It seems that President Aquino is ‘appealing’ to the anti-mining groups following his statement that “he will strive to hammer out a compromise on South Cotabato’s Environment Code.”  What does this mean?

This only goes to show that the President is in favor of exploiting the mineral resources not just in Tampakan, South Cotabato but as well as in other parts of the country. Therefore,this would mean that anti-mining groups should brace themselves against the President and his gang over the issue of extractive industries.

Aquino urged to respect South Cot’s Environment Code

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/16 July) – Saying local government units have the “right to say no” to projects that threaten the welfare of the people, environment and indigenous peoples’ rights activists said President Benigno Aquino III should respect the decision of the provincial government of South Cotabato to pass the Environment Code that bans the open pit mining method in the province.

Erwin Quinones, campaigns paralegal of the Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center (LRC-KsK), told MindaNews that the President must respect the right of the local government units to manage and develop the resources within their jurisdiction.

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/16 July) – Dengue cases in the region have increased by 49 percent in the first six months of this year compared to the same period in 2009, local health officials said Friday.

But health officials would not say if there is already an outbreak of the mosquito-borne disease in the region.

In a news conference here, Ana Remolar, chief of the Information Division of the Department of Health Region 11, disclosed that they have recorded 2,607 cases of dengue from provinces of Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley from January to June.

In January to June 2009, the health department recorded 1,748 dengue cases, said Remolar. [read more]

While some of us believe that the Mindanao conflict can be resolved through the barrel of the gun, many are still optimistic that it can be solved through peace negotiations.

With the appointment of  UP College of Law Dean Marvic F. Leonen, I personally believe that the tricky issue on ancestral domain will have more room for debate in peace process. Given his expertise and deeper understanding on the issue,  Leonen could provide different perspective in looking at the  complicated issue on ancestral domain and the right to self-determination not just among Lumads but as well as the Bangsamoro People.

In my previous interviews with former MILF peace panel chief Mohagher Iqbal, he has kept on saying that the Front is not particular if who will head their counterpart. “This is revolution. If we cannot solve it in this generation, no problem. We are revolutionaries,” Iqbal stressed.

So what should we expect under this new administration with a new set of peace negotiators? Just expect some unexpected, as usual — let’s wait and see.

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/07 July) – After being spotted by a TV news crew beating the red light in Manila, Vice President Jejomar Binay’s convoy this time obeyed traffic rules here.

Although escorted by two motor-riding cops and several other policemen, the party negotiated the major streets of this city without “wang-wang” or sirens as well as blinkers.

But the motor-riding cops waved their hands and swerved to give way to the convoy as they approached the congested portion of Diversion Road in Buhangin District before making a left turn at the Quiñones Road leading to JP Laurel Ave. [read on]

What should we expect from father and daughter tandem in Davao City? Even the new Mayor Inday Sara Duterte also vowed that the city will remain a dangerous place for criminals. It’s seems she’s just reiterating her father’s warning to the criminals in the city. Many say that this younger Duterte is much tougher than her father, many also expect  that she would strictly implement the house rules even within the premises of the city hall.

Following her inauguration on June 28, Inday Sara immediately called fro a press conference. One pretty striking statement was her stand on curbing criminality in the city. She was also asked on the possible working reconciliation with their political foe — the Nograles. She refused to answer the question. Instead, she just smiled. But in the past, she said that she is not a ‘plastic’ person and if she’s mad, she really means it.  She pointed out that the city can stand on its own feet even without the congressional funds — only referring to First District Rep. Karlo Nograles, son of her mayoralty race rival former Speaker Boy Nograles.

She has also said that even a public apology cannot mend the damages that has been done.

For his part, now Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte also vowed that he will not allow the peace and order in the city to deteriorate. When asked how he can contribute since he has no longer in control of the law enforcement agencies, Duterte pointed out that the legislative body may control the release of budget. “Through the aid of legislation, we will call their (police) attention if they will not perform their duties well.”

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/24 June) — A convergence of peace advocates in Mindanao is set to offer a blueprint to the negotiating panels of both the government and the Moro rebels that will serve as a common peace platform.

The Mindanao Peace Weavers (MPW), a network of non-government organizations, academe, religious, human rights groups, peoples organizations and grassroots communities, will launch on Friday the document that contains the 14-point agenda before representatives of the peace panels. Continue reading »

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/22 June) – Go look for other sources of energy, was Vice Mayor and Mayor-elect Sara Duterte’s advice to the proponent of a hydropower plant in Tamugan River, adding she does not believe the project can solve the power crisis in the city and other parts of Mindanao.

Speaking to reporters after presiding the session of the city council, her last before assuming as mayor, Duterte said power producers should look for alternative sources of energy instead of eyeing Tamugan River, a declared watershed area. Continue reading »

DAVAO CITY—A local producer of dairy products and livestock is pushing for “agriculture tourism,” saying that the region has many agricultural potentials waiting to be tapped.

Agri-entrepreneur and veterinarian Roberto “Dr. Bo” Puentespina told the BusinessMirror that he and the family-owned Malagos Garden Resort is now pushing for “agriculture tourism” not just as a source of income, but as a weekend lifestyle. Continue reading »

And finally, we already have a new President. By noon of June 30, President-elect Noynoy Aquino will assume office in the Palace along with his new (while some are recycled) set of Cabinet members. So what should we expect from him?

After his proclamation yesterday, he immediately called a press conference. Many asked him if what would be his priorities; many also asked what he would do on AFP Chief of Staff Gen Bangit who was bypassed by the Commission on Appointments?

He did not give specific answer to some of the questions, he just said that he will have to review all the issues or problems that the country is facing.  It is really understood that he really has to pick which should come first in the list. While on Bangit’s issue, he said that all the AFP officers who were bypassed by the CA will be reviewed except for Bangit. He did not elaborate.  However Aquino said that he will extend PNP Chief Jesus Versoza. Why? ANC’s Glenda Gloria has some thoughts to ponder here.

Let’s wait and see what Aquino can do.  Let’s give him a chance.

You might be interested if your Honorable Representative was present at the Congress when they were suppose to ratify the FOI Bill. This list is based on list provided by the Congress itself and also  posted at GMA News website. These solons could be absent. Worst, they were just milling around the Congress but did not show up at the session. Continue reading »