Politics

Duterte wants child-protection law scrapped

by
Oct 03, 2007

By CHERYLL D. FIEL | Davao Today

Duterte said teenagers today are different from those in the past and, at 15, he believed a boy already has discernment. He also thought the Juvenile Justice Law, which says children below 15 cannot be held criminally liable, is open to abuse — a lot of criminals could get away with crime because of this, he said. He called the law myopic and impractical.

Here’s why ’08 Philippines budget is anti-poor

by
Oct 02, 2007

COMMENTARY | By Ibon Foundation

Contrary to the Arroyo government’s claims of a social payback in exchange for new tax measures, only 17 centavos out of every peso in revenues are allocated in next year’s budget for health, education and housing services. In the budget, funding for government hospitals was slashed by 12 percent. By contrast, the Department of National Defense will get thrice as much as the health department.

AFP ‘test missions’ during Ramadhan slammed

by
Oct 01, 2007

It is difficult for our brothers and sisters in the war-torn areas of Basilan to observe one of the important pillars of Islam when the guns and bombs of the Philippine Army are aimed at them, said Amirah Ali Lidasan of Suara Bangsamoro, adding that Moro civilians are vulnerable to the military operation conducted during Ramadhan for most of them are weak due to whole day of fasting.

Mindanao journalists push for freedom of information law

by
Oct 01, 2007

By CHERYLL D. FIEL | Davao Today

Journalists, some of whom experienced being denied information related to the last elections, have committed to campaign among colleagues and lawmakers for the “Freedom of Information Act of 2007,” which, once passed into law, will require government to release public documents within a specific number of working days upon receipt of a request and will eliminate the excessive cost of acquiring these data, which is imposed by government agencies.

Duterte undergoes surgery; Sara takes over

by
Oct 01, 2007

By CHERYLL D. FIEL | Davao Today

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who was scheduled to undergo surgery last week, said he had no qualms leaving his post because he has complete trust in his daughter. Asked about the possibility of criminals on the loose while he is away, the mayor retorted, “When the cat is away, the tiger takes over,” apparently alluding to his daughter.

Lawyers say HSA worse than martial law

by
Sep 24, 2007


During the commemoration of the 35th year of declaration of martial law on Sept. 21, different lawyers’ organizations in Davao City came together at the Centennial Park not only to light candles for judges, lawyers, and paralegals who were victims of the abusive law. They were also there to denounce the Human Security Act, which they called “illegal.” The lawyers describe the present state of the country as even worse than during martial law. They see more human-rights abuses under the law. On the same occasion, the lawyers launched HOTLINE 296-0070; people who are faced with HSA-related violations can call and ask for help. (davaotoday.com photo by Cheryll D. Fiel)