Happy third birthday with father God Cynthia Lopez
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Timor-Leste court will uphold Teves’ extradition despite new plea-DOJ
By Nidz Godino
“There’s little they can argue beyond what they have already presented before…that’s why we are highly confident that we will once again receive confirmation of initial decision,” Justice Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said Department of Justice expressed confidence that Timor-Leste’s justice system will uphold its ruling granting Philippine government’s extradition request for expelled lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr., despite latter’s recent plea to petition decision.
Clavano revealed in ambush interview that Teves’ camp filed two appeals. First one, similar to petition to nullify judgment, questioned process and testimony of witnesses. However, Court of Appeals denied petition.
Timor-Leste’s Tribunal de Recursos, counterpart of Philippines’ appellate court, had already granted Philippines’ extradition request in June, but Teves’ camp countered it through motion for reconsideration filed on July 26.
Timor-Leste’s appellate court, however, denied Teves’ first plea, prompting his camp to file another motion for reconsideration on merits of case.
In March, Teves was arrested in Timor-Leste’s capital Dili by virtue of Interpol’s red list requested by Philippine government.
Upon his return, Teves will face several criminal cases, including one related to the killing of former Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo in March 2023, and several other criminal raps related to series of killings in 2019.
Along with his brother, who was arrested on June 20, 2024, Teves is also facing terrorism financing charges. On Aug. 16, 2023, Teves was expelled from House of Representatives for “disorderly conduct” after being tagged as terrorist by Anti-Terrorism Council.
Happy third birthday with father God Cynthia Lopez
Register now and vote in midterm polls
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
No to SOGIE bill
PM for any hospital discharge problem
DPWH hit for no flood national master plan
By J.Lo
“So there’s admission in the part of DPWH, that in fact, national flood control master plan still does not exist?” Sen. Imee Marcos asked Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) , admitted that there was no national master plan yet to address floods in the Philippines as planning was largely limited per area.
Senators were eager to question officials from DPWH during Committee on Public Works hearing, with lawmakers interjecting in DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan’s opening statement and beginning their questioning before the other agency heads were able to speak.
According to Bonoan, there are 18 major river basins in the country and there are existing plans on how to mitigate each river basin. However, Bonoan admitted that many of these plans are still being updated.
“To some extent that is correct, Madame Senator,” Bonoan replied.
Sen. Joel Villauneva brought up Bonoan’s promise last year that Central Luzon – Pampanga Floodway will commence this 2024. DPWH chief said project could help mitigate flooding in Bulacan and Pampanga.
To Villanueva’s dismay, however, project was still in its planning stages. Bonoan explained that they are in detailed engineering stages.
Super Typhoon Carina and southwest monsoon triggered widespread floods in the Philippines. Some senators believed that flooding has gotten progressively worse in the past few years, despite DPWH getting massive chunk of budget for flood projects.
“Taunan ng lumulobo ang budget ng DPWH para sa baha…nasa P42 billion na lang, nung 2015, pero lumobo ng halos P244.7 billion nung 2024…it grew by over P200 billion…and in less than 10 years, may P1 trilyon budget kayo para sa baha,” Sen. Ramon Revilla, chairs Committee on Public Works, said.
Yearly, DPWH’s budget for flood increases. In 2015, it was just at P42 billion, now it is at P244.5 billion in 2024. It grew by over P200 billion. And in less than 10 years, there is P1 trillion for floods
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
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Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
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Best wishes Mr. and Mrs. Seth Elyon San Pedro
happy 10th Anniversary Binang City, Laguna Chapter Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries Inc., Dr. Enrico San Pedro, Pastor
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House approves bill regulating motorcycles-for-hire
By Nidz Godino
“House of Representatives acknowledges that motorcycles-for-hire does not just serve as efficient alternative to mass public transportation but also viable source of livelihood for Filipinos,” House Speaker Martin Romualdez said House of Representatives passed on final reading measure seeks to regulate motorcycles-for-hire and allow its use as common carriers for transportation of passengers and goods.
House Bill 10424, was passed with 200-1 vote with no abstention, also sets 60 kilometers per hour speed limit for motorcycles-for-hire.
