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House panel OKs bill on BIR data interconnectivity

MANILA, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- A bill seeking to establish electronic linkages between the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the country’s businesses for improved tax collection efficiency has hurdled the committee level at the House of Representatives.

This after the House ways and means committee approved House Bill 4601, which mandates the creation of an electronic data information interconnectivity between the BIR and the sellers of goods and services utilizing cash-register machines (CRM) and/or point-of-sale (POS) machines.

The proposed electronic system will link sales and purchased data entered on CRM/POS machines of value added tax (VAT)-registered taxpayers to the BIR’s servers for simultaneous reporting of sales and purchase data.

Quirino Rep. Dakila Carlo Cua, committee chairman and author of the bill, cited the need to improve the country’s tax administration system to boost government revenue.

“Tax administration is the heart of taxation. However, given the country’s tax laws as to what and how much to be taxed, it is still the system of tax collection which is the be-all and end-all of every government’s fiscal standing,” said Cua.

Cua explained that these data linkages could help plug loopholes in the tax system with an end view of increasing VAT collections, removing burdensome compliance requirements, and promoting transparency in businesses with bulk transactions.

“If enacted into law, the measure will greatly help in the early detection of misdeclaration done by unscrupulous taxpayers, thereby reducing or removing errors in the reporting of sales and purchases,” Cua said.

“Mandating interconnection between the BIR and appropriate government agencies will provide the BIR with third party information, easier VAT refund mechanism and data collection, all of which could be used in plugging leakages and overall efficiency of tax administration,” he added.

The use of information technology in providing connectivity between the tax authority and businesses will also put the Philippine at par with other countries, he further noted.

Finance Assistant Secretary Ma. Teresa Habitan and BIR legal counsel Atty. Nina Asuncion expressed their support for the bill during the hearing.

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) project manager Cesar Vinuya said the DICT is currently putting up the necessary infrastructure that would create electronic linkages among government agencies.

The DICT also intends to replicate this system as well in the business sector. (PNA)

Signal jammers to be installed along Black Nazarene procession route
By Ferdinand G. Patinio

MANILA, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- Just like last year, signal jammers will be installed along the route of the procession and the vicinities of Quirino Grandstand in Luneta and the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene located in Quezon Boulevard, Manila during the celebration of the annual feast on January 9.

According to Col. Llewelyn Binasoy of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the installation of signal jammers is part of the security to be implemented during the 2017 Traslacion.

"As part of security preparations of Traslacion 2017 all areas, route of procession there would be no signals so I hope you understand it is part of the security preparations," he said during the media briefing for the said event on Wednesday.

The AFP official noted that the areas in Manila where the mass and procession will be held will be declared as a no fly zone, noting that flying of drones are also prohibited.

"We ask from media and public not to have their drones in the air. We would want to give this fair warning to everyone part of the security is "no fly zone" during the Traslacion," he added.

Binasoy said that AFP personnel will also be deployed in Luneta, Quiapo and at route of the procession to provide security and to help maintain peace and order.

On the other hand, Ensign Mozart Cumbe of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) appealed to the public especially those who will be joining the procession to refrain from jumping off the Jones Bridge, part of the Traslacion route going to the Basilica.

"Ang panawagan natin sa devotees na iwasan na tumalon sa Jones Bridge while underway andas ng Nazareno. Kung hindi makaiwas na tumalon, tingnan kung sadya 'yung pagtalon huli ng river marshals, kung accident, meron medical personnel mga first aider nakasakay sa floating asset ng PCG," he added.

Cumbe noted those who will be caught by PCG's river martials and Philippine National Police (PNP) maritime police staying under the bridge will be investigated.

"Sila ay iimbestigahan ng ating river marshals at PNP maritime police. Kung hindi talaga maiwasan mahulog o tumalon. Nandyan ang PCG sa ilalim para antabayanan sila," he added.

But, Cumbe said the incidents of people jumping off the bridge have decreased in recent years.

"Last year, 3 ang nareport na tumalon. Previous years meron 5-6 so last year 3 na lang," the PCG personnel added.

Aside from the said agencies, other government offices such as the Department of Public Works and Highways, Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of Health, the local government of Manila are closely coordinating with the officials of the Quiapo Church headed by Msgr. Hernando Coronal, rector, to ensure a safe and organized event.

Millions of Black Nazarene devotees are expected to join the Traslacion on Monday, which will start at the Quirino Grandstand and will end at the Basilica. (PNA)

AFP deploys units to help in ongoing pursuit ops vs escaped North Cotabato District Jail inmates

MANILA, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has deployed units to help in the recapture of an estimated 130 inmates who were set free by still unidentified armed men from North Cotabato District Jail in Kidapawan City early Wednesday morning.

This was disclosed by AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo who said that two squads (roughly 24 troops) are now helping police operatives in the ongoing pursuit operations against the escaped inmates.

He added more military units will be deployed if more ground forces are needed.

Earlier, an estimated 100 heavily armed men attacked the North Cotabato District Jail past 12:30 a.m., killing one jail guard and wounding another before freeing around 130 inmates

Witnesses said the attackers first unlocked Cell No. 8 where the Salik and Camayo brothers, suspected Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) members, were detained.

The gunmen also unlocked other cells. It was the third attack in the provincial jail facility since 2007. (PNA)

ASG seajacking attempt off Basilan coast foiled

MANILA, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- Prompt response from her own crew and nearby naval units prevented Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits from attacking and boarding the container ship M/V Ocean Kingdom as it was passing off Sibago Island, Basilan on Tuesday afternoon.

Western Mindanao Command (WMC) spokesperson Major Filemon Tan said the incident took place 3:24 p.m.

He added that the M/V Ocean Kingdom, which was headed for Davao City after leaving Zamboanga City, when fired upon by six automatic rifle-armed ASG bandits aboard two motor boats.

Tan said the ship sustained gunshot holes in her port and starboard freeboard but fortunately not one of her crewmen was wounded.

Due to the vigilance of her crew and the prompt response of naval troops, the armed perpetrators aborted their attempt to seajack the vessel and retreated towards Moro Gulf.

"The Naval Forces Western Mindanao Command deployed naval vessels with the Naval Special Operations Unit in the area. Air assets were also deployed to conduct aerial reconnaissance and later on pre-positioned in the area as government forces continue to monitor transiting vessels at Basilan Strait and Zamboanga City waters," the WMC spokesperson said.

He added Joint Task Forces Zamboanga, Basilan, and Sulu were already alerted and directed to look out and pursue the perpetrators.

As of this posting, M/V Ocean Kingdom and its 27 crewmen have resumed their voyage to Davao City. (PNA)

Chinese cohort of Marine officer implicated in PHP380-M drug bust surrenders to NBI

MANILA, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- The Chinese cohort of Marine Lt. Col. Ferdinand Marcelino who was implicated in a PHP380 million drug-bust in Sta. Cruz, Manila last year, surrendered to the National Bureau of Investigation, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said on Wednesday.

Aguirre said that Yan Yi Shuo a.k.a Randy, surrendered Tuesday night to the NBI Special Task Force headed by Head Agent Moises Tamayo. The Special Task Force was constituted by NBI Director Dante Gierran to handle delicate missions of similar nature.

“We are proud to announce that Yan Yi Shuo a.k.a Randy is now under the custody of the NBI. This is a welcome development insofar as our pursuit of this case is concerned,” Aguirre said adding that the alleged companion of Col. Marcelino in the illegal drugs case filed by the Department of Justice. 


Under the stewardship of Secretary Aguirre and Director Gierran, the NBI has made great achievements in President Duterte’s War on Drugs including the successful PHP 6-billion drug haul last December 2016. This is the largest drug raid in the history of the Philippine’s fight against illegal drugs.

“As I have said before, we shall be relentless in this fight,"Aguirre added.


The Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 49 issued an arrest warrant against Marcelino and Chinese co-accused Yan Yi Shou last Dec. 22 after turning down their motion to dismiss the drug charges against them.

The two men were nabbed by anti-narcotics operatives last Jan. 21, 2016 in an abandoned shabu laboratory at the Celadon Residences in Sta. Cruz, Manila where authorities seized 76,697.7 grams of shabu worth over PHP380 million. On Tuesday, the DOJ filed an urgent motion before the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) which seeks the issuance of a hold departure order against of Marcelino and his Chinese cohort over the drug case filed by the DOJ against them last September.

“It is most respectfully prayed of his Honorable Court that the urgent motion for the issuance of hold departure order be granted and a HDO be issued against accused Lt. Colonel Ferdinand Marcelino and Yan Yi Shou, directing the Bureau of Immigration to include them in its hold departure list to prevent any possibility of their flight to another country to avoid prosecution of the case against them,” Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Richard Anthony Fadullon said in a three-page urgent motion filed before Manila RTC Branch 49 Judge Daniel Villanueva.

“The prosecution dreads and believes that both accused may leave the country to escape prosecution and avoid facing up their liability and thus frustrates the end of justice,” it added.(PNA)

US on PHL-Russia bilateral defense relations: Foreign relations are not binary
By Sammy F. Martin

MANILA, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- The United States on Wednesday stressed that every country has the right to pursue bilateral relations of its own choosing.

“I’ve said many times â€" and this is a good example of it â€" that foreign relations aren’t binary. Right? And these choices that countries have to make are not binary choices, and every nation-state has the right to pursue bilateral relations of its own choosing,” John Kirby, US State Department spokesperson when asked about their reaction on the planned joint military exercises by Russia and the Philippines.

“And so again, I would leave it to both of their governments to discuss it. What it â€" what I can promise you is that it won’t affect how we view the importance of our bilateral relationship with the Philippines,” he added.

This after the deputy commander of Russia’s Pacific fleet who is now in Manila announced plans to hold joint military exercises with thePhilippine Navy.

The Russian Navy made a port call Tuesday.

He said the Russian Navy is more than willing to show and demonstrate the use of its various combat systems to its Filipino counterparts once an agreement is inked, allowing the joint training of Philippine and Russian maritime forces.

"Maybe in the future, we'll have exercises with you maneuvering and use of combat systems," Deputy Commander Rear Admiral Eduard Mikhailov, Russian Pacific Fleet Flotilla was quoted as saying during a press briefing.

Mikhailov said Russia, the Philippines, China and Malaysia can participate in one big naval exercise in the South China Sea at a proper time.

He added that this is possible as all the above-mentioned countries are concerned with the safety and security of the region.

Mikhailov is the head of the Russian naval delegation which is on a six-day goodwill visit to the country which will end on Saturday.

However, Kirby reminded that “the defense relationship between the United States and the Philippines remains very, very strong.”

“We do have security commitments, alliance commitments that we take very, very seriously,” he pointed out.

“And that defense cooperation has always been provided at the request of Philippine administrations, so our overall mil-to-mil relations remain robust, they remain multifaceted, and that’s the way we want to see it continue. I think the Russian Navy is open to have joint exercises with its Philippine counterparts,” he concluded. (PNA)

Muslim group supports President Duterte’s anti-crime campaign

MANILA, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- A Muslim leader of the Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte-National Executive Coordinating Council (MRRD-NECC) urged members of Association of South East Asian Nation (ASEAN) to support President Rodrigo Duterte in his campaign against illegal drugs.

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General, Secretary Guiling “Gene” Mamondiong, founder of MRRD-NECC, said the battle against illegal drugs would be more effective with the full-fledged support and cooperation of the ASEAN neighbors.

“We are urging the ASEAN member countries to join the President (Duterte) in his war against illegal drugs and make the Asian countries drug-free”, said Mamondiong who actively helps President Duterte in the fight on illegal drugs.

Mamondiong has appealed to China to help its neighboring nations, especially the Philippines, in its war on illegal drugs.

It would be recalled that Mamondiong challenged the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the opposition to help the administration in the campaign on illegal drugs to save the youth from the ill-effects of the stuff.

“I will challenge the CHR and the opposition to join the war of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte against illegal drugs and find out what they can do to protect the rights of the victims of the drug lords, drug protectors and drug pushers. In this way, they will be able to make up for the failures of the past administration," said Mamondiong.

The MRRD-NECC was established prior to the May 2016 national elections to help President Duterte keep the country crime-free, drug-free, corruption-free, insurgency-free and poverty-free.

“The rising incidents of crimes against women and children are drug-related. Molestation and rape cases committed against minors by their parents are drug-related. Ganito na kalala ang problema ng droga sa ating bansa kaya tama lang ang ginagawa ni Pangulong Duterte,” added Mamondiong.

Both the CHR and the opposition have resisted the campaign of the government on drugs but Mamondiong said that the two groups have not done anything to protect the rights of the victims of the crimes linked to drugs.

“If the CHR and the opposition care for the future of next generation, then they should just help the President in the campaign on illegal drugs," said Mamondiong. (PNA)

DOST-NRCP calls for research proposals for 2017 funding

MANILA, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- The Department of Science and Technology - National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP) is calling for research proposals from its members in the fields of Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Sciences and Engineering.

The duration of the project is for one year and the proponent promises as one of its output an ISI or Scopus Indexed publication based on the results of the research.

Funding can range from Php300,000 to Php2.5 million. Topics must fall under the National Integrated Basic Research Agenda of the NRCP.

Interested parties may submit proposals to the NRCP office (one electronic copy and one hard copy) and they can send an email to nrcpinfo@yahoo.com.

NRCP said criteria for selection will be based on:

* Scientific basis of the proposal and novelty of approach

Cutting edge research will be given priority over proposals that are mere/extensions application of existing technologies.

* Feasibility of the research to be completed in one year

* Research track record of the proponent

The deadline of submission of proposal is on January 15. Proposals will be screened and will undergo peer review under a committee headed by the chair of the appropriate division where the proposals falls under.

The proponent will be informed by February 15 regarding the decision of the panel. (PNA)

MMDA heightens preparations for Feast of the Black Nazarene

MANILA, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will deploy more than 1,200 personnel starting Saturday, January 7, 2017 to ensure the security of devotees for the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9, 2017.

