News Roundup 06 November 2023
Nov 06, 2023 • 4 min Read
Lawmaker exits PDP-Laban to name Rodrigo Duterte as ‘threat’ to House | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — First they called it “some words.” Then it became “bad news.” Finally, they said the specific word used against them was “rotten.”
Ranking House lawmakers on Monday hesitated to spell out the incendiary remarks that last month “challenged the integrity” of the lower chamber and to name its source — former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Upon the prompt of another colleague, Senior Deputy Speaker Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales eventually identified Duterte as the person who described the House as a “rotten” institution on live television — but not without tendering his resignation from Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) on the spot.
Duterte is the chairperson of PDP-Laban.
“The one who uttered that word is our Chairman from PDP-Laban. Before I answer, I will resign now as member and officer of PDP Laban. It was former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” Gonzales said during the House’s first plenary session after returning from Congress’ five-week break.
This development came after Gonzales sponsored on the plenary floor House Resolution 1414, which calls on the House to “(uphold) the integrity and honor of the House of Representatives and (express) appreciation, solidarity and support” for House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Full Story at: Lawmaker exits PDP-Laban to name Rodrigo Duterte as ‘threat’ to House | Philstar.com
Marcos promise of P20/kilo rice ‘not possible’ for now – new DA chief | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s campaign promise to reduce the price of rice to P20 per kilogram is “not possible” for now, newly appointed Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Laurel Jr. said on Monday.
In a press conference, Laurel said that the P20 per kilogram target — which a DA career official previously said was unlikely to be met within the next two years is “an aspiration” but may not happen soon due to the “15-year-high” increase in the price of rice in the world market.
“Today, it’s not possible. but with the directive of the president to modernize, irrigate … we are getting ready to do our best to try to make rice affordable,” Laurel said.
“It might take a little time,” Laurel added.
The DA chief said that Marcos’ marching orders are to increase the local production of agricultural goods in all sectors, especially rice.
Full Story at: Marcos promise of P20/kilo rice ‘not possible’ for now – new DA chief | Philstar.com
Romualdez assures colleagues: House prepared for potential threats | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has assured his colleagues in the House of Representatives that he will stand up in favor of the public’s interests, and against anyone who threatens the institution just to get what he or she wants.
In a speech during the resumption of the 19th Congress’ 2nd regular session on Monday, Romualdez said that lawmakers must not allow people who would malign the chamber for their whim to dictate the direction of the House.
“But let it be said, never must we countenance or allow others not so likely-minded individuals who choose to malign or put down the image of this institution and dictate the direction we must go. I urge everyone to rally behind our true moral compass – the will of the Filipino people,” Romualdez said.
“Tatayo ako laban sa sinuman na mananakot sa atin para masunod lamang ang gusto nila. Titindig ako — tayong lahat— para sa kapakanan ng bayan,” he added.
According to Romualdez, the House may be composed of representatives with different mindsets and political principles, but it will always be united should it, or one of the members, be under attack.
Full Story at: Romualdez assures colleagues House will stand up vs threats (inquirer.net)
No loyalty check needed, says AFP chief | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — A loyalty check was not necessary among soldiers even after Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said there were supposed rumors of destabilization efforts against the government.
“It’s not needed at this time. The AFP chief’s reminder for the troops last Friday is constantly being done. It was just to remind us because it’s better to be always reminded to be reinforced to do the right thing,” AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said in a radio interview.
Brawner told the troops at a change of command ceremony in Zamboanga City on Friday to ignore calls to participate in “destabilization efforts” to overthrow the Marcos administration.
He walked back on his comments on Saturday, saying he was “taken out of context.” “I did not mention a destabilization plot. When you say plot, it’s like there is a plan that is ready for execution,” he told reporters.
Full Story at: No loyalty check needed, says AFP chief | Inquirer News
