• President Rodrigo Duterte said the country should look for another authoritarian leader like Marcos to eradicate corruption
• The president admitted that he cannot fulfill his promise to solve the problem of corruption in the country
• Journalist Luis Teodoro doesn’t agree that someone like Marcos can eradicate corruption

Corruption is one of the biggest problems that the country has had for years and President Rodrigo Duterte believes that another authoritarian leader like Marcos will eradicate corruption.

During the 121st anniversary of the Philippine Navy in Cavite, the President said that even he himself would not be able to eradicate corruption.

“Sa batas na ito, even if you give me 20 years I cannot do it. Maghanap uli kayo ng Marcos. Or someday, somehow, somewhere that fellow will be elected in the generations to come,” he said.

Duterte had promised to solve the problem of corruption when he was still running for president in the 2016 elections. Now, he says that he may not be able to fulfill his promise with his remaining term.

“Sabihin ko, nagsisi ako kasi akala ko within the constitutional powers na ibinigay sa akin, kaya ko. But truth to tell, kung araw-araw na lang pati every table dito sa Pilipinas ganoon, hindi ko talaga mahabol,” he said.

The former Dean of the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication and well-known journalist Luis Teodoro posted his reaction on Twitter about the president saying the country needs another Marcos to eradicate corruption.

Teodoro said that “Marcos did not eradicate corruption, contrary to what Duterte implied. Marcos centralized it: he decided who can steal with impunity among his officials and cronies, but he made sure he got the lion’s share. He stole enough to make it to the Guinness Book of World Records.”

Marcos did not eradicate corruption, contrary to what Duterte implied. Marcos centralized it: he decided who can steal with impunity among his officials and cronies, but he made sure he got the lion's share. He stole enough to make it to the Guinness Book of World Records.

— Luis V. Teodoro (@luisteodoro) June 18, 2019

Based on the Guinness Book of World Records, it was on April 23, 1986, “the government of the Philippines announces that it had succeeded in identifying $860.8 million (£569.5 million) salted away by the former President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos (1917–89) and his wife Imelda. The total national loss from November 1965 was believed to be $5–$10 billion.”

The Guinness Book of Record labeled the Marcoses feat as the “Greatest robbery of a Government”.

The Marcos regime was considered the darkest period in Philippine history when thousands of people were imprisoned and killed.

Duterte really admires Marcos as he endorsed the candidacy of Imee Marcos who won a seat in the Senate. He also allowed for the former president to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in spite of the protests of Martial Law victims.

• President Rodrigo Duterte mocked Jim Paredes after he figured in a viral video scandal
• Duterte admits that he never engaged in such acts as Paredes did in his video
• Paredes believed that the truth will set him free as he decided to speak up about his video scandal

President Rodrigo Duterte mocked the singer and administration critic, Jim Paredes, after he figured in a viral video scandal.

During a campaign against the Otso Diretso senatorial candidates coalition in Bacolod City, the president slammed Paredes in his speech, commenting about his viral video wherein he was pleasuring himself.

“Itong Jim Paredes, immoral daw ako. Pinakita nga niya yung *t*n niya, t*ng*n* ang liit pa, ganun, sa totoo lang,” the President said in a speech during a PDP-Laban campaign sortie in Bacolod City.

The President admitted having a foul-mouth but he said that he never engaged in such acts as Paredes did in his video.

“Hindi ako nagyayabang, napasabi ako ‘hala kaliit‘,” he added. “Iyan ang mga taong nambabatikos sa akin. Kita mo yung kalidad nila.”

Duterte has associated the kinds of people, who continuously bash him, with the quality they have for being “small” like Jim Paredes.

At first, the 67–year–old APO Hiking Society member denied the video, when he claimed it as “Fake” but later owned it and said that the video was meant for private viewing.

Duterte: *mocks Jim Paredes*

Also Du30: “I lifted the blanket…. I tried to touch what was inside the panty…. I was touching it. She woke up so I left the room.”

— Zos (@TomatoZos) April 12, 2019

https://twitter.com/allenjoymagno/status/1116869798296604672

The Yellowtards have become one big bunch of losers. Duterte talks about penis and they all are shocked. Yet Jim Paredes shows his in a video and they say its bravery. Duterte owns them all.

