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Petisyon for recall laban sa vice mayor ng Cabuyao City, inihain sa Comelec

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CABUYAO CITY, Laguna.  Mahigit na 500 residente ng lungsod na ito sa Laguna ang nagtipon sa City Hall kahapon upang humiling sa Comelec na magsagawa ng recall laban sa kanilang Vice Mayor na si Leif Laiglon  A. Opiña

Nakasuot ng pulang t-shirt at may mga placard na may mga mensahe ng pagtutol sa puwesto, ipinahayag ng mga residente ang kanilang mga hinaing ukol sa diumano ay mga hindi sapat na pagganap ni Vice Mayor Opina sa kanyang tungkulin.

Opisyal na inihain ng limang nag petisyon sa Commission on Elections-Cabuyao City ang kahilingan para sa recall laban kay Opiña, na ngayon ay nasa kanyang ikalawang termino.

Kabilang sa mga nanguna sa petisyon ang retiradong police colonel na si Jose Caringal Jr., na dating consultant ni Opiña

Ayon kay Caringal, nawala na ang tiwala ng mga mamamayan ng Cabuyao kay Vice Mayor Opiña dahil sa kanyang paulit-ulit na pagtutol sa mahahalagang proyekto ng lungsod.

Ayon kay Atty. Ryan Cancio, abogado ng mga nagpetisyon, hindi raw pinirmahan ni Opina ang mga ordinansang pumasa na sa plenaryo ng Sangguniang Panlungsod, kasama na ang paggamit ng calamity fund, at ang city budget. Dahil dito, naantala ang ilang proyekto ng lungsod.

Ayon sa mga nagsampa ng petisyon, obligasyon ni Vice Mayor Opiña na pirmahan at isakatuparan ang lahat ng ordinansang pumasa na sa konseho.

Kasama sa inihain na petisyon ang libu-libong dokumento na naglalaman ng mahigit 49,000 na lagda ng mga residente ng Cabuyao.

Ayon sa paliwanag ni Atty. Cancio, kailangan lamang ng 15 porsyento na lagda ng mga rehistradong botante upang makapag-file ng petisyon para sa recall sa Comelec.

Samantala, sinabi naman ni Vice Mayor Opiña na itinuturing niyang paghihiganti ang ginawang paghahain ng petisyon para sa recall matapos siyang maghain ng mga kasong oppression, grave abuse of authority, at paglabag sa Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act laban kay Cabuyao Mayor Dennis Felipe Hain.

Sa isang post sa Facebook, binigyang diin ng vice mayor na ang mga tinutukoy na ordinansa na hindi pinirmahan ay hindi dumaan sa legal na proseso. Pinagtibay ang mga ito sa labas ng session hall ng sanggunian ng hindi siya kasama bilang vice mayor gamit ang secretariat na binuo ng alkalde, ayon sa kanya.

Germany’s cabinet moves towards Cannabis possession and sale liberalization

BERLIN. Germany’s Cabinet is poised to greenlight a groundbreaking plan to relax regulations surrounding cannabis possession and sale, positioning the nation as a leader in the European Union’s push toward more lenient drug policies. The move could see the decriminalization of limited cannabis possession and the establishment of “cannabis clubs” where members can purchase the substance for recreational purposes.

The anticipated approval from the German government, expected on Wednesday, marks the initial phase of a two-part strategy that will require parliamentary endorsement. Although not as comprehensive as initially envisioned, this development signifies a significant stride for Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s progressive coalition.

Health Minister Karl Lauterbach is scheduled to unveil the finalized legislation on Wednesday, revealing plans to legalize the possession of up to 25 grams (approximately 1 ounce) of cannabis for recreational usage. The proposed legislation also allows individuals to cultivate up to three cannabis plants for personal use.

Under the proposed framework, individuals aged 18 and above would be eligible to join nonprofit “cannabis clubs,” each accommodating a maximum of 500 members. These clubs would be authorized to cultivate cannabis for their members’ personal consumption. Daily cannabis purchases would be capped at 25 grams, with a monthly limit of 50 grams for individuals, except those under 21 who would have a 30-gram monthly limit. Membership in multiple clubs would be prohibited, and membership fees would be tiered based on usage.

Government officials are optimistic that the plan will counteract the black market, safeguard consumers against potentially tainted products, and mitigate drug-related criminal activity. Health Minister Lauterbach emphasized, “We are not creating a problem, we are trying to solve a problem.”

