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Cardinal Tagle tells Manila inmates not to lose hope

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Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle on Holy Wednesday reminded Manila City Jail (MCJ) detainees to never give up on hope. <br /><br />
"Let’s not lose hope. All of us, including me, commit mistakes. We are all capable of betrayal but let’s not forget that we’re also capable of loving,"  he said in his homily as quoted by CBCP News. <br /><br />
"We sinned like Judas and Peter but let’s not forget that we can still be like Jesus, who--even if we’re not worthy-- took care of us as his friends," he added. <br /><br />
Before celebrating the Mass, Tagle along with Papal Nuncio Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto led the opening of the “Holy Door” of the MCJ  Chapel.<br /><br />
"In entering the door of mercy, enter into the heart of Jesus and there you will experience how God loved us and offered His life. We still have hope," he was also quoted.<br /><br />
The inmates were also encouraged to pray for their families and loved ones so that they too can experience hope and God’s mercy.<br /><br />
"And to all of you here, open your hearts to other people. You are like one family here. Spread God’s love to each other (through service)," he said.<br /><br />
After the Mass, the inmates sang the "Prayer to St. Francis", leaving Tagle teary-eyed.<br /><br />
The prayers goes: "Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy."

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<p>Source: <a href='http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/560232/news/metro/cardinal-tagle-tells-manila-inmates-not-to-lose-hope'>gmanetwork</a></p>

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Cardinal Tagle tells Manila inmates not to lose hope

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle on Holy Wednesday reminded Manila City Jail (MCJ) detainees to never give up on hope. ...

Duterte is 'Most Googled Person' in PHL — Time

Unknown 0 5:13:00 PM

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President Rodrigo Duterte was the Philippines' "Most Googled Person in Each Country in 2016," according to Time magazine.<br /><br />
The publication stated that Duterte is known for "waging a deadly war on drugs."<br /><br />
Based on data provided by search engine Google, Time magazine posted the people were most curious about in over 160 countries.<br /><br />
In Peru it was Julio Guzman, who ran for president but was disqualified. In Brazil, it was its former president Lula da Silva, who was indicted for alleged corruption and money laundering. Another Olympic medalist, Mariana Pajon, was popular in Colombia.<br /><br />
In Singapore, people were most curious about swim champ, Olympic Gold medalist Joseph Schooling. <br /><br />
Among celebrities, Leonardo DiCarpio was googled by most people in Morocco, model Gigi Hadid in Montenegro, and actress Angelina Jolie in Tunisia.<br /><br />
However, the individual that caught the attention for most of the people around the world was US President-elect Donald Trump.<br /><br />
Trump was the top trending peson in 88 countries this year, "far more places than anyone else in the world," the magazine explained.

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<p>Source: <a href='http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/593444/lifestyle/duterte-is-most-googled-person-in-phl-time'>gmanetwork</a></p>

Duterte is 'Most Googled Person' in PHL — Time

President Rodrigo Duterte was the Philippines' "Most Googled Person in Each Country in 2016," according to Time magazine...

2017 budget with its debt audit provision laudable —senator

Unknown 0 5:07:00 PM

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A senator who strongly criticizes some of the present administration's policies cheered on Friday as "a historic first" the signing into law of the 2017 national budget. <br /><br />
In a statement, Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros said the passing of the 2017 budget with a special provision mandating Congress to conduct a comprehensive audit of the country's debt is laudable.<br /><br />
Hontiveros, who introduced the general provision, said that the process of a debt audit is an important policy tool to unburden the Filipino people from paying onerous and illegitimate debts and beef up funding for social service spending.<br /><br />
"This is truly a historic first. With this provision, we commit to diligently scrutinize the country’s debts if they are indeed in accordance with the principles on promoting responsible sovereign lending and borrowing by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and repudiate the illegitimate part of our overall debt," she said. <br /><br />
Meanwhile, Hontiveros, who is chair of the Senate committee on health, welcomed the P3 billion infused in the 2017 budget of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) covering all Filipinos. She called this the "great catalyst" to achieve universal health care in the Philippines.<br /><br />
On the other hand, House of Representatives appropriations committee chairman Karlo Nograles called the signing into law of the P3.35 trillion General Appropriations Act (GAA) for 2017 as signalling the “dawning of a new day” for the country.<br /><br />
In sa statement, he said, “Today, with the approval of the first full budget of the Duterte administration, we could expect to see a full bright new day ahead for all of us Filipinos.” <br /><br />
Upon signing the GAA for 2017,  President Rodrigo Duterte claimed that it is "pro-poor." <br /><br />
Among the budget's "pro-people" provisions are: the P58.72 billion for state universities and colleges and P18.7 billion for Commission on Higher Education (CHED); P454.7 billion for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH); P128.3 billion for Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); P96.3 billion and another P53.22 billion for the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth); P2 billion for the the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to make irrigation free for all farmers; among others.

