Philippine News

MANILA -- The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is eyeing the groundbreaking of the Metro Manila Subway in December, an official said Wednesday.“Yung ating pag-procure ng contractor para sa partial operability section ng three stations, kasama na yung depot at Philippine Railway Institute, yan ay nakatakdang i-award ngayong Nobyembre. Kaya inilalatag na natin ang groundbreaking as soon as mobilized natin ang contractor (The procurement of the contractor for the partial operability section of three stations, with the depot and Philippine Railway Institute, is set to be awarded in November. That is why the groundbreaking will be set as soon as we mobilize the contractor),” DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan said in a press briefing.The Metro Manila Subway aims to have partial operations with three stations: North Ave., Mindanao Ave., and Tandang Sora by 2022.Its construction is slated to start next year and full operations in 2025.Last March, the Philippine and Japane…

MANILA — A farmers' group is appealing to Congress and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to investigate the massacre of nine farm workers earlier this month in Sagay City, Negros Occidental.The National Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW) believes the investigation of Congress and the CHR can shed light on the massacre in Hacienda Nene and bring to justice perpetrators of this crime."This is not just about legal technicalities but the moral aspect," NFSW Secretary-General John Milton Lozande said in a forum in Quezon City on Wednesday.Lozande said current investigations on the massacre seem to be "misleading the public" as to who are the real perpetrators of the crime.The group said, though, it welcomes the start of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)'s probe into the massacre, "especially as it subpoenaed the owner of the hacienda."Lozande said the NFSW is prepared to help Congress, CHR, and the NBI uncover the truth about the Sagay mass…

MANILA – President Rodrigo R. Duterte has signed Executive Order No. 65 promulgating the 11th Regular Foreign Investment Negative List (RFINL).Duterte approved the amended list of investment areas open to foreign investors on Oct. 29 and was released to the media on Wednesday.The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) submitted the list to the Palace last July for the President’s approval.The NEDA listed the following investment areas/activities that will now allow up to 100 percent foreign participation:(1) Internet businesses, excluded from mass media;(2) Teaching at higher education levels provided the subject being taught is not a professional subject (i.e., included in a government board or bar examination);(3) Training centers that are engaged in short-term high-level skills development that do not form part of the formal education system;(4) Adjustment companies, lending companies, financing companies and investment houses; and(5) Wellness centers excluded in Item 4…

MANILA -- Damage to rice production in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and Region 3 (Central Luzon) that were hit by Typhoon Rosita reached PHP112.01 million on Wednesday, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.In its report as of Oct. 31, the DA-Disaster and Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) Operation Center said the affected area is 7,429 hectares out of the total rice standing crop of 543,993 hectares, while the volume of production loss is at 6,560 metric tons.“Most of the affected rice crops are on their reproductive stage, which was reported as partially damaged,” it said.The recent typhoon affected 4,917 farmers in Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Aurora, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac and Zambales, it added.The report said rice contributed to the largest share of damages and losses from Typhoon Rosita at 99.82 percent.It said typhoon damage to high-value crops amounted to PHP199,079, affecting 19 hectares of assorted vegetables in the provinces of Ifugao,…

MANILA -- President Rodrigo Duterte has suspended the granting of new licenses and permits to manufacturers of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.Duterte signed Memorandum Order No. 31 last Oct. 29, instructing the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other concerned agencies to strictly implement laws and regulations on the sale, manufacture and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.He said the processing of new licenses and permits will be suspended pending review of existing licensees’ and permittees’ compliance with laws and regulations.“The suspension herein ordered shall remain in effect until declared lifted by the Office of the President upon recommendation of the PNP Chief and his submission of a report on the review undertaken on existing licenses and permits,” the memorandum read.Duterte has also directed the PNP to revoke licenses and permits of those found violating existing laws.Republic Act No. 7183 authorizes the PNP to process applications for the issuance of …

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Northern Mindanao’s farm tourism got a boost as a Lanao del Norte town recently developed its own coco farm.

Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo said the Provincial Coco Farm Tourism Camp in Barangay Poblacion, Magsaysay town is being primed to become a tourist attraction in the province.

In a statement Wednesday, Dimaporo noted that farm tourism "is now becoming popular in the country."

“Lanao del Norte, with its vast agricultural land the primary source of income aside from fisheries, will surely encourage local and foreign tourists to come and experience the beauty and bounty, as well as the hospitality and see for themselves the unity of the people,” she said.

Local traders, she said, will benefit from farm tourism as it will create more economic activities.

Restaurants, hotels and souvenir shops will flourish to meet the demands of the tourists, the governor added.