MMDA General Manager Thomas Orbos said a total of 1,245 MMDA personnel will be deployed around Quirino Grandstand, Quiapo Church and along the procession routes to assist in traffic management, public safety and emergency response operations of the city government and other government agencies.

The MMDA contingent will come from the Traffic Discipline Office, Road Emergency Group, Public Safety Division, Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group, and the Metro Parkways Clearing Group, which will conduct a massive cleanup on the procession routes right after the procession passed through.

The agency will also install emergency response tents and plastic barriers for the queue to the traditional Pahalik at the Quirino Grandstand on January 7.

The Pasig River Ferry System will extend its operating hours on January 9 to provide an alternative mode of transportation for devotees who will participate in the procession of the Black Nazarene.

The MMDA said the first trip from Guadalupe to Escolta will start at 5:30a.m. while the last trips from Escolta to Guadalupe station will be at 7p.m. during the special run of the ferry service.

Furthermore, at least two ferry boats will also be on standby near Jones Bridge to respond to emergency situations.

Gwapotel, a budget hotel managed by the MMDA, will also be offering a 20 percent discount to all Black Nazarene devotees going to the establishment starting January 7 until January 9.

The MMDA is advising motorists to avoid Manila as much as possible because several roads will have to be temporarily closed to traffic for the procession. (PNA)

Solon calls for immediate remittance of film fest funds to beneficiaries

MANILA, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- A lawmaker at the House of Representatives on Wednesday called for an immediate release of the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival’s (MMFF’s) proceeds allocated to its intended beneficiaries.

Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo, chairman of the House committee on Metro Manila Development (MMD), said the funds of the annual film festival should reach the beneficiaries as part of the reform designed to improve the Philippine movie industry.

"There should be no delay in the delivery of the said benefits," said Castelo, urging the MMFF organizers to immediately distribute the beneficiaries’ portion from festival earnings.

Under its mandate, the MMFF allocates relevant portions of its income for its beneficiaries including the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation, Inc., Motion Picture Anti-Film Piracy Council, Film Academy of the Philippines, Optical Media Board, and the Film Development Council of the Philippines.

During a House probe last year, the MMD led by Castelo found out that such proceeds from the MMFF failed to reach its beneficiaries or got delayed, thus “causing rifts and demoralization” in the country’s film industry.

"The past MMFF was tainted with corruption. There was no transparency. Outright delay or partial remittance marked the distribution of income to the workers and beneficiaries of the festival," Castelo said.

The Quezon City lawmaker, while pressing for the complete implementation of the reforms, still commended the successful holding of the annual event, noting that such success “marks the birth of a new era in Philippine movie industry”. (PNA)

Follower of ASG leader killed in Basilan operations

MANILA, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- Military from the Western Mindanao Command have shot and killed a notorious follower of ranking Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) commander Furuji Indama during operations in Basilan Wednesday early morning.

The incident took place around 5:40 a.m. at Barangay Sapah Bulak, Sumisip town, WMC spokesperson Major Filemon Tan said.

Slain during the operations was an ASG bandit identified only as Garabat.

Seized from his possession was an R-4 carbine.

"The Abu Sayyaf members withdrew towards the direction of Sitio Pandekepan through Sitio Gantalan, Barangay Sapah Bulak, Basilan," Tan added.

Troops under the Joint Task Force Basilan proceeded to the encounter to provide follow-on and augmentation forces.

Tan said all other troops were alerted and continue to conduct inspection on all vehicles going to and from the vicinity.

"Pursuit operations are ongoing as of this time," he added. (PNA)

VACC asks SC to put up special courts for 'collateral victims' of anti-drug war

MANILA, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- The Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) on Wednesday asked the Supreme Court (SC) to assign special courts which will handle the cases of 'collateral victims' of the government's intensified campaign against illegal drugs.

In a one-page letter addressed to Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, VACC chairman Dante Jimenez said the move is necessary as the intensified anti-drug war has resulted to the killings of innocent victims of cross-fires, mistaken identity and the like during the conduct of police operations.

“Accordingly, an increased number of innocent people are expected to fall victims as ‘collateral damage’ in the war against illegal drugs considering the magnitude of illegal drug activities on the country. In view of these unfortunate incidences, our organization is requesting the Honorable Chief Justice to designate additional special courts and monitor closely on the cases of said collateral victims in accordance with the prescribed period of court hearings,” Jimenez said in their letter dated January 3.

The VACC chairman also informed Sereno that they also wrote letter to President Rodrigo Duterte to create special investigation teams, prosecutors and commissioned lawyers to fast track on the investigation and prosecution of said cases of collateral victims of war against illegal drugs.

Last July, the SC designated 240 additional trial courts to handle drug-related cases following the steady rise of such cases.

SC data showed that there are 128,368 pending drug-related cases being heard nationwide by 715 regional trial courts designated to hear drugs-related cases but Sereno said the number would be insufficient to handle the influx of such cases.

Of the 715 RTCs, 65 have been designated, pursuant to RA 9165, as special anti-drugs courts exclusively trying violations of the said law, while 529 RTCs in single-sala and multi-sala stations have been designated to also hear and try drugs cases in addition to their regular case loads.

The SC said the 121 trial courts designated as family courts also handle drug-related cases where they involve minors.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said a total of 2,169 people have been killed in “Operation Double Barrel,” the government’s anti-illegal drug operations, in the past six months.

The PNP also said 43,196 were arrested in 40,420 antidrug operations from July 1, 2016 until 6 p.m. of January 1 this year.

As of Dec. 15, there were 2, 928 cases of ‘deaths under investigation’ or DUI, or the murders and homicides that may or may not be related to the anti-drug war and whose motives and circumstances are still being looked into by investigators. (PNA)

PNP beefs up security for Feast of Black Nazarene

MANILA, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) has beefed up security measures for the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Monday (Jan. 9).

The “heightened alert status” of the PNP will remain up with the expected millions of devotees from “all walks of life” of the Black Nazarene, particularly during the “Traslacion” or procession.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Oscar Albayalde on Wednesday said there is no direct threats to security during the duration of the “Traslacion”.

Nevertheless, Albayalde said that as part of the security measures, the NCRPO has again recommended the installation of “signal jammer” in the route to be traversed by the image of the Black Nazarene.

The bringing of backpacks are also prohibited for those who would join the procession because they will be approached by policemen.

The NCRPO will deploy more than 2,000 policemen who will be assigned in the entire route of the Traslacion. (PNA)

TESDA, MSU, ARMM back Comprehensive Reform and Development Agenda

MANILA, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Mindanao State University (MSU) have expressed its full support to the Comprehensive Reform and Development Agenda (CRDA) program of President Rodrigo Duterte for the development of the Autonomous Regions in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and other places in Regions 9, 10 and 12 affected by armed conflict.

Aside from this, TESDA, MSU and ARMM have signed a memorandum of cooperation for the full implementation of the program in the region.

TESDA Director General Guiling Mamondiong said the memorandum will facilitate the progress of CRDA which will help uplift the lives of the residents in the region.

Habib Macaayong, MSU president, said the CRDA is a wonderful opportunity for the ARMM as the government could pay attention to its concern and eventually resolve it.

“This is a golden opportunity particularly for the people of Mindanao. We now have a sincere President of the country who comes from Mindanao. He knows very well the problems in Mindanao, especially the Bangsamoro, and how to solve it. His reform and development agenda is realistic and attainable. Thus, we must have to fully support President Duterte for the success of his government. In the end, everyone will benefit from this," said Macaayong.

Meanwhile, MSU will allot 3,000 scholarships for poor residents in the region. MSU will provide them with free tuition, dormitory and university facilities.

“MSU, as an academic institution of higher learning, will cater vigorously to the educational needs of the Mindanaoans, finds itself in the Reforms and Development Agenda of President Duterte by sharing the utilization of the technical and professional skills of our university, as well as its facilities to effectively carry out the President’s laudable programs to benefit greater number of people," added Macaayong.

Macaayong and Mamondiong said they plan to organize the “First Bangsamoro Peace Summit” at the International Convention Center ng MSU Campus, Marawi City on February 5.

“President Duterte will be invited as Guest Speaker for that historic summit to be attended by all sectors of the society in the ARMM and Regions 9, 10 and 12. I honestly believe that our people, who most of them admire and look up to President Duterte, are excited and supportive to have that first peace summit held in our place, particularly in MSU Campus," Macaayong said. (PNA)

Foreigners given until March 3 to report for alien registration

MANILA, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has reminded registered aliens in the country to report in person at its offices nationwide, as provided for under Republic Act 562 or the Alien Registration Act.

In a statement Wednesday, BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said registered foreigner nationals have until March 3 to report and pay the annual fee, to its head office in Intramuros, Manila or any of the bureau’s field offices.

"The annual report of registered aliens is required by RA 562 and they have to do this within the first 60 days of every year,” he said, noting that the annual report period has no extension.

With this, the BI chief warned that “failure to comply shall result in imposition of administrative fine and/or imprisonment at the option on the commissioner.”

Upon personally reporting to the bureau offices, registered foreign nationals have to pay an annual report fee of PHP300.00 and legal research fee of PHP10.00.

They shall also present their original and valid alien certificate of registration identity card (ACR I-Card) and a confirmation number issued to them via the bureau’s annual report 2016 online system.

For foreigners who are less than 14 years of age, Morente added that it is the duty of their parent or legal guardian to report on their behalf.

On the other hand, the BI noted that an alien may no longer report in person if he had personally appeared in at least one of the Annual Reports held in 2014, 2015, or 2016 and upon presentation of a special power of attorney (SPA) and valid identification document by his legal representative.

For returning foreigner nationals with a re-entry permit shall, if he has not yet made the required annual report, make such report within 30 days from the date of his return to the Philippines.

All aliens are encouraged to report and remit the annual report fee payments at BI designated offices, the list of which can be can found in the bureau’s website (www.immigration.gov.ph). (PNA)

De Lima says Aguirre making her, Trillanes his scapegoats

MANILA, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- Sen. Leila de Lima on Wednesday claimed that Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II was again making her and colleague Sen. Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV his scapegoat by blaming them for the stabbing of high-profile inmate Jaybee Sebastian in the New Bilibid Prison last September 28.

Aguirre was reported to have linked both De Lima and Trillanes in the stabbing of Sebastian.

“If I were responsible for the stabbing, it then seems that the NBP is run and managed by idiots who can't protect high profile inmates staying inside the most guarded spot in Philippine prisons,” De Lima said.

On Tuesday, Trillanes also denied his involvement in the stabbing of Sebastian describing the allegations as “absurd.”

De Lima said that Aguirre did not even try to take responsibility for being Justice Secretary who has authority over the penitentiary.

“Aguirre is exercising all powers of a DOJ Secretary without taking any responsibility for such exercise. He has power and authority as DOJ Secretary over the Bilibid but refuses to take responsibility for the stabbing of several high profile inmates under his watch,” the neophyte senator said.

“Instead, he creates a convenient scapegoat in the person of two senators who were at least several kilometers away from the crime scene,” she added.

She stressed that the penitentiary had Philippine National Police-Special Action Forces (PNP-SAF) guarding Bilibid but instead blames two senators “instead of asking the PNP SAF why they were sleeping at the noodlehouse during the so-called riot.”

The senator also raised the possibility that it was the administration’s way of convincing Sebastian to testify against De Lima after he initially refused.

“Aguirre is lying. What do you expect from a public official who fakes his own hair?” De Lima said.

De Lima and Trillanes earlier filed a joint resolution seeking a probe into the alleged riot that erupted inside the NBP involving high-profile inmates. (PNA)

Andanar’s office designated to oversee FOI implementation

MANILA, Jan. 3 (PNA) â€" The Presidential Communication Office (PCO) headed by Secretary Martin Andanar has been designated to oversee the implementation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) program in the executive branch.

The designation was made through Memorandum Order No. 10 signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea last December 29.

"There is a need to continuously monitor the implementation of Executive Order No. 2 across all government agencies in the Executive Branch," MO No. 10 read.

"The designation of a lead agency shall ensure the successful implementation of the FOI program," it added.

Under the memorandum order, all departments, agencies, bureaus, offices or instrumentalities of the government including government-owned and â€"controlled corporations are directed to render full assistance and cooperation to the PCO.

As lead agency, the PCO shall oversee implementation of all FOI and electronic or e-FOI programs for all government agencies in the executive branch and monitor compliance therewith.

The PCO shall also develop programs and mechanisms to enhance the capacity of government agencies to comply with FOI programs, and conduct and facilitate the necessary capacity and institutional building programs for all concerned government agencies and instrumentalities.

In November last year, Malacanang launched the FOI and e-FOI programs in a bid to boost the anti-corruption campaign of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Living up to his promise to fight corruption, President Duterte signed EO No. 2 right in the first month of his presidency in July last year.

The FOI for executive branch has nine exceptions. These include:

-- Information covered by Executive privilege;

-- Privileged information relating to national security, defense or international relations;

-- Information concerning law enforcement and protection of public and personal safety;

-- Information deemed confidential for the protection of the privacy of persons and certain individuals such as minors, victims or crimes, or the accused;

-- Information, documents or records known by reason of official capacity and are deemed as confidential, including those submitted or disclosed by entities to government agencies, tribunals, boards, or officers, in relation to the performance of their functions, or to inquiries or investigation conducted by them in the exercise of their administrative, regulatory or quasi-judicial powers;

-- Prejudicial premature disclosure;

-- Records of proceedings or information from proceedings which, pursuant to law or relevant rules and regulations, are treated as confidential or privileged;

--Matters considered confidential under banking and finance laws, and their amendatory laws; and

-- Other exceptions to the right to information under laws, jurisprudence, rules and regulations. (PNA)

Ex-DSWD chief, North Cotabato solon, 3 others rapped for Php9-M PDAF scam
By Perfecto T. Raymundo

MANILA, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- Former North Cotabato (2nd District) Rep. Gregorio Ipong is facing a second set of charges for his alleged involvement in the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam.

