Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
No to SOGIE bill
congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565th batch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan, looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City
Congratulations to 18.5k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th edition and 2k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo
Family of the late Edison Palero appreciates everyone joined them in their bereavement
Congratulations to new set of interim officers of Luzon Convention of Southern Baptist Chueches, Inc.-Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries, Inc -moderator Dr. Enrico San Pedro Phd; Executive Secretary Jorge Lopez, Treasurer Rev. Nestor Sadim, Public Relation Officer Rev. Manuel Soliman
Happy Birthday Jo God-Saves Lopez and Ulysses Lopez, more birthdays to come
PM for any hospital discharge problem
76 NBI agents reclassified to boost quality of service
By J.Lo
“Reclassification of agents will provide more quality service to Filipino people, improve their performance in solution of crime, and raise bar of competency in the field of law enforcement,” National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago said reclassification of 76 NBI special investigators (SI) to investigation agents (IA) is expected to boost quality of service of the agency.
He said reclassification of agents from SI III (Salary Grade 18) to IA III (SG 22) is dream come true for 76 agents who have been “serving the Bureau with pride and honor for longest time.”
“Now that they are eligible for promotion, it is time for them to perform in order that they be promoted to higher positions,” he said.
Santiago added that reclassification is retroactive to July 1, 2024 in accordance with Section 3 of Republic Act No. 10867 or NBI Reorganization and Modernization Act.
“Accordingly, agents will receive back wages,” he said
The NBI chief thanked Civil Service Commission (CSC) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for their help and support.
He noted that under NBI Modernization law, once an SI retires, the item shall be considered dissolved.
“That’s the reason why I requested and pleaded that these SIs be reclassified to Agent III, and DBM and CSC approved request,” he said.
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
No to SOGIE bill
Supports Fire Prevention Month March
supports Women Month March
congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565th batch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan, looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City
Congratulations to 18.5k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th edition and 2k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo
Family of the late Ilocos Sur Gov. Efren Rafanan Sr. appreciates everyone joined them in their bereavement
Congratulations to new set of interim officers of Luzon Convention of Southern Baptist Chueches, Inc.-Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries, Inc -moderator Dr. Enrico San Pedro Phd; Executive Secretary Jorge Lopez, Treasurer Rev. Nestor Sadim, Public Relation Officer Rev. Manuel Soliman
Happy Birthday Jo God-Saves Lopez and Ulysses Lopez, more birthdays to come
“We are requesting all building officials in LGUs to inspect their structures and to be strict and implement restrictions on construction of buildings to prevent vulnerabilities during this kind of disasters,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in following deadly earthquake in Myanmar, Malacañang has urged local government officials to inspect structures and ensure strict implementation of rules on infrastructure projects.
Castro said government considers this priority in preparation for any future calamity.
Castro also confirmed 141-member humanitarian team Philippines will send to Myanmar is tentatively scheduled to leave today.
Team, she said, includes emergency medical assistance personnel from Department of Health, along with urban search and rescue personnel from Bureau of Fire Protection, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and other agencies.
Similarly, Senate President Francis Escudero wanted “fresh inspection of public and private structures,” given country’s location in Pacific Ring of Fire.
“We must see to it that regular inspections are conducted on public infrastructure and on structures constructed by private sector, particularly office and residential buildings that have sprouted over past decades,” he said.
Country needs to catch up on its preparations to survive earthquake because as of now, it is certainly not ready, according to Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno.
“We cannot sugarcoat answer…we need to really catch up, because there are two levels of readiness…what we always see is second level, ‘duck, cover and hold…’ reaction in event of strong earthquake, first level, more important, is engineering solutions, our buildings, houses, structures, bridges are they strong enough to withstand an earthquake…we need to catch up the most,” he said.
Nepomuceno explained that “Big One” could hit Metro Manila, being near West Valley Fault System, but six other trenches cause frequent earthquakes in Abra, Bohol and Davao region.
According to Malacañang, contingency measures are in place in case “Big One” hits.
“We really cannot tell when it will happen…our government agencies are prepared for that…we had earthquake drill, fire drill and we have prepared ‘go’ bags,” Castro said at press briefing.
More than 1,700 persons have died while about 3,400 others were hurt in 7.7-magnitude earthquake tore into Myanmar and Thailand last Friday.
At least 33,000 people would die and more than 100,000 individuals would be injured should magnitude 7.2 earthquake hits Metro Manila, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) director Teresito Bacolcol said.
Bacolcol cited Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study jointly conducted by Japan International Cooperation Agency, MMDA and Phivolcs in 2004 in case strong earthquake would occur because of movement of West Valley Fault.
“Casualties ,33,000 could still increase if 100,000 injured would not be given immediate medical attention,” Bacolcol said.