Once passed, law will mandate registration of motorcycles-for-hire with Land Transportation Office (LTO) to ensure roadworthiness of all motorcycle-for-hire before their registration, or renewal of registration.
Bill also requires registration of Motorcycle Taxi Platform Providers (MTPPs) and Online E-commerce Platform Providers (OEPPs) with Securities and Exchange Commission and sets forth minimum accreditation requirements that must be maintained by these digital platforms.
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board will determine fares and surcharges for motorcycle-for-hire services. These rates will be set in consultation with industry and require approval from Department of Transportation.
Bill makes both operator and MTPP or OEPP jointly liable for any death, injuries, or property damage that occurs while operating motorcycle-for-hire.
“Those who did not participate in consolidation are now considered as colorum or operating illegally and run risk of being fined and their vehicles impounded should drivers continue to ply their routes,” twenty-two senators have signed resolution calling for suspension of Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
In Senate Resolution 1096, senators “expressed sense of Senate to suspend implementation of Public Transport Modernization Program, formerly known as PUV modernization program, pending resolution of valid and urgent concerns raised by affected drivers, groups, unions and transport cooperatives with the end in view of ensuring more efficient and inclusive implementation of PTMP.”
Senators who signed resolution are Senate President Francis Escudero, Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, Minority Leader Koko Pimentel, Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, Raffy Tulfo, Nancy Binay, Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, Ronald dela Rosa, JV Ejercito, Sherwin Gatchalian, Bong Go, Lito Lapid, Loren Legarda, Imee Marcos, Robinhood Padilla, Grace Poe, Bong Revilla, Joel Villanueva, Cynthia Villar, Mark Villar and Juan Miguel Zubiri.
Only Sen. Risa Hontiveros did not sign resolution, has enough votes to be approved in the plenary.
Hontiveros has yet to issue statement explaining her decision.
In seeking suspension of program, senators cited thousands of drivers and operators who have yet to join as of April 30, deadline of program.
Senators said still 36,217 jeepneys and other public utility vehicles that have yet to be consolidated under the program, and that only 174 of the total 1,574 local government units have approved their local public transport route plan.
They cited lack of information drive to educate drivers, as well as hefty price tag of new units as reasons for “high figure of unconsolidated units.”
“These small stakeholders, particularly drivers who remain unconsolidated, are effectively forced out of their livelihoods, with most of them expressing that the only skill they have is driving,” they stressed.
PUVMP also seeks to “phase out” “iconic jeepney design” and replace these with “so-called modern jeepneys that are merely mini-buses imported from other countries.”
“While PTMP is integral to traffic management solution, there is urgent need to thoroughly review and reassess impact of program, to alleviate fears of drivers and transport operators who will be directly burdened by its implementation, while intent of PTMP is laudable, continuing with program without threshing out these concerns would go against constitutional directive of promoting social justice in all phases of national development,” senators said.
Escudero has expressed confidence President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will listen to Senate’s sentiment in the same way he heeded call to ban Philippine offshore gaming operators.
Transport groups have lauded Senate resolution.
Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) lauded resolution, it claimed as win following eight-year fight against modernization program.
“We are glad because we know decision of senators is result of our determination and joint action,” PISTON president Mody Floranda said.
Floranda stressed suspension would greatly benefit drivers and operators whose livelihoods suffered from modernization.
Thousands of drivers and operators effectively lost their franchises and authority to operate following consolidation deadline last April.
Data from Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board earlier showed about 10,000 have not consolidated nationwide, including 1,900 jeepneys in Metro Manila.
“It is necessary to push administration to end PUVMP because many are suffering and will lose their livelihood,” Floranda said.
Transport group Manibela also welcomed resolution that called for suspension of PUVMP.
They thanked 22 senators who signed Senate Resolution 1096 as they hope Marcos will listen to the resolution.
Transport group is set to hold nationwide caravan to compel Marcos to suspend PUVMP.
