Covering the week’s most noteworthy news stories in the Philippines for the Filipino-American and Global Filipino community.
Philippine government officials in the education, health and law enforcement sectors urged the public, especially the parents of young children, to keep an eye on their kids’ online activities after accounts of the disturbing Momo challenge made its rounds on social media. The Department of Education (DepEd) encouraged the parents to ensure “open communication lines”…
An independent student newspaper at Princeton University released an article entitled “Filipino governor, Senate candidate falsely claims to have graduated from U,” in response to claims that Philippine Senate candidate Imee Marcos received a degree from the institution. According to the article, published on Tuesday, February 26, Marcos is “a Filipino governor that has stirred…
The Philippine National Police on Thursday, February 28 offered to protect priests who are facing death threats. Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David earlier confirmed that he had been receiving death threats from unknown people since early February. David, who is one of the targets of President Rodrigo Duterte’s speeches in the past, said he began…
A bill prohibiting parents from using corporal punishment to discipline their children has been vetoed by President Rodrigo Duterte. Malacañang on Thursday, February 28 released documents that showed the president vetoing the measure last February 23. The measure seeks to promote “positive and non-violent discipline” and protect children from punishments that range from physical to…
The latest Social Weather Station (SWS) survey revealed that most Filipinos believed that some police officers are involved in the illegal drug trade, extrajudicial killings (EJKs), and are often planting evidence against drug suspects. Illegal drug trade The survey which was released on Wednesday, February 27, asked: “Here are some accusations against policemen. In your…
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to shut down PLDT Inc. if it does not expand the citizens’ complaint hotline by at least one more trunk line for frontline government services. Speaking at a PDP-Laban campaign rally in Cebu City on Sunday, February 24, Duterte urged everyone to report any act of corruption seen committed by…
STATEMENT ON WASHINGTON POST’S ARTICLE 25 February 2019 We take strong exception to the article entitled, “This is Manila” that appeared on the front page of the Washington Post on 25 February 2019. It is disappointing how this article hides behind the guise of journalism to advance an agenda that seeks to discredit the Philippines…
A HUMAN rights lawyers group urged the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) on Tuesday, February 26, to dismiss the cyber libel complaint against Rappler CEO Maria Ressa and co-accused, former Rappler researcher Reynaldo Santos. The Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG), along with former Supreme Court (SC) spokesperson Theodore Te, filed a motion to quash the…
A COPY of a resolution suggesting Senator Antonio Trillanes IV be charged for inciting to sedition was made public on Tuesday, February 26. The resolution, dated Jan. 29, 2019, was released by Assistant City Prosecutor Reynaldo Ticyado. Labor Undersecretary Jing Paras and Presidential Anti-Corruption Commissioner Manuelito Luna filed sedition raps against Trillanes for his “incendiary…
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte admitted on Monday, February 25, that all political decisions in the country are orchestrated by his daughter — Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. “Even in politics. She is [the] one orchestrating, not me anymore. She practically ignores me,” Duterte said in his speech at the first national assembly of the Liga…
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Saturday, February 23, during a Partido Demokratikong Pilipino (PDP-Laban) event that he has kept all his campaign promises except fixing the traffic in the Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA). “Wala akong pangako na hindi ko natupad except ‘yang EDSA (There is no promise I haven’t fulfilled except for the…
Political analyst say nothing much has changed, FVR skips leap As the entire nation commemorated the 33rd anniversary of the 1986 People Power Revolution on Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) on Monday, February 25, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte urged the public to uphold democracy in high regard. “Let us never forget the sacrifice of those…
Instead of launching into another series of tirades against Catholic Church officials and the religion itself, President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday, February 24 issued a warning to anyone who would harm priests and bishops. The warning came after Duterte was informed about rumors that some individuals claiming to be working for his family have been…
Immigration laws will be fully enforced against illegal foreign workers in the Philippines, Malacañang announced on Monday, February 25. This was issued after President Rodrigo Duterte drew flak for saying he cannot deport Chinese workers in the Philippines because there are illegal Filipino workers who also benefit from China. In a statement, presidential spokesman Salvador…
President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday, February 24, said that now is the most dangerous time to be involved in illegal drugs. People who profit off of narcotics should find another income source or they will lose their lives quickly, the president added. “Don’t ever enter into that. Those who haven’t tried it yet, don’t… You’ll…
