President Duterte approved State Universities and Colleges covered by FREE Tuition Law

Pres. Duterte signed the bill granting free education in all state universities and colleges in the Philippines.

Senior Deputy Executive Sec. Menardo Guevarra made the announcement in an august 4, 2017 forum.

List of the State Univesities and colleges that covered by the free tuition fee bill signed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

The Universal Access to quality tertiary education act. gives full tuition subsidy for students in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), state-run technical vocational schools and local universities and colleges.

LIST OF STATE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES:

6.5 EARHTQUAKE SHAKE IN LEYTE PHILIPPINES

A 6.5-magnitude earthquake shake the central Philippines Thursday at 4:03 p.m.

The quake centered eight kilometers southwest of Jaro town on Leyte Island, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said.

There were no immediate  injuries from the inland tremor that hit at a shallow depth of two kilometers.

Phivolcs said that damage was expected from the quake.

The agency said no tsunami warning was raised.

A 6.5-magnitude earthquake kill at least one person inside a collapsed building with more people feared trapped inside, a local official said.

Rescuers were rushing to the town of Kananga where a three-storey commercial building collapsed as the tremor struck the central island of Leyte, town mayor Rowena Codilla told DZBB radio.

Duterte was just using his “common sense” when he declared martial law in the whole Mindanao

Speaker Bebot Alvarez said President Rodrigo Duterte was just using his “common sense” when he declared martial law for the whole of Mindanao even though the terrorists’ rampage was limited only in Marawi City.

Alvarez said Duterte would look like a fool if he declared martial law each time a terrorists group attacks a province.

“Alam mo, common sense na although sa Marawi lang yung putukan, e yung terrorism laganap yan sa buong Midnanao,” said Alvarez in a briefing.

“At saka halimbawa, tuloy-tuloy ang bakbakan doon, tumakbo yan sa kabilang probinsya, ang ibig sabihin mag-declare na naman yung Presidente ng martial law doon sa kabilang probinsya. So para namang gago yung Presidente, mayat-maya nagde-declare ng martial law para habulin yung ma terrorist na yun,” Alvarez said. 

Alvarez said that President Rodrigo Duterte was correct in declaring that he would only listen to the military and the police on when to stop or extend martial law. 

‎In a briefing, Alvarez said that the Constitution mandated the President to make a report to Congress which meant that Duterte would do the talking while the politikos do the listening.

‎”Eh kasi wala namang nakalagay sa constitution na kailangang pakinggan ng Pangulo yung Kongreso. ‎Kung ako yung Presidente hindi ako makikinig. Kasi ang dapat makinig kami, di ba? Hindi yung Presidente yung dapat makinig,” Alvarez said.

 “Basahin mo yung constitution—anong sabi ng constittution? Yung Presidente dapat mag-report sa Congress—siya yung magre-report, kami yung makikinig. Alangan namang siya yung magre-report siya yung makikinig sa amin,” he added.

Alvarez said there was nothing wrong if the President took advice only from the Armed Forces of the Phili‎ppines and the Philippine National Police because they have more intimate knowledge of the conditions on the ground that a battalion of armchair specialists and self-styled pundits.

“Siyempre manggagaling talaga sa AFP yan at saka sa PNP, sila yung nasa ground eh. Sila yung nakakaalam kung nandun pa yung threat o wala na,” said Alvarez. 

Alvarez said Congress giving advice to the President was different from Congress’ constitutional right to revoke martial law.‎”Iba yun ha? Power to revoke. Pag ni-revoke naming, sabi ng constitution obligadong sundin ng Presidente yun. Malinaw yun. Kaya lang pinapahirap natin,” he said.

Alvarez said Duterte would look like a fool if he declared martial law each time a terrorists group attacks a province.

It's HOUSE of Lebron James VANDALIZED?

HOUSE of 'Lebron James' VANDALIZED

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is investigating the vandalism on the house of NBA star Lebron James. LA said police spokeswoman Norma Eisenman, they received calls from colleagues in the house of James after discovering graffiti made with spray paint caused by an unidentified suspect.

