#Solicitor meaning in Hindi

[triptishetty2]

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Advocate Tripti R. Shetty B.A., L.L.B. completed her graduation from Mumbai University and her law from Government Law College, Mumbai.

Completed her course on Forensic Science.

Started her legal career by working with a solicitor firm Thakker & Thakker for two years.

Has an unmatched career success ratio of 98% and has represented several corporate, Solicitor firms, Builders, Bankers and High Net worth Individuals (HNI).

Speaks English, Hindi, Tulu and Marathi.

Enjoys educating and mentoring young lawyers thus improving the overall legal fraternity.

To know more: https://triptishetty.com/cheating.html

[ashadkhan1]

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[precisedblog]

A timeline of the events leading up to the closure of the ABS-CBN network

If you’re a Filipino, you probably grew up watching shows on the ABS-CBN channel. After all, they are the largest media conglomerate in the country. Numerous television and radio stations are under their umbrella—including ABS-CBN, ANC, Cinema One, Myx, and My Only Radio. They are a fixture of Filipino pop culture, and serve as a source of news and information for millions. It’s no surprise that the decision of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to issue a cease and desist order against the network shocked many Filipinos.

Image source: Patrick Roque, Wikimedia Commons

But even before the network signed off on May 5th at 7:52pm, the media giant was already subject to multiple threats. Their franchise was pending renewal at the House of Representatives since 2014, and three iterations of congress have left these bills untouched.

In November 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte publicly announced his objection against the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise during a ceremony in Boracay. He attributes this to the network’s failure to air his political campaign ads in 2016, as well as the broadcast of Senator Antonio Trillianes’ advertisement. The latter was controversial for criticizing Duterte’s demeanor and remarks. He also called the company “thieves”.

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Known presidential ally and Senator Bong Go reaffirmed Duterte’s stand on the network during a hearing in February 2020. Go stated that while the president is “not vindictive”, the president was hurt by the fact that the political ads did not make it to air. He also showed Trillianes’ clip, which highlighted Duterte’s controversial remarks on rape during the 2016 presidential campaign.

Sen. Bong Go: Hindi po vindictive ang ating Pangulo... Siguro nakahanap lang kayo ng isang pangulong kumakasa talaga. #ABSCBNFranchise | via @michael_delizo pic.twitter.com/zGm6HFZSyn

— ABS-CBN News Channel (@ANCALERTS)

February 24, 2020

The same month, Duterte stated that he will leave the decision of the franchise renewal to the House of Representatives, after ABS-CBN president and CEO Carlo Katigbak issued an apology. Solicitor General Jose Calida then filed a quo warranto petition against ABS-CBN. Calida cites the network’s pay-per-view services as grounds for the petition, and also mentioned the network’s ties with foreign companies. According to the petition, “criminal liability is also imposed on those who violate foreign equity restrictions and evade nationalization laws of the Philippines through various modes of proxy arrangement”.

On February 24, congress finally began tackling the issue of renewing the franchise. Multiple government agencies and offices stated that the network made no violations. This means that the company had no pending tax requirements and that the network’s pay-per-view services are covered by franchise laws. The Senate hearing concluded that no breaches were made against the law.

Image source: Paolo Romero, The STAR

The NTC then stated that they may issue a provisional authority to the company, allowing them to continue operating while congress tackles franchise renewal. Calida then fired back at the NTC on May 3rd, saying that the agency may be prosecuted for the act. Two days later, a cease and desist order was issued by the NTC, and the network went off the air the same evening.

Upon issue of the cease and desist order, social networking sites were filled with posts voicing out support for the network. Universities and organizations issued statements calling out the shutdown of the network as an act against press freedom. On top of that, people express concerns over the 11, 000 people whose jobs are at stake due to the situation.