He added that worst earthquake in the country occurred on Aug. 16,1976 where at least 8,000 people died in earthquake brought by Cotabato Trench.
“It happened past midnight and it generated tsunami,” he noted.
He said that aside from Cotabato earthquake, at least 1,600 people died on July 16, 1990 following Luzon earthquake.
“Casualties would be because of collapse of buildings,” he said, referring to projected figures.
Bacolcol said while regular earthquake drills are important, buildings and houses should be earthquake resilient.
“Even if we practice duck, cover and hold, if buildings or houses are not earthquake resilient, it would still cause casualties…we have to follow minimum requirements of our building code to make sure our houses and buildings are resilient,” he added.
Bacolcol noted that there are at least 175 active fault segments in the Philippines, where some could generate strong earthquakes between magnitude 7.2 and 8.2.
Department of Foreign Affairs is expecting repatriation requests from Filipinos affected by earthquake in Myanmar.
DFA Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega said Philippine embassy in Yangon is ready to help and repatriate Filipinos who will request to come home after they lost their jobs due to earthquake.
“Like what happened in Turkiye in 2023, if someone wants to come home, we will help them,” De Vega said.
DFA said four Filipinos in Myanmar are still missing following two powerful earthquakes.
De Vega said two of four Filipinos, professionals, are husband and wife residing in building that collapsed.
The embassy continues to conduct welfare checks on affected Filipinos and all embassy communication lines remain open to provide assistance and support.
Embassy was also preparing to deploy team in Mandalay for on-the-ground assessment and direct welfare checks on Filipinos in the area.
Arrangements were made to mobilize and distribute essential supplies and basic necessities to those in need, including possible evacuation routes for relocation or repatriation.
Meanwhile, Escudero emphasized need for Philippine embassies in Yangon and Bangkok to stay on top of the situation.
“Once dust has settled and rescue operations have concluded, we must have full accounting of Filipinos who may have been affected by earthquake and extend every possible assistance as necessary, including psychosocial support for survivors, we express our deepest sympathies and condolences to governments of Myanmar and Thailand and most especially to families who lost their loved ones to devastating earthquake…both countries have been gracious hosts to our OFWs over long period of time and as fellow members of ASEAN,Association of Southeast Asian Nations, we consider them as more than just neighbors, but part of our community of nations,” the Senate President said.
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
No to SOGIE bill
Supports Fire Prevention Month March
supports Women Month March
congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565th batch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan, looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City
Congratulations to 18.5k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th edition and 2k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo
Family of the late Ilocos Sur Gov. Efren Rafanan Sr. appreciates everyone joined them in their bereavement
Congratulations to new set of interim officers of Luzon Convention of Southern Baptist Chueches, Inc.-Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries, Inc -moderator Dr. Enrico San Pedro Phd; Executive Secretary Jorge Lopez, Treasurer Rev. Nestor Sadim, Public Relation Officer Rev. Manuel Soliman
PM for any hospital discharge problem
Myanmar shake death toll hits 1,600
By J.Lo
“It’s mainly been local volunteers, local people who are just trying to find their loved ones,” Yangon-based manager of Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in Myanmar Cara Bragg said after bring briefed by her colleague in Mandalay smell of decaying bodies permeated streets of Myanmar’s second largest city, as people worked frantically by hand to clear rubble in hope of finding someone still alive, two days after massive earthquake struck killed more than 1,600 people and left countless others buried.
Magnitude 7.7 quake hit midday Friday with epicenter near Mandalay, bringing down scores of buildings and damaging other infrastructure like city’s airport.
Relief efforts have been hampered by buckled roads, downed bridges, spotty communications and the challenges of operating in a country in the midst of a civil war.
Search for survivors has been primarily conducted by local residents without aid of heavy equipment, moving rubble by hand and with shovels in 41-degree-Celsius heat, with only occasional tracked excavator to be seen.
A 5.1-magnitude aftershock Sunday afternoon prompted screams from those in streets, and then work continued.
Many of Mandalay’s 1.5 million people spent the night sleeping on streets, either left homeless by quake also shook neighboring Thailand and killed at least 17 people there or worried that continuing aftershocks might cause structures left unstable to collapse.
So far, 1,644 people have been reported killed in Myanmar and 3,408 missing, but many areas have not yet been reached, and many rescue efforts so far have been undertaken by people working by hand to try and clear rubble, said, Bragg.
“I’ve also seen reports that now some countries are sending search and rescue teams up to Mandalay to support efforts, but hospitals are really struggling to cope with influx of injured people, there’s shortage of medical supplies, and people are struggling to find food and clean water,” she added.
CRS was sending team by road to assess peoples’ most pressing needs so that it could target its own response.
With Mandalay airport damaged and control tower toppled in capital Naypitaw’s airport, all commercial flights into cities have been shut down.
