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
POGO probe on; Chiz rejects Guo apology
By Nidz Godino
“There is no reason not to continue that, because that is guarantee that what President Marcos said during SONA , that POGO has been banned and that remaining legal POGOs will wind down will be realized,” Senate President Francis Escudero said. despite President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. order to ban Philippine offshore gaming operations, Senate will continue its investigation into POGO-related crimes, including alleged scamming and human trafficking in their hubs.
In an interview with reporters, Escudero said Senate probe would guarantee implementation of President’s orders contained in his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, meanwhile, said safety nets should be put in place for Filipino workers in POGO industry who will be displaced by ban.
“We will ensure that legislating total ban on POGOs will include provision for safety nets for workers who would be adversely affected by ban,” said Gatchalian, chair of Senate committee on ways and means, recently conducted public hearing on proposed ban on all POGOs.
In re-creating Philippine economy without POGOs as source of income, the senator said government needs to lay down transitory mechanisms, such as employment of affected Filipino nationals, saying welfare of workers currently working for the industry should be looked after.
Based on data provided by Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) submitted by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, total of 25,064 Filipinos are employed by various POGOs operating in the country as of 2023. This accounts for 52.2 percent share of local workers in terms of POGO employment, compared to 22,915 foreign workers working for the industry.
“Safety nets for POGO workers would include upskilling and reskilling programs to ensure that they can have replacement jobs as soon as possible,” Gatchalian said.
Expressing support for proposed legislation to ban POGO operations in the country, DOLE Undersecretary Felipe Egargo said department is prepared to implement programs intended to aid POGO workers as soon as necessary.
Meanwhile, suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo has apologized to Escudero over her earlier remarks, seemingly dictated on, and reprimanded, senators for ongoing Senate probe on her alleged involvement with POGOs.
Escudero, however, refused to accept Guo’s apology unless she shows up and honors subpoena and warrant of arrest issued by Senate in connection with investigation of committee on women, children and family affairs on alleged scamming and human trafficking.
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
75 security Sara personnel stripped
By J.Lo
“I confirm that on 22 July 2024, an Order was issued by the Chief of the Philippine National Police relieving all of 75 PNP Police and Security Group personnel that were previously assigned for my protection,” she said in statement Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio has been stripped of her Philippine National Police security personnel.
Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG) chief Col. Raymund Dante Lachica confirmed 75 PNP personnel of Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG) assigned to VPSPG were relieved of duty without prior notice.
Duterte said PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil issued order on Monday relieving all 75 PSPG personnel previously assigned for her protection.
Duterte appeared to have taken swipe at Marbil, who also recently ordered series of reassignments in Davao City Police Office, angering the Vice President’s brother, Davao Mayor Sebastian Duterte.
“I do hope, however, that with this latest directive of the Chief PNP, we hear less cries from people regarding proliferation of drugs in the country, and that even fewer shall fall victim to various criminal activities,” Vice President said.
Despite this, Duterte said removal of PSPG personnel from her security detail will not hamper her work at Office of the Vice President.
Those pulled out from Duterte’s security retinue included 33 close-in security personnel who had served her since her time as Davao mayor.
Move surprised local police security officials, as there was no justification given for the pullout.
Marbil said move is part of their measures to put more personnel on the ground. He stressed PSPG policemen were transferred to National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), unit in charge of security in Metro Manila.
Lachica expressed concern at sudden removal of security detail for Duterte, as it raises concerns about her safety and reasons behind decision.
However, he remained hopeful VPSPG will still be intact and will not compromise security of the Vice President once they will be totally integrated with Presidential Security Command.
There were also reports of security pullout for former president Rodrigo Duterte.
While it was still unclear how many security personnel remains on her detail, Commission on Audit last year said 433 people served as part of Duterte’s VPSPG in 2022, 455 percent increase from 78 personnel under OVP in 2021 or the last full term of then vice president Leni Robredo.
It was not specified in the audit report whether all of 433 individuals in VPSPG in 2022 were assigned by PNP or Armed Forces of the Philippines or hired by OVP.
AFP announced in 2022 activation of VPSPG as “dedicated unit” for security and protection of Duterte and her family.
“What we are doing right now, especially in NCR where we sorely lack personnel, we pulled out people that they didn’t really need,” Marbil told reporters in interview.
He cited aftermath of President Marcos’ State of the Nation Address wherein several police officers who were part of security contingent were not able to go to work due to exhaustion.