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
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Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
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Best wishes Mr. and Mrs. Seth Elyon San Pedro
happy 10th Anniversary Binang City, Laguna Chapter Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries Inc., Dr. Enrico San Pedro, Pastor
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Blinken, Austin hold defense talks with Ph counterparts
By Nidz Godino
“We are truly grateful for this partnership,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.at the presidential palace US foreign and defense ministers met their Philippine counterparts in Manila on Tuesday, with Beijing’s growing assertiveness in South China Sea likely to dominate talks.
Series of escalating confrontations between Philippine and Chinese vessels in disputed waterway have raised concern Washington could be dragged into conflict due to its mutual defense treaty with Manila.
Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin are in Asia to strengthen latticework of regional alliances as Washington counters China’s growing military and diplomatic influence.
Blinken and Austin kicked off their Manila leg with meeting with President Marcos, before holding “2+2” talks with their Philippine counterparts Enrique Manalo and Gilberto Teodoro.
It marks first time Philippines has hosted “2+2″ talks, Blinken said were evidence of ” steady drum beat, very high level of engagements between our countries”.
Philippines’ proximity to hotly contested South China Sea, as well as self-ruled Taiwan, would make it key partner for United States if conflict were to break out.
Beijing claims almost entire waterway, despite international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis, and considers democratic Taiwan to be part of its territory.
Under their mutual defense treaty, Philippines and United States are required to come to the other’s defense in case of “armed attack” against vessels, aircraft, military and coast guard anywhere in Pacific theatre, Washington says includes South China Sea.
Beijing’s actions in strategic waterway have been high on agenda for Blinken’s Asia-Pacific trip, included foreign ministers meeting of Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Laos and “2+2” talks in Japan.
Filipino sailor lost thumb in June 17 confrontation near flashpoint Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands.
Chinese coast guard members wielding knives, sticks and axe foiled Philippine Navy attempt to resupply Filipino troops stationed on crumbling ship.
Two sides subsequently agreed to “provisional arrangement” for delivery of food and water to Sierra Madre, deliberately grounded in 1999 to assert Manila’s claims to the area.
Philippines had carried out resupply mission on Saturday without “untoward incident”.
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
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No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
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Best wishes Mr. and Mrs. Seth Elyon San Pedro
happy 10th Anniversary Binang City, Laguna Chapter Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries Inc., Dr. Enrico San Pedro, Pastor
PM for any hospital discharge problem
MV Mirola 1 cargo vessel ran aground Bataan waters
By J.Lo
“It’s not threat at this time…we are not spreading our resources too thinly…but we are dealing with it when we realize that it is not threat at this time,” Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gavan said, referring toe MV Mirola Uno sea vessel ran aground in Bataan.
MV Mirola Uno is third reported vessel to recently experience troubles in waters of Bataan.
First vessel, MT Terra Nova, capsized and sank with 1.4 million liters of oil. Just days after, MTKR Jason Bradley sank in shallow waters of Mariveles. Two vessels were found mere few days apart.
However, PCG said their attention is geared towards MT Terra Nova.
News of MV Mirola Uno already reached PCG on July 23, but Encina said that it was still above water. It ran aground, unlike MT Terra Nova and MT Jason Bradley, submerged in Bataan waters. He also clarified that MV Mirola Uno is only cargo vessel.
PCG is still finding out MV Mirola Uno’s exact amount of diesel.
Encina said oil spill booms have already been deployed to address MT Terra Nova’s oil leaks.
Regarding MT Jason Bradley, Gavan mentioned that all its valves are sealed and oil spill booms have also been installed in the area.
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
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Best wishes Mr. and Mrs. Seth Elyon San Pedro
happy 10th Anniversary Binang City, Laguna Chapter Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries Inc., Dr. Enrico San Pedro, Pastor
PM for any hospital discharge problem
Ca fire rapidly reaches state’s top 10
By Nidz Godino
“Extreme fire conditions continue to challenge firefighters,” state agency Cal Fire said in post on X fire raging out of control in northern California has rapidly become among biggest ever in western US state.
So-called Park Fire burned more than 350,000 acres (142,000 hectares) as of Saturday evening, making it seventh-largest ever recorded in California history.
Fire , prompted orders for more than 4,000 people to flee their homes, was burning through largely rural, mountainous area near city of Chico, about 90 miles (145 kilometers) north of state capital Sacramento.
