Election rescheduling should come from Congress

ANY PROPOSAL  to postpone the 2022 elections should be initiated by the two houses of Congress, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Sheriff Abas said on Monday.  

Boracay reopening allows work resumption for tourism sector

MALACAÑANG ON Monday clarified that the reopening of Boracay Island did not mean that the country is already safe from the threat of coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

TESDA leads groundbreaking of urban agriculture project

THE TECHNICAL Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), as the lead agency of the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood, and Employment Cluster (PRLEC), on Monday led the groundbreaking ceremony for the Urban Community Agriculture Project in Barangay 668 in Ermita, Manila.  

Kidnapped Filipino farmer escapes from Sayyaf

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Security forces recovered Wednesday a Filipino farmer kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf following a firefight with his guards in the southern province of Zamboanga del Norte, officials said.

Localization of cops’ assignment pushed

TO PRIORITIZE the welfare of every policeman, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Camilo Cascolan, on Monday said he will implement the localization of the assignment of the police personnel.

DepEd to hire learner support aides to assist teachers

THE DEPARTMENT  of Education (DepEd) will hire learner support aides (LSAs) to assist teachers in the implementation of the distance learning system for the incoming school year, an education official said Monday.

"They are qualified individuals who help teachers in providing learning opportunities using various learning delivery modalities that promote achievement and progression of learners," DepEd Undersecretary for Planning Jesus Mateo said in a virtual press briefing.

Apart from assisting teachers in lesson preparation, Mateo said LSAs will guide learners and households in the use of their chosen learning modalities and monitor the progress and achievement of learners.

"The salary of LSAs will be under the minimum daily wage rates set by the National Wages Productivity Commission per region. This means that compensation from LSAs will be from PHP6,000 to PHP11,000 depending on their location," Mateo said.

He said guidelines for the hiring LSAs are still being finalized.

However, he said passers of Licensure Exam for Teachers and private school teachers who became displaced, unemployed or underemployed due to the coronavirus pandemic may apply.

Mateo said provisional teachers whose contracts were not renewed may apply as LSAs. (By Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

Pope names new papal nuncio to PH

POPE FRANCIS  has appointed Archbishop Charles John Brown as the new Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, the Vatican announced on Monday.  

Extortion, graft charges filed vs. NBI exec, brother

THE DEPARTMENT t of Justice (DOJ) filed extortion and corruption charges in court against a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) official and his brother for allegedly extorting money from a Bureau of Immigration (BI) personnel implicated in the so-called “pastillas scheme”.

Covid-19 cases drop due to ‘One Hospital, Oplan Kalinga’

THE DOWNWARD trend in the weekly average number of reported new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections may be due to the recalibrated strategies implemented by the government, a health official said Monday.  

Duterte keeps Metro Manila under GCQ for another month

PRESIDENT RODRIGO  Duterte approved the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to keep Metro Manila under general community quarantine (GCQ) for another month. 

Duterte slams Facebook for shutting down advocacy pages

PRESIDENT RODRIGO Duterte on Monday scored social media giant Facebook over its decision to take down accounts and pages advocating “something” that is good for the people.  

Cops with Covid-19 rise to 5,812

THE PHILIPPINE  National Police (PNP) reported that 61 more police officers contracted the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), bringing the total number of cases among its ranks to 5,812.  

Navy to fully support Nat'l Coast Watch Center maritime missions

THE PHILIPPINES  Navy (PN) has expressed its full support and cooperation with the National Coast Watch Center (NCWC) in protecting the country's maritime interests.By Priam Nepomuceno)

Navy chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo made this comment shortly after newly-appointed NCWC chief, Coast Guard Commodore Roy Echeverria, paid a courtesy call to PN headquarters in Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila on Monday.

During the meeting, Bacordo expressed the PN's full support to the NCWC which is mandated to coordinate and implement the "whole-of-government efforts in protecting the Philippine national interests against security threats, enforcement of national sovereignty and sovereign rights, and fulfillment of the international responsibilities and obligations throughout the maritime jurisdiction of the country".

He described the NCWC chief's visit as an "opportunity to come up with stronger interagency coordination and collaboration between NCWC and our maritime research information center (MRIC) and maritime situational awareness centers (MSAC) in providing them maritime information to support awareness in our maritime domain”.

Echeverria took command of the NCWC last September 1. He was the former commander of the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao prior to his assumption.

The NCWS was established on September 6, 2011, based on former president Benigno Aquino III's Executive Order No. 57 mandating it as “the central inter-agency mechanism for a coordinated and coherent approach on national maritime issues and maritime security operations towards enhancing governance in the country’s maritime domain"

Echeverria's visit further established a robust linkage between the two agencies as they strengthened ties towards enhancing governance in the country’s maritime domain. (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Marikina gets materials donation for new quarantine facility

THE CITY  government of Marikina received materials donated by the United Architects of the Philippines-Marikina Valley Chapter (UAP-Marikina or Arkitektong Marikeño), for the construction of another coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) emergency quarantine facility in the city.  

Over 8K cops seek reassignment under localization move:

MORE THAN  8,000 police officers have expressed intention to be reassigned in places near their residence as part of the Philippine National Police's (PNP) localization program. 

DOJ to look into delay in procurement of meds for BuCor inmates

THE DEPARTMENT  of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday said it will look into government auditors' observations on the delay in the procurement of medicines for persons deprived of liberty in facilities run by the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).

SolCom troops told to beef up efforts in achieving peace

 ARMED FORCES of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, has urged all Southern Luzon Command (SolCom) officers and enlisted personnel to intensify their efforts so that peace can be won against communist terrorists in the Southern Tagalog and Bicol regions.

NCR needs another month before shifting to MGCQ

DEPARTMENT OF National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he believes Metro Manila could be downgraded into modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) within a month.  

Contact tracer applicants now over 43K

THE DEPARTMENT  of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has so far received more than 43,000 applications for contract tracers as part of efforts to boost the country's response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.   

Lawton drive-thru Covid-19 test site closed

THE FREE  coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) drive-thru serology testing in front of the Kartilya ng Katipunan in Lawton has been closed to give way to ongoing construction, Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso said on Monday, as he encouraged the public to proceed to Luneta Grandstand for virus testing.   

2 summoned for hosting frequent gatherings in Bulacan village

TEO PERSONS were summoned by barangay (village) officials in Bulacan for allegedly holding frequent social gatherings in their area which include drinking sessions, the Joint Task Force Covid Shield said on Tuesday.

PRRD’s proposal to abolish PhilHealth aims to solve corruption

PRESIDENT RODRIGO Duterte’s plan to ask Congress to abolish Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) aims to eradicate corruption in the state-run insurer, Malacañang said on Tuesday.