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
9 succumed fr monsoon, back-to-back cyclones
By J.Lo
“However, those agencies whose functions involve delivery of basic and health services, preparedness/response to disasters and calamities and/or the performance of other vital services shall continue with their operations and render the necessary services,” the memo read.
Several flights were canceled, classes and office work suspended and flooding caused massive traffic jams, as death toll from heavy rains, floods and landslides in various parts of the country due to Typhoon Carina rose to nine.
Two persons were injured and one reported missing, according to National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
Fatalities include four persons in Zamboanga Peninsula, two in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and one each in Northern Mindanao and Davao Region.
In Barangay 96, Tondo, Manila, teenager was found dead after drowning under Infanta Bridge on Monday night.
According to police, 13-year-old Khaydel Buensoleso was swimming in Infanta River at around 6:20 in the evening. when heavy current swept him away. Personnel from Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) assisted in search and rescue and later found victim’s body.
Heavy rains and flooding affected 179,744 families or 866,483 people in the same areas and more in Western and Central Visayas, Central Mindanao, the CARAGA Region and the MIMAROPA Region.
Of the number, NDRRMC said some 7,738 families or 33,645 persons had to be brought to and served inside 56 different evacuation centers.
Estimated damage to agriculture in Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao and BARMM has reached more than P8.7 million, while reported damage to infrastructure remains at P700,000, apart from reported damage to houses placed at around P2.5 million.
NDRRMC said southwest monsoon has brought moderate to heavy rains over different provinces in the country since July 11, enhanced by Typhoons Butchoy and Carina.
So far, government, through Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), has provided more than P29 million worth of assistance to displaced and severely affected families.
Malacañang suspended work in government offices and classes in all levels in Metro Manila on Tuesday afternoon due to heavy rains brought by southwest monsoon and Typhoon Carina.
Memorandum Circular 57, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, suspended work in government offices and classes at all levels in National Capital Region at 2 in the afternoon
Suspension of work of private companies and offices was left to discretion of their respective heads, it said.
At Senate, administrative employees were sent home at 2:30 in the afternoon as Senate President Francis Escudero adjourned Senate session early.
“Upon instruction of the Senate President, Senate secretariat officers and employees who are not assigned specific tasks for conduct of plenary session today are allowed to go home at 2:30 p.m.,” Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. said in a one-page memorandum.
Typhoon Carina continues to enhance southwest monsoon that is bringing moderate to intense rainfall over parts of the country today.
Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) raised tropical cyclone wind signal no. 2 over Batanes yesterday afternoon. Carina will also enhance monsoon and bring rainfall over various localities in the western portion of Luzon until Thursday.
State weather forecasters said 100 to 200 millimeters of rainfall are forecast over Batanes, Babuyan Islands, e-northern and eastern portion of Mainland Cagayan and Ilocos Sur.
Meanwhile, 50 to 100 mm of rain are expected over Ilocos Norte, La Union, Abra, Benguet, Apayao, the eastern portion of Isabela and the rest of Cagayan.
Carina was monitored 325 km east of Basco, Batanes as of 3 p.m. with maximum sustained winds of 150 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 185 kph.
Carina is forecast to move generally northwestward and exit Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) by Thursday morning after making landfall in Taiwan.
It is forecast to reach peak intensity before making landfall, with rapid intensification likely. Rains with gusty winds are expected over Cagayan, Apayao and Ilocos Norte due to Carina.
Monsoon rains are forecast over Metro Manila, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro and the rest of Ilocos Region.
Southwest monsoon will also bring occasional rains over Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, Laguna, Aklan, Antique, Northern Palawan including Calamian and Cuyo islands and the rest of Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon.
Scattered rains are forecast over Negros Island Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, Quezon, Northern Samar, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and the rest of Bicol Region, MIMAROPA and Western Visayas due to the monsoon.
The rest of the country may see isolated rains.
PAGASA warned of possible flooding or landslides due to scattered to widespread rains.
In Cagayan, 18 families were evacuated from four barangays in Gonzaga town and one in Peñablanca, due to floods brought by Typhoon Carina.
They were brought to evacuation centers while those in Camansi, Peñablanca town temporarily sheltered with relatives.
Local officials and the Department of Social Welfare and Development provided relief assistance to the affected residents while the Philippine Coast Guard deployed rescue personnel to assist affected residents.
Authorities also reported several roads and bridges in Gonzaga, Allacapan and Sto. Niño towns were submerged and not passable to all kinds of vehicles.
