VIDEO: Duterte leads destruction of 20 smuggled luxury cars

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday marked the 116th anniversary of Bureau of Customs (BoC) by leading the destruction of 19 smuggled luxury vehicles at their compound in Manila.<br /><br />Several more luxury cars were also teardown in Davao and Cebu. The BoC ‘bulldozed’’ vehicles worth P 61.6 million, which includes high-end brands such as BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes Benz and several others.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMY7XIjZqTbo1Bcs5Vj26mSf5aPcPqShfxSc7ivwk1kd_dfyWL9uzBpzlZwCX6q1Gq4x1UZyav-PcEGrTIudgGmZ4WIeoip5gOpLSGhIOGFLbzq6pe6YPELVAbodo-oi5cwxZWlFdsXEz/s1600/crushed-luxury-cars.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The BoC ‘bulldozed’’ luxury vehicles worth P61.6 million" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMY7XIjZqTbo1Bcs5Vj26mSf5aPcPqShfxSc7ivwk1kd_dfyWL9uzBpzlZwCX6q1Gq4x1UZyav-PcEGrTIudgGmZ4WIeoip5gOpLSGhIOGFLbzq6pe6YPELVAbodo-oi5cwxZWlFdsXEz/s1600/crushed-luxury-cars.jpg" title="The BoC ‘bulldozed’’ luxury vehicles worth P61.6 million" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The BoC ‘bulldozed’’ luxury vehicles worth P61.6 million | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/ Bureau of Customs</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>Malacañang: No more auction</b><br /><br />Duterte had already made his statement clear weeks ago that he will not tolerate “car enthusiasts who do not pay their duties.” He said, “You want imported cars? Pay import duties first.”<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />The President added, “Don’t sell it because the situation will remain the same. They’ll still be the only ones who will benefit from it and they’ll be the only ones who’ll wait for the next auctions. It’s legal and it’s cheap because it’s auctioned.” <br /><br />“Kayo lang ang may alam kung kailan ang auction. Binabastos ninyo ang Pilipino eh. Kaya ganoon. Marami kayong kotse pagkatapos ‘pag auction, bigyan kayo ng papel. Legal na mura pa,” he said.<br /><br />Malacañang already placed a halt on the practice of putting confiscated luxury cars up for auction. Presidential Spokesperson told the media, “The thing speaks for itself. Hindi na po siya magto-tolerate ng mga auction-auction na nagiging dahilan para makapag-smuggle nga ng mga mamahaling mga sasakyan.”<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzpEwJLB-Bv2erdfu_rEfsWaGtI3zogyaQ3qlPuBsnjMjJFDFPkZw7lDRdwhb3Ibaui6mD-dqPQ1ieIRyDPxF5vxRV3vcndiQ0ugTeQPV9HF_FRTNdc3dvB6nqkpY2U_bM-HGA6bgoSV3/s1600/bulldozer-smuggled-luxury-cars.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Malacañang puts a stop on the auction of smuggled cars" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="569" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzpEwJLB-Bv2erdfu_rEfsWaGtI3zogyaQ3qlPuBsnjMjJFDFPkZw7lDRdwhb3Ibaui6mD-dqPQ1ieIRyDPxF5vxRV3vcndiQ0ugTeQPV9HF_FRTNdc3dvB6nqkpY2U_bM-HGA6bgoSV3/s1600/bulldozer-smuggled-luxury-cars.jpg" title="Malacañang puts a stop on the auction of smuggled cars" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malacañang puts a stop on the auction of smuggled cars | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Bureau of Customs</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>Modus Operandi: Undervaluing luxury cars</b><br /><br />Back in 2015, a ‘modus operandi’ by luxury car smugglers was discovered by the Customs Enforcement Group when a shipment of luxury cars at the Port in Batangas was seized.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNPDn3ph1IuohM2bg-1_z-mnxbp_nnDtu5b_YuKgX1EovFJI4VMf7oLsPrhziuyeWb67YnqsT9hWFVsBI5Lc316h9h3yDo0lu0hKt2OalLJi87QDQM3pMvj1usOXkK3GHddlyyNmtX91-/s1600/luxury-cars.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Smuggled luxury cars are “undervalued’ and declared as low-priced models" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNPDn3ph1IuohM2bg-1_z-mnxbp_nnDtu5b_YuKgX1EovFJI4VMf7oLsPrhziuyeWb67YnqsT9hWFVsBI5Lc316h9h3yDo0lu0hKt2OalLJi87QDQM3pMvj1usOXkK3GHddlyyNmtX91-/s1600/luxury-cars.jpg" title="Smuggled luxury cars are “undervalued’ and declared as low-priced models" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smuggled luxury cars are “undervalued’ and declared as low-priced models | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Bureau of Customs</td></tr></tbody></table><br />In House Resolution 2269, Valenzuela City Rep. Magtanggol Gunigundo asked for a congressional investigation when they found out that importers undervalue luxury cars and declare them as low-priced models.<br /><br />Gunigundo said, “We cannot afford to lose millions of taxes due to technical smuggling due to these unscrupulous smugglers and corrupt Customs officials despite the intensified drive against the illegal importation of vehicles.”<br /><br />You can watch the coverage of the event from Presidential Communication’s Facebook page:<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="360" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpcoogov%2Fvideos%2F2039932589369725%2F&show_text=0&width=560" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="100%"></iframe></div></center><br />Here are some photos from the Bureau of Customs:<br /><br /><center><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="722" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBureauOfCustomsPH%2Fposts%2F2061095497471556&width=500" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="500"></iframe></center><br /><b>— The Summit Express</b></div>

VIDEO: Duterte leads destruction of 20 smuggled luxury cars

MANILA, Philippines - President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday marked the 116th anniversary of Bureau of Customs (BoC) by leading the destructio...

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Good vibes! Watch this taxi driver perfectly impersonates President Duterte

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - A taxi driver from Davao is now gaining popularity for his impersonation of President Rodrigo Duterte.<br /><br />A Facebook post by Rachelle Oyette Dequina on Thursday, February 1, is making the rounds online after she took a video of her taxi driver. Dequina shared that she was on the way home from work and was terribly tired. She asked the driver if his rate meter is already calibrated. When he answered not yet, Dequina was ready to into an argument. The lady passenger said that’s when the driver went “Nag-umpisa na siya bilang maging isang Duterte.”<br /><br />Identified to be Elcias Bugsad, the taxi driver hilariously impersonates the voice and even accent of the country's highest official. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaL1XkLCGnHF7LabeDCfaZIcFqO4zFWg_wxiTepX6o5rxSV9e7NVwnDfoZtgXivFP1RnQLoC5INWoclZHqZVojJO7dCHEo3qtaFLyjfgviJBFNvXx6zORvTWYGkWwFFmaEhjY0xeyxjl6j/s1600/duterte-impersonator-taxi-driver.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="taxi driver perfectly impersonates President Duterte" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaL1XkLCGnHF7LabeDCfaZIcFqO4zFWg_wxiTepX6o5rxSV9e7NVwnDfoZtgXivFP1RnQLoC5INWoclZHqZVojJO7dCHEo3qtaFLyjfgviJBFNvXx6zORvTWYGkWwFFmaEhjY0xeyxjl6j/s1600/duterte-impersonator-taxi-driver.jpg" title="taxi driver perfectly impersonates President Duterte" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elcias Bugsad dubs himself as Duterte 2 | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Rachelle Dequina</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Bugsad fondly dubs himself as <i>“Duterte 2, presidente sa umaga, taxi driver sa gabi."</i> He can also perfectly impersonate Duterte’s iconic line, “I hate drugs.” He also goes on with some of funny lines such as, <i>“If you want to follow me, I guarantee you likod ko lang makita n'yo."</i><br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />A former OFW, Bugsad admits that he idolizes the President. Back when the President had a local show in Davao, Bugad would observe his actions and tried to mimic his voice.<br /><br />The now viral Davao taxi driver revealed that he had been doing the impersonation for two years now because he loved making his passengers laugh.<br /><br />Watch the viral video here:<br /><br /><center><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="646" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Frachelle.dequina.7%2Fposts%2F10155661737474093&width=500" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="500"></iframe></center><br /><b>— Sally, The Summit Express</b></div>

Good vibes! Watch this taxi driver perfectly impersonates President Duterte

MANILA, Philippines - A taxi driver from Davao is now gaining popularity for his impersonation of President Rodrigo Duterte. A Facebook post...

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‘Immigration, China:’ How Trump’s state of the union address might affect the Philippines