Magsaysay, which celebrates the importance of coconut through the Ni…

MANILA -- More than 8,000 hopefuls are scheduled to take this year's Bar Examinations.In a statement Wednesday, the Supreme Court's Office of the Bar Confidant said 8,701 candidates are expected to take the 2018 Bar Examinations on all four Sundays of November (4, 11, 18, and 25) at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in España, Manila, the highest number of Bar candidates in recent years.The 2018 Bar Examinations Committee Chairperson is SC Justice Mariano C. del Castillo.The grueling exams cover Political Law, Labor Law, Civil Law, Taxation, Mercantile Law, Criminal Law, Remedial Law and Legal and Judicial Ethics.10 SC buses shall be available to transport examinees and duty personnel to the UST from several pick-up points in case of heavy rains in the morning. The buses shall be stationed as early as 4:30 a.m. and will leave exactly at 5 a.m. in the following areas: Quezon City Memorial Circle near Philippine Coconut Authority (two buses); Park and Ride, Lawton, Manila (one…

MANILA -- The Supreme Court (SC) has turned down a petition filed by former Marinduque lone district representative, Regina Ongsiako Reyes-Mandanas, challenging the constitutionality of several provisions of the 2015 Revised Rules of the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET).In a 20-page decision dated Oct. 16 penned by Senior Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio, the High Court found no merit in Reyes’ arguments that the requirement under Rule 6 of the 2015 HRET Rules that at least one justice should be present to constitute a quorum violates the equal protection clause of the 1987 Constitution and gives undue power to the justices over legislators.The Court stressed the rule does not grant additional powers to the justices but rather maintains the balance of power between members of the judicial and legislative departments as envisioned by the framers of the 1935 and 1987 Constitutions.“The presence of the three Justices is meant to tone down the political nature of the …

MANILA --John Otico and Marian Capadocia are set to defend their respective titles against a tough field in the Philippine Columbian Association Open from Nov. 16-Dec. 9.AJ Lim, the 2016 champ, and Johnny Arcilla, a former eight-time winner, headline the cast of the men's singles competitors who will give Otico a run for his money.PJ Tierro, Nino Alcantara, Jurence Mendoza, and Davis Cupper Jeson Patrombon are also slated to participate in the event.On the other hand, Clarice Patrimonio, Bambi Zoleta and Akiko De Guzman look to spoil Capadocia's bid for a sixth women's singles championship.Aside from the open singles, the open doubles and the age group events will also take place in the tournament supported by the Philippine Tennis Association. (PNA)
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MANILA -- Malacañang on Wednesday said there is no reason for Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Carlos Dominguez III to heed some quarters’ calls for him to step down amid the corruption in its attached bureaus, including the Bureau of Customs (BOC).“The Palace finds no reason or basis for such call,” Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said in a statement.“Secretary Dominguez continues to enjoy the trust and confidence of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” he added.Panelo said Dominguez, one of Duterte’s trusted economic managers, steered the country’s economy to become one of the best-performing growth leaders in the region.He said the economy continues to perform remarkably, noting that: “Revenue collections reached new record-highs during his stewardship, including the highest first quarter tax effort we have ever achieved in the past 25 years.”Panelo said Dominguez is expected to maintain his “superb work ethic” for the rest of his stin…

MANILA -- Lung cancer is treatable, and chemotherapy is not the only way to cure it, a health expert said Tuesday.“People can still be treated from lung cancer, but the treatment goals and management may depend on the stage, performance status, histology and molecular characteristic of the cancer. So those diagnosed with lung cancer should consult a medical oncologist to receive proper treatment,” Philippine Society of Medical Oncologists president Claire Soliman said during a roundtable discussion with the media in Mandaluyong City.Soliman said lung cancer treatment is made possible by a team of specialists – medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists and pulmonologists.“Some patients would say: 'I have lung cancer ayoko na magpagamot dahil chemotherapy lang ang solusyon'. That’s not true because people with stage 4 lung cancer can also receive anti-cancer medications. We have new drugs called targeted therapy known as ‘magic pill’ in layman’s term,” she…

ILOILO CITY -- The regional director of the Department of Health-Center for Health Development in Western Visayas has underscored the need for the public to take good care of their health as they troop to cemeteries this Nov. 1 and 2.“We should hydrate ourselves and avoid too much exposure to the sun,” Marlyn W. Convocar said, adding that too much exposure to the sun compromises one’s health.In addition, she cited the need to be more careful to avoid diarrhea because of the unhygienic preparation of foods. “Wash your hands before and after cooking,” she said.“I would like to also urge our ambulant vendors to consider food safety to prevent food poisoning and diarrhea,” she added.Those who are driving should make sure that they are not under the influence of intoxicating drinks, the regional director added.Meanwhile, she said that all hospitals in the region are already on Code White Alert since October 30. It means that all hospital personnel are on alert and on call for any eventuali…

