LEDAC lays out priority measures

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

CONGRESS aims to pass bills on the Mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) and the Ease Of Paying Taxes (EOPT) among the priority measures during the Second Regular Session of the 19th Congress, which opens on July 24.

These two bills and seven others to be given priority were discussed during the pre-Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting held in Malacanang Monday night.

The pre-LEDAC was led by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Finance committee chairman Senator Juan Edgardo Angara, House Speaker

From A1

“It is truly regrettable that the Court must acquit accused-appellant in the instant case and extend such acquittal to Willie Gan,” the SC decision written by Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo said.

“The law enforcement agents and the prosecution must exercise more prudence and care in their compliance with the requirements of Sec. 21 of R.A. No. 9165 (or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002),” the Court said.

“Even more reprehensible is the error committed by the RTC in the penalty imposed upon Willie Gan and accusedappellant for violation of . . . of RA No. 9165,” the SC said, noting that the law provides a penalty of life imprisonment to death and a fine ranging from P500,000 to P10 million where the shabu or other dangerous drugs possessed is 50 grams or more.

The SC noted that Gan did not appeal his conviction because the lower penalty imposed was advantageous to him, and the prosecution did not even question the insufficient penalty imposed against Gan.

In reprimanding the police authorities, prosecutors and the RTC judge, and CA magistrates who handled the case of Uy, the SC said any failure on their part would likely result in an acquittal.

From A1

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said her department would terminate the contract with DDB and that no public funds were spent on the promotional video.

On Tuesday, a group of Cebu officials said the video fiasco was a form of sabotage and a “demolition job” against Frasco.

In a manifesto, the Cebu officials also expressed their support for Frasco.

“Given the circumstances, it is not difficult to see that the goal of all this is to sabotage the great accomplishments of the DOT secretary, who continues to deliver for the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.” Signatories of the manifesto included 11 congressmen of Cebu and 53 mayors. Leading the signatories were Daanbantayan Mayor Sun J. Shimura and Barili Mayor Pablo John Garcia IV, the president and secretary of the League of Municipal Mayors Cebu Chapter, respectively.