Philippines News

President Marcos raised yesterday the possibility of rejecting the United States government’s request for the Philippines to host its 50,000 former Afghan employees, citing security, legal and logistical concerns.

Hog raisers have assailed the Department Agriculture  plan to import more pork products even as millions of kilos of frozen meat are currently in the country’s cold storage facilities.

Retail prices of onions started to go up anew, reaching as high as P200 per kilo, based on latest monitoring of the Department of Agriculture in at least 13 Metro Manila markets.

A group specializing on children’s health has warned of the possible illnesses the country’s teens may develop due to vaping.

President Marcos called on businesses yesterday to support efforts to strengthen micro, small, medium and nano enterprises in the country, citing their role in economic development and job creation

The Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines is urging the government to reconsider proposals to impose new taxes on junk food and increase the existing tax on sugar sweetened beverages, as this would be burdensome to consumers and discriminatory to some businesses.

Arresting former Bureau of Corrections director Gerald Bantag and his deputy, Ricardo Zulueta, remains a priority for the Philippine National Police even if a Muntinlupa City court has archived the murder case against them.

For 2025, the Commission on Elections would have to prepare not just for one election, but two.

TUESDAY this week, on June 27, 2023, the Supreme Court (SC) disbarred Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon for “scandalous” conduct when in December last year he went into a rant, spewing out curses and insults, which he himself video-recorded and circulated on social media, against journalist Raissa Robles.

He will lose his law practice and the right to pre-fix “Atty.” to his name.

More than six years ago, in a resolution dated January 31, 2017, the SC also removed the name of Cebu lawyer Dionisio Cañete, then 78, from the list of members of the Philippine bar. (Cañete died of Covid-19 on August 23, 2021; he was 83.)

DIFFERENCES IN TWO CASES. Atty. Cañete’s loss of his law practice and title was different from Atty. Gadon’s case because:

[] “Diony” Cañete himself requested that he be no longer listed as a lawyer. Gadon’s disbarment was initiated by the SC, acting “motu propio” (on its own), whose decision Gadon has resisted and will ask the high court to reconsider, arguing that the penalty is “harsh.”

[] Cañete was not accused of any misconduct: no individual complaint filed with, or initiated by, the SC or the IBP (Integrated Bar of the Philippines). No allegation of misconduct unfit of a lawyer. In contrast, Gadon was facing a number of other complaints for disbarment with the SC. He was suspended shortly after his “abusive” attack on Robles. And the disbarment resolution included a finding of contempt for his remarks against two justices whom he had asked to inhibit for bias against him.

The similarity is in the loss of the license to practice law. But Cañete’s case was a “Petition for Voluntary Delisting Attorneys” filed by Cañete himself. Gadon’s case arose from the action by the high court itself against Gadon.

Different motives stand out though from each case: Gadon didn’t and doesn’t want to be disbarred, calling the penalty “harsh,” implying that it is disproportionate to the offense. The action came from the high court, which didn’t want numerous complaints the justices received against Gadon “to fall on deaf ears.” Cañete, on the other hand, wanted to make his removal from the roll of attorneys as a protest against what he then believed was corruption among some prosecutors or “fiscals” and judges.

He was making a statement about what he suspected was going on in the prosecution and judiciary services.

WHO WAS DIONY CAÑETE? A passer in the 1960 bar exams, Cañete was elected in 1981 as vice president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Cebu province chapter. In the following year assumed the No. 1 post when the president resigned to run for an elective government office. In 1983, Cañete was elected president. serving his own full term until 1985.

Atty. Cañete was also known for his skill in arnis or stick-fighting, a sport taught by his father Eulogio Cañete and his uncle Ciriaco “Cacoy” Cañete. Ciriaco Cañete was the Filipino legendary and internationally known martial artist (grandmaster and 12th-degree black belter) of the Doce Pares Association in Cebu, which Cacoy founded in 1932. Diony himself was chairman emeritus of the World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation or WEKAF, through which he continued the work of the older Cañetes in popularizing arnis. He was considered “father of arnis” when he died in 2021.