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<p>Source: <a href='http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/593458/news/nation/2017-budget-with-its-debt-audit-provision-laudable-senator'>gmanetwork</a></p>

2017 budget with its debt audit provision laudable —senator

A senator who strongly criticizes some of the present administration's policies cheered on Friday as "a historic first" ...

Upset with US critics, Duterte says 3 of 5 Americans are idiots

Unknown 0 4:52:00 PM

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Apparently frustrated with how US officials regard his war on drugs in the country, President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday claimed that only two out of five Americans are in the right mind.<br /><br />
In a speech before a community drugwatch organization in Pampanga, Duterte recalled how US officials called out his drug war for alleged rights violations, leading to the deferment of the selection of the Philippines for development grants in 2017.<br /><br />
"May isa pa itong may bago. Ang problema kasi sa puti—itong Amerikanong ulol—every five Americans kasi, ang tatlo diyan idioto. Dalawa lang diyan ang tama ang utak," Duterte said, drawing laughter from his audience.<br /><br />
"Bakit mo ako imbestigahin for saying when I was the President, 'Stop drugs because if you are destroying my country, I will kill you.' And if you deprive us of our youth for the next generation'—iyong mga anak ninyo, saan tayo kukuha ng Pilipino na tatakbo ng bayan na ito kung puro gunggong na lahat?" he added.<br /><br />
Duterte then reiterated the depth of the drug problem in the Philippines, including the extent of the involvement of government officials as protectors of the illegal trade.<br /><br />
"Remember four million is four million. It’s no joke and they are spread all throughout the country," Duterte said.<br /><br />
"And we are already a narco-politics state. We did not realize it until I became the mayor that there were already congressmen, governors, mayors, barangay captains pati pulis by the thousands," he added.<br /><br />
"I’ll give you a visual para ma-picture ninyo kung ano tayo kahirap. At itong mga…tumahimik ‘yung mga Amerikano kayo," Duterte said as he pulled out a stack of documents supposedly indicating the state of the drug trade in the country.
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Apparently frustrated with how US officials regard his war on drugs in the country, President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday claimed that only two out of five Americans are in the right mind.
In a speech before a community drugwatch organization in Pampanga, Duterte recalled how US officials called out his drug war for alleged rights violations, leading to the deferment of the selection of the Philippines for development grants in 2017.
"May isa pa itong may bago. Ang problema kasi sa puti—itong Amerikanong ulol—every five Americans kasi, ang tatlo diyan idioto. Dalawa lang diyan ang tama ang utak," Duterte said, drawing laughter from his audience.
"Bakit mo ako imbestigahin for saying when I was the President, 'Stop drugs because if you are destroying my country, I will kill you.' And if you deprive us of our youth for the next generation'—iyong mga anak ninyo, saan tayo kukuha ng Pilipino na tatakbo ng bayan na ito kung puro gunggong na lahat?" he added.
Duterte then reiterated the depth of the drug problem in the Philippines, including the extent of the involvement of government officials as protectors of the illegal trade.
"Remember four million is four million. It’s no joke and they are spread all throughout the country," Duterte said.
"And we are already a narco-politics state. We did not realize it until I became the mayor that there were already congressmen, governors, mayors, barangay captains pati pulis by the thousands," he added.
"I’ll give you a visual para ma-picture ninyo kung ano tayo kahirap. At itong mga…tumahimik ‘yung mga Amerikano kayo," Duterte said as he pulled out a stack of documents supposedly indicating the state of the drug trade in the country.

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<p>Source: <a href='http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/593434/news/nation/upset-with-us-critics-duterte-says-3-of-5-americans-are-idiots'>gmanetwork</a></p>

Upset with US critics, Duterte says 3 of 5 Americans are idiots

Apparently frustrated with how US officials regard his war on drugs in the country, President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday claimed that...

Why is there ample room for hatred and revenge but too little for compassion and forgiveness?