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">US President Donald Trump on January 30 (Wednesday Manila time) delivered his state of the union address to over 40 million Americans and millions more worldwide. As the leader of one of the world’s most powerful nation, his speech echoed as far as Asia to bring a message of a “more unified US.” Let’s try to look at how Trump’s message might affect the Philippines and even the millions of Filipinos living in their soil.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxUeqMJI9eyQBaad-949I2ZLiLLJxASLyNQYMzay2PmFOhYEM9opVIhJp4U9SgsHYT3YBtvhotEHUEooHE8tewBu4Bfz7Z3M8Zkn20nGJAUK90sx11A_t2HYurwOAIpgxpIL5UiZajQTv/s1600/trump-address-2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="US President Donald Trump delivered his first State of the Union Address" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="1100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxUeqMJI9eyQBaad-949I2ZLiLLJxASLyNQYMzay2PmFOhYEM9opVIhJp4U9SgsHYT3YBtvhotEHUEooHE8tewBu4Bfz7Z3M8Zkn20nGJAUK90sx11A_t2HYurwOAIpgxpIL5UiZajQTv/s1600/trump-address-2018.jpg" title="US President Donald Trump delivered his first State of the Union Address" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">US President Donald Trump delivered his first State of the Union Address | Photo Courtesy: Twitter/VP Mike Pence</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>Immigration </b><br /><br />One of the most controversial reforms Trump is trying to pass is the RAISE (Reforming American Immigration for Strong Employment) Act. Under the bill, they would half the number of green cards issued in a way to reduce the number of legal immigration to the US.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />During Trump’s state of the union address, he made his intentions clear, “Under our plan, we focus on the immediate family by limiting sponsorships to spouses and minor children. This vital reform is necessary, not just for our economy, but for our security, and our future.”<br /><br />Atty. Lou Tancinco, a Filipina who heads a U.S. immigration law office explained that the bill threatens up to 400,000 Filipino family members waiting to be petitioned to live in the US. <br /><br />"Almost 400,000 family members of Filipino descent waiting to be reunited with their US citizen petitioners will lose out on their opportunity to immigrate to the US,” she said.<br /><br />“Since the executive actions of Trump were released in January and February of this year (2017), the immigrants who are without legal status became more vulnerable, even those who do not have criminal cases," Atty. Tancino continued.<br /><br />As of 2015, the US Census Bureau recorded up to 3,898,739 Filipinos staying in the country. An estimate of about 310,000 Filipinos have been recorded to have entered the US illegally.<br /><br /><b>Ties with China and Russia</b><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZa1DPyNVdQa_3bo1DWZQxZconyRzYT4PEm6tOxL1NFUNp1u-Tj7XYp5KGgfi27Z_HpM9q4nwcU7BQ2gITi1BYgAP08Zyl9SvT9eA73o3EEH-IQ3yYSS0vnxZ-Sj7xoSnMbDMhCk0fL5S/s1600/duterte-china-xi.JPG" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Duterte with Chinese President Xi Jinping" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZa1DPyNVdQa_3bo1DWZQxZconyRzYT4PEm6tOxL1NFUNp1u-Tj7XYp5KGgfi27Z_HpM9q4nwcU7BQ2gITi1BYgAP08Zyl9SvT9eA73o3EEH-IQ3yYSS0vnxZ-Sj7xoSnMbDMhCk0fL5S/s1600/duterte-china-xi.JPG" title="Duterte with Chinese President Xi Jinping" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duterte with Chinese President Xi Jinping | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/ Presidential Communications</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Trump addressed China and Russia as “rivals that challenge our interests, our economy, and our values. In confronting these dangers, we know that weakness is the surest path to conflict, and unmatched power is the surest means of our defense.”<br /><br />He urged the Congress to “end the dangerous defence sequester and fully fund our great military.”<br /><br />This is significant as President Duterte had been supportive of the country being less dependent on the United States. Instead, he is favoring foreign policies that prioritize closer relations with China and Russia.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKAEocbx4VtipXepGt3t9FN4n2Mfavn0h50pl0Y8U4ZT0XcqtorU1xZL_UKENvkvYG21QesSdoUpZFYPoe3F5_Z2CmbLOSx8OJMwdMtnq-4CiE0rijM_fOz1zvPJcQNwqQXIWRyLiR29oU/s1600/trump-duterte-talk-asean.JPG" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Trump boasts of a “good relationship” with Duterte" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKAEocbx4VtipXepGt3t9FN4n2Mfavn0h50pl0Y8U4ZT0XcqtorU1xZL_UKENvkvYG21QesSdoUpZFYPoe3F5_Z2CmbLOSx8OJMwdMtnq-4CiE0rijM_fOz1zvPJcQNwqQXIWRyLiR29oU/s1600/trump-duterte-talk-asean.JPG" title="Trump boasts of a “good relationship” with Duterte" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trump boasts of a “good relationship” with Duterte | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/ Presidential Communications</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Economic experts were once worried that a ‘severed’ tie with the US would make the Philippines lose about $1.3 billion in foreign direct investments and more than $150 million in development aid.<br /><br />However, the recent ASEAN Summit held in the country proved that the two leaders are not trying to make the relations ‘sour.’ Trump even boasted that he has a “great relationship” with Duterte.<br /><br /><b>— Sally, The Summit Express</b></div>

‘Immigration, China:’ How Trump’s state of the union address might affect the Philippines

US President Donald Trump on January 30 (Wednesday Manila time) delivered his state of the union address to over 40 million Americans and mi...

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WATCH: Luzon Spine Expressway Network is Duterte’s P107-billion traffic decongestion plan

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - The Luzon Spine Expressway Network is the Duterte administration’s answer to help decongest the traffic in Metro Manila and busiest parts of Luzon.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPAk8EUhxVFmju6Wj9z3LpMNUSpGHZ9j8U2FowH-oo5vD7_kXFL8wW4WBGbwGbTN8zpdEBbpAJAe63pav7rIMg7P2bwLOclggjagPT_AwWRECsjj5U4v-Kfxue_YCZmuG_Y7d_pKHKJYz/s1600/luzon-spine-expressway.JPG" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Luzon Spine Expressway is a 1,040 km network that aims to build an additional 18 expressways with a total road length of 655 km." border="0" class="img" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPAk8EUhxVFmju6Wj9z3LpMNUSpGHZ9j8U2FowH-oo5vD7_kXFL8wW4WBGbwGbTN8zpdEBbpAJAe63pav7rIMg7P2bwLOclggjagPT_AwWRECsjj5U4v-Kfxue_YCZmuG_Y7d_pKHKJYz/s1600/luzon-spine-expressway.JPG" title="The Luzon Spine Expressway is a 1,040 km network that aims to build an additional 18 expressways with a total road length of 655 km." /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ambitious project aims to decongest EDSA and other major roads | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Mark Villar</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The Philippines has one of the worst traffic in the world. Under President Rodrigo Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” program, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) was tasked to build an expressway that would connect the northern and southernmost part of Luzon.<br /><br />The Luzon Spine Expressway is a 1,040 km network that aims to build an additional 18 expressways with a total road length of 655 km. It would then connect to the existing 12 expressway network spanning 385 km. <br /><br />DPWH Secretary Mark Villar hopes that the new high standard highways will significantly ease the traffic and cut down travel time. Once the ambitious project is completed, the travel time from Metro Manila to San Fernando, La Union will be reduced from six (6) hours and 55 minutes to three (3) hours and 10 minutes. La Union to Bicol travel time will also be reduced from from 19 hours and 40 minutes to eight (8) hours and 15 minutes.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />Included in the expressway network are the NLEX Harbor Link Project, Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway, Central Luzon Link Expressway, Plaridel By-Pass Road Phase II, Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3, NLEX-SLEX Connector Road, among others.<br /><br />The NLEX Harbor Link Project is a 5.7 km expressway, which traverses Karuhatan in Valenzuela City, Governor Pascual Avenue in Malabon City, and C3 road in Caloocan City.<br /><br />The Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEX) is a 30-km expressway, which runs through the municipalities of La Paz, Zaragosa, Aliaga, and Caalibangbangan, to connect Tarlac and Cabanatuan.<br /><br />The Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) 3rd section is a 25.83 km expressway which extends the existing 63.02 km alignment traversing Tarlac, Rosales and Urdaneta to Binalonan, Pozzurobio and La Union.<br /><br />The NLEX-SLEX Connector Road, an 8 km four lane expressway that will reduce travel time from NLEX to SLEX from 2 hours to only about 20 minutes.<br /><br />The Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3, a 14.8 km, 6-lane expressway which will connect Balintawak in Quezon City to Buendia Makati. This will significantly ease traffic in EDSA especially during peak hours.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEksnZst4SH-6Bth4jKzulh1D_dwFj21C8SsxnxUVhqa4KP4adBJPOAXomC61E5IF1bhgx7Phr7yXDcIdM7xnhzm3uk2GOqmzDfA-c1aVQyhryEqeQHMqP691qrrBoSqzhDWzsCjmZLwtd/s1600/duterte-mark-villar-infra.JPG" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Duterte’s Build, Build, Build infrastructure program" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEksnZst4SH-6Bth4jKzulh1D_dwFj21C8SsxnxUVhqa4KP4adBJPOAXomC61E5IF1bhgx7Phr7yXDcIdM7xnhzm3uk2GOqmzDfA-c1aVQyhryEqeQHMqP691qrrBoSqzhDWzsCjmZLwtd/s1600/duterte-mark-villar-infra.JPG" title="Duterte’s Build, Build, Build infrastructure program" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The project is part of Duterte’s Build, Build, Build infrastructure program | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/ Mark Villar</td></tr></tbody></table><br />In the next six years, Sec. Villar confirmed that the Build, Build, Build program costs P8.4 trillion.<br /><br />The Duterte administration has allocated DPWH the second biggest budget this year, amounting to P428 billion. From that, traffic decongestion programs were granted the biggest chunk of P107.8 billion. Second biggest budget is project on liveable, sustainable and resilient communities with P104.4 billion. While P95.9 billion goes to the integrated and seamless transport system. A budget of P18.8 billion goes to convergence and rural road development program.<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="360" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSecMarkVillar%2Fvideos%2F2017197451629556%2F&show_text=0&width=560" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="100%"></iframe></div></center><br /><b>— Sally, The Summit Express</b></div>

WATCH: Luzon Spine Expressway Network is Duterte’s P107-billion traffic decongestion plan

MANILA, Philippines - The Luzon Spine Expressway Network is the Duterte administration’s answer to help decongest the traffic in Metro Manil...

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#WalangPasok: January 22, 23, February 2, 5, 9, 13, 14, 2018 special holiday declared in selected areas

