QUEZON CITY, Philippines — Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo expressed his gratitude for the concern that 2018 Ms. Universe Catriona Gray has shown, when she stated that the government must focus on why children engage in crimes instead of lowering the age of criminal liability.

Panelo said that, like many Filipinos, Gray may have been misinformed about the facts of the bill that aims to lower the age of criminal liability to 12 years old.

Panelo agrees with Gray about focusing on the problem, which is what the government, he said, is actually doing by rehabilitating the minors.

“Sa batas nakalagay dun yung rehabilitation. Ang focus nga ay rehabilitation. So, you are solving precisely the problem why these people are engaged in crimes,” Panelo said.

He added, “Because the problem is, they engage in crimes. So, what will we do? We will have to rehabilitate them. Learn why they have committed such crimes. And then put them back to the society,” Spokesperson emphasized.

The Presidential Spokesperson said Gray should be educated on the facts of the said bill.

“She may have been misinformed of the facts, given that the opposition to the lowering comes from yung mga dating kritiko ng administrasyon,” Panelo said.

Panelo made the statement when asked about his reaction to Gray’s statement on Wednesday, February 20, at her homecoming press conference.

Ms. Gray has long been known for her advocacy for underprivileged Filipino children and being a supporter and volunteer of the non-profit organization “Young Focus Foundation” – Freema Salonga

MANILA, Philippines – Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray donned a jumpsuit terno for her grand homecoming parade in Metro Manila on Thursday.

Gray was onboard a majestic float inspired by her diamond-and-pearl-encrusted Mikimoto crown when she greeted her supporters along the parade route that passed by the cities of Pasay, Manila and Makati.

The Beauty queen wore a Sampaguita-inspired jumpsuit designed by Mak Tumang for her parade.

In a social media post, Tumang explained that Gray’s parade outfit, dubbed as “Sampaguita: A promise fulfilled,” was inspired by the Philippine national flower, Sampaguita.

“Legend has it that its etymology was derived from the Filipino words ‘sumpa kita’, which means ‘I promise you’. This ornamental flower is an inherent part of our landscape since time immemorial,” Tumang said in his Instagram post.

“Interestingly, this flower has a lot to do with the concept of ‘Coming Home’. You know you are home when its distinct sweet and aromatic fragrance tickles your olfactory sense. Moreover, the flowers are usually slung and made into leis which are used to welcome dignitaries or are being peddled in front of churches so as to become offerings,” he added.

Aside from sampaguita, Gray’s jumpsuit was also emblazoned with embroidery inspired by Anahaw.

Tumang said that “it is fitting that we welcome our Queen with Sampaguitas adorned with Anahaw – our national leaf. Catriona will wear this Philippine terno which is a ‘Callado’ (similar to Piña Barong) embroidered gown with stylized Panuelo and Mariposa sleeves.”

Despite the heat, Gray was all smiles as she waved to her supporters who went out to take a glimpse of her parade that started around 2 p.m. in Pasay City. The motorcade ended at Glorietta Shopping Center in EDSA around 6 p.m.

Several roads had been closed and a traffic rerouting scheme was implemented by the Makati City Government and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to give way to the parade.

The closed roads were opened to the public after the motorcade. – Robie de Guzman (with reports from Mon Jocson)

MANILA, Philippines — Four males were arrested Monday
(January 21) at around 1:00 a.m. while in the middle of a pot session on Luzon Avenue, Barangay Holy Spirit. Two of the suspects were minors and residents of the area.

Operatives of the Quezon City Police District Station Drug Enforcement Unit were supposed to conduct a buy-bust operation in another location when they caught a whiff of marijuana as they passed by the area where the four suspects were allegedly smoking pot.

Two sachets of alleged dried marijuana leaves and drug paraphernalia were seized from the suspects.

“Nagsisisi po. Wala na po. Huli na po ako,” said one of men who goes by the alias, “Tristan”.

Barangay executive officer Nestor del Rosario said that the suspects were notorious drug users but have never been apprehended until now.

“Mga positibo ‘yan na mga gumagamit talaga,” said Del Rosario.

The minors will be placed under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The two other suspects are facing drug charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. — Asher Cadapan | UNTV News & Rescue