LOOK: The De La Salle University lit up the St. La Salle Hall in the colors of red, blue, and green in solidarity with ABS-CBN as it goes off-air tonight, May 5, 2020, following a cease and desist order from the National Telecommunications Commission. (📷: DLSU Facebook page) pic.twitter.com/vUwHM6Cltu

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews)

May 5, 2020

READ: UST JOURNALISM SOCIETY STATEMENT ON THE CEASE AND DESIST ORDER ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION TO ABS-CBN#DefendPressFreedom#NoToABSCBNShutDown #RedefinedUSTJRN pic.twitter.com/ctx35Ikjpe

— The UST Journalism Society (@ustjrnsoc)

May 5, 2020

At a time like the COVID-19 pandemic, the accessibility of information is crucial. For some parts of the country, ABS-CBN is the sole network whose signals are picked up by local antennas. While the company’s cable networks and online platforms remain standing, being able to broadcast at the local TV channel is important to ensure the wide reach of news and current affairs.

Image source: Patrick Roque, Wikimedia Commons

The closure of the network is a cause of concern for press freedom in the Philippines. As more and more news reports cast a bad light on the government, it remains to be seen if the powers that be will allow media outlets to be “in service of the Filipino people”.

References

Buan, L. (2020, February 18). Calida moves to gag ABS-CBN on quo warranto case. Retrieved from Rappler: https://www.rappler.com/nation/252095-calida-motion-gag-order-supreme-court-abs-cbn-quo-warranto-case

Cabato, R. (2020, May 5). Philippines orders its largest broadcaster off the air as nation fights virus. Retrieved from The Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/philippines-orders-its-largest-broadcaster-off-the-air-as-nation-fights-virus/2020/05/05/3d172b60-8eb4-11ea-9322-a29e75effc93_story.html

Cabico, G. K. (2020, February 24). Senators maintain nothing wrong, unconstitutional with ABS-CBN franchise hearing. Retrieved from Philstar: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/02/24/1995699/senators-maintain-nothing-wrong-unconstitutional-abs-cbn-franchise-hearing

Gomez, J. (2020, May 6). Watchdog Calls Closure of Philippines' Biggest Broadcaster an 'Outrageous Attack' on Media Freedom. Retrieved from Time: https://time.com/5832614/philippines-abs-cbn-shutdown-duterte-press-freedom/

Gregorio, X. (2020, May 5). ABS-CBN goes off air following NTC order. Retrieved from CNN Philippines: https://www.cnn.ph/news/2020/5/5/ABS-CBN-off-air-NTC.html

Ignacio, E. N. (2013). The Challenges of On-Line Diaspora Research. In S. J. Gold, & S. J. Nawyn, Handbook of International Migration (p. 549). London: Routledge.

Placido, D. (2018, November 8). Duterte to 'object' to ABS-CBN franchise renewal. Retrieved from ABS-CBN News: https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/08/18/duterte-to-object-to-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal

Presidential Communications Operations Office. (2018, November 8). Speech of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during the ceremonial distribution of the Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) to Agrarian Reform beneficiaries. Retrieved from Presidential Communications Operations Office: https://pcoo.gov.ph/presidential-speech/speech-of-president-rodrigo-roa-duterte-during-the-ceremonial-distribution-of-the-certificates-of-land-ownership-award-cloa-to-agrarian-reform-beneficiaries/

Rey, A. (2020, February 24). Bong Go: It's those anti-Duterte ads on ABS-CBN that got the boss’ goat. Retrieved from Rappler: https://www.rappler.com/nation/252558-bong-go-on-anti-duterte-ads-abs-cbn-senate-hearing

Yap, D., Pazzibugan, D. J., Salaverria, L. B., & Gascon, M. (2020, February 2020). Duterte to ABS-CBN: Apology accepted but franchise up to House. Retrieved from Inquirer: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1233949/duterte-to-abs-cbn-apology-accepted-but-franchise-up-to-house

[phgq]

'Hour of reckoning' for ABS-CBN has come: Calida

#PHnews: 'Hour of reckoning' for ABS-CBN has come: Calida

MANILA – The time of reckoning has come for media giant ABS-CBN over alleged breaches in its broadcast operations, Solicitor General Jose Calida said on Monday.

During the joint House Committee on Legislative Franchises and on Good Government and Public Accountability inquiry on the network's franchise issue, Calida claimed that the ABS-CBN committed violations arising from its franchise, the laws and the Constitution.