Duterte ‘appeals’ to telcos to improve services

PRESIDENT RODRIGO  Duterte appealed to telecommunications companies (telcos) to improve their services especially with the scheduled opening of classes next Monday.  

Cops to boost visibility as some provincial buses resume ops

THE JOINT Task Force Covid Shield ordered police officers to intensify visibility at provincial bus terminals that were allowed to resume operations starting Wednesday.  

Market vendors prioritized in Manila's 2nd swab testing lab

MARKET VENDORS  in the city of Manila will be among those prioritized to be swabbed in the second swab testing laboratory at the Sta. Ana Hospital.

Facebook effective tool vs. Reds' lies, propaganda

THE ARMED  Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said it sees Facebook and other social media platforms as tools in effective dissemination of accurate information that would help the public see through the propaganda of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA).

IATF-EID unfazed by petition vs. gov’t Covid-19 response

THE INTER-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) is not bothered by a petition challenging the Supreme Court (SC) to issue temporary restraining order to stop the task force from imposing quarantine restrictions on senior citizens amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, Malacañang said on Tuesday.

NCR’s biggest quarantine facility inaugurated in Parañaque

DEPARTMENT OF  Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar on Tuesday recognized the contribution of private sector in government’s response against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) as he joined the opening of the Metro Manila’s biggest quarantine facility at Bagong Nayong Pilipino, Parañaque City.

Cebu City logs low Covid-19 positivity rate

THE EMERGENCY  Operations Center (EOC) has seen a downtrend in the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) positivity rate here, with 0.7 percent logged on Tuesday night. 

Critical utilization rate in PH hospitals has improved

THE CRITICAL utilization rate in public and private hospitals nationwide with regard to the country’s coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) response has improved, a health official said Wednesday.  

PCG’s Covid-19 active cases rise to 85

THE NUMBER of active cases of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) among officers and personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has risen to 85 on Tuesday from 77 on September 22.  

QC city hall offices to skip Christmas party this year

THERE WILL  be no Christmas parties for all offices and departments of the Quezon City government as Mayor Joy Belmonte on Tuesday ordered them to instead donate the funds intended for the celebration to the underprivileged.   

Collecting wildlife plants illegal, DENR reminds 'plantitas'

THE DEPARTMENT  of Environment and Natural Resources-National Capital Region (DENR-NCR) reminded “plantitos and plantitas” that collection of wildlife, whether animals or even plants, is illegal and is punishable by law.  

LGUs bought P2.6-B worth of farmers' produce

THE DEPARTMENT  of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday said local government units (LGUs) bought some PHP2.6 billion worth of local farmers' produce from the start of the community quarantine in March until September.   

NFA, DA work with LGUs to buy farmers' produce

THE  NATIONAL Food Authority (NFA) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) are working with local government units to help farmers hit by the pandemic sell their produce at a higher price, Malacañang said on Tuesday.  

Duterte seeks dialogue, not shutdown of Facebook

MALACAÑANG ON  Tuesday said President Rodrigo Duterte was not threatening to stop the operation of Facebook in the country when he scored the social media giant for taking down accounts and pages advocating “something” that is good for the people. 

House to probe Facebook's takedown of 'advocacy' pages

THE HOUSE  of Representatives is set to launch a probe into social media giant Facebook's shutdown of "advocacy" pages that support the government, Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said on Tuesday. 

Gov't identifies 2 new indicators for CQ classification

THE PHILIPPINE  government has identified two new indicators for its community quarantine classification, an epidemiologist with the Inter-Agency Task Force’s (IATF) sub-technical working group on data analytics said Tuesday.  

Duterte, Angel Locsin 'most admired' persons in PH

  President Rodrigo Duterte and actress Angel Locsin are the most admired man and woman in the Philippines, an annual study by British market research and data analytics firm YouGov showed.

Other notable Filipino men in YouGov's list were Senator Manny Pacquiao in second place and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno in third.

The women’s category, meanwhile, has four other Filipino nationals in the top 20, with 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray in second place, actresses Sarah Geronimo and Liza Soberano in third and sixth places, respectively, and Vice President Leni Robredo in 15th place.

The YouGov’s 2020 study, released on September 23, gathered nominations from January to March this year by asking the question: "Thinking about people alive in the world today, which man or woman do you most admire?"

Based on the results, the British firm compiled the men and women who received the most nominations and were nominated in at least four states.

An additional five to 10 popular figures were added for individual countries.

Using the list, the poll respondents were asked the following questions: "Who do you truly admire?" and "Who do you most admire?"

"By asking respondents two questions, we can understand both the breadth (i.e. global reach) and the intensity of a person's support," YouGov said in explaining its methodology.

The survey results showed that Duterte has an admiration score of 19.67 percent, followed by Pacquiao with 10.65 percent, and Moreno with 7.96 percent.

Locsin, on the other hand, garnered 15.03 percent, followed by Gray with 11.09 percent, and Geronimo with 7.48 percent.

Soberano had a 6.67 percent admiration score while Robredo had 2.71 percent. (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

Kidnapped Indon fishermen killed in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY – One of 5 Indonesian fishermen kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf in off Sabah in January was killed in the southern Philippine province of Sulu, Malaysian authorities said Wednesday.

Gatchalian seeks probe on declining quality of teacher education

SENATOR SHERWIN  Gatchalian has filed Senate Resolution No. 526 seeking a Senate inquiry on the quality of teacher education and training in the country, including the performance of Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs).

Guevarra firm on PhilHealth revamp recommendation

JUSTICE SECRETARY  Menardo Guevarra on Wednesday stood firm on the Task Force PhilHealth's recommendation for a major reorganization in the management of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).

Rules on media interview requests not new

THE PHILIPPINE  National Police (PNP) on Wednesday clarified that the standing operating procedure (SOP) on requests for media interviews has been a long-standing policy.   

GSIS offers low-interest loan; phases out conso-loan

THE GOVERNMENT  Service Insurance System (GSIS) will launch on Thursday (Oct. 1) a loan facility that offers low interest, enhanced loan consolidation feature, longer payment term, and one-time waiver of surcharges on all due and demandable GSIS loan accounts of its members, except housing and policy loan.   

Megawide raises P5-B to fund Cebu airport, other projects

DIVERSIFIED INFRASTRUCTURE  conglomerate Megawide Construction Corp. said on Wednesday it is raising as much as PHP5 billion in fresh funds from the capital market to finance future developments at the Mactan - Cebu International Airport (MCIA) and its proposed redevelopment of the Carbon Public Market here.  

