OPENING STATEMENT: 

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: 

We are pleased to have today the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) Chief, Dr. Persida Rueda-Acosta.

She was appointed as nationwide head of the PAO on February 23, 2001 by former President and current Member of the House of Representatives Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

She is the 4th Placer in the 1989 Bar Examinations. She is a Doctor of Social Development graduate from UP and did her Executive Fellows Program at the JFK School in Harvard.

She was a Panel Speaker in the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC)-organized International Conference on Access to Legal Aid in Criminal Justice Systems in 2014 in South Africa.

She has also been invited to the same office, to the same organization as an Expert/Resource Person during the Open-Ended Intergovernmental Meeting of Experts on Access to Legal Aid in Criminal Justice Systems in 2011 in Austria.

She is a professor in Law at Ateneo and she’s got an impressive list. Okay.

So ladies and gentlemen, let us welcome PAO Chief Persida Acosta. 

PAO CHIEF ACOSTA: Thank you, Secretary Abella.

Isa pong mapagpalayang araw sa ating mga kababayan. Narito po ako para magbalita sa ating maralitang Pilipino na ang kanilang mga lawyer na nag-retire mula noong 2010 ay babayaran na po ng retirement gratuity ng ating mahal na Pangulo, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, mamayang hapon.

Umaabot po ng more or less 178 million ang kanilang five year lump sum total at kasama na rin po dito ‘yung limang pamilyang na namatayan. Iyong aming… Kabilang sa aming PAO44 ‘yung limang pamilya. Pamilya ni Atty. Rody Alonzo, Atty. Daoas, Atty. Savellano, at may dalawa pa. At may recent din pong namatay si Atty. Wilfredo Mayol ng Bohol.

So ito po ay sa bisa rin ng pagdedemanda ng PAO retirees laban kay Secretary Butch Abad at ng ilang opisyal ng DBM noon. Nanalo po kami noong February 14 ng taong ito sa Sala ni Judge Maria Gilda Loja Pangilinan, Branch 230 ng Quezon City.

At nagwagi po ang PAO retirees. Karapat-dapat pong bigyan ng retirement equivalent to the retirement of the NAPROSS and their counterparts in the judiciary.

So ito po ang hinihintay namin na kasabay ng pagdating ng bagong Pangulo na naging pag-asa po ng maralitang Pilipino, Mayor Duterte.

At kaalinsabay din po, pagpapasalamat sa Supreme Court sapagkat lumabas na po ang kautusan na panalo po ang PAO doon sa CESO Case. Hindi po kailangang mag-CESO ang mga public attorneys kagaya ng mga hukom at mga piskal. So lumabas na po ang desisyon, talo po ang CES Board sa pangunguna ni — talo po si Atty. Maria Anthonette Velasco-Allones. Nanalo po ang PAO at CSC sa Korte Supreme en banc.

At mamayang hapon din po, kaalinsabay ng pagbabayad ng gobyerno — ng gobyernong Duterte ng retirement ng ating mga PAO retirees at pamilya ng mga namatay na PAO ay magbabayad na din po ng kabuuang halaga ng lote sa Commonwealth Avenue na magiging PAO Central Office building po. Katabi ng COA Main.

So talagang ito po ay pasimula ng masagana at mahusay na pagpapairal ng justice system sa ating bansa dahil pinalalakas po ng Duterte administration ang justice system sa pamamagitan ng Public Attorney’s Office.

Ngayon, kaugnay po nito bilang ako po ay isa sa tinaguriang — with due respect, expert ng United Nations on Drugs and Crime, pinadala po ako sa Vienna, dalawang beses at noong kamakailan ay sa South Africa. Meron pong ibabalita ako sa inyo para maintindihan nang lahat kung bakit nagkaroon ng EO 15 Series of 2017, nitong March — ‘yung ICAD, ‘yung Inter-Agency Committee Against Illegal Drugs, kasama po ang PAO.

Meron pong rekomendasyon ang United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime sa lahat ng bansa at ito po ay apat. Naririto po ang una: kailangan ang policies to eradicate illegal drugs. Strong policies… Strong, transparent and fair criminal justice institutions and targeted efforts to dismantle transnational organized criminal organizations. At may rekomendasyon ding prevention and treatment of drug-use work at meron ding kailangang magkaroon ng principle of common and shared responsibility ang bawat mamamayan at mga bansa sa paglaban nito.

Dahil meron ding findings po ang United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime na umaabot ng 340 tons ang pag-ikot ng mga droga, illegal drugs sa buong mundo at kabilang din po dito ang Pilipinas. Ito po iyon.

So ‘yung sinasabi ng iba na speculative diumano na sinasabing may apat ng milyong kontaminado na sa Pilipinas, iyan po ay may empirical data, may empirical basis. At mismong ang United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime ay meron pong mga rekomendasyon na kailangang tuparin hindi lang ng Pilipinas kundi maging ng iba’t ibang estado. Kaya po sa aking palagay ay ang ibang mga Presidente ng mga bansa ay talagang sumasaludo at humahanga sa ating bagong Pangulo dahil meron po siyang political will para mag-deklara ng war on drugs.

Ang ibig sabihin po nito ay hindi baril laban sa baril o sandata na pumuputok laban sa sandata kundi kikitilin at papawiin ang kontaminasyon o kamandag ng droga sa ating bayan. Dahil noon pong June 2016, pagbaba ni PNoy 82,000 po ang naiwan naming kliyente, mga small user, small possessor, hindi maka-plea bargaining kasi bawal sa Republic Act [9165], ‘yung Comprehensive Drugs Act, bawal ang plea bargaining kahit small time.

Kaya pumunta po kami sa Supreme Court, nag-file po kami ng case Estipona vs Judge Lobrigo, hinihiling namin na ina-nullify na ng Supreme Court ‘yang pagbabawal na ‘yan, dalawang ground: violation ng equal protection of the law… Bakit ‘yung mga murder, parricide may plea bargaining? Bakit ‘yung small time na naging adventurous lang ay nakukulong ng habang-buhay.

Tapos pangalawa, may rule-making power ang Supreme Court at hindi dapat na-encroach ng Congress. So dapat ibalik ang plea bargaining para maipa-rehab po natin.