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - There will be no classes and work in selected areas for the specific dates of January (22, 23) and February 2018 (2, 5, 9, 13, 14) to give way for the celebration of local events, Malacañang Palace declared.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5I4FvuwAA0zQc2ypMFzI2dUIcgCNBa7hYubfKL1deSIDyQ1fW11iWEaGyYMg8DBjqEoV6MrgnEvDKwJAldvriWOs6jMItSewpNoFc2Wvv57lml-1C3v3jQiaDEZPL4R4tXTD6CpDP9fG/s1600/walang-pasok-january-22-23-february-2-5-9-13-14-2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="#WalangPasok: January 22, 23, February 2, 5, 9, 13, 14, 2018 special holiday" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="716" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5I4FvuwAA0zQc2ypMFzI2dUIcgCNBa7hYubfKL1deSIDyQ1fW11iWEaGyYMg8DBjqEoV6MrgnEvDKwJAldvriWOs6jMItSewpNoFc2Wvv57lml-1C3v3jQiaDEZPL4R4tXTD6CpDP9fG/s1600/walang-pasok-january-22-23-february-2-5-9-13-14-2018.jpg" title="#WalangPasok: January 22, 23, February 2, 5, 9, 13, 14, 2018 special holiday" /></a></div><br />Local holidays (Proclamations 394 and 398) were announced by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte through Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2018/01jan/20180109-PROC-394-RRD.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Proclamation No. 394</a></b>: Special non-working holiday in the province of Bulacan on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 for the anniversary of the Inauguration of the First Philippine Republic, which took place at Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><b><a href="http://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2018/01jan/20180116-PROC-398-RRD.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><br /></a></b> <b><a href="http://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2018/01jan/20180116-PROC-398-RRD.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Proclamation No. 398</a></b>: Special non-working holiday in the province of Ilocos Sur on Friday, February 2, 2018 for the celebration of the Kannawidan Ylocos Festival.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://archives.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&sec=reader&rp=5&fi=p070424.htm&no=41&date=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RA 9411</a></b>: Special non- working holiday in the city of Vigan to commemorates its cityhood anniversary on January 22, 2018 (Monday).<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2007/ra_9427_2007.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RA 9427</a></b>: February 5 of every year as a special working holiday in the City of Biñan in Laguna to commemorate liberation from the Japanese Imperial Forces by the 47th Division, 48th Regiment of the Hunters ROTC Guerillas under the command of Colonel Emmanuel de Ocampo.<br /><br /><b>RA 8814</b>: February 9 of every year is hereby designated as a special working holiday in the City of Mandaluyong, in recognition and commemoration of the city's liberation from foreign occupying forces.<br /><br /><b>RA 10807</b>: February 13 of every year as a special working holiday and NO CLASS DAY in schools in the City of Paranaque.<br /><br /><b><a href="https://www.senate.gov.ph/republic_acts/ra%209428.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RA 9428</a></b>: February 14 of every year a special working holiday in the City of Valenzuela to be known as "Araw ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela."<br /><style type="text/css">.tg {border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing:0;border-color:#ccc;}.tg td{font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;padding:10px 5px;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;overflow:hidden;word-break:normal;border-color:#ccc;color:#333;background-color:#fff;}.tg th{font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-weight:normal;padding:10px 5px;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;overflow:hidden;word-break:normal;border-color:#ccc;color:#333;background-color:#f0f0f0;}.tg .tg-yw4l{vertical-align:top}@media screen and (max-width: 767px) {.tg {width: auto !important;}.tg col {width: auto !important;}.tg-wrap {overflow-x: auto;-webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;}}</style><br /><div class="tg-wrap"><table class="tg"><tbody><tr> <th class="tg-yw4l">Special Holiday</th> <th class="tg-yw4l">Area</th> <th class="tg-yw4l">Celebration</th> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">January 22, 2018 (Monday)</td> <td class="tg-yw4l">Vigan City</td> <td class="tg-yw4l">Cityhood anniversary</td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">January 23, 2018 (Tuesday)</td> <td class="tg-yw4l">Bulacan Province</td> <td class="tg-yw4l">Inauguration of the First Philippine Republic</td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">February 2, 2018 (Friday)</td> <td class="tg-yw4l">Ilocos Sur</td> <td class="tg-yw4l">Kannawidan Ylocos Festival</td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">*February 5, 2018 (Monday)</td> <td class="tg-yw4l">Biñan, Laguna</td> <td class="tg-yw4l">Biñan Liberation Day</td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">*February 9, 2018 (Friday)</td> <td class="tg-yw4l">Mandaluyong City</td> <td class="tg-yw4l">Mandaluyong Liberation and Cityhood Day</td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">*February 13, 2018 (Tuesday)</td> <td class="tg-yw4l">Parañaque City</td> <td class="tg-yw4l">Parañaque Day</td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">*February 14, 2018 (Wednesday)</td> <td class="tg-yw4l">Valenzuela City</td> <td class="tg-yw4l">Valenzuela City Day</td> </tr></tbody></table></div><br /><i>*Note: The Summit Express will be update this page for areas under special working day. It is expected that a proclamation citing suspension of work and classes will be announced. According to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE): "For work performed, an employee is entitled only to his basic rate. No premium pay is required since work performed on said days is considered work on ordinary working days."</i><br /><br /><b>RELATED STORY</b><br /><a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/07/list-regular-special-holidays-philippines-2018.html" rel="nofollow">LIST: Regular, Special Holidays in the Philippines 2018</a><br /><br />Malacañang Palace said that it is proper that the people on the said areas be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies.<br /><br />For the special non-working holiday in the locality, workers who report for work get 1.3 times their daily rate. Those who do not work on the day, meanwhile, get no pay.<br /><br />As defined in the Administrative Code of 1987, Book III, Chapter 2, Section 4, Proclamations are "acts of the President fixing a date or declaring a status or condition of public moment or interest, upon the existence of which the operation of a specific law or regulation is made to depend, shall be promulgated in proclamations which shall have the force of an executive order."<br /><br /><b>— The Summit Express</b></div>

#WalangPasok: January 22, 23, February 2, 5, 9, 13, 14, 2018 special holiday declared in selected areas

MANILA, Philippines - There will be no classes and work in selected areas for the specific dates of January (22, 23) and February 2018 (2, 5...

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SEC orders closure of online news site Rappler

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) revokes license of online news site Rappler for alleged violation of foreign ownership restrictions, the company confirmed on Monday, January 15.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOiF5QiTieeeOw-qG4BEDb-5r-5gqr3zwOAi8isDPBooHT4r2MQpIVeTh0Ps5d6Y7Zl9LfVbG878mMk5EI_etuRcj4LTpD-L8eFHK54VhQclQLiT2X3xqcEeTcAMy47ncG6iqmNbz1rdPg/s1600/sec-decision-rappler.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="SEC orders closure of online news site Rappler" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="732" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOiF5QiTieeeOw-qG4BEDb-5r-5gqr3zwOAi8isDPBooHT4r2MQpIVeTh0Ps5d6Y7Zl9LfVbG878mMk5EI_etuRcj4LTpD-L8eFHK54VhQclQLiT2X3xqcEeTcAMy47ncG6iqmNbz1rdPg/s1600/sec-decision-rappler.jpg" title="SEC orders closure of online news site Rappler" /></a></div><br />SEC said Rappler violated constitutional restrictions on ownership and control of mass media entities because of funds coming Omidyar Network, a fund created by eBay founder and entrepreneur Pierre Omidyar.<br /><br />"(t)he ownership and management of mass media shall be limited to citizens of the Philippines, or to corporations, cooperatives or associations, wholly-owned and managed by such citizens," statement from SEC decision reads.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />Here's the full 29-page document detailing the SEC decision:<br /><br /><center><iframe height="480" src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9Q9EdzVwr5bTVIxLXNZSWl2MjdwTTNuRmV4VVY3VGxRdEc4/preview" width="640"></iframe></center><br />Rappler meanwhile said the commission approved the deal with Omidyar in 2015.<br /><br />"What this means for you, and for us, is that the Commission is ordering us to close shop, to cease telling you stories, to stop speaking truth to power, and to let go of everything that we have built – and created – with you since 2012," the news site said in a statement.<br /><br />During the SONA of President Rodrigo Duterte in July last year, the highest official threatened to investigate the ownership of Rappler. The company has debunked the allegation and claimed that foreign investors, Omidyar Network and North Base Media, do not own Rappler.<br /><br /><b>Statement from Malacañang</b><br /><br />"The Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) is empowered to determine the legality of corporations.<br /><br />"We respect the SEC decision that Rappler contravenes the strict requirements of the the law that the ownership and the management of mass media entities must be wholly-owned by Filipinos.<br /><br />"Rappler may wish to exhaust all available legal remedies until the decision becomes final."<br /><br /><b>Netizens react</b><br /><br />As the company asks to stand with them, supporters and followers pour their views on social media.<br /><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">To friends worrying if we're shutting down today – no, we aren't. This is not executory at the moment, and we're taking this to court. <br /><br />Thank you for supporting <a href="https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" rel="nofollow">@rapplerdotcom</a>, for believing in what we stand for. <br /><br />For now, it's business as usual. Back to work.</div>— Marga Deona (@margadeona) <a href="https://twitter.com/margadeona/status/952802478625497088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" rel="nofollow">January 15, 2018</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">A sad day for democracy and press freedom. We at Rappler received the SEC’s kill order revoking our license to operate - the first of its kind in Philippine history. This is a clear, distinct attack on media by govt. We won’t allow it. <a href="https://t.co/fOjzA23OPC" rel="nofollow">https://t.co/fOjzA23OPC</a></div>— Natashya Gutierrez (@natashya_g) <a href="https://twitter.com/natashya_g/status/952794345094053888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" rel="nofollow">January 15, 2018</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">The revocation of Rappler's registration is pure harassment and a clear attack on press freedom. It is also Marcosian. It's a move straight out of the dictator's playbook. I urge the public and all media practitioners to defend press freedom & the right to speak truth to power.</div>— risa hontiveros (@risahontiveros) <a href="https://twitter.com/risahontiveros/status/952802729331539968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" rel="nofollow">January 15, 2018</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Did foreigners invest in <a href="https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" rel="nofollow">@rapplerdotcom</a>? Yes. Do foreigners own Rappler? No. <br /><br />Did the Marcoses invest in Duterte? YES. Who owns Duterte? It’s a shared ownership between the Marcoses and China.<br /><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IStandWithRappler?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" rel="nofollow">#IStandWithRappler</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeWillHoldTheLine?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" rel="nofollow">#WeWillHoldTheLine</a></div>— JR CASTILLO (@JRDCastillo24) <a href="https://twitter.com/JRDCastillo24/status/952799854492901382?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" rel="nofollow">January 15, 2018</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Lots of love for Rappler online right now, and rightly so.</div>— Manuel L. Quezon III (@mlq3) <a href="https://twitter.com/mlq3/status/952801788473700352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" rel="nofollow">January 15, 2018</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br />Tell us your thoughts on SEC decision to close Rappler.<br /><br /><b>— The Summit Express</b></div>

SEC orders closure of online news site Rappler

MANILA, Philippines - The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) revokes license of online news site Rappler for alleged violation of fore...

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Duterte declares December 8 a non-working holiday

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law a bill declaring December 8 of every year a special non-working holiday to commemorate Feast of Immaculate Conception of Mary.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWfgiNNWvOVDt6jbow4KzrcOcCnpZj6PaHxOBfeHHY-uHoNsy15usb48Wioolx2ChWrzlZ9lzUO_4BBDr4iBGlhYxFKuKNKwhsHyWTrppXLn4HW_CnE_HuF1ViSRPakJvGcN75G5YZ6on/s1600/manila-cathedral-philippines-immaculate-conception-philstar.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Duterte declares December 8 a non-working holiday" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWfgiNNWvOVDt6jbow4KzrcOcCnpZj6PaHxOBfeHHY-uHoNsy15usb48Wioolx2ChWrzlZ9lzUO_4BBDr4iBGlhYxFKuKNKwhsHyWTrppXLn4HW_CnE_HuF1ViSRPakJvGcN75G5YZ6on/s1600/manila-cathedral-philippines-immaculate-conception-philstar.jpg" title="Duterte declares December 8 a non-working holiday" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Immaculate Conception. Photo Credit: Philstar</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The declaration through Republic Act (R.A.) No. 10966 will add another day to the many holidays and special non-working days the nation has in one year.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">President Duterte signs into law bill declaring December 8 a non working holiday. bill is initiative of ML Farinas <a href="https://t.co/C0nK42unlw" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/C0nK42unlw</a></div>— RG Cruz ABS-CBN News (@1rgcruz) <a href="https://twitter.com/1rgcruz/status/946594756070539267?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" rel="nofollow">December 29, 2017</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br />In 2018 and 2019, December 8 falls on a Saturday and Sunday, respectively.<br /><br />Majority leader Rodolfo Fariñas of Ilocos Norte authored the bill.<br /><br />The Filipinos consider the feast a "day of obligation," requiring Catholics to participate in Mass.<br /><br /><b>— The Summit Express</b></div>

Duterte declares December 8 a non-working holiday

MANILA, Philippines - President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law a bill declaring December 8 of every year a special non-working holiday to c...