In a 32-page resolution, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the filing of two counts of violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, or the “Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act”, one count each of malversation and malversation thru falsification of public funds, against Ipong and former Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Esperanza Cabral.

Also ordered charged before the Sandiganbayan are DSWD Undersecretary Mateo Montaño, Chief Accountant Leonila Hayahay and Roberto Solon of the Economic and Social Cooperation for Local Development Foundation, Inc. (ECOSOC).

Ipong, currently the North Cotabato Vice-Governor, was found responsible for the anomalous utilization of his Php9.4-million PDAF issued thru a Special Release Allotment Order (SARO) in January 2007.

The fund was supposed to target the poor and marginalized sectors of Ipong’s constituents in the second district of North Cotabato thru medical missions, health materials and various medicines worth Php400,000; and capacity building/livelihood capital assistance for 75 marginal families in extremely difficult circumstances pegged at PHP9 million, or Php120,000 per family.

Ombudsman field probers found that Ipong instructed that the fund be downloaded to the DSWD, as implementing agency, thru the ECOSOC, as a non-government organization (NGO)-partner.

Verification made by the Ombudsman showed that “a majority of the supposed beneficiaries denied receipt of the purported assistance.”

Certifications and affidavits from city, municipal and barangay officials were obtained by the Ombudsman to prove that the PDAF was used to fund Ipong’s “ghost projects.”

Key documents were obtained showing the absence of due diligence audit of the NGO as ECOSOC was financially incapable of implementing multi-million peso projects due to its measly capital of only Php56,000.

The respondents also failed to comply with the requirement of public bidding as explicitly required under the Government Procurement Reform Act.

Medicine supplier, Ace Pharmaceuticals, denied engaging in any business transaction with ECOSOC relative to the supply of medicines.

The Board of Trustees of ECOSOC also denied any knowledge of the transactions entered into by ECOSOC with DSWD.

The NGO issued a letter to the Commission on Audit (COA) stating that “the persons involved must have used their NGO for their own personal and unauthorized purpose.”

The Ombudsman resolution also said that “Cabral, as then DSWD Secretary, prepared, reviewed and entered into the Memorandum of Agreement governing the implementation of the projects.”

Ombudsman Morales said that “instead of using the PDAF disbursements received by them to implement the livelihood projects, respondents diverted these sums amounting to Php9.4 million to their own pockets.”

“The role played by each of them was so indispensable to the success of their scheme that, without any of them, the same would have failed,” Morales added.

Likewise, the Ombudsman also found Ipong and Montaño guilty of grave misconduct, ordering their dismissal from the service and perpetual disqualification from holding public office with forfeiture of all retirement benefits.

In case of separation from the service, the penalty is convertible to a fine equivalent to respondents’ salary for one year.

In October last year, the Ombudsman found Ipong also liable for the misuse of his Php10-million 2007 PDAF coursed thru the Aaron Foundation, Inc.

He was then charged with violation of Section 3(e) of RA No. 3019 and malversation. (PNA)
LGI/PTR/EDS

PHL Embassy in Berlin registers 100th overseas voter

MANILA, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- The Department of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday said the Philippine Embassy in Berlin had just registered its 100th overseas voter.

Janissa Ubagan, who comes from Initao, Misamis Oriental, registered together with her mother Virgie Kuch on December 28, 2016.

The registration period for new voters started on December 1, 2016 and will continue until October 31, 2018.

The Embassy is encouraging all Filipino citizens, who will be 18 years or older by May 13, 2019 and who have not yet registered for voting abroad to register.

Filipinos who have registered as voters in the Philippines and are now residing in Germany are also encouraged to go to the Embassy so they can be certified as overseas voters.

This will allow them to cast their vote for the 2019 National Senatorial/Party-List Elections.

Philippine Ambassador to Germany Melita Sta. Maria-Thomeczek encouraged all Filipino organizations in Germany to spread the news about the ongoing voter registration campaign to ensure that there will be a high Filipino voter turnout in Germany.

“We aspire to register close to 4,000 Filipino voters during this 22-month registration period,” Ambassador Thomeczek said.

Any query about the ongoing registration may be sent to the Philippine Embassy by email at info@philippine-embassy.de. (PNA)

2017 National Budget supports PRRD’s 10 point socioeconomic agenda

MANILA, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- The New Year brings renewed hope and vigor for Filipinos. With the 2017 National Budget in place, the government and its agencies are all set to take the country to its journey towards real change.

The 2017 National Budget -- the People’s Budget -- was crafted parallel to the Duterte Administration’s 10-Point Socioeconomic Agenda. It concentrates on strong, sustained, and inclusive growth.

Development will not be focused on already wealthy regions, cities, and few rich alone, but will also embrace lagging regions, poor towns, and the poor majority.

The major constraints to growth are poor infrastructure, the high cost of doing business due to poor governance, and the uncompetitive and inefficient tax system.

The Duterte administrations will address these constraints. But in order to make growth to be truly inclusive, it will aspire to create as many decent jobs as possible.

Hence, the government will fully invest in the country’s most significant asset -â€" its people, especially the youth -- to ensure that they become an agile, competent, and healthy workforce in the future.

The 2017 National Budget was crafted in order to make the Philippines an attractive economy for both domestic and foreign investors, and more important, to provide higher incomes, decent jobs, and better standards of living for Filipinos.

Spending Priorities:

(1) Infrastructure

Total infrastructure spending will exceed Php850 billion for 2017 or 5.4 percent of gross national product (GDP).

The huge allocation will secure for us improved roads, bridges, transportation systems, school buildings, health facilities, and other infrastructure assets.

The bulk of infrastructure financing will go to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) with allocations of Php454.7 billion and Php46.2 billion, respectively.

The DPWH is set to spend Php216.9 billion for road network services, allowing for the construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation of national roads to ease traffic congestion and improve commerce.

An additional 3,102 kilometers of national roads and 26,786 kilometers of bridges will better integrate markets and link lagging regions to leading regions.

The Mindanao Logistics Infrastructure Network (MLIN), with a Php31.5 billion allocation for 2017, is a testament to this.

Flood management services are provided Php73 billion to construct and maintain 2,055 flood control structures and drainage systems.

Project monitoring will be strengthened by geo-tagging major projects to eliminate “ghost projects” and ensure timely execution.

Table 1: DPWH Budget Total DPWH Budget Php454.7 billion National Road Network Services P216.9 billion Flood Management Services P73 billion

Meanwhile, the DOTr will utilize its allocation to finance various transport initiatives. The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) projects are given P6.8 billion for the LRT lines 1 and 2 extension projects.

In total, railway systems are allocated Php16.3 billion; airports and navigational facilities are allocated Php6.8 billion; port systems are given Php1.4 billion.

Table 2: Department of Transportation (DOTr) Budget Total DOTr Budget Php46.2 billion Railway Systems Php16.3

Airports and Navigation Facilities Php6.8 billion

Port Systems Php1.4 billion

Spending Priorities: Investment in Human Resources

In line with the Administration’s goal of developing our most important asset -â€" our people -â€" education, health, and school welfare will be given top priority.

Forty percent of government expenditures will finance social services, ranging from education, healthcare and housing to social protection, land distribution and employment. This means that more than Php1.3 trillion will be spent for programs that will provide safety nets to Filipinos and equip them with the necessary tools to be productive members of society.

For 2017, the Department of Education (DepEd) will receive the highest budgetary allocation among all agencies with Php543.2 billion.

This amount will fund the government’s objectives of universal basic education for Filipinos. It will also raise the quality of learning received by Filipinos, especially with the full implementation of the K-12 Program.

With the increased demands on the basic education system, some Php55.1 billion is allotted for the creation and filling up of teaching and non-teaching positions.

State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) will receive Php58.7 billion to allow deserving but poor students access to tertiary education. This is on top of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) allocation of Php18.7 billion that will grant financial assistance, incentives and scholarships to qualified Filipinos.

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will get Php6.7 billion in order to develop workforce competencies and promote technical-vocational education.

Table 3: Education Funding Department of Education Php543.2 billion State Universities and Colleges Php58.7 billion Commission on Higher Education Php18.7 billion Technical Education and Skills Development AuthorityPhp6.7 billion

The government will invest heavily in basic health care. The DOH will be given Php95.3 billion for wider access to safe and effective health service.

Indigent patients will be prioritized as Php4.0 billion is set aside for financial assistance to poor beneficiaries. Some Php18.0 billion is also earmarked for the purchase and allocation of drugs, medicines and vaccines for distribution to government healthcare facilities, particularly provinces with high levels of poverty incidence.

In addition, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) will receive Php53.2 billion for social health insurance services, with the aim of 100 percent coverage to all Filipinos.

Table 4: Healthcare Funding Department of Health Php95.3 billion Philippine Health Insurance Corporation Php53.2 billion

The Health Facilities Enhancement Program under the Department of Health is set to spend Php12.7 billion on infrastructure programs involving barangay health stations, rural health units, public hospitals, and drug rehabilitation and treatment facilities.

On the other hand, the Department of Education will spend Php118.8 billion on basic education facilities such as public school buildings, technical vocational laboratories, and sanitation units.

Table 5: Major Human Capital Infrastructure Basic Education Facilities Php118.8 billion Health Facilities Enhancement Program Php12.7 billion

Social protection that empowers the poor and shields them from shocks is allocated Php128.1 billion through the DSWD.

The Conditional Cash Transfer Program is allotted Php78.2 billion to support poverty reduction efforts while increasing human capital investments for beneficiaries. This year, a monthly rice allowance has been added on top of the cash grants.

Next, some Php17.9 billion is allocated as social pension for indigent senior citizens, allowing them a monthly stipend of Php500.

KALAHI-CIDDS, an anti-poverty community-driven development program is given Php10.2 billion.

The Sustainable Livelihood Program is also given Php9.1 billion to aid Filipinos in micro-enterprise development and employment facilitation.

Finally, the Supplemental Feeding Program is given Php4.4 billion to nourish eligible day-care children.

Table 6: Social Protection Services Total DSWD Budget: Php128.1 billion Conditional Cash Transfer Program Php78.2 billion Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens Php17.9 billion KALAHI-CIDDS Php10.2 billion Sustainable Livelihood Program Php9.1 billion Supplemental Feeding Program Php4.4 billion

The focus on human capital development will enable our young men and women to develop into an agile, productive, and competent workforce that will boost economic growth in the future.

The People’s Budget: Pro-Poor and Pro-Growth

The 2017 National Budget is anchored on inclusivity. It will facilitate growth in the Philippines, already one of the fastest growing emerging economies in Asia, and unlock the potential of key industries throughout the archipelago.

Combined with policies that lower the cost of doing business, such as the tax reform package, and peace and order efforts to ensure safer communities, the 2017 Budget will spur development that will concretely translate to superior quality of life for all Filipinos. (PNA)
LGI/DBM-PR/SSC

De Lima ready to defend self before Senate ethics panel

MANILA, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- Sen. Leila de Lima on Wednesday said that she is ready to defend herself before the Senate Committee on Ethics against a complaint filed by leaders of the House of Representatives.

Last December 12, House leaders filed a complaint against De Lima for barring former security aide and alleged drug money bagman Ronnie Dayan from appearing before a House probe into illegal drugs at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

The complaint drafted by Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali, House Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas, and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez was personally brought by Umali to the office of Senate Majority Leader and Ethics Committee Chair Vicente “Tito” Sotto III.

"Premises considered, for violating (Article 150 of the Revised Penal Code); the Rules of the Congress, of which she is a sitting member, her Oath of Office as a Senator of the Republic; and her disrespect for a co-equal chamber which she called a kangaroo court, the corresponding disciplinary measures must be imposed to penalize Senator De Lima for her unethical acts, conduct and behavior," the complaints read.

"I will wait for the initial action of the Committee. And I’m prepared to explain myself to my peers," De Lima said, especially those that had insinuations about her involvement in the illegal drug trade.

"That’s what hurts, that your colleagues doubt you or believe lies of others," she added.

De Lima admitted that she doubted the impartiality of the Committee and raised the possibility that some committee members have shown hostility against her.

"…Some of them have shown some hostility against me especially on Matobato hearings," the neophyte senator said, referring to self-confessed hitman Edgar Matobato.

She refused to name colleagues who may have been hostile towards her as not to create unnecessary tensions in the Senate.

Asked if she was worried that it would affect their decision on the ethics complaint, De Lima said that she hopes they would consider fairness and objectivity and listen to her explanation or even inhibit.

"It’s difficult if I will easily suspect or perceive bias on their part in handling that complaint because you know, they are intelligent and conscientious people and they would be able to discharge their function as members of the Ethics Committee with utmost fairness and objectivity," De Lima stressed.

"I will be judged by my own peers. So I have to respect them. I have to respect their position in the ethics complaint unless, I see apparent or obvious signs of hostility, and partiality, bias, or prejudice against me in the course of the proceedings before the Ethics Committee," she added.

De Lima, former Justice Secretary, said that if in case there will be prejudice against her, she will avail of the proper course of action.

She also expressed hope that she could focus more on legislative work this year when the Senate resumes plenary sessions on January 16. (PNA)

'Yolanda' housing dwellers get ID cards for free bus rides

TACLOBAN, City, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- The city government continues the production of identification cards for super typhoon Yolanda survivors who have been relocated to the northern part of the city in the past two months.

According to Leonard Tedence Jopson of the city housing community development office, the creation of ID cards aims to identify recipients of free bus ride from their new homes to the city’s downtown and back.

“As of now, nearly 1,000 cards are already made. We should be able to produce nearly 4,000 identification cards for all beneficiaries,” Jopson said.

A task force have been visiting relocation sites to double check potential cardholders.