Doon sa ICAD, doon sa EO 15 makikita natin na wala pong state-sponsored EJK, bakit? Apat po ang cluster doon. Una, nandiyan ang social justice cluster, nandiyan ang law enforcement cluster, nandiyan ang rehabilitation and reintegration cluster at nandiyan din ang tinatawag na advocacy cluster. Tatlo po ang kinabibilangan ng PAO.

For the first time in the history po ng mga executive order, ngayon lang po kami nakasama sa Presidential Task Force na ganito. Kasama po kami sa advocacy cluster, kasama po kami sa justice sector cluster, kasama po kami sa rehab ang reintegration cluster.

Wala pong intensyon ang estado na patayin ang sinumang drug user o drug trafficker. Ang gusto po ng administrasyon ay social justice, rule of law. Kaya po ‘yung 82,000 na kliyente namin na naging 300,000 noong December 31, 2016, first semester po ni Pangulong Duterte, buhay na buhay po ang aming mga kliyente.

Kung paniniwalaan natin ‘yung sinasabi ng iba, state-sponsored ‘yan, pinapatay walang awa, eh wala na po kaming client sana pero buhay na buhay po ang aming mga kliyente. Ngayon, ang ating batas po, ang Revised Penal Code, meron pong justifying circumstance talaga ang ating estado. Kung mapapasapanganib ang buhay ng pulis, ng law enforcer, ng mamamayan, talagang pwedeng gumamit ng reasonable force ang ating mga kapulisan.

Ngayon, ano ang katibayan ko na wala pong state-sponsored EJK? Una, may apat pong sensational cases na halimbawa. Una, ang Espinosa case. Inimbestigahan ng Senado, operational ang ating Senado, operational ang hukuman at ang nag-gather po ng witnesses PAO Tacloban at NBI Tacloban. At ngayon po nakakulong na ‘yung mga CIDG personnel at may pagbibista na sa korte sa Baybay, Leyte.

Ikalawang kaso, ‘yung John Dela Riarte case. Dalawang pulis, HPG, binugbog nila, walang awa ‘yung isang nagmo-motorsiklo sa EDSA, si John Dela Riarte. Nakunan ng konduktor ng bus ng footage. Talaga pong masakit man sa akin, tinulungan po natin ang biktima, ang pamilya, nakakulong po ang mga pulis hanggang sa nagpakamatay ‘yung isa si De Villa, natira po si Manon-og, binibistahan ngayon sa RTC Makati ni Judge Lito Calpatura.

Ikatlo, ‘yung Vhon Tanto case ang biktima si Mark Vincent Garalde. Isang Army reservist ang suspect. Tinugis ng pamahalaan at ipinakulong po at binibistahan ngayon sa RTC Manila.

Ikaapat, ‘yung sinasabi sa Pasay na diumano EJK at napatay sa police station, nakakulong na rin po ‘yung mga pulis, ‘yung dalawang pulis na sinasabing suspect sa pagpatay doon sa suspect sa illegal drugs.

Kumikilos po ang ating judiciary, law enforcers, ang ating investigative arms at maging ang Kongreso, tulung-tulong para kung merong nagkamali, bistahan, bigyan ng due process. Wala pong kinokonsente ang ating pamahalaan.

Paano sasabihing merong state-sponsored EJK? Wala po. Sadyang kinakailangang tapusin ang kamandag ng droga sa ating bayan. Bakit? Sinasabi po sa UNODC report, sino ba ang nabibiktima dito? Ito po babasahin ko: “The operational recommendations contained in the outcome document encompass measures to address demand and supply reduction, as well as to improve access to controlled medicines while preventing their diversion; they cover human rights, youth, children, women and communities and highlight emerging challenges and the need to promote long-term, comprehensive, sustainable, development-oriented and balanced drug control policies and programmes that include alternative development.”

Kaya po ang ating Pangulo sinisikap makapagpaggawa tayo ng bagong rehabilitation center. Sa Nueva Ecija meron, 10,000 capacity; sa Bukidnon meron; sa Visayas meron, may mga ginagawa.

Kaya pag-nagwagi po ang PAO na mapa-nullify ang prohibition sa plea bargaining, dadalhin po natin ‘yung mga nasa kulungan na ‘yan na kontaminado sa droga. Bubuhayin, pakakainin, dadamitan at bibigyan ng psycho counseling para po makabalik sa pamumuhay na payapa at maayos. At ang sinasabi pa rin dito bakit masama ang droga? May nagsasabi wala naman epekto ang droga sa katawan ah, sa isip. Hindi po totoo ‘yan.

Dahil nandirito: “This year’s report offers insight into the wide-ranging impact of drugs not only on the health and well-being of individuals, but also on the people around them — families and communities. This can include such harms as HIV, as well as the threat of violence, faced in particular by women and children.”

Ngayon, nadidinig natin ang pahayag ng Pangulo “the children of my country,” “the future generation.” Iyong kanya pong EO, ‘yon kanya pong mga sinasabi ay complaint with the United Nations Organizations on Drugs and Crime recommendation. Ito po ang nilalaman nito. Kaya ipamamahagi ko sa inyo itong preface. Makapal ho kasi ito. May summary sa preface at para po mabasa ng mga media.

Ako po’y nanahimik ng ilang buwan dahil busing-busy po sa pagtatrabaho, pagtulong sa mga nangangailangan pero kinakailangang basagin ko na po ang aking katahimikan. Ang ating Pangulo po ay abugado, nag-aral, nagbabasa araw-araw ng dyaryo, alam niya ang nangyayari. At ako po ay representative palagi ng ating bansa sa United Nations Organizations on Drugs and Crime. Hindi pwedeng ang magwagi po ay ‘yung mga transnational crimes, syndicates, ‘yung mga advocate nila dahil paano po ang ating kinabukasan? Isang araw magiging tayo ang makakasalubong natin puro parang mga zombie, ‘yung mga anak natin gagahasain, mamartilyuhin, papatayin. Tapos ‘yung pagtusok-tusok, iyan po ang nagiging dahilan ‘yung isang syringe nung HIV kaya lumalaganap sa ating bayan.