While there was vandalism at his $27 million home, police reported, James said the most important thing was that his family, which was at their home in Ohio at the time of the incident, was safe. 

NBA superstar LeBron James says it contains a racial slur spray-painted on the front gate of his Los Angeles home shows the level of racism in America but hopes it can move people closer to ending such hatred. 

The 32-year-old NBA star clarified that he was not at home because he prepares for game 1 of the NBA finals between the Golden State Warriors.

“If this can keep the communication going and shine the light and keep us progressing and not regressing, that’s the main thing,” James said. “Being black in America, it’s tough,” James added. “And we’ve got a long way to go as a society for us as African-Americans until we feel equal in America.”

“My family is safe. That’s what’s important,” James said, saying his wife was handling issues arising from the incident with their children.

THE FINALS: THE 'UNDERDOGS' VERSUS 4-HEADED MONSTERS

The Golden State Warriors will feature a four-headed, shot-making, scoreboard-breaking monster against LeBron James and the Cavaliers.

James when asked how to beat All-Star-studded lineup of Golden State Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. James who have eight NBA Finals appearances in his pocket is ready to face the team he called a 'beast'. He had slayed some giants before.

As if to remind himself of the three championship rings he had and also mention tougher opponents he faced in the postseason like San Antonio and Boston.

"I've played against four Hall of Famers as well, too, with Manu, Kawhi, Tony (Parker) and Timmy D on the same team," James recalled. "And if you add Pop (coach Gregg Popovich) in there, that's five Hall of Famers. LeBron also cited the Celtics team who are loaded with big-name talents.

So it's going to be very challenging. Those guys are going to challenge me, they're going to challenge our ballclub. "

The Cleveland-Golden State 3.0 matchup is what fans wants worldwide.

Many believe that the Cleveland Cavaliers has smaller the chance in the NBA Finals. The defending champions have LeBron James but some said they are the clear underdogs against Golden State.

"The whole underdog thing is funny to me, because yeah, at the end of the day we are defending our title," said Cavs forward Kevin Love after practice Saturday. "We're trying to repeat, which is so hard to do."

"I think we will use the underdog tag as fuel," said Love. "We will use it as motivation, but the idea of playing into it? it's tough for me to say that is the case. I do not feel like we're underdogs. "

President Duterte declares Martial Law in Mindanao

Duterte declares Martial Law in Mindanao due to ISIS threat

President Rodrigo Duterte declares martial law in Mindanao while he is in Russia on May 23, 2017.

President Duterte put the whole island of Mindanao under martial law as of 10 pm of May 23, following violent clashes between government troops and members of the Maute group in Marawi.

The martial law declaration for the island lasts for 60 days, according to presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella.

"The hardest thing to deal with would be the arrival of ISIS in our country and it has come to pass, that there is really war going on," Duterte said in a press briefing upon his arrival from Russia, where he had an official trip.

"Government must put an end to this. I cannot gamble with ISIS because they are everywhere and you know what is happening or you must be very aware of what is happening in the Middle East," he added.

Deputy Executive Sec. Menardo Guevarra has clarified that this is possible on the grounds of existence of rebellion because of what is happening in Mindanao based on Article 7, Section 18 of the Constitution. This is good for 60 days,” said Abella.

Duterte on Wednesday morning said he will be "harsh" in implementing martial law, which he said "will not be any different" from the military rule under dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

The President had earlier warned about martial law in Mindanao. The last time he raised this prospect was on May 19, or 4 days before he declared martial law in the southern Philippines.

His meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev will be postponed, but a phone call before Mr. Duterte and Putin is being planned, according to Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Cayetano.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the whole island of Mindanao was put under martial law even if the clashes were only in Marawi because there are also problems in other parts of the island.

