Court amends rules for child cases

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Supreme Court has adopted rules to expedite court processes for the return of a child who is below 16 years of age and abducted from his or her country of “habitual residence” and taken to the Philippines.

The SC stressed that under the Rule on International Child Abduction Cases, the prompt return of the child is “based on presumption that, save in exceptional circumstances, such wrongful removal or retention is not in the best interest of the child.”

According to the high tribunal, the rule “also aims to ensure thatrights of custody

From A1 more parties before a legal agreement is finalized), it proves that we are on the right track in managing our economy, that we are heading in the right direction,” he added.

Around 35 LOIs and agreements have been signed between the governments of the Philippines and Japan, as well as different business companies from both nations, to deepen their partnerships in various sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure development, energy, transportation, healthcare, renewable energy, and business expansion.

The investment pledges from Japanese business leaders are expected to generate around 24,000 jobs for Filipinos.

Mr. Marcos expressed optimism that the latest development would make the Philippine economy more robust.

‘New Philippines’

He said his foreign travels are aimed at fulfilling his administration’s desire for a “new Philippines.”

“Our overseas trips, including Japan, to encourage more investments is a big part of our roadmap toward a new Philippines,” Mr, Marcos said.

“We will nurture our connections and partnerships we need to achieve our goals. A new Philippines shows not just our recovery but also development.”

Malacañang announced on Friday that Marcos’ foreign trips have so far generated a total of 116 investment projects worth P3.48 trillion ($62.926 billion), based on a report from the Department of Trade and Industry.

Mr. Marcos said his administration welcomes and is open to “new and modern” ways of boosting the Philippine economy.

He also reiterated that he would strengthen the public-private partnership (PPP) under his watch, as he acknowledged its crucial role in revitalizing the economy.

“We need the help of every sector in society. The biggest part of society is the private sector,” Mr. Marcos said.

“All of our goals can only be attained if the public and private sectors have good relations. We will continue to strengthen public-private partnership or PPP,” he added. Vince Lopez (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

From A1 and of access under the laws of the state or country of the child’s habitual residence are effectively respected.” The high court said the rule “shall apply to all international child abduction and retention cases in accordance with the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction of

The victims were on board a black Hyundai Starex van headed for Aparri when masked gunmen wearing police uniforms opened fire on the vehicle.

The assailants, on board a white Mitsubishi Adventure with government plates, blocked the highway near the MV Duque Elementary School in Bagabag town and when Alameda's car approached, they riddled it with bullets.

The victims were taken to the Region 2 Trauma and Medical Center but were declared dead on arrival.

The killers later fled toward Solano.

In a separate incident, the suspect in the 2022 killing of the police chief of Ampatuan town and his driver in Maguindanao del Sur province was killed in a police operation Saturday.

Abdulkarim Hasim (alias Boy Jacket) was killed at 6:30 a.m. in Purok Yellow Bell, Barangay New Isabela, Tacurong City, Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said Sunday.

Hasim was identified as the main perpetrator in the slaying of Ampatuan police chief Lt. Reynaldo Samson and his driver, Cpl. Salipuden Endad, in Barangay Kapinpilan in August 2022.

Azurin said Hasim was gunned down by security forces as he resisted arrest during the serving of a warrant of arrest for murder and double frustrated murder.

Azurin has ordered a gun ban in Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, and Cotabato after Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. was ambushed Friday.

Adiong's convoy was en route to Wao, Lanao del Sur at 4 p.m. when they were attacked by unidentified gunmen in Kalilangan, Bukidnon. Three of the governor's police escorts and his driver were killed. Adiong and a staff member were injured.

From A1 also in the South China Sea,” Manalo said.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said in a statement on Sunday that its troops are "always ready to provide a safer, more peaceful and progressive country."

The AFP said it “will always be resolute in ensuring the interest of Filipinos in the West Philippine Sea,” under the guidance of PresidentFerdinand Marcos Jr.'s vision laid out in his speech during the alumni homecoming at the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City on Saturday.

President Marcos reiterated his pledge to keep every inch of Philippine territory.

"This country will not lose one inch of its territory. We will continue to uphold our territorial integrity and sovereignty in accordance with our Constitution and with international law. We will work with our neighbors to secure the safety and security of our peoples," Marcos said.

Also, the AFP asked Filipinos for their "support and prayers for the Armed Forces, and the Philippine Coast Guard in the conduct of maritime patrols to protect and preserve what rightfully belongs to us," the statement added.

Since the beginning of 2023, the DFA had lodged nine notes verbales and diplomatic protests before China, whose “increasing intensity of actions” against Filipino vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) have been openly criticized by President Marcos.

Manalo said the Philippines continues to abide by the 2016 arbitral ruling, which stated that China’s nine-dash line over the vital sea lane is illegal.

As Manila asserts this decision, Manalo said the UN could further help by creat-

From A1

Secretary is also “coordinating with authorities” to investigate the fraudulent memo. The counterfeit memo was made to look like it was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin by the authority of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“The unfortunate earthquake that occurred in Turkey on 6th February 2023 has caused significant human and livestock casualties as well as widespread damage to private homes and public infrastructures. Damage to infrastructure has worsened the humanitarian situation.

To extend maximum support to the Turkish government and people to help them cope with the destruction caused by the earthquake, a fund has been established/opened as ‘President’s Relief Fund For Turkey Earthquake Victims’.

It is further proposed [that there will be a] deduction of salary from government employees. The President considered the proposal and approved the deductions…” the document read.

It stated that officers and officials working in ministries, divisions, departments, authorities, corporations, companies, financial institutions, and commissions working under the “federal

1980 (HCAC).

The Hague Convention, signed by more than 100 countries including the Philippines, “covers international parental child abduction and provides a process through which parents can seek to have their child returned to their home country.”

Associate Justice Amy C. Lazaro Javier, chairperson of the Committee on Family Courts and Juvenile Concerns, recommended the adoption of the rule before the Court En Banc.

With the approval by all members of the SC, the rule – under A.M. No. 22-0915-SC) — will take effect 15 days after its publication in two newspapers of general circulation.

Under the rule, the petition should be filed by the “left behind parent” or any authorized person, institution or any other body claiming that a child has been wrongfully removed or retained in breach of custody rights before the regional trial court (RTC) acting as a family court.

The “left behind parent” is defined in the rule as “any person, institution, or any other body exercising rights of custody or access over the child by operation of law or by reason or a judicial or administrative decision or agreement having legal effect under the law… immediately prior to the breach of such right of custody or right of access.” (See full story online at manilastandard.net)