So talagang napapanahon na po ‘yung sinasabing pati community magtulong, ang media, religious groups at lahat — tayong lahat, lahat ng sektor ng lipunan magtulung-tulong suportahan natin ang programa ng pamahalaan upang i-dismantle ang mga illegal, prohibited and regulated drugs. Iyon po ‘yon. 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

Rose Novenario (Hataw): Good morning, ma’am. Ma’am, may tweet si UN Special Rapporteur Agnes Callamard last week na ‘yon daw pong paggamit ng shabu ay wala raw pong masamang epekto sa isip at hindi raw po nagdudulot ng bayolenteng (violent) reaksyon. Ano po ‘yung masasabi n’yo roon? 

PAO CHIEF ACOSTA: Ah para pong contradictory siya dito sa World Report ng United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

I respect her opinion pero ito pong UNODC ay kabahagi ng United Nations na nananawagan ng pagtutulung-tulong nang lahat ng bansa upang i-dismantle ang transnational organized criminal organizations on drugs dahil sinasabi rito nga masama ang epekto sa kalusugan.

At sinasabi din ng UNODC, hindi lang libo ang namamatay dahil sa droga. Libu-libo po ang namamatay sa buong mundo, masama po ito sa kalusugan.

Una, makita mo pa lang eh. Aaminin ko meron po kaming kasama sa PAO isa, noong two weeks ago ipinadala ko sa Camp Bagong Diwa. Nauubos ang ngipin, nguya nang nguyang ganyan tapos noong ida-drug test naming, ayaw niya na may kasama siya sa comfort room. Umamin siya gumagamit. Eh sirang-sira ho ang kalusugan, para nang ganun.

Saan niya kaya nakuha ang data ‘yang hindi nakakaapekto sa kalusugan? Nakakaapekto po ‘yan. Bata pa po ako noong araw meron pong mag-asawa, wala na silang perang ibigay pambili ng droga nung anak, ang ginawa sa kanila ng anak nila nilagyan sila ng gasolina at sinunog sila. Doon po sa amin meron po isang tumigil sa pagdo-droga doon sa Bataan, nakita na lang namin nasa highway, pinatay po dahil ayaw na ngang sumali sa paggamit at pagbebenta ng droga.

Hindi ba nakakasama ‘yan? At marami po ang napupunta sa National Center for Mental Health na dahil sa droga kaya po nagkaroon ng paranoia, schizophrenia at sari-sari po na mga pagkasira ng isip. Hindi lang katawan kundi ng isip.

Hindi ko po alam ang basis niya at reference niya diyan. Pero ang reference ko po ay empirical at talagang scientific because the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime ay meron pong pahayag sa World Report. Siguro dapat basahin niya ho ito para maintindihan niya ‘yung kanyang sinasabi.

Pasensya na po, Ma’am Callamard, pero marami po akong nami-meet na mga United Nations Officer pero kaisa ho ni Pangulong Duterte sa kanyang prinsipyo na tatanggalin niya ang kamandag ng droga sa ating bayan.

Joseph Morong (GMA-7): Ma’am, I’d like to pick up on two points first. Iyon munang sa drugs, iyong petition ninyo before the Supreme Court when was this filed and ano ‘yung threshold for the amount para maging — ?

PAO CHIEF ACOSTA: Maging… Makapag-plea bargain.

Mr. Morong: Plea bargain, yeah. 

PAO CHIEF ACOSTA: We filed this last year around September to November I think — the latter part of December. And this would be an en banc deliberation. We requested for oral argument but the Office of the Solicitor General objected. 

So nagtataka kami 82,000 ang involved dito na small drug user pero hindi po na-set for oral argument. Pero may isang case, isa lang ang involved, naka-oral argument. So ito pong amin ay collateral attack doon sa constitutionality ng ano ‘no — unconstitutionality ng prohibition on plea bargaining. 

Tapos ‘yung… Kasi nag-motion ‘yung ating kliyente na ang involved lang ay .008 grams, napakaliliit na possession lang dahil hindi siya maka-plea gusto na niyang makalabas, makapag-parehab pero dineny (deny) po ni Judge Lobrigo. 

Nag-MR kami, motion for recon, denied, so pumunta po kami ng Korte Suprema. So sana po tulungan ninyo kami na pag-aralan ng Korte Suprema at i-invoke ng Supreme Court ang kanilang rule-making power na hindi po pupwedeng i-encroach ng Congress dahil ang plea bargaining bahagi po ng criminal procedure ‘yan. 

Mr. Morong: Ma’am, ‘yung Judge Lobrigo is lower court ‘no? Anong area ‘to?

PAO CHIEF ACOSTA: Bicol. Sa ano po sa Albay. 

Mr. Morong: So ‘yon ‘yung… Ma’am, ‘yung threshold na dapat ia-allow ‘yung plea bargain from your point of view? 

PAO CHIEF ACOSTA: Ang plea bargaining doon sa mga user at sa mga possessor ‘yon ang aming nire-request.
Mr. Morong: How much? Wala kayong recommendation? 

PAO CHIEF ACOSTA: Wala kaming recommendation kasi pag naman setup or frame-up, na-a-acquit sa court. Pero kadalasan ang natitira ay ‘yung mga maliliit, mga small time talaga at mga mahihirap nating kababayan na gustung-gusto naming mapa-rehab pero hindi namin mailabas. 

Mr. Morong: But if the Supreme Court is going to ask you how small is small to allow for plea bargaining? 

PAO CHIEF ACOSTA: Actually, sa plea bargaining kasi talaga ke heinous crime ‘yan allowed ng criminal procedure depende sa gusto ng judge o sa consent ng prosekusyon. Pero kung malakas ang ebidensiya, hindi papayag ang prosekusyon. 

Mr. Morong: So the plea bargain will be based on what?

PAO CHIEF ACOSTA: Will be based on the consent of the complainant and the prosecutor. 

Mr. Morong: Not the amount? 

PAO CHIEF ACOSTA: Not the amount. 

Mr. Morong: Ah okay. 

PAO CHIEF ACOSTA: On the evidence also kasi kami mismo kung drug trafficker hindi kami magre-recommend ng plea bargaining. 

