RPPt House leader kay VP Sara: Maging maingat sa binibitawang pahayag

Ang pagpapahiwatig na may masamang mangyayari sa ikatlong State of the Nation Address (SONA) ng Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. sa Hulyo 22 ay isa umanong seryosong usapin na dapat imbestigahan.

Ito ang paalala ni Senior Deputy Speaker at Pampanga Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. kay Vice President Sara Duterte kaugnay ng naging pahayag nito na kanyang itinatalaga ang sarili bilang “designated survivor”.

 

“It’s a very bad joke. It leaves a bad taste in the mouth, especially coming from a very popular VP who garnered a resounding 32 million votes in the last presidential elections. It’s the highest vote for an elected official, in our history books,” ani Gonzales.  

 

“Matagal na tayong nagpe-prepare sa Big One, iyung earthquake lalo sa SONA na nandito sa Batasan ang matataas na mga lider ng bansa tapos ngayon may designated survivor pala na pang-Netflix si VP,” ayon pa sa mambabatas. 

“There’s no such thing as ‘Designated Survivor in the Philippines! Is she spending too much time watching Netflix? She better read our constitution. It’s as clear as sunlight,” saad pa ni Gonzales. “She should be more circumspect and responsible in her utterances, owing to her title and the high office that she represents.”

 

Sinabi ni Gonzales, na hindi kinakailangan ng mga Pilipino sa ganitong pagkakataon ang mga banta ng kaguluhan at pagpapasabog, tulad na rin ng napapanood sa Netflix series kung saan ang lahat ng mga opisyales ng Estados Unidos, kasama na ang Pangulo, ay nasawi sa taunang pagpapahayag ng kalagayan ng bansa. 

“This is unnecessary and uncalled for – to say the least. The VP is creating or wreaking havoc to the general public. She’s alarming the people. The SONA is a yearly official and formal event that needs respect, most especially from elected officials like her,” paliwanag pa ni Gonzales.

 

“Is she really serious?” tanong pa ng Gonzales.

Naalala rin ni Gonzales ang sinabi kamakailan ni VP Sara na tatakbo sa pagkasenador ang kaniyang ama na si dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte, at dalawang kapatid na sina Davao City Mayor Sebastian at Congressman Paolo.

Mayroon din umanong naging pahayag ang Bise Presidente na tatakbo ito sa pagka-alkalde ng Davao City sa susunod na eleksyon.

“I mean: which is which really? We don’t even know if we can still trust her now. Whatever happened to some decency or at least being forthright in public service? A career in government is not something anybody can play with. We’re dealing with people’s money and public resources,” ayon pa kay Gonzales. (END)

RPPt Acidre isusulong karapatan ng mga marino

Tiniyak ni House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs Chairman at TINGOG Rep. Jude Acidre ang patuloy na pagsulong ng karapatan at kapakanan ng mga Pilipinong manlalayag sa tulong ng lehislasyon bilang pagkilala na rin sa kanilang kontribusyon sa pag-unlad ng ekonomiya ng bansa.

Ito ang sinabi ni Acidre sa kaniyang talumpati sa pagbubukas ng Seafarers’ Hub nitong Lunes.

“This important occasion marks a significant milestone in recognizing and honoring the invaluable contributions of our seafarers to our nation and the world,” sabi ni Acidre “It is a testament to our collective commitment to support and uplift those who serve as the backbone of the global maritime industry.”

Ang binuksang Seafarer's Hub sa Kalaw Avenue  sa Maynila ay mayroong wifi, charging station, maayos na lounge area o pahingahan at pa-kape para sa mga marino.

Magbibigay rin ito ng mga serbisyo gaya ng  training programs, legal aid, healthcare, at mental health support. 

Sa pamamagitan ng pasilidad ay nabibigyang-diin ang pangako ng pamahalaan na mamuhunan para sa kinabukasan ng mga marino, mabigyan sila ng sapat na kasanayan at suporta upang mapahusay at mas gumaling pa sa kanilang propesyon.

Noong 2022, nakapag ambag ang mga marino ng higit $6 bilyon na remittance sa ekonomiya ng Pilipinas.

