Palace tells people to vote wisely this Monday
Malacañang asked the Filipinos to go out and vote on the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections this coming Monday and to vote wisely.
In an interview Saturday morning over Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said “We must not belittle the barangay/SK elections on account of the barangays being the smallest political unit. But use your right of suffrage wisely and vote those who will lead us to the right path, as President Aquino keeps saying.”
She noted that when compared with the national or local elections, the barangay elections is “the political unit closest to our homes, that it becomes even more important for us individually to vote.”
The barangays, she added, are the most basic political unit that are closest to the hearts of all the people and “your involvement in the election will determine just how you choose the direction of your communities with the kind of people you vote for.”
“If all of us actively participate at the lowest political level then we can do a lot for our community and ultimately our country,” Valte said.
She said the barangay/SK elections is just as important as the national elections so the people must vote wisely.
“Don’t vote for those who have not done anything for the community. Vote for those who would like to give their utmost service to the community and not just to enrich themselves in office,” Valte advised. (PCOO)
Malacanang condoles with victims of classroom massacre in Zamboanga City
Malacañang expressed its sincere condolences on Saturday to the victims of violence inside a public school in Zamboanga City, and at the same time, paid tribute to public school teacher Lorna Pulalon, who died while protecting her pupils from an ex-convict who ran amuck.
In an interview over Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Palace is really sad because it is unfortunate that innocent pupils and a teacher suffered in such a violent manner.
“Nakikiramay po kami doon sa mga pamilya ng mga naulila lalo na kay teacher Lorna Pulalon,” Valte said noting that the Department of Education through Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro is now coordinating with Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat and the families of the victims.
On the heroic act of Pulalon, Valte said that the teacher was reportedly stabbed while shielding her wards from convicted rapist Felin Mateo.
Record showed that Pulalon, who had just been transferred to the Talisayan Elementary School, was the youngest of 10 children and was the breadwinner in the family. She added that the teacher was about to get married in two months with her boyfriend of three years.
“It is unfortunate that we lost her in such a violent manner,” Valte said. (PCOO)
Palace confident of speedier resolution of Maguindanao massacre case
Malacañang expressed confidence that the Maguindanao massacre case of November 23, 2009 will move and be resolved a lot faster by the courts to give justice to the victims and their families.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte, explained in an interview with Radyo ng Bayan Saturday morning the numerous factors that cause delay in the hearings or trials of cases, especially criminal cases, in the courts.
Valte said she is confident that Justice Secretary Leila de Lima can do everything to stop any more unwarranted delays in the prosecution of the case.
“I assure everybody that the prosecution will not allow any more unwarranted delays to the trial of the Maguindanao massacre case,” Valte added.
On the part of the prosecution, Secretary de Lima is doing everything possible to prevent any delaying tactics to get in the way of the trials. But ultimately the judge has full control over the progress of a case, she explained.
Valte said everyone, including the victims and their families, have no choice but to wait patiently as we are all submitting to the rule of law and respect the jurisdiction of the court.
The Aquino administration will make sure that wrongdoers do not go scot free and will be caught by the long arm of the law. (PCOO)