MANILA -- The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) is eyeing to increase the terminal fees at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) by April next year to fund ongoing improvements of its facilities.The MIAA is proposing a PHP200-terminal fee hike for international flights and PHP100 for domestic flights.Terminal fee for international flights will be pegged at PHP750 from PHP550 and PHP300 for domestic from PHP200 original fee.“Kumpara natin within the region, tayo na pinakamalayo so far sa terminal fee. Kailangan natin ng pangtustos para masustain ang improvements na makukuha sa revenue para madagdagan ang ating funding (If we compare the terminal fees within the region, ours are the lowest. We need funding to sustain the improvements at the airport which we would get from the revenues for additional funding), MIAA general manager Ed Monreal said in an interview Wednesday.Terminal fees at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport are PHP850 for international flights and P…

MANILA-- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday reported that 10 Filipinos are "in the hands of suspected pirates" who hijacked two vessels in the Gulf of Guinea.Ambassador to Nigeria Shirley Ho-Vicario said two Filipino seafarers on board a Liberian-flagged container ship were among the 11 crew members kidnapped by pirates who boarded their vessel on Saturday.Meanwhile, another eight Filipino seafarers on a Panamanian-registered tanker, along with nine other crew members, remain unaccounted for after their vessel was hijacked by pirates on Monday, October 29.As of this posting, the Philippine embassy in Nigeria is “exerting efforts to establish the whereabouts of the 10 seafarers and secure their safe release,” the envoy said.It was not immediately clear if the seafarers were taken by the same group of pirates who abducted seven Filipinos on board a Swiss-flagged vessel off Nigerian waters last month.The seven were released on Sunday, October 28, and are now i…

DAVAO CITY – A jeepney driver has tested positive in the random drug test conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)  in its “Oplan Undaspot” on Wednesday at the Davao City Recreation Center.

The driver, whose name is withheld pending confirmatory test, was one of the 60 public utility vehicle drivers who submitted for the random drug test on Wednesday's operation.

PDEA-11 Director Antonio Rivera said Undaspot started on Tuesday with 35 bus drivers, 42 PUV van drivers and 15 conductors.

Rivera said the operation aims to ensure public safety for travelers during the All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. Those who will test positive will not be allowed to travel.

If found positive in the confirmatory test, the PDEA-11 chief said drivers will be recommended to undergo rehabilitation.

Undaspot was conducted by PDEA in coordination with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

During Wednesday's…

MANILA -- The governments of the Philippines and Japan will sign a loan agreement for the rehabilitation of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) on November 7, a Department of Transportation (DOTr) official said Wednesday.“We have finalized the signing of the exchange of notes and the loan agreement. Both governments agreed that this will be on November 7,” DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan said in a press briefing.The signing will pave way for the entry of Japanese firm Sumitomo-Mitsubishi Heavy Industries as the new maintenance provider of the MRT-3.The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has offered to provide a loan amounting to 38 billion yen or PHP18 billion for the MRT maintenance and rehabilitation.The Japanese maintenance provider has deployed its engineering teams as early as Oct. 15 to inspect the facilities of MRT that are needed to be fixed to expedite the rehabilitation process.“They are looking on the condition of the MRT subcomponents so th…

MANILA -- Both the local bourse and the Philippine peso ended the week on a positive note, mirroring the outcome of US stocks ahead of the long holiday.The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) finished the shortened trading week at 7,140.29 points, up 1.77 percent or 124.23 points.All the other counters registered gains, with the All Shares up by 1.41 percent, or 60.66 points, to 4,370.46 points.Industrial led the sectors after it rose 2.16 percent, followed by the Holding Firms, 1.87 percent; Property, 1.79 percent; Financials, 0.95 percent; Services, 0.80 percent; and Mining and Oil, 0.40 percent.However, volume remained thin at 604.84 million stocks amounting to PHP7.3 billion.Gainers reversed the ratio after surpassing the losers at 100 to 84, while 45 shares were unchanged.Regina Capital Managing Director Luis Limlingan said local investors took advantage of the window dressing session in the US, as well as the record-high US consumer confidence data “to help boost buying senti…

MANILA -- Australian missionary nun Patricia Fox is set to leave the country for Australia on Saturday, November 3, the day her temporary visitor’s visa expires.In a statement, the camp of the Australian nun said she is required to leave on November 3, after the Bureau of Immigration (BI) denied on Wednesday her application to extend her temporary visitor’s visa.“Sister Fox will leave the Philippines with a clear conscience that she has done nothing wrong and illegal during her 27 years of stay in the country. She is and will always be loved by the Filipino people,” it said.“Sister Pat will continue her missionary and human rights work wherever she may be. She will continue to stand for the oppressed and speak about injustices against the Filipino people,” the statement added.It noted that the fight is not yet over as they are ready to face the case filed against Fox.“We will face the deportation charges against Sister Fox which is still pending before the Department of Justice (DOJ).…