“These remittances are a lifeline to countless Filipino families, supporting not just their basic needs but also their dreams and aspirations. The hard work of our seafarers translates into better education, healthcare, and opportunities for their families, fostering a cycle of development and progress that benefits our entire nation,” saad ni Acidre.

Binigyang-diin din niya ang mahalagaang papel ng mga seafarer sa posisyon ng Pilipinas bilang may pinakamalaking pakikibahagi sa industriya ng shipping sa buong mundo.

Bilang isa sa pinakamalaking supplier ng maritime labor, ipinagmamalaki ng Pilipinas ang tradisyon ng pagmamarino kung saan kilala at mas pinipili ang mga Pilipinong marino dahil sa kanilang dedikasyon, kakayanan at propesyonalismo.

“Their expertise and reliability enhance the competitiveness of our maritime sector, attracting more business and investment. This, in turn, creates more jobs and stimulates economic growth, underscoring the broader impact of our seafarers on the national economy,” sabi pa ni Acidre.

Ibinahagi rin nito ang binuong Magna Carta of Seafarers ng Kongreso na isang makasaysayang lehislasyon na layong pagbutihin at protektahan ang karapatan ng mga seafarer.

“This Magna Carta will enshrine into law the protection of seafarers’ rights, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and access to medical care. It will provide a legal framework that upholds the dignity and respect our seafarers rightfully deserve,” sabi niya.

“The Magna Carta of Seafarers is more than just a piece of legislation; it is a commitment to uphold the highest standards of justice and fairness for those who serve at sea. It will address critical issues such as labor rights, safety standards, and healthcare provisions. It will also include measures to combat exploitation and abuse, ensuring that our seafarers are protected from unfair practices and conditions,” dagdag pa ni Acidre.

Susuportahan ng Magna Carta ang nagpapatuloy na professional development ng mga marino para paghusayin pa ang kanilang kakayanan at  para sa career advancement.

Magtatatag din ito ng training program para matulungang ang mga seafarer sa kinakailangan nilang kaalaman ukol sa nagbabagong maritime industry at titiyak sa isang matatag na sektor sa pamamagitan ng edukasyon at mga pagsasanay.

Kasamang nanguna sa pagpapasinaya sina Overseas Workers Welfare Association Administrator Arnell Ignacio, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega, Rep. Marissa Magsino, Rep. Ron Salo, SSS President Rolando Macasaet, at Integrated Bar of the Philippines Head Atty. Antonio Pido.

“As we inaugurate the Seafarers’ Hub today, let us reaffirm our commitment to the welfare and development of our seafarers. They are the backbone of our maritime industry, and it is our duty to support them in every possible way.” 

“Let us continue to work together—government, private sector, and civil society—to create a brighter future for our seafarers and their families,” pagtatapos ni Acidre

Matatagpuan ang hub sa 1123 A. Mabini Street, Malate, Lungsod ng Maynila. (END)

RPPt ‘Designated survivor’ remark ni VP Sara ‘tasteless, reckless joke’— Young Guns

Kinondena ng Young Guns ng Kamara de Representantes ang pahayag ni Vice President Sara Duterte sa pagtatalaga sa kaniyang sarili bilang ‘designated survivor’, kasunod ng kanyang pagkumpirma na hindi ito dadalo sa nalalapit na State of the Nation Address (SONA) ni Pangulong Ferdinand ‘Bongbong” Marcos Jr. 

Dismayado sina Isabela Rep. Inno Dy V, 1-Rider Partylist Rep. Rodge Gutierrez, Davao Oriental Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario, La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V, Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Jil Bongalon, and Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun sa pahayag ng Pangalawang Pangulo na mistulang pagbabalewala umano sa kanyang posisyon at ang posibleng maging epekto ng kanyang mga sinabi.

Sinabi ni Dy na bilang mataas na opisyal ng gobyerno, ang mga pahayag ng Bise Presidente ay may malaking bigat at maaaring makaapekto sa pananaw ng publiko at sa pambansang katatagan ng bansa.

“The Vice President’s remarks about being the ‘designated survivor’ are both inappropriate and reckless,” ayon kay Dy, isang House Deputy Majority Leader. “Such rhetoric hints at scenarios that are alarming and baseless, sowing unnecessary fear among the public.”