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Philippines in 2017: The Year in Review

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - The year is almost over and Filipinos have witnessed events and stories that affected the country and shaped 2017.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn45pvuJFsB6L9vfSIo7CR0rajpIyeLYJFN7hjn6_YBLDCHjsMtQoCB39nfwGxfcQUHvhheuTnvYeV6_V9fjp14-AS-cbGAf3ytHSLaBDtSt8RwPgPhOJGq1YJe8KyHAAflpWWB3yKJEkS/s1600/top-stories-2017-philippines.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Top Stories Philippines 2017" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="759" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn45pvuJFsB6L9vfSIo7CR0rajpIyeLYJFN7hjn6_YBLDCHjsMtQoCB39nfwGxfcQUHvhheuTnvYeV6_V9fjp14-AS-cbGAf3ytHSLaBDtSt8RwPgPhOJGq1YJe8KyHAAflpWWB3yKJEkS/s1600/top-stories-2017-philippines.jpg" title="Top Stories Philippines 2017" /></a></div><br />Take a look as The Summit Express made a lowdown of the top 10 stories that made headlines this year (in chronological order):<br /><br /><b>1. <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/01/list-of-winners-miss-universe-2016-coronation-day-live-updates.html" rel="nofollow">The 65th Miss Universe Pageant held in the Mall of Asia Arena, Manila</a> (JANUARY 2017)</b><br /><br />In a memorable event in the pageant community, the Philippines became the venue of the 65th Miss Universe pageant. It is the third time that the country hosted the event.<br /><br />On January 30, the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, Manila lit up for a night of glitz and glamour. Beauty queens all over the world gathered to witness the crowning of a new Miss Universe queen.<br /><br />Our very own Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach passed the crown to the new Miss Universe Iris Mittenaere of France. It had been 63 years since France won in the competition.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06MC-knxBGbY2S6szO-3kFWBamxs-4gIEPUQTySYJ73F267Cbl_fvrRsV518Xt_xU4S2nX-yNuTxoTDooSe98AOgNHXrNdY988UKuP_Msul79qOFjAL3kBT7OS9xwfjmk8DNk4yf2xHth/s1600/pia-passed-miss-universe-crown.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach passed the crown to Miss France Iris Mittenaere." border="0" class="img" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06MC-knxBGbY2S6szO-3kFWBamxs-4gIEPUQTySYJ73F267Cbl_fvrRsV518Xt_xU4S2nX-yNuTxoTDooSe98AOgNHXrNdY988UKuP_Msul79qOFjAL3kBT7OS9xwfjmk8DNk4yf2xHth/s1600/pia-passed-miss-universe-crown.jpg" title="Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach passed the crown to Miss France Iris Mittenaere." /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach passed the crown to Miss France Iris Mittenaere. Photo Courtesy: Miss Universe</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The Philippine bet Maxine Medina had wowed the judges and had the loudest cheers from the crowd. Medina placed in the top 6.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />The presenters were Steve Harvey and Ashley Graham. Harvey took the time to make jokes about his last fiasco with our Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDMGi8149vPqx3s2Ay1AjqwxpgDnfBf8bnKwKzdekrUtAXx7XNnbVlKGaBRZ45ed-qKWUAq9_bnr1qf8PHb8NKn7i-BBLXRjxXtjcrXEbKCiM_nMKOYaeCk9SGgYBRjEDo-MZPr9Umvv_/s1600/maxine-medina-philstar-photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Philippine bet Maxine Medina placed Top 6 Miss Universe" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDMGi8149vPqx3s2Ay1AjqwxpgDnfBf8bnKwKzdekrUtAXx7XNnbVlKGaBRZ45ed-qKWUAq9_bnr1qf8PHb8NKn7i-BBLXRjxXtjcrXEbKCiM_nMKOYaeCk9SGgYBRjEDo-MZPr9Umvv_/s1600/maxine-medina-philstar-photo.JPG" title="Philippine bet Maxine Medina placed Top 6 Miss Universe" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Philippine bet Maxine Medina placed Top 6. Photo Courtesy: Philstar</td></tr></tbody></table><br />You can watch the announcement of the 2016 Miss Universe Iris Mittenaere,<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.21%; position: relative;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4dLlVcrJiFE?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></center><br /><b>2. <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/02/rtc-orders-arrest-of-sen-de-lima-lp-senators-react.html" rel="nofollow">Arrest of Senator Leila de Lima</a> (FEBRUARY 2017)</b><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmvqTc7PF-xG901tCwkP1TpuBQEvP9mvQns6wHRqc_N0MjUhqQe0KxuLYqSSjrjLG61mhIB7yZsDC6QmdIxgBjIJ6PdSvEPmMNjlnNzIATDlfTju0jh7NlReSm6U4bidZI2jptNSIBdpn/s1600/delima-arrest.jpeg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Senator De Lima was allegedly receiving money from drug lords." border="0" class="img" data-original-height="329" data-original-width="447" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmvqTc7PF-xG901tCwkP1TpuBQEvP9mvQns6wHRqc_N0MjUhqQe0KxuLYqSSjrjLG61mhIB7yZsDC6QmdIxgBjIJ6PdSvEPmMNjlnNzIATDlfTju0jh7NlReSm6U4bidZI2jptNSIBdpn/s1600/delima-arrest.jpeg" title="Senator De Lima was allegedly receiving money from drug lords." /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Senator De Lima was allegedly receiving money from drug lords. Photo Courtesy: Inquirer</td></tr></tbody></table><br />A staunch critic of President Duterte, Senator Leila de Lima was allegedly involved in illegal drugs. The senator was allegedly connected and received “protection money” from drug lords in the New Bilibid Prison. It took 5 months of investigation and witnesses including her alleged lover/driver, Ronnie Dayan that eventually led to her arrest.<br /><br />It was on February 17, that the court charged De Lima in violation of Section 5 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which penalizes the "sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution and transportation of illegal drugs."<br /><br />De Lima vehemently denied the allegations. The senator claimed that the President is out to get her for her previous call to investigate on extrajudicial killings in Davao City when Duterte was a mayor.<br /><br />Charges were dropped against Bilibid "drug lords” Herbert Colanggo, Engelbert Durano, Vicente Sy, Jojo Baligad, and Peter Co after testifying against De Lima. The Liberal Party called this unacceptable and claimed their testimonies were only made under duress. <br /><br />On February 24, Senator De Lima surrendered to the PNP for her arrest. She made a strong statement that the allegations were lies and she has faith in God. She said, “It's my honor to be jailed for the principles I am fighting for.”<br /><br />Here’s the presscon that Senator De Lima held just before she was arrested:<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.21%; position: relative;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I6xPmJLKNb0?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></center><br /><b>3. 30th and 31st ASEAN Summits held in Manila (APRIL AND NOVEMBER 2017)</b><br /><br />On April 28-29 and November 10-14, 2017, the 30th and 31st ASEAN Summits were held in the Philippines.<br /><br />The Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states pledged to “promote accountability and transparency in civil service in the region and it is agreed that relevant civil service bodies of each member state will cooperate through the ASEAN Cooperation on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM).”<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSDbVhseRWyiN4FBDc0BYWcIwviJZwrvog9MyeAaHFpGkK-IEpCKJuoMDSX1tS8frLp6-Snl6ErOLzWgyx1SIta7MZwmoI7aJM46jmoXMyzBO5ynJMSX1N66KRW0vO1ot7UG8_1_-PaAk/s1600/asean-summit.JPG" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The ASEAN Summit promotes cooperation in the region." border="0" class="img" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSDbVhseRWyiN4FBDc0BYWcIwviJZwrvog9MyeAaHFpGkK-IEpCKJuoMDSX1tS8frLp6-Snl6ErOLzWgyx1SIta7MZwmoI7aJM46jmoXMyzBO5ynJMSX1N66KRW0vO1ot7UG8_1_-PaAk/s1600/asean-summit.JPG" title="The ASEAN Summit promotes cooperation in the region." /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ASEAN Summit promotes cooperation in the region. Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The ASEAN member states include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. All leaders of the member states attended the summits except for Myanmar which was attended by state councillor, Aung San Suu Kyi.<br /><br />Several world leaders also joined in cooperation and friendly dialogue including were United States President Donald Trump, China Premier Li Keqiang, Russia Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, European Union President Donald Tusk, United Nations Secretary General António Guterres, Australia Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, India Prime Minister Narendra Modi, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, South Korea President Moon Jae-in.<br /><br />Here are some highlights from the event:<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.21%; position: relative;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OXZdxiYqIus?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></center><br /><b>4. <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/10/duterte-declares-marawi-city-liberated-terrorists.html" rel="nofollow">Battle of Marawi</a> (MAY-OCTOBER 2017)</b><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7C0Iwd1DOz-2mNvpFJXoz4x_OvmhLUc1Lnt9xA03VDNEUdvilEb9HIIy439o_jyyCuSZilRmOHHomTTMkROHuxQZpJsd0J-wVdiwcLJJ7PzFzHkEsr5vtiM-3sXHSEeshYilApFNIqwvv/s1600/bombing-marawi-wikipedia.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Battle of Marawi lasted for 5 months and displaced 1.1 million civilians." border="0" class="img" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="728" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7C0Iwd1DOz-2mNvpFJXoz4x_OvmhLUc1Lnt9xA03VDNEUdvilEb9HIIy439o_jyyCuSZilRmOHHomTTMkROHuxQZpJsd0J-wVdiwcLJJ7PzFzHkEsr5vtiM-3sXHSEeshYilApFNIqwvv/s1600/bombing-marawi-wikipedia.jpg" title="The Battle of Marawi lasted for 5 months and displaced 1.1 million civilians." /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Battle of Marawi lasted for 5 months and displaced 1.1 million civilians. Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The Battle of Marawi or the Marawi Siege was the longest urban battle in the history of the Philippines. The siege started on May 23, 2017 between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and several groups of Islamic militants who claimed to be connected to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), including the Maute and Abu Sayyaf Salafi jihadists.<br /><br />Isnilon Hapilon, a commander of the Abu Sayyaf gathered his group with the Maute group and faced the Philippine army and the local police. <br /><br />The army admitted that it was a struggle to end the battle because the militants seem to have “unlimited” reinforcements. They were heavily armed with sophisticated guns and armaments. The militants have also made use of underground tunnels and mosques for their hideouts. There were even foreign militants joining the group, who allegedly trained them. <br /><br />The battle lasted for 5 months with over 95% of the structures in the city heavily damaged. The government released a report noting that the casualties included 974 militants and 165 government forces were killed. Nearly 1.1 million civilians were displaced.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPjRQQWnLMSzXNzbQ9Ekf8-VNnVK5_G-c9N2JaIpJSpT5ZasAcLpVorBCwve9b4XzFpaIB0G9pt8FZlZawcA_-Eo4uebslH7OH8SgQHioMlMSyYuKPB11_bN-mVrrWYrepbphq175eDOC/s1600/duterte-talks-to-troops.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="President Duterte frequently visited the troops during the siege." border="0" class="img" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPjRQQWnLMSzXNzbQ9Ekf8-VNnVK5_G-c9N2JaIpJSpT5ZasAcLpVorBCwve9b4XzFpaIB0G9pt8FZlZawcA_-Eo4uebslH7OH8SgQHioMlMSyYuKPB11_bN-mVrrWYrepbphq175eDOC/s1600/duterte-talks-to-troops.jpg" title="President Duterte frequently visited the troops during the siege." /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">President Duterte frequently visited the troops during the siege. Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The government formally called on the end of the war on October 17, 2017 following the deaths of leader Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute. President Duterte declared Marawi to be “liberated from terrorist influence.”<br /><br />Here’s a quick look at how devastated the city had been after the 5-month long battle:<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.21%; position: relative;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-cWN1V492d8?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></center><br /><b>5. <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/05/martial-law-declared-mindanao-marawi-clash.html" rel="nofollow">Proclamation of Martial Law in Mindanao</a> (MAY 2017-DECEMBER 2018)</b><br /><br />On the verge of escalating conflict in Marawi City, President Duterte placed the entire Mindanao under martial law. <br /><br />The President was in Moscow when reports came that militants have attacked Marawi City. On May 23, 2017 at Moscow, President Duterte signed Proclamation 216 that declared a state of martial law and suspended the writ of Habeas Corpus in Mindanao for 60 days.<br /><br />Under the 1987 Constitution, the proclamation is allowed for up an initial period of 60 days and can be extended in cases of “rebellion, invasion or when public safety is required.”<br /><br />The minority bloc and leftist groups argued that the extension was unnecessary and they feared the proclamation might extend nationwide. