He said that aside from agencies in the executive branch, state universities and colleges and government-owned or controlled corporations are also covered by the order. - rga/Inquirer

New! Kapitolyo de Marinduque: Pagkagumon sa katiwalian hindi na masawata?

"Absence of thorough assessment, work designs and study of one particular project may lead to its ambiguous implementation that could further result to delayed completion, and consequently, the use thereof by the public coupled with dubious assumptions from various stakeholders. The irregularity could also draw the attention of the media and the public, casting a bad image on public service." - COA

Naging kaugalian na pala talaga ng mga kinauukulan sa pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Marinduque ang hindi pagsunod sa mga patakarang nakasaad sa Section 17.6, Rule VI ng Revised TRR ng RA 9184 - Detailed Engineering para sa Procurement sa Infrastructure Projects. Lumalabas na ang tahasang pagsuway sa mga hakbangin na dapat munang isagawa hinggil sa bidding o kontrata para sa mga infrastucture projects ay nakaugalian na at bale wala ang batas para sa mga kinauukulan. 

Hindi maikubling ehemplo lamang ng iregularidad. Hindi nagkamali ang COA.
 Isang post mula sa FB ng Bagong Marinduque.

Ito ang suma-total ng karagdagang obserbasyon ng Komisyon ng Audit hinggil sa sistemang umiiral sa kapitolyo ng Marinduque. Tungkol pa rin ito sa P300-M loan ng lalawigan sa Development Bank of the Philippines na nilagdaan ng magkabilang panig noong October 20, 2015. Para diumano ito sa mga infrastructure projects tulad ng pagsesemento/rehabilitasyon/pagsasaayos ng Farm to Market Roads at pagtatayo/pagkompleto/rehabilitasyon/pagpapaayos ng mga multi-purpose buildings na dahil dito ay nagsagawa ng public bidding noong Marso 9, 2016.

Sa isinagawang pagsusuri ng nasabing ahensya sa mga dokumentong may kinalaman sa mga nasabong proyekto, napag-alaman na wala naman palang detalyadong engineering na mandatory ayon sa batas, matapos dapat gawan ng feasibility o preliminary engineering study at iba pang patakaran na dapat sinusunod at wala rin pala dahil hindi isinagawa ang mga ito sa usaping milyon-milyong salapi ng bayan ang gagamitin at babayaran sa higit sampung taon.

Ayon sa COA, inamin ng Provincial Engineer sa pamamagitan ng isang liham na wala ngang detailed engineering na isinagawa para sa lahat ng mga proyekto na popondohan mula sa inutang. Nagawan daw naman nila ito ng Program of Works (POWs), ayon pa rin sa Provincial Engineer. Inilahad naman ng COA na walang POW na dapat aprubahan kung walang detailed engineering.

Bukod sa rito, sa isinagawang physical inspection ng Audit Team sa mga diumano ay project sites, lalo na iyung may mga panaka-nakang sementadong daan, napag-alaman na ang mga hangganan o haba ng bawat proyekto ay hindi agarang matantiya dahil ang mga boundaries sa mga dati ng nakumpleto/sementado na at sa kung alin ang isasagawa ay hindi naman naka-specify at hindi matiyak kung saan.

Bahagi ng Audit Observation Memo No. 16-05 ng COA, March 28, 2016

Tungkol naman sa ibat-ibang diumano ay multi-purpose buildings, wala rin namang isinagawang pre-repair o pre-improvement inspection reports. Province-wide daw ang gustong ipatayo, ipakumpleto, ipaayos, ipa-rehabilitate, isaayos na multi-purpose buildings. 

Subalit dahil sa kawalan ng mga nasabing report, ipinaalam ng COA na katakatakang makakagawa ng POW dahil wala namang pre-determined individual scope of work at mga disenyo. Maaring ihambing sa pagpapagawa ng mga gusali na wala namang disenyo.

Ang mga report na ganito anang COA na maaari ding in narrative form ay dapat anyang kasama sa feasibility study na maari namang gamitin bilang basehan sa pag-gawa ng detailed engineering.

Napag-alaman din ng COA na ang mga gusali na hinati sa apat na packages bagama't nasa ibat-ibang lugar sa buong lalawigan ay pinagsama-sama sa iisang Program of Work package (lumped into one Program of Work package). Dahil dito ang pag-evaluate ng kakayahan ng magiging contractors ay masalimuot sa usapin na pang-ekwipo at paggamit ng manpower, ayon sa Komisyon.

