Monthly Archives: August 2019

Law Enforcement, Science and Environment

Senator Risa Hontoveros’ Compromise Over Reinstatement Of Death Penalty

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MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros has made herself clear about the reinstatement of the death penalty for heinous crimes in the Philippines, saying it’s not a deterrent to crime. She is opposed to it.

But Hontiveros seems to have softened her stance.

This, after President Duterte signed the law creating the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA).

The lady Senator says that she will support the death penalty bill with a compromise proposal: instead of sending convicted criminals to the electric chair, “we should send them to space.”

Her idea is for death row inmates to acompany unmanned rocket ships that will be launched by the new space agency. “It will be a one-way trip to space for these crminals,” Hontiveros said. “It will be a kinder, gentler way of imposing the capital punishment.”

Social Media

Doris Bigornia Does A Maria Ressa: ‘MMDA Is Trying To Silence Me!’

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L-R: Bigornia, Pialago, Ressa

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – ABS-CBN reporter Doris Bigornia is finally breaking her silence over her rift with Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Celine Pialago.

The MMDA official filed a complaint to the office ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs Division Head Ging Reyes, accusing Bigornia of “pananakit (hurting).”

Bigornia, who has had public arguments and encounters with others in the past, told The Adobo Chronicles  that MMDA, particularly Pialago, is trying to silence her. “I’m a true, tested and veteran journalist. I am entitled to free speech and press freedom,” she added.

Upon learning pf Bigornia’s statement, Rappler CEO Maria Ressa said that Bigornia has no originality. “Those are my lines. Is she trying to steal the thunder from me?”

Ressa is known for spreading misinformation — especially abroad — that the Philippine government is weaponizing the law to silence her as a journalist. She is currently facing criminal charges, including cyber libel and tax evasion.

 

Government, International, Law Enforcement, Social Media

U.N. Headquarters Moving Out Of New York, Headed For New Zealand

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NEW YORK, New York (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – “Enough is enough!” With these words, the United Nations General Assembly voted unanimously to move its headquarters out of New York and into New Zealand.

The unprecedented move was prompted by the most recent mass shootings in the United States which have put the number to 255 in just the first half of 2019.

“It is no longer safe for our diplomats and staff to live and work in the U.S.,” a U.N. statement said.

New Zealand was voted as the new site of the U.N. Headquarters.

New Zealand, led by its Prime Minister Jacinda Adern, has moved to tighten gun control laws following the attacks on two mosques in Christchurch which left 50 people dead.

A U.N. spokesperson said that members of the General Assembly hailed New Zealand’s political will to address gun violence which has plagued the U.S. for a long time.  He added:  “We hope that by moving our headquarters to New Zealand, we will be able to assure our members of peace of mind that their service to the U.N. will not be marred by safety issues like they face in America.  If malls, churches, schools and festivals have become the venue for mass shootings, what assurance do we have that it will not happen at the U.N. headquarters?”

Ironically, even U.S. permanent member of the U.N. Security Council Jonathan Cohen voted to move the headquarters out of New York.

Iceland, dubbed by some surveys as the safest country in the world, was also being considered as the new site of the UN Headquarters but members agreed it that its cold weather might result in frequent absences and tardiness for the Assembly members.