Pulong wants MRP done the right way

Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Z. Duterte is not opposing the continuance of the Mindanao Railway Project which was crafted by the past administration of his father, Rodrigo Duterte, and will allegedly be continued by the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The young congressman however said that the national government must look into several complaints and acccusation of anomalies by some residents affected by the planned project.

For this, Rep. Duterte along with Benguet lone district Rep. Eric Yap filed House Resolution (HR) No.286, which calls for a congressional investigation on the proposed MRP, specifically on the way the Department of Transportation (DOTr) carried out its right-of-way acquisitions and expropriation of private properties to be affected by the rail line.

Rep. Duterte said that he received numerous complaints from Davao City residents whose residences would be directly affected by the proposed railway line.

He said the proposed MRP rail line would pass through densely populated areas in Davao City, “without the appropriate geological surveys or proper public consultations with the affected communities”.

Duterte and Yap however acknowledged in their resolution that the MRP “will not only make travel faster, but also safer, more convenient and comfortable for passengers in the said corridor”.

Rep. Duterte however added that the complaints must also be given weight especially on the report that “there are variations in the offers for acquisition of right-of-way or expropriation of the private properties by the DOTr and/or its contractors, sub-contractors, or other service providers.”

“These variations in offers have substantial discrepancies from the actual Zonal Value or Fair Market Value of the properties affected,” the two congressmen said.

Though not naming names, Rep. Duterte said there were also reports that some politicians bought vast parcel of lands where the rail line will be constructed at a cheap price and are now selling it to the government ten times or more than the original price.

It was learned that the Barangay Catalunan Grande in Davao City has already passed a resolution opposing the MRP as it would affect several residences in their barangay and would “result to undue safety and health hazard, as well as noise pollution, to name a few.”

“There is a need to properly determine the correct and appropriate manner of identifying the areas where the MRP will traverse in order to ensure public safety and welfare while still being able to pursue the MRP for sustained growth and development in the region,” Reps. Duterte and Yap said in filing HR No.286.

Rep. Duterte and Yap said the probe will “ensure transparency and accountability on the use of public funds while always keeping in mind the safety and welfare of the general populace in the delivery of public services”.

Back in the 18th Congress, the two congressmen also filed a similar call for a probe.

The three-phase MRP covers 1,530 kilometers of circumferential and spur rail lines that will connect several areas in Mindanao like the Davao provinces, Iligan City, Cagayan de Oro City, General Santos City, and Zamboanga.

Phase 1 of the MRP (Tagum-Davao-Digos segment) is a 105-km line that is expected to reduce travel time from Davao del Norte to Davao del Sur from 3.5 hours to just 1.3 hours. It will have eight stations: Tagum, Carmen, Panabo, Mudiang, Davao Terminal, Toril, Sta. Cruz, and Digos. A 10-hectare depot will be built in Tagum City. (PR)

Duterte files anti underage drinking act

Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Z. Duterte, along with Rep. Eric G. Yap, has filed House Bill No. 1753 which prohibits the access of unqualified individuals to alcohol beverages.

Known as the Anti-Underage Drinking Act, the bill prohibits those aged below 21 and those with physical and mental disabilities from purchasing or obtaining liquor and other alcoholic beverages.

First time violators, especially minors, will be brought to the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) for counseling.

Second time violators will be made to attend, together with their parents or guardian, two consecutive regular session of BCPC.

Third and subsequent offenders will be turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for appropriate counselling.

Establishments who violate the law would also be fined P50,000 or imprisonment of not more than 3 months. Revocation of license to operate a business would also be imposed to frequent offenders.

Meeting between 1st District Congressman Paolo Z. Duterte and Consul General of China, Li Lin

A modest dinner between First District Congressman of Davao City, Paolo Z. Duterte, and the Chinese Consul General in Davao City, Li Lin, reaffirms continuing friendship between the two nations and specifically identifies the program which will be supported by government of China in Davao City;

On July 9, 2022, the top two officials in Davao City had met in the residence of the Consul General following the latter’s invitation to the former for a table blowout;

It was during the same occasion that the Chinese Consul General presented to Hon. Duterte the program which the government of China will support under latter’s fresh term and the present government of the Republic of the Philippines. In the said meeting, the support for the livelihood programs for the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) of Davao City was the highlight of the conversation.