Official relief efforts in Naypitaw were prioritizing government offices and staff housing, leaving locals and aid groups to dig through rubble by hand in residential areas, hot sun beating down and smell of death in the air.
Still, two Indian C-17 military transport aircraft were able to land late Saturday at Naypitaw with field hospital unit and some 120 personnel who were then to travel north to Mandalay to establish 60-bed emergency treatment center, according to the country’s Foreign Ministry. Other Indian supplies were flown into Yangon, Myanmar’s biggest city, been hub of other foreign relief efforts.
Convoy of 17 Chinese cargo trucks carrying critical shelter and medical supplies was expected to reach Mandalay, after making arduous journey by road from Yangon.
The 650-kilometer journey has been taking 14 hours or longer, with clogged roads and traffic diverted from main highway to skirt damage from earthquake.
At the same time, window of opportunity to find anyone alive is rapidly closing. Most rescues occur within first 24 hours after disaster, and then survival chances drop as each day passes.
Initial report on earthquake relief efforts issued Saturday by UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs noted severe damage or destruction of many health facilities, and warned “severe shortage of medical supplies is hampering response efforts, including trauma kits, blood bags, anesthetics, assistive devices, essential medicines, and tents for health workers.”
China has sent more than 135 rescue personnel and experts, along with supplies like medical kits and generators and pledged around $13.8 million in emergency aid. Russia’s Emergencies Ministry had flown in 120 rescuers and supplies to Yangon and country’s Health Ministry said Moscow had sent medical team to Myanmar.
Teams from Singapore have been working already in Naypitaw. Malaysia dispatched team of 50 personnel with trucks, search and rescue equipment and medical supplies. Thailand said 55 of its soldiers arrived in Yangon to help with search and rescue operations, while Britain announced $13 million aid package to help its locally funded partners, already in Myanmar, to respond to crisis.
Four Filipinos in Myanmar remain unaccounted for, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.
DFA migration affairs Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega said two of the four Filipinos are husband and wife residing in building that collapsed.
“According to the latest details, four Filipinos are unaccounted for, two of those missing are married… their building of residence collapsed,Myanmar is asking for help from other countries…many have died,” De Vega said.
Philippine embassy in Thailand denied reports claiming that 10 Filipinos died in earthquake in Thailand, calling information false.
De Vega said no Filipinos were hurt in Thailand. “In Thailand, there are no Filipinos injured or killed,” he added.
Philippine embassy in Myanmar continues to conduct welfare checks on affected Filipinos, and all embassy communication lines remain open to provide assistance and support.
Embassy is also preparing to deploy team in Mandalay for on-the-ground assessment and direct welfare checks on Filipinos in the area. Arrangements are also being made to mobilize and distribute essential supplies and basic necessities to those in need, including possible evacuation routes for relocation or repatriation.
“Embassy urges everyone to remain vigilant for possible aftershocks…we also encourage continued communication with fellow Filipinos in your community to ensure each other’s safety,” embassy said in its advisory.
For emergencies, embassy can be reached through Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) hotline (+95 998 521 0991) or official Philippine Embassy in Myanmar Facebook Messenger.
Meanwhile, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Teresito Bacolcol underscored need for disaster preparedness, saying there are at least 175 active fault segments in the Philippines with some capable of generating strong earthquakes between magnitude 7.2 and 8.2.
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
No to SOGIE bill
Supports Fire Prevention Month March
supports Women Month March
congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565th batch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan, looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City
Congratulations to 18.5k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th edition and 2k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo
Family of the late Ilocos Sur Gov. Efren Rafanan Sr. appreciates everyone joined them in their bereavement
Congratulations to new set of interim officers of Luzon Convention of Southern Baptist Chueches, Inc.-Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries, Inc -moderator Dr. Enrico San Pedro Phd; Executive Secretary Jorge Lopez, Treasurer Rev. Nestor Sadim, Public Relation Officer Rev. Manuel Soliman
“Strategy of implementing EO 62 largely failed as importers and traders pocketed most of savings from tariff cuts instead of passing them on to consumers,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said to ensure retailers’ compliance, will lead market inspection in Quezon City today ,first day of effectivity of P45 per kilo maximum suggested retail price (SRP) on imported rice.
Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque, city officials and police will accompany Tiu Laurel during market visit.
Max SRP on imported rice started with P58 per kilo on Jan. 20, followed by P55 per kilo on Feb. 5, P52 per kilo on Feb. 15 and P49 per kilo on March 1.
Tiu Laurel was forced to implement max SRP on grains amid failure of Executive Order No. 62 to significantly bring down retail price. EO 62 lowered tariff on imported staple to 15 percent from previous 35 percent.