Clashes in Marawi City began on Tuesday afternoon after the Philippine military launched a surgical strike against "high-value targets" belonging to the Abu Sayyaf Group and the Maute Group. Clashes with the Maute Group killed at least one policeman as of 8 pm.

Three government troops (2 soldiers and a police) were killed while 12 others were wounded in clashes with members of the IS-linked Abu Sayyaf and the Maute terror groups in Marawi City that started on Tuesday afternoon.

In a televised press briefing from Russia, Defense Secretary Lorenzana said they will send more troops from Manila and Zamboanga to Marawi City on Wednesday.

Jordan Clarkson play for Gilas Pilipinas

Jordan Clarkson still waiting clearance from FIBA to play for Gilas Pilipinas

The 24-year-old Clarkson has a Filipino passport which the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) claims he acquired during his pre-teen years, thus making him eligible to play for Gilas.

Until now Los Angeles Lakers star and Filipino-American player Jordan Clarkson still seeks clearance to play under the flag of the Philippines.

Clarkson said on CBS Los Angeles' Rahul Lai, hopes will someday he will play for Gilas Pilipinas. The Lakers would not easily release Clarkson because he is one of their best player of the team and further grow his contract amounting to US $50 million over four years.

Is Jordan Clarkson's patience wearing thin while waiting for Fiba clearance to finally don the Gilas Pilipinas jersey? When? He's READY!," added Jordan's father.

The father of the Los Angeles Lakers stalwart posted an Instagram message addressed to Fiba asking when his son can finally be given the clearance to play for the Philippines in international basketball.

The message came just after Gilas Pilipinas earned a berth in the Fiba World Cup qualifiers this November by topping the Southeast Asia Basketball Association (Seaba) Championship held in Manila last week. Without the Fiba clearance, the most Clarkson could do to play for the national team is to apply for naturalization. Former NBA stalwart Andray Blatche is the current naturalized player for Gilas. 

Fiba has yet to give the green light for Clarkson to play for the country of his mother as there are still supporting papers the world governing body for the sport has been asking with regards to the NBA players' birth certificate and those of his Filipina mother Annette, a native of Angeles, Pampanga.

President Duterte open to military alliance - RUSSIA and CHINA

President Duterte open to military alliance with ‘reliable’ China, Russia

President Rodrigo Duterte has expressed openness to forging new military alliances with China and Russia if the security situation worldwide deterioriates.

In an interview with Russian media in Davao City before flying to Moscow Monday (May 22), Duterte lauded China and Russia for being “reliable” while slamming the United States for its “double talk.”

“If the situation in all over the world [gets worse], I will not be forced, but I will be open to defense alliance. Because it is only Russia and China who can be reliable,” the Russian media outfit Sputnik quoted the President as saying.

“The left hand does not know what the right hand is doing. So there will always be a problem, there will always be misconceptions and probably a dislike, if not hatred for one another,” Duterte said of the US. 

The President has made shifted away from pursuing the country’s traditional alliance with the US since assuming office, choosing instead to seek closer ties with China and Russia.

Duterte is set to have a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 25 while he is in Russia for an official visit. 

Duterte:Turned down invitation to attend Trump’s inauguration for Russia

Duterte says he turned down invitation to attend Trump’s inauguration for Russia

Philippines - President Rodrigo Duterte had been invited to attend the inauguration of United States President Donald Trump last January but he turned it down because he wanted to visit Russia first.

In an interview with Russian media in Davao City ahead of his flight to Moscow Monday (May 22), Duterte gave a different version of the story on why he skipped Trump’s inauguration.

“I have not been there. I have been invited to attend the swearing-in of Trump, but I said ‘not yet because I have to go to Russia’,” the Russian news outfit Sputnik quoted Duterte as saying.

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar told the media in January that Duterte will not be at Trump’s inauguration in Washington, D.C. because it was “not customary for heads of states” to be there as it was a “domestic event.”

“Customarily, the head of mission or the ambassador is the representative of our country. Because this is totally a domestic event, Americans will be there to celebrate the inauguration,” he said. 

