CONTINUING DRUG WAR. Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) senatorial candidates Rey Langit, Greco Belgica, and Salvador Panelo sign Tuesday (May 3, 2022) a manifesto continuing President Rodrigo Duterte's anti-narcotics campaign. They promised to continue Duterte's drug war if they win the May 9 senatorial race to make the Philippines "safe, peaceful, and drug-free." (Photo courtesy of PDP-Laban) MANILA - At least three senatorial candidates of the ruling party, the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), have signed a manifesto on the continuation of President Rodrigo Duterte's anti-narcotics drive, if they win the May 9 elections. The manifesto of support was signed Tuesday during the joint press conference of former chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo, former Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission chairperson Greco Belgica, and veteran journalist Rey Langit. The three senatorial candidates renewed their commitme
Speaker Lord Allan Velasco (File photo) MANILA - Speaker Lord Allan Velasco on Tuesday assured that the House of Representatives will continue to support efforts toward gender equality and opportunities for women "to claim their rightful place in positions of leadership." Velasco made the commitment as the world celebrates International Women's Day. He said the country would be more resilient in the face of any crisis "when women work side by side with men in all roles", including at the highest levels of decision-making. "We couldn't agree more with the statement that when women have the opportunity to raise their voices and achieve their full potential, it strengthens our families, our communities, and our economy," he said in a statement. The annual commemoration, he said, is an important reminder of "how far the world has come " in terms of gender equality and recognizing the role and importance of women in society. He said it is also