Unknown 1 4:43:00 PM

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Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle stressed the importance of hospitality especially to the poor and needy this Christmas season.<br /><br />
In his Christmas message, Tagle said being hospitable is “second-nature” to Filipinos and that people should show this trait more than ever this holiday season.<br /><br />
“Hospitality enables us to expand our home so that no one could say there was no room for them. Christmas is a reminder of hospitality denied by people but reversed by the merciful hospitality offered by God,” Tagle said.<br /><br />
“I pray that our Christmas may make us more hospitable or welcoming to others, especially the poor and needy,” he added.<br /><br />
Tagle, in his message, also tackled several current social issues the country faces today that Filipinos should start thinking about.<br /><br />
These include reproductive health, education, social inequalities and human rights violations.<br /><br />
“As Filipinos and as members of the human family, we need to ask: Why is there room for a new television set or the latest gadget but not for another child in the family? Why is 'rugby' for sniffing available but not affordable nutritious food? Why are vices within reach of young people while education seems unattainable?” the archbishop said.<br /><br />
“Why are guns and other weapons more accessible than decent jobs? Why is there ample room for hatred and revenge but too little for compassion and forgiveness? Why is there no room for hope for those who have gone astray but much space for condemnation by the self-righteous? Why is there room for profit but little empathy for victims of human trafficking, unfair labor practices, abuse and violence and for wounded creation?” he added.<br /><br />
The Catholic Church has been very vocal about several issues this year, including the reinstatement of death penalty and the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

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<p>Source: <a href='http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/593461/news/nation/be-hospitable-this-christmas-tagle-says'>gmanetwork</a></p>

Why is there ample room for hatred and revenge but too little for compassion and forgiveness?

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle stressed the importance of hospitality especially to the poor and needy ...

Robredo finds Duterte's remark on killing 5 to 6 convicts daily 'alarming'

Unknown 0 5:27:00 PM

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Vice President Leni Robredo on Wednesday expressed concern over President Rodrigo Duterte's statement that five to six convicted criminals will be executed every day if Congress reimposes the death penalty.<br /><br />
In a statement, Robredo said such remark is bothersome, especially as a recent survey that showed that 78 percent, or eight out of 10 Filipinos, were worried that they or someone they know may become victims of extrajudicial killings.<br /><br />
 "Nakakabahala ang pahayag ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na plano niyang pumatay ng lima o anim na mga bilanggo kapag naibalik ang parusang kamatayan sa ating bansa. Lalo pang higit ngayong 78% ng mga Pilipino ang natatakot maging biktima ng extrajudicial killings," she said.<br /><br />
"Binigo natin ang sambayanan kung pati ang mga inosenteng tao ay natatakot at pinangangambahan ang kanilang kaligtasan," she added.<br /><br />
The Vice President also underscored the need to focus on other matters, notably the Filipinos' basic needs, instead of "promoting a culture of violence" among the people.<br /><br />
"Sa halip na isulong ng pamahalaan ang kultura ng kamatayan at karahasan, bakit hindi natin mas bigyang pansin ang pangunahing pangangailangan ng bawat Pilipino—trabaho, dekalidad na edukasyon, libreng gamot at pang-ospital, at iba pa," she said.<br /><br />
"Ang tunay na sagot sa pagsupil sa mga krimen ay ang maigting na pagpapatupad ng mga batas at ang pagtutulungan ng mamamayan at pamahalaan," she added.<br /><br />
Duterte issued the controversial remark in General Santos City on Saturday night, during the birthday celebration of Sen. Manny Pacquiao, a supporter of the proposed measure. <br /><br /> 
Before taking his oath as president, he said he would push Congress to revive the said punishment, with "hanging" as his preferred mode.<br /><br />
The first bill under his administration was for this move, filed by House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, an ally of the President.<br /><br />
The bill seeks the reimposition of capital punishment, via lethal injection, for those convicted of heinous crimes such as plunder, drug trafficking, and car theft.<br /><br />
Robredo's opposition to the reimposition of the death penalty is one of the "irreconcilable differences" she has with the President that eventually led to her recent resignation from his Cabinet.<br /><br />
Days after formally stepping down as Housing chief, she raised concerns over the House committee's "rushed" approval of a measure that seeks to revive the punishment for heinous crimes.<br /><br />
 She said the hasty move seemed to have been done without enough study nor consideration for the country's international commitment, only to accommodate the wishes of the President.

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<p>Source: <a href='http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/593285/news/nation/robredo-finds-duterte-s-remark-on-killing-5-to-6-convicts-daily-nbsp-alarming'>gmanetwork</a></p>

Robredo finds Duterte's remark on killing 5 to 6 convicts daily 'alarming'

Vice President Leni Robredo on Wednesday expressed concern over President Rodrigo Duterte's statement that five to six convicte...