However, the center-right opposition voices concerns, contending that the government’s drive to legalize the drug ignores both European legal hurdles and expert viewpoints. A group representing German judges warns that the proposal might strain the judicial system further and inadvertently fuel demand for illegal cannabis. Even some advocates for legalization are discontent, arguing that the legislation imposes excessive regulation and continues to stigmatize cannabis users.

The government’s approach falls short of its earlier, more ambitious plan, which aimed to allow cannabis sales to adults across the country through licensed outlets. This scaled-back approach emerged after negotiations with the European Commission. Minister Lauterbach underscored that Germany aims to set a model for Europe and avoid replicating the Dutch approach, which combines decriminalization with minimal market control.

Contrasting approaches to cannabis policies are observable across Europe. Switzerland permitted a pilot project in Basel last year, allowing a limited number of individuals to purchase cannabis from pharmacies for recreational purposes. Similarly, the Czech Republic has been devising a plan akin to Germany’s, endorsing sales and recreational cannabis use, though the framework isn’t yet finalized.

Despite such developments, France remains steadfast in maintaining its stringent cannabis regulations, while Denmark’s bid to legalize cannabis was thwarted by its parliament. Meanwhile, the Netherlands, known for its “coffeeshops,” has embarked on an experiment to explore the controlled legal supply of cannabis to these establishments and its potential implications.

Germany’s anticipated move could set a precedent for the region, potentially influencing other nations to reconsider their cannabis policies in pursuit of safer and more regulated alternatives.

AP contributed to this story.

Iconic Irish boy band Westlife prepares for first-ever North American tour

LOS ANGELES. Renowned Irish boy band Westlife is about to make history by embarking on their inaugural North American tour after over two decades in the music scene.

Westlife boasts an impressive track record, having sold over 55 million records, achieved 36 No. 1 albums, and amassed more than one billion YouTube streams. Now, the group is preparing to grace several major cities in the United States and Canada, coinciding with St. Patrick’s Day festivities next year.

Although the tour may be brief, its significance cannot be understated. Commencing on Thursday, March 13, at Toronto’s Meridian Hall, Westlife will proceed to Boston’s MGM Music Hall at Fenway on March 14, the iconic Radio City Music Hall in New York City on March 16, and conclude the journey at the Chicago Theatre on March 18.

The forthcoming shows, as stated in a press release, will showcase the band’s extensive discography, encompassing their most popular hits such as “Swear It Again,” “Flying Without Wings,” “World Of Our Own,” “My Love,” “If I Let You Go,” and “Hello My Love.”

Westlife first emerged on the pop music scene during the late ’90s and early 2000s, a time dominated by the fervor for two other boy bands: Backstreet Boys, whom Westlife supported on tour, and NSYNC.

The group was under the guidance of Louis Walsh, known then for shaping Boyzone, a band fashioned as an Irish counterpart to the acclaimed English ensemble, Take That. Subsequently, Walsh served as a judge on “The X Factor UK,” where he played a role in mentoring one Irish and four British aspirants, ultimately forming the trailblazing boy band from the British Isles that achieved remarkable success in the U.S.: One Direction.

DA: Repasuhin ang 2019 Rice Tariffication Law hinggil sa pagtaas ng presyo ng bigas

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Sa gitna ng mga pagtaas ng presyo ng bigas, ang pinakamainam na solusyon para makamit ang mas murang halaga nito ay ang pagsusuri sa 2019 Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), ayon sa isang opisyal mula sa Department of Agriculture.

Sa ngayon, ang presyo ng bigas ay mula ₱50 hanggang ₱62 kada kilo sa mga pamilihan sa mga palengke, at inaasahang tataas pa ito mula ₱60 hanggang ₱65 sa susunod na linggo. Isinisisi ng mga grupo ng mga magsasaka ang mataas na presyo sa isang rice cartel sa mga negosyante, importer, at mga miller.

“Review I think is the best solution. Revisit again the Rice Tariffication Law. Titingnan kung ano pa ang kailangang amendahan at kung ano pa’ng dapat i-strengthen na provisions dun,”  pahayag ni DA Assistant Secretary Chief of Staff Rex Estoperez noong Lunes.

Ang RTL ay nag aalis sa mga limitasyon sa kalakal ng bigas at nagpatupad ng minimum na 35% na taripa sa mga inaangkat.

Ipinag uutos din nito sa National Food Authority (NFA) na bumili lamang ng produkto mula sa mga lokal na magsasaka at magtakda ng buffer stock na halaga ng 15 hanggang 30 araw na konsumo ng bigas sa buong bansa.