DOH 6 launches 'quarantime’ journal for individuals on quarantine

 A 14-day self-care "quarantime" journal containing day-to-day recommended activities while inside quarantine facilities was launched on Wednesday in the region by the Department of Health-Western Visayas (DOH-6) Center for Health Development.   

GenSan extends GCQ status until Oct. 15

THE ENTIRE  city will remain under general community quarantine (GCQ) until Oct. 15 as local communities continue to grapple with the increasing cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) local transmission.

Trump, Biden lock horns in chaotic political debate

 US PRESIDENT  Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden clashed Tuesday evening during a political showdown that repeatedly broke down into fiery exchanges and angry interruptions.

DOTr awards 3 contracts for PNR Clark Phase 2 project

THE DEPARTMENT  of Transportation (DOTr) and the Philippine National Railways (PNR) awarded the three remaining civil works contract packages for the Clark Phase 2 project, or the Malolos-Clark extension of the North-South Commuter Railway System.   

Ombudsman should reconsider circular on SALN disclosure

OMBUDSMAN SAMUEL  Samuel Martires should reexamine his memorandum circular that limits public access to Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) Chair Dante Jimenez said Sunday.  

5 more overseas Pinoys contract coronavirus

THE DEPARTMENT of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Sunday reported five m  ore Filipinos abroad contracting the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), pushing the total tally to 10,438.  

Naval contingent aboard BRP Jose Rizal Covid-19 free

ALL  125 personnel aboard missile-frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), which participated in this year's Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) naval exercises, have tested negative for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).   

Duterte extends term of task force overseeing Yolanda rehab

PRESIDENT RODRIGO  Duterte has extended the term of the inter-agency task force in charge of monitoring rehabilitation and recovery projects and programs in areas affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda until the end of his presidency.   

House starts plenary deliberations on 2021 national budget

THE HOUSE  of Representatives on Monday started its plenary deliberations on the proposed PHP4.506-trillion national budget for 2021.   

Comelec says low voter registration turnout ‘expected’

ONLY OVER  200,000 applications were recorded since the restart of voter registration early this month, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported on Monday.   

House OKs foundling welfare bill on 2nd reading

  A BILL promoting the rights of deserted children with unknown parents or “foundlings” and declaring their status as natural-born Filipino citizens hurdled second reading approval at the House of Representatives.  

High-value target drug suspect nabbed in Bacolod buy-bust

ONE OF the top drug personalities in Western Visayas was arrested in a buy-bust conducted by regional police operatives in Barangay Estefania here on Sunday afternoon.

Misis at kalaguyo nito nahuli, pinagtataga sa North Cotabato

KIDAPAWAN CITY - Sugatan ang isang ginang at patay naman ang diumano'y kabit nito matapos silang mahuli at pinagtataga ng asawa ng babae sa isang bahay sa bayan ng Tulunan sa North Cotabato province.

Sayyaf killed in Sulu; bomber captured in Zamboanga (WARNING: Contains graphic images)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Army soldiers killed an Abu Sayyaf fighter in a clash Monday in Sulu province while a bomber was captured in Zamboanga City, all in southern Philippines, officials said. 

Zambo folks panic after reports of explosion

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Security forces locked down a busy road Saturday in the southern Filipino port city of Zamboanga after receiving reports of an improvised explosive device left at a garbage dump near where soldiers are manning a checkpoint.

Nur Misuari among 500 ‘most influential Muslims of 2020’

DAVAO CITY - Nur Misuari, chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front, has made it to the prestigious book “The Muslim 500 – World’s 500 most influential Muslims 2020” alongside religious scholars and heads of state that make up this 283-page, full color prints.

Postpone 2022 polls due to Covid

FROM PROPOSALS to amend the Constitution and prolong the term limits of the president and lawmakers to the establishment of a revolutionary government and federalism amid the Covid-19 pandemic, now Pampanga Rep. Mikey Arroyo urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to scrap the 2022 national and local polls.

Fuel depot opens in Zambo, to boosts economy

ZAMBOANGA’S ECONOMY gets a boost amid the coronavirus pandemic following the inauguration of a fuel depot which was welcomed by canning and fishery firms here.

Presyo ng palay sa North Cotabato bagsak!

NORTH COTABATO - Naglaan ng pondo ang provincial government ng North Cotabato upang makatulong mga magsasaka sa susunod na cropping season ng palay ngayong patuloy pa rin sa pagbaba ang presyo nito.

Pagadian turns to Google Maps to promote businesses, tourism sites

PAGADIAN CITY – The local government of Pagadian City urged business owners to put their establishments on Google Maps to allow consumers easy access to their locations and make use of technology for their own advantage.

Dolomite particles found at sea

THE ENVIRONMENTALIST group Sea Knights said it found that particles from the crushed dolomite from Alcoy town fell to the sea when transported to bulk carrier vessels through a conveyor belt.

Chinese traders urged to explore opportunities in Cebu, Visayas

CEBU CITY – Presidential Assistant for the Visayas, Secretary Michael Lloyd Dino, has encouraged Chinese businessmen, especially from Fujian province, to look at Cebu and the rest of the Visayas as a potential site for investment.

Soldiers told to take precautions

MAGUINDANAO – The Philippine military ordered security forces to take precautions during dangerous operations following the spate of bombings carried out by pro-ISIS militants in the restive province of Maguindanao.

Zamboanga City advances in PCCI’s awards event

FOLLOWING LAST year’s special citation by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the local government of Zamboanga City will advance to the final judging of the prestigious “2020 Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit Awards.”

Donde aprender español en Filipinas

MIENTRAS EL Covid-19 obliga a las escuelas y universidades a cerrar, puede que te preguntes cómo puedes conseguir tus objetivos de aprendizaje de idiomas. Pero por mucho que la pandemia ponga freno a todos nuestros planes, la vida tiene que continuar.

Zambo bus terminal upgrades security

THE ZAMBOANGA City Integrated Bus Terminal upgraded its security with the installation of a Smith Heimann baggage X-ray machine as the local government prepares for the new normal.

Zambo launches ‘Tiene Cuidao’ campaign

THE LOCAL Task Force Covid-19 recently launched the “Tiene Cuidao” campaign, an information drive against the coronavirus pandemic in an effort to eliminate or slow down the spread of the deadly respiratory disease.

USAID praises Zambo mayor

THE UNITED States Agency for International Development (USAID) praised Mayor Beng Climaco for her continued collaboration on its various projects and programs here and even cited her “visionary leadership” that resulted in many accomplishments.