Cagayan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said different municipal DRRM offices are conducting rescue and monitoring operations in their respective areas of responsibility.
The Cagayan Tourism office has cautioned travelers and tourists to take extra care because Carina has been bringing heavy rains that can cause landslides, flash floods and strong winds.
It also recommended suspension of tourism activities along swelling Cagayan River and its tributaries, as it banned leisure activities like swimming, boating, kayaking, river trek and cruising and the operation of floating restaurants.
DSWD Disaster Response Command Center is on red alert status due to inclement weather brought about by Typhoon Carina.
According to DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao, relief goods have been prepositioned for easy dispatch to those who will be gravely affected by the typhoon.
“Secretary Rex Gatchalian has ordered DRCC and the DSWD Field Offices to be on the highest level of readiness as monsoon intensifies due to Typhoon Carina,” she said. Red alert means that all human and material resources will be made available for duty and deployment.
Reports showed that the Disaster Response Operations Management Information Center has already provided an initial P190,124 worth of humanitarian assistance to the affected localities in Central Luzon, Bicol and Western Visayas.
In Zamboanga Peninsula, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) yesterday said two road sections were closed due to landslide and soil collapse which resulted from heavy rains brought about by the monsoon and Carina.
In advisory, the DPWH said a landslide occurred at Barangay Malagutay, Zamboanga City prompting authorities to close the road sections of Zamboanga city bypass road to all types of vehicles as of 6 a.m. Tuesday.
Soil collapse occurred in Barangay Inasagan, Zamboanga del Sur, prompting authorities to also close the junction to all vehicles in Aurora-Ozamis city road as of 6 am.
DPWH said the agency’s district engineering offices’ quick response teams in Zamboanga city and Zamboanga del Sur, respectively, are undertaking clearing operations as of press time.
Rains enhanced by Typhoon Carina have slightly raised water elevations of Angat, Ipo and Bustos dams, with latter spilling excess water.
Records from the Bulacan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Office showed water elevation of Angat Dam as of 8 a.m. yesterday was at 177.48 meters, Ipo Dam at 100.93 meters and Bustos Dam at 17.41 meters.
Bustos Dam reached its spilling level of 17.35 meter and has released excess water through its sluice gates, said Josephine Salazar, National Irrigation Administration regional director of Central Luzon.
As these developed, 177.48-meter water elevation of Angat Dam slightly rose by 0.53 meter, compared to the previous level of 176.95 meters. This is still 2.52 meters below its minimum operating level of 180 meters and 34.52 meters below its normal high-water level of 212 meter.
Meanwhile, 100.93-meter water level of Ipo Dam yesterday was 1.08 meters higher compared to its previous day’s elevation of 99.85-meters or 0.07 meter below its spilling level.
Also in Bulacan, several churches and chapels in the town of Hagonoy were inundated yesterday by floodwaters caused by Manila Bay’s high tide and heavy rains from Typhoon Carina.
Based on report of Roman Catholic Diocese of Malolos-Sandigan, among churches inundated were National Shrine of the Santa Ana Parish, Santa Elena Parish and Nuestea Señora del Santisimo Rosario. Several chapels and residential houses were also submerged by floodwater in low-lying areas of Hagonoy.
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
FMJ pushing for passage of 28 bills
By Nidz Godino
“We are strengthening our efforts to improve collection of revenues by ensuring ease of paying taxes, accelerating digitalization programs, improving non-tax revenue collections and pushing for privatization of government assets that will lead to operational efficiency and higher investment returns,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr is seeking the passage of at least 28 measures aimed at sustaining economic growth, addressing poverty, ensuring food security and maintaining peace and order and ratification of four conventions on safe use of nuclear energy.
Bills and nuclear-related agreements were listed in technical report for Marcos’ third State of the Nation Address (SONA), provided detailed discussion of government’s programs on economy, food and water security, social development, environment, national security, peace and prosperity and good governance.
To achieve its goal of advancing economic transformation and growth, Marcos administration is calling for passage of proposed Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating Economy or CREATE MORE Act, fourth package of Comprehensive Tax Reform Program, bill imposing excise tax on single-use plastics, motor vehicle users’ tax, value added tax on digital services and rationalization of mining fiscal regime.
FMJ listed eight measures that seek to benefit agriculture and water sectors, namely proposed National Land Use Act, Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, amendments to Rice Tariffication Law, amendments to Cooperative Code, amendments to Fisheries Code, proposed Blue Economy Act, bill on farm-to-market road development acceleration and bill creating Department of Water Resources.