"The time has come to expose ABS-CBN, whose owners and corporate officers continue to deceive the Filipino people into believing that they are 'in the service of the Filipino people'," Calida said.

"In truth, however, ABS-CBN is motivated not by service, but by greed and desire for power and influence. Their brazen act must come to an end. The hour of reckoning may have been delayed but it has now come," he added.

He said ABS-CBN violated the nature and scope of its legislative franchise, when it allowed another entity, ABS-CBN Convergence, to make use of and abuse the former’s legislative franchise.

He cited Republic Act 7925, which states that no single franchise shall authorize an entity to engage in both telecommunications and broadcasting, either through the airwaves or by cable.

Calida also argued that ABS-CBN Corporation was not authorized to use free-to-air signals in its operations of the pay-per-view KBO Channel, noting that it continued operating despite being ordered by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to refrain from doing so and await the issuance of appropriate guidelines.

“ABS-CBN Corporation charges PHP30 or PHP99 from the viewing public to be able to watch the movies and other contents in the KBO Channel. ABS-CBN Corporation has aired movies, boxing shows, concerts, and other events in its KBO Channel for a fee and without obtaining prior approval from the NTC,” he said.

“These acts are evidently not covered by the legislative franchise granted by the State in favor of ABS-CBN Corporation,” he added.

He said the firm circumvented the foreign equity restriction in mass media entities provided under the Philippine Constitution through the use of Philippine Depository Receipts (PDRs).

“The PDRs unlocked the share value of ABS-CBN Corporation, allowing foreigners to participate in a media enterprise whose ownership is constitutionally limited to Filipinos,” he said.

Calida stressed that a legislative franchise is not a right, but a privilege subject to regulation under conditions that the government may see fit.

“Thus, in cases of misuse, non-use or abuse of a franchise, the state ought to reassert its authority and rise a grantor regardless of the grantee’s identity and influence,” he said.

“You may have committed too many violations which went unnoticed and unpunished but we are determined to root out such illegal practices,” he added.

During the same hearing, ABS-CBN President and CEO Carlo Katigbak dispelled the claim regarding PDRs, explaining that their issuance does not mean yielding ownership to foreign entities.

"Ang PDR po ay hindi katumbas ng pag-aari sa ABS-CBN. Ito po ay aprubado ng SEC (Security and Exchange Commission), at ito po ay ginagawa rin ng ibang media company na nabigyan ng prangkisa (The PDR does not automatically mean ownership of ABS-CBN. This is approved by the SEC and other media companies with franchises also issue this)," Katigbak said. (PNA) 

***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "'Hour of reckoning' for ABS-CBN has come: Calida." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104536 (accessed June 01, 2020 at 10:42PM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "'Hour of reckoning' for ABS-CBN has come: Calida." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104536 (archived).

[ryanwashington-blog]

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[phgq]

Congress can't stop SC from hearing OSG petition vs. ABS-CBN

#PHnews: Congress can't stop SC from hearing OSG petition vs. ABS-CBN

MANILA -- Two senators on Monday said Congress cannot stop the Supreme Court from hearing the quo warranto petition filed by the Office of the Solicitor General against ABS-CBN Corporation, even if Congress has the mandate to grant or renew legislative franchises.

In a statement, Senator Panfilo Lacson said the two issues “is a matter of different jurisdictions.”

“The quo warranto petition is under the original jurisdiction of the Court. Approval or renewal of legislative franchise is the jurisdiction of both houses of Congress,” he said. “As such, I see no conflict in jurisdictions."

The veteran lawmaker cited the case of former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, whom the SC removed from office in 2018 through a quo warranto plea filed by the OSG over her alleged failure to fully disclose her wealth when she applied for the Supreme Court's top post in 2012.

Sereno was ousted from office despite an ongoing impeachment case against her in Congress.

Lacson explained that under Art VIII, Sec 5, Paragraph 1 of the 1987 Constitution, the Supreme Court exercises original jurisdiction over a petition for quo warranto filed by the state through the Office of the Solicitor General.