Se necesita disciplina para combatir el virus

YA APELA otra vez el alcaldesa Beng Climaco na publico que segui con el community quarantine guidelines, especialmente en estos momentos criticos, y ayuda y coopera con el Gobierno de la Ciudad en la lucha contra el enfermedad del coronavirus (Covid-19).

SUNDAY REFLECTION by Mayor Beng Climaco

 Matthew 20:1-16

“Do not compare” - that is what Fr. John Chambers, S.J., used to teach us in the Ateneo High School Department. If we compare ourselves to others, we might end up bloated with pride thinking of ourselves as “mas bueno compara na otro” or being jealous because we think others have more than us.

Good news for Zambo real property owners!

THE LOCAL government urged real property owners to avail of the 100% real property tax relief on penalties, surcharges and other interests for all unpaid taxes covering the period 2020 and prior years and this shall run until end of the year.

3 soldiers wounded in Maguindanao blast

COTABATO CITY – Three soldiers were wounded in a bomb explosion Thursday while clearing an area occupied by pro-ISIS militants in the restive Philippine province of Maguindanao, officials said.

Tagum Mayor urges residents to be extra careful vs COVID-19

THE DEPARTMENT  of Agriculture (DA) will upgrade the skills of members of the Sagay Farmers' Association (SFA) in new technologies with the establishment of a 50-hectare corn demonstration farm in Barangay Sagay here.   

DOLE Davao provides school supplies to child laborers

THE DEPARTMENT  of Labor and Employment - Davao recently provided school supplies as part of Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (CLPEP).

Corn demo farm in western Cebu to upgrade farmers' skills

THE DEPARTMENT  of Agriculture (DA) will upgrade the skills of members of the Sagay Farmers' Association (SFA) in new technologies with the establishment of a 50-hectare corn demonstration farm in Barangay Sagay here.   

Tacloban City issues health certificate online

THE CITY government here will issue a digital health certificate to adapt to the new normal and reduce face-to-face transactions.  

Family in San Carlos City recovers from Covid-19

THE FOUR  members of a family in Barangay Quezon Boulevard here have fully recovered from the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) infection and were already sent home. 

Over 500 Covid-19 patients in Catbalogan get cash aid

OVER  500 confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients in Catbalogan City, Samar will receive financial assistance from the central government.

Bago City puts up 1st drive-thru swabbing station in NegOcc

BAGO CITY in Negros Occidental opened a drive-through swab sample collection center for coronavirus disease (Covid-19) on Wednesday.  

DOLE Davao provides school supplies to child laborers

RESIDENTS HERE  can now enjoy bird watching, nature, among other activities, at the Bangrin Marine Protected area, the newest tourism spot in the town.  

PDEA, PCOO, media ink pacts for wider anti-drug drive

THE PHILIPPINE  Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), and two media and events organizations have partnered to bring the government’s anti-drug campaign to a wider audience.  

Palace rejects study tagging Duterte as 'medical populist'

MALACAÑANG ON  Wednesday rejected a study which attributed the “medical populist” leadership style of President Rodrigo Duterte for the country’s alleged failure to suppress the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.   

NBI lawyer, brother in BI face extortion, graft raps

 A NATIONAL  Bureau of Investigation (NBI) lawyer and his brother who is an officer of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday underwent inquest proceedings before the Department of Justice (DOJ) over their alleged involvement in extorting money from BI personnel tagged in the “pastillas” scheme. 

Cops ordered to assist reopening of tourist spots

AS SOME  of the country’s tourist spots prepare to reopen, Joint Task Force COVID Shield commander, Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, on Wednesday ordered all police units to start coordinating with their respective local government units (LGUs) to maintain strict implementation of health and safety protocols against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). 

Key result areas identified to address hunger in PH

THE DUTERTE  administration, through the Zero Hunger Task Force, reiterated on Wednesday its vow to eradicate hunger as it identified six key result areas (KRAs) the government would focus on to achieve food security in the Philippines. 

PRRD invoking arbitral award 'significant first step'

FORMER PHILIPPINE  Ambassador to the United Nations Lauro Baja Jr. hailed as a "significant first step" President Rodrigo Duterte's invoking of the 2016 arbitral award on the South China Sea before the UN General Assembly on Wednesday morning.

Palace thanks Carpio for praising PRRD arbitral win assertion

MALACAÑANG ON Wednesday thanked retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio for praising President Rodrigo Duterte's assertion of the Hague-based arbitral ruling that invalidates China’s vast claims over the South China Sea before the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).  

Nobody stopping Caindec from discontinuing his probe

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON  Harry Roque on Wednesday urged Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 7 Director Victor Caindec to proceed with the investigation on alleged anomalies in the release of motorcycle plates.  

3 more countries help find missing Livestock 1 crew

THREE COUNTRIES have responded to the Philippines’ request to help the search and rescue operation for the missing crew, including 36 Filipinos, of Gulf Livestock 1 which sunk off the coast of Japan early this month, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III said on Wednesday.  

Recto, Lacson praise PRRD for ‘great speech’ at UN

SENATORS ON Wednesday lauded President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for the speech he delivered before the United Nations (UN) General Assembly early Wednesday.

Tagle recovers from Covid-19

FORMER MANILA  Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle has recovered from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). 

Gapay regrets shutdown of 'Hands Off Our Children' FB page

THE ARMED Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday expressed regret over Facebook's decision to take down the page of "Hands Off Our Children", whose advocacy is to prevent minors from being recruited into organizations espousing violent extremism.  

Valenzuela bettor wins P128-M Lotto 6/55 jackpot

THE PHILIPPINE  Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) on Thursday announced that a lone bettor from Valenzuela City bagged the jackpot in Wednesday night's Lotto games.

PH displays 'int'l leadership' for call to address climate change

THE INSTITUTE for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), an international climate and energy policy group based in the Philippines, lauded the Philippine government for its display of "international leadership" during the 75th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where President Rodrigo Duterte called on parties of the Paris Agreement to fight climate change.  

House panel approval of disaster resiliency dep't welcomed

THE APPROVAL  on third and final reading at the House of Representatives of the measure calling for the creation of the Department of Disaster Resiliency (DDR) is another step that would enhance the country's disaster risk reduction and management.

More barrier-related accidents due to overspeeding

AT LEAST  two separate collision incidents involving concrete barriers along the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (Edsa) on Thursday were again caused by overspeeding, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)

DOJ submits resolution on Koko's case

THE DEPARTMENT of Justice (DOJ) has submitted for resolution the case against Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III arising from an alleged violation of quarantine rules.  