Representing the Philippines at Trump’s inauguration were Andanar and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon.

Duterte will be in Russia from May 23 to 26. During his visit, he is set to have bilateral meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he has described as his “idol,” and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. 

President Duterte Today, wants missiles and Nuclear energy

President Duterte will ask for precision guided missiles and discuss nuclear energy, when he visits Russia!

photo credit: Malacañang

President Rodrigo Duterte will ask for precision guided missiles and discuss nuclear energy, among others, when he visits Russia this week.

“I am going to Russia on Tuesday…same purpose…if they can spare us some precision guided [missiles]. We have so many smart bombs, but not as accurate as the ones guided by lasers or by the satellites,” Duterte said in a speech over the weekend.

“We are really trying not to use bombs that can hit anybody because it will cause so many collateral damages,” he added.

Duterte is also expected to sign deals with Russia concerning security, legal assistance, trade, investments, as well as peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez earlier announced that Manila and Moscow will sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to entice Russian businesses to invest in the Philippines.

“The main task is to increase awareness on the Philippines, the businesses and opportunities here. Also to sign two MOUs for trade and investment promotion and industry development,” Lopez told reporters. “That’s why we set a business forum [in Russia], will be presenting [how to do]business in the Philippines, also the Dutertenomics,” he added. 

Duterte was invited to Russia by Putin when they met on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Lima, Peru in November last year.

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Maria Cleofe Natividad said the visit is expected to boost ties between the two countries. 

“We believe it will mark a new chapter in Philippines-Russia relations. We also see this visit as an indication of our strong common desire to enhance and strengthen bilateral relations,” Natividad said. “We consider this visit as a landmark that will send a strong message of the Philippines’ commitment to seek new partnerships and strengthen relations with non- traditional partners such as Russia.”

Early this week, Duterte visited China were he secured $24 billion worth of loans and investments. 

SAFETY RULES: Children below 18 years old banned from riding motorcycles

LTO -- Starting May 19, children below 18 years old are no longer allowed to board motorcycles plying major public roads.

Effective this date, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and other law enforcement agencies will apprehend motorcycle drivers with small children riders in accordance with Republic Act No. 10666, “Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015.” It was signed into law by former President Benigno Aquino III on July 21, 2015.

Allowing children and minors below 18 years old onboard motorcycles will no longer be allowed today and Friday, respectively, as the Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act take effect.

Under its implementing rules and regulations, motorcycle riders are not allowed to drive with small children on board, especially when traversing roads where there are heavy volumes of fast-moving vehicles, or where a speed limit of more than 60 kilometer-per-hour are imposed.

Only children who are able to reach the motorcycle’s foot peg and can embrace the waist of the driver will be allowed to ride a motorcycle. Child passengers must also wear the standard protective gear for riding motorcycles.

Children sitting in front of the motorcycle, or between riders, will also not be allowed. The only exception to these rules is when a child is being transported due to immediate medical attention.

Violators will be fined P3,000 on the first offense; P5,000 on the second offense; and P10,000 and a one-month suspension of the driver’s license on the third offense. The LTO will revoke the licenses of those who will be caught beyond third offense.

In case of accidents that results in injuries or death of the child passenger, motorcycle drivers will be imprisoned for one year in addition to the penalties provided for in the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines.

source: manila bulletin

BOHOL NEWS: ABU SAYYAF REMNANTS KILLED

BOHOL -- Two of the remaining Abu Sayyaf bandits who entered Bohol in April this year were killed in separate military and police operations in Pangangan Island, Calape, Bohol, on Monday, May 15. 

Abu Asis, the last Abu Sayyaf remnant, was killed around 5:30 p.m. Monday, May 15, a military source confirmed.

The first to fall at past noon Monday was Abu Ubayda. He was killed in Barangay Lawis, Pangangan Island, Calape. 

