MANILA: Interior Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. on Thursday said he is not in favor to the proposed decriminalization of drug use by some lawmakers and maintained that it would not help the government’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs.   Abalos made the remarks following Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s proposal to decriminalize the use of illegal drugs to decongest jails and address the problem of drug addiction as a health issue, which was backed by Senator Robin Padilla.   “With due respect, ang giyera na nakikita ko ngayon, hindi makakatulong sa laban namin at hindi makakatulong sa mga bata,

MANILA: Filipinos were reportedly among the hundreds of foreign tourists left stranded in Peru following the ouster of ex-President Pedro Castillo which led to a widespread protest affecting public transportation and flights in the country.   The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday said there were reports that a “number of Filipino tourists” were affected in Machu Picchu due to the airport closure in Cusco.   The Philippine Embassy in Chile, which also holds jurisdiction over Filipinos in Peru, is currently “investigating” the reports and is coordinating with the Filipino community there through the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Lima.

MANILA: Government Corporate Counsel Rogelio Quevedo on Thursday said the refiled law before Congress covering the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) will clearly define the powers of the agency and consolidate the OGCC’s powers which are presently covered by a number of presidential decrees and executive orders.   Speaking before the Laging Handa public forum, Quevedo underscored the role of the agency in representing the State in hundreds of government owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) and companies where the government has a stake.   “It will delineate more clearly the relationship of the OGCC and other government corporations.