E-scooter registration proposal still up for review

THE DEPARTMETN  of Transportation (DOTr) on Thursday clarified that the proposal of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to require the registration of e-scooters and e-bikes is still under review, even as Secretary Arthur Tugade expressed apprehension about its immediate implementation.   

DOJ submits resolution on Koko's case

THE DEPARTMENT  of Justice (DOJ) has submitted for resolution the case against Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III arising from an alleged violation of quarantine rules.  

Solon supports Duterte’s call for UN reforms

 A LAWMAKER  at the House of Representatives has backed President Rodrigo Duterte's call for reforms in the United Nations to effectively address the challenges posed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Baguio jail maintains Covid-free status

THE BAGUIO  City Jail’s male dormitory is still free from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) as it remains under absolute lockdown, with the movement of people and goods under tight control, its warden said Thursday. 

Olongapo City confirms 1 death; 449 total Covid-19 cases

  A SEÑOR citizen became the latest fatality from coronavirus disease (Covid-19) here, bringing the death toll to 18.  

More than 90% of Americans 'susceptible' to Covid-19

THE DIRECTOR  of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention said Wednesday that most Americans remain susceptible to the coronavirus.

Military's social media accounts still up

NONE OF the Facebook accounts that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) maintain have been removed or shut down, an official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines said Wednesday.   

Climate change must be addressed as urgently as Covid-19

PRESIDENT RODRIGO  Duterte urged on Wednesday parties of the Paris Agreement to honor their commitment to fighting climate change.  

Helping refugees shared responsibility of all nations

HELPING REFUGEES  is a “shared responsibility” of nations, President Rodrigo Duterte said, reaffirming the Philippines' commitment to keeping open its doors to the most vulnerable.   

Duterte to warring nations: Escalating tensions benefit no one

THERE IS  a need for warring nations to deescalate tensions to prevent a nuclear war in the future, President Rodrigo Duterte said Wednesday.  

PH committed to reaching Sustainable Development Goals

THE PHILIPPINES remains committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, President Rodrigo Duterte said Wednesday.  

PNP, AFP sign accord on anti-insurgency, terrorism

THE POLICE and military signed on Wednesday a joint letter directive aimed at cooperative efforts to quell threats by terrorism and communist insurgency in the country.   

NCRPO boosts measures to protect personnel from Covid-19

THE NATIONAL  Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has established Station Health Units (SHUs) in five police districts in Metro Manila to address the rising number of police personnel infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).  

DOJ warns public on emerging security risks during online classes

AS PUBLIC schools begin blended learning including online classes on October 5, the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) has issued public advisory in response to the emerging security risks associated with the online classes amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.  

PH still won’t allow UN rapporteurs to probe killings

AMID MOUNTING  concerns over supposed human rights violations under the Duterte administration, Malacañang on Wednesday said they will not allow United Nations (UN) special rapporteurs to investigate on deaths linked to the crackdown on illegal drugs.   

DOT reminds Manila Bay visitors to follow health protocols

AS PEOPLE  flocked to the newly opened Manila Bay "white sand beach," the Department of Tourism (DOT) reminded the public to follow all safety and health protocols to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) while appreciating the beach nourishment project.  

Baguio releases aid to 64 MSMEs

THE CITY  government on Tuesday started to release the loan assistance to an initial 64 beneficiaries of the stimulus package for micro and small medium enterprises (MSMEs).  

Sustained Covid-19 community transmission declared in Koronadal

HEALTH AUTHORITIES  in South Cotabato declared on Wednesday the sustained community transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in Koronadal City.  

3,162 villages cleared of illegal drugs in W. Visayas

THE REGIONAL Oversight Committee (ROC) on Dangerous Drugs in Western Visayas has declared 64 villages from Panay and Guimaras as drug-cleared, bringing to 3,162 the total drug-cleared barangays in the region as of Tuesday.  

Duterte impressed by Manila Bay rehab

PRESIDENT RODRIGO  Duterte on Monday evening praised Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu for leading the efforts to rehabilitate Manila Bay.  

Public warned vs. con artist using name of PNP chief

 The Philippine National Police (PNP) is going after a con artist posing on Facebook as its chief, Gen. Camilo Cascolan, and warned the public of a modus using his name.

Newly-nominated poll exec needs CA nod before assuming post

NEWLY-NOMINATED  Commission on Elections (Comelec) commissioner Michael Peloton needs the approval of the Commission on Appointments (CA) before he can assume his post.  

Duterte still hopeful Cayetano honors term-sharing deal

MALACAÑANG ON Tuesday said President Rodrigo Duterte is still hopeful that House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano would honor his term-sharing deal with Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco.  

933 new permits issued by LGUs for construction of telco towers

THE ANTI-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) had recorded a total of 933 approved telecommunications permits since it issued issuance Compliance Orders to local government units (LGUs) last month.  

Rebels turning their backs on conflict are heroes

  A COMMANDER  of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division (2ID), which has operational jurisdiction over Southern Tagalog, on Tuesday called communist rebels voluntarily surrendering to government forces as "heroes of modern times".  

Pasig rolls out bike loan program for gov't employees

THE LOCAL government of Pasig on Tuesday launched an interest-free bike loan program to its city employees to promote biking as a sustainable mode of transportation especially during the pandemic. 

Scout Rangers capture Sayyaf camp

SULU - The Philippine Army seized an Abu Sayyaf encampment on Tuesday as troops continue to hunt down members of the terrorist group, who engineered last month’s twin suicide bombings in Sulu province, officials said.

NoCot guv urges improved capacity in Covid-19 response

NORTH COTABATO Governor Nancy Catamco has underscored the importance of boosting the province's isolation facilities to cope with a possible spike in coronavirus disease (Covid-19) infections. 

House leadership row won’t derail 2021 budget

SPEAKER ALLAN  Peter Cayetano has assured the public that the “political noise” surrounding the ongoing leadership row at the House of Representatives will not derail the passage of the proposed PHP4.506 trillion national budget for 2021.   

Duterte sure 2 nations won’t ask PH for vaccine reservation fee

 PRESIDENT RODRIGO  Duterte is certain that at least two countries will provide the Philippines with a supply of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccines without asking to pay a reservation fee, Malacañang said Tuesday.   

Galvez cites unified efforts of NCR LGUs vs. Covid-19

LOCALIZING RESPONSE  against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic within the National Capital Region (NCR) has improved due to unified efforts of local government units (LGUs), Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., chief implementer of the national policy against Covid-19, said Monday.

Broadband cost dropped by 60% since 2016

GLOBE TELECOM  one of the major broadband providers in the country, on Tuesday reported that the cost of broadband has dropped by more than 60 percent since 2016. 

