NEWS AT A GLANCE

Migrante hits prospective envoy to Italy

Migrante International, an alliance of groups of overseas Filipinos and their families, hit August 4 the possible appointment of former Guimaras Governor Emily Relucio Lopez as the new Philippine Ambassador to Italy. Maita Santiago, its secretary general, said that Lopez is unfit for the position since she is allegedly “guilty of grossly violating the rights and attacking the dignity of at least three Filipino women that she employed as domestic workers – on the pretext that she would take them to Italy.”

“How can we expect Mrs. Lopez to fight for the rights and welfare of domestic workers and other OFWs when she doesn’t even respect her own household help?” asked Santiago.

Sisters Ma. Salve H. Serrado and Ma. Isabel Lorecca Hernandez, from Camarines Sur and Rosario Quiambao of Dinalupihan, Bataan, who are being assisted by the Public Interest Law Center’s Atty. Amy Sato and Wennie Flores from Umangat, a migrants group in Italy, filed affidavits against Lopez with the Makati City Police Station July 21. The three said Lopez hired them as “trainees” for jobs in Italy once she is confirmed by the Commission on Appointments as Ambassador to that country.

Migrante said there are ongoing campaigns to recall Ambassador Bahnarim Guinomla from Saudi Arabia and Consul General Cecilia Rebong from New York for alleged criminal negligence and betrayal of the interests of OFWs. Bulatlat

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Solon hits House Speaker for “unstatesmanly” remarks

Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño condemned Aug. 4 House Speaker Jose de Venecia’s statements that the impeachment complaint is dead on the water whatever the evidence.

“It was unstatesmanly, uncalled for, and an insult to the majority block member lawmakers,” said Casiño. “It is immoral and criminal to force congressmen to ignore the truth just for the sake of party alliances.”

Casiño said that the Speaker’s statements were an insult to congressmen in the majority block because it presupposed that, “the speaker has them in his pocket and follows all his commands, whims and caprices.”  

Despite the speaker’s statement, Casiño said that it is “the convincing power of the public (that) should come.” He also urged the people to “lobby with their Congressmen, either through rallies of whatever form, letters and lobbying…to adhere to their conscience, be guided by the truth, and vote to send the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate.” Bulatlat

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PhP1 million for Nasugbu fisherfolk livelihood

About a million pesos in investment is expected to pour into the municipality of Nasugbu, Batangas after Bayan Muna Rep. Joel G. Virador signed a Memorandum of Agreement together with the local city officials on August 4.

The fund will be used to centralize and systematize product transportation in the market. Dubbed as Proyektong Pangkabuhayan ng Habagat, the cooperative buy and sell business project is designed to benefit the Haligi ng Batangueñong Anak Dagat, Inc. (HABAGAT) members and their families.

Virador said that “fishing is the main source of livelihood of Nasugbu people but poor and obsolete fishing equipment hamper the fisherfolks’ capability to catch more fish.” Bulatlat

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