Jason Gallos

My Name is Jason Gallos. A Journalist, Writer, Graphic artist, and Broadcaster. Disclaimer: This page is for academic purposes only.

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Netizens oppose Harry Roque's nomination to ILC

Internet personalities said Roque has been an 'avowed and unapologetic defender' of extrajudicial killings under Duterte.

Netizens write to UN to oppose Harry Roque's nomination to ILC

MANILA - Several bloggers and social media personalities have written to the United Nations to oppose Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque's nomination to the International Law Commission (ILC), saying he is not qualified for the job.

In a letter dated Thursday, the personalities who are part of the Concerned Online Citizens Philippines (COCP), said the 65 lawyers killed so far under President Rodrigo Duterte's administration were "arguably more qualified" than Roque.

"The Philippines has so many lawyers specializing on human rights, public interest law, international humanitarian law, and international law who are more knowledgeable and more qualified than Roque to be a member of ILC," the letter read.

"Unfortunately, they are all busy defending journalists, activists, widows, orphans, dissenters, peace negotiators, and their own lives from the wrath of [President Duterte and Mr. Roque]"

COCP said Roque has been an "avowed and unapologetic defender" of extrajudicial killings under Duterte, while also speaking against press freedom, due process, and other fundamental human rights.

They also described the spokesman as a "cheerleader" of Duterte's decision withdrawing from the International Criminal Court (ICC) to supposedly "evade" the administration's accountability from human rights violations.

"Mr. Roque has transmogrified from a former champion of the ICC into an attack dog against [it]... He gaslights victims and families of extrajudicial killings with regularity and with relish," the letter added.

Among the signatories were blogger and activist Tonyo Cruz, Dr. Gia Sison, Dr. Jai Cabajar, Tiktok personality Sassa Gurl, Mark Geronimo, cartoonist "Tarantadong Kalbo," Macoy Dubs, and Pinoy Ako Blog's Jover Lario.

Roque is gunning to be among eight Asia-Pacific nationals to be part of the ILC, and serve for 5 years. Eleven individuals, including him, are nominated. The period for nomination closed in June.

The ILC's mandate is to "initiate studies and make recommendations for the purpose... of encouraging the progressive development of international law and its codification."

This week, Roque blasted his critics and said he possesses the qualifications to be considered for a seat in the International Law Commission.

Officials from UP, Roque's alma mater, opposed the official's nomination in the ILC, saying the Cabinet member "has a very poor track record of promoting, defending, and fulfilling human rights and the rule of law, especially during the administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte."

The Free Legal Assistance Group has said Roque's "cavalier disregard of the effects of domestic violations of human rights," among others, make him "ill-suited" for the post.

Roque confirmed Monday he flew to New York for his nomination in the ILC.

Last week, the government official was criticized for blowing his top against a medical group who warned that relaxing lockdowns could lead to a further spike in COVID-19 infections.

Philippine College of Physicians head Dr. Maricar Limpin, who was at the receiving end of Roque's outburst, said he should resign out of delicadeza.

- with reports from Davinci Maru, ABS-CBN News

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Zamboanga City flooding displaces 200 families in 3 villages

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Zamboanga del Sur—Around 200 families in three villages here were forced to abandon their homes due to floods spawned by continuous rains since Thursday night. Omar

Zamboanga City flooding displaces 200 families in 3 villages

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Zamboanga del Sur—Around 200 families in three villages here were forced to abandon their homes due to floods spawned by continuous rains since Thursday night.

Omar Basing, village leader of Barangay Talisayan, said water started to enter their houses as the nearby Pamucutan river swelled.

In Talisayan, which is about 22 kilometers away from the city center, the flood waters sent families living in nearby rivers to evacuate to an elementary school.

City social welfare officer Maria Socorro Rojas said 141 families are currently inside the said school, many among them minors, infants and elderly.

Rojas said 29 families living near riverbanks in Barangay Tumaga and 25 families from Barangay Tugbungan were also evacuated.

Members of the 1st Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company responded in Barangay Tugbungan to assist village watchmen, police auxiliaries and the village-based rescuers in conducting rescue operations for families trapped in the Barigon area due to rising waters.

Displaced families are temporarily housed at the Tugbungan Barangay Hall.

The families were also given relief assistance.

Meanwhile, the police conducted rescue and clearing operations in collaboration with the Labuan Barangay Council in flood-hit areas in the village.

One house was totally damaged while another one was partially damaged due to strong water current at the height of the heavy rains last night. A tree was also uprooted due to strong winds, damaging another house.

Elmeir Apolinario, the city disaster risk reduction and management officer, said they expect the number of families to increase as they are still conducting assessments.

“We have dispatched teams and we are waiting for their assessment report,” Apolinario said.

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Manila archbishop Advincula catches COVID-19

The 69-year-old prelate has a slight fever but is showing no other symptoms for the virus and is also in quarantine.

Manila archbishop Advincula catches COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula has tested positive for the coronavirus, the archdiocese announced on Friday night.

The 69-year-old prelate has a slight fever but is showing no other symptoms for the virus and is also in quarantine.

“Doctors are also monitoring his condition,” said Fr. Reginald Malicdem, chancellor of the Manila archdiocese. “We appeal for your prayers for His Eminence and for all those who are sick with COVID-19.”

Before contracting the virus, Advincula led a Mass for COVID-19 frontliners at the San Felipe Neri parish in Mandaluyong on Wednesday, September 15.

Church-backed CBCP News in June reported the cardinal has completed his two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.