Inihayag naman ni Gutierrez, na isang abogado, ang kanyang pagkadismaya sa ginawang pagbibiro ng Pangalawang Pangulo, na aniya’y ang ganitong pahayag ay hindi naangkop para sa kanyang posisyon at makakasira sa isang makasaysayan at pambansang pagdiriwang.

"While obviously intended as a joke, it is quite inappropriate. The SONA is a serious event where we address the nation's most pressing issues, and such comments taken out of context undermine its significance and fuel speculation," ayon kay Gutierrez.

Sinabi naman ni Almario, ang vice chairman ng House Committee on Mindanao Affairs, na mapanganib ang sinabi ng Bise Presidente, at binigyan-diin ang kahalagahan ng pagpili ng mga naakmang salita, lalo’t higit sa mga lider na katulad niya sa pagbibigay ng pahayag.

“Her comments are unnecessary. As the Vice President, it is assumed that every statement she makes carries significant weight and results from careful consideration. When she makes such remarks, it prompts us to ask: What message is she trying to convey? Is she attempting to influence public opinion, divert attention from critical issues, or create controversy? As a high-ranking official, her words should foster unity and provide clear, constructive direction for the nation,” ayon kay Almario. 

Tinukoy naman ni Assistant Majority Leader Rep. Ortega, ang negatibong epekto ng naging pahayag ng Pangalawang Pangulo at binigyang-diin na ang mga ganitong uri ng pahayag ay maaaring makasira sa tiwala at pagkakaisa ng mamamayan.

“The Vice President’s absence from the SONA, framed in such a dramatic and fear-inducing manner, does a disservice to the spirit of public service and solidarity. It’s imperative that our leaders demonstrate resolve and composure, especially during national events,” ayon kay Ortega.

Sa panig naman ni Adiong, chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on Marawi Rehabilitation and Victims Compensation, sinabi nito na ang mga lider ay dapat maging maingat sa kanilang mga salita at kilos, lalo na kapag tinatalakay ang mga mahahalagang isyu na nakakaapekto sa kaligtasan at katatagan ng bansa.

“Jokes about national security and succession are no laughing matter. The Vice President should be setting an example of leadership and responsibility, not creating unnecessary panic,” dagdag pa ni Adiong.

Hinikayat naman ni Bongalon, na isa ring abogado, ang mga pinuno ng bansa na pagtuunan ang sama-samang pag-unlad ng bansa sa halip na gumawa ng eksena.

“Our focus should be on the collective efforts to move the country forward, not on distracting theatrics. The Filipino people deserve better from their leaders,” paliwanag ni Bongalon.

Binigyan-diin naman ni Khonghun, chairman of the House Committee on Bases Conversion, ang kahalagahan ng pagkakaisa sa SONA. Aniya, ang taunang pagtitipon na ito ay mahalagang pagkakataon para sa lahat ng sangay ng pamahalaan na magsama-sama.

“The SONA is a pivotal event where we discuss the nation’s future. It’s not the time for jokes or to shirk our duties. We need to be there, united, to address the pressing issues our country faces,” ayon pa kay Khonghun. (END)

RPPt Speaker Romualdez: VP Sara prerogative na hindi dumalo sa SONA pero…..

Hindi umano sapilitan ang pagdalo sa State of the Nation Address (SONA) at prerogative ni Vice President Sara Duterte kung pupunta o hind, ayon kay Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.

Pero ipinaalala ni Romualdez na ang SONA ay hindi isang simpleng event kundi isang mahalagang sandali upang magka-isa at magtulungan ang mga lider ng bansa para isulong ang bansa.

“Every public official has the prerogative to decide on their attendance at significant events. However, the State of the Nation Address (SONA) is a crucial moment for unity and collaboration among our nation’s leaders,” sabi ni Speaker Romualdez.

“It is a time to reflect on our progress, address challenges, and outline our vision for the future,” dagdag pa ng lider ng Kamara de Representantes na mayroong mahigit 300 kinatawan.