Robredo finds Duterte's remark on killing 5 to 6 convicts daily 'alarming'

Unknown 0 4:48:00 PM

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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large;">
Vice President Leni Robredo on Wednesday expressed concern over President Rodrigo Duterte's statement that five to six convicted criminals will be executed every day if Congress reimposes the death penalty.<br /><br />
In a statement, Robredo said such remark is bothersome, especially as a recent survey that showed that 78 percent, or eight out of 10 Filipinos, were worried that they or someone they know may become victims of extrajudicial killings.<br /><br />
 "Nakakabahala ang pahayag ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na plano niyang pumatay ng lima o anim na mga bilanggo kapag naibalik ang parusang kamatayan sa ating bansa. Lalo pang higit ngayong 78% ng mga Pilipino ang natatakot maging biktima ng extrajudicial killings," she said.<br /><br />
"Binigo natin ang sambayanan kung pati ang mga inosenteng tao ay natatakot at pinangangambahan ang kanilang kaligtasan," she added.<br /><br />
The Vice President also underscored the need to focus on other matters, notably the Filipinos' basic needs, instead of "promoting a culture of violence" among the people.<br /><br />
"Sa halip na isulong ng pamahalaan ang kultura ng kamatayan at karahasan, bakit hindi natin mas bigyang pansin ang pangunahing pangangailangan ng bawat Pilipino—trabaho, dekalidad na edukasyon, libreng gamot at pang-ospital, at iba pa," she said.<br /><br />
"Ang tunay na sagot sa pagsupil sa mga krimen ay ang maigting na pagpapatupad ng mga batas at ang pagtutulungan ng mamamayan at pamahalaan," she added.<br /><br />
Duterte issued the controversial remark in General Santos City on Saturday night, during the birthday celebration of Sen. Manny Pacquiao, a supporter of the proposed measure. <br /><br /> 
Before taking his oath as president, he said he would push Congress to revive the said punishment, with "hanging" as his preferred mode.<br /><br />
The first bill under his administration was for this move, filed by House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, an ally of the President.<br /><br />
The bill seeks the reimposition of capital punishment, via lethal injection, for those convicted of heinous crimes such as plunder, drug trafficking, and car theft.<br /><br />
Robredo's opposition to the reimposition of the death penalty is one of the "irreconcilable differences" she has with the President that eventually led to her recent resignation from his Cabinet.<br /><br />
Days after formally stepping down as Housing chief, she raised concerns over the House committee's "rushed" approval of a measure that seeks to revive the punishment for heinous crimes.<br /><br />
 She said the hasty move seemed to have been done without enough study nor consideration for the country's international commitment, only to accommodate the wishes of the President.

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<p>Source: <a href='http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/593285/news/nation/robredo-finds-duterte-s-remark-on-killing-5-to-6-convicts-daily-nbsp-alarming'>gmanetwork</a></p>

Robredo finds Duterte's remark on killing 5 to 6 convicts daily 'alarming'

Vice President Leni Robredo on Wednesday expressed concern over President Rodrigo Duterte's statement that five to six convicted c...

Duterte’s ‘irresponsible’ words could lead to ‘war’ with int’l bodies —analyst

Unknown 0 4:37:00 PM

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A political analyst on Wednesday warned President Rodrigo Duterte to be careful with his words, as his “irresponsible” statements may lead the country into a “war” with international governing bodies.<br /><br />
“Kagaya nitong statement ng UN. Baka seryosohin 'yung mga sinasabi niya at gumawa ng mga policy regarding the Philippines at sa kanya. Baka mapapagiyera siya nang wala sa oras dahil lang sa irresponsible 'yan e, 'yang ganyang mga salita,” said Ramon Casiple, executive director of the Institute for Political and Electoral Reform, in a Balitanghali interview on Wednesday.<br /><br />
Casiple was commenting on the statement of UN High Commissioner on Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein regarding Duterte’s admission that he "personally" killed criminals when he was Davao City mayor.<br /><br />
On Tuesday, Zeid said Duterte committed murder in doing so.<br /><br />
“The killings committed by Mr. Duterte, by his own admission, at a time when he was a mayor, clearly constitute murder," Zeid said.<br /><br />
He also called on Philippine authorities to investigate on the matter.<br /><br />
"It should be unthinkable for any functioning judicial system not to launch investigative and judicial proceedings when someone has openly admitted being a killer,” Zeid said.<br /><br />
For Casiple, however, Zeid should not hastily judge the president if he wants to have an investigation.<br /><br />
“Mahirap agad i-judge ngayon e. Kung imbestigasyon ang panawagan mo, hindi ka dapat gumagamit ng mga termino na ‘murder’ at may paglabag na ng human rights. Marami kang ina-assume by saying that,” Casiple said.<br /><br />
“Tingin ko dapat hinay-hinay din ang UN diyan kasi it should be an arbiter at the last moment. Parang nagsasabi ka on a specific incident or mga specific na accusation. Hindi pa ganun kalala 'yung sitwasyon,” Casiple said.<br /><br />
Despite this, Casiple said Duterte should be more careful with his statements, as people may have been taking them seriously.<br /><br />
“Given that he is the President, he is the last court pagdating sa mga policy pronouncements. Ito ang nangyayari dito. Obligado tayong lahat including the media to desist from [saying na] pagkakaroon ng policy agad o statement basing on what he is saying, kasi binabago niya e,” Casiple.
He also advised the public, particularly members of the media, not to take Duterte’s statements seriously all the time, unless he issued a policy regarding that.<br /><br />
“Ang payo ko lang kasi diyan sa ating lahat, 'pag nagsalita na siya at wala siyang ginawang iba, don't take that seriously agad-agad. If he passed, instructing people or issuing EOs and other documents, e iba na 'yan. That's the time na seryosohin mo siya,” Casiple said.<br /><br />
“Ang problema dito, hindi ang mundo ang mag-a-adjust sa kanya. He has to adjust in becoming a President. Tumahimik siya kapag wala namang serious na policy statement,” he added.

