News Roundup 14 March 2022
Mar 14, 2022 • 5 min Read
Bulacan Gov. Fernando endorses Robredo for president | PHILSTAR.COM – Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando on Monday endorsed Vice President Leni Robredo for president but stressed that he is not imposing that choice on Bulakenyos. Speaking at a press briefing at the announcement of the endorsement, Robredo said Fernando’s endorsement in a province that has more than 2 million voters, will be a big help to her campaign and could encourage other local government executives to also voice support for her. Speaking in Malolos, Fernando said that he believes in the faithful, transparent and caring public service that Robredo has shown. “Nasa kanya ang puso, talino at katatagan na mai-aangat ang pamumuhay ng bawat Pilipino,” he also said. Speaking in Malolos, Fernando said that he believes in the faithful, transparent and caring public service that Robredo has shown. “Nasa kanya ang puso, talino at katatagan na mai-aangat ang pamumuhay ng bawat Pilipino,” he also said. (She will bring us to a progressive, peaceful and clear future) He said that while he is confident that development projects in the province are already in the government pipeline, those will need a president who can guide the Philippines to recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Robredo, speaking after the endorsement, said Fernando’s endorsement will be a huge help to her campaign considering the political terrain of the coming May elections. “Mahirap sa mga (It is difficult for) local officials to be public about their support,” she said as she thanked the Bulacan governor for his endorsement, saying he is among the first to publicly express support. “Ang laking impact noon para sa mga Bulakenyo at para sa kampanya namin,” she said, saying also that she hopes Fernando’s endorsement will help Bulakenyos in their own discernment on who to vote for. (This will have a huge impact on Bulakenyos and to our campaign)
Drilon tells Comelec commissioner Torrefranca-Neri to resign over bribery allegation | PHILSTAR.COM – Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said on Monday that Aimee Torrefranca-Neri, newly appointed as an elections commissioner, should resign amid a bribery allegation that he said can affect the agency’s integrity. Drilon is a member of the Commission on Appointments (CA), a congressional body that has the power to reject appointments. President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Torrefranca-Neri, who previously served as Social Welfare and Development undersecretary, to the Comelec last week. Drilon, in a statement on Monday, said that Torrefranca-Neri must “resign in order to save herself, the president and the poll body from embarrassment and unnecessary distraction that could affect the integrity of the 2022 presidential elections.” Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio has alleged that his client, drug convict Herbert Colanggo, gave Torrefranca-Neri P10 million to “fix his robbery case before the Supreme Court.” He said that Torrefranca-Neri only reportedly returned P7 million after Colanggo was convicted in 2018. Drilon said he is certain the CA will ask Topacio to substatiate his allegations. Torrefranca-Neri denied the accusations, saying that they are unsubstantiated and false, but added she is ready to face such allegations in the proper forum, according to Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez in an interview with ANC’s “Rundown.”
Oil price tsunami: Drowning the poor in tougher times | INQUIRER.NET – The relentless rise in oil prices has an “adverse” ripple effect, especially on basic commodities and services––the reason that the poor have always been the worst-hit. Anakpawis partylist, which represents peasants, workers, fishermen and the poor, said the “endless hikes” sank poor Filipinos who are still rising from the economic standstill brought by COVID-19 lockdowns. While the government said the effect of the rise in oil costs on the prices of basic commodities and services will be felt only after three months, looking back, a spike has always hit the poor worst. Last year, representatives from the progressive Makabayan bloc filed House Resolution No. 2310 to ask the government to address the grave effects of rising oil prices on basic commodities and services. This was when the costs of diesel, gasoline and kerosene rose by P1.5 per liter, P1.8 per liter and P1.3 per liter. This week, as a barrel of oil is now $139, the hike could be as high as these: Diesel: P11.75 to P11.95 per liter; Gasoline: P6.90 to P7.20 per liter; Kerosene: P9.70 to P9.80 per liter.
DFA summons Chinese envoy for PLA Navy’s ‘illegal intrusion, lingering presence in PH waters’ | Manila Bulletin – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has summoned Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian over the People’s Liberation Army- Navy’s (PLAN’s) reported “illegal incursion” in the Sulu Sea. This developed after a PLAN Electronic Reconnaissance Ship with bow number 792 entered Philippine waters without permission, reaching the waters of Palawan’s Cuyo Group of Islands and Apo Island in Mindoro from January 29 to February 1, 2022. In response to the incident, Acting Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro demanded that China respect Philippine territory and maritime jurisdiction. She added that China should comply with its obligations under international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and directs its vessels to desist from entering Philippine waters uninvited and without permission. According to the DFA, the Philippine Navy vessel BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) challenged PLAN 792, which alleged exercising innocent passage. However, Its movements did not follow a track that can be considered as continuous and expeditious, lingering in the Sulu Sea for three days. PLAN 792 also continued its activities in Philippine waters despite being repeatedly directed by the BRP Antonio Luna to leave Philippine waters immediately, the DFA added.