Mr. Morong: So if he’s just a user… 

PAO CHIEF ACOSTA: Possessor, ‘yan at saka may doubt sa kanilang culpability just to save them kung contaminated dahil ang problema hindi natin maga-guarantee na wala silang mabibili sa loob ng kulungan. 

So ang kulungan natin sinasabi nga rito ‘yung prolonged imprisonment hindi cure sa drug addiction. Kailangan talaga ilabas, ipa-rehab sa mga rehab centers. 

Mr. Morong: Ma’am, doon sa retirees na lang po. Bakit sila hindi nabayaran?

PAO CHIEF ACOSTA: Iyong sa retirees? Kasi naglabas ng legal opinion si Atty. Candice Ruiz ng legal service ng DBM. Hindi raw kami kasali sa retirement ng judiriciary at ng NAPROSS. Pero ang batas naman ng PAO, Republic Act 9406 ay very categorical na ‘yung salary benefits, retirement ng public attorney shall be equal to their counterparts in the National Prosecution Service. And here comes a new law Republic Act 10071 saying that the retirement of our counterparts shall be equivalent to the judicial officers who are our counterparts, judges. 

So hindi hinonor (honor) noon ni Butch Abad ‘yon, ni Sec. Butch. So nagkaroon nang maraming palitan ng mga papel hanggang sa napilitan ang ating mga retirees na tumakbo sa korte, humingi ng tulong. We filed a petition for certiorari, mandamus and injunction. 

Nanalo po tayo. Nanalo po ang maralitang Pilipino. 

Ted Tuvera (Daily Tribune): Ma’am, good morning po. Ma’am, nabanggit niyo po kanina ‘yung kaso ni Mayor Espinosa sa Leyte at saka iyong pagpapakulong nga po doon sa mga pulis na sangkot sa kaso niya. Ma’am, lagi po kasing nababanggit ni Pangulong Duterte sa mga speech niya na kapag may mga pulis raw na nakapatay sa linya ng paggawa ng trabaho sa droga ay bibigyan niya ito ng pardon para makalaya. Ma’am, anong impression po ang nalilikha nitong ano mga sinasabi ni Presidente sa kanila na may guarantee sila?

PAO CHIEF ACOSTA: Firstly, it’s an absolute plenary power of the President to grant pardon, commutation, clemency and any form of reprieve. He will just exercise his plenary and absolute power under the Constitution.

Kasi siya ang nagsasalita, akala niyo walang legal basis? May legal basis at behind his statements dahil siya ay lawyer at dating prosecutor.

Ngayon, para sa akin, ayaw niyang ma-demoralize iyong ibang pulis sa pagtulong nila, paggawa ng trabaho nila, at pagtugis sa mga kriminal ay baka wala ng pulis na mag-aresto.

So ang punto doon, ito ay isang hudyat na ‘wag made-demoralize ang mga nasa ranks. Iyon lang ‘yon, nakikita ko, iyong good faith niya doon.

Mr. Tuvera: Ma’am, pero hindi po kaya, ma’am, nagbibigay ito ng impression o pagto-tolerate sa gawain ng ibang mga pulis na pumapatay…?

PAO CHIEF ACOSTA: Ah hindi, dahil ayaw niya ‘yung pagpatay nang walang awa. Kaya nga kami sa PAO, nagpapakulong kami ng pulis kung talagang pumatay ka nang walang awa.

Eh tingnan mo ‘yung sa John Dela Riarte, kahit murahin ako nung pamilya nung pulis dahil sabi kaya daw nagpakamatay ‘yung pulis kasalanan ko dahil kinasuhan daw namin.

Pero hindi puwedeng papatay nang walang awa. Kailangan may basis, iyong ano ‘yung fulfillment of duty. Iyong malalagay sa panganib ang ano ang mga mamamayan, malalagay sa panganib ang buhay ng pulis.

Bakit iyong iba tuwang-tuwa ‘pag pulis ang napapatay? Walang human rights ang pulis. Bakit? Sinong gusto ninyong mag-proteksyon sa atin? Mamatay lahat ang pulis? Sino pang magpo-proteksyon ng peace and order?

Pagka ang nababaril sa isang encounter ay iyong may sinasabing suspects, galit na galit sila, pero ‘pag pulis wala silang pakialam, ni abuloy walang matanggap ang pulis sa kanila.

Mali. May human rights po ang lahat. Hindi lang ang akusado. Lalo dito sa droga, 96 million ang contaminated — 4 million contaminated. Iyong contaminated lang ba ang may human rights? 

Lahat po may human rights. Everybody. Iyan ang ibig sabihin ng humanity. Tayong lahat may human rights.

Ngayon, kung itong 4 million ay magiging pandemonic, menace, papatayin itong 96 million at hahawaan ang 96 million, tungkulin ng estado, by virture of the police power of the state na gumawa ng aksyon — strong action against these 4 million. Ganoon po iyon.

Kasi paano tayo? Iyong ibang bansa nga kumukonsulta sa Pangulo para anong gagawin. O eh ‘yung iba anong gusto? Maging ano tayo — drug laiden ang ating mga pamayanan?

Lalabas ka, hindi mo alam iyong driver ng taxi iyon pala bangag? Kung uuwi ka pagpasok mo may tao na sa bahay mo? Ay, talaga pong tulung-tulong. 

At nakita ko sa Bohol ha, iyong kooperasyon ng community napakaganda po. Para masugpo ang mga terrorists o iyang mga drug traffickers na ‘yan, tumulong po tayong lahat. 

At isang magandang umaga… Samantalahin natin ang pagkakataong binigyan tayo ng bagong Pangulo na may political will.

Mr. Tuvera: Ma’am, last na lang po, ma’am. Paano kung ‘yung mga pulis na ito may mga valid na kaso nga po talaga na…?

PAO CHIEF ACOSTA: Antayin po natin ang due process. Kapag sinentensyahan na sila ng hukuman, eh ‘di iyon ang sintensya, may apela, may due process po eh. 

Everyone is entitled to due process under Article 3 Section 1 of the Constitution, “no person shall be deprived of life, liberty and property without due process of law.”

Kaya nga po bawal pumatay nang walang awa. Kailangan lahat may due process. Kaya ikinukulong, kailangan ikulong ‘yan. 