Sa isang panayam, sinabi ni VP Duterte na hindi ito dadalo sa SONA at itinalaga ang kanyang sarili bilang designated survivor o ang itinalagang opisyal na mamuno sa bansa kung mamamatay ang mga opisyal na magtitipon sa SONA.

“Our constituents deserve to see their leaders united and focused on the collective good,” saad pa ni Speaker Romualdez.

Tiniyak naman ni Speaker Romualdez ang pakikipagtulungan ng Kamara sa iba’t ibang sangay ng gobyerno upang mapaganda ang estado ng buhay ng mga Pilipino.

“Despite the Vice President’s absence, the House of Representatives remains committed to working with all branches of government to ensure that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s SONA reflects our collective efforts to improve the lives of Filipinos. Unity and collaboration will continue to guide us forward,” wika nito. (END)

RPPt VP Sara binanatan ng solon sa ‘designated survivor’ joke

Hindi umano isang biro at dapat na seryosohin ang pagtiyak sa seguridad ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sa ikatlong State of the Nation Address (SONA) nito sa Hulyo 22.

Ginawa ni Manila Rep. Joel Chua matapos sabihin ni Vice President Sara Duterte na hindi ito dadalo sa SONA at itinalaga ang kanyang sarili bilang “designator survivor.”

“I appreciate Vice President Sara Duterte’s humor when she said, “I am appointing myself as the Designated Survivor” when she said she is not attending the joint session of Congress for the third SONA of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.,” ani Chua.

“However, given current political tensions, such a joke is not in good taste because the security of the President of the Philippines is not a joking or laughing matter. Great care is taken to ensure the security of the President, especially during the SONA,” giit ng mambabatas.

Sinabi ni Chua na wala namang kapangyarihan si Duterte upang italaga ang kanyang sarili bilang designated survivor dahil sa ilalim ng 1987 Constitution ang Bise Presidente ang kasunod ng Pangulo sa line of succession.

“To be specific, the two paragraphs of Section 8 of Article VII of the Constitution provides for the succession to the President and to the Acting President. The second paragraph gives Congress the mandate to produce an enabling law for the Acting President situation,” paliwanag ni Chua.

Sinabi ni Chua na inihahanda rin nito ang isang Designated Survivor bill. (END)

RRBt TOP COMELEC OFFICIAL KUMABIG NG P120-M SA MIRU SYSTEMS CO. LTD.

Ibinunyag ni SAGIP Party-List Rep. Rodante Marcoleta na isang mataas na opisyal ng Commission on Elections (Comelec) ang nagbukas ng offshore bank accounts kung saan base sa nakalap niyang mga mapagkakatiwalaang ebidensiya at dokumento ay pumasok umano dito ang kabuuang P120 million, na sinasabi ring mula sa kontrobersyal na South 

Korean firm na Miru Systems Co. Ltd.

Kaya namang tahasang sinabi ng beteranong mambabatas na ang naturang panibagong isyu ng katwalian na ito, kasama ang iba pang iregularidad sa tinaguriang P18-B Comelec-Miry deal ay sapat na para kanselahin ang huli.

“The flurry of irregularities surrounding the Comelec-Miru deal to collect and count votes in the 2025 midterm elections, are more than enough reasons to scrap the record P18-billion contract -- which the Supreme Court had ruled as void and non-existent -- for the country's automated polls,” tahasang sabi pa ni Marcoleta.

"Several offshore bank accounts were allegedly opened under the name of a Comelec official. These bank accounts were opened from the time the official assumed office up to as recent as the end of 2023," pagbubunyag naman ng ALAGAD party-list solon.

Paglalahad ng kongresista, nasa 14 newly opened bank accounts sa Cayman Islands sa Caribbean, gayundin sa China, Hong Kong, North America at Singapore, ang nadiskubre niyang nasa pangalan ng mataas na opisyal na poll body, na pansamantala niyang hiyang pinangalanan.

“This Comelec official, hold, in various denominations, money totaling $15.2 million or almost P1 billion. This official had a total of 49 offshore bank accounts across 18 global banks,” ani Marcoleta.

"To the Comelec official who owns these bank accounts -- you know who you are -- let me ask these questions directly: How many bank accounts does a person need, more so a government official? Mr. Comelec official, do you actually have billions that you need all these offshore accounts to move money around?" pagbubusisi naman niya.