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<p>Source: <a href='http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/593261/news/nation/duterte-s-irresponsible-words-could-lead-to-war-with-int-l-bodies-analyst'>gmanetwork</a></p>

Duterte’s ‘irresponsible’ words could lead to ‘war’ with int’l bodies —analyst

A political analyst on Wednesday warned President Rodrigo Duterte to be careful with his words, as his “irresponsible” statements may ...

Duterte maintains 'excellent' trust rating

Unknown 0 4:16:00 PM

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President Rodrigo Duterte still has the confidence of the people with more than five months after assuming office as he maintains an "excellent" trust rating based on the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) report. <br /><br />
Duterte got a net trusting of +72 but the figure is four points lower than a similar survey conducted in September this year wherein he got +76 rating.<br /><br />
The were about 1,500 adults from different parts of the country, who underwent a face-to-face interview for the Fourth Quarter 2016 Social Weather Survey conducted from Dec. 3 to 6.<br /><br />
The survey, which has a sampling error margins of ± 3 points for national figures, ± for "Balance Luzon" and ± 6 points each for Metro Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao, showed that 81 percent of adult Filipinos have "much trust" in Duterte, nine precent with "little trust" and 10 percent "undecided.<br /><br />
The President has a net trust rating of +72 (with percent "much trust" minus percent "little trust), which is classified as "excellent."<br /><br />
The latest survey result, which is posted on the website of Business World, showed a steady rating decline as his latest rating is lower than the September survey wherein he had +76 percent.<br /><br />
Before his inauguration last June 30, Duterte also had an "excellent" rating with +79 percent.<br /><br />
Based on the areas covered by the survey, SWS has attributed the drop in overall trust rating in Metro Manila, Mindanao and the Visayas.<br /><br />
His rating fell by one grade and 11 points in Metro Manila to a “very good” +65 in December from September’s “excellent” +76.<br /><br />
In the Visayas, his rating also fell by a grade and four points to a “very good”+69 in December from an “excellent” +73 in September.<br /><br />
In Mindanao, however, his rating stayed at “excellent” but this slipped seven points to +85 in December from September’s +92.<br /><br />
His rating in “Balance Luzon” remained at a “very good” +69.<br /><br />
An “excellent” rating was maintained in urban areas at +73 from +75 in September while in rural areas the score fell by six points to +71 from +77.<br /><br />
For the socioeconomic classes, Duterte's score was excellent in classes “D” and “E.”<br /><br />
But the "class D” respondents gave him a +78 rating, which is five points lower than September’s rating of +73. Respondents among class “E” gave the national leader one grade and five points higher to +72 from a “very good” +67 in September.<br /><br />
The net trust rating from the “ABC” respondents, meanwhile, dropped by one grade and 13 points to a “very good” +59 in December from September’s “excellent” +72.<br /><br />
Male respondents gave Duterte an “excellent” rating but the latest figure is lower by two points to +75 from +77.<br /><br />
The women respondents gave Duterte a lower rating by a grade and five points to “very good” +69 from an “excellent” +74 among women.<br /><br />
Based on educational attainment, college and high school graduates gave Duterte an "excellent" rating but the figures are down by six points each. The elementary and non-elementary graduates, still gave him a rating of “very good.”

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<p>Source: <a href='http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/593339/news/nation/duterte-maintains-excellent-trust-rating-but-scores-are-lower'>gmanetwork</a></p>

Duterte maintains 'excellent' trust rating

President Rodrigo Duterte still has the confidence of the people with more than five months after assuming office as he maintains an ...