Ngayon, ang problema po ng bansa, let us be patient, kulang po tayo ng kulungan. Kaya magpapagawa po ng mga kulungan and I salute Herbert Bautista magpapagawa ng bagong jail diyan sa Payatas, para po sa Quezon City Jail, ‘yun po iyon.

Kasi ‘yung mga sweeping conclusion, ‘wag po sana ganon. Kailangan mag-aral tayo. Ano ba ang kailangan sa bayan natin? Criticisms, mga suggestions, recommendations, they are all welcome, pero maging constructive po tayo. 

Sayang ang panahon. Sayang ang pagkakataon pong ito para maging maayos po ang bayan natin.

Nahuli na po tayo sa ibang bansa. Ngayon umaandar na ang ating economy. Ngayon ‘yung iba gustong wasakin iyong ating — ‘yung ating ano ‘no ah kumbaga political system. Huwag po. Huwag tayong pumayag. Kailangan maging maayos po ang bansa natin. 

Q: Good afternoon, Ma’am. Ma’am, nagpahayag po ang several member states and you keep on invoking UN po — nagpahayag po ang several member states ng UN na payagan si Special Rapporteur Agnes Callamard na magsagawa ng imbestigasyon ng extrajudicial executions dito sa bansa. As we know, hindi po maganda ang relasyon ng gobyerno with Callamard given the ‘yung rejection niya sa mga conditions na ibinigay ng gobyerno. And upon voting, 45 nations po ang nagsabing dapat imbestigahan ang EJKs dito sa bansa ang only one country said na hindi dapat which is China, a known ally of the Duterte administration. Ano pong opinyon ninyo rito, ma’am?

PAO CHIEF ACOSTA: Sa akin, welcome ‘yan. Wala naman ikatatakot ang bansa natin. Kahit sino ang magimbestiga. Kailangan lang patas, fair ang pagi-imbestiga. Tingnan ang intensyon ng mga state policies natin. Okay lang ‘yan dahil wala naman ikakatakot ang ating gobyerno kay ano, kay Ma’am Agnes Callamard, dahil wala naman pong ginagawa na labag sa Konstitusyon at sa prevailing laws ang ating bayan. 

Welcome ‘yan. Sapagkat wala po eh sinabi ko na nga ‘yung apat na malaking kaso meron pang maliliit na kaso kami na involved ang pulis na nakakulong po ang mga pulis at may itinatapon nga, tinatanggal, dini-dismiss from service, si General ano Dela Rosa. 

Meron tayong accountability, transparency at empowerment with respect to our ranks. Sa PAO po sampung abugado ang tinanggal ko na diyan para mapataas ang kalidad ng serbisyo ng mga PAO. Sampu. O ‘yung aking mga sinuspend baka may mga limampu. O kaya para malinis mo talaga gagawa ka ng ano sanctions sa mga lumalabag. 

Ngayon, imbestigasyon? Welcome. Mag-imbestiga kayo na — basta patas lang. Eh baka ang i-imbestigahan ay unfair o bias na agad ang statement. Eh dapat puntahan ang tamang mga government stakeholders at mga organisasyon dahil kung ang pupuntahan ay ‘yung mga kaalyado lang nila na parang para durugin ang pamahalaan, mali po ‘yon. Huwag po tayong pumayag na wasakin ang ating estado ng sinoman. We should defend the state gaya ng ginagawa ng mga sundalo. Tungkulin nilang ipagtanggol ang ating sovereignty, ang police peace and order. Tayong mga mamamayan dapat suportahan natin ang mabuting panukala ng ating gobyerno.

Benjie Liwanag (DZBB): Magandang umaga, Atty. Ang tanong ko po ang Commission on Human Rights ay mai-imbestiga doon sa pagkamatay nung isa sa mga Abu Sayyaf na hawak nung mga pulis from Bohol kung saan napatay po ito. Nagko-coordinate ho ba sila sa Public Attorney’s Office at ano po ang take ninyo dito kasi pinag-usapan ho natin kanina at sinabi ninyo ‘yung basta karapatang pantao. 

PAO CHIEF ACOSTA: Opo. Wala po silang koordinasyon sa amin tungkol diyan sa Abu Sayyaf. Ang suggestion ko lang sa CHR, kung i-imbestigahan nila ‘yung mga napatay na Abu Sayyaf during encounter o kaya ay in the hands of the law enforcers during their detention kung sakaling may problema, imbestigahan din nila sa ‘yung mga sitwasyon na ang Abu Sayyaf namumugot ng ulo, pumapatay at kondenahin din nila ang Abu Sayyaf para patas po. 

Kasi baka ang maging dating lang, pasintabi po sa CHR, mas palalakasin mo ang advocacy ng Abu Sayyaf kaysa advocacy n gating mga sundalo at mga pulis. Patas po dapat tayo. 

Marami na po tayong sundalo na pinutu — na pinugutan ng ulo. Marami na po tayong pulis na napatay sa mga encounters nila at mga sibilyan at mga foreigners sa kamay ng Abu Sayyaf. 

Dapat po patas sa bawat pagkilos dahil ang kapangyarihan ibinigay ng estado ng Konstitusyon hindi gagamitin para sa iilan. Iyan ay gagamitin sa kapakanan nang majority. 

Mr. Liwanag: Pero, ma’am, meron na ba kayong isang kaso or mga kaso na nanalo na kasama itong Commission on Human Rights?

PAO CHIEF ACOSTA: Ah meron po ‘yung kaso ni Cadet Aldrin Jeff Cudia, kakampi po namin sila. 

Sila po ang nag-recommend na arbitrary ang hindi pagpayag ng nakaraang administrasyon na siya’y maka-graduate. Sa pamamahala po ni Chairman Etta Rosales. Documented po ‘yan. 

Kaya lang ang Supreme Court ang sabi, academic freedom, nasa Commander-in-Chief ang desisyon. So kami po ay may apela kay Pangulong Duterte at ang atin namang OP ni-remand sa Chief of Staff.

Nasa legal po ng AFP ang hiling ni Mr. Renato Cudia para kay Cadet Aldrin Jeff Cudia na mabigyan man lang kahit diploma. Magkakampi po kami ng CHR diyan. 

