WATCH: Coup attempt is yet to be verified - Lorenzana

"There's nothing to worry" this was reiterated by Delfin Lorenzana, Defense Secretary. This is in connection with the rumored brewing coup plot against the Duterte administration. This was also seconded by General Eduardo Año, Chief of Staff of AFP. He assures that destabilization plans are non - verified information yet.

                                 Photo by rappler

Moreover, GEN Año dismissed the allegations by Senator Trillanes about an alleged report about a famous politician who is recruiting graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class 2006 to launch a coup a coup plot against Duterte. Año said for now that remains as a raw information and needs further verification.

Senator Trillanes was prompted to ask because it has reached his camp that the politician mentioned in the report pertains to him. He vehemently denies the accusations.

Source: 1

De Lima's security aide as DOJ Sec was her collector of drug money from drug lords in NBP

On Tuesday convicted drug lord, Herbert Colangco insisted that Sen Leila de Lima’s secuirty aide was her bagman who was used to bring the drug money from the drug lords to the former Justice Secretary for her budget to be used for her senatorial bid.

This was done during the House probe on the proliferation of drugs inside the New Bilibid Prisons. Jonel Sanchez was named.

Accordingly, Jonel’s work is the security aide of De Lima and at the same time money collector of the former justice secretary.He also divulged that Sanchez said to collect more or less 30 – 50 kilos of shabu from big time chinese drug lords inside the NBP which will be used for the senatorial candidacy.

Colangco also added that Sanchez will ask for additional money despite of the large amount of money that he has been shelling out to De Lima, Sanchez’ boss.

He said that he learned of Sanchez’ identity through his talent manager who was dealing with the bagman personally. Furthermore, he added that Sanchez also talked with kidnap for ransom convict Jaybee Sebastian, who is known to be the biggest drug lord in NBP. The talks was about raising of funds for the De Lima senatorial bid.

AGUIRRE: AMLC's uncooperative manners slows down case building against De Lima

The Anti-Money Laundering Council was accused by Justice Sec Aguirre for not cooperating with the DOJ efforts in the case against Sen De Lima and her alleged drug cohorts in the New Bilibid Prison.

Aguirre said the request of looking in at the bank accounts of the alleged drug lords was denied, he added that he was frustrated with AMLC that he was hoping that the said request be granted and will give government lawyers ample time to look and study them in line with the 20 Sept hearing on house probe on the adamant progression of drugs in the NBP under the watch of then DOJ sec De Lima.

Aguirre also said it was surprising how the AMLC is on a snail pace with this case when it's main objective is to go against ill gotten wealth hoarded by drug lords while inside the prison. AMLC has yet to give its side on this allegations of Aguirre.


However, despite of this blunder, the justice secretary is on high hopes that he would get the bank records on or before Tuesday. He said that building a case against Delima is a bit harder because of the non cooperation of the AMLC. De Lima is the target of the said investigation because her name came out of the drug Matrix that was sent out a few weeks back by President Duterte.


Source: Inquirer

Cardinal Tagle to drug addicts: We are here for you.

 Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle has opened the entryways of the Manila archdiocese to drug surrenderees and drug wards who need assistance.

"We are here for you. Let us not waste life. It is important and it has to be protected and nurtured," Tagle said.

Tagle trusts the association of the congregation and group based restoration program "Sanlakbay sa Pagbabago ng Buhay" can be of backing to those engaging with medication enslavement.

He said the system can drug dependents regarding profound development, aptitudes arrangement, and work. The recovery system will be set up in various wards to achieve more individuals.

The system has cooperated with the Caritas Restorative Justice Ministry, Center for Family Ministries, UST Graduate School Psycho-Trauma, Department of Health, Department of Interior and Local Government, and the Philippine National Police. 

The archdioceses of Cebu and Cagayan de Oro have additionally offered assistance to medication wards who are looking for recovery and mending.

Source: CNN

Abu Sayyaf releases Norwegian prisoner

The Abu Sayyaf discharged Norwegian prisoner Kjartan Sekkingstad on Saturday, September 17, Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) representative Maj. Filemon Tan Jr. affirmed.

Sekkingstad was liberated at 4 p.m. Saturday, Tan said by means of an instant message to CNN Philippines.

In an announcement, Tan said the arrival of Sikkengstad was a branch of the progressing military operations to support weight against the Abu Sayyaf Group and the help of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

Tan stated, "Simultaneous land, air, naval, and police operations complemented each other putting pressure on the ASG."