“Only those newly-transferred individuals who have the cards are allowed to ride the bus. Those dwellers in all resettlement areas do not have the permission to ride so it won’t affect the operation of public utility vehicles,” Jopson added.

Identified as pick up points are housing sites in Villa Sofia, North Hill Arbour, Guadalupe, and Ridgeview all in the northern part of the city for the free ride. Drop off points are San Jose district near the airport and the City Astrodome area.

The buses, commissioned by Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Dino, arrived in the city last week of November last year to transport workers and students whose, families have been transferred to northern relocation sites between November 2016 to present.

Vallacar Transit, Inc., the largest public land transportation company in Negros Island has lent their three Ceres Liner buses to the government for the use of relocated families.

The buses will stay in Tacloban for six months to provide transportation for the new residents, in going to and from school and work, until a new public utility vehicle route is fully established. (PNA) JMC/SQM/Robert S. Bona (OJT)

Leyte port eyed as regional transhipment hub

TACLOBAN CITY, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- The Regional Development Council (RDC) has tagged the seaport in Babatngon, Leyte as the future transhipment hub in Eastern Visayas, approving a proposal to conduct a feasibility study for the wharf.

Aside from feasibility study, experts from the Philippine Ports Authority will also come up with a master plan of the Babatngon Port as Eastern Visayas’ regional transhipment hub.

The study will kick off within the first quarter of the year and it will be completed within 2017.

The proposed development is not actually just a simple port, according to Oliver Cam, RDC private sector representative for business. Part of the proposal is to build a cargo terminal holding and warehousing facility.

“The classic example of what we see now in both Tacloban and Ormoc ports in Leyte is that the cargo vans are outside the port utilizing part of the road or part of another area, which are not designed to have that much capacity in terms of the cargo van holding, loading, and transporting capability equipment,” Cam told PNA.

The overall feasibility study will take account of where and how large the holding, loading and warehousing facilities are needed for cargo vans and other related cargos.

“The proposed port development will also be a part of the Tacloban North Agro-industrial economic zone. Thus, it will facilitate better exchange of incoming inputs and outgoing outputs of the economic zone,” Cam explained.

Comprehensive feasibility study is also being pushed for the ports of Naval, Catbalogan, Calbayog, Leyte Integrated Development Estate in Isabel town, and Ormoc City.

“The goal here is not to marginalize the other existing ports but to optimize the traffic among our ports in the region so that all of us will benefit from this comprehensive feasibility study,” Cam explained.

The RDC approved the proposal during its full council meeting on Dec. 20, 2016.

Babatngon town is located in the northern part of Leyte Island and along the shore of Carigara Bay. The town is just 22 kilometers north of this city.

The town’s port has been eyed by experts as regional hub considering the difficulty of big ships to reach the regional capital. Large Tacloban-bound vessels have to traverse the narrow San Juanico Strait that separates Samar and Leyte Islands to reach the regional center.(PNA) JMC/SQM/Maria Eden Mae T. Terceño (OJT)

Cavite province achieves zero stray bullet casualty; PNP, community cooperation lauded
By Rogelio Limpin

IMUS CITY, Cavite, Jan. 3 (PNA) -- The provincial command of the Philippine National Police (PNP) stationed here announced on Tuesday the zero stray bullet casualty in the province during the New Year’s revelry after so many years.

Cavite police director Senior Superintendent Arthur V. Bisnar said the province has no recorded indiscriminate firing or illegal discharge of firearm incident during the New Year’s celebration.

He added that posting of informative materials on the PNP’s campaign on zero-incident indiscriminate firing and pre-emptive security measures implemented which include among others, increased deployment of PNP personnel in the streets and active support and cooperation from the Local Government Executives (LGEs), friendly forces, other external stakeholders and the community had immensely contributed in the achievement of the peaceful celebration.

Likewise, the Police Director said that several types of firecrackers with an estimated value of Php 49,000 were confiscated for the violation of Republic Act 7183 (An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution and Use of Firecrackers and Other Pyrotechnics Devices).

Bisnar expressed his gratitude to the people of Cavite for their cooperation and commended all the members of the Cavite police for effectively performing their duties particularly in the maintenance of peace and order in welcoming the New Year. (PNA)
LAP/SEP/ZAT/ROGELIO LIMPIN/SSC

No indiscriminate firing, stray bullets on New Year’s Eve celebration

DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan. 3 (PNA) â€"- The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Negros Oriental on Tuesday said it did not receive any reports of indiscriminate firing or victims of stray bullets during the New Year’s Eve celebration and onwards.

Acting PNP provincial director Sr. Supt. Henry Biñas, however, said there were reported victims of firecrackers although his office is still collating data from reports of police stations in the province that are still coming in.

According to Sr. Supt. Biñas, police chiefs were directed to warn their personnel against indiscriminate firing in line with the order of the PNP Chief, Director General Ronald dela Rosa that those found guilty of the offense will be immediately dismissed from the service.

Also, the PNP in the province scrapped the usual muzzle-taping of firearms as ordered by the Chief PNP, he added.

As to the fire incident in Bayawan City in southern Negros Oriental where the burnt cadaver of a woman was found inside a store, Sr. Supt. Biñas said it has yet to be determined if the fire was ignited by a firecracker.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is still investigating the incident, he added.

A police report said that around 3:20 a.m. of January 1st, Bayawan BFP personnel recovered the body of Arlene Pinanonang, 48, married, inside the store that she owned in Barangay Boyco, Bayawan City.

Initial investigation showed that at around 12:54 a.m. of the same day, or at the height of the New Year celebration, fire, which reportedly originated from a hanging tarpaulin at the adjacent store broke out and had spread to Arlene’s store.

Meanwhile, in Dumaguete City, the police reported that at least two people sustained injuries due to firecrackers on New Year’s Eve.

They were identified as Jahn Dayuno, 21, single, of Barangay Daro and Venus Vaga Jesim, 36, single, of Barangay Bagacay. (PNA)

Baguio City intensifies efforts to get rid illegally parked vehicles

BAGUIO CITY, Jan 3 (PNA) --City Mayor Mauricio Domogan said abandoned vehicles deemed as obstructions on national and local roads will be towed and will be sold to junk shops if owners defy the notices issued by the Anti-road Obstruction Task Force for them to remove their vehicles along the road.

Domogan said members of the task force provided the owners of the abandoned vehicles the appropriate notices to remove their vehicles.

The local government unit (LGU) of Baguio City has notified the owners to remove their vehicles within a 15-day period as part of due process.

If the vehicle owners continue to defy the issued notices, it will be the turn of the anti-road obstruction task force to tow the vehicles to the junk shops because the local government does not have the luxury of space to accommodate the huge volume of junk vehicles along roads in the different parts of the city, Domogan said.

The LGU will invoke its authority over road-right-of-ways around the city and clear the same from obstructions to allow the smooth flow of traffic even along barangay roads so that motor vehicle owners will be compelled to look for parking areas that will not contribute to obstructions in the city.

Domogan reiterated his call on barangay officials to identify vacant spaces in their respective areas of jurisdiction which could be used by their constituents as common parking spaces for their vehicles.

The city’s anti-road obstruction task force, which is composed of representatives from various government agencies, is expected to conduct a citywide clean-up of the obstructions along national, city and barangay roads to help in efforts to rid the streets of obstructions that contribute to the worsening traffic jams around the city.

The LGU coordinated with concerned government line agencies (GLAs) for the deputation of barangay officials in the city’s 128 barangays for them to be empowered to remove the license plates of vehicles that are pinpointed to be the causes of obstructions and compel the owners to pay the fine before they can claim their confiscated license plates.

The mayor appealed to local residents to cooperate with the anti-obstruction task force to help ease traffic congestions that result in their being late in their work, classes and appointments due to tremendous traffic jams being triggered by obstructions. (PNA)

Dumaguete girds up for massive medical mission in January 2017

DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan. 3 (PNA) â€"- Preparations are now underway for the staging of a massive medical and outreach mission in Dumaguete City this month.

Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo disclosed Tuesday that the medical mission will be carried out by Filipino and American doctors as part of the sisterhood agreement between Dumaguete and Alameda City in California, U.S.A.

At least 10,000 beneficiaries from this capital city and other parts of Negros Oriental are expected to avail of the free services to include minor and major surgical procedures, medicines and consultations, among others.

Around 150 medical doctors from the United States are participating in the five-day outreach mission from January 15 to 20.

The City Health Office in Dumaguete City is now conducting screening for those who want to avail of the services offered during the medical mission, which will be held at the Central Block Building of the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital and the Cong. Lamberto Macias Sports and Cultural Complex here.

Mayor Remollo said he will be hosting dinner for the visiting doctors. (PNA)
LAP/JFP/NEIL RIO

199 barangays in Region 12 now ‘drug-free’ -- PNP-12
By Allen Estabillo

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Jan. 3 (PNA) -- At least 199 barangays in Region 12 are now considered as “drug-free” as a result of the government’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs.

Chief Supt. Cedrick Train, Region 12 police director, said Tuesday the concerned barangays were all declared free from illegal drugs in the second half of 2016 following a series of campaigns under the Philippine National Police’s Project Double Barrel.

He said the 199 “drug-free” barangays are about 16 percent of the 1,195 barangays within the region’s four provinces and five cities.

Also known as Soccsksargen, Region 12 comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and North Cotabato, and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

Train said the “drug-free” declarations were made by the barangays based on recommendations from a validation committee composed of police personnel, local officials and other stakeholders.

He said the validations were stringent and conducted by the committee at the neighborhood levels.

“These (declarations) did come from us or were made because we said so, but through initiatives of community stakeholders,” he said in an interview over television program Magandang Umaga South Central Mindanao.

The police official said the clearing operations at the barangay level are ongoing in line with the implementation of the second phase of the campaign, which is Project Double Barrel Alpha.

The initial phase of the campaign, which was launched in July last year in line with President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s “war against illegal drugs,” focused on the accounting and surfacing or surrender of “lower-value” drug personalities under operation plan or Oplan Tokhang.

The second phase involves heightened operations against high-value targets and the clearing of barangays.

Train said he directed all chiefs of police in the region to continue with the accounting of drug personalities as well.

“It would be difficult to clear our barangays from illegal drugs if we could not account all drug personalities,” he said.

From July to December last year, he said police units in Region 12 arrested a total of 1,418 illegal drug users and pushers, while 84 suspects were killed in “legitimate operations.”

He said their personnel have visited around 431,000 households, schools and local establishments under Oplan Tokhang or Toktok-Hangyo (knock and plead).

In terms of drug personalities, Train said they accounted around 36,000 users and pushers in the last six months.

He said such figure is a huge leap from their baseline data of just 9,000 illegal drug personalities.

“This is our biggest accomplishment under the campaign. As of now we have accounted for more than 100 percent of our drug personalities within the region. There are still some who have not surfaced but they are already identified and being subjected to operations,” he added. (PNA)

Firecracker victims in SOCCSKSARGEN now at 40

KORONADAL CITY, Jan. 3 (PNA) -- The number of firecracker victims in Region 12 continued to rise but health officials are convinced the figure is still lower as compared to last year's monitoring of blast victims.

"The good thing is that nobody was a victim of stray bullets," said Jenny Ventura, Department of Health (DOH-12) focal person on firecracker victims monitoring system.

On the 13th day of monitoring, registered at Online National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (ONEISS) in Region 12 rose to 40.

"Still, this is 75 percent lower as compared to the same 13-day monitoring period last year," Ventura said. DOH monitoring started on Dec. 21 and will end on Jan. 5.

Of the 40 listed victims, 36 were males and four females aged 4-56 years old. Thirty were active users of firecrackers while 10 passive.

Ventura said South Cotabato remained to have the highest number of blast victims, mostly by the banned piccolo with 23, followed by Gen. Santos City (6), Sarangani (4), North Cotabato (3), Sultan Kudarat (3) and one in Cotabato City.

Except for one, all other victims were outpatient.

When asked why the number was rising, Ventura explained that not all hospitals have so far reported to ONEISS or some blast victims did not submit themselves for medication and opted for home treatment.

She added that the number my still increase until January 5, the last day of monitoring.

Police officials in Region 12 said it received no complaint of any indiscriminate firing by a police officer or soldier in the provinces of North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kukdarat, Sarangani and the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Koronadal, Tacurong and Gen. Santos.(PNA)

Intermittent rains cause floods, displacement of families in Davao
By Lilian C. Mellejor

DAVAO CITY, Jan. 3 (PNA) -- About 80 families in the city and different towns in Davao region sought safer areas when rivers overflowed brought by intermittent rains that started Sunday.

In an interview Tuesday, Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-Region 11 Regional Director Leoncio Cirunay said the big number of affected families were those living along the riverside of Matina Pangi with 62 families or 310 individuals.

Others that were temporarily displaced were three families or 15 individuals from barangay Kabinuangan in New Bataan town; 15 families or 40 individuals from Nabunturan in Compostela valley province; and a five-member family from Nacio, Manay in Davao Oriental.

Other areas affected by floods were Puroks 5, 6 and 15 in Lubogan, Toril and Purok 10 in Mintal. But Cirunay said there were no houses washed away by strong currents contrary to earlier reports. He said houses were only flooded in these villages.

Cirunay said the displacement was only temporary because the families already returned to their houses Tuesday morning.

Cirunay said OCD will continue to monitor the situation through their Disaster Risk Reduction teams in cities, municipalities and barangays that are the first responders during disasters.

According to Cirunay, they have been under blue alert status since Friday following advisories from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Cirunay said blue alert calls were for active monitoring and providing full complement of the OCD personnel regionwide. OCD has been warning the public especially those living in flood-prone areas to take precautionary measures on the possible occurrence of flashfloods and landslides

PAGASA announced a trough of a Low Pressure Area (LPA) bringing light to moderate to occasional heavy rains affecting portions of Bukidnon, Davao region, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao.