At noong 2004, mayroon dalawang bibitayin na parang accessory lang sila o naging lookout ‘yung isa. Kakampi po namin si Commissioner — Chairman Purificacion Quisumbing.

Nagta-tandem po kami ng CHR sa pagbibigay ng karapatang pantao. Noon pong pumunta ako sa Vienna bilang isa sa expert ng gobyerno sa pag-draft ng principles and guidelines on Criminal Legal Aid, ako po ang nagpahayag na isang fundamental human right ang legal aid.

So napakaimportante ang legal aid. Para po hindi mag-rebelde ang isang tao, dalhin natin sa hukuman, dalhin natin sa tamang imbestigador, law enforcer para po mabigyan ng hustisya, legal aid, ‘yan po. Magkakaugnay po kami. 

Mr. Liwanag: Sa kasalukuyan ho mayroon tayong maraming bilang ng mga namatay dahil na rin doon sa paglaban sa ilegal na droga. Meron din po ba kayong kaso na hinahawakan kasama o katuwang itong Commission on Human Rights, Attorney? 

PAO CHIEF ACOSTA: Ah doon sa — wala po. Mayroon pong isang pamilya tumawag, nagpa-legal advice sa aming opisina, sa aming hotline. Pero nung tanungin po ng ating abugado kung desididong magkaso, ang sagot po ay nakakalungkot. Hindi sila magkakaso kasi buong pamilya sila ay nagtitinda ng droga. 

Talaga hong nakakaiyak ‘to. Akala ng iba imbento. Pami-pamilya po ang kontaminado. At problema rin po ng mga nakakariwasang pamilya ang droga. May isa, pa-isa-isa sa family nila na involved. 

Kaya nagtataka nga ako bakit iilan lang ‘yung lumalapit sa amin? Iyong iba ayaw kasi buong pamilya po ay kumbaga ay involved.

Kaya kung minsan hind niyo masisi ang mga pulis eh. Nakikipag-unahan sa bala ang pulis dahil marami na nga pong pulis ang napatay ng mga sindikato. 

Kasi ang hirap po naman kung laging pulis ang nakabulagta tapos masaya ang iba. Nakakalungkot po. Bakit masaya ang iba ‘pag ang pulis ang namamatay?

Malungkot sila ‘pag ang napatay ay ‘yung hinahabol ng pulis pero ‘pag pulis, hindi sila nalulungkot. 

Pero pansinin natin ang Pangulo natin kahit busy, pinupuntahan niya ang mga burol ng mga pulis, mga sundalo, dinadamayan niya.

Nakakalungkot minsan. Iyong perspective po nating lahat kailangan mag-meet sa tamang landas, sa tamang perspektiba. 

Human rights for all. Para sa lahat. Kung may human rights ang akusado, may human rights din ang nagsasakdal, ang biktima. Kailangan balansyado. Ang babalanse diyan batas. Ano ang batas? Ano ang parameters? Iyan po. 

Mr. Liwanag: So nakikita po ba natin na ang CHR ngayon hindi patas? 

PAO CHIEF ACOSTA:  Hindi ko sinasabing hindi patas. Ang point ko lang naha-highlight… Pansinin niyo kami, I know when to talk and when not to talk. 

Kung ang sasabihin ko ay hindi makakabuti para sa nakararami, ba’t ako magsasalita? Kung mapo-promote mo ang advocacy ng mga criminal, bakit mo ipo-promote? Dapat ang i-promote natin advocacy ng human rights, ng humanity, na taumbayan na gusto ang payapa, maunlad, maayos na pamumuhay. Iyan ang dapat. Makatulong. 

Hindi kaysa parang na-promote mo sila. Dahil alam naman natin ang problema sa Abu Sayyaf. Hirap na hirap din ang ating mga kapulisan at mga sundalo para lupigin sila at mapagbalik-loobin sa ating gobyerno. 

Pero sana nga, isang umaga magising ako, wala ng mga ganyan dahil masarap mabuhay na mayroon kang ipamamana sa mga anak mo na mapayapang buhay.

Mr. Liwanag: Maraming salamat po.

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Thank you, ma’am, for that very forceful presentation. 

All right some updates. Philippine manufacturing sector remains 2nd best performing among ASEAN countries:

The Philippine manufacturing sector continues to sustain its momentum.

According to Nikkei ASEAN Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index, the country’s manufacturing sector got a score of 53.3 indicating a solid increase in output for the month of April. It is second to Vietnam.

The January 2017 Labor Force Survey conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority’s showed that the largest percentage of employment can be attributed to the manufacturing sector.

Hence, this is consistent with the Duterte administration’s goal of generating 1.2 million jobs annually as it continues to accelerate growth in the manufacturing sector.

Also, on the Philippine Stock Exchange rallying to a two-year high:

The good showing of the Philippine Stock Exchange reaching 7,962.33 level yesterday — the highest in two years — reflects the growing market and investor confidence in the Duterte administration.

The Philippine economy is said to have likely grown 7% in the first quarter of 2017 and we are optimistic that we will reach our target of sustained and inclusive economic growth for the rest of the year as we begin to roll out our Build-Build-Build infrastructure campaign.

The Duterte administration has started to lay down the foundations of bringing prosperity to all Filipinos.

Also during the Cabinet meeting yesterday. There were preparations… Some points were discussed one: preparations for the “Big One”.

The Cabinet accepted the proposal of NDRRMC on the National Earthquake Preparedness Program subject to the inclusion of the comments and inputs of the Secretaries of the Department of Social Welfare, DSWD, and the PCOO on the possible relocation of government offices located near the West Valley Fault system and the organization of a comprehensive communications campaign on National Earthquake Preparedness.

Also, the Cabinet approved the report on the Road to Federalism. Also we discussed… Reported were results of the President’s visit to the Middle East. The Social Welfare Secretary to coordinate with the concerned agencies and to prepare menu of opportunities and benefits that can be availed by returning Overseas Filipino Workers.

There was also a briefing at the WEF, which the President will be attending in Cambodia, and also a briefing on the Belt and Road Forum.

We will take a few questions.