Military of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya said in an announcement that the Abu Sayyaf Group was compelled to discharge Sekkingstad as holding him prisoner backs off their development.

Sekkingstad should be introduced to President Duterte at the Davao Airport on Saturday night, however it won't push through because of awful climate.

The Norwegian hostage was abducted from Pearl Farm beach resort, Samal Island in September 2015, alongside Canadians John Ridsdel and Robert Hall, and Filipina Tess Flor.

Sekkingstad should be introduced to President Duterte at the Davao Airport on Saturday night, however it won't push through because of terrible climate.

Sekkingstad was stole from a resort on Samal Island in September 2015, alongside Canadians John Ridsdel and Robert Hall, and Filipina Tess Flor.

Source: CNN

VIRAL VIDEO: CHIEF BATO DELA ROSA SINGS BAKIT NGAYON KA LANG

Panoorin si the singing Chief PNP Ronald Bato dela Rosa sakanyang duet song with Ali Forbes.

HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH wants independent investigation on Duterte

The serious allegations on President Duterte allegedly involvement in ordering killings in Davao City while he was still Mayor of Davao City calls for an independent investigation.

Since its ironic that Pres Duterte can't investigate himself so it's the United Nations time to lead the effort. Said Brad Adams, Director for Asia Human Rights Watch on Friday, 16 Sep 16. This was after alleged DDS member Edgar Matobato disclosed the involvement of Duterte under a senate hearing.

Duterte's son was also named as the one who ordered the assassination of Cebuano businessman
Richard King in 2014. Because of the detailed allegations Adams said it calls for investigation.



But this was all put aside by Dela Rosa, PNP Chief saying that this was just all created by the media. Besides Adams, Mark Toner, US State Department Deputy spokesperson seconded Adams concern.
The serious allegations on President Duterte allegedly involvement in ordering killings in Davao City while he was still Mayor of Davao City calls for an independent investigation.

Moreover; Wilnor Papa, campaign officer of Amnesty International said that impunity problems came from failure of the past administrations to prosecute Duterte. He said that the riding in tandem that has been common in Davao in the late 1990's is now visible in Manila.


Source:  Rappler

Paolo, Jocelyn Duterte and Nograles deny the accusation of Matobato

Presidential son Vice Mayor Paolo "Pulong" Duterte, former House Speaker Prospero Nograles and Presidential sister Jocelyn Duterte denied the said allegations of Edgar Matobato who became a state witness in the senate hearing on September 15, 2016.

Matobato, confessed assassin said he is one of the members of the alleged group Davao Death Squad (DDS) which he claimed that he had killed a thousands of people.

Matobato stated that Paolo Duterte was the one who commanded the killing of Richard King, a Cebu businessman and said that the body guards of Nograles were killed also by DDS.

 Jocelyn Duterte also turned down the accusation that the certain DDS group killed her dance instructor (DI) on 2013.

In a statement of Paolo, “What Sen. Leila De Lima and this certain Matobato say in public are mere allegations,” Matobato reasoned, that the ordered for King’s killing was their rivalry on a woman.

“In the absence of proof, they are mere hearsay,” Paolo added, “I will not dignify with an answer the accusations of a madman.”

Matobato claimed that Paolo was also a drug user.


Prospero Nograles

Nograles said, “My former bodyguards were all members of the Marine Corps,” Nograles said. “Not one of them had died and as far as I know, they have all gone back to their mother units.”

Rep. Karlo Nograles, also denied Matobato’s claim. “I don’t know what this guy is talking about.” he added, “From the time I was chief of staff of my father to the time I was elected congressman, no supporter of ours or persons under our employ was ever killed due to politics,” Karlo said.

“Political differences in our city has always been strictly on the level of difference in policy and style,” Karlo stated.

Jocelyn Duterte

Jocelyn described the senate investigation over Matobato's statemenst as full of lies.

“I am a private individual,” in an interview with Bombo Radyo Davao.

 “I don’t know him and he doesn’t know me,” she added, and called Matobato as a liar.

During the senate hearing, Matobato stressed that in 2013 her instructor was abducted and killed by DDS.

“None of my DIs had been killed. I can present all the DIs I have danced with … I am not denying that I have been dancing for 20 years now. None of them had been killed,” Jocelyn stated.

De Lima to be blamed

She said the charge that her DI was slaughtered in light of the fact that he was her boyfriend was vindictive, “I am not that kind of woman. If we compare De Lima’s reputation with mine, excuse me,” Jocelyn said.

She also added, she was “blaming De Lima for this” because it was impossible that she did not know what the witness was going to say.