2 Sayyafs surrender in Sulu

SULU – Two Abu Sayyaf militants surrendered separately to the Philippine Army in the southern province of Sulu, officials said Tuesday.

Covid-19 recovery rate in Sarangani now 80.48%

SARANGANI PROVINCES  active coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases dropped to only 22 as of Monday night as more patients continued to recover in the area.  

Troops kill NPA, 2 others captured in Zambo town

PAGADIAN CITY – Security forces killed a communist insurgent and captured 2 others in the southern Filipino province of Zamboanga del Sur, officials said Tuesday.

Suspected Dawlah Islamiya terrorist group member falls in QC

 A SUSPECTED member of terrorist group Dawlah Islamiya was arrested in Quezon City over the weekend, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Camilo Cascolan said Monday.  

PNP chief orders probe into continued drug ops inside prisons

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL Police (PNP) chief Gen. Camilo Cascolan has ordered a probe into the alleged continuing illegal drug operations inside prisons.

Nurses with contracts as of Aug. 31 now allowed to work abroad

PRESIDENT RODRIGO Duterte has allowed nurses and other healthcare workers with complete documents as of Aug. 31 to leave and work overseas, Malacañang said Monday. 

Soccsksargen reports 50 Covid-19 recoveries

FIFTY CORONAVIRUS disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients have recovered across Region 12 (Soccsksargen) as of Sunday, the regional health office reported. 

PH's ‘smallest’ jeepney brings smiles to Baguio crowd

 A MINI jeepney, probably the smallest in the country, beeping its way through the city's streets brings smiles to locals for its novelty.

Nearly P14-M shabu seized, 'courier' shot dead in NegOr town

JOINT OPERATIVES from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Negros Oriental have seized almost PHP14 million of suspected shabu from an alleged drug courier who was killed during an anti-illegal drug operation in Sibulan town.  

Mountain Province cops recover 17 abandoned marijuana bricks

AUTHORITIES ON  Sunday afternoon recovered 17 abandoned marijuana bricks in Samuki, Bontoc, Mountain Province estimated to be worth PHP2.04 million.  

Lawyer with IT experience named new Comelec commissioner

COMMISSION ON Elections (Comelec) chairman Sheriff Abas on Monday said the nomination of lawyer Michael Braganza Peloton to the commission will contribute to the government’s campaign to revolutionize the country’s electoral process.  

Kampo ng BIFF, nakubkob ng militar!

MAGUINDANAO – Nakubkob ng mga sundalo mula sa 33^rd Infantry Battalion ang isang kampo ng Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters o BIFF sa isinagawang military operations sa Barangay Saniag sa bayan ng Ampatuan kahapon lamang.

Fighting erupts in Sulu, 3 soldiers wounded

SULU – Three soldiers were wounded in a clash with pro-ISIS Abu Sayyaf fighters in the southern Philippine province of Sulu, security officials said Monday.

Bomb attack foiled in Sulu

SULU - The Philippine military said it thwarted a bomb attack in the capital town of Jolo in the southern province of Sulu barely a month after twin suicide bombings claimed by ISIS killed and wounded dozens of people.

Bombing kills Marine, 4 others wounded in Maguindanao

COTABATO CITY - A bomb explosion had killed a Philippine Marine and wounded four others in a daring roadside attack in the province of Maguindanao in the war-torn Muslim autonomous region in the South.

UK, France, Germany reject China's 'historical claims' in SCS

FRANCE, GERMANY, and the United Kingdom submitted a note verbale to the United Nations, asserting the 2016 arbitral award which opposed China's vast "historical claims" in the resource-rich South China Sea.  

DFA condoles with kin of 1st Filipina mayor in England

THE DEPARTMENT of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday sent its condolences to the kin of Councilor Cynthia Alcantara-Barker, the first Filipina mayor in England who passed away on Monday following a period of illness. 

7 cases filed in court since EODB passage

THE ANTI-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) on Friday said about seven cases have been filed before the Office of the Ombudsman and Civil Service Commission since the Ease of Doing Business law was passed in 2018.  

SC affirms concessionaire's eviction from Army facility

THE SUPREME Court (SC) ruled in favor of the Philippine Army (PA) in a suit it filed against a concessionaire tailoring and barbershop within the vicinity of the Army Training Unit. 

Rescue choppers enough amid Sikorsky helicopters' grounding

THE PHILIPPINE  Air Force (PAF) said Friday it has enough helicopters for rescue missions despite the grounding of its Sikorsky S-76A rescue helicopters following Wednesday's crash in Basilan that killed four of its personnel. 

PH focus crimes down by 47% in 6 months of quarantine:

CRIME INCIDENTS  in the country dropped by 47 percent as community quarantine measures in the country amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) have been in effect for six months, a ranking police official said Friday.

Sun Life PH exec eyes 2020 GDP at -6.5%

AN OFFICIAL of Sun Life Philippines forecast on Friday a -6.5-percent output for the Philippine economy this year because of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic but a recovery of between 5-6.5 percent is forecast for 2021.   

Ilocos Norte Covid-19 patient calls for end to discrimination

 A 23-year-old customer care representative from San Lorenzo village, Bangui, Ilocos Norte who recently tested positive for Covid-19 has appealed to the public to show respect and avoid spreading disinformation. 

PH, USAID partner to help Filipina entrepreneurs

THE  US government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has forged a new partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), National Confederation of Cooperatives, and the Philippine private sector to empower Filipina entrepreneurs.  

SUNDAY REFLECTION by Mayor Beng Climaco

Grandparents Sunday!

SIRACH 28:7 - God overlooks offense. Matthew 18:35 - Jesus added, “So will my Heavenly Father do with you, unless you sincerely forgive your brothers and sisters.” 

SC upholds junking of suit to disclose PRRD's health records

THE SUPREME  Court (SC) has upheld its earlier decision dismissing for lack of merit a suit seeking the disclosure of President Rodrigo Duterte's health records from the time he assumed the presidency.  

8 new Covid-19 cases recorded in Cabanatuan City

   A TWO -year-old girl and a 12-year-old boy are the youngest among the eight new confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in this city, which has logged a total of 217 infections as of Thursday. 

Anti-Duterte propaganda?

KUMAKALAT NGAYON sa Zamboanga City ang ilang mga placards ukol sa di-umano’y korapsyon sa pondo ng gobyerno sa gitna ng Covid-19 pandemic.

Take extra precautions, more typhoons expected: Beng

MAYOR BENG Climaco reminded residents, especially those who live near foothills, seaside and riverbanks, including in low-lying barangays, to take extra precautions after weather experts predicted at least 5 more tropical cyclones to enter the country before the year ends.