The agriculture secretary noted that retail price of imported rice already went down by P19 per kilo since its implementation as grains were sold for as high as P64 per kilo prior to max SRP.
According to him, global rice prices have dropped to their lowest levels in over two years, with some varieties now priced below $380 per metric ton.
Based on monitoring of DA in Metro Manila markets, retail price of imported special rice ranged between P55 and P60 per kilo; imported premium rice, between P48 and P51 per kilo; imported well milled rice, between P43 and P46 per kilo; and imported regular milled rice, between P33 and P45 per kilo.
Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) board chairman and former agriculture secretary Leonardo Montemayor has blamed unlimited entry of cheap imports as primary reason for drastic drop in palay prices during ongoing dry season harvest.
Montemayor noted that farmers are forced to sell freshly harvested palay for as low as P14 per kilo.
Rice imports in 2024 ballooned to 4.8 million metric tons.
“Palay traders are anticipating prices of imported rice will continue to fall, so they are playing safe by buying low from farmers,” Montemayor added.
Montemayor reiterated farmers’ groups call to return tariff rate to 35 percent, saying it will not unduly raise rice prices given downtrend in import prices.
Tariff Commission conducted hearing on March 28 to discuss petition to scrap EO 62.
At the same time, Montemayor asked DA to address drop in palay prices instead of belying reports of low prices and farmer suicides.
“It is sad that DA, instead of commiserating with plight of farmers, has blamed them for allegedly spreading fake news,” Montemayor said.
He challenged DA officials to go out of their air-conditioned offices and talk directly to rice farmers.
Montemayor criticized apparent unpreparedness of DA in helping farmers during current harvest, as evidenced by inability of National Food Authority (NFA) to absorb farmers’ crops due to congestion of agency’s warehouses, lack of drying and other post-harvest facilities, and limited procurement budget.
After rice, Tiu Laurel said high retail prices of chicken and eggs are next on his agenda.
“It’s normal that retail price of other commodities will increase because there is shift in markets…let’s say for pork, once there is increase, consumers will shift to chicken, fish… main cause but of course we are still studying,.. I am coordinating with United Broiler Raisers Association (UBRA),” he said.
Based on DA’s monitoring in Metro Manila markets, retail price of chicken has reached as high as P240 per kilo while retail price of eggs ranged between P7 and P9 per piece.
“I am looking at trends first but more or less, for pork and rice, retail price has already gone down…we are looking into it, we are coordinating with UBRA,” Tiu Laurel said.
Tiu Laurel said as early as January, he has been warning on possible increase in retail price of eggs.
He added that chicken layers were affected by diseases and hot temperatures.
“There is also big demand because of elections but we should be okay,” he noted,
Tiu Laurel said eggs would not reach P10 per piece as farmgate price ranged between P6 and P6.20 per piece.
Meanwhile, Watchdog group Bantay Bigas said government failed to address hunger in the country amid sharp increase in incidents of involuntary hunger in the past three months.
Bantay Bigas spokesperson Cathy Estavillo said latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, said at least 27.2 percent of Filipino families or approximately 7.5 million households experienced involuntary hunger in the past three months, exposed government’s failure to ensure food security.
SWS said country’s hunger rate sharply increased this month, reaching its highest level since height of COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020.
“Government continues to opene agriculture to foreign control and depend on food importation, resulting in worsening lack of food security for people,” Estavillo said.
“Income of farmers is not enough to support their daily food requirement… cost of food has been increasing but wages of workers and farmers remained low… only shows economic and agriculture programs of Marcos government are not effective,” she added.
Estavillo pushed for urgent and decisive actions, including direct government support for farmers through production subsidies, higher farmgate prices and free irrigation.
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
No to SOGIE bill
Supports Fire Prevention Month March
supports Women Month March
congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565th batch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan, looking forward to next batch July 16, 2025, Baguio City
Congratulations to 18.4k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th edition and 2k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo
Family of the late Ilocos Sur Gov. Efren Rafanan Sr. appreciates everyone joined them in their bereavement
Congratulations to new set of interim officers of Luzon Convention of Southern Baptist Chueches, Inc.-Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries, Inc -moderator Dr. Enrico San Pedro Phd; Executive Secretary Jorge Lopez, Treasurer Rev. Nestor Sadim, Public Relation Officer Rev. Manuel Soliman
“Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Teams (PEMATs) were instructed to be on standby for deployment once international coordination protocols with affected countries are complete and request is received,” Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said in statement three emergency medical teams from the Philippines are ready to be sent to Myanmar and Thailand to help earthquake victims and their families.
PEMAT members are from Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital, Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium and Eastern Visayas Medical Center.
According to Herbosa, PEMATs underwent thorough assessment on their capabilities in clinical management, logistics, water, sanitation and hygiene.