“Witnesses cannot just be made to testify if you don’t know what he is going to say. So don’t tell me you did not know and you talk about human rights. Where is mine now?” she asked.

“I am not for extrajudicial killings. That’s true. I remember De Lima saying she was not running for public office and that she was just a human rights advocate. Where is she now?” Presidential sister asked.

Jocelyn said it was presently clear to her that De Lima had directed the examination of the asserted DDS exercises and the present examination of the charged extrajudicial killings “for political mileage.”

Souce: Inquirer

Leave a Comment

Imee Marcos: Please forgive my father "Ferdinand Marcos Sr."

Daughter of the late former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., Imee Marcos asked forgiveness for the “sins” of his father after the three-day celebration of his 99th birthday on Sunday in Batac.

Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee pled and said,“Whatever sins my father committed—he was, after all, human who made mistakes—I hope people absolve him. I hope that beyond all these issues, they would find mercy because in forgiving my father, their anger would be sated and they too would find peace."

She said the family had been harmed by the shock activated by the arrangement to cover Marcos at Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City. 

The arrangement was halted by the Supreme Court, which is listening to contentions on whether Marcos should be buried at the heroes cemetery were a lot of groups contradicting as well.

“If not for you, the family would have broken down. We draw our strength, our stability and our love from you all,” Imee said and thankful for the people who supported their family until these days. 

 “Simple member of the community who loved the Ilocano dish dinengdeng (vegetable stew), a man who loved to dance the tango, and a father who was indulgent, patient and always joking around,” Imee stated, referring to what is his father was like.

 Marcos’ nephew, Ilocos Norte Vice Gov. Eugenio Angelo Marcos Barba described his uncle as,“He belonged to the best times of gentleman-politicians. We are thankful for his teaching presidency,” he said.

Barba added,“When I asked mom (Fortuna, Marcos’ youngest sister) what was her most unforgettable experience with Uncle Andy (Marcos), she recalled that when she needed to be in Manila after the war, her brother came rushing to her and accompanied her from Sarrat (town) to Manila. Going to Manila that time was very difficult."

Source: Inquirer

Leave a Comment

Three Malaysians Allegedly kidnapped at the border of Southern Philippines

Three Malaysian fishermen were reported to be kidnapped late Saturday off Pom Pom Island in eastern Sabah. This was disclosed by Malaysian authorities. 

The Star Online quoted Eastern Sabah Community Command ( EssCom) Commander Datuk Wan Abdul Bari Abdul Khalid saying that the commander received a report about the alleged kidnapping from the owner of the boat himself. Khalid mentioned that the abduction was orchestrated by seven armed Filipinos. The victims were believed to have been brought to Tawi - Tawi Province which is the border of the southern part of the Philippines and Malaysia. 

The abductors sped off on a green motorized boat. While the rest of the crew of the vessel steered their way back to Semporna jetty. It is confirmed that the boat is Malaysian registered as Khalid told this to the Armed Forces of the Philippines but limited on the details. Although it has been the ASG who are doing kidnapping activities, however the authorities have not linked the said incident to the ASG yet. Khalid said its probable that this was perpetrated by a "kidnap for ransom group" that operates near the borders of Tawi Tawi and Malaysia.  

Furthermore, the kidnapped victims are not Malaysians but permanent residents of Malaysia. While the Malaysian military was vocal about the kidnapping, AFP and Joint Task Force Sulu kept their mum on the said incident which transpired during massive counter actions operations against the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu. 

However, allegedly there were three badjaos that were kidnapped in the Semporna Seas at around 10:40 pm of Sept 10. They were identified as Masurin, Sami and Lolong based from an Intel military report.

Source: Inquirer

Leave a Comment

Miriam Santiago is not in ICU

How things are doing with former Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago?

Opposite to what the reports say, the former senator who are still on the process of battling her illness of lung cancer is currently on a treatment for cancer doing in a private room and not what the other report say that she is in the intensive care unit (ICU) hospital of Taguig City, her daughter-in-law said on a statement on Sunday.

“Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago is in a private room of St. Luke’s Global, not in the ICU. She is currently being treated for her cancer and the family is hoping that she will fully recover," the daughter-in-law said.

"Thank you for respecting our privacy in the meantime. Thank you for continuously praying for her,” Mechel Santiago wrote on Facebook. “She loves all of you. She is a fighter and will continuously fight this battle,” she added.

Last May, Santiago was quickly sent to the ICU of Makati Medical Center over her complication towards the lung cancer and was discharged after a week of recovery.