Cirunay said the current weather situation will continue until Friday. (PNA)

Angeles City council okays PHP1.7-B budget for 2017

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Jan. 3 (PNA) -- The 17th Sangguniang Panlungsod has approved this city’s budget for fiscal year 2017 amounting to PHP1,762,392,369.

“The Executive Budget is the fiscal translation of the city government’s initiative and programs for the year 2017. With this, the city will be able to meet the challenges of bringing our city to greater heights and further growth,” said Vice Mayor Bryan Matthew Nepomuceno on Tuesday.

The 2017 budget is 6 percent or PHP194 million higher than the previous year’s budget of PHP1.57 billion.

Based on the appropriation report from the City Budget Office, the budget for this year includes the increased salary rate of permanent and regular employees as mandated by Executive Order no. 201, signed by former President Benigno Aquino on February 19, 2016.

But the main bulk of the approved budget is concentrated on the delivery of basic public and social services.

The allocation also underscores the many recommended priority projects for the physical, environmental and community advancements of the city.

According to the members of the Local Finance Committee (LFC), 48 percent or PHP802 million of the total budget will be derived from the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), while the bulk of the budget will be coming from locally generated sources.

"We are elated to report that Angeles City is still independent from IRA. This means that our increased budget was attained through the city’s intensified revenue generation scheme, not only in the collection of business permits, fees and licenses but also from the improved assessment and collection of real property taxes,” said Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan.


Among the front line city government offices, the Ospital ning Angeles (ONA) garnered the biggest appropriation for the year with a whooping PHP142 million.

The appropriation will greatly sustain the new and existing health programs of the city as well as the improvement and the high-demand operation of the hospital and its services.

This will also facilitate the modernization of ONA as it applies for a Tertiary Level hospital accreditation from the Department of Health (DOH).

The City Engineer’s Office (CEO) came second with a total appropriation of PHP103 million, City Health Office (CHO) with PHP92 million, and the City College of Angeles (CCA) with PHP64 million.

Under the city government’s special programs, an amount of PHP140 million is allotted for the intensification of the local government’s Solid Waste Management Program.

A total appropriation of PHP160.5 million will be allotted under the 20 percent Development Fund which will aid the development of the city’s Cultural Center; Enhancement of the Global Information System (GIS); Physical Development; Improvement of the Pampang Market; and Watershed Development Projects among others.

"With this appropriation report, we can say that health and social services, infrastructure development, environmental sustainability and education are our priorities this year,” said Mayor Pamintuan.

“These allocations will help us accomplish all the programs and projects that our administration had promised under the Contract with the Angeleños,” he added. (PNA)
LAP/ZST/MDDR

DILG â€" Isabela awards PHP3.4M cash incentive to SGLG awardee

CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela, Jan 4 (PNA) -- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) â€" Isabela has awarded cash incentive to the City Government of Ilagan for winning the 2016 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG).

Elpidio Durwin, DILG â€" Isabela provincial director, together with City Local Government Operations officer (CLGOO) Raul Melegrito, awarded the P3.4 million check as incentive to the city government for having obtained the SGLG status.

The cash incentive for SGLG LGUs is part of the DILG's Performance Challenge Fund to encourage local government units (LGUs) to obtain the Seal of Good Local Governance.

The city government of Ilagan has committed to continuously deliver the necessary programs, projects and services for the benefit and welfare of Ilaguenos.

Mayor Evelyn Diaz thanked the DILG for the support and guidance in the implementation of programs and projects. (PNA)
ZST/SCD/MGEDALE

Dinagyang Festival organizers eye stricter security measures

ILOILO CITY, Jan. 3 (PNA) -- Organizers of the 2017 Dinagyang Festival will observe strict security measures, especially during the three-day highlights slated January 20-22.

Ramon Cua Locsin, president of the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI), on Tuesday cited that the festival is very popular; hence there is a need to ensure the safety of spectators amid the recent bombing incidents that happened in other parts of the country.

During Tuesday’s meeting of the support group of the festival, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) disclosed that they already have contingency plans for four possible scenarios such as bombing, stampede, hostage taking and mass action.

The security preparations were presented to Chief Superintendent Jose Gentiles, director of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO 6), today to be forwarded to the higher headquarters of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The ICPO, under Senior Superintendent Zacharias Remus Canieso, has created 10 sectors that will be placed in strategic areas in the city. The sectors will cover all areas where activities in line with the Dinagyang Festival are held.

Iloilo City Administrator Atty. Hernando Galvez, meantime, pushed for the drafting of the policy circular or guidelines for security. He also reminded the ICPO of the city’s No Backpack Ordinance and the conduct of extensive search.

This year’s celebration, a prelude to its golden year in 2018, is expecting national and international dignitaries.

Held in honor of Señor Santo Niño, the highlight will kick off with the competition of drum and bugle corps in the morning of January 20 and a fluvial procession in the afternoon.

On January 21, spectators will witness the presentation of champion festivals in Western Visayas through the ‘Kasadyahan Festival’ in the morning and the ‘sadsad’ or the merrymaking by devotees of Señor Santo Niño in the evening. January 22 is the most-awaited day where 10 tribes will compete during the Ati-ati competition.

This year’s celebration has for its theme “Communion of Communities with Señor Santo Niño” and a tagline “See, Feel, Love.” (PNA)

BFAR warns fisherfolk against using gov’t fiberglass boat in illegal fishing

DAVAO CITY, Jan. 3 (PNA) â€"- The chief of the Bureau of fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) regional office here warned fisherfolk, who received fiberglass boats from the government last year, against using the units in illegal fishing activities.

"This is a wake-up call for all fiberglass boat beneficiaries that the opportunity will be taken away and confiscated from them if ever they use the unit in illegal fishing activities," BFAR Davao Region Director Fatma Idris said.

Last December 22, the PNP Maritime Unit 11 apprehended diver Rexonor Lauron and hauler German Dordines for using a compressor as a fishing implement.

Idris said this is in violation of the rules and regulation of the Comprehensive Fisheries Code of Davao City or Ordinance no. 093-08. As a result, the PNP Maritime 11 also impounded a BFAR XI motorized banca.

The authorities confiscated as evidence a fishing banca worth PHP40,000.00, flashlight worth PHP500, spear gun worth PHP400, plastic cooler worth PHP700, hose worth PHP600, tank worth PHP500 and compressor worth PHP2,000.

"The two offenders were recipient of distribution last October 9, 2015," Idris said.

BFAR-11 through City Fishery Officer Jose Longno, Jr filed administrative case for violation of Sec. 97 of the Republic Act No. 10654 last December 27 at the City Prosecutors Office.

It can be recalled that Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol distributed 300 fiberglass boats to 600 fisherfolk beneficiaries last year. The beneficiaries were also recruited into BFAR's Bantay Laot Program. However, those who are found violating the fisheries code will no longer get the benefits accorded under the program.

"The 600 beneficiaries of the fiberglass boats distributed last August 17 in Davao City will get P3,000 per month during the closed season from June to August," Idris said.

The Closed Fishing Season in the Davao Gulf is being implemented from June 1 to August 31 every year to allow pelagic fishes to spawn during this time.

The fisherfolk who received fishing implements including fiberglass fishing boats from the Department of Agriculture are among the very first recruits of the government's Bantay Laot Program which seeks to curb illegal fishing using dynamite and cyanide and rid the waters of garbage.

Each fiberglass boat will be shared by two fisherfolk families so they will learn to cooperate and be held accountable for the boats.

DA Secretary Emmanuel PiÅ,,ol said the Bantay Laot troops, most of who belong to the Badjao tribe, will be issued identification cards by BFAR and will receive an allowance of PHP3,000 each per month for three months.

BFAR invited the first 150 fisherfolk beneficiaries to the regional office last September and the next 150 fisherfolk last October for the photo-taking of their identification cards.

Piñol earlier said the allowance will help the fisherfolk during the close season.

"But we will stop giving the allowance once there are reports of illegal fishing and presence of garbage in the waters," he said. (PNA)
LAP/LCM/LOVELY CARILLO/LDP

Classes suspended in 5 public schools following North Cotabato provincial jail attack

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- The local chief executive here canceled classes in five public schools in the periphery of Barangay Amas following the 1:00 a.m. Wednesday siege by armed men at the North Cotabato Provincial Jail that led to the escape of over 158 detainees, including high profile inmates.

Mayor Joseph Evangelista, in a statement, ordered the indefinite cancellation of classes in Amas Central Elementary School, Amas National High School, Puas Inda Integrated School, Patadon Elementary School, and Malinan Elementary School.

“We should ensure the safety of our pupils and teachers in the area while tensions and pursuit operations are underway. We will wait until they will declare these areas safe,” he said.

Evangelista also requested Lt. Col Harold Argamoza of the 39th Infantry Battalion to augment the elements of the Cotabato Police Provincial Office in securing the vicinity and conduct of strict highway inspection.

“We requested the military to augment our policemen in conducting security patrols and checkpoints in some strategic points to avoid any diversionary tactics from the lawless group,” he added.

Personnel from the Kidapawan City 911 Response Unit were on standby in the area to respond to any emergency.

Heightened security alert was issued in the perimeter of the Cotabato Provincial Capitol Complex where the provincial jail is also situated to continue regular government operations and deter any atrocity.

Supt. Peter John Bonggat, provincial jail warden, confirmed that based on their latest head count of the 1,511 inmates, 158 were able to escape the facility, among them the Tamayan brothers, both facing murder charges, and Salik brothers who are charged for illegal drugs trafficking.

A certain Vecino, an on-duty jail guard, died in the attack.

An update said around 4 a.m., Wednesday, village guards of Barangay Amas and military personnel captured an inmate while scouring the area after the jail attack.

The attack was blamed on the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters but its spokesman, Abu Misry, has denied that their group had a hand in the incident. (PNA)
LAP/NYP/JOHN ANDREW G. TABUGOC/

OCD 4-A official to assume national post

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Jan 3 (PNA) -- The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) IV-A director and chairperson of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) Vicente F. Tomazar will assume the position as Chief of Operations Service at the OCD Central Office.

In a message received Tuesday from the OCD IV-A Information Office, Olivia M. Luces, former regional director of OCD-7, will assume the post of Dir. Tomazar in a turnover ceremony slated on January 4 at the Splash Mountain Resort and Hotel, Los Baños town in this province.

Tomazar has served as OCD IV-A regional director for 10 years until his promotion as Director III by Usec. Ricardo B. Jalad, executive director, NDRRMC and OCD administrator.

OCD Assistant Secretary Kristoffer James E. Purisima is expected to grace the turnover ceremony together with Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officers from various local government units (LGUs), representatives from RDRRMC member agencies and partners.

Tomazar expressed his gratitude for the support and assistance given by various agencies and partners to the OCD-RDRRMC IV-A during his term expecting the same support afforded to the new regional director. (PNA)

7 Nueva Vizcaya centenarians get PHP100K each

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Jan 4 (PNA) -- Another batch of seven centenarians have received their P100,000 each incentive from the provincial government.

The recipients are Elizabeth Baingan of Barangay San Nicolas in Bayombong town; Segundo Bay-An of Barangay Belance in Dupax Del Norte town; Marcelina Velasco of Barangay Ibung in Villaverde town; Benito Duntogan of Barangay Nansiakan in Kayapa town; Macaria Sagun of Barangay Masoc in Bayombong town, Guinami Dinangwayan of Barangay Salingsingan in Ambaguio town and Ortag Ngola of Barangay Nagsabaran in Diadi town.

Ordinance Number 089 s. 2014 or the Centenarian ordinance provides financial incentive to a recipient and to encourage and promote healthy lifestyle among Novo Vizcayanos.

At present, there were already 43 centenarians who have their cash incentive which totalled PHP4.3 million.

“Even the national government will also be granting the same benefits to our centenarians, the provincial government will still be providing them as our counterpart in recognition of their being models and inspiration of healthy lifestyle,” Governor Carlos Padilla said. (PNA)

Tagum mayor wants exemption from fireworks ban if implemented nationwide

TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- If the ban of firecrackers and other forms of pyrotechnics will push through nationwide under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, Tagum City Mayor Allan Rellon would personally request for an exemption given that the city has made it a tradition to embrace the coming of new year.

“The tradition of doing fireworks displays is Tagum City’s way of embracing the New Year with a colorful kick and starting the new calendar with a vibe full of optimism,” Mayor Rellon told reporters on Wednesday when asked of his impression on the New Year’s Day revelry in the city.

The city greeted 2017 with a big bang on Sunday with a grander and more splendid pyro-musical exhibition that was witnessed by thousands of residents. The celebration was held outside the city’s iconic new city hall.

A spectacular 15-minute pyro-musical exhibition sponsored by the local government made that early morning jovial and cheerful as people watched with amazement the early morning night sky painted with a myriad of colors.

The fireworks burst above the 175-foot giant Holiday Tree, synchronized with an animated music to match the heart-pounding experience.

The city government of Tagum spent half a million pesos for this year’s pyro-musical display, a tradition that Tagumenyos and people from nearby towns look forward to every year.

“Every shout and cheer of the measured their happiness. Their presence during the occasion also showed their support to the city government,” Rellon said.

Thus, if President Duterte will push for the declaration of a nationwide ban against firecrackers and fireworks display this year, Rellon said he will personally ask for an exemption.

“I’ll personally write him if he could exempt us because we’ve been doing this for the joy of our people,” he humbly asserted.

The pyro-musical exhibition is part of the 3-hour program slated by the local government at the open ground arena in the city hall every year.

Highlights of the event include a fire dance presentation, sing and dance performances, and the much awaited countdown for the entry of the New Year. (PNA)

‘Parade of Lights’ mulled for Dinagyang Festival’s 50th year

ILOILO CITY, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- Well-lighted floats similar to that in Disneyland will be among the new attractions mulled by the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI) when the Dinagyang Festival marks its golden year in 2018.