They were also awarded World Health Organization Emergency Medical Team (EMT) badge proof that they are certified and recognized for international humanitarian deployment.
“All three PEMATs are classified as Type 1 Fixed EMTs, they can provide daylight hours care for acute trauma and non-trauma presentations and referrals,” said Herbosa.
PEMATs from DOH can also do ongoing health investigation or care and community-based primary care in an outpatient fixed facility.
Meanwhile, Philippine embassy in Myanmar expressed its readiness to help relocate or bring home any Filipinos affected Friday’s earthquake.
“Embassy is gathering current and credible information on status of all affected Filipinos in Myanmar in order to determine resources necessary to assist them, including deployment of team on ground to conduct welfare checks on them,” it announced.
“Those who require relocation or repatriation will also be assessed and assisted,” the Philippine embassy said in a post on its official Facebook page.
For emergencies, embassy can be reached through Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) hotline (+95 998 521 0991) or official Philippine embassy in Myanmar Facebook Messenger.
Philippine embassy is yet to release information if any Filipinos were hurt or killed in the earthquake but has advised Filipinos in Myanmar to remain calm and monitor updates from credible and verifiable sources of information.
3 He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.
4 Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
No to SOGIE bill
Supports Fire Prevention Month March
supports Women Month March
congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565th batch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan, looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City
Congratulations to 18.4k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th edition and 2k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo
Family of the late Ilocos Sur Gov. Efren Rafanan Sr. appreciates everyone joined them in their bereavement
PM for any hospital discharge problem
45-day campaign period for local bets kicked off
By Nidz Godino
“Do not ignore our notice to remove illegal campaign materials because we will issue show cause order preparatory for filing of disqualification case and election offense,” Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia said as campaign period for local elections begins, poll body reminded candidates against violating campaign regulations, with Garcia warning that poll body will not hesitate to disqualify those who violate rules.
Garcia reminded local candidates to place their campaign materials in designated common poster areas, use biodegradable materials, voluntarily remove those illegally posted and abide by allowable campaign spending.
He reminded candidates that they are prohibited from attending or displaying their campaign posters during distribution of financial aid.
Garcia stressed distribution of welfare assistance, without first securing exemption from Comelec, is considered vote buying or abuse of state resources.
“Immediately we will disqualify, no ifs and buts,” he said.
Comelec also sees possible increase in election-related violence with start of local campaign season.
Garcia said poll body would do everything it can to maintain peace and order and ensure safe elections.
He added commission would order deployment of additional law enforcers in areas declared under Comelec control and identified as hotpots.
Comelec forged agreement with Department of Health, Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Philippine Red Cross to ensure safety of voters and those performing election duties.
Philippine National Police (PNP) also went on heightened alert as part of its security preparations for midterm polls.
Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, PNP spokesperson, said at least 176,250 or 75 percent of 235,000-strong police force are readily available for deployment during heightened alert.
Remaining 58,750 are on-call when there is need to increase number of police personnel on the ground.
“No one is allowed to file leave unless it is emergency in nature,” Fajardo said in virtual news briefing.
In beefing up security preparations, Fajardo explained campaign for local posts is known to be more heated than at national level.
“Those fighting for political bets knew each other, they are even relatives, friends or neighbors…this is why we need to intensify and strengthen our security coverage,” she said.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil ordered field commanders to sustain police visibility, particularly in providing area security for candidates during campaign sorties and other areas of engagement.
Marbil warned people who are planning to sow violence and intimidation to disrupt electoral process, saying PNP “would not tolerate any attempt to undermine our democracy.”
PNP has intensified intelligence gathering and expanded its presence in areas identified as election hotspots and those known to be with intense political rivalries.
In Pasig, local Comelec invited politicians to join and sign peace covenant to ensure orderly campaign and elections in the city.
Event was done in coordination with Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines–Joint Task Force.
Mayor Vico Sotto attended event along with most local candidates and wished them luck.
“May truth, fairness and peace prevail throughout the campaign and elections in 2025,” Sotto said.
For those living below minimum wage, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said distribution of P26 billion in Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) continues following its exemption from election ban.
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) released its new guidelines on AKAP distribution.
“It was given Comelec exemption. Its distribution will not stop just because of campaign period,” Gatchalian said, noting that it is “very specific” for those living below minimum wage.
“No referrals are needed…just go to nearest DSWD office…this guideline is now much more clearer and defined,” Gatchalian added as he warned politicians who want to take advantage of the program.
He warned that, with widespread use of digital technology, it would be very easy for netizens from all camps to document unlawful acts of politicians.
“For one, they can be easily disqualified,” Gatchalian said.
DSWD vowed not to let any politician use or take advantage of the program.
“Campaign rules are much more stringent now…rival watchers and volunteers, election watchdogs, civil society, media and practically anybody who has a cell phone are just waiting for you to make mistake,” Gatchalian said.