Dahil sa kawalan aniya ng mga assessment, work designs at pag-aaral ng alinmang partikular na proyekto ay maaring humantong lamang sa may kalabuang implementasyon, na tiyak na hahantong lamang sa nabalam na pagkukumpleto ng proyekto, paggamit dito ng publiko at kasama na rito ang hindi kaaya-ayang palagay ng mga nasasakupan.

Bahagi pa rin ng kaukulang AOM ng COA. Ina-dedma talaga?

Dinagdag pa ng COA na ang iregularidad na ito ay maaaring makahatak ng pansin ng media at publiko, na magdudulot ng masamang imahe sa serbisyong pampubliko.

Sa lalong madaling panahon aniya ay dapat pawalang bisa ang naganap na public bidding dahil sa hindi pagsusod sa mga kailangan munang isagawa na naaayon sa Annex A ng Revised IRR ng RA 9184, at ipag-utos kaagad ang kanselasyon ng mga naigawad na mga kontrata sa mga nanalong bidders.

Binigyan din ng COA ang mga kinauukulan ng taning para sa kanilang masasabi subalit lumalabas na binabale-wala ng mga kinauukulan ang lahat ng detalyadong pagsusuring isinagawa ng ahensa.

Dahil nga kaya sa pagkagumon na ng kinauukulan sa katiwalian na hindi na kayang masawata?

Ano kaya talagang uri ng "Change is Coming" ang madating, kung mayroon man, sa lalawigan ng Marinduque? Ga-nood ka na lamang baga?

Ganting mano po naman ni Cardinal Tagle kay Pangulong Duterte

Pagmamano ni Cardinal Tagle kay Pangulong Duterte.  Screengrab mula sa RTVM vid.

Kapag nakita mong ganito ang aktuwal na pagtrato sa isa't-isa ng mga namumuno sa pamahalaan at simbahan sa Pilipinas ay masasabi mong talagang may maliwanag na pag-asa ang bansa na marating pa rin ang pinagsamang panaginip ng mga anak-bayan, 

hindi po ba?

Nagkita ang Pangulong Rodrigo R, Duterte at Archbishop of Manila Luis Antonio Tagle sa Malacanang noong nakaraang Lunes nang bumisita ang Cardinal. Unang nagmano si DU30 na agad namang sinundan ng walang patumpik-tumpik na pagmano rin ng cardinal sa pangulo bilang kanyang sariling pagbigay galang. 

Sa Pilipinas lamang naman may ganitong uri ng paghahayag ng saloobin na walang pangungusap na kailangan. Hindi ito hiram at hindi rin isinasagawa nino man kapag hindi bukal sa kanyang puso.

May pag-asa pa talaga para sa Pilipinas na isipang-Pilipino lamang ang maghuhubog, magbubuo at magsasakatuparan. 

Lalo na sa napaka-pambihirang panahong kasalukuyan.

Screengrab mula sa RTVM vid.

China naval chief to US naval chief: islands construction will not stop

US Chief of Naval Operations John Richardson is on his first visit to China from Sunday to Wednesday, during which he will meet with Admiral Wu Shengli, commander of the Chinese navy, according to a US Navy news release. 

What's the latest?

China released a photo Thursday of a nuclear-capable Chinese bomber flying south near Scarborough Shoal (Panatag Shoal)

Naval chief: islands construction will not stop

by Zhang Yunbi and Zhao Lei (ChinaDaily)


Beijing "will never give up halfway" over its islands construction on the South China Sea, China's naval chief told a visiting US navy officer on Monday.

Admiral Wu Shengli, commander of the People's Liberation Army Navy, also told US Chief of Naval Operations John Richardson that the Chinese navy had made "sufficient preparations" for any sovereignty infringement or provocation.

Despite existing negative factors, Beijing was still willing to peacefully resolve disputes via negotiations and "manage and control crisis through mechanisms and rules", Wu said.

Washington militarily pressured Beijing earlier this year by sending military ships and planes to approach or intrude Chinese territorial space on the South China Sea.

Wu said any attempt to intimidate China by flexing military muscle "will only backfire".

Beijing would "advance and complete islands and reefs construction as planned" no matter which country or individual pressures China, and "the level of our defense on these islands and reefs depends on the threats facing us", Wu said.

Richardson's first visit to China will run from Sunday to Wednesday. He told Wu on Monday that he was ready to join hands in boosting trust and friendship to achieve lasting development of ties between the two navies, militaries and countries.