Asis was reportedly wounded in the upper right portion of his back and was armed with a caliber .45 pistol. 

The bandits held hostage an old man and his grandson who were gathering seashells in the shores of Barangay Kahayag, Pangangan Island.

Abu Ubayda was armed with an M16 rifle, while Asis had a caliber .45 pistol. 

The bandits managed to board a motorcycle along with the hostages. 

But Abu Ubayda was killed after he engaged in a brief chase with government troops in Barangay Lawis, said the local police.

The two Abu Sayyaf bandits were sighted in Pangangan Island on May 12, a month after they entered Inabanga, Bohol, and clashed with government troops in April.

GlobalPort gets boost from new recruits (Justin Harper) in upset against Meralco

GlobalPort gets boost from new recruits (Justin Harper) in upset against Meralco

The GlobalPort Batang Pier’s new recruits didn’t disappoint in their first game with the squad as they stunned the league-leading Meralco Bolts, 94-86, in the Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

New import Justin Harper, a former NBA D-League player who arrived in Manila just hours before the game, scored 30 points and nine boards in his PBA debut.

Sean Anthony, who along with Bradwyn Guinto and Jonathan Grey landed in GlobalPort via a four-team trade last weekend, made 18 points and eight boards. Guinto chipped in eight points and seven boards, while Grey had three points, four boards and three dimes.

Stanley Pringle also came up with 16 points, seven boards and eight assists as the Batang Pier (3-6) notched their win No.3 and dealt the Bolts (7-2) only their second defeat of the conference.

In a seesaw battle between the two squads, it was the Batang Pier who made big shots down the stretch. After an 81-all tie with 4:28 left, GlobalPort scored six unanswered points.

Jonathan Uyloan pulled Meralco closer with a triple, but Pringle fired four consecutive clutch points including a tough layup with 36 ticks left that handed GlobalPort a 91-86 lead with 36 seconds left and took the fight out of Meralco.

Alex Stepheson had a monster outing of 19 points and 27 boards in the defeat which snapped Meralco’s three-game winning streak.

Gina Lopez bids goodbye to DENR by singing the 2013 Disney hit 'Let It Go'

Gina Lopez bids goodbye to DENR by singing the 2013 Disney hit 'Let It Go'

Gina Lopez has let go of her post and even sang about it, the ousted Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) secretary won’t really be gone. She will just be on the other side of the fence — in the private sector continuing her advocacy for the environment.

“I’m committing publicly. I will help you from the private sector, Lopez told Cimatu before capping her speech with the popular 2013 Disney song, “Let it Go.”

“It’s time to see what I can do, to test the limits and break through,” belted out Lopez with two other female singers as Cimatu was sitting beside them on the stage.

Lopez was optimistic that Cimatu would be able to a good job at the DENR. “People who were with him say he’s good in logistics and I feel he’s a good man.” Cimatu was all praises to Lopez, saying he wished he could approximate her passion for the environment.

He described his predecessor as a “very passionate and ardent advocate of environmental protection and inclusive growth.”

Meanwhile, critics claim President Rodrigo Duterte erred in his decision to appoint Cimatu.

Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas secretary-general Antonio Flores said the newly appointed DENR chief “was among the pioneers and implementors of the counterinsurgency program Oplan Bantay Laya 1 during the Arroyo regime that killed hundreds of farmers, workers and activists including anti-mining advocates.”

“Cimatu will definitely defend and kill to protect the interests of large-scale local and foreign mining companies,” said Flores.

“Cimatu will only serve as the head guard of the internal defense force of large-scale mining firms. We do not want a DENR that will aid mining corporations in massive land grabbing of ancestral lands and the wanton destruction of the environment. His appointment should be blocked and rejected,” he added. Cimatu on Wednesday admitted that he was not yet familiar in his new job and asked that he be given time to fully understand the functions and responsibilities of a DENR secretary.

“Here I am wading in into a field far removed from soldiery. That is why you will please excuse me if I ask that I be given time to scan and study the terrain in an agency which impacts considerably on our very life as a people and the future of our beloved Philippines,” he said.