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7Wu3wye_PL_MdOnbs2ZL61qKZklTwu9REdHSuL67K9UKcOVeXVSanQwRZ2Qz6f3XoBOwEDcvkIC2OlUkXC29h3wlFOQmVDf6AGm1LB_6p-4Y2khr5UGDwSyOAkDorB_2INl__pdBggCM/s1600/martial-law-mindanao-extended-ABSCBN.JPG" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="martial law was extended in Mindanao until 2018" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7Wu3wye_PL_MdOnbs2ZL61qKZklTwu9REdHSuL67K9UKcOVeXVSanQwRZ2Qz6f3XoBOwEDcvkIC2OlUkXC29h3wlFOQmVDf6AGm1LB_6p-4Y2khr5UGDwSyOAkDorB_2INl__pdBggCM/s1600/martial-law-mindanao-extended-ABSCBN.JPG" title="martial law was extended in Mindanao until 2018" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In an effort to stop insurgencies in the region, martial law was extended in Mindanao until 2018. Photo Courtesy: ABS-CBN</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Despite hesitation and disapproval from critics, the resolution was extended until December 31, 2017. A special joint session between the House of Representatives and the Senate, voted 261-18 lawmakers in favor of the extension.<br /><br />It only took less than half a day for the lawmakers to approve another extension of the martial law in Mindanao, this time it will last for a full year. On December 13, 2017, a total of 240 lawmakers voted in favor of the extension until December 2018 while 27 lawmakers were against it.<br /><br />President Duterte requested for the year-long extension following the recommendation of <br />Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana due to rising insurgency in Mindanao.<br /><br />Here is President Duterte’s reaction on the martial law extension in Mindanao until December 2018:<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.21%; position: relative;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Zm1eWSyd7fE?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></center><br /><b>6. <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/06/resorts-world-manila-attack-updates.html" rel="nofollow">Attack on Resorts World Manila killed 38 civilians</a> (JUNE 2017)</b><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHhVnf0ExOq0lcqs8TbdlxlFnK8GiI59n9W-yfIdMRMJCRHgOaFquARoh0mJh32PDZnrHOobOxRBMveE9JSkK_pd0lpIeODjbqJfitMCuohrJyes7-aLXPWVGIFJrBGGjWK6C7dsIlk_P/s1600/resorts-world-manila-attack.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Attack on Resorts World Manila killed 38 civilians" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHhVnf0ExOq0lcqs8TbdlxlFnK8GiI59n9W-yfIdMRMJCRHgOaFquARoh0mJh32PDZnrHOobOxRBMveE9JSkK_pd0lpIeODjbqJfitMCuohrJyes7-aLXPWVGIFJrBGGjWK6C7dsIlk_P/s1600/resorts-world-manila-attack.jpg" title="Attack on Resorts World Manila killed 38 civilians" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resorts World Manila was gripped with fear as a lone gunman started opening fire. Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia</td></tr></tbody></table><br />On June 2, 2017, the Resorts World Manila was gripped with fear when a lone gunman started a violent commotion. Around midnight, the gunman started setting casino tables on fire that caused panic and eventually a stampede. He was carrying a bottle of gasoline and armed with an M4 rifle.<br /><br />When the gunman started opening fire, people started running for the exit but several decided to stay and hide. At least 36 were reported dead due to smoke inhalation of toxic fumes. One Korean guest died due to heart attack. Bodies were recovered in the casino room and bathrooms. <br /><br />By 1:30 AM, SWAT team arrived and a gunfire erupted. The gunman, allegedly wounded, locked himself in room 510 of the Maxims Hotel. He lit the room on fire and committed suicide by shooting himself in the head and setting himself on fire. Alongside his burnt body, the bag of gambling chips that he stole, a rifle and a pistol were recovered. <br /><br />A probe was opened on June 7, 2017 by the House of Representatives' Committee on Public Order and Safety and the Committee on Games and Amusement. The Resorts World Manila admitted the lapse on their security but was confident they practiced their emergency protocol.<br /><br />On June 29, Resorts World resumed its gambling operations. They also hired new agency to tighten its security.<br /><br />Here is the footage showing how the armed gunman was able to enter the premises:<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.21%; position: relative;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NjwwuHxCn2U?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></center><br /><b>7. The War on Drugs Campaign: The Ozamiz Raid and <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/08/kian-loyd-delos-santos-17-killed-caloocan-latest-update-video.html" rel="nofollow">Killing of Kian delos Santos</a> (JULY-AUGUST 2017)</b><br /><br />Even during the election campaign, President Duterte had been adamant that he will fight to stop illegal drugs in the country. The War on Drugs campaign have been rolled out and several of its stories have captured the nation. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAz1UKeztvsPEkji-w3VzUYNDlRQRCYehc9bl0BU_km7epTxQRI7-T9xTAXDmAvqZr1Glt3AogkwCVhyvQF2wCNiZ1s3IsC1CWwQl9dSnu-ZxcrpeXL2KiZMo5pGWAkUkGG-JHaEDCsXfT/s1600/Duterte-Drug-Lords-CNNPH.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Duterte War on Drugs Campaign" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAz1UKeztvsPEkji-w3VzUYNDlRQRCYehc9bl0BU_km7epTxQRI7-T9xTAXDmAvqZr1Glt3AogkwCVhyvQF2wCNiZ1s3IsC1CWwQl9dSnu-ZxcrpeXL2KiZMo5pGWAkUkGG-JHaEDCsXfT/s1600/Duterte-Drug-Lords-CNNPH.jpg" title="Duterte War on Drugs Campaign" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The President presented his narco-politicians and warned everyone. Photo Courtesy: CNN Philippines</td></tr></tbody></table><br />On July 30, 2017 at dawn, a group of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) conducted a raid on the property of Ozamiz Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog. The team was supposed to serve a search warrant after the Parojinogs were named as narco-politicians. Allegedly, Parojinog’s team of securities started to open fire on the authorities prompting a gunfire between the two groups.<br /><br />The raid that turned violent resulted to 15 persons killed including Mayor Parojinog and his wife. The authorities recovered several arms including a rifle, grenades, .45 pistols, about P1.4 million in cash, 500 grams of suspected illegal drugs, two cellphones, and an M16 rifle. Vice Mayor Nova Parojinog-Echavez and her brother, Reynaldo Jr were arrested and brought to Camp Crame.<br /><br />The Parojinogs denied any involvement in illegal drugs and claimed that the recovered arms and illegal drugs were “planted.” They also denied firing at the authorities and claimed that the raid was a “rubout.”<br /><br />A few months after, another controversial case had divided the nation. On August 16, 2017, a 17-year-old student Kian delos Santos was fatally shot by authorities while conducting a drug operation in Caloocan, Manila. <br /><br />A CCTV footage was able to capture two uninformed policemen dragging the minor in a dark alley where Delos Santos’ body would soon be found.<br /><br />Much controversy surrounded the event not only because Delos Santos was a minor but because the involved policemen’s version of events were different from the CCTV footage. The authorities also insisted that while Delos Santos was not on the watch list, he was actually a “runner” of illegal drugs for his uncle. <br /><br />President Duterte reminded the police to not abuse their powers. He was quoted saying to PNP Chief Dela Rosa, “hulihin mo na at kulungin mo ang mga pulis na dawit sa pagkasawi ni Kian.”<br /><br />On August 25, Delos Santos’ family filed murder and torture charges against police officers involved in the drug operation.<br /><br />Here is the meet-up between President Duterte and Delos Santos’ parents at Malacanang: <br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.21%; position: relative;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SEmKoigUYOs?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></center><br /><b>8. Presidential son, Paolo Duterte appears in Senate for P6.4 billion shabu issue (SEPTEMBER 2017)</b><br /><br />During the House of the Representatives’ investigation on the P6.4 billion worth of shabu shipment, Presidential son, Paolo Duterte and brother in-law Mans Carpio were mentioned by drug “fixer” and customs broker Mark Taguba. Taguba claims that Duterte is part of the “Davao group” that uses their influence in Customs to allow the entry of illegal drugs.<br /><br />Photos showing Duterte and other personalities involved in the drug scandal had surfaced on social media. President Duterte denied the allegations and called it mere propaganda. The President even instructed the PNP to kill Paolo if his involvement with illegal drugs is proven.<br /><br />A series of tirade had erupted between the President and Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, one of his staunch critics.<br /><br />Watch Paolo Duterte answers allegations hurled by Senator Trillanes:<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.21%; position: relative;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9PMyXwaPZ2c?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></center><br /><b>9. P1,000 Commission on Human Rights (CHR) 2018 budget (SEPTEMBER 2017)</b><br /><br />There was a public uproar when the House of Representatives gave the Commission on Human Right a 2018 budget of P1,000.<br /><br />On September 12, 2017, 119 lawmakers approved the P1,000 CHR budget. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1m3C4S9MVNGZML6t6dE-A1u7qJGLGA2GBaEfw9wC8ewmdbiHJm4oMiaOsu1tRslR7rMxzG7dHgJpXKdamZUcs3CIUnCfDzu8J4zPQDRFM6S4w-r3CdUo5vS766LLvBODHkFbZT8rnbE4A/s1600/lawmakers-approves-chr-budget.JPG" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="119 lawmakers made the “clenched fist” sign in a unitary move to approve the P1,000 CHR budget" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="950" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1m3C4S9MVNGZML6t6dE-A1u7qJGLGA2GBaEfw9wC8ewmdbiHJm4oMiaOsu1tRslR7rMxzG7dHgJpXKdamZUcs3CIUnCfDzu8J4zPQDRFM6S4w-r3CdUo5vS766LLvBODHkFbZT8rnbE4A/s1600/lawmakers-approves-chr-budget.JPG" title="119 lawmakers made the “clenched fist” sign in a unitary move to approve the P1,000 CHR budget" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 119 lawmakers made the “clenched fist” sign in a unitary move to approve the P1,000 CHR budget. Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The CHR with its leader, Chito Gascon had been very vocal of the administration’s alleged human rights abuses in its War on Drugs campaign. The agency had also been criticized for “not doing its job” and focused solely on the administration’s actions and being mum on other abuses.<br /><br />CHR Commissioner Gwen Pimentel Gana confirmed that House Speaker Alvarez had asked Gascon to resign and if not, the P1,000 budget will be approved.<br /><br />On September 20, the CHR along with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) had their 2018 budgets restored. The CHR’s 2018 budget of P508.5 million finally was approved. <br /><br />Here is Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez defending the P1,000 CHR budget:<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.21%; position: relative;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xLaM0gU1JWU?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></center><br /><b>10. <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/12/dengvaxia-update-one-dead-hospitalized.html" rel="nofollow">The Anti-Dengue Vaccine, Dengvaxia Health Scare</a> (DECEMBER 2017)</b><br /><br />The world’s first anti-dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia is in the middle of controversy after its makers admitted several health warnings.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2-IKDbVbGJsGta_XsFvv87sbsQAo7wriLrTX7HVdL4AHjjyyiH0AbkJH76AKu6_fbPzHVK0scvlCoYvK5zddtEQ1xbXDS2NUwnexvhmZn46onrA2JHGMKrxZzO3hD278eKH85-7p5sSR/s1600/dengvaxia-dengue-vaccine-sanofi.png" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="world’s first vaccine, Dengvaxia caused a national health scare" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="559" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2-IKDbVbGJsGta_XsFvv87sbsQAo7wriLrTX7HVdL4AHjjyyiH0AbkJH76AKu6_fbPzHVK0scvlCoYvK5zddtEQ1xbXDS2NUwnexvhmZn46onrA2JHGMKrxZzO3hD278eKH85-7p5sSR/s1600/dengvaxia-dengue-vaccine-sanofi.png" title="world’s first vaccine, Dengvaxia caused a national health scare" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The world’s first vaccine, Dengvaxia caused a national health scare. Photo Courtesy: Mims</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The French pharmaceutical Sanofi Pasteur had released a warning about the effects of Dengvaxia to those who have no history of dengue. They admitted that the vaccine would only be beneficial to those who have already been infected with dengue before. But for those who haven’t been exposed to the dengue virus, it could cause severe hospitalisation.<br /><br />This resulted to a public uproar after almost 733,000 school children were part of the Dengvaxia national immunization program. Under the Aquino administration, the government procured P3.5 billion worth of the vaccine.<br /><br />A Senate probe had begun and former Health Secretary Janette Garin denied any anomalies surrounding the procurement of Dengvaxia. She clarified that there was no corruption or “fast-tracking” of negotiations to benefit them. Garin continued that the DOH acted “based on the data available at that.”<br /><br />Senator Richard Gordon had been vocal that the Aquino administration along the Sanofi Pasteur should be held liable for the “health scare.”<br /><br />Aquino appeared before the Senate and vowed that he acted on “good faith.” He clarified that he was not advised of the dangers of the vaccine. He was not even informed about Sanofi Pasteur’s issues of bribery and corruption in some parts of the world.<br /><br />The Senate probe is still ongoing but here is Aquino’s statement:<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.21%; position: relative;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nIsl-Ug4mbc?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></center><br />Which one were you most affected about?<br /><br /><b>— Sally, The Summit Express</b></div>

