Category Archives: Advocacy

Nationwide Smoking Ban in Public Places

Editorial cartoon credit: People’s Tonight and NVT

Rejoice non-smoking people! With the recent signing of Executive Order 26 by President Duterte, smoking is now prohibited in public places (except in designated smoking areas), including public vehicles whether stationary or in motion, nationwide.

The smoking ban will implemented in all public outdoor spaces, enclosed and partially enclosed public spaces, accommodation and entertainment establishments, and work places.

The EO covers drivers, conductors, and passengers in public utility vehicles.

The Executive Order was made in time for the celebration of World No Tobacco Day on May 31. #smokefreephilippines

DOH files motion of reconsideration against TRO on RPRH Law

Here’s one positive news I read this week.

Finally we have a leader who fully supports the law and very vocal to protect the health of every Filipino women. 

DOH Sec. Ubial files motion for reconsideration against TRO

DOH Sec. Ubial files motion for reconsideration against TRO on RPRH Law at the Supreme Court this week. Photo credit: doh.gov.ph

Official statement of Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial in filing of motion for reconsideration against TRO on RPRH Law:

The Department of Health is here today to act on President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive for the full implementation of the Responsible Parenthood & Reproductive Health (RPRH) Law.

The DOH with the assistance of the Solicitor General, has filed with the Supreme Court today a Motion for Reconsideration against the Temporary Restraining Order on behalf of many Filipino women who will be at risk of maternal complications and adverse consequences of their pregnancy or childbirth.

It is estimated that any further delays in the full implementation of the RPRH Law may increase the number of Filipino women dying every year because of the greatly reduced access to family planning commodities and services which are severely affected by the TRO.

The DOH cannot renege on its mandate despite opposing opinions to protect the welfare of women, especially the poor, who have inadequate access to Family Planning Services.

The DOH appeals to every woman to speak out for her right, to have her voice heard and to ensure that every family in this country has the right to family planning services.

SOURCE

PNP tips for studes, women taxi riders

edit cartoon 06-22-16

Editorial cartoon by NVT

THE Philippine National Police leadership headed by Director General Ricardo C. Marquez yesterday gave women and students safety tips while riding a taxi.

The safety reminder was issued anew in the after-math of an incident in which two men were accused of raping the two female passengers whom they also robbed inside their ‘colorum’ van in Quezon City on the night of June 10 on EDSA.

The Quezon City Police District headed by Chief Superintendent Edgardo G. Tinio has declared the case as “solved” following the arrest of two suspects who confessed to the crime after being positively identified by at least four of their female victims. One of the suspects identified as Alfie Turado, 24, was shot and killed by a QCPD cop when he grabbed the gun of another officer Friday.

Marquez said these reminders will not only be helpful to the concerned individuals and their families but also help authorities track down criminals specifically members of the ‘Ipit-Taxi’ gang or holdup men for acting in cahoots with rogue taxi drivers. These are the robbers who will suddenly board an occupied taxi and squashed in the bewildered passenger before robbing the victim at gunpoint or at knife-point while pretending they are all known to eachother.

The PNP already has its Project SAFE Kam which utilizes Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras installed in known crime-prone areas in Metro Manila. The program called for the installation of CCTV cameras in so-called safe taxi zones in different parts of the metropolis to monitor commuters hailing cabs. The measure is aimed at easily identifying the license plate number and the face of the driver and passenger in cases of crimes and incidents involving taxis.

As a basic rule, the passenger must ask the driver to lock all doors of the vehicle so that others cannot open it from outside. This will also help prevent petty thieves from opening the door of the taxi and grabbing the mobile phone or any valuables of the passenger.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor said taxi riders should always make text or call friends and family members about the name, plate number and taxi number of the taxi you are riding. In the recent Q.C. robbery-rape case, the QCPD made a breakthrough in their investigation after the victims identified the plate no.-ALA-6980-of the suspects’ van. The license plate was also captured on security cameras, said QCPD official, Supt. Rodel Marcelo.

Information source: People’s Tonight and People’s Journal, June 21, 2016 issue.

Image credit: NVT