‘DISILLUSIONED’ LAWYER. Cañete had his own rant circa 2016-2017, not against a journalist or some justices of the high court -- as Gadon did, over the alleged lies of the woman reporter during the 2022 election campaign for the Marcos Jr. presidency -- but against some prosecutors and judges.

Cañete complained of “unspeakable justice” and “pain and humiliation” from prosecutors who dismissed nine out of 10 complaints he filed against a businesswoman in 2015 who sued him for unlawful detainer, when he allegedly refused to leave the premises of a property leased from her. A judge had ordered Cañete’s WEKAF to vacate the property and Cañete fired back with the 10 complaints against the businesswoman.

Cañete suspected graft and corruption then, even as Gadon six years later would accuse the SC of politicking and two associate justices of bias.

Cañete admitted to being disillusioned and utterly disappointed, according to a SunStory of February 25, 2017. When the SC resolution was released, he said he was elated that he was no longer a lawyer.” He told SunStar then he had no regrets but just hoped “my case will open a can of worms about corruption in the legal profession.” It did not; if it did, there was no published report about it.

LIBEL AS ‘CONSEQUENCE’ Cañete was arrested for libel on December 10, 2019, two years after he was delisted from the roll of attorneys on the basis of a Regional Trial Court warrant issued more than two weeks earlier.

Was it about his public condemnation of corruption “among brothers in the profession” when he petitioned the SC for delisting? He accused three prosecutors of corruption in his Facebook account. He told reporters he posted about “corruption of the fiscals,” the City Prosecutor’s Office, “unya tolo sila ka prosecutor nikiha.”

As to Gadon, for his video attack on Raissa Robles, the journalist sued him last February 4 (2023) for libel and violation of the Safety Spaces Act, saying that while she supports decriminalization of libel, Gadon’s “verbal attack” against her was “so egregious or outstandingly and appallingly shocking and horrific.” The assault, Robles said in her complaint “could inspire a new wave of vicious sexual, particularly directed against women who want to engage in political discussions online...”

Cañete, like Gadon now, had to face libel complaint as “consequence” of published commentary.

While Cañete didn’t engage in virulent attack, his FB post against prosecutors was to be assessed on the basis of libel. So would Gadon’s comments against Robles: libel law would govern this time, not the

Lawyers’ Code of Conduct and Accountability, which the SC used in having him disbarred.

WOULD GADON DO A CAÑETE? In his 2019 arrest at his house in Sto. Nino Village, Banilad, Mandaue City, Cañete made another statement of protest: he refused to post the P60,000 bail. He said he didn’t care when he lost his lawyer’s license; he wouldn’t care if he’d lose his liberty. He wouldn’t post bail, he said, “because I want to go to jail. I want to dramatize.”

The public didn’t know if he made good his threat as no follow-up story on the arrest came out, or how long he stayed in jail after he told media, “Barugan gyud nako.” Still, he had already shown grit in voluntarily giving up his title and practice of law.

You might not bet -- if Robles’s libel lawsuit would result in an arrest warrant -- on Gadon doing a Cañete.

Brits are increasingly experiencing food insecurity, a report has revealed

One in seven people in the UK faced hunger last year due to a lack of money, research by food bank charity the Trussell Trust revealed on Wednesday.   

The survey said this equated to an estimated 11.3 million people, which is

The killing of a family on June 14 on Negros in the central Philippines is the latest in a decades-long cycle of violence, human rights abuses, and impunity on the island.

That night, unidentified armed men ra

Nepotism has a long history in many countries in Asia, with examples found in different periods and contexts. Here is a brief overview of the historical context and notable instances of nepotism in Asia especially in China, Japan and India.

Emperors and ruling dynasties often appointed family members to positions of power and influence within the government and bureaucracy. This practice aimed to consolidate familial control and maintain loyalty within the ruling family.

In feudal Japan, nepotism was pervasive among the ruling samurai class. Powerful daimyo (feudal lords) would often appoint their family members, such as sons or close relatives, to key positions within their domains. This practice allowed them to maintain control and secure their family’s status and power.

In South Asia and before India’s independence, the Indian subcontinent consisted of numerous princely states ruled by local monarchs. In many of these states, nepotism was so common that local rulers would often appoint their relatives to positions of power and authority within the state administration.