Philippines in 2017: The Year in Review

MANILA, Philippines - The year is almost over and Filipinos have witnessed events and stories that affected the country and shaped 2017. Tak...

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Duterte declares Marawi City liberated from terrorists

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, October 17, declared the liberation of Marawi City from "terrorist influence."<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHneBmFQKRonLJTjvXSaQbylq9YEnsZ9sffu5TbTPvt__tTrt7qSkU9xW-b7w8iaTU2JBfMZY-fQvyp2xOBW4lN8xi3EmLxRZUj_UDDIrtjE3TZBd_oyjppscaD4QcQuXuS4wVg4euwPB/s1600/duterte-marawi.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Duterte declares Marawi City liberated from terrorists" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHneBmFQKRonLJTjvXSaQbylq9YEnsZ9sffu5TbTPvt__tTrt7qSkU9xW-b7w8iaTU2JBfMZY-fQvyp2xOBW4lN8xi3EmLxRZUj_UDDIrtjE3TZBd_oyjppscaD4QcQuXuS4wVg4euwPB/s1600/duterte-marawi.jpg" title="Duterte declares Marawi City liberated from terrorists" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">President Rodrigo Duterte with the troops during his sixth visit in the war-torn Marawi City on October 2, 2017. Joining the President are National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go, and actor Robin Padilla. PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook/PCOO</td></tr></tbody></table>"Ladies and gentlemen, I hereby declare Marawi City liberated from the terrorist influence that marks the beginning of rehabilitation," Duterte said in a speech before troops 148th day into the crisis.<br /><br />The historic announcement was made after the death of terrorist leaders Omar Maute and Isnilon Hapilon on Monday in the main battle zone of Marawi, the capital of Lanao del Sur.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />AFP Spokesperson Brigadier General Restituto Padilla, told the press that the war in Marawi continues. "It will continue until armed elements are dealt with. But terrorists no longer have complete control."<br /><br />Marawi City has been dragged by the ISIS-inspired terror group Maute since May 23. <br /><br />With over five months of battle against the Maute group, more than 800 of the enemies were killed, a total of 162 government troops and 47 civilians died to defend the land.<br /><br />Duterte and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said it will cost more than ₱50 billion to rehabilitate the war-torn city.</div>

Duterte declares Marawi City liberated from terrorists

MANILA, Philippines - President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, October 17, declared the liberation of Marawi City from "terrorist influenc...

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Holiday? Palace may suspend class, work in selected areas for November 10-14, 2017 ASEAN Summit

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines — For the past days, netizens were abuzzed by the alleged memorandum circular, claiming the suspension of classes and work in Metro Manila on November 13-15 for the 31st ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Summit. However, the Malacañang Palace clarified there's no official declaration of non-working holidays yet.<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>“On ASEAN holiday. No official issuance yet. Will post once provided,” Palace told reporters.</i></blockquote><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3sXInANWbUJtyfsZ6l9swsqMq9jfVmxisf8mTJHZDa3egWLNW33z4c6qscl1JAINibAoq5XxkfQEd12ObegqSxGnp4yWUIBumCAkt4mn0wIvJlsEI95eea382HjEvErRdAvoKrpzZ7oWK/s1600/ASEAN-summit-2017-clark-philippines.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="31st ASEAN Summit 2017 Clark, Philippines" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="713" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3sXInANWbUJtyfsZ6l9swsqMq9jfVmxisf8mTJHZDa3egWLNW33z4c6qscl1JAINibAoq5XxkfQEd12ObegqSxGnp4yWUIBumCAkt4mn0wIvJlsEI95eea382HjEvErRdAvoKrpzZ7oWK/s1600/ASEAN-summit-2017-clark-philippines.jpg" title="31st ASEAN Summit 2017 Clark, Philippines" /></a></div><br />On November 10- 14, 2017, the Philippines is set to host the ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings at the Clark Field, Pampanga. This will be the second leg of the semi-annual event after the successful chairmanship in April 2017, which was held in Manila.<br /><br />The chosen venue would be strategic to avoid heavy traffic and other security concerns on the activities directly connected with the Philippine hosting of the summit.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />In <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/04/walang-pasok-palace-declared-class-work-suspension-april-28-2017-metro-manila.html" rel="nofollow">April this year</a>, the suspension of classes and work (government and private) in some parts of Metro Manila was recommended by the ASEAN 2017 Organizing Council based on the security, traffic management plan and venue of the meetings.<br /><br />For the November 2017 ASEAN Summit, those awaiting for the memorandum may expect declaration of class and work suspensions for <b>selected areas near Clark Field, Angeles City</b> in Pampanga, <b>northern part of Metro Manila</b> and or <b>areas directly affected by the event</b>.<br /><br /><i>Note: This is a developing story. Check back for the updates in the coming weeks.</i><br /><br />Same with previous hosting in Manila, we may also expect that suspension of work in the private sector and in places other than those that will be announced will be left to the discretion of their respective local government units and or employers based on assessment of the scheduled activities on November 10-14.<br /><br /><b>President Trump to visit Manila</b><br /><br />As confirmed today, Presidential Spokesperson Ernie Abella said US President Donald Trump will visit the Philippines this November. Trump's visit underscores the improving PH-US ties and President Duterte is looking forward to welcoming the US President in Manila.<br /><br />Trump will join other world leaders who will attend the ASEAN / East Asian Summit.<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>"As host country, we hope to make the event productive and pleasant to our foreign guests. We will let them experience our world-famous Filipino hospitality to make sure they would have good memories of their stay in the Philippines," Palace said in a statement.</i></blockquote><br />In the November 2017 ASEAN Summit having the theme “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World,” leaders will discuss the political-security, economic, and socio-cultural development of the ASEAN Community.<br /><br />The Philippines’ year-long and third ASEAN Chairmanship in 2017 coincides with the regional bloc’s 50th founding anniversary.<br /><br />It will be held together with ASEAN dialogue partners Australia, Canada, China, the European union, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea and the United States.</div>

Holiday? Palace may suspend class, work in selected areas for November 10-14, 2017 ASEAN Summit

MANILA, Philippines — For the past days, netizens were abuzzed by the alleged memorandum circular, claiming the suspension of classes and wo...