Samantala, ang mga grupo ng mga magsasaka tulad ng Bantay Bigas at AMIHAN ay nanawagan sa DA na ipagpatuloy ang price control ng bigas sa halip na ipatupad ang suggested retail price at malawakang pag-aangkat.

Inaasahan na papasok sa bansa ang mga 300,000 metriko tonelada ng imported na bigas ngayong buwan at sa susunod na buwan.

Gayunpaman, sinabi ni Estoperez na “Ginagamit lang naman yung suggested retail price ‘pag nakikita nating may paggalaw ng presyo na hindi maganda. Pero yung price control, sa ngayon, wala naman tayong emergency.”

Sunog sa Rizal: 1 patay, 3 Sugatan

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CAINTA, Rizal. Isang malupit na sunog ang nagdulot ng pagkamatay ng isang babae at pagkasugat ng tatlong iba pa sa isang tahanan sa bayang ito sa Rizal.

Ang sunog ay pinaniniwalaang nagsimula  sa sinindihang kandila sa loob ng nasunog na bahay kahapon ng madaling-araw.

Sa ngayon, hindi pa inilalabas ng Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) ang pangalan ng babaeng biktima dahil sa kakulangan ng pahintulot mula sa kanyang pamilya.

Samantala, nakatanggap naman ng karampatang tulong medikal ng tatlong nasugatan sa sunog, kabilang dito ang dalawang bata.

Ayon sa mga ulat ng Rizal BFP, nangyari ang sunog sa Brookside Subdivision sa Brgy. San Isidro sa Cainta, bandang alas-3:00 ng madaling-araw.

Napag-alaman na natutulog ang mga biktima ng magliyab ang apoy. Nagresulta ito sa pagbagsak ng ikalawang palapag ng bahay at nadaganan ng mga nag aapoy na yero at kahoy ang ginang na natutulog sa unang palapag.

Ganap na alas-3:45 ng madaling-araw ng maapula ng mga tauhan ng BFP ang sunog na tumagal hanggang sa umabot sa first alarm.

Ayon sa mga salaysay ng katiwala ng bahay, galing ang pamilya sa lamay at nagtirik ng kandila nang bumalik sila sa kanilang tahanan.

When will we ever learn?

At last, Christian Church leaders belonging to the Philippines for Jesus Movement took the cudgel and filed a case against the so-called drag queen Pura Luka Vega or Amadeus Fernando Pugante in real life before Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.

Pura obviously is a member of the LGBTQ – born a man but desirous to be a woman! He wanted respect but cannot respect the rights of others. He wanted to be accepted by society but cannot accept his true gender given by God. To gain attention, he dressed up like the Nazarene and sung the Lord’s Prayer (Ama Namin) in what appears to be a party.

What Pura Luka did was truly offensive to the feelings of the faithful – mocking Jesus Christ in a Christian country like ours is unacceptable and must not be tolerated. He can dress up like a woman, put all the make-up he needs, walk and talk like a woman but for heaven’s sake, spare the Lord! His being gay is not a license for him to do things that offend other people. As observed by SP Miguel Zubiri, what Pura did was “the height of misuse and abuse of our freedom of expression that borders on criminal activity” punishable under the Revised Penal Code.

While freedom of expression is guaranteed by our Constitution, such freedom is not absolute. Not everything we want to express we can freely do on stage without the corresponding accountability. Remember the line in a song “tayo ay nabubuhay hindi para sa sarili lamang?” That “no man is an island?” We live for others hence we must respect the rights of others. The case filed against Pura Luka is a test case. If he will be exonerated for one reason or another, surely, he would do the same mockery or even worse in the future.

What Pura Luka and his minions did in that controversial party reminds me of the Grand Party in Brazil where Satan was hailed and Jesus mocked. Of course, we all knew that God in his infinite wisdom showed His power by sending flood to Brazil. I wonder if God would show His wrath against Pura Luka and those who enjoy watching him mocking Jesus.

Sometimes I can’t help but think that many misfortunes in this country – typhoons, floods, landslides, volcanic eruptions, criminalities and illnesses are brought by the utter disrespect of many of us towards the Great Author of all. And I feel like singing the praise “when will we ever learn, when will we ever learn?”

Dinaganan ng unan sa mukha: 83 anyos na ina pinatay ng 63 anyos na anak

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CARMONA, Cavite. Patay ang isang 83 anyos na lola matapos takpan at daganan ng unan sa mukha ng sarili niyang anak na isang 63 anyos na sinasabing may sakit sa pag-iisip.