Fire was just 10 percent controlled, despite efforts of more than 3,700 personnel with over dozen helicopters and several planes, according to agency update.
“Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout State are flying fire suppression missions as conditions allow, lower temperatures and higher humidity have reduced fire activity, ” it said while adding that fire was still spreading.
Park Fire started Wednesday near Chico, in Butte County, and within hours had devastated wide area there and in neighboring Tehama County.
Cal Fire’s latest update said 20 structures were confirmed destroyed by fire, lowering an earlier estimate of 134.
Numbers were expected to fluctuate as officials assess damage on the ground.
Blaze has generated enormous column of dense gray smoke which has also been blown over nearby states.
Police detained 42-year-old man on suspicion of having started fire by pushing burning car into ravine.
Chico is only about 15 miles from Paradise, city devastated by 2018 fire that ranked as California’s most deadly ever, claiming 85 lives.
Explosive growth of Park Fire has again placed Paradise under evacuation warning, unleashing painful memories for its residents.
Experts say climate change, accelerated by human action, is leading to more extreme weather events.
In Oregon, Durkee Fire, started earlier this month, has consumed nearly 290,000 acres and was about 50 percent contained, state’s wildfire response and recovery agency said.
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance
No to Divorce!!!
Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
No to SOGIE bill
Best wishes Mr. and Mrs. Seth Elyon San Pedro
happy 10th Anniversary Binang City, Laguna Chapter Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries Inc., Dr. Enrico San Pedro, Pastor
PM for any hospital discharge problem
Air pollution linked to nearly 2K child deaths a day
By Nidz Godino
“These are problems we know that we can solve,” Pallavi Pant, Health Effects Institute’s head of global health, told media nearly 2,000 children die every day from health problems linked to air pollution, now second biggest risk factor for early death worldwide.
Exposure to air pollution contributed to deaths of 8.1 million people around 12% of all fatalities- in 2021, according to the report from the US-based Health Effects Institute.
This means air pollution has overtaken tobacco use and poor diet to become second leading risk factor for early death, behind only high blood pressure, it said.
Little kids are particularly vulnerable to air pollution, and the institute partnered with UN Children’s Fund UNICEF for its annual State of Global Air report.
Air pollution contributed to deaths of more than 700,000 children under age of five, the report found.
More than 500,000 of those deaths were attributed to cooking indoors using dirty fuels such as coal, wood or dung, mostly in Africa and Asia.
Nearly every person in the world breathes unhealthy levels of air pollution every day, report found.
Over 90% of the deaths were linked to tiny airborne pollutants called PM2.5, measure 2.5 micrometres or less, it said.
Inhaling PM2.5 has been found to increase risk of lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and range of other health problems.
Report aimed to link rates of such diseases with air pollution levels.
But despite “pretty stark” figures, report could still be underestimating air pollution’s impact, Pant said.
It did not take into account how air pollution could affect brain health, neurodegenerative diseases or what impact using solid fuels for heating could have, she explained.
Report also found ozone pollution expected to get worse as world warms due to human-driven climate change was linked to nearly 500,000 deaths in 2021.
“Increasingly, many parts of the world are seeing very short, intense episodes of air pollution,” during events such as wildfires, dust storms or extreme heat, which can drive up ozone levels, Pant said.
There are “very similar solutions” for both climate change and air pollution particularly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, she stressed.
More can also be done about using dirty solid fuels for cooking indoors, Pant said, pointing to how China had made significant improvements in this area.
More than two billion people cook on basic stoves or over open fires indoors, inhaling harmful smoke.
Partly due to access to cleaner cookstoves, rate of small children dying from problems linked to air pollution has fallen by more than 50% since 2000, the report said.
In May, International Energy Agency announced $2.2 billion had been pledged by governments and companies to improve access to less deadly cooking methods.
Report released Wednesday used data covering more than 200 countries and territories from Global Burden of Disease study conducted by US-based Institute For Health Metrics and Evaluation.
“Every day almost 2,000 children under five years die because of health impacts linked to air pollution, our inaction is having profound effects on the next generation, ” UNICEF’s Kitty van der Heijden said in statement.
12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
ISKUP! 