Fan Jishe, a US researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, warned that the US "has played a negative role in the South China Sea dispute, and its proactive engagement in Asia-Pacific aggravated conflicts".

Image Credit: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Declan Barnes/Released

Zuo Xiying, an international studies specialist at the Renmin University of China, said the South China Sea had become the forefront of China-US competition, and "it would be a good thing if they reinforce strategic communication and formulate more rules accepted by both".

Su Ge, president of the China Institute of International Studies, told the World Peace Forum in Beijing at the weekend that:"Although the cooperation between Beijing Washington cannot give an end to all the issues in the world, not a single major issue could be resolved if the two sides walk into full-scale confrontation.

Full story: Duterte's meeting with Cardinal Vidal

There is no substitute for peace.

Hoping to bridge the gap between Catholic Church bishops and the new administration, Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal last Wednesday visited President Rodrigo Duterte in what the prelate considered a worthwhile encounter with the country’s Chief Executive.

Sitting on a wheelchair and accompanied by his nurse, Vidal, 85, paid a courtesy call on the President in Malacañang that lasted for almost three hours and ended with an assurance of the Church’s prayers for Duterte.

They didn’t discuss about controversial issues like extrajudicial killings and the possible revival of the death penalty that clashes with the Church’s doctrines.

But the country’s most senior cardinal said it was enough to establish a good rapport between the Catholic Church and the new President.

“I opened the door of communication with his government,” he said in an interview in his retirement house inside the Sto. Niño Village in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City on Friday.

Duterte earlier criticized the Catholic Church and the bishops for the supposed sins committed by the clergy. On one occasion, he described the Catholic Church as the “most hypocritical institution” and lambasted the bishops for supposedly attempting to convince the electorate not to vote for him in the recent general polls.

But Vidal said there was no tension when he met with Duterte.

When he arrived in the Music Room of Malacañang, the cardinal said Duterte bowed his head and kissed his hand.

“I didn’t want him to kiss my hand. Sabi ko sa kanya ‘Ako ang dapat mag-mano sa inyo kasi po kayo ang presidente namin.’ Pero sabi nya ‘Hindi! Mas mataas ka sa akin sapagkat kayo ay cardinal. Ako ay presidente for six years lamang. Kayo sa isang cardinal,” Vidal narrated.

(I told him ‘I should be the one to kiss your hand because you are the President. But he told me ‘No! You are higher than me in rank because you’re a cardinal. I’m the President of this country for just six years, while your are a cardinal forever).

Vidal said Duterte was pleased when he heard him speak Cebuano.

“Pagsalubong ko sa kanya, sabi ko ‘Maayong gabii, Ginoong Presidente.’ At sabi nya ‘Oy, di ba ikaw ay isang Tagalog, marunong pala kayong magbisaya.

And I told him, ako ay nasa Cebu ngayon. At natuwa siya. (When I met him, I greeted him ‘Good evening, Mr. President.’ And he said ‘Don’t you speak Tagalog? Why do you know how to speak Bisaya? And I told him, I’ve been based in Cebu for sometime),” he said.

Vidal, a native of Mogpog in Marinduque, served as archbishop of Cebu for 29 years before he retired in 2011.

He attended the three-day assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in Manila over the weekend before he dropped by Malacañang.

The cardinal went on to speak with Duterte who he said is “very simple and humble man.”

“He (President Duterte) was very relaxed when I visited him. In fact, he was just wearing slippers inside Malacañang. I tell you, he’s very, very much simple; a humble man. He’s easy to talk with, and you won’t be afraid to approach him,” Vidal said.

During their conversation, Vidal and Duterte exchanged jokes and spoke about their respective origins.

Had Duterte talked about his plans which the Catholic Church had opposed, Vidal said he would have said his piece to the President.

“But we didn’t talk of any of his policies because it was just a courtesy call. And he didn’t open any problem. Hindi`na ako nakialam. Gusto ko lang siya makita kasi nakagalit niya ang mga obispo eh. (I just want to see him because he had a spat with the bishops),” the cardinal said.

Although they met on some occasions in the past, Vidal said it was the first time he met and spoke with Duterte since the latter assumed the presidency last June 30.

Vidal said it would be better for the bishops not to exchange barbs with Duterte because it might not be good for the country and the Catholic Church.

“We need to have a good relationship with each other. That’s precisely the reason why CBCP didn’t make any statement after the plenary assembly,” the cardinal said.