Ayon kay Marcoleta, sa panahong kailangang pagpasyahan ng Comelec ang mga mahahalagang bagay patungkol sa bidding para sa automated election system para sa nakatang 2025 mid-term polls, ilang kadudang transaksyon, na kinapapalooban ng mga malalaking halaga ng pera nai-deposit sa sinasabing niyang opisyal.

"What makes these transactions questionable is that these alleged transactions, according to our sources, are actually deposits made to these accounts directly emanating from South Korean bank accounts, with the depositors being individuals affiliated with Miru," sabi pa ni Marcoleta.

"These transaction dates are not random. If we were to trace the timeline of these alleged deposits -- with an estimated value that roughly added up to at least $2.1 million or more than P120 million -- we could see that they actually coincide with pivotal events or declarations that has to do with the irregularities that have been happening in the past year or so regarding the procurement of the AES from Miru and its local partners," dagdag niya.

Tahasang sinabi ni Marcoleta na naniniwala siyang mayroong pananagutan sa mamamayan ang isiniwalat Comelec official at hinamon niya itong lumantad at sagutin ang mga alegasyong sa kanya.

“Mr. Comelec official, your integrity and the integrity of the very institution you serve is now in question, and it is a matter of national interest that we hear from you," mariing pahayag ng kongresista.

RPPt Speaker Romualdez: Gilas Pilipinas inspirasyon ng bawat Pilipino

Nagpahayag ng paghanga si Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez sa koponan ng Gilas Pilipinas, na sa kabila ng kanilang pagkabigo na makapasok sa Olympics matapos matalo sa World No. 12 Brazil, ay nagpamalas ng walang kapantay na determinasyon, kasanayan, at puso sa international stage ng basketball.

Sa mahigpit na labanan, kinapos ang Gilas Pilipinas na matalo ang Brazil sa score na 71-60, sa semifinal round ng FBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

“The journey of Gilas Pilipinas in this tournament has been nothing short of inspirational. Their victory against Latvia, a European team, was a historic moment for Philippine basketball and a testament to the team’s resilience and capability,” ani Speaker Romualdez.

“Although our bid for the Olympics ended, our players have proven their mettle by going toe-to-toe with world-class athletes and making every Filipino proud,” ayon pa sa pinuno ng Kamara.

Sinabi ni Speaker Romualdez na ang mga dikit na laban sa mga koponang tulad ng Georgia at Brazil, kung saan muntik nang manalo ang Gilas Pilipinas, ay nagpapakita ng kakayahan at malaking potensyal ng mga atletang Pilipino.

“These games have shown that with perseverance, strategic play and unity, we can hold our own against higher-ranked opponents. This experience will undoubtedly serve as a foundation for future successes,” ayon kay Speaker Romualdez.

Pinuri din niya ang mga manlalaro ng Gilas Pilipinas, si Coach Tim Cone, at ang buong coaching staff para sa kanilang natatanging pamumuno at dedikasyon.

“Their guidance and strategies have been pivotal in the team's performance, bringing out the best in our players and instilling a sense of pride and confidence. The discipline and hard work that went into each game are truly commendable,” ayon pa sa lider ng Kamara.

“To the players of Gilas Pilipinas, your courage, sportsmanship and passion have inspired countless Filipinos. You have shown heart and determination. Your journey has sparked a renewed sense of hope and pride in our nation, and for that, we are eternally grateful,” ayon pa sa mambabatas.

Dagdag pa niya, nagpakita ng masigasig na pagsisikap ang koponang Gilas Pilipinas sa FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, na naging marka sa kabila ng mga hamon laban sa mga nangungunang koponan.

“Let us continue to support and celebrate our athletes, as they embody the spirit of Filipino resilience and excellence. The lessons learned and the experiences gained from this tournament will serve as stepping stones towards greater achievements in the future,” ayon pa kay Speaker Romualdez.

“Once again, congratulations to Gilas Pilipinas. Your efforts have united the nation and have shown that we can compete with the best in the world. Mabuhay ang Gilas Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!” ayon pa sa pinuno ng Kamara. (END)