He advised public to report to DSWD any politicians found repacking relief goods and other items and replacing these with stickers bearing their names and faces.
“That is illegal…we have to warn them, those who repack our goods… punishable under the law because it is tampering with government property…nobody is authorized to open these boxes except beneficiary,” Gatchalian stressed.
He also refuted “misconceptions” that indigents can just go to any DSWD office and they will be given all kinds of financial assistance.
“There must be need, reason…you will be assessed…if you are below minimum wage, then you are qualified under AKAP… but our social workers have final say based on their assessment…it’s menu-based program…our ayuda always have reason like transportation, food, medicine, hospital bills, funeral details,” Gatchalian said.
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
No to SOGIE bill
Supports Fire Prevention Month March
supports Women Month March
congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565th batch Seminar, January 30, 31, February 1, 2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan, looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City
Congratulations to 18.4k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th edition and 2k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo
Family of the late Ilocos Sur Gov. Efren Rafanan Sr. appreciates everyone joined them in their bereavement
PM for any hospital discharge problem
‘US will join allies to stop China aggression’
By J.Lo
“We will work with our allies and our partners to deter Communist Chinese and their aggression in Indo-Pacific, full stop,” United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
told Pentagon think tank Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies in Honolulu, Hawaii he was expected to affirm his nation’s security commitment to the Philippines and other US allies as he arrives today for his first official visit to the country to meet with his counterpart Gilbert Teodoro Jr.
Earlier this week, Hegseth voiced Trump administration’s resolve to maintain peace and protect its interest as well as of its allies in Indo-Pacific against China’s belligerence.
“By standing shoulder to shoulder with you, our allies and partners, we will put our enemies, our adversaries, those who stand against us on notice…each ally, each partner, each friend, contributes their own unique capabilities to regional deterrence,” he said.
During his two-day visit, Hegseth will meet with Teodoro at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
Hegseth said his engagements with allies were meant to strengthen partnerships toward shared vision for free and open Indo-Pacific.
On March 25, he met in Hawaii with civilian and military leaders from US Indo-Pacific Command.
In prior call with Teodoro, Hegseth emphasized importance of “reestablishing deterrence in South China Sea.”
“No one should question resolve of United States of America to defend our interests in Indo-Pacific and beyond, we will do this through deterrent power of strongest, most effective, most lethal fighting force in the world … supported by and in partnership with capable, like-minded allies and partners,” he said.
Malacañang, meanwhile, lashed back at China for implying that Philippines is “chess piece” and “mouthpiece” of another country ahead of visit of Hegseth.
“If China really believes and is concerned about peace and stability in the region, they should abide by international law, they should also respect sovereignty of each country… Philippines is no one’s chess piece, we are independent country,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said at press conference.
“Whatever we do, whatever project related to our military operations is up to us, no one should interfere…we are independent and no one should meddle in whatever decision our government will make,” Castro said.
She maintained that no country should meddle in Philippines’ policies and called on China to respect sovereignty of other countries.
At briefing earlier, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Philippines should “stop serving as other countries’ mouthpiece,” when asked to react to Hegseth’s Manila visit.
He said any defense cooperation between Philippines and other countries should not target any third party, harm its interest, threaten regional peace or escalate tensions. Guo added that facts “have repeatedly proven that nothing good could come out of opening the door to predator” and that “those who willingly serve as chess pieces will be deserted in the end.”
China is claiming almost entire South China Sea including areas within Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.
In 2016, arbitral court based in The Hague invalidated China’s maritime claims and affirmed Philippines’ sovereign rights over its exclusive economic zone. Chinese government refused to recognize ruling.
US has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to its treaty obligations to the Philippines, saying it stands “shoulder-to-shoulder” in defending its ally’s sovereign rights in South China Sea. Washington officials have also declared armed attack on Filipino armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the Pacific, including in South China Sea, would invoke United States’ mutual defense commitments.
Philippines, meanwhile, is also looking at boosting further country’s defense relations with Cambodia.
Teodoro made pronouncement during courtesy call by Cambodia’s secretary of state of the ministry of national defense Lt. Gen. Rath Dararoth, according to DND spokesman Arsenio Andolong.
During his meeting with Dararoth, Teodoro expressed optimism on strengthening defense ties between Philippines and Cambodia and underscored importance of regional cooperation in addressing security challenges and in fostering mutual growth. He also relayed to Dararoth his invitation to Cambodia’s defense minister Tea Seiha to visit Philippines this year.
Andolong said Dararoth lauded successful and seamless conduct of fourth Joint Defense Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting held earlier.
Emphasizing value of cooperation among members of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Teodoro told Dararoth of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to explore critical areas of collaboration designed to benefit Southeast Asian countries.
