News Roundup 23 February 2023
Feb 23, 2023 • 3 min Read
In commemoration of EDSA, February 24 declared a special non-working day | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has declared February 24 a special non-working holiday in commemoration of the EDSA People Power Revolution that ousted his father in 1986.
The country is celebrating the 37th anniversary of the revolution that ended decades-long rule of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., around nine years of which saw the Philippines under Martial Law.
People Power ended what activists and historians call “one of the darkest periods” in the country’s history on February 25, 1986. Commemorative activities are scheduled on Saturday, which is also a special non-working holiday.
In Proclamation No. 167, Marcos Jr. noted that a special non-working day will be declared on Friday “to enable our countrymen to avail of the benefits of a longer weekend pursuant to the principle of holiday economics… provided that the historical significance of EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary is maintained.”
Full Story at: In commemoration of EDSA, February 24 declared a special non-working day | Philstar.com
Amnesty International reiterates call for de Lima release | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — A day before the sixth anniversary of her detention on drug charges that she says were manufactured, Amnesty International has reiterated calls to free former Sen. Leila de Lima.
The organization pointed out that the the charges filed against the former lawmaker “have utterly collapsed” after witnesses retracted their respective statements. Some have claimed to have been coerced into testifying against De Lima, who was accused by the Duterte administration of involvement in the illegal drug trade at the New Bilibid Prison.
“The Marcos administration must ensure the immediate and unconditional release of de Lima and drop all charges against her. The authorities must also conduct a thorough, independent, transparent, and effective investigation into the attacks against her,” Amnesty International Southeast Asia researcher Rachel Choa-Howard said in a statement.
“Those responsible for violations of her rights since her arrest, including her arbitrary detention, must be brought to justice in fair trials.”
Full Story at: Amnesty International reiterates call for de Lima release | Philstar.com
Filipinos say Edsa revolt lives on; memories of it must endure – SWS | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — Do Filipinos still hold the spirit of the Edsa People Power Revolution in high regard?
The Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey on Thursday revealed most of them do.
However, they also voiced disappointment that few of the promises of the revolution had been fulfilled.
In its fourth quarter survey held from December 10-14, SWS found that 62 percent of respondents said the spirit of the revolution is still alive, and 57 percent also said it should be continuously commemorated.
Full Story at: Filipinos say Edsa revolt lives on; memories of it must endure – SWS | Inquirer News
Remains of 4 passengers of ill-fated Cessna plane found near Mayon crater | INQUIRER.NET – LEGAZPI CITY — Albay disaster officials confirmed Wednesday night (Feb. 22) that the four people onboard the Cessna plane which crashed near Mayon Volcano were already dead.
In a private message, Camalig Mayor Carlos Irwin Baldo Jr., incident commander, said the bodies were found by the search and rescue teams deployed to make the challenging climb to the crash site located 350 meters below the summit crater. He did not give other information.
Baldo said the bodies would be retrieved from the area on Thursday morning (Feb. 23).
“Hindi na po search and rescue, retrieval na po ang operation ngayon kasi napuntahan na po kahapon na yung mga sakay ng eroplano wala na pong buhay. Nandun yung apat na pasahero natin,” Baldo also said over Teleradyo.
(It’s no longer a search and rescue operation because we are retrieving the dead passengers we found yesterday. Our four passengers are there.)
Full Story at: Remains of 4 passengers of ill-fated Cessna plane found near Mayon crater | Inquirer News