It was on July 2014 that she announced for herself to let thepublic knows that she had lung cancer however,she announced also last year that she was totally free of cancer  after undergoing a clinical test for taking new anticancer drug from outside the country.

The former senator was one of the presidential aspirants who fought with President Rodrigo Duterte during May 9 election and she is one of the people who believes in the capacity of the new president.

Source: Inquirer

Leave a Comment

Duterte set to visit the land of the rising sun "Japan"

After his participation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in relation to economic and cultural development in Laos, and became the chairman for 2017 Asean summit which will be held in the Philippines.

President Rodrigo Roa "Diogng" Duterte passed on his acknowledgment of PM Abe's welcome to visit Japan, amid his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the sidelines of the 28th ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Laos on September 06, 2016.

Amid their meeting, President Duterte underscored that Japan is an old companion and a pre-prominent accomplice of the Philippines. 

He specified that the two nations are key accomplices who offer basic estimations of common appreciation, participation and adherence to the standard of law. 

The President expressed gratitude toward Japan for its huge part in the advancement of the Philippines, most particularly in the President's main residence, Mindanao. 

He likewise communicated thankfulness to Japan for its decades-long responsibility to the peace and improvement of the Bangsamoro Region. 

PM Abe said that Japan stays focused on its investment in the financial improvement of the Philippines, headway of the two nations' barrier participation, and arrangement of value framework to the Philippines. 

Head administrator Abe repeated his dedication to assist advance provincial peace and strength, collaborate in counter-psychological warfare measures, and proceed with the general and beneficial convention of abnormal state trades. 

The two pioneers concurred on the need of proceeding with law implementation collaboration and undertakings which will fortify oceanic capacities of the Philippines. 

Source: PIA

Leave a Comment

Panelo: Don't put meaning to that, that's just his style, it's just a hyperbole

After President Rodrigo Duterte said foul words in tagalog "son of a bitch," which ignite and caused the white house to withdraw the meeting between President Barack Obama and Duterte on Tuesday, Sept. 6.

The Asean Summit which is the meeting that comprises of the world's leaders where the Philippines is included, President Duterte arrived  in Laos on Monday night to meet all the leaders and members from different countries. 

Meamwhile, hours earlier, he dropped a diplomatic bombshell by saying he doesn’t want Obama to ask him questions about extrajudicial killings that have occurred amid an ongoing war on drugs in the Philippines and there are more than 2,000 people have been killed, since the president took office on June 30.

To note war on drugs, suppression of corruption and crime are one of the promises of Duterte during the campaign period.

The president loosed some words and said, “I do not have any master except the Filipino people, nobody but nobody. You must be respectful. Do not just throw questions. Putang ina, I will swear at you in that forum,” he said, using the Tagalog phrase for “son of a bitch.”

But on Tuesday, since the damage has been done, Duterte expressed regret over the remarks he said referring to Obama.

Salvador Panelo, Presidential Chief Legal Counsel claimed that the US government was "misreading" Duterte's words.

Panelo said, “Don’t put meaning to that. That’s just his style. It’s just a hyperbole,” he added, “It’s just an expression. I don’t think it was directed to President Obama.,” Panelo said to the reporters.

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in a statement that President Duterte wanted to reassure the United States that his administration “continues to value the alliance” between the two countries.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) representative, Assistant Secretary Charles Jose, said the Philippine designation was all the while pushing for the two-sided meeting amongst Obama and Mr. Duterte and still hoping for another meeting to be held. 

“Schedules are tight, but there are still occasions for the two leaders to meet here in Laos during the Asean summit. We’re working for that to happen,” Jose said in a text message on Tuesday to the Inquirer.

 During the opening of the summit, Laos president said, “There is a need for us to closely follow these developments and continue to enhance Asean cooperation and collaboration with the international community."

Countries members of Asean comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Burma (Myanmar), Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The summit will be trailed by a progression of different gatherings on Wednesday and a summit on Thursday between pioneers from Asean and different nations, including the United States, China, Russia, India, South Korea, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Obama touched base in Vientiane on Monday night and will go to Thursday's summit.

Leave a Comment

UN Chief BAN KI- MOON: Bombing perpetrators should be brought to justice

On Sunday, United Nations Sec Gen Ban Ki – Moon damned the Davao blast that transpired on Friday night; he urged for responsibility and justice.

He made it clear that whoever is behind the terroristic attacks should face justice.