Under the said provision, Lacson said Solicitor General Jose Calida cannot be prevented from filing the petition against the broadcast network, but “Congress is likewise not prevented from exercising its powers under the same Constitution to act on the application for renewal or a new franchise which is now pending before the House of Representatives.”

'Separate powers'

Senator Grace Poe expressed a similar sentiment, saying that the judiciary and Congress have separate powers.

“Lest we preempt the court from deciding the case on its own merit, these issues are questions of facts which must be resolved by the court," she said in a separate statement. “I trust that the court will decide on the basis of fairness and for the interest of the greatest number of people".

But the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Services also pointed out that as the Constitution mandates “the Senate’s jurisdiction over franchises remains despite the existence of the petition."

Thus, Poe said she intends to tackle the issues concerning ABS-CBN’s franchise “in a fair and a deliberative manner."

Poe admitted, however, that her panel could not deliberate on the franchise until the House of Representatives finishes its own deliberations.

A bill seeking the renewal of the corporation’s franchise was refiled before the House last July but has yet to be calendared.

ABS-CBN’s franchise is expected to expire by the end of March this year, but Congress has only until March 11 to tackle the measure before adjourning.

“Dahil malapit na nga ang expiration, baka mawalan naman ako ng prerogatiba kundi didinggin na lang 'yan kaagad para at least mabigyan ng pagkakataon, hindi lamang ang mga empleyado ng ABS-CBN, kundi yung mga nagrereklamo laban sa ABS-CBN na ilabas nila ang kanilang mga saloobin at ang kanilang mga pruweba (Because the expiration is near, I might have no other prerogative but to conduct a hearing immediately to at least give the opportunity, not only to the employees of ABS-CBN, but also to those who are complaining against ABS-CBN to air their sides and their grounds),” Poe said.

On the other hand, Senate President Vicente Sotto III declined to comment on the quo warranto petition.

“Considering the possibility of the franchise reaching the Senate, I would rather reserve my opinion on the matter,” he said. “I mean it might have an effect when we decide later should it reach us. Therefore, it’s prudent to not judge it."

Calida on Monday asked the Supreme Court to forfeit the legislative franchises of ABS-CBN Corporation and its subsidiary, ABS-CBN Convergence, Inc. to put an end to alleged “highly abusive practices” of the broadcast network “benefiting a greedy few at the expense of millions of its loyal subscribers.”

Calida alleged that ABS-CBN has been broadcasting for a fee and operating a "pay-per-view channel in ABS-CBN TV Plus, the KBO Channel, without prior approval or permit from the National Telecommunications Commission."

He also claimed that ABS-CBN has issued Philippine Depositary Receipts to foreigners, alleging further that ABS-CBN Convergence, Inc. resorted to an "ingenious corporate layering scheme" to transfer its franchise "without the necessary Congressional approval."

Calida likewise alleged that the ABS-CBN subsidiary “also failed to publicly offer any of its outstanding capital stock to any securities exchange within the Philippines within five years from the start of its operations, which is an indispensable condition in its franchise." (PNA)

***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "Congress can't stop SC from hearing OSG petition vs. ABS-CBN." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093449 (accessed February 11, 2020 at 02:21AM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "Congress can't stop SC from hearing OSG petition vs. ABS-CBN." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093449 (archived).

[phgq]

PRRD to make announcement on water issue next year: Palace

#PHnews: PRRD to make announcement on water issue next year: Palace

MANILA -- President Rodrigo Duterte will make a major announcement in relation to the alleged onerous contracts between the government and two water concessionaires on Jan. 6, 2020, Malacañang said on Thursday.

Although mum on details about the President’s upcoming revelation, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo assured that the Chief Executive remains determined to resolve the water issue before the end of his term in 2022.

“He (the President) said he will make an important announcement on January 6, 2020. Siguro idi-discuss pa sa Cabinet (Perhaps he will discuss it with his Cabinet first),” Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

“I think you can be assured that the stand of the President remains unchanged. I will not preempt the President,” he added.

Earlier, Panelo said the President wanted the alleged onerous provisions in the water contracts removed.

