Questions and Concerns Regarding Duterte's List of Drug Personalities

Wazzup Pilipinas!

I laud the government's resolve in pursuing its anti-drug campaign, particularly in bringing to justice alleged narco-politicians, judges and bad cops who have contributed and/or benefited from the drug menace.

However, I would like to raise some questions and concerns on how this war is being waged, especially on the latest list made public by President Duterte.


Case build-ups and dangerous precedent

Is the list the result of judicious case build-ups? Is it backed up by sufficient evidence that can stand the scrutiny of our courts? Will the government file the appropriate charges?

Does this not set a dangerous precedent? Does this not violate due process? What prevents other public officials from making their own lists? What prevents them from including in the list political rivals, dissidents and activists? Whatever happened to the foundation of the judicial system and respect for individual liberties and rights, where one is presumed innocent until proven guilty?

Batangas to Pioneer LED Street Lights with CCTV and WiFi in the Country

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Batangas will soon be the first province in the country to bring LED-based smart technology that provides free WiFi while providing CCTV coverage.

The provincial government has entered into an agreement with Korean technology company Korecen which will install 90 LED (Light Emitting Diode) street lights in the Provincial Capitol which are equipped with WiFi internet connectivity and CCTV cameras.

Partnership with a company from Asia’s most advanced country in telecom technology, assures manifold benefits for Batangas: cost-savings and environment-friendly street lighting; free WiFi for Batagueños within the coverage radius, and, significant CCTV coverage for traffic management and security.

LED lights consume 70% less electricity than their halogen counterpart for the same degree of brightness. LED lights are also known to last up to 10 times longer.

Korecen’s local partner, Perl Tech Consulting International Inc. (PTCII) will be providing data connectivity for the LED Security Lights with WiFi and CCTV as well as helping the provincial government develop a command center where the CCTV video feeds will be received and monitored.

PTCII plans to use TV White Space (TVWS) technologies to provide wireless Internet connectivity for the WiFi Hotspots as well as the transmission of video feeds from the CCTV cameras embedded in the LED Lights. 

Hontiveros to Conduct Inquiry on Violations of Hospital Deposit Law

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Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros vowed to conduct a senate inquiry on the reported violations of several hospitals of Republic Act 8344 or the Anti-Hospital Deposit Law, which prohibits any hospital and medical facility to demand any deposit or any other form of advance payment, as a prerequisite for admission or medical treatment of a patient to prevent death or serious harm.

Hontiveros, who is the newly-elected chairperson of the Senate' Committee on Health expressed alarm regarding cases of some hospitals’ refusal to follow the law. She said her committee will investigate the said cases and other reports of hospital negligence "to end the cruel practice of giving premium to profits over and above the public's health."

"Kahit saan natin tignan, mas mahalaga ang buhay ng tao kaysa anumang deposito. Ang deposito ay mababayaran. Ang buhay na nawala ay hindi maibabalik o matatawaran," Hontiveros said.

Early this year, University of Santo Tomas (UST) Hospital came under fire when Andrew Pelayo took to social media to air his grievance regarding his wife’s miscarriage due to the hospital’s refusal to provide treatment before any deposit was made. In 2014, Hontiveros slammed the Butuan Doctors Hospital over the death of a 10-year old girl who was refused hospital care because her family failed to produce the P30,000 deposit demanded by the medical establishment.

Recently, another case of neglect is being investigated by the Department of Health (DoH) at the Casimiro Ynares Sr. Memorial Hospital. While no deposit was asked in exchange for medical assistance, a two-year old child lost her life when the hospital made her wait in line for hours.

To address this growing concern, Hontiveros filed Senate Bill No. 216 [SB216] which seeks to impose heavier fines for hospitals that violate the law and possible nullification of erring hospitals’ license to operate. The bill also provides tax deduction for hospitals that admit indigent or poor patients in cases of emergency.

The said senate bill also hopes to create a Health Facilities Oversight Board, chaired by a Department of Health representative. “The Board will provide a clear channel for redress of grievances by patients and ensuring their rights and welfare”, Hontiveros said.

“Hospitals should know that their primary duty is to save lives. The government must make an example of medical establishments who believe profits are more important than the lives of the people." Hontiveros ended.