Lee Kum Kee Announces Filipina Celebrity Karla Estrada as its New Ambassador Manila, 26 February 2019 – With a glorious history of over 130 years, Lee Kum Kee has become an international household name and a symbol of quality and trust, spicing up Filipinos’ kitchens with its celebrated sauces and condiments. Today, Lee Kum Kee…
Malacañang on Thursday, February 21 said Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray should be educated on what the bill seeking to lower the age of criminal responsibility entails. This response comes after Gray, who is in the Philippines for her official homecoming, spoke up about her concerns over the bill that seeks to change the age…
President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, February 20, signed into law the Universal Health Care (UHC) Bill, which seeks to give all Filipinos health care coverage and benefits. In his speech during a special ceremony in Malacañang, Duterte acknowledged the importance of the Universal Health Care Law, a measure that intends to provide free and affordable…
President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, February 20, vowed that he will not allow anyone to destroy the Philippines with illegal drugs. “I will not allow my country to be destroyed by drugs. I will not allow my country to end up a failed state because of drugs,” he said in a speech in Malacañang. Duterte…
The United States-Philippine Society (USPS) has urged American business ventures to invest in the infrastructure sector of the Philippines because of the “strong human infrastructure” that the country can offer. USPS President John Maisto said that despite the Philippines being an economically developing nation, it boasts of having a firm human infrastructure that constitutes sectors…
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, February 20, once again lashed out on the Catholic clergy amid the Vatican sex abuse summit which started last Thursday, February 21, to Sunday, February 24. “Was I wrong all along? I told you so,” Duterte gloated as he proved that he was right when he criticized the clergy…
Malacañang on Friday, February 22, stood firm on its “no ransom policy” despite the hostage-taking of three foreign nationals by the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Mindanao. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that issuing ransom to the terrorist group would do more harm than good as it would finance their acquisition of guns, bombs…
Social news network Rappler and its management on Wednesday, February 20, wrote to both Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar asking them to lift the cover ban imposed by President Rodrigo Duterte the year before. “We ask you to lift [the ban] and allow Rappler full access to the media coverage…
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte announced on Tuesday, February 19, that he has signed a total of 20 laws including the Mobile Number Portability Act that would permit “qualified subscribers” to keep their mobile number should they decide to change their network provider. The newly signed law, otherwise known as the Republic Act 11202 or the…
Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on Monday, February 18, said key officials from the Presidential Communication Operations Office (PCOO) are in Europe for the Press Freedom Caravan. He said those officials will use their time there to clarify issues confronting the government such as involuntary disappearances and anti-communist terrorist groups, as well as tell the…
The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday, February 19, junked four petitions challenging the constitutionality of the martial law extension in Mindanao. The legality of the extension was upheld by the justices in session with a voting of 9-4. The petitions against the third extension were from opposition lawmakers led by Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, the…
THE Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday, February 19, said that the measles outbreak in the country could negatively affect the tourism and overseas labor sectors if not contained as soon as possible. Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo revealed that foreign countries may be forced to issue travel advisories against traveling to the Philippines if…
AS the presidential daughter and Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) chairwoman Sara Duterte-Carpio increased her public presence for her political party, the public buzzed anew with talks of her possibly succeeding her father President Rodrigo Duterte. Four senators already expressed their support for the first daughter despite Duterte-Carpio’s statement that she will announce her decision to…
Dengvaxia’s certificates of product registration (CPRs) have been “permanently revoked,” the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Tuesday, February 19. This is due to the continued failure of the anti-dengue vaccine manufacturer, Sanofi Pasteur Inc., to submit post-approval commitment documents. According to FDA Director General Nela Charade Puno, Sanofi Pasteur has “shown complete disregard of…
Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said that first daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio might become the next leader of the country, following his father President Rodrigo Duterte’s footsteps. “I will not be surprised if she becomes president of this country after her father. There are many admirers of Inday Sara – admirers and supporters,”…