Atty. Raul Anlocotan, chair of the Sponsors Mardi Gras Parade of the 2017 Dinagyang Festival, on Wednesday disclosed that the foundation is yet to finalize the plan as well as the new route but it could be a new twist in the series of activities lined up for the annual celebration.

He added that it will not be integrated with the Sponsors Mardi Gras Parade, which is done in the afternoon of the Kasadyahan Festival, but it will be held later in the evening for spectators to appreciate the lighting.

However, he said that some of the floats joining the Sponsors Mardi Gras Parade are already well-lighted.

The Sponsors Mardi Gras is a lively and exciting street parade with rhythmic dances performed by costumed dancers, accompanied by musical bands and colorful floats. Some 70 participants are expected to join this year’s parade, higher than last year’s 64.

This year, he disclosed that the 10 best floats will have a chance to join the contingents of the Ati-ati competition slated January 22. The Sponsors Mardi Gras is slated afternoon of January 21.

Meanwhile, aside from the Sponsors Mardi Gras Parade, another exciting event is the ‘Tambor, Trumpa, Martsa, Musika’ that features the drum and bugle and drum and lyre of public and private schools in the city.

Iloilo City Schools Division Superintendent Zamora said that they have participants for the elementary level and two for the secondary level to compete this January 20.

She expressed that this kind of activity helps in the holistic development of children, giving them life-long learning.

The competition will start at 8 a.m. after the simultaneous production number where participants dance to the tune of ‘Tara na Byahe Tayo.’

On the other hand, the Dinagyang organizer is also readying a place for food lovers. Joeffrey Agilles, in-charge of the kiosk sales and management, said that a total of 850 kiosks will be leased to those who wanted to sell foods and other goods during the festival.

Kiosks that measure 2.5 x 3 will be rented out at PHP2,000 for three days while those that measure 3x3 will be leased at PHP3,000. Reservation of kiosks reservation will start on January 9, 2017 at the Dinagyang Lounge. (PNA)

Armed men attack North Cotabato provincial jail, free 130 inmates
By Edwin O. Fernandez

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Jan 4 (PNA) -- Heavily armed men raided at past 12 a.m. on Wednesday the North Cotabato District Jail in Barangay Amas and free 130 detainees, including high profile inmates.

Provincial Jail Warden Supt. Peter Bongat told reporters that a jail officer was killed while an inmate was injured during the exchange of gunfire.

One of the inmates, Salik Capalla, told reporters that a brownout occurred at 12:30 a.m. then a series of gun bursts.

Supt. Leo Ajero, Kidapawan City police director, said two of the escapees have been re-arrested in Barangay Amas.

Prior to the attack, words spread around the jail facility before New Year that a raid will be conducted to rescue high profile inmates believed to be members of outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Because of the report that a raid will be conducted on New Year's Eve, officials of the Bureau of Jail Management (BJMP) sought augmentation force from the military and the police.

The augmentation force stayed until Tuesday when they were pulled out.

Witnesses said the attackers first unlocked Cell No. 8 where the Salik brothers and Camayo brothers, suspected BIFF members were detained.

The gunmen also unlocked other cells.

It was the third attacked in the provincial jail facility since 2007.

Manhunt is in progress. (PNA)

Bamboo trees to plant in creeks, rivers in Isabela town this year

SAN ISIDRO, Isabela, Jan 4 (PNA) -- The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in this town will include planting of bamboo trees in creeks and rivers in its area of jurisdiction as part of its reforestation program.

Mindo Aquino, CENRO â€" San Isidro head, said that aside from fruit-bearing and forest tree seedlings, they will now include bamboo tree materials in reforestation.

“We will include as planting material in our reforestation program the planting of bamboo tree in both sides of creeks and rivers including in low-lying areas in our area,” Aquino said.

Aquino said his office is targeting to plant 400 hectares of bamboo in the fourth district of Isabela, particularly in creeks and rivers.

He said bamboos are important plant in preventing soil erosion and it is also use as raw material in bamboo craft making industry.

He said some local government units are supporting the bamboo craft making as a livelihood program of their constituents. (PNA)

BJMP: BIFF behind North Cotabato jail attack

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- Military and police authorities here said outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were the culprits in the daring attack on the North Cotabato provincial jail facility in the early hours of Wednesday.

Supt. Peter John Bungat, provincial jail warden, said three of those "rescued" were members of the outlawed armed men involved in bombings in North Cotabato.

Many of those who fled were also facing charges of illegal drug pushing.

The three inmates of Cell No. 8, later known as Tamayan and Salic brothers, were the prime object of rescue, Bungat said.

Abu Misry Mama, BIFF spokesperson, denied his group was involved but admitted some of those who fled belonged to the BIFF.

Only 21 jail officers are guarding 1,511 inmates on shifting basis. It was not clear how many guards were on duty during the attack.

Supt. Emmanuel Peralta, North Cotabato police director, said joint police and military operations are ongoing in the borders of Kidapawan City and the towns of Matalam and M'lang.

One jail officer was killed and an inmate was wounded.

Numbering about 100, the armed men first shot a power transformer that sent the jail facility in darkness. It was followed by a series of gunfire, according to Felix Capalla, one of the inmates' leaders.

Among those who fled were followers of big time drug lords Renz Tukuran and Mox Masgal, former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members engaged in illegal drugs in North Cotabato.

“It was not a jailbreak. It was a planned rescue of high profile detainees,” he told reporters.

The jail facility, also known as the Cotabato District Jail, is located at the back of the provincial capitol compound in Barangay Amas in Kidapawan City.

Before the raid, Capalla told Bungat of what he heard among the inmates - a plot that they will be rescued on New Year's Eve. This led to the deployment of Army and police forces as augmentation force on December 31.

However, the reinforcement was recalled on January 1 when no attack happened on New Year's Eve.

A village official was killed by government forces when he was seen transporting two inmates in Matalam, North Cotabato.

Mayor Joseph Evangelista of Kidapawan City has ordered the suspension of classes in public schools in Barangay Amas to ensure safety of children during manhunt operations. (PNA)

DILG inspects nearly-completed drug rehab center in Isabela

CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela, Jan 4 (PNA) -- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) here has conducted inspection to the nearly-completed Regional Drug Rehabilitation Center in Barangay San Antonio here.

Elpidio Durwin, DILG â€" Isabela provincial director, said on Wednesday that he, together with some Ilagan City officials, went to San Antonio to personally assess the readiness and completion of the rehabilitation center which is expected to accommodate severe illegal drug users from the region.

The group also inspected the concreting of the 1.2 kilometer access road leading to the rehabilitation center.

During the last quarter of 2016, DILG Assistant Secretary John Castriciones, also inspected the said drug rehabilitation facility and recommended to undergo completion to accommodate more patients who are severe drug users.

Durwin said that the drug center is expected to be completed by the end of this month.

Building No. 2 is completed and Building No. 1 (quarters) repair is 95% complete. Accordingly, the whole center will be ready for occupancy by last week of January, he added. (PNA)

Antique provincial gov’t finalizes committees for Palarong Pambansa hosting

SAN JOSE De BUENAVISTA, Antique, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- The provincial government here is now in the process of finalizing committees as preparation for hosting this year’s Palarong Pambansa.

Atty. Arthur Lastimoso, who was selected by Gov. Rhodora J. Cadiao to head the Antique Palarong Pambansa Organizing Committee (APPOC), said in an interview Wednesday that he is elated to know that many people are getting excited and would like to take part in the preparations for the province’s first ever hosting of the national sports event.

He said that they are just in the process of finalizing the committees such as security, billeting, communications and publicity. Chairpersons for these committees are also being identified.

The provincial legal officer likewise said that the governor will soon issue an Executive Order outlining the committees, chairpersons and their tasks.

He said that the preparation for the event is on the timeline following the technical meeting with Department of Education Assistant Secretary Tonisito Umali last December.

He added that there four clusters are formed based on the billeting areas of the athletes per region. The clusters are intended to easily address problems that may arise during the event. A person-in-charge is assigned in each cluster. (PNA)

Local organizer finalizes venues for ASEAN Summit meetings in Iloilo

ILOILO CITY, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- The local organizing committee (LOC) of the 2017 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit is now finalizing the venues for this city’s hosting of four meetings from March 6 to 15.

City Tourism and Development Office (CTDO) head and executive director of the LOC Junel Ann P. Divinagracia on Wednesday said that they are looking for alternative venues since the meetings coincided with the national hosting of the Rotary Club.

Rotary Club has already booked the Iloilo Convention Center and the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel for their event, she said.

One alternative is the Diversion21 Hotel for the meeting of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, she said.

She expressed optimism that the city could find suitable venues as she cited that the ASEAN meetings will only be hosting representatives from 10 countries.

Iloilo City is slated to host two ministerial and two senior officials meetings. They will be hosted by AFP, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Meanwhile, she announced that they are looking for volunteers who will be trained as liaison officers to assist during the meetings. Students who are interested to apply must be endorsed by their Student Affairs Office.

Those who passed the series of interviews will undergo training that will be facilitated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Service Institute. (PNA)

DOLE 2 awards financial assistance to remote Quirino town

CABARROGUIS, Quirino, Jan 4 (PNA) -- The local government unit of Nagtipunan in this province has received some PHP791,190 financial assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Maria Theresa T. Ronquillo, head of DOLE Qurino Field Office, said the financial aid will benefit 50 ambulant-vendors and 40 members of the Ponggo Furniture Workers Product Producers Association.

“It will enhance the existing livelihood undertakings of the ambulant-vendors and the furniture makers to increase their income,” Ronquillo said.

Meanwhile, Mayor Nieverose Meneses of Nagtipunan said the DOLE' s assistance is a blessing that come at the time when the people are in need.

“The DOLE’s livelihood assistance is timely since my constituents are still recovering from the effects of typhoons Karen and Lawin," Meneses said.

The mayor stressed that the continuous provision of support from DOLE 2 to Nagtipunan has boost the morale of her constituents.

She pledged her support and collaboration with the agency’s programs and projects.

Nagtipunan is the farthest municipality of Quirino province. It has an estimated population of 20,400 in 2010. Majority of which are Ilokanos, Ifugaos, and Bugkalots. (PNA)

VP Robredo set to visit typhoon affected provinces in Bicol
By Connie B. Destura

LEGAZPI CITY, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- Vice President Leni Robredo will visit the typhoon-affected provinces in Bicol from Wednesday until Friday, 10 days since typhoon Nina ravaged the region.

According to her Media Relations Officer Emmanuel Magno, RobredoRobredo will visit Catanduanes, Albay and Camarines Sur, the provinces badly hit by the typhoon.

On Wednesday morning, Robredo will be in Catanduanes and will proceed to the towns of Baras, San Andres and Bato.

In Baras, she will visit Barangays Moning and Batolinao while in Bato she is expected in Barangays Batalay and Banawang proper. In San Andres, she will visit Barangay Cabcab.

The Vice President will bring relief goods to Catanduanes to augment the help being sent there with Catanduanes Governor Joseph Cua taking charge of the distribution, said Magno.

Robredo will go to Tiwi town in Albay after her visit to Catanduanes. In Tiwi, she will meet with Mayor Jaime Villanueva and Sr. Insp. Jan King Calipay, chief of police of Tiwi Municipal Police Office.

In Tiwi, the Vice President will visit Barangays Bolo, Sogod, Lourdes, Bariis and Naga.

On Thursday, Robredo will proceed to Camarines Sur and visit Barangays Bongalon and Patitinan, both in Sangay; and the towns of Buhi and Balatan.

On Friday, she will be in the municipalities of Calabanga, Burabod, Bombon, Magarao, Canaman and Camaligan, all in Camarines Sur. (PNA)

Philippine eagle rescued in Sarangani village

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- Local government and environment personnel rescued on Tuesday a juvenile Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi), the country’s national bird, after it strayed into an upland community in Maitum town in Sarangani Province.

Maitum Mayor Alexander Reganit said Wednesday the eagle was initially found on Monday by a local resident in a forested area at a portion of Barangay Batian, which is part of the Mt. Busa biodiversity complex.

He said the municipal government was immediately informed of the presence of the strayed eagle, prompting them to mount a rescue operation.

The mayor said local government staff and personnel from the Davao City-based Philippine Eagle Center (PEC) extracted the raptor and brought it to the center on Tuesday night.

"We are very happy that the eagle was successfully rescued," Reganit said in a statement.

Gibson Badal, 26, a resident of Barangay Batian, said he found the bird just standing at his area and it did not move away when he got near.

Badal said the bird, which is about a meter tall and has blue gray eyes, appeared weak.

Alver Caasi, who was visiting Batian on Monday was informed by residents that they were selling the bird but he advised them not to.

“I told them they will face the full force of the law if they do that,” he said.

Caasi said he helped feed the eagle with live chicken, and it immediately consumed half of it and the other half on the next day.

Edgar Calderon, park maintenance foreman of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office, said the eagle could be about a year old.

He said there’s a possibility that it has a nest within the five-kilometer radius from where it was found.

Dennis Joseph Salvador, PEC executive director, confirmed that the strayed bird was a Philippine eagle when they were informed late Monday.

Photos and videos of the raptor from the local government were sent to the center through Davao City-based journalist Carolyn Arguillas.

Jayson Ibanez, PEC director for conservation, said they initially confirmed the presence of the Philippine eagle in Barangay Batian in a visit in 1996.

Batian is a key part of the Mt. Busa complex, a declared priority conservation and protection biodiversity study area.

The area hosts one the province’s remaining forests.

Reganit said the presence of the Philippine eagle shows that Maitum still has thick forests “that we ought to preserve and protect.”

“I will do my best to protect the endangered species of Maitum as our legacy to the future generations,” he said.

Mt. Busa (Area: 114,144 hectares) was declared as a key biodiversity area (KBA 116) and an important bird area (IBA PH0105) in 2001.

It is the habitat of critically endangered, threatened, vulnerable and rare bird species and connects several conservation priorities.