The UN Chief also expressed his commiseration to the victims and hoped for faster healing for the survivors. Ban said that he is one with the government in this time of sorrow.

To recall, President Duterte has declared state of lawlessness after the explosion in Davao City, his hometown.

The explosion took 15 lives and left 70 others injured and some under critical conditions. The Abu Sayyaf Group, known extremist groups who are based in southern Philippines owe the said attack.

Source: Philstar

Leave a Comment

Robredo: What's missing on president's war on drugs is the element of rehabilitation

Vice President Leni Robredo said that what's missing from President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs is the element of rehabilitation, on Tuesday.

Robredo also gave her full support to the Duterte administration against its war on drugs. 

“For me, we need a more holistic solution to drugs rather than be reactive all the time,” Robredo stated in an interview in Bocaue, Bulacan, where she was there for the housing project.

Despite the strong war on drugs of the current administration, Robredo has yet spoken words against the spate of extrajudicial killings happening around the country, but the vice president remains “very supportive” of the government’s anti-drug campaign.

Robredo stressed,“In fact, we were talking about it in the office. What role can we perform to show our support for the President? What we saw that’s missing is rehabilitation; that’s where the gap is.” 

She also said that many people had gave up themselves in after finding their names on drug watch lists but there seemed to be no program given by the government.

“If you will remember the story of the 22-year-old who… killed a nurse at St. Luke’s and he did it just after surrendering? So here whether there’s killing or a surrender, what’s the program after?” she said.

The vice president is the head of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council with a Cabinet rank, a post appointed to her  by the President after a week he assumes the presidency.

“It seems the execution comes before the program. I think our office will help meet this need,” she said.

Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 says that the government should provide effective mechanisms or measures to reintegrate into society individuals who have fallen victim to drug abuse or dependence through sustainable programs of treatment and rehabilitation.

“It seems that what’s happening now, as a result of the influx of information and the number of surrenderees, is the government does not know what to do,” Robredo added.

Leave a Comment

VIDEO: Palace still not sure if China will allow Filipino fishermen in West PH sea

Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said in a press conference on Tuesday, August 30, “Maybe the best thing to do is just test the waters."

President Rodrigo Duterte made an appeal to China to allow our fishermen in disputed waters of West Philippine sea, but Malacañang Palace still remains doubtful if China would allow Filipinos to fish at the disputed waters. 

“Proceed with caution,” Abella said for the Filipino fishermen who got harassed by Chinese coastguard in West Philippine Sea.

Amid his discourse at the National Heroes' Day in Taguig City on Monday, the President encouraged China to consider the situation of poor Filipino fishermen and permit them to fish in the debated waters.

“That’s exactly one of the things na inilapit yata ng Presidente – to treat our people not as enemies; let us not be adversaries but instead let’s be friends, parang ganon; to allow them to be able to fish,” Abella added.

In a statement, Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jinhua told reporters that, “I do not know the situation on the sea but we are looking on the possibility.”

Abella said that the statement of Chinese Ambassador is “a window of opportunity.”

“There may be kinks in the relationship but there is a positive opening," Abella said.

Duterte has reiterated that the bilateral talks between Philippines and China regarding the territorial claims on the West Philippine Sea ought to be founded on the decision of the United Nations arbitral tribunal, which supports the Philippines' claims.

WATCH VIDEO BELOW:

Source: Inquirer

Yasay: China will be the loser if continues to ignore arbitral decision

Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay said that if China will be the loser if it continues not to acknowledge the arbitral tribunal against the claims in the West Philippines Sea. He said they are trying to make China comprehend so things will be on a clearer perspective.

Further, Yasay said that there will be no talks with China unless the talks will be within the conditions of the framework of the arbitral tribunal. The Hague decision in July is still being ignored by China to date. However, Yasay made it clear that the Philippines will only engage in peaceful and diplomatic actions and will stay clear of violent reactions; he added that maximum tolerance will be practiced.
Yasay said, they want to make sure of the safety of the Filipino fishermen which are the most affected of the disputes.

While our fishermen respects Chinese and Vietnamese fishing grounds China claims most of the South China Sea. It has reclaimed reefs and built airstrips capable of hosting military equipment, sparking anger from competing claimants led by Vietnam and the Philippines. This is the reason why the Philippines want to have finality on the issue so both countries will have a win win situation.

Meanwhile, China’s behavior in the sea have gotten criticism from the US and says that they will seek to make sure that freedom of navigation in the waterways will not be abused or hindered from.

Source: Inquirer

Duterte soon to host a nationwide radio program

Are we having a new DJ Rody?