Modern Asia also gave rise to nepotism in business environments, particularly in family-owned enterprises. Family members may be given preferential treatment and positions within the company, often based on their family ties rather than their qualifications or abilities.

Strategies

Managing nepotism in a family business is essential to ensure fairness, maintain a healthy work environment, and maximize the business’s potential. So if you are in a dilemma and still insist that being blood is a birthright and translates to employment, then the next step is to make your children accountable.

Here are some strategies I would always advise founders and business leaders across Asia to effectively manage nepotism:

Develop and communicate transparent policies that outline criteria for hiring, promotion, and decision-making within the company. These policies should emphasize meritocracy, qualifications, and performance as the primary factors in making such decisions.

Implement objective quarterly performance evaluation systems that assess all employees, including family members, based on their performance and contribution to the business. Regular feedback and performance discussions can help identify areas for improvement and ensure accountability.

Offer equal opportunities for growth and development to all employees, irrespective of their familial relationship. Implement a system for career progression that is based on individual competence, skills, and achievements, rather than solely relying on family ties.

Promote the inclusion of non-family employees in decision-making processes and leadership roles. This can be achieved by providing them with meaningful responsibilities, fostering an open and inclusive work culture, and valuing their contributions.

Offer training and development programs to enhance the skills and competencies of all employees, including family members. This ensures that family members have the necessary qualifications and capabilities to fulfill their roles effectively.

Consider hiring external professionals or consultants for key positions, especially if they possess the required expertise and experience that family members may lack. External perspectives can bring fresh ideas, diversity, and valuable insights to the business.

Foster a culture of open communication, where employees feel comfortable expressing their concerns and ideas. Encourage feedback from both family and non-family employees and address any issues related to nepotism promptly and transparently.

Develop a succession plan that prioritizes competence and leadership qualities when identifying future leaders of the business. This ensures that family members are evaluated objectively and that the most qualified individuals are chosen to lead.

Family members in leadership positions must lead by example, demonstrating professionalism, competence, and a commitment to the success of the business. This can help build trust and respect among employees, both family and non-family.

By implementing these strategies, a family business can effectively manage nepotism, promote fairness, and maximize potential for success.

OVER 500 new residential units will be built in Danao City, Cebu with the groundbreaking of another Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI) project.

CLI on Thursday, June 29, 2023, officially began the construction of the 6.8-hectare residential village in Guinsay, Danao City.

Jose R. Soberano III, chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of CLI, said of the 595 house units, over 99 percent were sold two months ago, with a P1.97 billion expected sales revenue by 2026.

“As of today, June 29, we only have five units left, 99 percent were sold. The problem now is we do not have more units to sell,” said Soberano in his speech.

Edge

While the city of Danao is only 25 kilometers away from Cebu City, the rise of essential establishments like schools, grocery stores, hospitals, and transportation in the city has paved the way for Casa Mira Homes Danao to provide future homeowners convenience.

Soberano III assured future homeowners that Danao City is a well-governed and peaceful community, a suitable location to put up residential housing.

“We feel that it is conducive for residential developments here. We are just happy to give options to the people of Cebu. Danao also has great plans to improve the city,” said Soberano.

Boost

Danao Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano llI said Casa Mira is expected to bring forth development into the city.

Durano is hoping that this would shepherd a new business hub into the city.

“The effect of this is very enormous in the economy of Danao and it could also address the lack of decent housing,” Durano explained.

The vice mayor also looks forward to developers who would not just venture out but anticipate improving the lives of the locals.

“As long as it will serve the people of Danao and will help the economy of Danao,” he said.

Units

Casa Mira Homes Danao includes townhouses that are single detached with either two or three bedrooms, and have floor areas that range from 42 square meters (sqm) to 72 sqm.

The units include a kitchen, dining, and service areas (powder room, porch, and carport). Units are priced from P2.23 million to P3.6 million.

Other exclusive facilities such as a clubhouse, swimming pool, basketball court, and chapel are available.