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#WalangPasok: Palace suspends gov't work, public schools classes on September 21

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - Malacanang Palace on Tuesday announced the suspension of classes in public schools and work in government offices on September 21, 2017 (Thursday).<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcN39-Rv3Ln28flWy3oGJWMhtnrRsXS0OFocYkJSLXJkW6Dmv_QZ5tZ9TtZFA8y0-4BOoJKYkXf3DoUEyyCOzNuolZ4hAVhElatrI1oCGfywngulW7loHC9nZhXuT5O8RrDOAW8vm1Ekd/s1600/ernesto-abella.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Palace suspends gov't work, public schools classes on September 21" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcN39-Rv3Ln28flWy3oGJWMhtnrRsXS0OFocYkJSLXJkW6Dmv_QZ5tZ9TtZFA8y0-4BOoJKYkXf3DoUEyyCOzNuolZ4hAVhElatrI1oCGfywngulW7loHC9nZhXuT5O8RrDOAW8vm1Ekd/s1600/ernesto-abella.jpg" title="Palace suspends gov't work, public schools classes on September 21" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Presidential Spokesperson Ernie Abella. Photo Credit: PCOO</td></tr></tbody></table>A memorandum circular will be issued soon as advised by Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella.<br /><br />Abella added that it will be up to private schools and companies whether to suspend classes and work during that day.<br /><br />On Monday, President Rodrigo Duterte said that September 21 is <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/09/duterte-declares-september-21-2017-national-day-of-protest.html" rel="nofollow">not a holiday but a “day of protest.”</a><br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />“I have declared it as a day of protest. Lahat ng gustong mag-protesta laban sa gobyerno, pulis o military, magbabaan kayo dyan,” Duterte said.<br /><br />September 21 also marks the 45th anniversary of the declaration of martial law by the late President Marcos.<br /><br />Various reports said that militants are set to schedule demonstrations on Thursday to protest the government’s war on drugs and deaths being linked to it as well as other issues on Duterte administration.</div>

#WalangPasok: Palace suspends gov't work, public schools classes on September 21

MANILA, Philippines - Malacanang Palace on Tuesday announced the suspension of classes in public schools and work in government offices on S...

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Duterte declares September 21, 2017 a national day of protest

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - President Rodrigo Duterte announced on Monday that September 21, 2017 (Thursday) is not a holiday but a "national day of protest."<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIhHOIYhYRDVngZZoRWjUbPb7xUGdh3fGsJuet_DWo7igm0x9aQ5GXjx-9K3lyjeH-tRR0eEVbcf-LpFkRIyg_hrAKp5_OB_1b68oONKSIlSXspNAnJzFz7ZgJCYygr3O2KJ_WqNN1EzY/s1600/President-Duterte.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="September 21, 2017 not a holiday" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIhHOIYhYRDVngZZoRWjUbPb7xUGdh3fGsJuet_DWo7igm0x9aQ5GXjx-9K3lyjeH-tRR0eEVbcf-LpFkRIyg_hrAKp5_OB_1b68oONKSIlSXspNAnJzFz7ZgJCYygr3O2KJ_WqNN1EzY/s1600/President-Duterte.jpg" title="#WalangPasok: Duterte declares September 21, 2017 holiday" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">President Rodrigo Duterte said September 21 not a holiday. Photo Credit: Manila Bulletin</td></tr></tbody></table>Duterte added he would suspend government work and classes during that day.<br /><br />"Oo, walang trabaho. At kung gusto ng mga taga-gobyerno, may mga union, the unions... they should participate," said Duterte.<br /><br />September 21, 2017, Thursday, marks the 45th anniversary of the declaration of martial law by the late President Marcos.<br /><br /><b>RELATED STORIES</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/09/walang-pasok-september-21-2017-declared-muslim-holiday.html" rel="nofollow">#WalangPasok: September 21, 2017 declared Muslim holiday</a></li><li><a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/09/walang-pasok-september-18-20-21-27-29-2017-special-holiday-selected-areas.html" rel="nofollow">#WalangPasok: September 18, 20, 21, 27, 29, 2017 special holiday declared in selected areas</a></li></ul><br />In his interview over state-run PTV-4 on Thursday, the president said his intention to declare holiday in time for the Martial Law celebration.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />"If it's a massive demonstration, at this early, I am announcing that I am ordering a holiday para walang masaktan. Walang trabaho ang gobyerno at classes suspended," Duterte said.<br /><br />Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana also told the press about Duterte's plan to suspend work and classes.<br /><br />“During my interaction with him early this week, sinabi niya na pagka magkaroon ng massive rallies sa Metro Manila and it might inconvenience the public, para hindi ma-inconvenience, sinabi niya, ‘di ko na lang sila papasukin," Lorenzana said.<br /><br />“[He] will declare na wala nang papasok sa mga opisina so they will have a free hand kung anong gagawin nila sa mga demonstration nila. That’s what he said,” he added.<br /><br />UPDATE: Report said that document suspending government work and classes has not yet been signed by the president.</div>

Duterte declares September 21, 2017 a national day of protest

MANILA, Philippines - President Rodrigo Duterte announced on Monday that September 21, 2017 (Thursday) is not a holiday but a "national...

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#WalangPasok: September 18, 20, 21, 27, 29, 2017 special holiday declared in selected areas

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - There will be no classes and work in selected areas for the specific dates of September 2017 to give way for the celebration of local events, Malacañang Palace declared. This includes September 18, 20, 21, 27 and 29.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaoCTGsxAEaZ4J7KqZaL0E0s9gNHb2JCeC2suTFAR8e7QFrcKArPADvLSeAhNl3zRzw71tAu_XedLhTM7E7b7AOZhOs-CTrU1UHT3K6OlGBUDJ2a8gcsDog81YcXafc0xYCZfE7M1-WBpc/s1600/walang-pasok-september-18-20-21-27-29-2017-philippines.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="#WalangPasok: September 18, 20, 21, 27, 29, 2017 special holiday" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="716" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaoCTGsxAEaZ4J7KqZaL0E0s9gNHb2JCeC2suTFAR8e7QFrcKArPADvLSeAhNl3zRzw71tAu_XedLhTM7E7b7AOZhOs-CTrU1UHT3K6OlGBUDJ2a8gcsDog81YcXafc0xYCZfE7M1-WBpc/s1600/walang-pasok-september-18-20-21-27-29-2017-philippines.jpg" title="#WalangPasok: September 18, 20, 21, 27, 29, 2017 special holiday" /></a></div><br />Local holidays were proclaimed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte through Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea.<br /><br />Proclamation numbers 295, 301, 305-309 declare special non-working day in the following areas: Bansalan, Davao del Sur; Dingras, Ilocos Norte; Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat; San Rafael, Bulacan; San Mateo, Rizal; Malvar, Batangas and Lobo, Batangas.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i><b>RELATED STORY</b>: President Rodrigo Duterte may suspend work and government classes in Metro Manila on September 21, in time for the 45th anniversary of the Marcos-era martial law as the "Left was threatening to have a massive demonstration" on the said day. (Note: This is a developing story, check back for the updates).</i></blockquote><br />Observances and celebrations include foundation day, cityhood anniversary and festival. Note that such holidays are applicable only to the immediate area concerned.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2017/08aug/20170823-PROC-295-RRD.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Proclamation No. 295</a></b>: Celebration of 65th Foundation Day of the Municipality of Bansalan, Davao del Sur on Monday, September 18.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2017/09sep/20170904-PROC-301-RRD.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Proclamation No. 301</a></b>: Commemoration of birth anniversary of Josefa LLanes Escoda, Worl War II heroine and the founder of Girl Scouts of the Philippines, on September 20 (Wednesday) in the Municipality of of Dingras, Ilocos Norte.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2017/09sep/20170905-PROC-305-RRD.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Proclamation No. 305</a></b>: Celebration of 17th Cityhood anniversary and the Takakudong Festival 2017 in the City of Tacurong on Monday, September 18.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2017/09sep/20170906-PROC-306-RRD.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Proclamation No. 306</a></b>: Celebration of the 267th Foundation Day of the Municipality of San Rafael, Bulacan on Friday, September 29.<br /><b><a href="http://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2017/09sep/20170906-PROC-307-RRD.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><br /></a></b> <b><a href="http://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2017/09sep/20170906-PROC-307-RRD.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Proclamation No. 307</a></b>: Celebration of the 446th Foundation Day of the Municipality of San Mateo, Rizal on Thursday, September 21.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2017/09sep/20170906-PROC-308-RRD.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Proclamation No. 308</a></b>: Commemoration of the 152nd birth anniversary of General Miguel Malvar on Wednesday, September 27 in the municipality of Malvar, Batangas.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2017/09sep/20170906-PROC-309-RRD.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Proclamation No. 309</a></b>: Celebration of 146th Founding Anniversary in the Municipality of Lobo, Batangas on Wednesday, September 27.<br /><style type="text/css">.tg {border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing:0;border-color:#ccc;}.tg td{font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;padding:10px 5px;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;overflow:hidden;word-break:normal;border-color:#ccc;color:#333;background-color:#fff;}.tg th{font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-weight:normal;padding:10px 5px;border-style:solid;border-width:1px;overflow:hidden;word-break:normal;border-color:#ccc;color:#333;background-color:#f0f0f0;}.tg .tg-yw4l{vertical-align:top}.tg .tg-b7b8{background-color:#f9f9f9;vertical-align:top}@media screen and (max-width: 767px) {.tg {width: auto !important;}.tg col {width: auto !important;}.tg-wrap {overflow-x: auto;-webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;}}</style><br /><div class="tg-wrap"><table class="tg"> <tbody><tr> <th class="tg-yw4l">Special Holiday</th> <th class="tg-yw4l">Area</th> <th class="tg-yw4l">Celebration</th> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-b7b8">September 18 (Monday)</td> <td class="tg-b7b8">Bansalan, Davao del Sur</td> <td class="tg-b7b8">65th Foundation Day</td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">September 18 (Monday)</td> <td class="tg-yw4l">Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat</td> <td class="tg-yw4l">17th Cityhood anniversary and the Takakudong Festival 2017</td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-b7b8">September 20 (Wednesday)</td> <td class="tg-b7b8">Dingras, Ilocos Norte</td> <td class="tg-b7b8">Birth anniversary of Josefa LLanes Escoda</td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">September 21 (Thursday)</td> <td class="tg-yw4l">San Mateo, Rizal</td> <td class="tg-yw4l">446th Foundation Day</td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-b7b8">September 21 (Thursday) - TBA</td> <td class="tg-b7b8">Metro Manila</td> <td class="tg-b7b8">45th anniversary of Martial Law</td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">September 27 (Wednesday)</td> <td class="tg-yw4l">Lobo, Batangas</td> <td class="tg-yw4l">146th Founding Anniversary</td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-b7b8">September 27 (Wednesday)</td> <td class="tg-b7b8">Malvar, Batangas</td> <td class="tg-b7b8">152nd birth anniversary of General Miguel Malvar</td> </tr><tr> <td class="tg-yw4l">September 29 (Friday)</td> <td class="tg-yw4l">San Rafael, Bulacan</td> <td class="tg-yw4l">267th Foundation Day</td> </tr></tbody></table></div><br />Malacañang Palace said that it is proper that the people on the said areas be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies.<br /><br />READ: <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2016/08/full-list-philippines-holidays-in-2017.html" rel="nofollow">Holidays, Observances in the Philippines for 2017</a><br /><br />As defined in the Administrative Code of 1987, Book III, Chapter 2, Section 4, Proclamations are "acts of the President fixing a date or declaring a status or condition of public moment or interest, upon the existence of which the operation of a specific law or regulation is made to depend, shall be promulgated in proclamations which shall have the force of an executive order."</div>

#WalangPasok: September 18, 20, 21, 27, 29, 2017 special holiday declared in selected areas

MANILA, Philippines - There will be no classes and work in selected areas for the specific dates of September 2017 to give way for the celeb...