Mr. Morong: Sir, on the UN review. Nabanggit na kanina kay Chief Acosta but we would like to get the Palace position. What do you think of the 45 votes to — suggestion for the government to investigate extrajudicial killings in the country? And Francis’ appeal to drop the death penalty?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Well, that has to be… That’s part of the comprehensive menu, right?

So but I just like to… I just like to highlight what the head of delegation stated — Senator Cayetano, when he said: “That the killings in the Philippines in the previous administrations varied from a low of 11,000 to a high of 16,000.” And he made mention why was not this reported. Why is there no apples to apples comparison between the figures of past and present administrations? Because, he says, some of the critics of the Duterte administration, including our very own Commission on Human Rights, a senator and some local media changed the definition of extrajudicial killings therefore deceiving the public and foreign media into believing there is a sudden wave of state-sponsored extrajudicial killings in the Philippines.

He pointed out that the EO signed by the past President defined EJKs as the killing of the members or advocates of cause-oriented organizations like labor, environment or media activists resulting in a very low number of supposed EJKs in the past administration. However, for the current administration, a different definition is being used it now refers to any death outside of those caused by natural causes, accidents and those ordered by the courts.

Mr. Morong: Given that statement, sir, do you mean that there’s no need for us as a government to investigate the EJKs?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: No. Everything is still under… Like the lady said earlier, everything is subjected to due process.

Mr. Morong: So we will investigate.

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: We will investigate everything that needs to be investigated.

Leila Salaverria (Philippine Daily Inquirer): Good afternoon, sir. Sir, on another topic. The idea of turning Janet Napoles into a state witness is being discussed again. Sir, what’s the… Is the Palace open to this possibility of using her as a witness to — against other government officials who benefited from the pork barrel?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: So far the only statement we have received from the SolGen is the fact that there was really no evidence against her regarding that particular accusation.

There has been no mention official, for example, during the Cabinet meeting, that Ms. Napoles will be used as a state witness. There has been no formal mention, none.

Ms. Salaverria: Sir, has the President signified his opinion on this matter?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: It was not discussed. Okay.

Ms. Salaverria: Sir, on another topic. Sir, since federalism was discussed in the Cabinet meeting, did they approve any timeline on when this will happen? And may we get an update on the appointment of members to the Constitutional Commission to — Charter change?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Well, really, what their… PLLO, the liaison, is put up — pushing for encouraging for this thing to be completed.

For example, the guidance on the mode to be adopted, whether it’s going to be ConAss or ConCon has to be completed. The President has to make a decision within the year and to really get it going.

So our timeline is, you know, at the very least, at the end of this year.

Ms. Salaverria: Sir, I thought the President favored the ConAss.

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Well, he has but I think it’s being… But what… He has voiced some preferences but I think it’s under discussion.

Ms. Salaverria: Thank you.

JP Bencito (Manila Standard): Hi, sir, good morning. Sir, balik lang ako doon sa EJKs. Sir, since 45 out of 47 countries who manifested yesterday. Do you think the government was successful in somehow changing the mindset on EJKs in the country? With this number of manifestations for…

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: We are not attempting to change anybody’s minds about these things. We’re just simply pursuing our own direction regarding the dismantling of the illegal drug apparatus.

However, like the lady said earlier, Chief Acosta, yes, the one who is standing in front, that, you know, like she is open and, you know, assuming that is also the government line. We are open just as long as everything is valid and objective.

Mr. Bencito: Sir, on another topic. You mentioned about the national earthquake plan. Sir, was it already discussed? What government offices are we planning to transfer to other places?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: There were just suggestions about those matters. I think there’s going to be… It will be discussed.

Let’s wait on PCOO to roll out the education campaign regarding the matter.

Mr. Bencito: Thank you, sir.

Reymund Tinaza (Bombo Radyo): Hi, sir. Sir, aside from being a bemedaled general, what did the President see with the new DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu to be qualified with the helm?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Well, during the Cabinet meeting, he did make this comment, he said that he felt that General Cimatu was extraordinarily gifted for the task of balancing environmental concerns with mining operations concerns.

I supposed what the President was saying is basically what he’s looking for really is balanced.

Mr. Tinaza: So this… His gift of balancing the two interest would — will make him easier to pass the confirmation of the CA which was the problem with former Secretary Gina Lopez?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: I supposed what they are looking for is a certain sense of objectivity, a sense of balance.

Mr. Tinaza: Thank you, sir.

Maricel Halili (TV 5): Sir, good morning. Just a follow up. Is the President still considering Gina Lopez to be one of the undersecretaries of DENR?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: I don’t know if really it’s official. He did make… No. We cannot say. [laughter] No. You might assume that it is official. But, no, there is no official statement suggesting that Gina Lopez is going to be the Usec.

Ms. Halili: All right. But at least did they talk about it? I mean did they talk about it among the Cabinet members?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: No, it was not discussed. It was not discussed. What was highlighted was General Cimatu’s capacity to be able to strike an objective point of view regarding DENR.

Ms. Halili: But, sir, doon sa DILG position, is the President considering Representative Fariñas to be appointed as the new DILG Secretary?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Let’s just wait for the appointment list to come out.

Ms. Halili: But he’s being considered?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: It has not been mentioned.

Pia Gutierrez (ABS-CBN): Sir, balik po doon sa UN Review. But is the administration at least concerned po over the number of countries expressing their concern over the human rights situation here in the Philippines, sir?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: I suppose in the same way… Concerned but only… I suppose not in the sense of wanting to convince these people because really what the President, him being the one who really directs to foreign policy of the nation, he’s really single-minded about — and as pointed out earlier in the report given by the PAO that really he is in good strong ground in attempting to dismantle the drug apparatus.

So they’re open to comments, they’re open to present their own criticisms, opinions. However, we will continue to pursue our own line of action.

Ms. Gutierrez: Sir, is it the administration’s belief that the countries are mainly misinformed over the situation here in the Philippines, sir?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Well, as the lady said, as the PAO Chief said that basically there has been a misunderstanding about what we are actually doing.

And so part of it probably could most — you know, among other things the review is actually wanting to know are the accountability that we have.