Naganap ang insidente sa kanilang bahay sa Brgy. 3, bayan ng Carmona, sa lalawigan ng Cavite, kahapon ng madaling araw.

Ayon sa ulat ng Carmona Police, dead-on-the-spot ang biktima na kinilalang si Cecilia Clarito Morales, isang balo at naninirahan sa #344 San Jose St., Brgy 3, Carmona City.

Naaresto naman ang suspek na si Enrico Clarito Morales, 63 anyos na anak ng biktima.

Sa imbestigasyon ni Police Sergeant Joel Mendoza, ang humahawak sa kaso, naganap ang trahedya bandang 12:30 ng madaling-araw sa tahanan ng biktima. Natutulog ang matanda ng ng takpan ng unan sa mukha ng kanyang anak. Hindi kinaya ng lola ang bigat ng pagkakadiin ng unan sa kanyang mukha na naging sanhi ng pagkawala nito ng malay at kanyang kamatayan.

Ayon sa pamilya ng biktima, may sakit na “schizophrenia” ang suspek, batay sa kanyang medical certificate.

Trump and 18 associates charged in Georgia over election meddling, marking 4th criminal case

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ATLANTA. Former President Donald Trump and 18 of his associates were charged in Georgia on Monday for their attempts to overturn the 2020 election results in the state. Prosecutors have employed a statute commonly associated with organized crime to accuse Trump, his lawyers, and aides of engaging in a “criminal enterprise” to maintain his hold on power.

The indictment, spanning nearly 100 pages, outlines numerous actions undertaken by Trump and his allies to reverse his election defeat. These actions include pressuring Georgia’s Republican secretary of state to find additional votes, harassing an election worker targeted by false fraud claims, and trying to convince Georgia legislators to disregard the voters’ will and appoint new electoral college electors favorable to Trump.

One particularly audacious incident involves a plot by one of Trump’s lawyers to access voting machines in a rural Georgia county and extract data from a voting machine company.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who brought the case, stated in a late-night press conference, “The indictment alleges that instead of following Georgia’s legal process for election challenges, the defendants engaged in a criminal racketeering enterprise to overturn Georgia’s presidential election result.”

Among the charged individuals are former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, Trump’s attorney and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and a Trump administration Justice Department official, Jeffrey Clark, who promoted efforts to reverse Trump’s election loss in Georgia. Other lawyers who supported legally questionable ideas to overturn the results, including John Eastman, Sidney Powell, and Kenneth Chesebro, also face charges.

Willis announced that the defendants are expected to voluntarily surrender by noon on August 25. She intends to seek a trial date within six months and plans to try all defendants together.

This indictment marks the fourth criminal case against Trump in five months, adding to the complexity of his legal situation as he also positions himself as a potential presidential candidate. The indictment comes shortly after the Justice Department special counsel charged him with a broad conspiracy to overturn the election, highlighting how prosecutors are taking steps to hold Trump accountable for his actions following the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

While the Georgia case overlaps with Trump’s recent indictment in Washington, it includes a broader range of defendants — 19 in total — setting it apart from the more focused case brought by special counsel Jack Smith, which currently only names Trump as a defendant.

The Georgia indictment alleges a more extensive pattern of criminal behavior, invoking language reminiscent of organized crime syndicates. It accuses Trump, his former chief of staff, his attorneys, and others of being part of a “criminal organization” and “enterprise” that operated across Georgia and other states.

The indictment concludes a tumultuous day marked by the sudden posting of a list of criminal charges against the former president on a county website. Although the filing was quickly taken down, it triggered a response from Trump’s legal team, who questioned the integrity of the investigation.

In response to the indictment, Trump’s legal team condemned the process and accused prosecutors of relying on witnesses with personal and political agendas.

Numerous actions detailed in the Georgia indictment, including Trump’s attempts to influence state officials and his claims of widespread voter fraud, have already received public attention. This indictment adds to the legal challenges Trump faces, both on the federal level and in New York state.

As Trump navigates these multiple indictments, he continues to position himself as a political figure, rallying his supporters and framing himself as a target of partisan prosecutions.

Is Artificial Intelligence replacing jobs? Here’s the truth

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Automation has been an ongoing process since the Industrial Revolution, gradually replacing human labor with machines. This trend initially affected agriculture and skilled crafts, and later extended to mass manufacturing and clerical tasks. However, the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics have led to concerns that a new generation of smart machines could potentially replace a significant portion of human jobs.