Zamboanga mayors target of ransom kidnappings

MAYORS IN Zamboanga Peninsula are now targets of ransom kidnapping, according to the police which bared the names of local chief executives during a virtual executive meeting called recently by the Regional Peace and Order Council or RPOC.

Zambo truck ban now in effect!

ZAMBOANGA CITY has re-imposed a truck ban five days a week in an effort to ease the flow of traffic, especially during rush hours, as the public continues to adapt to the restrictions and routine of the new normal.

Anti-smuggling campaign lauded

MAYOR BENG Climaco lauded the Bureau of Customs and the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies involved in the government’s campaign against smuggling.

North Borneo Bureau: Philippines, Sultanate of Sulu exert claim on Sabah

THE PHILIPPINES said it would revive the “North Borneo Bureau” to exert its claim to the mineral-rich Sabah even if Malaysia insisted it is theirs.

Yeshua: The Name Jesus’ Friends And Family Would Have Called Him While He Was Alive

REGARDLESS OF religious belief, the name “Jesus” is nearly universally recognizable. However, it may come as a surprise that the name millions of Christians all over the world are implored not to take in vain was not actually “Jesus” at all.

Public urged to be cautious of anti-virus products

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH group EcoWaste Coalition has cautioned consumers not to fall for misleading online ads for products claiming to prevent Covid-19 infection and urged the public to be critical of products that are promoted to effectively eliminate pathogens.

Tourism workers undergo Covid tests

LAPU-LAPU CITY - The local government said it tested nearly 400 boatmen, boat operators and dive shop owners for coronavirus disease in preparation for the reopening of the tourism business here.

Cebu mayors rally behind Gwen vs. dolomite mining

CEBU CITY – All of Cebu’s local chief executives have stood behind and supported the provincial government’s decision to stop dolomite mining in Alcoy town.

GenSan steps up measures to prevent locust infestation

THE CITY  government has launched containment measures to prevent the possible occurrence of another locust infestation in the area.

DPWH, Covid-19 TF help ramp up Iligan’s isolation capacity

THIS CITY  became the recipient of one of the largest Covid-19 mega quarantine isolation facilities built by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the country.  

Virus will not be last pandemic or health crisis

THE WORLD Health Organization (WHO) chief warned Monday that Covid-19 is a harbinger of future global health emergencies, and called for political and financial investments to prevent pandemics. 

PH to get 1K more vials of remdesivir for Solidarity Trial

THE PHILIPINES  is set to receive additional 1,000 vials of anti-viral drug remdesivir to be used in the ongoing Solidarity Trial of the World Health Organization (WHO), a health official said Wednesday.

Site initiation meeting for Avigan clinical trial held

THE SITE  initiation meeting for the country's clinical trials of anti-viral drug Avigan, a potential treatment against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), began over the weekend, a health official said Wednesday. 

QC distributes 176K tablets to public school students

THE LOCAL  government of Quezon City on Wednesday turned over 176,000 tablets to the local school board which will be used by public high school students in the upcoming blended learning amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Army agri project to launch in Sulu

SULU – The 21^st Infantry Battalion has sought the support of the provincial government for its agricultural farming project in the town of Patikul in an effort to promote peace and development in Sulu.

16 more overseas Filipinos contract coronavirus

SIXTEEN MORE  Filipinos were afflicted with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) abroad, raising the overall tally to 10,339, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported Wednesday.  

Isko launches Manila Restaurant Week to aid businesses reboot

THE MANILA  Restaurant Week has formally kicked off on Tuesday at the Manila Hotel, which seeks to help businesses in the city of Manila as the country gradually reopens the economy.  

1K housing units distributed to Yolanda victims in Samar

CABINET SECRETARY Karlo Nograles on Wednesday led national and local government officials in an online formal turnover of completed housing units in Basey, Samar as part of the Duterte administration's efforts to fulfill the housing needs of Super Typhoon Yolanda victims.

San Juan PUJ drivers get food packs, aid amid pandemic

PUBLIC UTILITY  jeepney (PUJ) drivers hard-hit by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic on Wednesday started to receive food packs from the local government of San Juan.  

'Leon,' habagat to bring more rains over most parts of PH

TROPICAL STORM Leon, which is now enhancing the southwest monsoon (habagat), will cause scattered rains over most parts of the archipelago, a weather specialist said Wednesday afternoon. 

QC distributes 176K tablets to public school students

THE LOCAL l government of Quezon City on Wednesday turned over 176,000 tablets to the local school board which will be used by public high school students in the upcoming blended learning amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.  

PH hits 3M coronavirus tests

NATIONAL POLICY  Against Covid-19 Deputy Chief Implementer Vivencio Dizon on Wednesday said the country has conducted more than three million reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests for Covid-19 as of the middle of September.  

Landbank unveils new educational loan program

 FAMILIES IN  need of financial assistance to be able to continue sending their students to school amid the coronavirus-induced economic crisis may now avail of a lending program recently rolled out by the Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) benefiting those from preschool to college who plan to enroll this coming school year.  

6 gov’t agencies to pool resources for distribution of face masks

PRESIDENT RODRIGO  Duterte has ordered six government agencies to coordinate and pool their resources and efforts into the production and “expedited” distribution of free face masks as the country continues to grapple with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. 

PH pushes for early COC conclusion in Asean meet

THE PHILIPPINE  government, as the country coordinator for the Asean-China Dialogue, is pushing for the early conclusion of negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. 

Rains, intermittent winds in some parts of PH Thursday

SOME PARTS  of the country will experience intermittent gusts and rains due to the southwest monsoon being enhanced by Tropical Storm Noul (local name Leon), a weather specialist said Thursday. 

27 new infections raise PNP Covid-19 tally to 5,233

THE NUMBER  of police personnel who have contracted the coronavirus disease has reached 5,233.  

Gunmen seize jobless man in Zambo town

PAGADIAN CITY – Four masked gunmen seized a 64-year old man after stopping him and his family in a village in the outskirts of Sirawai town in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga del Norte, police said Thursday.

Balba named as PNP Special Action Force acting director

NEWLY-APPOINTED  Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) acting director Brig. Gen. Bernabe Balba on Wednesday vowed to effectively fulfill the mandate of the elite unit of the police force.

BRP Jose Rizal now in Guam for 2-day replenishment

 MISSILE-FRIGATE  BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and the Naval Task Force (NTG) 80.5 on Wednesday docked at the Romeo Pier 1 of Naval Base Guam to replenish its fuel and other supplies before sailing back to the Philippines on Friday.