Duterte committed murder, UN high commissioner says

Unknown 1 5:23:00 PM

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President Rodrigo Duterte committed murder when he — as he himself declared — killed suspected criminals while he was mayor of Davao City, the United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights said on Tuesday.<br /><br />
In a statement, High Commissioner Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein called on Philippine authorities to investigate Duterte over his admission that he "personally" killed when he was his city's local chief executive.<br /><br />
“The killings committed by Mr. Duterte, by his own admission, at a time when he was a mayor, clearly constitute murder," Zeid said.<br /><br />
"It should be unthinkable for any functioning judicial system not to launch investigative and judicial proceedings when someone has openly admitted being a killer,” he added.<br /><br />
Zeid said Duterte's acts while still mayor "directly contravene" the rights enshrined in Article III of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, and violate international law, including the right to life, freedom from violence and force, due process and fair trial, equal protection before the law, and innocence until proven guilty.<br /><br />
Zeid said Duterte may also have committed incitement to violence when he encouraged others to follow his example in killing suspected criminals.<br /><br />
On December 14, Duterte admitted that he led by example to the police and joined them in operations and personally patrolling the streets to "personally" kill criminals when he was still Davao mayor.<br /><br />
“In Davao I used to do it personally. Just to show to the guys that, if I can do it, why can’t you? And I go around in Davao with a motorcycle, with a big bike around and I would just patrol the streets and looking for trouble also," Duterte said.<br /><br />
"Talagang naghanap ako ng engkwentro para makapatay," he added during the Wallace Business Forum in Malacañang.<br /><br />
In a news conference after midnight on Saturday, Duterte said that he killed three kidnappers during a police operation.<br /><br />
In his state visit in Cambodia, Duterte also said he might have shot a criminal.<br /><br />
Alarming impunity<br /><br />
Zeid said the President’s repeated calls for the police, military and the general public to engage in a "war on drugs" has fostered an environment of "alarming impunity and violence."<br /><br />
Since assuming the presidency on June 30, reports suggested that a total of over 6,100 people have been killed either by police, or by vigilantes and mercenaries, apparently acting in response to the President’s war on drugs.<br /><br />
“Despite police investigating thousands of the deaths perpetrated by vigilantes, there is surprisingly little information on actual prosecutions,” Zeid said.<br /><br />
“Children as young as five years old have been the innocent victims of this appalling epidemic of extra-judicial killings," he added.<br /><br />
Zeid said Duterte's assurance to give immunity to police officers who would end up killing criminals in the line of duty were “a direct violation of all democratic safeguards that have been established to uphold justice and the rule of law.”<br /><br />
“Credible and independent investigations must be urgently re-opened into the killings in Davao, as well as into the shocking number of killings that have occurred across the country since Mr. Duterte became president,” said Zeid.<br /><br />
“The perpetrators must be brought to justice, sending a strong message that violence, killings and human rights violations will not be tolerated by the State and that no one is above the law," he added.<br /><br />
Supporting Callamard<br /><br />
Zeid also threw his full support to a statement by the UN Special Rapporteur on summary executions, Agnes Callamard, calling on the Philippine government to lift a series of preconditions it imposed on her planned visit to investigate the alleged extra-judicial killings of suspected drug dealers.<br /><br />
Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay had been quoted as saying that Duterte's invitation to Callamard was cancelled after the international body refused the conditions set by the Philippine government.<br /><br />
Yasay would later clarify that the invitation still stood but added that the government would be inclined to withdraw if the UN insisted on its own rules for the investigation.

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<p>Source: <a href='http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/593168/news/nation/duterte-committed-murder-un-high-commissioner-says'>gmanetwork</a></p>

Duterte committed murder, UN high commissioner says

President Rodrigo Duterte committed murder when he — as he himself declared — killed suspected criminals while he was mayor of Davao C...