Vidal said he assured Duterte of his and the Catholic Church’s prayers during his six-year tenure.

“The President told me that he needs our prayers very much because it’s definitely not easy to be President of this country because there are many work to do and problems to address,” he said.

“Sabi ko huwag po kayong mag-alala at kayo ay ipinagdadasal namin. (I told him not to worry for we are all praying for him),” he added.

Vidal said he strongly supports Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs which have been a menace to society.

“Families are broken and the future of young people are destroyed because of illegal drugs. This has to stop,” the cardinal said. - Inquirer

SC acquits Gloria Arroyo of plunder, sets her free

Voting 11-4, the Supreme Court rules in favor of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and sets the motion for her release

After nearly 4 years of hospital arrest, former Philippine president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will soon be free.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday, July 19, acquitted Mrs Arroyo of plunder as it granted her plea to drop the case against her. This sets in motion herrelease from the Veterans Memorial Medical Center, where she has been detained since October 2012. (READ: Timeline: Gloria Arroyo – from plunder to acquittal)

Rappler sources said the vote was 11-4 in favor of Arroyo's petition to junk a Sandiganbayan ruling that gave the go-signal for her plunder trial in connection with charges that she misused funds of the state-run Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

The justices who dissented or voted against Arroyo are Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, and Justices Marvic Leonen and Benjamin Caguioa. Of the 4, only Carpio is an appointee of Mrs Arroyo; the rest were appointed by former president Benigno Aquino III.

The 11 justices who ruled in favor of the former president are:

• Justice Presbitero Velasco Jr
• Justice Teresita de Castro
• Justice Arturo Brion
• Justice Diosdado Peralta
• Justice Lucas Bersamin
• Justice Mariano del Castillo
• Justice Jose Perez
• Justice Jose Mendoza
• Justice Bienvenido Reyes
• Justice Estela Perlas-Bernabe
• Justice Francis Jardeleza

Of the 11, eight are Arroyo appointees and 3 were appointed by Aquino: Bernabe, Reyes and Jardeleza.

'Final bastion of justice'

One of Arroyo's lawyers, Raul Lambino, was with her Tuesday at the Veterans hospital.

He told radio station dzMM: "Kasama ko nga po si Pangulong Arroyo rito at lubos po yung ating kagalakan ngayon dito sa naging botohan o info na dumating sa amin. Naiyak po siya siyempre lahat ng mga kasama namin rito sa magandang balitang dumating sa atin." (I am with President Arroyo, and we're grateful for the decision or the information that reached us. We are all in tears.)

"Para sa akin, malaya na ang dating Pangulo," he added. (As far as I am concerned, our president is free.)

Lambino said the Philippine National Police would process Arroyo's release after the SC releases its verdict.

Arroyo’s other lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, said in a statement: "The Supreme Court has once again proven itself to be the final bastion of justice and the rule of law. Its ruling today has validated what we have been saying for six years now: that the charges against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo are nothing more than disingenuous attempts at political persecution by a corrupt and inept Aquino administration intent on covering up its gross lack of accomplishments by harassing its political opponents."

The Court found the evidence against her weak, the same sources said. Prior to this, the Supreme Court already stopped her trial at the Sandiganbayan.

The 69-year-old Arroyo, who is currently Pampanga representative, is the second Philippine president to be detained for plunder.

In April 2001, ousted president Joseph Estrada was jailed for plunder over charges of unexplained wealth. The Sandiganbayan convicted and sentenced him to life in jail in September 2007. But only 6 weeks after, in October 2007, his successor Arroyo pardoned him.

Landmark ruling

Tuesday’s landmark ruling on Mrs Arroyo came barely a month after Aquino stepped down from office and less than a week before President Rodrigo Duterte, who favors her release, delivers his first State of the Nation Address (SONA.)

It was Aquino who jailed Arroyo and subsequently led the impeachment charge against her appointed chief justice, the late Renato Corona.

Through veteran lawyer Estelito Mendoza, Arroyo had petitioned the Supreme Court to approve her "demurrer to evidence," a plea to dismiss a case on the basis of weak evidence. She went to the High Tribunal for relief after the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan dismissed the demurrer. 

Arroyo filed the "demurrer to evidence" in 2014 before the Sandiganbayan. The anti-graft court dismissed this in April 2015, paving the way for her trial for plunder over the alleged misuse of PCSO funds.

Arroyo then challenged the Sandiganbayan ruling before the Supreme Court in a 100-page petition filed by Mendoza - Read more on Rappler