He said the President was still keen on hearing the explanation of those involved in the drafting of the water contracts as to why they allowed the provisions which were disadvantageous to taxpayers.

“I think he repeated that he still wants to talk to those involved--the lawyers of the government, the private lawyers. He said ‘I still want to hear why they allowed this kind of treason against the interest of the Filipino people,’” Panelo said.

Panelo, however, said it was not clear whether Duterte wanted to speak to them or would let Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) administrator Emmanuel Salamat do the negotiating.

“Wala siyang sinabi he wants, basta sinabi niya (He didn’t say he wanted to talk to them, he said) he wants to know why they allowed these kind of provisions. Sabi niya (He said), he will either rise or fall with this issue. Sabi niya hindi siya papayag na walang mangyari sa kasong ‘to (He said he won’t allow this case to remain unresolved),” he added.

He had no knowledge of whether or not the President wanted to speak to the water firms before his scheduled announcement.

Duterte began questioning the alleged onerous provisions after the Singapore-based Permanent Court of Arbitration issued separate decisions, compelling the Philippine government in 2017 to pay PHP3.4 billion to Maynilad and in November 2019 to compensate PHP7.39 billion to Manila Water for the losses the two firms allegedly suffered due to non-implementation of increases in water rates.

He said the concession agreements apparently “mirrors” the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Law or Republic Act 3019.

The President refused to pay them and instead threatened to sue them for economic sabotage.

Duterte asked the Department of Justice and Office of the Solicitor General to craft new water concession agreements that are “favorable to the State and the Filipino people”.

He also floated the idea of ordering the military to take over the operations of the two water concessionaires.

On December 10, Maynilad and Manila Water have written separate letters to Duterte, expressing their intent to review the alleged onerous provisions in the existing water concession deals.

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) had revoked the approved 15-year extension of concession agreements with Manila Water and Maynilad that are supposed to expire in 2037.

This means the two firms only have until 2022 to operate since the 2009 resolution extending the 25-year concession deals signed in 1997 is considered ineffective. (PNA)

***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "PRRD to make announcement on water issue next year: Palace." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089145 (accessed December 19, 2019 at 11:42PM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "PRRD to make announcement on water issue next year: Palace." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089145 (archived).

[phgq]

Duterte’s approach on water concession deals ‘effective’

#PHnews: Duterte’s approach on water concession deals ‘effective’

MANILA -- President Rodrigo Duterte’s tough approach in demanding for more favorable water concession agreements has been “effective”, Malacañang said on Monday.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo shrugged off the recommendation made by Vice President Leni Robredo to pursue a "calmer" approach to avoid collateral damage.

“The President has made a stand and the stand appears to be very effective. She should know that,” Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

“Siguro ang advice natin kay VP Leni, wag mo nang pasukin iyong hindi mo alam (Perhaps our advice to Vice President Leni is don’t interfere on matters you have no knowledge about),” he added.

Duterte’s verbal attacks against water concessionaires and government lawyers started after the government was ordered by the Singapore arbitral tribunal to pay for damages acquired by the two water concessionaires -- Maynilad and Manila Water.

He threatened to file economic sabotage cases against all involved in the crafting of the water deals and asked the Department of Justice and Office of the Solicitor General to craft new water concession agreements that are “favorable to the State and the Filipino people”.

Duterte also bared that he is considering ordering the military to take over the operations of water concessionaires in case of revocation of the two firms’ agreements with the national government.

He said he might be compelled to suspend the writ of habeas corpus.

Article 3, Section 15 of the 1987 Constitution stipulates that the writ of habeas corpus can be suspended, “in cases of invasion or rebellion when public safety requires it.”

In her radio program on Sunday, Robredo said Duterte’s tirades against water firms had caused their stocks to slump.

She warned that this may negatively impact the investments of the Social Security System and the Government Service Insurance System.

The Vice President also said foreign direct investments may decrease because it may appear that there is a lot of uncertainty in doing business in the country.

Robredo questioned why the administration waited for over three years to push for a renegotiation of water deals until the latest arbitral ruling in favor of Manila Water.

