#nationataglance Spokesman explains: Duterte’s ‘kill the bishops’ remark just means ‘stop criticizing’ PRESIDENTIAL Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo yesterday said President Rodrigo R. Duterte's state- ‘ment last Wednesday that bishops in the country should be killed was “only for dramatic effect.” Mr. Duterte, in his remarks at a Palace event on Dec. 5, said: “Itong mga obispo ninyo, patayin ninyo. Walang silbi yang mga gagong yan (These bishops of yours, kill them, Those fools are useless). All they do is crti- cize.” Asked for comment during a Palace briefing on Thursday, Dec. 6, Mr, Panelo explained: “I think that's only a hyperbole on the part of the President. We should be getting used to this President. He makes certain statements for dramatic effect. But he actu- ally means stop criticizing and do some good for this, country, help us.” — Arjay L. Balinbin ILOCOS: LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN Christmas village at 100-year-old capitol Pangasinan’s provincial capitol complex, located in Lingayen, is all lit up for the traditional Paskuhan sa kapitolyo Christmas. village, but this year’s celebration and decor are extra grand as Briguez is new Air Force chief THE PHILIPPINE Air Force named Lt. Gen. Rozzano D. Briguez as its new chief on Thursday, Dec. 6. In tthe capitol building marks its 100" year on Dec. 28. CENTRAL VISAYAS: CEBU CITY Bo’s Coffee returns home to Cebu for 1* Tribute Store TWENTY-THREE years after it pioneered the coffee shop culture in Cebu, Bo's Coffee opens its frst “Tribute Store” inits home-ground on Friday, Dec. 7. The 300 square- meter Tribute Store, located at the Cebu provincial capitol site along Osmefta Boulevard, is the company’s way of recognizing Philippine coffee and the brand's humble beginnings in Cebu in 1996. The store will also introduce the concept of an “experience bar or slow coffee bar,” where customers can lounge and enjoy coffee-making or tea-mixing using blends sourced from all over the country, Bo's Coffee founder and Chief Executive Officer Steve D. Benitez said the Cebu Tribute Store would be the first of similar shops that are being planned in other parts of Cebu, the Philippines, and eventually abroad. “Our version of a aletter dated Dec. 5, President Rodrigo R. Duterte informed Department of National Defense Secre- tary Delfin N. Lorenzana of the appointment of Mr. Briguez. Mr. Kintanar has opted for an early retire- ‘ment, according to Department of National Defense Spokesperson Arsenio R. Andolong in a chance interview with reporters. Armed Forces of the Philip pines (AFP) Public Affairs Chief Col. Noel J, Detoyato, meanwhile, said Mr, Briguer’s appointment is to give ‘way to junior officers. “It’s just to give way for the junior officers, that’s how professional and dynamic. the organization is,” Mr. Detoyato told reporters. — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras Gov't offices told: Christmas parties should not disrupt public service THE CIVIL Service Commission (CSC) yesterday re- minded government offices, especially the frontline agencies, that the holding of Christmas parties and other year-end celebrations should not disrupt the de- livery of public services. “The CSC does not prohibit the perfect blend is not only the sensuous and aroma of Pilip- holding of Christmas parties as long as government pine coffee, but also the overall presentation of Philippine agencies can assure continued delivery of efficient culture — its indigenous and nearly forgotten products, services,” the agency said in a statement. CSC advised Filipino music and artistry, and even Philippine-grown tea, the adoption of “appropriate working schedules and said Mr. Benitez. Bo's Coffee has been supporting and pro- assign skeletal forces to ensure that al clients who are ‘mating locally-made products, particularly those made by within their premises are attended to during office cel- social enterprises, by showcasing their goods in its over 100 ebrations.” CSC Chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala said, stores nationwide and one in Qatar. “Our job isto popular~ “Christmas is the season of sharing and giving and | ize Philippine coffee, and other Philippine-made products. know that the best gift government workers can give We want to showcase the best of Philippine artistry and to the transacting public is the provision of responsive, talent in the most ambitious project we ever had. The compassionate, and effective public service, not only Tribute Store will be commemoration and statement of the for the holidays but throughout the year.” brand's promise that this homegrown brand will continue topave empowerment tothe communities we serve” Mz NATIONWIDE ROUND-UP Benitez said, — The Freeman A TAREE sess son oy song te code wih our smartohone orby typing the nk in DoJ seeks hold order vs Trillanes from Davao court THE DEPARTMENT of Justice (DoJ) has asked a Davao City Court to issue a hold- departure order (HDO) against Sen. Anto- ni F. Trillanes I, Justice Secretary Menardo |. Guevarta said. The motion to ban the op- position senator from leaving the country is set for hearing on Dec. 7, Friday, he added. Mr. Tillanes is facing libel complaints in Davao City filed last Sept. 6 by presidential son and former vice-mayor Paolo Z. Duterte and his brother-in-law, Manases R. Carpio, husband of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, For his rebellion case over the 2007 Manila Peninsula siege, Judge Elmo M. Alameda of Makati City RTC Branch 150 granted the senator's motion to lft the HDO on Nov. 29, allowing him to attend various meet ings and invitations abroad from Dec. Ito Jan. 12, and from Jan. 27 to Feb. 10, 2019. Mr. Guevarra denied that the HDO requests against Mr. Trllanes in other courts have any connection with the order of the Makati Court. “(T)hese are not related at all. There are different complainants here and they are pending in other courts. And just lke in any case where the jurisdiction belongs to the regional trial court, itis the right of and prerogative of the prosecution to ask for the issuance of an HDO," he said. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas >> See full story on httpsi/ao0 g//DTGUGS MINDANAO. NCCC launches search for the best Mindanao entrepreneurs CONSUMER goods wholesaler, retaller and mall operator New City Commercial Corporation (NCCC) has launched the LTS Entrepre- rneurship Awards for Mindanao and the search will kickoff next year, “The LTS Entrepreneurship Awards will be given to the top six Mindanaoan businessman who excelled both in their business and in their efforts to help the community,” NCCC Group of Compa~ nies Chief Executive Officer Lafayette A. Lim said in a press conference last weekend, Mr. Lim said that aside from business success, they will also be on the lookout for entrepreneurs with outstanding efforts in community development through various causes. This includes helping the environment, the youth, and even fellow businessmen. The LTS Entrepreneurship Awards is NCCC’s way cof honoring the life and legacy of Mr. Lim's grandfather, Lim Tian Siu, the family patriarch who established NCCC as a small textile store in Davao City about 40 years ago. “The NCCC brand started in Davao but is now the biggest in Mindanao,” Mr. Lim said. — Carmencita A. Carillo