And so that’s exactly what we are trying to present now. I suppose our situation has been overtaken by the media hype and media noise and apparently a concerted effort in trying to create a noise that is beyond what is really there.

Ms. Gutierrez: Sir, on another topic, President Duterte is set to address investors according to DFA Spokesman Bolivar at the WEF.

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Yes.

Ms. Gutierrez: Ano po ‘yung iha-highlight niya, sir, regarding economic plans of the administration?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: There’s a new present… The one that they presented, I think during the Build-Build- Build, during the Dutertenomics, it was an excellent presentation. It’s worth the – being shown.

And by the way, today, the President was elected a year ago, exactly a year ago today, and so we would like to say…

Ms. Gutierrez: Sir, last question, sir. Will the President bring a business delegation, sir, to the WEF and the Belt and Road Forum?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: As far as I know, yes. As far as I know.

Ms. Gutierrez: Sino-sino, sir, ang kasama?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: I don’t have the exact list of names. Okay.

Dexter Ganibe (DZMM): Sir, balik lang po doon sa bagong DENR Secretary. Isa po sa mga isinusulong at pinag-uusapan ngayon sa peace talks with NPA, CPP-NPA, ay ang pagsusulong ng social justice, at isa nga sa mga tumugon dito ang tanggapan ng DENR. 

Papaano po maipapasok, papaano po matatanggap ng makakaliwang grupo o NPA or papaano hahawakan ng isang dating militar na dating naging AFP Chief ‘yung pagkontra ng NPA at ilang progresibong grupo sa appointment niya as Environment Secretary?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESMAN ABELLA: In the words of the President when he sat down… He sat right beside Ms. Liza Maza, and he said na, ‘magkaibigan na kayo ngayon’.

But really social justice is not the purview of just a political ideology. The concept of social justice is a sense that belongs to all of humanities. Simply because he’s a military-man does not in any way disqualify him from the concept and embracing of social justice.

Mr. Liwanag: Sir, tanong ko lang ‘yung kay BSP Governor Nestor Espenilla.

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Yes po.

Mr. Liwanag: Sir, na-check ba bago ba siya mai-appoint ni Pangulong Duterte may kaso yata sa Office of the Ombudsman?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: I think he was cleared regarding the matter.

Mr. Liwanag: He was cleared. Thank you.

Ina Andolong (CNN Philippines): Hi sir, since you mentioned na rin po na one year na si — since the President was elected. And today the appointment ban on losing candidates also expires. Has the President mentioned anything about pending appointments he may make na manggagaling po from maybe — from losing candidates?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: No mention. There was no discussion either about who was going to be appointed especially those who were banned from doing so.

But I think there’s been a list… There’s been a list I think that you’re familiar. It’s from — with the Malacañang Records Office. You may check that. Thank you.

Mr. Morong: Sir, doon sa lobby money na sinabi ni Presidente na why would he…

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: We need to correct that. You know the President did say last night that when he said “lobby” it’s not necessarily money. He corrected himself. He said, I mean, he clarified himself, he said that when he said “lobby,” people automatically assumed that there was an exchange of money.

But he said basically that “lobby” is a legal thing that you can actually exercise in order to persuade one’s particular position. So it was not a pejorative, he was saying in a sense… He was clarifying last night, it was not a pejorative accusation that money was transferred or money was exchanged.

Mr. Morong: But, sir, that’s his term, “lobby money talks”.

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: He gave a gloss, okay. He gave a gloss on what he said last night. I’m just transmitting to you. Thank you.

Mr. Morong: Pero, sir, ‘yon nga. I mean, bakit siya nagba-backpedal ngayon?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: He’s not backpedaling. He’s simply adding to the explanation.

Mr. Morong: Sir, who is he talking to when he’s clarifying himself?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: To the Cabinet.

Mr. Morong: Ah, yeah?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Yes. 

Mr. Morong: Ba’t may nagtanong ba, sir?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA:  Hindi naman. Basta nagsalita lang siya.

Mr. Morong: So, sir, parang… So there’s no more basis for any investigation because the President clarified himself and said, ‘I didn’t mean money, I said pressure.’

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA:  I don’t know if that necessarily halts any investigation, but certainly he clarified his position. He added more light to his statement.

Q: Good afternoon, sir. Two questions, sir: Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol yesterday said he will recommend to President Duterte to declare Benham Rise as a protected food supply exclusive zone. Napag-usapan po ba ‘yon, sir, kahapon sa Cabinet meeting?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: He did raise that up.

Q: Sir, pero ‘di ba, sir, merong controversial na naging usapan nitong nakaraang buwan o noong Marso na pinayagan kasi ni President ‘yung mga Chinese vessels doon sa Benham Rise? Ano po ang reaksyon ni Secretary Piñol dito?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: He just said and he was saying in effect, he was asking permission to… He was suggesting, simply suggesting. It was not fully discussed. As he wants him the President, he listens and then he mulls about it and then we’ll give an opinion later.

Q: On another topic, sir, can you give us an update on the President’s legislative’s agenda as discussed in the Cabinet meeting?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: It was not discussed, but actually it was a late presentation. I can give you a list about it. I think there’s a list. I can provide it to you later.

Q: Thank you, sir.

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: That’s about it?

Mr. Tinaza: Hi, sir. Sir, wala ba kayong balak na maging active rin sa Facebook? Kasi nauunahan kayo ni Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol sa pagpo-post ng mga appointments like kahapon, nauna siya eh. So baka pwede niyong sabayan din sa kanyang Facebook post?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA:  [laughter] Oh tignan mo, Facebook wars.

Mr. Tinaza: I mean, what’s the policy, kasi parang nagkaroon kasi na parang nagkakagulatan kasi na nauuna siya tapos biglang nabubura rin.

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: He tends to get excited. [audience laughs]‘Di ba?

Mr. Morong: Sir, ‘yung sa TADECO, parang sabi ni SOJ, no sabi ni offi… Ay paano ba? Iyong TADECO, the President can… Parang rescind the contract kasi government land ‘yon? Is he inclined to rescind the contract between TADECO and I think BuCor?

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: He will go by due process, okay. He will go by due process.

Mr. Morong: Okay, thank you.

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON ABELLA: Thank you very much. Have a great lunch, guys.

—END—