Congressman Duterte in turn manifested his full support to the program and in fact committed to Consul General Li Lin that he is willing to work hand in hand with the consular office, all for the purpose of alleviating socio-economic condition of our IP brothers and sisters in Davao City;

Likewise, the meeting opened the opportunity for Hon. Duterte to express his gratitude and profound appreciation for the continuing support of the Government of the People’s Republic of China to the infrastructure projects undertaken by the Philippine government and to the many programs that revitalized Philippine economy.

Clearly, this is another step to a proper direction and a very bright future for the two nations. The First Congressional District of Davao City through Representative Paolo Z. Duterte will ensure that the program will be properly managed so as to guarantee full support to all our Indigenous Peoples in Davao City.

INAUGURAL SPEECH OF VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT SARA DUTERTE

Assalamualaikum.

To our foreign guests, sa aking mga kababayan — magandang hapon po sa inyong lahat, maayong hapon kaninyong tanan.

One of the most important lessons I have learned as I navigate life and the same thing that I believe we should ponder upon as one country united in our determination to overcome our difficulties and achieve our aspirations — is that we should commit to heart the priorities of God, country, and family.

My life is a testament to the power of a God, whom we know by many names. My younger self was consumed by a dream to become a doctor. I pursued a pathway that I thought could help me realize that dream, but I was directed toward another way. And now I am a lawyer.

When I committed myself to governance and public service, I was also determined to finish three consecutive terms as Mayor. That will not happen anymore. I am now the Vice President-Elect.

The voice of 32.2 million Filipinos was loud and clear — with the message to serve our motherland. And this message has been reiterated in my oath: to consecrate myself to the service of the nation.

There is a God. A God whose will transcends the desires of our hearts, one whose will directs us to the way that we might not have imagined — but a way that consecrates ourselves every day to help our fellowmen overcome the difficulties they face in their lives, to change lives, to save lives.

If we all take a moment to listen to the call to serve and decide to heed the call — in the same way that many are already devoting their lives as hardworking farmers and fisherfolk that ensure there is food on our tables, dedicated health workers who help the sick, brave soldiers who fight for our country, honest and fair entrepreneurs who support our economy, patient school teachers that guide our children — I believe the country will be heading toward a future of hope, security, strength, stability, and progress.

Country

Today, we celebrate the life and works of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. May his memory light up the fire within us to become patriots. Rizal taught us that selflessness and sacrifice could change our country’s fate and shape our children’s future. The bravery of Rizal completes the fabric of our identity as Filipinos.

Magkasama sana tayong bumangon bawat araw kasabay ang nag-aalab na pangako sa ating mga puso na mahal natin at patuloy nating mamahalin ang Pilipinas hangga’t tayo ay nabubuhay.

Let us show our love for our country by taking care of our families and communities despite the unending challenges that come our way.

Family

Today is Father’s Day. This is a time for families to celebrate — but you are here with me. Daghang salamat sa inyong pagtambong ug pagkuyog kanako niining adlawa.

Happy Father’s day to all the fathers who make sure that another person is given the best of everything.

Today, our children are facing a very complex future, one that is rife with conflict and uncertainties. Some of these challenges include the winding cycle of poverty, the trauma of broken families, the life-long baggage because of irresponsible and bad parenting, the abandonment issues due to an absentee parent, the anguish of gender confusion and discrimination, the destruction brought about by drugs, the lure of easy money in criminality, cases of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, the failure to identify and speak up against different kinds of abuses, the life altering effects of teenage pregnancy, the detrimental effects of illiteracy, the emotional injury of bullying, unstable mental wellness, recruitment to support terrorism, misinformation in the internet — and the list could be endless.

A strong, loving, happy family sets down all the basic foundations essential in the development and growth of a child.