To boost efforts to protect environment, ensure sustainable energy future and make Philippines climate-resilient, Marcos called on Congress to ensure immediate passage of proposed amendments to Electric Power Industry Reform Act or EPIRA, waste-to-energy bill, nuclear energy bill and Philippine downstream natural gas industry bill.
Marcos is also pushing for passage of three measures that seek to bolster Philippines’ territorial integrity, namely proposed Philippine Coast Guard Modernization Act; Philippine maritime zones bill and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act.
He likewise urged Congress to pass amended Philippine Immigration Act to “strike balance between protecting country’s borders and encouraging our friends and allies to travel to and invest in the Philippines” and proposed Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act to enhance country’s overall defense posture.
Government’s plans on digital transformation and good governance, the President stressed, would be strengthened through passage of bill on National Government Rightsizing Program, New Government Auditing Code, proposed Konektadong Pinoy Act or Open Access on Data Transmission Act, proposed E-Governance Act and budget modernization bill.
Also mentioned in SONA technical report was the new Government Procurement Reform Act, which was signed into law last Saturday.
Marcos is also pursuing ratification of nuclear-related conventions to help facilitate adoption of nuclear energy in the Philippines, namely Convention on Nuclear Safety, Joint Convention on Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on Safety of Radioactive Waste Management; Protocol to Amend Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage and Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage.
“Chalk allowance will be released very soon, in time for opening of classes…that’s how it’s timed…when classes open, teachers already have allowance for their needs….whatever’s lacking in their classroom, they can augment with that,” public school teachers will receive their P5,000 teaching supplies allowance before classes open on Monday, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.
Angara said now that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.has signed Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, public school teachers can expect to receive P10,000 in teaching supplies allowance next school year.
“Cash allowance will be P5,000 this year…for the first time, it’s tax-free…next year, under the law, it would be P10,000…so, every teacher will receive that,” Angara said.
Last month, Marcos signed Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, mandates P10,000 teaching allowance for public school teachers starting School Year 2025-2026.
Aside from this, Angara said Department of Education would be proposing creation of additional teaching positions beyond Teacher I and Teacher III, as part of Marcos’ pledge during his State of the Nation Address.
The President said government has allocated funds to implement expanded career progression system for public school teachers, shall allow teachers to advance ranks and no longer have “public school teachers retiring as mere Teacher I,” referring to the lowest public school teacher rank.
“What we’re advocating is promotion based on merit, because that’s what many teachers are frustrated about…they’ve been teachers for so long and yet they have never been promoted,” Angara 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
Hontiveros lands on Ph trends list of X after FMJ bans POGOs
By Nidz Godino
“At ngayon po, naririnig po namin ang malakas na sigaw ng taong bayan laban sa mga POGO,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in his SONA, name of opposition Sen. Risa Hontiveros trended on X (formerly Twitter) platform after FMJ announced ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators in his third State of the Nation Address.
Chief executive on July 22 declared cessation of POGOs in the country after it proliferated during previous administration.
“Disguising as legitimate entities, their operations have ventured into elicit areas furthest from gaming, such as financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture even murder. ..grave abuse and disrespect to our system of laws must stop,” he stressed.
“Kailangan nang itigil ang panggulo nito sa ating lipunan at paglalapastangan sa ating bansa!” Marcos said.
His remarks caused him to receive widespread cheers from attendees, with some giving him standing ovation.
In his SONA, the president also ordered Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to “wind down and cease operations of POGOs by end of the year.”
Action caused some online Filipinos to mention Hontiveros, who has been ceaselessly cracking down on POGOs since they came into the country.
“For the first time, Senator Risa Hontiveros stood up and applauded during Marcos Jr. SONA speech. POGOs are banned. Sen Risa’s work with brave whistleblowers and civil society actors, indeed, deserves applause,” sociologist Athena Presto said.
“I just want to thank this woman who always stands up and looks deeper into what’s more to investigate about POGOS. ..she deserves my praise for what she has done to awaken minds of many people. ..salamat, SEN. RISA HONTIVEROS, AND YOU ARE A TRUE LEADER,” another user wrote.
“Thank you, Sen Risa! Right from the start, you knew where to stand!” a different Pinoy commented.
“Thank you to Sen. Risa who got ball rolling on this issue. ..time to make sure these POGOs are totally eradicated,” wrote another user.
Rights lawyer Chel Diokno also credited lawmaker for her efforts in probing POGOs.