President Rodrigo "Digong" Duterte will soon be heard not just on television but also in national radio program over Radio-TV Malacañang (RTVM).

Duterte will be hosting his very own radio program and because it's nationwide the citizens can hear him all over the country especially the far flung places that they wish to reach.  

For the record the president when he was still a mayor in Davao City also used to host a weekly radio program.

The said radio program will help him air his administration's projects and campaigns, broadcast the government workers or officials who are allegedly corrupt and he will also use it to name those people who are allegedly linked to illegal drugs.

The radio program will be named 'Mula sa Masa, Para sa Masa'  and an announcer’s booth was especially built for Duterte’s use, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said

“After many years and for the first time, we would see an actual radio booth for RTVM. It is going to be the official radio booth of the President and he would be the first to use it for his ‘Mula sa Masa, Para sa Masa’ program,” Andanar told DZBB on Sunday.

RTVM was sorted out in 1986 after the EDSA insurgency. The unit is included in TV scope and documentation and in news and open undertakings syndication of all the President's exercises. 

It is one of the administration's fundamental offices to educate Filipinos of the administration's project, presidential exercises and different redesigns.

Meanwhile, the palace also produced the bi-monthly tabloid Masa, which was produced and printed for free from Nationa Press Office and which has articles written against the fight against illegal drugs and the successes of government agencies.

The Duterte administration would want to use all necessary media outlet, not just on TV, radio, print and also social media like Facebook, in-order to reach out to as many Filipinos in the country to keep them well informed and updated regarding what's goings-on the president's administration.

Source: Philstar

Tax to implement on junk food and softdrinks

Department of Finance spokesperson Paola Alvarez in a report told inquirer that “The idea is to have all the existing bills that want to tax high sugar and unhealthy products like junk food and soft drinks included in the package."

The new administration of Duterte wants to have a tax policy reform programs which proposed to impose tax on fatty food tax, a carbon tax, a casino and lottery tax, mining taxes as well as a luxury tax on cars, jewelry and yachts.

The “sin” tax on tobacco and alcohol products, packaged as a health measure will be doing scheduled review this year since the implementation of it on 2013.

According to the estimations made by the DOF the consumption tax package will generate P109.4 billion in revenues while the mining tax will generate P3.5 billion by 2019; luxury tax, P7.7 billion; “sin” tax, P38.2 billion, and P20 billion each from fatty food tax, carbon tax, and lottery and casino tax.

Also to demand P5-a-kilo excise tax on sugary products, including domestic raw sugar, refined sugar as well as imported sugar and sugar substitutes, which will result in fresh revenues worth P18.1 billion.

 Head of research of ATR Asset Management Jose Mari Lacson, said, “There are growing concerns over the short- to medium-term outlook for earnings in URC because of the planned tax on sugary beverages, impact of the Snackbrands (a leading snack food manufacturer in Australia) acquisition and surprise weakness in Vietnam beverage sales in the second quarter 2016."

“In the near-term, investors will still have to reassess these developments in terms of their valuation of the company," Lacson added.

The International Council of Beverage Associations (ICBA) has commented on the proposed tax on sugary products in the countries like India, the Philippines, Indonesia and Britain that, “While we understand that there are discussions occurring in those countries, the bottom line is that taxes do not improve public health in any country.”

Source: Inquirer

Baraan: This is the biggest joke I’ve ever encountered in my whole life

Metro Manila - President Duterte released another drug matrix pointing Senator Leila De Lima as the head, being the former DOJ Secretary.

This matrix shows the network of government protectors for the drug operations being run by imprisoned criminals at the Bilibid.

It also shows the network of government  personalities working together to protect the Bilibid drug trade and keeping it running smoothly: Senator De Lima, former Pangasinan Governor, congressman Espino, former undersecretary Francisco Baraan III, former Pangasinan administrator Rafael Baraan, retired Police general Franklin Bucayo, Pangasinan Board Member Raul Sison, Ronie Dayan and a certain “Ms.Cardenosa.

But former Pangasinan Administrator Rafael Baraan was shocked being included in the drug matrix that was recently exposed by the President on Thursday. 

“This is the biggest joke I’ve ever encountered in my whole life.” He said

According to the matrix, Espino, who was then the Pangasinan Governor, allegedly used Baraan as cover for his alleged illegal activities, Espino was charged with plunder for illegal mining.

One of the named personalities is a governor close to the President, who is involved in the alleged drug trade inside the NBP. But Duterte said he is still verifying his connection.

Source: Inquirer