— SS (@garettinshadow) April 8, 2019

https://twitter.com/Inked_label/status/1117351207473778689

Jim Paredes touches himself in private but was crucified for being immoral meanwhile Duterte brags about his dick in his public speech and people still think it's okay.

My god i hate drugs

— pau #25ChelDiokno (@polinatowers) April 8, 2019

dds morals and values

fake de lima video: bastos. then shares the video
jim paredes video: bwahaha bastos ipokrito.
then shares the video

duterte jokes about rape and his dick: galing talaga ni digong. at least he is honest.

— Sonny Candazo (@certifiedsonny) April 9, 2019

“It was private, and not meant for public consumption. I do not know how it became public. I can only surmise that in this ugly season of toxic politics, muckrakers determined to neutralize my influence by violating my privacy and digging up dirt on me, are at work,” he said in a blog post on April 1.

Paredes believed that truth will set him free so he decided to speak up about his video scandal.

• Enchong Dee defended himself, saying that he has the right to air his opinion regarding important issues of his homeland.
• He also praised his Elise leading lady, Janine Gutierrez.

Kapamilya star and Star Magic artist Enchong Dee admitted that he’s vocal about issues especially those that are timely and important.

This resulted to the hate messages especially from supporters of President Rodrigo Duterte, whom statements he often criticized. He has also been labeled as a “dilawan”, which is a term coined for those who are against the current administration.

Others have then said that he’s just fishing for attention.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq3zQR5gmqN/

But in the press conference of his upcoming movie with Janine Gutierrez, titled Elise, he said that he doesn’t take the comments too seriously.

“This is a democracy. May karapatan tayong sabihin kung ano ang gusto nating sabihin. Pilipino naman ako bago ako artista. Hindi naman porke’t artista kami, wala na kaming karapatang magpahayag ng aming damdamin.

“Hindi naman pakikisawsaw sa isyu iyong makialam ka dahil karapatan at tungkulin mo iyon bilang mamamayan lalo na kung may gusto kang ipaglaban.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs0DjrIHkI4/

On the other hand, he admitted that he really looks up to his leading lady as she makes work easy.

“She’s a na­tural actress. Napakagaan niyang katrabaho at wala kaming ilangan. Iyong level ng comfort namin kumpara noong una ka­ming magsama sa Lila, kakaiba.”

The Valentine movie by Regal Entertainment will be in cinemas starting February 6.

• Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo answered bishops who have stated remarks against President Rodrigo Duterte.
• He said that as respect to the Head of the State, the bishops should stop meddling with the State Affairs.

The bickering between the Malacañang and the Catholic Church continue  when a clergy was asked to stop meddling in State Affairs.

President Rodrigo Duterte has released statements several times regarding his criticism of Catholic beliefs which resulted to bishops stating their disagreement with the President’s administration.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo made a statement after three bishops have issued remarks against the President after he has urged bystanders to rob and kill rich bishops.

READ: “Enough is enough.” Bishop Ruperto Santos says Catholicism in the country is “under attack”

One of which is Balanga Biship Ruperto Santos, who called the current administration a disgrace to the country. Novaliches Boshop Emeritus Teodoro Bacani Jr. then challenged President Duterte to walk in the streets without his security escorts.

Panelo said that the bishops’ statements are part of their freedom of expression but later on suggested to them that they should step out of the nation’s issues.

“Freedom of expression iyan, they are entitled to that. Ang sinasabi lang namin if you are men of the cloth, ang talagang trabaho mo ay spiritual awakening sa faithful.

“Huwag mo nang pakialaman ang estado with respect doon sa mga methods na ginagawa ng estado na sa kabutihan naman ng bayan.”

He then asked them that if they don’t fit in the President’s criticism of certain religious members, why are they reacting.

“Now, if they are affected by the criticism on the hypocrisy of certain members, if they are not alluded to, if they are not embraced in that group, then why should they be reacting?”

Panelo added, “There will always be disagreement in religious beliefs but that should not deter us from helping each other for the good of the country. Let us therefore focus on our respective duties and maintain the inviolability of the separation between the Church and the State to avoid religion and governance from mixing and impeding upon each other.”

• Mark Lopez uploaded list of transactions of Kris Aquino’s post boostings using Nicko Falcis’s account.
• Aquino has allegedly spent Php195,000 for the boosting of posts.