He said despite different approaches to addressing common security threats, ASEAN solidarity remains unwavering.
Andolong said Dararoth echoed same sentiment, emphasizing potential for deeper bilateral cooperation between two countries as he extended his appreciation for Philippines’ continued support for Cambodia, particularly in education and training programs.
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
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“Petitioners respectfully move for issuance of temporary restraining order, writ of preliminary injunction, and,or other injunctive remedies … to stop enforcement of 2025 GAA,” petitioners 1Sambayan Coalition, Sanlakas, former Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales, economics associate professor Cielo Magno, constitutional law professor Dante Gatmaytan and physician Ma. Dominga Cecilia Padilla have asked Supreme Court to issue temporary restraining order on implementation and disbursement of funds for Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).
They argued it mirrors pork barrel scheme and program’s inclusion in 2025 national budget is unconstitutional.
In 92-page petition filed before high court , petitioners are seeking temporary restraining order to prevent government agencies from enforcing some line items under P6.326 trillion budget until final resolution is reached.
Petitioners are also seeking certiorari and prohibition, asking court to determine whether there was grave abuse of discretion in approving the program and to bar respondents from proceeding with its implementation if found unlawful.
AKAP, implemented by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), provides financial aid to “near-poor” minimum wage earners.
Since 2025 budget hearings, program has faced criticism, with some lawmakers and Vice President Sara Duterte alleging it is being used for vote-buying. Questions have also been raised about its implementation, particularly whether lawmakers have say in selecting beneficiaries.
Amid controversy, executive branch decided to have Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) oversee disbursement of program’s P26-billion budget.
At the same time, it has prompted petitions like this challenging its constitutionality, stating program lacks safeguards in its post-enactment phase and that administrative regulations alone are insufficient.
DSWD previously denied claims AKAP is form of pork barrel, saying public officials are not involved in choosing beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, respondents are Senate, House of Representatives, Office of the Executive Secretary, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and Department of Finance (DOF).
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) was also named as respondent, with petitioners contesting that its budget is unconstitutional for being largest, exceeding allocations for education agencies such as Department of Education (DepEd).
Petition also flags discrepancies in published 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), noting DPWH’s total appropriation remains at around P1.113 trillion higher than reported final of about P1.008 trillion despite vetoes made by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. under the agency.
Petition also urges Congress to convene special session, if not already in session, to pass supplemental budget addressing funding deemed shortages in education sector and restoring government subsidy for Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).
Previous petition filed by Duterte camp also challenges constitutionality of Congress approving zero subsidy for PhilHealth and allocating smaller budget for education sector compared to DPWH.
Latest petition raises similar arguments, asserting Universal Healthcare Act mandates government funding for PhilHealth in GAA and that education budget for 2025 should exceed that of DPWH.
Office of the Solicitor General has responded to previous petition filed, arguing that it should be dismissed. This petition also challenges constitutionality of blank line items found in bicameral conference committee report.
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay
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Probe finds ‘violations’ in Duterte arrest
By Nidz Godino
“There is no indication that ICC even requested for surrender of FPRRD after his provisional arrest…there is likewise no indication that ICC requested extradition after arrest of FPRRD,” Sen. Imee Marcos’ said Philippine government had “comprehensive plan” to arrest former president Rodrigo Duterte and cooperate with International Criminal Court (ICC) despite questions of sovereignty and “glaring violations” of Duterte’s rights as accused.
These were findings contained in Marcos’ preliminary report following her Senate foreign relations committee investigation on “lack of due process” in Philippine government’s turnover of Duterte to The Hague for his drug war-related crimes against humanity case.
Marcos read out initial report in press briefing at Senate, even though it showed flip flopping positions of her brother President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. about ICC jurisdiction since country’s withdrawal from Rome Statute, founding treaty established ICC.
Senator Marcos said three findings of her hearing are: “Philippines had no legal obligation” to arrest Duterte and turn him over to The Hague; “Philippine government decided to assist ICC to arrest FPRRD;” and “there were glaring violations of FPRRD’s rights.”
Marcos claimed that there was “no red notice” because Philippine government only enforced ICC’s arrest warrant based on “unverified diffusion notice” sent by ICC to International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).
Marcos also claimed that there was no Philippine obligation to turn over Duterte to The Hague because diffusion notice states it was only for “provisional arrest” instead of “arrest and surrender.”
“Emphasis should be given on Administration’s narrative that they will be compelled to honor ICC’s request if Interpol transmits red notice to Philippine authorities…it was admitted during public hearing that there is no red notice,” she added.
But ICC’s diffusion notice sent to Interpol is classified “red” for “wanted” individual such as Duterte, means it is equivalent to Interpol “Red Notice,” said Philippine Center on Transnational Crime executive director Anthony Alcantara during hearing. PCTC supervises Interpol-National Center Bureau (NCB)-Manila.