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Duterte urges Congress to grant immunity for Marcoses

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - President Rodrigo Duterte will encourage his allies in the House of Representatives to grant immunity for Marcoses in exchange for the recovery of a portion of the family’s alleged ill-gotten wealth.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYO0LrJGuDRWZBPsz0FRWC5It8XwQWsTsNpiYwjRif6F4ynVSKXopvze1SbuEaJSmiMghivoVncueGLmxLtLvRipR25hRXpMvFGyjHnNe-iM8sfurHkjBJqs0MgZpSgnzhAwf9jYkKyjTa/s1600/marcos-wealth.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Duterte urges Congress to grant immunity for Marcoses" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYO0LrJGuDRWZBPsz0FRWC5It8XwQWsTsNpiYwjRif6F4ynVSKXopvze1SbuEaJSmiMghivoVncueGLmxLtLvRipR25hRXpMvFGyjHnNe-iM8sfurHkjBJqs0MgZpSgnzhAwf9jYkKyjTa/s1600/marcos-wealth.jpg" title="Duterte urges Congress to grant immunity for Marcoses" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PHOTO CREDIT: PhilStar</td></tr></tbody></table>Duterte, who has vowed to recover the reported ill-gotten wealth in his term, said he would encourage the Congress and the Senate to craft a new law that will grant immunity from criminal prosecution to the Marcos family in exchange for the return of a portion of their wealth hidden overseas.<br /><br />In his interview with reporters on Tuesday, September 12, Duterte said: “Congress might decide to pass a law to allow the government to negotiate with the Marcos family. They should be in talks with the Department of Justice or representatives of the finance department and Central Bank.”<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />Still, the president stressed that he only enforces agreements and that he cannot agree or disagree with a proposition in which he has no authority. <br /><br />Earlier, Duterte said he’d ask for immunity if he were the Marcoses.<br /><br />“If I were the Marcoses, kung isauli ko man 'yan, sabihin ko sa kanila, maghingi kayo ng immunity. Otherwise, keep the goddamn money at baka isauli mo nga, makulong ka,” Duterte said.<br /><br />While the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) has recovered at least P170 billion from the Marcoses as well as their cronies, the agency believes that the family stashed around $5 billion to $10 billion during their 20-year regime.<br /><br />Several lawmakers including Rep. Edcel Lagman, Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate and Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat Jr. have opposed the plan to grant immunity to the family of the late dictator.<br /><br />For Baguilat, the quest for recovering the Marcos wealth was “more than just money.”<br /><br />“It’s about justice and accountability for the crimes against the people during Martial Law—the killings, the torture, the suppression of freedoms and the degradation of our democratic institutions,” Baguilat explained.<br /><b><br /></b> <b>-- Mini, The Summit Express</b></div>

Duterte urges Congress to grant immunity for Marcoses

MANILA, Philippines - President Rodrigo Duterte will encourage his allies in the House of Representatives to grant immunity for Marcoses in ...

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#WalangPasok: September 1, 2017 declared regular holiday for Eid'l Adha

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, August 28, officially declared September 1, 2017 (Friday) a regular holiday throughout the country in observance of Eid'l Adha or the "Feast of Sacrifice."<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAlciHJ7M45WMjHalwvvLlLPgOf4pTuHnYCerj6wlU3EJcpiOR6wIPCTSn3ikNC3dUdUHWJ0m6_14pLm78wawmhvcgh4hHUG-GdGyXZIQ0f24BOspCl4m15GsKMYR12szMmAbPwTz0u3F/s1600/eid-adha-philippines.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Eidul Adha is on September 1, a regular holiday in the Philippines" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAlciHJ7M45WMjHalwvvLlLPgOf4pTuHnYCerj6wlU3EJcpiOR6wIPCTSn3ikNC3dUdUHWJ0m6_14pLm78wawmhvcgh4hHUG-GdGyXZIQ0f24BOspCl4m15GsKMYR12szMmAbPwTz0u3F/s1600/eid-adha-philippines.jpg" title="Eidul Adha is on September 1, a regular holiday in the Philippines" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CONFIRMED: Eidul Adha is on September 1, a regular holiday in the Philippines. Photo Credit: PhilStar</td></tr></tbody></table>As the holiday falls on Friday, it means that Filipinos will have another long weekend after Ninoy Aquino Day weekend ( August 19 to 21) and National Heroes Day weekend (August 26 to 28).<br /><br />The announcement was made through proclamation no. 297, based on the recommendation of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos. This is after the successful sightings of new moon crescent on Tuesday, August 22, as <b><a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/08/september-1-2017-regular-holiday-for-eidul-adha-philippines.html" rel="nofollow">confirmed by the High Judicial Court (HJC) in Saudi Arabia</a></b>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdW7NtC9Zr_pSLYKIUEsSPLnMYNmkA1lTpUPhP4orlk5M2I30IBg_fOvUfZuS5bkIijdyy362XFOHp9_N4M73TvCdjtKg8M1hvU-ts1VRuaizh-TEvHGoADBq1BtZduaOwqxiR8w2Scxet/s1600/holiday-september-1-eid-adha.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Walang pasok September 1 2017" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="719" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdW7NtC9Zr_pSLYKIUEsSPLnMYNmkA1lTpUPhP4orlk5M2I30IBg_fOvUfZuS5bkIijdyy362XFOHp9_N4M73TvCdjtKg8M1hvU-ts1VRuaizh-TEvHGoADBq1BtZduaOwqxiR8w2Scxet/s1600/holiday-september-1-eid-adha.jpg" title="Walang pasok September 1 2017" /></a></div><br />The Eid al-Adha is Islam's holiest festival celebrated annually around the world and an official holiday in Muslim-majority countries and in the Philippines.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />Republic Act No. 9849 states that the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah or the twelfth month of the Islamic Calendar, is hereby declared as a national holiday for the observance of Eidul Adha.<br /><br />Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to God, before God then intervened, to provide him with a sheep to sacrifice instead.<br /><br />Eid’l Adha, which has been a public holiday since 2002 in the country, is one of the two greatest feasts of Islam - the other being Eid’l Fitr or the Feast of Ramadan, which was also declared as a regular holiday on June 26.</div>

#WalangPasok: September 1, 2017 declared regular holiday for Eid'l Adha

MANILA, Philippines - President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, August 28, officially declared September 1, 2017 (Friday) a regular holiday thro...

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Ultimate Guide to Our New Leaders: President Rodrigo Duterte, VP Leni Robredo

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - After a year of electoral campaigns, a day of voting and weeks of ballot counting, the Filipino people have finally spoken. We have now elected former Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and former Camarines Sur’s Third District Representative, Leni Robredo as the new President and Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYygPWyZ3RfRSBgBoBuGv5dyAeEdSYwrioDmvhtm1Y6Q71cOVvzv75HqsMeVDjn5SVsaxreFiSCGxldq9MRhUWpOPJ5idyAVxhQk56oVWQEL-uECapkdJTM4CpEM_-16dKFuoKK3N1s3p/s1600/duterte-robredo-inauguration-june-30.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="President Rodrigo Duterte, VP Leni Robredo" border="0" class="img" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYygPWyZ3RfRSBgBoBuGv5dyAeEdSYwrioDmvhtm1Y6Q71cOVvzv75HqsMeVDjn5SVsaxreFiSCGxldq9MRhUWpOPJ5idyAVxhQk56oVWQEL-uECapkdJTM4CpEM_-16dKFuoKK3N1s3p/s1600/duterte-robredo-inauguration-june-30.jpg" title="President Rodrigo Duterte, VP Leni Robredo" /></a></div><br />Weeks have past since the Comelec has proclaimed the two lawmaker as the new leaders of the country. So much buzz has surrounded this election. From the concession of other presidentiables to Rodrigo Duterte, to Bongbong Marcos’ filing of electoral protest against Leni Robredo, it is safe to assume that this election is one of the most buzzworthy yet. But after it all, and despite all the issues surrounding the elections, light has been shed and prayers have been answered. However, how well do we actually know our President-elect and Vice President-elect? Have we taken the time to assess what now can be considered as two of the most powerful people in the country? <br /><br />Some argue that the tough and decisive Rodrigo Duterte can be balanced by the nurturing and motherly characteristics of Leni Robredo, some still vote otherwise. Debates remain between the pro and the con of the upcoming government, with majority being stuck in the middle. Can the punisher truly hold his promise of alleviating crimes? And can Robredo’s “tsinelas” leadership take us to a more progressive tomorrow?<br /><br />If you haven’t made your mind up yet, don’t fret as M2.0 Communications, one of the leading <a href="http://www.m2comms.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PR agencies in the Philippines</a>, brings you an infographic that tackles the different lives of our new leaders, their potentials as the new holders of the highest seats in the government, political backgrounds and notable achievements, as well as their plans for the country in the next six years.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.m2comms.com/blog/2016/6/29/getting-to-know-your-new-leaders-president-rodrigo-duterte-and-vice-president-leni-robredo" rel="nofollow"><img alt="GETTING TO KNOW YOUR NEW LEADERS: President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo" border="0" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/554acad9e4b0149371ef19bf/t/57722a09e6f2e13395d24790/1467099744839/GETTING+TO+KNOW+YOUR+NEW+LEADERS%3A+President+Rodrigo+Duterte+and+Vice+President+Leni+Robredo?format=750w" width="540" /></a></center></div>

Ultimate Guide to Our New Leaders: President Rodrigo Duterte, VP Leni Robredo

MANILA, Philippines - After a year of electoral campaigns, a day of voting and weeks of ballot counting, the Filipino people have finally sp...

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