Some fishermen may stop operations as fuel cost spikes – group
Metro Manila, Philippines – A farming, fisheries, and livestock group warned that some fishermen may be forced to hang up their nets because of rising fuel costs, adding that the government’s promised subsidy offers little relief. According to the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG), fishermen now lose around ₱500 daily after the price of diesel surged by as much as ₱24 per liter due to the Middle East crisis. “Ang ginagawa ng iba ngayon, every other day na lang nagpapalaot kasi nga hindi na masustain ‘yung araw-araw,” SINAG executive director Jayson Cainglet told a Senate hearing on Thursday, March 12. [Translation: Some fishermen now go out to sea only every other day because they can no longer sustain fishing daily.] Cainglet also expressed concern over statements that assistance for fisherfolk may only be released after two weeks. “Baka kung after two weeks, wala nang mangisda kasi inaabsorb ng mga mangingisda…
Solons ask House panel to take custody of Madriaga
Metro Manila, Philippines – A lawmaker asked the House justice committee to take custody of Ramil Madriaga, the alleged bagman of Vice President Sara Duterte, while another flagged a possible conflict of interest on the defense team. In a letter dated March 5 released to the media on Thursday, March 12, Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno wrote to committee chairperson and Batangas 2nd district Rep. Jinky Luistro about the issue. “May I also move that the custody of Mr. Ramil Lagunoy Madriaga, who appears to be a material witness in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, be transferred to the committee on justice, to ensure his safety and availability to testify before the Committee at the proper time,” Diokno wrote. Fellow Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña, Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima, and Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao signed the letter as well. Last week, Madriaga’s counsel said their…
Duterte supporters hold ‘Bring Him Home’ mass in Davao City
Metro Manila, Philippines – Supporters of former president Rodrigo Duterte gathered at the San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City on Wednesday, March 11, for a Mass calling for his return to the country, marking one year since his arrest by the International Criminal Court. Among those who attended the event was Vice President Sara Duterte, who joined supporters in prayer during what organizers called “Bring Him Home Mass.” The vice president then reiterated that her father was wrongfully taken to The Hague. “Hindi lang mga Dabawenyos, mga Pilipino galit sa nangyaring pagkidnap kay dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte,” she said. [Translation: Not only Dabawenyos — Filipinos are angry about what happened, about the kidnapping of former President Rodrigo Duterte.] “It is unthinkable that a government, no matter the political differences with the administration, would send a citizen to a foreign jurisdiction to be detained and tried for crimes against humanity na…
Remembering the dead: drug war families revisit loss, seek justice
Metro Manila, Philippines – White roses, flickering candles, and framed photographs of the dead filled a quiet prayer gathering Wednesday as families of victims of the bloody war on drugs marked one year since the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The solemn gathering was a memorial and a call for accountability. Duterte has been detained in The Hague awaiting his fate at the ICC over alleged crimes against humanity for murder linked to his anti-drug campaign. The case is awaiting key court decisions to determine the next phase of the proceedings. For Cristina Jumola, the anniversary is deeply personal. She said she lost all three of her sons in the drug war. “Noong mabalitaan ko na hinuli na ng ICC si Duterte, laking tuwa ko kasi sa wakas mabibigyan ng katarungan ang pagkamatay ng anak ko,” she said. [Translation: When I learned that…
DOTr confirms fare hike as PUV drivers feel toll of pump price spikes
Metro Manila, Philippines – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has confirmed a looming fare hike amid rising fuel costs, as public utility vehicle drivers warn that the Middle East crisis is taking its toll on livelihood. In a press briefing at Malacañang on Wednesday, March 11, Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez said the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is expected to release its decision on petitions to raise fares for some public transport next week. “I’m asking LTFRB to re-crunch the numbers. Tingnan niyo mabuti ano ba iyon. This is not only a provisional. If we’re going to do something, baka mas meron pong sinasabi natin, may provisional na ngayon, dadagdagan ba natin ang provisional o ang provisional, gagawin na nating permanent,” he said. [Translation: I’m asking the LTFRB to re-crunch the numbers. Look closely at what it really is. This is not only about something provisional. If we…
