WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The President’s men give us a rundown on the government’s pandemic, security, and justice initiatives ahead of President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address
LATEST UPDATES
COVID-19 pandemic response
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana enumerates government actions in addressing the novel coronavirus pandemic.
These include efforts to test for the virus, the opening of large-venue isolation facilities, the opening of new laboratories, and military efforts to repatriate OFWs and locally stranded persons.
The Department of Justice freed thousands of jail inmates whose cases have long been delayed. This is to decongest jails to minimize the risk of transmitting the virus.
Lorenzana on the Anti-Terror Law
“Titiyakin namin na ang bisa ng batas na ito ay itutuon lamang sa mga teroristang gustong maghasik ng lagim at karahasan sa ating mga pamayanan at mamamayan. Hindi namin pahihintulutang magamit ito para mahadlangan o yurakan ang mga karapatang pantao sa ating lipunan.”
(We will ensure that the enforcement of this law will be focused only on terrorists who want to sow chaos and violence in our communities, among our citizens. We will not allow it to suppress or trample on human rights in our society.)
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana says Republic Act no. 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Law of 2020 will enable security forces to proactively pursue and prevent terror threats.
Lorenzana: BARMM among Duterte government’s ‘significant’ achievements
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao was created after the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law last January 25, 2020.
The historic moment saw the Bangsamoro people finally recognized before the law as a people with a distinct historical and cultural identity.
Since then, the new Muslim region has had to weather birth pains and face unprecedented challenges like the coronavirus pandemic. Read more about it in these stories:
Can’t afford to fail: Bangsamoro region weathers birth pains
BARMM reports 86% distribution of coronavirus cash aid
Who’s who in the Bangsamoro Transition Authority
Now that Bangsamoro law is ratified, what comes next?
Land of promise: Why the Bangsamoro plebiscite matters to you
Actions against communist rebels
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana reports actions taken against the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA).
Murder charges were filed against Jose Maria Sison, Satur Ocampo, and other CPP personalities in the alleged “purging” of the NPA’s ranks decades ago.
Human trafficking, kidnapping, child abuse, and other charges filed against alleged recruiters of minors into the communist armed movement. Lorenzana mentioned the enlistment of child soldiers.
Lorenzana hails the closure of Lumad schools as an achievement in counterinsurgency efforts.
Lorenzana on rule of law and fighting crime
Lorenzana says the overall crime incidence decreased by 51% in the first half of 2020.
Efforts against crime and illegal drugs were boosted.
Reforms in the justice system led to faster filing and resolution of cases at courts.
Why the anti-terror law is dangerous
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana defends the anti-terror law, saying that it will “greatly enable our security forces to proactively prevent and defend terrorism.”
He says the law will only focus on terrorists and will not be abused.
Various groups warned that several provisions of the law can lead to human rights violations.
Why is it dangerous? Listen to these podcast episodes:
1. Mapanganib ang anti-terror law para sa lahat ng Filipino
2. Dissecting anti-terror bill and threats to freedoms
New embassies established for overseas Filipinos
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana – who leads the security, justice, and peace cluster of which the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is a member – says the Philippines has established additional foreign posts abroad.
This includes new embassies in Sweden and Morocco and new consulates general in Nagoya, Barcelona, Istanbul, and Melbourne.
The DFA establishes foreign posts to strengthen ties with other countries and aid Filipinos living abroad.
Duterte’s fight vs communism
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana highlighted the Duterte government’s efforts to address the communist insurgency.
Rappler’s JC Gotinga explains the role of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in this in-depth report.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana gives updates on security issues
Lorenzana is the head of the Security, Justice and Peace Cluster of Malacañang, which includes the DND, DFA, DILG, DOJ, and the OPAPP.
“The Philippines continues to pursue…an independent foreign policy.”
President Rodrigo Duterte’s engagements with other governments in the region have helped ease tensions in the West Philippine Sea, Lorenzana says.
Lorenzana highlights new structures on Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea as a significant step forward in facilitating Filipino presence in the area.
New air defense surveillance radars have been installed on Mavulis Island in Batanes, the country’s northernmost land mass.
The AFP Modernization Program saw a milestone in the delivery of the brand new frigate BRP Jose Rizal. Several other vessels and aircraft are expected to be delivered soon.
Duterte ordered to defer the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement with the US. It will allow continued military engagements with the US military.
Agreements with Malaysia and Indonesia, as well as with Palau, help boost security operations in the country’s maritime borders.
Efforts have been launched in increasing the protection of marine biodiversity, and to update policies concerning it.