“Bakit pa hinintay na lumabas ‘yung desisyon na to? Bakit hindi gumawa ng mga hakbang noon pang 2016 para maayos (Why did they have to wait for this decision to come out? Why didn't they take steps back in 2016 to fix this?),” Robredo said.

She also raised doubts about Duterte’s plan for military to take over the operations of water firms.

“Parang nakakalimutan natin in the first place kung bakit nandoon ‘yun sa private. Kaya siya binigay sa private kasi nung gobyerno ‘yung humahawak, palpak nga (It’s like we’re forgetting why it was given to the private sector in the first place. This happened because the government failed when it was in charge of water operations),” Robredo said.

Maynilad and Manila Water have written separate letters to Duterte, expressing their intent to review the alleged onerous provisions in the existing water concession deals.

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) had revoked the approved 15-year extension of concession agreements with Manila Water and Maynilad that are supposed to expire in 2037.

This means the two firms only have until 2022 to operate since the 2009 resolution extending the 25-year concession deals signed in 1997 is already considered ineffective.

Duterte said he would leave it to MWSS Administrator Emmanuel Salamat to negotiate with the two firms. (PNA)

***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "Duterte’s approach on water concession deals ‘effective’." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1088872 (accessed December 17, 2019 at 01:08AM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "Duterte’s approach on water concession deals ‘effective’." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1088872 (archived).

[phgq]

Drug war is not a failure: Duterte

#PHnews: Drug war is not a failure: Duterte

MANILA -- The national government's crackdown on illegal drugs is not a failure, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Friday.

The President said it was "stupid" to claim that his anti-narcotics campaign is a failure, stressing that his fight against illicit drug sale is a "never-ending war."

"Anong palpak? Kailan naging palpak? Kayo ang palpak (What do you mean failure? When did it become a failure? The failure is you)," Duterte said in an exclusive interview with CNN.

"All stupid remarks coming out from an empty head. Anong palpak (How does it become a failure)? The war on drugs is a continuing one in all countries, even in America. You know that. Do not pretend. If you are not stupid, do not pretend to be stupid. Alam ninyo iyan (You know that). It is a never-ending war," he said.

The President issued the statement, amid criticisms hurled against his administration's fight against narcotics trade by his critics, including Vice President Maria Leonor "Leni" Robredo who earlier claimed that the drug war is "obviously not working."

Duterte, piqued by Robredo's remarks, was prompted to tap the Vice President as co-chairperson of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) to give her an opportunity to help the government stop the drug proliferation.

Robredo was appointed as ICAD co-chair on October 31 but was fired on November 24 due to her supposed failure to present anti-narcotics measures.

The President said he had appointed Robredo in "good faith," but the latter opted to use her position as anti-drug czar for "grandstanding."

"It was all in good faith. Sabi ko kasi, ganito 'yun, kung ganoon ang pagtingin mo sa pag-padala sa amin sa gobyerno, eh 'di sumali ka na lang (I said just join the government if you think their government fails to deliver its promises). Join us, I'm giving you the position so that you will know," he said.

"Alam mo ano ka eh, hindi kita maintindihan (I cannot understand you). You are there grandstanding pero hinayaan kita (but I let you do that). Tapos (But) you keep on taunting me, 'I will continue, I will fight even if it will put so many roadblocks so that I will not succeed,'" he added.

The Chief Executive said he had to fire Robredo because he could no longer stomach her "stupidity" for criticizing the government despite being appointed as anti-drug czar.

"Kung mag-salita ka ng ganoon nandiyan ka tapos 'yun pala ang tingin mo sa akin, luko luko ka pala eh. Eh di paalisin na lang kita (You talk that way and think of me that way while you are there at ICAD. You are stupid so I fired you)," he said.

No new drug czar

Following Robredo's dismissal from service, Duterte said he was no longer keen to scout for an ICAD co-chair. Presently, the anti-drug body is still chaired by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Director General Aaron Aquino.

