PGMA admits government prosecutors to Sulu depend on US military forces for safety and protection.

by btpo | Sep 7, 2009 | Headlines

Sen. Loren Legarda deplored that the Philippine government has to depend on US military forces to protect and transport government prosecutors to Sulu to prosecute members of the Abu Sayaff as admitted by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Loren said this revelation was “shocking because it would appear that the Arroyo administration is helpless in prosecuting violators of the law, including accused terrorists, without the help of a foreign power like the United States. Loren commented on the speech of President Arroyo at Camp Aguinaldo on Wednesday (Sept. 3) which she disclosed that US troops provided “safety” and transportation to government prosecutors who had gone to Sulu to prosecute Aby Sayaff members.

In her speech to a World War II Veterans assembly at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, President Arroyo also said that at that time government prosecutors were “afraid” to go to Sulu but because of the help given by the US military forces, they were able to do so and now prosecution is proceeding smoothly. Loren said that the administration of justice and the enforcement of the laws are not among the activities or duties assigned to US military forces in the Philippines in the RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement. She explained that the RP-US VFA only allowed American troops to stay temporarily in Philippine territory for the purpose of conducting joint US-Philippine military exercises and providing combat training and handling of military equipment. US troops are also allowed to engage in “soft” power like building schools, roads and bridges.

Earlier, Loren called for the review of the VFA provisions following reports that the “apparently permanent presence” of the US military forces in the country and their alleged involvement in anti-insurgency activities were violating the “spirit” of the VFA. (PR-PL)

Youth leaders asked COMELEC to extend voter’s registration until December

by btpo | Sep 3, 2009 | Headlines

Youth leaders led by Kabataan party-list Representative Raymond Palatino trooped to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday seeking to extend the voter’s registration until December, but this was quickly rejected by the poll body. Palatino said Comelec should move back the registration deadline to its original date, December 15, instead of October 15 to ensure eligible voters, especially first-timers, would be able to enlist for the 2010 national elections. The Comelec has moved the cut-off date to October to allow its project management office and technology provider Smartmatic and Total Information Management (TIM) enough time to print the ballots, which will be customized per town to contain pre-printed names of local and national candidates. But Palatino argued it would be difficult to allow at least three million first time voters to sign up for the polls, saying each Comelec registration office could only accommodate 200 people per day. Palatino urged new voters to visit the 1 Milyon, 1 Panata (1 Million, 1 Pledge), to get 2010 election updates and learn the requirements for first time registrants.

PGMA signs law allowing promotion for cops with pending cases

by btpo | Sep 3, 2009 | Headlines

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (PGMA) had signed into law a measure that would allow promotion for cops even those with pending cases, as long as it is in the performance of their duties. The signed law amend Republic Acts 6975 and 8551 also gives five years for undergraduate cops to finish the minimum requirement for police officers under the Philippine National Police (PNP). It entitles “An act Extending to Five Years Period for Complying with the Minimum Educational Qualifications for the Appointment of the PNP and Adjusting the Promotion System, Amending for the Purpose the Pertinent Provisions of RA 6975 and RA 8551 and for other purposes. RA 6975 effectively bars promotion for any police officer facing service-related charges, until they are cleared. Camp Dagohoy Information Officer P/Insp. John Gano cited that this is even if these charges are in furtherance of their duties as protectors of peace. Under the new law however, if after two years, the case has not been resolved, sued cops can be considered for promotions. Gano said the new law allows them to breeze through the minimum college requirement in the next five years as a good provision of a continuing education for police personnel.

Bohol Sangguniang Kabataan Federation calls the Youth to register for the 2010 elections

by btpo | Sep 3, 2009 | Headlines

The youth vote is believed to be crucial for the dream revamp in the country’s political system, Bohol Sangguniang Kabataan Federation echoes the call for the youth to register and make their votes count. SK Provincial federation Board Member & SK National Federation president Jane Censoria Cajes, believes that a unified vote of the youth would surely topple all stereotypes of the corrupted political system in the country. Cajes has sent official memoranda to all SK barangay offices to extend the invitation to urge members to register and offer any assistance to first time voters in their localities to facilitate registration. Meanwhile, according to the Commission on Elections through Provincial Election Officer Eliseo Labaria, it would be relatively easy for first time registrants as they would only need to show a valid identification, fill up the forms and biometric data. The COMELEC website says qualified to register are persons turning 18 on or before May 10, 2010, has established residency and is not disqualified by law. Atty. Labaria said those qualified to register can go to the office of the election registrar between 8-5 pm Monday to Fridays in the areas where they reside until October 31, 2009.