“Maraming salamat, Sen. Risa! Kung ‘di niyo inungkat ang mga POGO, malamang ‘di pa siya na-ban…dapat may kasabay ang ban pagpapanagot sa mga salarin ,mga government officials na kakochaba at kumita sa kanila,” he wrote.
Keyword “Sen. Risa” also landed in the top ten Philippine trends list on the X platform on Monday evening.
Hontiveros called ban “success for the country.”
“‘Bye, POGO!” she wrote on social media with waving hand emoji.
Her post has earned 46,000 likes, 14,000 reposts and 790 comments in replies thread so far.
“Bilang tagapangulo ng Senate Committee on Women na nanguna sa imbestigasyon tungkol sa mga krimeng nakakabit sa POGO, hindi ko matatawaran ang saya at ginhawa ng pagpapabawal ng POGO sa bansa,” Hontiveros said.
“POGOs have brought innumerable and unspeakable social ills into the country… I commend the President for his resolute pronouncement,” she stressed.
Lawmaker said their Senate hearings “will continue to demand accountability.”
Sen. Win Gatchalian, who has also been calling for ban on POGOs, said their Senate hearings about illegal POGOs will continue as they have not yet found “masterminds” of activities.
He and Hontiveros have been jointly investigating illegal POGOs in upper chamber, with most recent one involving suspended Bamban Mayor Guo Hua Ping or Alice Guo accused of enabling them in her town.
Meanwhile, Hontiveros will “also continue to ensure” Senate “strengthen policies that would prevent industries like POGOs from ever emerging again.”
“Maraming salamat sa lahat ng mga victim-survivors, whistleblowers, at government agencies na nakipagtulungan sa aming imbestigasyon sa Senado para mabunyag ang kababalaghang nakapalibot sa POGO…we owe you this victory,” she added.
As early as 2020, Hontiveros filed Senate resolution urging prohibition of POGOs in the country, saying that they were “non-essential business.”
Earlier that year, lawmaker exposed sex and human trafficking dens that were allegedly linked to gaming and amusement industry.
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
E-gates stay, Ph e-visa in next digital reform agenda
By J.Lo
“Our infrastructure and digital reforms, through development of tourism sites and enhancement of overall tourist experience, are all calculated to boost productivity of tourism sector,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) pronounced prioritization of projects that enhance overall tourist experience in the country.
He mentioned infrastructure and digital reforms, including -gates and Philippine e-visa, as among initiatives of government to make travel to country more convenient.
He cited air transport and tourism have been made more convenient because of shift to paperless immigration and customs forms, thanking e-Travel system.
The president also said electronic gates will remain to be deployed at the country’s international airports.
“Soon, piloted e-gates will be standard fixtures at airports, to further facilitate ease of mobility during departures and arrivals,” Marcos said.
In February this year, Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco reported they will upgrade e-gates at international airports of the Philippines.
This year, Tansingco have initiated procurement of more e-gates to replace 25% of their manual operations in major international airports as part of bureau’s contribution to Bagong Pilipinas efforts.
Aside from e-gates, Marcos also said “ implementation of Philippine e-visa will be next in our digital transformation agenda.”
Earlier this month, the president has ordered review of e-visa system for Indian tourists.
Last month, Department of Tourism (DOT_ identified India as one of the key tourist markets it aims to target.
In statement after SONA, DOT is grateful for the president’s prioritization of tourism in his third SONA.
DOT is also thankful for Marcos’ strategic focus on advancing tourism-related policies, including infrastructure development through airport upgrades and new infrastructure construction nationwide, implementation of e-visas, and introduction of e-gates in line with e-travel system, as well as prioritization of CREATE More Bill that stands impact on tourism investments.
“These initiatives represent significant advancement for Philippine tourism, enhancing our competitiveness and establishing country as top-notch destination known for its convenience, accessibility, and world-class hospitality, investing in modernizing our airports not only improves connectivity and accessibility but also elevates overall service quality for travelers, bolstering Philippines’ appeal as premier tourism spot in the region,” Christina Frasco said.
Frasco likewise commended Marcos’ prioritization of e-visa services.
“I applaud President’s directive to implement E-visa services for important source markets such as India, recognizing transformative impact this initiative will have on our country’s tourist arrivals as it streamlines and simplifies visa application process, making it more convenient for visitors to travel to the Philippines,” she 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
Local creators showcased anew at SONA red carpet
By Nidz Godino
Hours before SONA several senators showcased works of Filipino designers during resumption of third regular session of 19th Congress,.
