News Roundup 12 November 2023
Nov 12, 2023 • 4 min Read
Jailed doc firm on his innocence in negligence case till the very end | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — As the medical community mourns the loss of one of the country’s top orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Benigno Agbayani Jr.’s sudden death last month was also deeply felt by his fellow inmates at Manila City Jail (MCJ), where he had been incarcerated for more than four months.
Fondly called “Doc Iggy,” the 58-year-old former chair of the orthopedic department of Manila Doctors Hospital (MDH) died of a massive heart attack on Oct. 5 while serving his one-year sentence for reckless imprudence in what he described in one of his journals as “one of the most congested city jails in the world.”
During his brief stay at Manila City Jail-Male Dormitory (MCJ-MD), Agbayani became a “morale booster” to thousands of detainees and prisoners and a “father, friend, and adviser” to his 250 “dorm mates” since he stepped into the compound, according to spokesperson Jail Officer 1 Elmar Jacobe.
‘Life in hell’
But what struck both inmates and jail officers most was that the doctor wanted to alleviate prison conditions and vowed to advocate jail reforms once released, Jacobe said.
Full Story at: Jailed doc firm on his innocence in negligence case till the very end | Inquirer News
Revision in Maharlika Investment Fund’s IRR alarms Rep. Castro | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro on Sunday expressed alarm over the revised implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF).
According to Castro, the revised MIF IRR lessens the specific responsibilities of the audit and risk management committees and decreases the educational and professional experience requirements for top positions within the fund company.
The revisions grant the board of directors more power and independence; however, the lawmaker said that they also “give rise to concerns regarding accountability and transparency.”
“The removal of crucial safeguards and qualifications in the revised IRR raises doubts about the potential for political interference and the absence of checks and balances,” Castro said.
“The President’s increased authority to select the board of directors further raises questions about the independence and integrity of the fund and poses a danger to people’s funds,” she added.
Full Story at: Revision in Maharlika Investment Fund’s IRR alarms Rep. Castro (inquirer.net)
PCG reports biggest swarm of Chinese vessels near Ayungin Shoal | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard on Saturday said it detected the largest number of Chinese ships to swarm the vicinity of Ayungin shoal — 38 in total — during its latest resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre.
Of the 38 ships, most or 28 were Chinese militia vessels, while there were five China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels and five People’s Liberation Army vessels, PCG Spokesperson Jay Tarriela said during a media briefing.
“I think it is fair to say that this is the highest number because there were 38 documented,” Tarriela said.
On November 10, Chinese vessels fired a water cannon anew at a Philippine supply vessel boat carrying provisions for troops stationed at BRP Sierra Madre in an “illegal though unsuccessful attempt to force (it) to alter course,” the National Task Force-West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) said in a statement.
Supply vessels Unaizah Mae 1 and M/L Kalayaan were also subjected to “extremely reckless and dangerous harassment at close proximity” by CCG rigid-hulled inflatable boats on their way to BRP Sierra Madre — actions that Chinese boats have done before.
Both vessel boats were able to complete their resupply missions.
Full Story at: PCG reports biggest swarm of Chinese vessels near Ayungin Shoal | Philstar.com
DepEd, PNP probing death of 2 Taguig high school students | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education and the Philippine National Police have launched a probe into the death of two high school students whose bodies were found inside their school on Friday.
The DepEd schools division office in Taguig City is already coordinating with the Scene of the Crime Operation (SOCO) to probe the deaths of two Signal Village National High School students, who were found lifeless almost Friday midnight, DepEd Spokesperson Michael Poa said.
“The DepEd fully commits to cooperate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Taguig regarding this matter, and is committed towards the swift and expeditious conduct of the ongoing investigation,” DepEd said in a statement.
Initial findings by Taguig City police and SOCO “indicate no foul play” in the deaths of the two female students, according to a statement by PNP Taguig on Saturday.
Both DepEd and the Taguig City government have expressed grief over the incident and called on the public to respect the privacy of the students’ families.
Full Story at: DepEd, PNP probing death of 2 Taguig high school students | Philstar.com