[source] interaksyon

President Duterte appoints AFP chief Año as next DILG Chief

President Duterte appoints AFP chief Año as next DILG Chief 

‘My junta is nearly complete’

The months-long guessing game on who will be the next secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Governments is over: he is Armed Forces Chief of Staff Eduardo M. Año, who was introduced by President Duterte himself at departure rites before he flew to Cambodia Wednesday. At the same time, he justified packing his Cabinet with more ex-soldiers, joking that soon, he will have a complete “junta” on board.

Pressed by a reporter on whom among the May 9, 2016 losing candidates might land positions in his Cabinet with the lapse of the one-year ban on appointing also-runs, Duterte asked General Año to step in front and stand facing the reporter, and then said, “you are facing the next DILG secretary.”

The President gave an implied justification of his choice of the top soldier for DILG, saying “I have a problem with the police…” adding that a soldier might be better suited to help him discipline the PNP, which is under DILG supervision. Duterte said he is confident his choice of Año is as proper as his selection of another AFP chief, Gen. Roy Cimatu, whom he named Environment secretary on Monday, replacing Gina Lopez who was rejected by the Commission on Appointments.

“You are now facing the next DILG Secretary,” the President told reporters while gesturing to Año, who was summoned to stand next to Duterte after a question about new Cabinet appointments was raised.

Duterte said he needs a military man at the DILG’s helm because he has “a problem with the police.”

“You need somebody who knows the police,” he said, after expressing disgust at the news of four Makati policemen who extorted money from a family they kidnapped.

Aside from dealing with errant cops, Duterte said a DILG chief with military background is necessary to deal with the country’s problem with terrorism.

“The problem with terrorism looms very big ahead. The IS (Islamic State) is coming in. May bakbakan sa Mindanao ngayon,” he said.

Año is set to retire in October.

Speculation was rife as to who would head the DILG after Duterte fired Ismael Sueno in April over corruption allegations. Among the names rumored to be considered for the post were former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and House Majority Floor Leader Rodolfo Fariñas.

Before his appointment as AFP chief of staff, Año served as the 57th Commanding General of the Philippine Army from July 16, 2015 to December 7, 2016.[3][4] He was also the chief of Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) from 2012 to 2014.

He joked that with Cimatu and Año on his Cabinet, “dadagdagan ko pa ng isang military, kumpleto na ‘yung junta [I will add one more soldier and my junta will be complete].”

[source] interaksyon

GOOD NEWS: DUTERTE GOVERNMENT APPROVES 120 DAYS MATERNITY LEAVE WITH PAY FEMALE WORKERS 150 DAYS SOLO PARENTS!

DUTERTE GOVERNMENT APPROVES 120 DAYS MATERNITY LEAVE WITH PAY FEMALE WORKERS 150 DAYS SOLO PARENTS!

We overheard that the Senate approved the third and final reading which seeks the maternity keave to 120 days.

This is under Senate bill no 1305." Expanded Maternity Leave Law of 2017"

This states that  all female workers refardless of civil status or legitimacy of her child shall be granted 120days maternity leave with pay and another option to extenrend for another 20days without pay. 

For solo parents, they will be granted a total of 150 days maternity leave with pay.

Source: Manila Bulletin

Pinay OFW sa Hongkong, Napaiyak sa sobrang excited makita si Pangulong Duterte

Pinay OFW sa Hongkong, Napaiyak sa sobrang excited makita si Pangulong Duterte

Tila napaluha ang isang ofw na pinay nang mabalitaang pupunta si Pangulong Duterte para sa kanyang working visit sa Hongkong. Ayon sa isang nakapanayam na OFW, bihira na raw na presidente ang pupunta para sa kanila at bibisitahin. 

Nagpasalamat siya kay Pangulong Duterte at nanindigang hindi magsasawang susuporta kay Pangulong Duterte.