China has offered $14-M arms package to PHL – Defense chief Lorenzana

Unknown 0 5:16:00 PM

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China has offered to provide $14 million worth of small arms and fast boats to the Philippines for free, aiding President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs and fighting terrorism, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Tuesday.<br /><br />
The offer was made by China's Ambassador Zhao Jianhua during a meeting with Duterte late on Monday night at the presidential palace, Lorenzana said, adding Beijing has also made available $500 million long-term soft loan for other equipment.<br /><br />
"China has given us a list of military equipment and we will go through it to find out what we really need," Lorenzana told reporters after giving out Christmas gifts to wounded soldiers at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center in Quezon City.<br /><br />
"Natuloy ang meeting namin kasama si Presidente, ako, saka yung Chinese ambassador. Tinatanong niya sa amin kung ano yung kailangan namin na pwede nilang ibigay,” Lorenza said.<br /><br />
"Ito ay bigay, worth 100 million yuan which is equivalent to P720 million. So meron silang listahan na nasa amin na, titingnan kung anong equipment na nandun na pwede. Kaunti lang naman siguro, it’s only about $14.4 million worth of grant." <br /><br />
"We might get some small arms, fast boats and night vision goggles because $14.4 million is not that much. We will finalize the deal before the end of the year and a technical working team will soon go there to look at the equipment," he added.<br /><br />
Lorenzana said they hope to get the Chinese armaments by the second quarter next year. "The Chinese ambassador last night told the President, I know your problem in drugs so we would like to help you," he added.<br /><br />
Soft loan<br /><br />
At the same time, Lorenzana said China is also offering soft loans initially worth $500 million for big ticket items but they will discuss first what these items will be.<br /><br />
"Initially sabi nila gusto nila tayong bigyan ng $500 million  worth of loan, long term soft loan…kung kailangan pa natin ng equipment pwede tayong umutang sa kanila, soft loan," he said.<br /><br />
Lorenzana said the Chinese government wanted to help the Philippines in its fight against terrorism and drugs.<br /><br />
Asked is the two officials discussed the development on the South China Sea, Lorenzana answered in the negative. They also did not discuss the unmanned underwater vehicle of the United States seized by Chinese authorities.<br /><br />
Ties with Beijing<br /><br />
Just six months ago, Manila and Beijing's relations were very frosty after the Philippines filed an arbitration case in The Hague, questioning China's extensive nine-dash line claims on the South China Sea.<br /><br />
But, Duterte, who came into power on July 1, reversed the country's foreign policy, distancing from Washington to pivot to Beijing and winning about $24 billion in trade and investment pledges after an October visit to China.<br /><br />
China's arms offer came after a US senator has said he would block the sale of 26,000 M4 rifles to the Philippine police due to human rights concern. Early this month, executives from China's arms maker, Norinco, also met with Duterte.<br /><br />
Washington, the former colonial master and security partner, has been providing second-hand weapon systems to the Manila for nearly two decades since the return of US forces for training and exercises.<br /><br />
From 2002, the United States has provided nearly $800 million worth of second-hand small arms, ships and helicopters, and radios, armour vests, night fighting equipment and coastal radars. Last year, Manila got its biggest military aid at $82 million.

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<p>Source: <a href='#'>#</a></p>

China has offered $14-M arms package to PHL – Defense chief Lorenzana

China has offered to provide $14 million worth of small arms and fast boats to the Philippines for free, aiding President Rodrigo Dute...

Pangilinan: Duterte’s remarks on sea dispute ruling ‘imperils national interest’

Unknown 0 5:11:00 PM

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President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent pronouncement that he would “set aside” the arbitral tribunal ruling on the South China Sea “imperils the national interest,” Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said Tuesday. <br /><br />

“To set side the Tribunal’s ruling does not redound to our interest as a nation. With due respect, such a pronouncement imperils the national interest in favor of China,” Pangilinan said. <br /><br />

Pangilinan pointed out that the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration recognized the Philippines’ territorial rights over some 531,000-square kilometers within the exclusive economic zone and the extended continental shelf under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). <br /><br />

“This area of 531,000 square kilometers of maritime space includes fisheries, oil, gas and mineral resources found within the area exclusive to us Filipinos,” he said.<br /><br />

Pivot towards China <br /><br />

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, for his part, said Duterte’s statement was part of his plan to pivot towards China. <br /><br />

“Pivoting towards China and cutting ties with the US and Western democracies were his plan all along. He was just looking for a pretext to use so that it would appear that he was only provoked to do it,” Trillanes said. <br /><br />

Senator Gringo Honasan said Duterte’s remarks should “serve our national interest” being the chief architect of the Philippines’ foreign policies. <br /><br />

“As log as it does not violate our Constitution, and serves our national interest, the President exercises certain prerogatives, judgment calls, and makes decisions based on timely, complete and accurate information from the entire government, the private and public sector, and all available sources, domestic and foreign,” Honasan said. <br /><br />

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, meanwhile, called on the President to clarify what he meant by setting aside the ruling, saying the tribunal’s decision boosts the legitimacy of the Philippines’ territorial claims. <br /><br />

“The ruling will protect our country, our people, and our future generations,” Gatchalian said.<br /><br />

Tribunal ruling<br /><br />

In July, the Philippines won the case it filed against China over its territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea. Manila refers to parts of the South China Sea as the West Philippine Sea.<br /><br />

Over the weekend, Duterte, however, said he would “set aside” the tribunal ruling. <br /><br />

But on Monday, Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay clarified that the Philippines was not setting aside the tribunal ruling.<br /><br />

Yasay, however, stressed that it was not yet time to bring the matter up with Beijing while both sides are in the process of mending their ties.<br /><br />

Hours later, Duterte said he was open to having a joint sea exploration with China in disputed maritime territories in the South China Sea.<br /><br />

The President, meanwhile, reiterated that he would eventually bring up with Beijing the ruling of the tribunal.
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<p>Source: <a href='http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/593086/news/nation/pangilinan-duterte-s-remarks-on-sea-dispute-ruling-imperils-national-interest'>gmanetwork</a></p>

Pangilinan: Duterte’s remarks on sea dispute ruling ‘imperils national interest’

President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent pronouncement that he would “set aside” the arbitral tribunal ruling on the South China Sea “imperi...