At home, parents have the duty to teach children the values of integrity, discipline, respect, and compassion for others.

And we should never forget that it is the duty of each Filipino family to emphasize that education begins at home. Atong isilsil sa ilang alimpatakan nga ang maayong pamatasan, ang edukasyon, ug pagpaningkamot maoy magdala kanila palayo sa kinabuhi nga puno og kalisod, padulong sa maayong kinabuhi nga ilang gihandom.

We should not as we could not afford to squander the future of our children.

The days ahead of us may be full of challenges that call for us to be more united as a nation.

But let me reiterate this — we can never go wrong if we are a people dedicated to honoring the will of God, to serving our country and our fellowmen, and protecting the integrity of our families and the future of our children.

Ako po si Inday Sara. A proud Dabawenya. A proud Mindanawon. Hindi ako ang pinakamagaling, o pinakamatalinong tao sa Pilipinas at sa mundo — ngunit walang makakatalo sa tibay ng puso ko bilang isang Filipino.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

Daghang Salamat.

Bong Go commends PH infrastructure boom under Duterte Administration

Attends lowering of the Tunnel Boring Machine for the Metro Manila Subway Project



Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has commended the Duterte Administration for making life more comfortable for Filipinos through its Build, Build, Build program as he attended, together with President Rodrigo Duterte, the lowering of the Tunnel Boring Machine of Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) in Barangay Ugong, Valenzuela City on Sunday, June 12.

“Layunin ng mga proyektong magbigay ng mas komportableng buhay para sa mga Pilipino, lalo na pagdating sa pagbyahe. Napaka-importante nito sa paglago ng kabuhayan sa ating mga komunidad at pagkakaroon ng mga economic opportunities sa kanayunan,” said Go.

“Parte po ang mga malalaking proyektong ito sa pamana ng ating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa susunod na henerasyon,” he added.

A project under the Build, Build, Build program, the MMSP is a 33-kilometer subway system with 17 stations interconnecting the north and south portions of Metro Manila, from Quirino Highway corner Mindanao Avenue to Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The project costs PhP488 billion and is funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

As of June 6, 2022, the project is 32.06% accomplished and is targeted to be partially operational by 2025 and fully operational by 2027.

The MMSP will serve over 370,000 passengers per day and reduce the travel time from Quezon City to NAIA by half – from about 70 minutes to 35 minutes.

In his speech, Duterte thanked the Japanese government for assisting in the economic development of the Philippines, particularly in the construction of the country’s first subway system.

“May I express my gratitude again to the Japanese government for partnering with the Philippines to make this dream a reality. I am also grateful to have the Japan International Cooperation Agency as an ally in nation-building particularly in initiatives that will benefit our citizens and accelerate our country’s economic development,” Duterte said.

The Duterte Administration’s ambitious infrastructure development plan is made up of numerous projects that will be implemented throughout the country. The program’s objectives are to relieve poverty, strengthen the economy, and alleviate traffic congestion in Metro Manila.

Previously, Go reassured Filipinos that he will continue to support infrastructure projects that serve different regions in order to achieve a more equitable distribution of economic development across the country.

“Bilang inyong senador, asahan niyo po lagi kong isusulong ang mga proyekto, panukala at adhikain na makakatulong sa bawat Pilipino,” Go earlier said.

Go has also been vocal in his support for the government’s infrastructure projects. He added that these initiatives will bring in more jobs and economic opportunities outside Metro Manila and will provide livelihood to Filipinos, especially those who were left jobless due to the pandemic.

Go, as Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, actively supported several infrastructure development programs across the country.

“Walang humpay ang ating paglilingkod. Pinag-aaralan natin ang lahat ng posibleng paraan na maaaring makapagpabilis sa daloy ng serbisyo at makatulong sa ating mga kababayan. Para naman sa amin ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte, basta kapakanan ng mga Pilipino, ipaglalaban namin ‘yan hanggang sa huli,” he stressed.

On April 27, Go also joined Duterte in Cordova City, Cebu for the inauguration of the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway at the CCLEX Toll Plaza.