Sarangani’s Environmental Conservation and Protection Center (ECPC) had reported sightings of tarsier, wild deer, pigs, monkeys, bats, civets and endangered species of birds at the foot of Mt. Busa.

But Mt. Busa, which straddles the towns of Maitum, Kiamba and Maasim, is threatened by land conversion (to farmland), kaingin (slash-and-burn), wildlife hunting, illegal logging and mining, according to the ECPC.(PNA)

Lacson: Time for the President to become 'multi-dimensional' in 2017

December 31, 2016. I believe it's time for the President to become multi-dimensional, not later, but starting New Year's Day. Anyway, the anti-drug war is being addressed with more than enough vigor by our law enforcement agencies, particularly the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the Philippine National Police,...

Source: Lacson: Time for the President to become 'multi-dimensional' in 2017

Legarda Urges Filipinos to Emulate Rizal's Nationalism

December 30, 2016. Senator Loren Legarda has called on Filipinos to emulate the values and principles of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, especially his nationalism, as the nation commemorates Rizal Day.

"Dr. Jose Rizal was an unparalleled visionary whose thoughts and actions changed the landscape of our identity as Filipinos...

Source: Legarda Urges Filipinos to Emulate Rizal's Nationalism

Message of Sen. Pangilinan on Rizal Day

December 30, 2016. Wala pang 25 ang edad ni Ka Pepe nang isulat niya ang Noli Me Tangere, ang nobelang naglantad sa mapaniil at katawa-tawang kalagayan ng mga Pilipino noong ika-19 na siglo. Parang 'millennial' din siya noong panahon niya. Millennial na may pakialam.

Manunulat, manggagamot, at guro si Ka Pepe. Di...

Source: Message of Sen. Pangilinan on Rizal Day

Sen. Leila M. de Lima's Message on the Commemoration of Rizal Day

December 30, 2016. "Mamamatay akong hindi man lang makikita ang ningning ng bukang-liwayway sa aking Bayan. Kayong mga makakakita, salubungin ninyo siya at huwag ninyong kalimutan ang mga taong nalugmok sa dilim ng gabi."
Ito ay kataga ni Elias, isang tauhan sa nobelang Noli Me Tangere na isinulat ni Gat Jose Rizal...

Source: Sen. Leila M. de Lima's Message on the Commemoration of Rizal Day

Legarda: Enough Funds for Typhoon Nina Rehab

December 29, 2016. Senator Loren Legarda today urged all agencies involved in the relief and rehabilitation efforts in areas affected by Typhoon Nina to ensure that needs are met completely and quickly even as she commended the level of disaster preparedness of national agencies and local government units...

Source: Legarda: Enough Funds for Typhoon Nina Rehab

Hontiveros: We didn't need 6,000 people dead to implement a public health policy on drug abuse

December 29, 2016. Asserting that the country's drug problem has always been a public health concern, Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros today said that the government should have implemented a public health policy on drug abuse from the very start, instead of encouraging a climate of killing in its war on...

Source: Hontiveros: We didn't need 6,000 people dead to implement a public health policy on drug abuse

Angara urges Pinoys to save money with 'PERA'

December 27, 2016. Filipinos can now prepare and save up for retirement by investing in a Personal Equity Retirement Account (PERA), the country's first-ever voluntary retirement account with tax incentives.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has recently launched PERA, eight years after Republic Act 9505 or the...

Source: Angara urges Pinoys to save money with 'PERA'

Zubiri: Senate bill bans all trade in sharks, rays

December 27, 2016. A Senate bill has been filed seeking to prohibit, under pain of        imprisonment and fine, all trade in sharks and rays, both of        which are being threatened by unchecked overfishing, including        bycatching.
Senate Bill 1245, authored by Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, proposes        to...

Source: Zubiri: Senate bill bans all trade in sharks, rays

Christmas 2016 Message of Senate President Koko Pimentel

December 24, 2016. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas! And I pray that the coming new year will usher in a period of peace, justice, and prosperity for you, your family, our country and the rest of the world.
Christmas is a time for peace. Remember that our Lord always said "Peace be with you." Hence, let us be at...

Source: Christmas 2016 Message of Senate President Koko Pimentel

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri's Christmas Message

December 24, 2016. I wish you and your loved ones good health, wealth and peace. This Christmas is very special because I got a chance to work with you in the Senate, the bastion of democracy. I pray for a healthy working relationship with you for the good of our country. Merry...

Source: Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri's Christmas Message

Senator Francis Pangilinan message for Christmas

December 24, 2016. Walang katulad ang Pasko sa Pilipinas. Sabi nga nila, pinakamahaba ang pagdiwang natin nito. Ber months pa lang, game na: Umpisa na ang pagdating ng mga balikbayan box, ang pagsabit ng mga parol, at walang katapusang kainan at inuman.
Pero parang hindi masyadong masaya ngayon. Marahil dahil imbis...

Source: Senator Francis Pangilinan message for Christmas

Senator Nancy Binay's Christmas message

December 24, 2016. This Christmas, we pray that we get the gift of healing, especially the pain in our hearts, so that we may become a part of the hope and strength of our country.

Tinatawag ang bawat isa na maging tanglaw ng ating mga kapwa Filipino at tumulong sa pagsasaayos at pagbangon muli ng ating mga...

Source: Senator Nancy Binay's Christmas message

Villanueva backs Duterte's call to close online gambling ops

December 23, 2016. Senator Joel Villanueva has expressed his support on the call of President Rodrigo Duterte to shut down all online gambling operations in the country.
On his social media post, Villanueva said that he is "definitely supporting this initiative" adding that "gambling promotes greediness".
It can be...

Source: Villanueva backs Duterte's call to close online gambling ops

NCCA Confers Dangal ng Haraya on Legarda

December 23, 2016. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has conferred on Senator Loren Legarda its highest honor, the Dangal ng Haraya Patron of Arts and Culture.
The NCCA confers the Dangal ng Haraya award to individuals and institutions/organizations that have rendered significant and lasting...

Source: NCCA Confers Dangal ng Haraya on Legarda

Mensahe ni Sen. Leila M. de Lima para sa Pagdiriwang ng Pasko 2016

December 23, 2016. Ngayong Pasko, ginugunita natin ang pagsilang ng dakilang sanggol na si Hesukristo. Inaalala natin ang diwa ng Kanyang pagpapakumbaba kung paanong ang Hari ng mga Hari ay ipinanganak sa payak na sabsaban; ang  malasakit na tulungan at unawain ang kalagayan ng nangangailangan; at ang pagmamahal ng...

Source: Mensahe ni Sen. Leila M. de Lima para sa Pagdiriwang ng Pasko 2016

Legarda: President Duterte Signs P3.350T Pro-People 2017 National Budget

December 22, 2016. Senator Loren Legarda today said that President Rodrigo Duterte has signed the 2017 General Appropriations Act (GAA) worth P3.350 trillion, the first budget of the new administration.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, said that she is proud of the work they have done for this...

Source: Legarda: President Duterte Signs P3.350T Pro-People 2017 National Budget

Hontiveros lauds 2017 budget with historic debt audit provision, health reforms

December 22, 2016. "A historic first in the history of the Philippine budget system."

This is how Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros described the passage of the 2017 national government budget that contains a special provision mandating Congress to conduct a comprehensive audit of the country's debt.

The said...

Source: Hontiveros lauds 2017 budget with historic debt audit provision, health reforms

Lacson: On China's offer of weapons while they continue fortifying their defense facilities in our islands

December 21, 2016. We can't be too dumb not to realize that while China offers us weapons, they continue fortifying their defense facilities in our islands.
There should be an in-depth analysis and thorough discussion among our top national security advisers and other security experts before any decision is arrived...

Source: Lacson: On China's offer of weapons while they continue fortifying their defense facilities in our islands

Acceptance Speech on the Occasion of the Conferment of the Dangal ng Haraya Award (Tagapagtaguyod ng Sining at Kultura) to Senator Loren Legarda

December 21, 2016. It is with great honor that I accept the Dangal ng Haraya Award.
This award, while issued in my name, appropriately belongs to my mother who nurtured and influenced me to embrace the majesty of culture and the arts.
My mother, Bessie Gella Bautista, sang operas, collected art, and was a person of...

Source: Acceptance Speech on the Occasion of the Conferment of the Dangal ng Haraya Award (Tagapagtaguyod ng Sining at Kultura) to Senator Loren Legarda

Lacson: On the reported call by the UN's human rights chief to investigate President Duterte over admission he killed criminals in Davao when he was mayor

December 21, 2016. Apparently, the UN rights chief is not familiar with the Philippine Constitution and our laws.
First, our president enjoys immunity from suit during his term. Second, no matter how many times a person in our country admits having committed murder, as long as there is no other evidence to...

Source: Lacson: On the reported call by the UN's human rights chief to investigate President Duterte over admission he killed criminals in Davao when he was mayor

Sen. Leila M. de Lima's statement on the DOJ filing of charge against her at the Quezon City's Metropolitan Trial Court

December 21, 2016. I can confirm that, today, my office received a copy of a Resolution of the National Prosecution Service (NPS) finding probable cause to charge me with violation of Article 150 of the Revised Penal Code (Disobedience to Summons issued by the National Assembly, its committees or subcommittees,...

Source: Sen. Leila M. de Lima's statement on the DOJ filing of charge against her at the Quezon City's Metropolitan Trial Court

Sen. Leila M. De Lima's statement to calls for her to explain proliferation of of drug trade during her DOJ stint

December 21, 2016. It's saddening and frightening that even high-ranking public figures have swallowed hook, line and sinker the fantasy that the Duterte administration has been weaving: that a single person was single-handedly responsible for the proliferation of drugs in our country, and that it took place only...

Source: Sen. Leila M. De Lima's statement to calls for her to explain proliferation of of drug trade during her DOJ stint

Hontiveros: Filipinos want a humane campaign vs. illegal drugs

December 20, 2016. "The people prefer a humane and rules-based campaign against illegal drugs."

This is how Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros interpreted the latest Social Weather Station (SWS) survey showing that 8 out of 10 Filipinos expressed worry about the unresolved cases of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) in...

Source: Hontiveros: Filipinos want a humane campaign vs. illegal drugs

"No PhilHealth ID, No Benefits" policy scrapped - Recto

December 20, 2016. The Senate has included a provision in the 2017 national budget cancelling the need for patients seeking treatment in hospitals to present a PhilHealth card as a condition to avail of benefits from the state health insurer.
Senate Minority Leader Ralph Recto said the scrapping of the "No...

Source: "No PhilHealth ID, No Benefits" policy scrapped - Recto

Villar SIPAG opens training on mushroom production

December 20, 2016. In a bid to promote urban farming and boost food security among Filipinos, Sen. Cynthia A. Villar on Tuesday spearheaded a 2-day training module on mushroom culture and production technology for backyard planters and budding entrepreneurs.
Villar linked up with the Bureau of Plant Industry for the...

Source: Villar SIPAG opens training on mushroom production

Recto: Digong's foreign policy motto should be "Friend to all, subservient to no one"

December 20, 2016. The Philippines would be better off pivoting to an independent foreign policy position than siding with any of the big powers.
"Our motto should be :  'Friend to all, but subservient to none.' In other words, amity to all, hostility to no one," Recto said.
Recto said foreign policy rebalancing...

Source: Recto: Digong's foreign policy motto should be "Friend to all, subservient to no one"

Legarda: Improved Feeding Program for Children Under 2017 Nat'l Budget

December 20, 2016. Senator Loren Legarda today said that the Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is expected to improve with the additional budget allocated for it in the proposed 2017 national budget.
Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, said...

Source: Legarda: Improved Feeding Program for Children Under 2017 Nat'l Budget

Bam on free tuition fee in SUCs

December 20, 2016. Q: Senator, paano po ba ang proseso ng deliberation at paano tayo nakaabot sa ganitong klaseng desisyon in terms of making a law para magbigay ng ganung subsidy sa mga estudyante?
Sen. Bam: Dalawang bagay. Unang-una, iyong budget for 2017 iyan iyong katatapos pa lang at may nakalaan na P8.3...

Source: Bam on free tuition fee in SUCs

De Lima warns vs attempts to undermine PHL history, identity

December 19, 2016. BERLIN - Sen. Leila M. de Lima warned against the reconstruction of the Philippine history and the national identity of the Filipino people by the so-called "agents of change" who want us to think and act contrary to the values and principles we fought hard for.
She also alluded to "authoritarian...

Source: De Lima warns vs attempts to undermine PHL history, identity

De Lima: THE PHILIPPINES IN 2016: On Forgotten Histories and Identities in Peril

December 18, 2016.        Good afternoon to everyone.  It is a great honor and pleasure to be among the invited speakers for this Annual Conference on Cultural Diplomacy 2016.
In the seven years I have been in public...

Source: De Lima: THE PHILIPPINES IN 2016: On Forgotten Histories and Identities in Peril

Sen. Leila M. de Lima's statement on President Duterte's medical condition

December 18, 2016. Our Constitution is clear on this. The public should be informed of the state of health of the President in case of serious illness. I don't know if the Palace can even try to argue that the President's condition isn't serious, when we all know that one or more of his ailments have prevented him...

Source: Sen. Leila M. de Lima's statement on President Duterte's medical condition

Sen. Leila M. de Lima's statement on President Duterte's threat to abrogate VFA

December 18, 2016. I hope that the President is thinking clearly and level-headedly when he threatens to make drastic changes to our foreign relations and national defense policies. I hope that he understands the difference between the Philippines pursuing an independent foreign policy, and the Philippines being...

Source: Sen. Leila M. de Lima's statement on President Duterte's threat to abrogate VFA

Bam: Free college tuition fee bill expected to be passed next year

December 18, 2016. Sen. Bam Aquino is optimistic that measures pushing for free tuition fees in state colleges and universities will be enacted into law next year.