"Nadala na ako. Hindi na ako mag-ano ng anti-drug czar. Huwag na iyang czar, czar (I have had enough. I would no longer appoint anti-drug czar. There is no need for new drug czar)," he said.

ICAD, created through Executive Order 15 signed on March 6, 2017, is mandated to ensure the member-agencies' implementation of and compliance with all policies, laws, and issuances on the government's anti-illegal drug campaign, in an "integrated and synchronized manner."

The ICAD members are the Dangerous Drugs Board; the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Philippine Information Agency, the Public Attorney's Office; the Office of the Solicitor General; the Philippine Coast Guard; the PNP; the NBI; the Armed Forces of the Philippines; and the Anti-Money Laundering Council.

Other members of the ICAD are the Departments of the Interior and Local Government, Justice, Health, Education, Social Welfare, Trade, Agriculture, and Defense, as well as the Customs and Immigration bureaus.

The President maintained that the drug war will remain relentless, as he acknowledged that there are still some narco-politicians who are in connivance with drug syndicates operating in the country.

"I did not know, when I arrive, when I got to look into the records sa (with regard to) drug cases, then I realize that I was fighting against my own government because the police, the Customs and everybody else was dipping their dirty fingers into it," he said. (PNA)

***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "Drug war is not a failure: Duterte." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1087511 (accessed November 30, 2019 at 05:50AM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "Drug war is not a failure: Duterte." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1087511 (archived).

[phgq]

Robredo to meet with ICAD members: Palace

#PHnews: Robredo to meet with ICAD members: Palace

MANILA -- A day after accepting the challenge to lead the government's intensified campaign against illegal drugs, Vice President Maria Leonor "Leni" Robredo has called for her first meeting with members of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD), Malacañang said on Thursday.

 Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo was told by Executive Secretary (ES) Salvador Medialdea through a phone call that Robredo and ICAD members would meet to discuss President Rodrigo Duterte's efforts to fight illegal drugs.

 Panelo said the Palace has yet to get additional information about the planned meeting initiated by the Vice President, who is concurrent ICAD co-chairperson. Panelo, nevertheless, praised Robredo for her dedication to her duties as the co-chairperson of the ICAD. "According to ES, the Vice President has already called a meeting for the ICAD. Hindi naman [nakakabigla] (It's not surprising). Ibig sabihin (It means) she's very dedicated to assume her new job," he told Palace reporters. "Ibig sabihin nagta-trabaho na siya (It means she's working)," he added. Robredo confirmed that she will meet with the agencies under the ICAD at her office in Quezon City on Friday. The ICAD, created through Executive Order 15 inked by Duterte on March 6, 2017, is mandated to ensure that all policies, laws, and issuances on the government's anti-illegal drug campaign are being implemented. Apart from Robredo, the anti-drug panel is co-chaired by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency director-general Aaron Aquino. Members of the ICAD include the Dangerous Drugs Board; Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Philippine Information Agency, Public Attorney's Office; Office of the Solicitor General; Philippine Coast Guard; Philippine National Police; National Bureau of Investigation; Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Anti-Money Laundering Council. Other ICAD members are the Departments of the Interior and Local Government, Justice, Health, Education, Social Welfare, Trade, Agriculture, and Defense, as well as the Customs and Immigration bureaus. Robredo sought the meeting with ICAD members, even after she has yet to see Duterte and discuss her specific role as the head of the anti-drug body. Panelo could not confirm whether the President and the Vice President would have a formal one-on-one meeting to talk about the government's drug war. But he said it would be up to Robredo, if she wants to pay a courtesy call on Duterte at Malacañan Palace. "Nasa sa kanya na 'yun kung gusto pa niyang mag-meeting (It is up to the Vice President if she wants to hold a meeting with the President)," Panelo said. "Palagay ko dapat si VP Leni ang mag-request. Cabinet na siya eh (Perhaps, VP Leni should request for a meeting since she's already a member of the Cabinet)," he added. (PNA)

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References:

* Philippine News Agency. "Robredo to meet with ICAD members: Palace." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085340 (accessed November 08, 2019 at 02:06AM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "Robredo to meet with ICAD members: Palace." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085340 (archived).