Expansion

In a few weeks, CLI will launch the second phase of the project with 300 walk-up condominiums, fronting the highway and completing the 600 Casa Mira units.

Currently, CLI has branched out to big cities in Cebu and 50 percent of it’s projects are outside of the province, in 16 different islands, around the country, and will be entering Luzon soon.

When asked about the expansion of the Casa Mira brand in Cebu City, the Soberanos plan to expand their flagship economic brand in Consolacion and in some areas of Northern Cebu.

“After Danao City, we are looking at Consolacion,” the CEO said. (Denise Mae Codis and Claudine Flores, CNU Interns)

Someone got disbarred by the Supreme Court by a unanimous (15-0) vote. From the United States where she is now based, famous Filipina author Ninotchka Rosca tweeted, “Yeah, sure, disbarment is great—but the Bible recommends stoning.” She then quoted Proverbs 19:9: “A false witness will not go unpunished and whoever pours out lies will perish.”

Most group chats are filled with rejoicing. A case of simple schadenfreude or does Larry Gadon just have so many enemies? And while we’re at it, shouldn’t we also cite the admonition in John 8:7: let he who is without sin cast the first stone?

It takes at least eight years from graduation from high school and a lot of hard work and personal sacrifice to become a lawyer. The Supreme Court recognizes that. In Martin vs. Felix Jr., the Court declared that:

“The profession of an attorney is acquired after long and laborious study. It is a lifetime profession. By years of patience, zeal and ability, the attorney may be able to amass considerable means to support himself and his family, besides the honor and prestige that accompany his office and profession.”

Disbarment is like a death sentence to a lawyer. The loss of means is bearable. The damage to one’s reputation is not.

Thus the Supreme Court requires the highest quantum of evidence to warrant disbarment. In the same case of Martin vs. Felix Jr., the Court said “proof of the highest degree” is required to deprive a lawyer of his station in life “which would result in irreparable injury.”

While they will not hesitate to punish lawyers who do not live up to their oath as members of the Bar and officers of the Court, they will, on the other hand, also “protect them from the unjust accusations of dissatisfied litigants, the Court further said.

“The success of a lawyer in his profession depends almost entirely on his reputation. Anything which will harm his goodwill is to be deplored. Private persons, and particularly disgruntled opponents, may not, therefore, be permitted to use the courts as vehicles to vent their rancor on members of the Bar.”

Obviously, the High Tribunal was convinced that the highest degree of proof was established to warrant Gadon’s disbarment. In an institution where members are noted for dissenting opinions, the 15-0 vote to convict is telling. Note also that the Court acted on Gadon’s case motu proprio or on its own, without any complainant.

Gadon described the decision as “harsh” and announced that he will file a motion for reconsideration. Convincing at least a majority of 15 learned justices to change their votes looks daunting but that is not the same as saying that it is impossible. Good luck to him. It will not hurt his chances of a reversal if he stops accusing the Court of rendering a “political” decision in his case.

In the meantime, he can find comfort in the trust that Malacañang announced he continues to enjoy. Whether he’s a lawyer or not is irrelevant to his position as presidential adviser for poverty alleviation, the Palace said.

TIANJIN, June 29 (Xinhua) -- Airbus has, for the first time, delivered an aircraft assembled in north China's Tianjin Municipality to a Philippine airline.

Cebu Pacific on Thursday received a 188-seat A320neo aircraft from Airbus' final assembly line in Tianjin (FAL Asia) to address the growing demand for air travel.

"This is in line with our fleet plan, which aims to support our overall growth ambitions

Emergency services are currently responding to a serious crash on the Northern Motorway near the Greville Rd on-ramp.

Police were called just after 6.30am following a collision between a car and motorbike.

The rider of the motorbike has been taken to hospital in a serious condition.

The Serious Crash Unit have been advised.

One southbound lane heading towards the city is blocked and motorists ar

On Tuesday, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) abruptly closed a critical environmental justice investigation into whether the state of Louisiana had failed to protect predominantly Black communities living within the area known as "Cancer Alley."

More than 200 industrial plants - primarily fossil fuel and petrochemical operations - line the 85-mile (135 km) stretch along the Mississippi Rive