Poe: De Lima must explain why drugs ‘flourished’ during her term as secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ)

Unknown 0 5:06:00 PM

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Senator Leila de Lima must explain why the problem of illegal drugs “flourished” during her term as secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ), Senator Grace Poe said Tuesday.<br /><br />
“Sen. De Lima is the Justice secretary when this happened, I think it is just right that she accounts for this and answer the allegations against her,” Poe said in a television interview.<br /><br />
“A lot of these drug problems actually flourished; so at least for that particular issue, she has to be able to explain why that was so,” Poe added.<br /><br />
De Lima was tagged by President Rodrigo Duterte in the alleged illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison. A congressional investigation was launched on her alleged drug ties but she rejected the invitation to attend the probe, calling it Duterte’s “kangaroo court.”<br /><br />
De Lima was also implicated by alleged Eastern Visayas drug lord Kerwin Espinosa, and her former bodyguard-driver and lover, Ronnie Dayan.<br /><br />
Espinosa and Dayan had testified that De Lima received millions for her senatorial run in the last May elections.<br /><br />
De Lima is also the subject of an ethics complaint filed by several House leaders.<br /><br />
Poe, a member of the ethics committee, vowed to be fair in handling the complaint.<br /><br />
She said that while it would be difficult to impose penalties on a colleague, the Senate is “accountable” to the people.<br /><br />
The Senate ethics committee may decide to dismiss the complaint against De Lima, or impose a penalty of admonition, suspension or expulsion.

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<p>Source: <a href='http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/593119/news/nation/poe-de-lima-must-explain-why-drugs-flourished-during-doj-stint'>gmanetwork</a></p>

Poe: De Lima must explain why drugs ‘flourished’ during her term as secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ)

Senator Leila de Lima must explain why the problem of illegal drugs “flourished” during her term as secretary of the Department of Jus...

De Lima: ‘Horror’ as killing becomes Duterte admin’s solution to problems

Unknown 0 4:50:00 PM

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Senator Leila de Lima on Monday expressed worry how killing has supposedly become the “solution” to the Philippines' problems, citing the thousands of deaths amid the administration's ongoing war on drugs and President Rodrigo Duterte's push for a death penalty law.<br /><br />
Speaking at an annual conference on cultural diplomacy in Berlin, Germany, De Lima lamented how a “self-confessed serial killer” such as Duterte has “proven true of his blood-soaked promise” in the last five months.<br /><br />
“Apparently, our choice is be killed in the streets, or be killed by public execution,” De Lima said after citing statistics of number of deaths and the speedy approval of a House committee on the death penalty proposal.<br /><br />
“That is the true horror of it all: we are fast becoming a nation where killing is seen as the solution to our problems. Not a solution; not the first or the last resort; but the solution,” she said.<br /><br />
De Lima, former chair of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ), said the Duterte administration's war on drugs however has turned out to be a “war on the poor” as big-time drug lords have so far managed to evade justice.<br /><br />
“Maybe it isn’t a question of how many are dying, but who are dying? Perhaps the outrage will be greater if it were prominent people who are dying, instead of the poor whose lives, by society’s measure perhaps, is already forfeit anyway?” she said.<br /><br />
De Lima said the gaps in income, social status, education, beliefs, among other things are exploited by authoritarian rulers, who “excel at manipulation.”<br /><br />
“They have been able to prey on our fears and self-interests in order to divide and conquer us,” she said.<br /><br />
“They prey on our feelings of marginalization and victimization, and offer themselves up as the agents of change and champions of our cause,” De Lima added.<br /><br />
She said what was “most disturbing” is how Duterte shapes the identity of the Filipino people, which have so far given him a “very good” performance rating.<br /><br />
“The absence of a roaring rejection of the occurrence of daily deaths in our streets is in itself quite disturbing,” De Lima said.<br /><br />
De Lima is set to return to Manila Monday night.<br /><br />
She said she is determined to continue the fight against the “abuses of power.”

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<p>Source: <a href='http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/593004/news/nation/de-lima-horror-as-killing-becomes-duterte-admin-s-solution-to-problems'>gmanetwork</a></p>

De Lima: ‘Horror’ as killing becomes Duterte admin’s solution to problems

Senator Leila de Lima on Monday expressed worry how killing has supposedly become the “solution” to the Philippines' problems, cit...