"We're hoping we can pass this by February or March in time for June school year at para libre na ang college tuition every school year," said Sen...

Source: Bam: Free college tuition fee bill expected to be passed next year

Legarda: Free Irrigation for Farmers in 2017 Nat'l Budget

December 18, 2016. Senator Loren Legarda today said that another important highlight of the 2017 national budget is the government subsidy on the irrigation service fees (ISF) being paid by farmers to the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).

The P2 billion additional allocation for NIA under the proposed 2017...

Source: Legarda: Free Irrigation for Farmers in 2017 Nat'l Budget

Recto: Senate hikes by P1 B DSWD budget for free daycare meals

December 18, 2016. The Senate had added P1 billion to the children's feeding budget of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, raising the amount to P4.427 billion, to enable the agency to serve one hot meal daily to 1.74 million 2 to 4 year olds for 120 days next year.

Although he was the one who...

Source: Recto: Senate hikes by P1 B DSWD budget for free daycare meals

Angara pushes for Medical Scholarship Bill

December 18, 2016. Lamenting the shortage of doctors especially in rural areas, Senator Sonny Angara is pushing for the passage of a bill that seeks to establish a medical scholarship program to address the lack of available doctors to serve underprivileged Filipinos in far-flung communities.
"The lack or the...

Source: Angara pushes for Medical Scholarship Bill

Recto: CHED row won't affect, easy to implement 8B tuition fund

December 17, 2016. The senator who sponsored the free public college tuition clause in the 2017 national budget today assuaged fears of "unenlightened bureaucrats" that it will may be hard to spend the P8 billion allocation to cover basic matriculation of close to 1 million students of state colleges.
Senate...

Source: Recto: CHED row won't affect, easy to implement 8B tuition fund

Legarda: Free Tuition For All in SUCs Under 2017 Nat'l Budget

December 16, 2016. Senator Loren Legarda today said that all students who will enroll in any state university and college (SUC) in the country, including the University of the Philippines (UP), will no longer pay for tuition fee starting next school year as it will now be funded under the 2017 national...

Source: Legarda: Free Tuition For All in SUCs Under 2017 Nat'l Budget

Drilon urges BI overhaul

December 16, 2016. Senate President Pro-Tempore Franklin M. Drilon called for a massive reorganization of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in light of corruption issues allegedly committed by its high-ranking officials.

Drilon filed Senate Resolution No. 256 urging the Committee on Civil Service and Government...

Source: Drilon urges BI overhaul

Sen. Leila M. de Lima's statement on the reported cancellation of government's invitation for UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial killings Agnes Callamard

December 16, 2016. The Duterte administration should reconsider its decision to impose inflexible conditions, and much less to cancel altogether its invitation for the fact-finding mission team led by UN Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial Killings Dr. Agnes Callamard to visit the country and look into the spate of...

Source: Sen. Leila M. de Lima's statement on the reported cancellation of government's invitation for UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial killings Agnes Callamard

Legarda: All Filipinos Covered by PhilHealth in 2017 Nat'l Budget

December 15, 2016. Senator Loren Legarda today said that the 2017 national budget will provide healthcare assistance to all Filipinos.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, said that additional P3 billion was allocated to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to ensure coverage for...

Source: Legarda: All Filipinos Covered by PhilHealth in 2017 Nat'l Budget

A Multiplied Love

When a woman in Karen’s church was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease), things looked bad. This cruel disease affects nerves and muscles, eventually leading to paralysis. The family’s insurance wouldn’t cover home care, and the stricken woman’s husband couldn’t bear the thought of putting her in a nursing home.
As a nurse, Karen had the expertise to help and began going to the woman’s home to care for her. But she soon realized she couldn’t take care of her own family while meeting the needs of her friend, so she started teaching others in the church to help. As the disease ran its course over the next seven years, Karen trained thirty-one additional volunteers who surrounded that family with love, prayer, and practical assistance.  
“Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister,” said John the disciple (1 John 4:21). Karen gives us a shining example of that kind of love. She had the skills, compassion, and vision to rally a church family around a hurting friend. Her love for one person in need became a multiplied love lived out by many. 

Source: A Multiplied Love

Not What It Seems

Don is a border collie who lives on a farm in South Lanarkshire, Scotland. One morning, he and his owner, Tom, set out to check on some animals. They rode together in a small farm utility truck. When they arrived, Tom left the vehicle but forgot to put the brake on. With Don in the driver’s seat, the vehicle rolled down a hill and across two lanes of traffic before it stopped safely. To watching motorists, it appeared the dog was out for a morning drive. Indeed, things are not always as they seem.
It seemed as if Elisha and his servant were about to be captured and carried off to the King of Aram. The king’s forces had surrounded the city where Elisha and his servant were staying. The servant believed they were doomed, but Elisha said, “Don’t be afraid . . . . Those who are with us are more than those who are with [the enemy]” (2 Kings 6:16). When Elisha prayed, the servant was able to see the multitudes of supernatural forces that were in place to protect them.
Situations that seem hopeless are not always the way we perceive them to be. When we feel overwhelmed and outnumbered, we can remember that God is by our side. He can “command his angels . . . to guard [us] in all our ways” (Ps. 91:11).

Source: Not What It Seems

The Perfect Gift

Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1
The weeks after Christmas are the busiest time of year in the US for merchandise returns as people trade unwanted gifts for what they really want. Yet you probably know a few people who always seem to give the perfect gift. How do they know just what another person values and what is right for the occasion? The key to successful gift-giving is not money; it’s listening to others and taking a personal interest in what they enjoy and appreciate.
This is true for family and friends. But what about God? Is there anything meaningful or valuable that we can give to God? Is there anything He doesn’t already have?
Romans 11:33–36, a song of praise to God for His great wisdom, knowledge, and glory, is followed by a call to give ourselves to Him. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship” (12:1). Instead of being shaped by the world around us, we are to be “transformed by the renewing of [our] mind” (v. 2).
What’s the best gift we can give to God today? In gratitude, humility, and love we can give ourselves completely to Him—heart, mind, and will. It’s just what the Lord is longing to receive from each of us.

Source: The Perfect Gift

Thanks-Living

Wanting to mature in her spiritual life and become more thankful, Sue started what she called a Thanks-Living jar. Each evening she wrote on a small piece of paper one thing she thanked God for and dropped it in the jar. Some days she had many praises; other difficult days she struggled to find one. At the end of the year she emptied her jar and read through all of the notes. She found herself thanking God again for everything He had done. He had given simple things like a beautiful sunset or a cool evening for a walk in the park, and other times He had provided grace to handle a difficult situation or had answered a prayer.
Sue’s discovery reminded me of what the psalmist David says he experienced (Ps. 23). God refreshed him with “green pastures” and “quiet waters” (vv. 2–3). He gave him guidance, protection, and comfort (vv. 3–4). He concluded: “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life” (v. 6).
I’m going to make a Thanks-Living jar this year. Maybe you’d like to as well. I think we’ll see we have many reasons to thank God—including His gifts of friends and family and His provisions for our physical, spiritual, and emotional needs. We’ll see that the goodness and love of God follows us all the days of our lives.

Source: Thanks-Living

Now Is the Day

Our preschool-age granddaughter Maggie and her kindergarten-age sister Katie hauled several blankets to the backyard, where they proceeded to build a blanket tent in which to play. They had been outside a while when their mom heard Maggie call for her.
          “Mom, come here quick!” Maggie yelled. “I want to ask Jesus into my heart, and I need your help!” Apparently at that moment her need for Jesus became clear to her, and she was ready to put her faith in Him.
          Maggie’s urgent call for help in trusting Jesus brings to mind Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 6 about salvation. He was discussing the reality that Jesus Christ’s advent—including His death and resurrection—instituted an era he called “the time of God’s favor.” We live in that time, and salvation is available to all right now. He said, “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” (v. 2). For all who have not yet trusted Jesus for forgiveness, the time to do so is now. It is urgent.
          Perhaps the Holy Spirit has alerted you to your need to put your trust in Jesus. Like Maggie, don’t put it off. Run to Jesus. Now is the day!

Source: Now Is the Day

Time Alone With God

It was a busy morning in the church room where I was helping. Nearly a dozen little children were chattering and playing. There was so much activity that the room became warm and I propped the door open. One little boy saw this as his chance to escape so when he thought no one was looking, he tiptoed out the door. Hot on his trail, I wasn’t surprised that he was headed straight for his daddy’s arms.
The little boy did what we need to do when life becomes busy and overwhelming—he slipped away to be with his father. Jesus looked for opportunities to spend time with His heavenly Father in prayer. Some might say this was how He coped with the demands that depleted His human energy. According to the gospel of Matthew, Jesus was headed to a solitary place when a crowd of people followed Him. Noticing their needs, Jesus miraculously healed and fed them. After that, however, He “went up on a mountainside by himself to pray” (v. 23).
Jesus repeatedly helped multitudes of people, yet He didn’t allow Himself to become haggard and hurried. He nurtured His connection with God through prayer. How is it with you? Will you take time alone with God to experience His strength and fulfillment?

Source: Time Alone With God

Signet Ring

When I first made the acquaintance of a new friend from abroad, I noticed his posh English accent and that he wore a ring on his little finger. Later I learned that this wasn’t just jewelry; it revealed his family’s history through the family crest engraved on it.
It was a bit like a signet ring—perhaps like the one in Haggai. In this short Old Testament book, the prophet Haggai calls for the people of God to restart the rebuilding of the temple. They had been exiled and had now returned to their homeland and begun rebuilding, but enemy opposition to their project had stalled them. Haggai’s message includes God’s promise to Zerubbabel, Judah’s leader, that he had been chosen and set apart as their leader, like a signet ring.
In ancient times, a signet ring was used as a means of identification. Instead of signing their name, people would press their ring into hot wax or soft clay to make their mark. As God’s children, we too make a mark on the world as we spread the gospel, share His grace through loving our neighbors, and work to end oppression.
Each of us has our own unique stamp that reveals how we’re created in God’s image and expresses our particular mix of gifts, passions, and wisdom. It’s our call and privilege to act as this signet ring in God’s world.

Source: Signet Ring

Locked Into Love

In June 2015, the city of Paris removed forty-five tons of padlocks from the railings of the Pont des Arts pedestrian bridge. As a romantic gesture, couples would etch their initials onto a lock, attach it to the railing, click it shut, and throw the key into the River Seine.
After this ritual was repeated thousands of times, the bridge could no longer bear the weight of so much “love.” Eventually the city, fearing for the integrity of the bridge, removed the “love locks.”
            The locks were meant to symbolize everlasting love, but human love does not always last. The closest of friends may offend each other and never resolve their differences. Family members may argue and refuse to forgive. A husband and wife may drift so far apart that they can’t remember why they once decided to marry. Human love can be fickle.
            But there is one constant and enduring love—the love of God. “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever,” proclaims Psalm 106:1. The promises of the unfailing and everlasting nature of God’s love are found throughout Scripture. And the greatest proof of this love is the death of His Son so that those who put their faith in Him can live eternally. And nothing will ever separate us from His love (Rom. 8:38–39).
Fellow believers, we are locked into God’s love forever.

Source: Locked Into Love

The Power of Simple Words

Raucous laughter marked the guests in my father's hospital room: Two old truck drivers, one former country/western singer, one craftsman, two women from neighboring farms, and me. 
                "...and then he got up and busted the bottle over my head," the craftsman said, finishing his story about a bar fight.
                The room bursts into laughter at this now-humorous memory. Dad, struggling for breath as his laughing fought with his cancer for the air in his lungs, puffs out a reminder to everybody that “Randy is a preacher" so they need to watch what they say. Everything got quiet for about two seconds; then the whole room exploded as this news makes them laugh harder and louder. 
                Suddenly, about forty minutes into this visit, the craftsman clears his throat, turns to my dad, and gets serious. "No more drinking and bar fights for me, Howard. Those days are behind me. Now I have a different reason to live. I want to tell you about my Savior."
                  He then proceeded to do just that, over my father's surprisingly mild protests.  If there's a sweeter, gentler way to present the gospel message, I've never heard it. 
                My dad listened and watched, and some years later believed in Jesus too.
                It was a simple testimony from an old friend living a simple life, reminding me again that simple isn't naïve or stupid; it's direct and unpretentious.
                Just like Jesus. And salvation. 

Source: The Power of Simple Words

On Time

Sometimes I joke that I'm going to write a book titled On Time. Those who know me smile because they know I am often late. I rationalize that my lateness is due to optimism, not to lack of trying. I optimistically cling to the faulty belief that “this time” I will be able to get more done in less time than ever before. But I can't, and I don't, so I end up having to apologize yet again for my failure to show up on time.
In contrast, God is always on time. We may think He's late, but He's not. Throughout Scripture we read about people becoming impatient with God’s timing. The Israelites waited and waited for the promised Messiah. Some gave up hope. But Simeon and Anna did not. They were in the temple daily praying and waiting (Luke 2:25-26, 37). And their faith was rewarded. They got to see the infant Jesus when Mary and Joseph brought Him to be dedicated (vv, 27-32, 38).
When we become discouraged because God doesn't respond according to our timetable, Christmas reminds us that “when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son . . . that we might receive adoption to sonship” (Gal. 4:4-5). God’s timing is always perfect, and it is worth the wait.  

Source: On Time

PLDT's fourth cable landing station to benefit BPO industry

Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) Inc has completed its fourth cable landing station in Davao. The cable landing station links Mindanao to PLDT's three existing international gateways located in Nasugbu, Batangas; Bauang, La Union and Daet, Camarines Norte. PLDT said the project will significantly improve the flow of international data traffic to and from Mindanao. In a statement, the company added that the fourth cable landing station will provide better resiliency and reduced latency for enterprises particularly those that demand bandwidth-heavy data services as the BPO industry. The station is part of PLDT's programmed P48bn capital expenditure for 2016.