While there is some truth to this argument, recent research suggests that the impact might not be as dire as feared. According to a study conducted for the UK and a report on China, upcoming waves of automation fueled by AI might not result in widespread job displacement for two main reasons.

Firstly, the fact that a job has the technical potential to be automated doesn’t guarantee that it will happen. Economic, political, regulatory, and organizational factors could delay or block automation. Analysis indicates that only around 20% of existing jobs in the UK and around 26% in China might actually be displaced by AI and related technologies over the next two decades. This is referred to as the ‘displacement effect’.

Secondly, AI and related technologies can drive economic growth and create new job opportunities. AI systems and robots can enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve product quality. Successful companies will boost profits, leading to reinvestment and ultimately lowering prices for consumers. This, in turn, increases real income levels, leading to increased consumer demand and job creation.

Research suggests that the net impact on jobs in the UK is projected to be broadly neutral, with around 20% of jobs being displaced and an equal number of new jobs being created. Sectors like healthcare could see net job gains due to an aging population and the need for human interaction. In China, while agricultural employment might be negatively impacted, construction and services are expected to see substantial job growth.

While concerns of mass technological unemployment might be overstated, governments and businesses need to adapt to the changing landscape. China, for instance, might witness the displacement of around 200 million jobs over the next two decades, necessitating worker mobility and retraining. Investment in retraining and upskilling, along with a focus on human skills that are harder to automate, becomes crucial. Businesses must promote a culture of lifelong learning, and governments should strengthen social safety nets to ensure that the benefits of AI and related technologies are widely distributed.

In conclusion, while AI could impact job markets and business models, the combination of the displacement and income effects, along with economic growth, is expected to result in a more balanced scenario than anticipated. Adapting to this evolving landscape will be crucial for maximizing the benefits of AI and minimizing potential disruptions.

Economic World Forum contributed to this story.

CHED calls on social media giants to aid in combating fake news and empowering students

In a bid to counter the rampant spread of fake news and misinformation, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has urged social media giants to collaborate with the government, emphasizing their role in protecting students, often referred to as “digital natives.”

CHED Chairperson J. Prospero de Vera III’s call comes in the wake of a joint memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing with various government entities, led by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), aimed at promoting media and information literacy (MIL) in Pasay City.

Speaking at the event, de Vera highlighted the potential for “advanced algorithms” from major social media platforms to be instrumental in identifying and flagging potential fake news.

“Google, Facebook, and Tiktok can play a significant role in curbing this issue by providing algorithms, enhancing content moderation, launching educational campaigns, partnering with higher education institutions, promoting fact-checking, enhancing user transparency, and strengthening community guidelines,” he stated.

De Vera acknowledged the spread of disinformation as a strategy employed to “discord public opinion or push for a certain propaganda.” He suggested that these strategies could mitigate the visibility of unverified or misleading content, reinforce content moderation, and foster responsible content consumption and sharing.

However, de Vera emphasized that the application of such advanced algorithms must respect students’ freedom of speech.

“While our students are digital natives well-equipped to engage in a digital society, we must empower them with the proper tools to inquire, understand, communicate, and think critically,” he asserted.

CHED believes that empowering students with MIL will enable digital platforms to serve as a potent avenue for expressing thoughts and emotions.

“Media and information literacy is an essential component of students and teachers’ learning that fosters equitable access to knowledge, which in turn opens up opportunities,” de Vera emphasized.

The CHED committed to fulfilling its role in advocating for MIL alongside other government bodies. De Vera acknowledged the complexity of combating disinformation and fake news, emphasizing the need for collaboration among various stakeholders.

“We have been pushing for this for some time now. The best way to combat disinformation and fake news remains of course a topic that is highly debated. But I think we all agree that addressing the spread of disinformation among young people in Philippine higher education is a complex issue that requires partnerships among different stakeholders,” he remarked.

Moreover, CHED’s support for intensified efforts to combat fake news stems from its potential to impact the administration’s initiatives and programs.

“Kadalasan dahil sa fake news, ang mga mabubuting intensyon at inisyatibo ng ating kasalukuyang administrasyon at iba pang ahensya ng pamahalaan ay nababahiran o nadudungisan (Usually, because of fake news, the good intentions and initiatives of the present administration are being tainted or blemished),” de Vera added.

In pursuit of this collaborative approach, CHED has entered into the MOU with PCO, the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).