For 1st time, 21 MRT-3 trains run simultaneously

THE METRO  Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) on Wednesday fielded 21 trains running simultaneously along its main line, the first time since the rail service was built.

3rd probe team to look into PhilHealth's finance issues

  THE DEPARTMENT  of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday said it is looking to create a third composite team to investigate anomalies in connection with the finances of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth). 

SEC okays SMIC P30-B shelf offering

THE SECURITIES  and Exchange Commission (SEC) has favorably considered the public offering by SM Investments Corp. (SMIC) of fixed-rate bonds worth as much as PHP30 billion under shelf registration.  

700K informal sector workers to benefit from Bayanihan 2

SOME  700,000 workers from the informal sector would benefit from funds allocated to the Department of Labor and Employment under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2), an official said Thursday.

Group uses social media to help E. Samar schools in 'new normal'

A VOLUNTEER organization has turned to social media to create a platform to extend help to schools in Eastern Samar province amid the shift to distance learning.

Cascolan reshuffles 6 more PNP execs

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE  (PNP) chief, Gen. Camilo Cascolan has ordered another revamp of senior police officials.  

4 dead in Basilan chopper crash

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A Philippine Air Force chopper crashed Wednesday in the southern province of Basilan and killing four people, reports said.

DOTr says reduced distancing in PUVs won’t result in ‘crowding’

THE RECENT  easing of physical distancing in public transport will not result in crowding, with most public utility vehicles (PUVs) adding only a few passengers, according to Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade.  

Panelo blasts Joma over latest remarks vs. PRRD

CHIEF PRESIDENTIAL Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo has belied the latest statements of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison against President Rodrigo Duterte and his administration.  

DSWD lauds DILG, PNP for identifying corruption in SAP

DEPARTMENT OF  Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista thanked on Tuesday officials of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) for identifying barangay officials involved in social amelioration program (SAP) anomalies.  

San Juan, USAID ink deal to expand community-based drug rehab

RECOVERY TO drug addiction is possible and drug users could regain their normal lives, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said on Tuesday, as the city government signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to boost community-based drug rehabilitation program.  

PH's Covid-19 response deserves 'very good' grade

MALACAÑANG ON  Tuesday gave a “very good grade” of 85 percent on the country’s overall response to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

Manila to prioritize market vendors in mass testing

THE MANILA  City government will be prioritizing vendors in different public markets in the city once the second testing laboratory being built at the Sta. Ana Hospital starts to operate. 

Task Force PhilHealth's recommendation 'just the beginning'

MALACAÑANG ON Tuesday said the probe into the alleged irregularities in the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) will continue, noting that the recommendation to file charges against key officials of the agency is "just the beginning".

Manila to prioritize market vendors in mass testing

THE MANILA  City government will be prioritizing vendors in different public markets in the city once the second testing laboratory being built at the Sta. Ana Hospital starts to operate.  

P300-M allotted for displaced teachers under Bayanihan 2

  A TOTAL .of PHP300 million in subsidies and allowances have been allotted for displaced teachers and non-teaching personnel under the newly-enacted Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2), Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Tuesday.

House okays disaster resilience dep't on 2nd reading

THE HOUSE  of Representatives on Tuesday approved on second reading a measure creating the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR), listed as legislative priority of the Duterte administration.

IATF to issue reso on reduced physical distancing in PUVs

THE INTER-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) would issue a resolution on the easing of physical distancing in public transportation, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Tuesday. 

Oplan Kalinga, isolation lower NCR’s Covid-19 cases by 35%

THE "AGGRESSIVE"  isolation efforts and the government's Oplan Kalinga program reduced the number of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases in the National Capital Region (NCR) by 35 percent, National Policy Against Covid-19 chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said on Tuesday. 

Hotel staycation in GCQ areas eyed on October 1

THE GOVERNMENT  is targeting October 1 for the reopening of hotels for staycation and leisure guests, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said Tuesday.  

SMC gives P2-M life insurance coverage to Cebu front-liners

SAN MIGUEL Corporation (SMC) said it has completed providing life insurance coverage to about 5,000 medical front-liners from 18 hospitals across Cebu, who are now insured for PHP2 million each. 

Bayanihan 2 paves way for telcos to improve service

TELECOMMUNICATIONS  COMPANIES could now build critical information and communications technology infrastructures, including cell towers faster with the provisions of the Bayanihan 2, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Tuesday.   

PNP chief orders inventory of seized motor vehicles

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL  Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Camilo Cascolan on Wednesday warned anew all police officers against using confiscated vehicles and motorcycles, particularly those seized as pieces of evidence in criminal cases.  

Taguig vows stricter enforcement of quarantine rules

THE TAGUIG  city government said it will tighten the enforcement quarantine protocols aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Reduced physical distancing stays unless revoked by PRRD

THE GOVERNMENT'S  decision to gradually reduce physical distancing among passengers in public transportation stays unless revoked by President Rodrigo Duterte, Malacañang said Wednesday.  

VP Robredo lauds AFP contribution to anti-Covid-19 drive

VICE PRESIDENT  Maria Leonor "Leni" Robredo thanked the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for its efforts in helping the government's response to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.  

Lorenzana prefers more SoKor-donated ships for Navy

DEFENSE SECRETARY Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday said he prefers to acquire naval vessels recently retired by South Korea as these are operational and could quickly be put into service with the Philippine Navy (PN).  

Robredo entitled to her opinion on gov’t Covid-19 response

MALACAÑANG ON  Wednesday shrugged off the remark made by Vice President Leni Robredo that the national government has “no system in place” in its coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) response.  

PCSO resumes STL ops in Ilocos Norte, Nueva Vizcaya

SMALL TOWN  lottery (STL) operations are now allowed to resume in the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya and Ilocos Norte starting Wednesday.   

IATF lifts suspension of LSI inbound travel in Western Visayas

THE INBOUND travel by returning residents to the provinces in Western Visayas may now resume after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) lifted its suspension.  

DENR vows to finish Manila Bay rehab despite criticisms

THE DEPARTMENT  of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Tuesday vowed to finish rehabilitation efforts in Manila Bay, including the beach nourishment project, despite criticisms on the use of crushed dolomite boulders as artificial white sand. 

UN calls for int'l solidarity to find vaccine accessible to all

UNITED NATIONS  Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called on the international community to get united and find a vaccine that is accessible to all.  

Quiapo prelates to face Black Nazarene motorcade probe

QUIAPO CHURCH  officials on Wednesday said they are ready to face the investigation of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Covid Shield on the motorcade of the image of the Black Nazarene last Monday.