After Kris Aquino’s former financial manager, Nicko Falcis, has uploaded screenshots allegedly proving that Jover Laurio received funds from the actress to boost anti-administration posts, Mark Lopez posted screenshots of said transactions.

READ: Mocha Uson allegedly receives Php300k monthly income from Twinmark Media

Based on the photos, Pinoy Ako Blog has spent at least P195,000 in sponsored posts.

Lopez called the attention of President Rodrigo Duterte, Erwin Tulfo, Mocha Uson, Bongbong Marcos, Imee Marcos, Isabelle Duterte, James Deakin, Senator Win Gatchalian, Sass Rogando Sasot, and other Netizens to take a look at the shown transactions.

It was said to be made under the Facebook account of Falcis.

The photos have reached more than 9,000 shares on Facebook.

• Bishop Ruperto Santos stated that the Catholicism in the Philippines is attacked by President Rodrigo Duterte.
• He also clarified that his words against the President was not a result of vengeance.

Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos has stated that Catholicism in the country is “under attack” by President Rodrigo Duterte himself.

In an interview on Radio Veritas he said, “Catholicism in the Philippines is under attack, ironically, from the highest governing official of the land. The Philippine Church is in a stance where it has to defend its faith and beliefs. Enough is enough.”

He added that true believers are ready to defend the Church against slander, intimidation, and mistreatment against the ministers of the community.

The bishop also clarified that speaking against President Duterte was not for vengeance but was just an act to defend the Catholic faith.

“Yes, the Bible taught us to reject revenge and retaliation and turn the other cheek but being a true follower of Christ does not mean we will turn a deaf ear to the verbal abuses hurled against the Catholic church and its clergies.”

He also responded to Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo‘s urge for the Church not to meddle with state affairs.

“We believers, must not sit passively in one corner and let the tirades go on. We have voiced our opinions.

“After all, the Creator of heaven and earth does not need us or anybody to defend Him. The absolute truth remains that one day, those who mock God will face Him in the judgement throne and give an account for every single blasphemy said against Him.”

• DENR said that people may be able to swim in Manila Bay this December 2019.
• They will launch the Manila Bay rehabilitation program on January 27 and it is expected to be finished within a year.

Environment Undersecretary Sherwin Rigor said that some parts of Manila Bay may be possible for swimming by December 2019.

As of now, it is still infested with a bacteria called the fecal coliform.

Last week, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) the establishments that are located near Manila Bay, the rivers, and canals connected to the sea to check on which ones are disposing the contaminated water.

On January 27, the rehabilitation program is set to launch. It is divided into three phases that are expected to be completed in a span of one year.

The government is also planning to talk to the residents of the Baseco area, Estero de Abad, and parts of the Barangay Sto. Niño for their relocation as it is a part of the rehabilitation program.

Meanwhile, DENR also expressed their opposition to Manila and Pasay’s reclamation project as it will be a hindrance to their program.

But they clarified that President Rodrigo Duterte has the final say about the reclamation project.

According to the Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP), the rehabilitation program will be a big help to boost the tourism in Manila.

“‘Pag naayos ‘yan, ang magiging effect niyan sa tourism ay dadami pa iyong puwede naming maialok sa ating mga turista,” said TCP President Jojo Clemente.

“Kami ay nagulat lang dahil at bakit parang hotel na naman ang na-single out. Karamihan din naman ng dumi ‘no ay nanggagaling din sa iba’t ibang lugar.”

• Sri Lanka’s Head of State praised President Rodrigo Duterte’s way of dealing drug problems.
• He said that the drug war is an example to the world.

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena heavily praised President Rodrigo Duterte‘s drug war, saying that it is an example to the whole world.

During a banquet in Malacañang, he said that he’s willing to follow the President’s way of dealing drug related problem in their country.

“Excellency, the war against crime and drugs carried out by you is an example to the whole world, and personally to me. Drug menace is rampant in my country and I feel that we should follow your footsteps to control this hazard.”

On the other hand, the drug war is not lauded by many as international media has expressed their opposition on its process as it is linked to numerous deaths and human rights violations all over the country.

Sirisena is on a five-day state visit. His schedule includes a visit to the Asian Developent Bank in Mandaluyong and at the International Rice Research Institute in Los Baños, Laguna.