Senate President Francis Escudero donned classic barong tagalog, while his wife, actress-model Heart Evangelista, wore modern white Filipiniana by Leyva.
Senate President Pro-Tempore Jinggoy Estrada sported piña barong created by his trusted tailor, Rod Francisco, while Sen. Robinhood Padilla wore Onesimus slim-fit, full-button barong made of piña silk.
Sen. Raffy Tulfo’s barong was inspired by anahaw leaf made from traditional piña silk carefully embroidered across the body and sleeves, along with key symbols from Philippine flag.
Gown of Tulfo’s wife, ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Jocelyn Tulfo, was handcrafted champagne gold silk lamé, inspired by Philippine shells.
Sen. Nancy Binay wore suit by designer Randy Ortiz, featuring patterns and bead designs on rice skirt made of pearl beads and floral embroidery.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros donned piña baro’t-saya designed by Joel Acebuche, complemented by shoes from Zapateria Marikina and handwoven purse, while Sen. Grace Poe chose white terno made of silk crepe with two-color leaf-inspired design featuring gold and silver beads also by Cabral.
Sen. Imee Marcos wore light green gown by Rem Divino, inspired by Amorsolo painting “Planting Rice.” Sleeves of gown were hand-painted with images of “gapas” and “ani.”
Sen. Pia Cayetano wore white Filipiniana mid-calf dress with silk organdy pleated bodice and corset-inspired top by Mia Urquico contrasted with checkered organdy jacquard skirt and accented with black silk appliqué.
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
FMJ touts ‘bloodless’ drug war, no ‘extermination’
By Nidz Godino
“On fight against dangerous drugs, our bloodless war on dangerous drugs adheres, and will continue to adhere, to established eight Es of an effective anti-illegal drugs strategy…extermination was never one of them,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. trumpeted gains of his crackdown on illegal drugs, saying billions of pesos worth of narcotics have been seized and thousands of offenders have been arrested without resorting to “extermination,” in apparent effort to contrast his style with that of his predecessor and critic Rodrigo Duterte.
In his third State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos said more than P44 billion worth of narcotics have been confiscated and 97,000 drug personalities have been arrested in more than 71,500 operations under his “bloodless war on dangerous drugs.”
Marcos was referring to eight Es that make up endgame in Duterte administration’s drug war engineering structure, education, extraction of information, enforcement, enactment of laws, environment, economics and evaluation.
End game also emphasizes reinforcement, rehabilitation, recovery and wellness and reintegration of drug offenders who surrendered, according to the Philippine National Police.
Duterte waged brutal war against illegal drugs when he was president, campaign human rights advocates said had encouraged extrajudicial killing and other abusive practices. More than 6,000 drug suspects were killed under Duterte, who had claimed crackdown is necessary to save next generation from crime.
Marcos, whose anti-drug campaign involves rehabilitation, reintegration and preventive education programs, had said enforcement “only gets you so far” and that police should zero in on running after people who would “make difference” in drug supply when arrested or sent to jail.
According to Marcos, more than 6,000 of the individuals arrested in anti-drug efforts were high-value targets, 440 of them government employees, including 42 uniformed personnel.
“To further paralyze their operations, dirty money and assets worth more than P500 million have been frozen and preserved…with strong case build-up and efficient prosecution, drug conviction rate is at high of 79 percent,” President said.
Marcos welcomed report that number of drug-affected barangays in the Philippines has been reduced by 32 percent. He also reported decrease in crime rate and improvement in crime solution efficiency but admitted that they are not enough.
“Our law enforcers need to continue to earn trust of our people… strong pillars of our criminal justice system, especially in light of new rules on criminal investigation, and our independent judiciary, function in unison,” he said.
Marcos administration’s campaign against illegal drugs is not “bloodless” as claimed by Marcos during his SONA, Human Rights Watch said.
HRW senior researcher Carlos Conde described Marcos’ claim as “spurious and baseless,” citing monitoring by University the Philippines Third World Studies Center.
“More than 700 have been killed under him so far and killings worsened in the past year compared to year before, and by claiming several successes such as alleged reduction in number of villages affected by illegal drugs, we expect ‘drug war’ violence to continue, probably even worsen,” Conde said.
HRW has repeatedly urged Marcos to declare end to so-called war on drugs, noting policy marked by killings continued even after end of Duterte administration.
ISKUP! 