“Wanted persons red diffusion” is notice “circulated to arrest, detain, or restrict movement of convicted or accused person… and checked for compliance by Notices and Diffusions Task Force,” Interpol said in its website.
Meanwhile, Interpol Red Notice aims to “seek location and arrest of persons wanted for prosecution or to serve sentence.”
In claiming Philippine government helped ICC arrest Duterte, Marcos cited admission of Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla in Bilyonaryo News Channel interview that there was planning involved with the President and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año to carry out arrest.
But during hearing, Remulla denied existence of alleged “core group” behind Duterte’s arrest, as he also invoked executive privilege.
Remulla also said they only talked about “rumors” of Duterte’s arrest warrant. This prompted Marcos to say in her report: “supposed ‘group effort’ was only based on rumors is incredible.”
“This attempt to cover up what was already aired on media indicates all the more that comprehensive plan to arrest FPRRD was already in place even before March 11,” Marcos said, adding that there was police deployment ahead of release of ICC warrant.
In claiming Duterte’s rights were violated, Marcos said due process was not followed because “no warrant was issued by Philippine court” and that “arrest did not fall within exceptions to warrantless arrest.”
“Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla impliedly admitted that no effort was made to get any warrant from Filipino court.,, Constitutional safeguards for right to liberty of abode were not observed…no court order was issued mandating that FPRRD be taken out of the Philippines against his will,” she said.
Marcos said Duterte was also deprived of right to be visited by immediate members of his family, when police blocked his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, from going near him when he was taken into custody at Villamor Air Base.
Marcos cited that this right is enshrined under Republic Act 7438, defined certain rights of persons arrested, detained, or under custodial investigation.
Seeking temporary release of former president Duterte could open floodgates of other issues, including possible freeze order on his assets and recognition of other directives of ICC, which has no jurisdiction over the Philippines, Malacañang said.
Legal team of Duterte, now under custody of ICC in The Hague over alleged crimes against humanity, has raised possibility of applying for interim release pending trial. Persons who are released temporarily should comply with certain conditions, including attending court proceedings, according to ICC spokesman Fadi El Abdallah.
In press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro raised number of questions with regard to possible move to secure Duterte’s interim release, noting that ICC has no jurisdiction over Philippines.
“Does it mean that we have to recognize that ICC has jurisdiction over Philippines… I believe family of former President Duterte is asking and praying to Supreme Court that government should not cooperate with ICC…so, it means that if we will not cooperate with ICC, even that prayer or that manifestation of ICC, we will not take cognizance of that, although, that’s hypothetical, let us say we will cooperate with ICC in terms of interim release…then all other issues will be opened… possible freeze order on Duterte assets will also be opened…would Duterte family want us to cooperate with ICC to search for all of their assets, whether hidden or not?” Palace press officer said.
Abdallah said issuance of freeze order may happen at any stage of legal proceedings.
Pressed if Marcos is open to interim release for humanitarian reasons, Castro replied: “I will ask those who proposed that should Philippines accept jurisdiction of ICC…will Duterte camp withdraw petition they filed before Supreme Court stating that we should not cooperate with ICC…will they accept all orders of ICC…will we recognize freezing of their assets…all these we have to ask,” she said, adding that all actions related to Duterte’s case should start from his family since they are ones with pending petitions before high court.
Meanwhile, Malacañang maintained administration is not hiding anything about arrest of former president Duterte but some sensitive matters cannot be made public.
“Executive privilege is rooted from separation of powers, so there will be instances, including issues concerning national security, diplomatic relations, military affairs and internal deliberations within executive branch, that information will not be publicized, so, there will be undue encroachment by one branch of government over another…so we are not hiding anything…there are instances that some of the things discussed that cannot be made public,” Castro said.
Castro said “That will be Sen. Marcos’ opinion if she talks to Duterte supporters…but if we talk to other experts like Justice Antonio Carpio, Attorney Joel Butuyan and others who already spoke about RA (Republic Act) 9851, her view on the issue would change, we only complied with law and our obligation with Interpol…if there are other views, that may be her personal view… nothing personal here”
Akbayan party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña asked camp of former president Duterte to stop likening the latter to the late martyred Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr.
“Camp of Rodrigo Duterte should stop likening him to Ninoy Aquino and his family, as well as absurd notion that his supposed death could secure his daughter’s place in Malacañang, they are not too advance in thinking and they are also delusional… mass murderer’s death does not make president especially if inheritance left is blood, betrayal and lack of sense of accountability,” Cendaña said.
“If Duterte camp believes their brand of leadership-by-body-count will be rewarded with political sainthood, they are sorely mistaken,” he added.
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