• Kris Aquino admitted that she has given then financial manager, Nicko Falcis, to boost blog posts.
• But she also clarified that she told him to not do it against President Duterte, Bong Go, and the Marcoses.
• Falcis denied Aquino’s claims saying that she told him to boost anti-administration posts.

The hashtag #PaBoost has been one of the latest issues on social media.

It all started from Jesus Falcis accusing Kris Aquino of funding the boosting of anti-Dutrerte blog posts. One of which is Pinoy Ako Blog, or the blog of Jover Laurio, which contains mostly anti-administration posts and criticisms regarding President Rodrigo Duterte‘s programs.

View this post on Instagram

Ang pagkakamali mo nasabi mo sa ‘kin HINDI AKO NATIBAG at NAKABANGON ako because people identified with my life because everyone knew my story. i have that unique gift, people cannot look away. And there’s no denying i never shied away from revealing even my ugliest truths. 6 PM MANILA TIME, together with my very own JUSTICE LEAGUE- on all social media platforms, INSTAGRAM (@krisaquino), FACEBOOK (@krisaquino), TWITTER (@krisaquino214), and YOUTUBE (theaquinos) magkaalaman na. #labankris

A post shared by Kris Aquino (@krisaquino) on Jan 5, 2019 at 1:45am PST

On January 2, Jesus posted screenshots on his Facebook page containing Laurio’s message to his brother, Nicko, who was Aquino’s former financial manager. The blogger was asking him to boost one blog post.

In a live social media conference on January 6, a Netizen asked Aquino about the controversy. She admitted to have given Nicko the funds to boost posts, but denied that it was against President Duterte, Special Assistant to the President, Bong Go, and former Senator Bongbong Marcos and his family.

“I gave nicko money to boost, with zero knowledge of my brother, when my brother went to Congress to protect him from all trolls.

“Why? Para makabawi…. Because i was negotiating several contracts and didn’t want to go w/ him to the Sandiganbayan. i lacked courage to stand with him.”

Nicko confirmed that he was given the funds, however, he said that Aquino’s specific instructions were to “identify anti-administration / andi-dds blogs” and give them the funds through Facebook boosts.

View this post on Instagram

Your specific instructions were to identify anti-administration / anti-dds blogs and give them funds to protect your “queendom” through fb boosts. In addition to the Kris Aquino FB Page, I boosted Jover Laurio’s Pinoy Ako Blog page as an advertiser because YOU introduced her to me. Jover magically appeared in YOUR HOUSE when we were in a meeting. You told me you will give me cash so that there will be no paper trail. I used the cash you gave me properly, every peso and centavo. Remember, I'm an accountant, so there’s proper FB documentation. There is no way that "baka may nabulsa sa pondo." I never stole from you, and you know that! I have receipts of the boostings, but you never bothered to review them, including all the reports and updates. Please stop this bullying against my family and I. We refuse to be your victims.

A post shared by Nicko F (@nix722) on Jan 7, 2019 at 8:37pm PST

He added that he only boosted Laurio’s blog posts as she was the one that introduced the blogger to him in a meeting at her house.

“You told me you will give me cash so that there will be no paper trail. I used the cash you gave me properly, every peso and centavo. Remember, I’m an accountant, so there’s proper FB documentation.”

He then stated that his family refuses to be victims of the Queen of All-Media.

• Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos criticizes the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte.
• He also advised those who are close to the President to correct him.

After multiple times that President Rodrigo Duterte has slammed the Catholic Church, a bishop has fired back with a violent expression against the Head of State.

Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos stated his opinions towards the presidency of Duterte.

“His presidency is a disappointment and a disgrace to our country. It is known as ‘kill, kill, kill’.”

He added that the President should be criticized and suggested that those who are close to him to correct his violent rhetoric.

“It is high time that those who are closed to him must correct him, advise him of good manners because his words instills hatred and creates division and torments fear.

“And his ‘fans’ consider his murderous words as a mere joke! Is it a joke to advise people to kill? There should be a mass movement among decent Filipinos to make him desist from speaking like a devil. Let us do something to make him stop this evil!”

This was in response to the President’s recent attacks against the Church, saying that the bystanders should just kill or steal from the “rich bishops” instead.

He stated it in December saying that the bishops are better off dead as they are useless.

The Malacañang was quick to defend the President, saying that Duterte was just using a figure of speech.