MANILA -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is set to announce on Monday (Nov. 5) the increase in minimum wage salary of private sector workers in Metro Manila.However, DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III on Wednesday did not confirm or deny reports that the adjustment in the salary of minimum wage earners in the National Capital Region (NCR) is PHP25.He noted that they have not received recommendation from the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-NCR (RTWPB-NCR) on the wage adjustment.“Probably they are speculating because I for one have not received any formal recommendation from the board because it is the board that recommends any salary adjustment,” the DOLE chief said in an interview.He admitted that he heard about the PHP25 and to douse any speculation, he has scheduled a press conference next week.When asked if NCR minimum wage earners will receive more than PHP25, Bello reiterated that the salary increase would not be less than PHP20.“I go back to my pr…

MANILA -- Industry leader Petron Corp. has announced a rollback in the prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) effective Thursday.Petron on Wednesday said it will cut prices of Gasul and Fiesta cooking gas by PHP7.50 per kilogram, and Auto LPG by PHP4.20 per liter.“This is equivalent to an PHP82.50-decrease for standard 11-kilogram Gasul tank,” it said in a text message.The actual price rollback for LPG products in November is higher than market expectations of PHP5 to PHP7 per kilogram cut on LPG prices.Department of Energy data show that 11-kilogram LPG cylinders are priced between PHP650 and PHP865 as of October 22. (PNA)
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MANILA -- An official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Wednesday reminded the public to respect the tombs of their dear departed by keeping the cemeteries clean when they visit them on All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.“Pakiusap po: Huwag nating lapastanganin ang mga puntod ng ating yumao sa mga basurang dadalhin natin sa mga sementeryo. Please, environmental disaster ‘yan (Let's not desecrate the tombs of the dead with the trash that we would bring to the cemeteries. That would be an environmental disaster),” CBCP Vice President Bishop Pablo Virgilio David said in an interview over Church-run Radio Veritas.“Let us be more mindful of the holiness, the sacredness ng ating mga sementeryo. Kaya po ang tawag dyan ay Kampo Santo (Let us be mindful of the holiness, the sacredness of our cemeteries. That's why they are called Kampo Santo, sacred ground),” the prelate added.The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reported that several tons…

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- An alleged drug pusher who was included on President Rodrigo R. Duterte's "narco list" was killed in a shootout with police operatives in the South Cotabato town of Polomolok Wednesday morning.

Chief Supt. Eliseo Tam Rasco, regional director of the Police Regional Office 12 (Soccsksargen), identified the suspect as Rodrigo Masalon Samling, 36, a resident of Purok 4, Barangay Landan in Polomolok.

Rasco said operatives of the Regional Intelligence Division 12 and the Polomolok municipal police launched a manhunt against Samling at about 10 a.m. after confirming the latter's presence at the vicinity of Purok 1 in Barangay Polo.

Aside from being included on the drug watchlist, he said the suspect has a standing warrant of arrest for rape.

Rasco said the operating team conducted a checkpoint in the area and eventually accosted the suspect, who was driving a multicab.

"But instead of surrendering, he drew a handgun and fired at our operatives,&q…

BAGUIO CITY — 10 bodies were recovered, and 14 people were so far rescued as of 4 p.m. Wednesday from a two-story building of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Natonin town, Mountain Province that was buried in a landslide at the height of Typhoon Rosita on Tuesday.Rescue and retrieval operations started in the morning and the survivors and dead bodies were found by midday, Natonin Councilor Rafael Bulawe said.Bulawe said it was past 1:30 p.m., when the rescuers found all 14 survivors from rubbles of the building of the DPWH District 2 Engineering office at Sitio Har'rang in Barangay Banawel.10 dead bodies were retrieved as of 4 p.m.Bulawe said two persons were the first to be rescued. Juventino Gallad Lammawen and Fritz Lumpanga were rescued near the landslide area.According to Lammawen, while he was closing the main gate of the DPWH compound at around 4 p.m. on Tuesday he noticed the soil on the mountain starting to move which prompted him to jump into a conc…

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga -- Christmas is in the air in this city dubbed as the “The Christmas Capital of the Philippines”.With only 65 days before Christmas Day, one can feel the spirit of the yuletide season as the city’s major thoroughfares are now adorned with the famous “Parol San Fernando.”During the “Lights and Lanterns: Launching of San Fernando Citywide Christmas Decoration 2018” held Tuesday, the iconic Pampanga lanterns were officially lit up along Jose Abad Santos Avenue and Heroes' Hall here to mark the beginning of the Christmas season.Arvin Quiwa, a renowned Fernandino lantern maker, who created the designs and figures of this year’s lights and lanterns, shared the innovation that makes the "parol" noteworthy to this day.“The theme 'lights and lanterns' is part of the innovation in our designs through the use of LED (light-emitting diode). And because we are innovating, the identity and market of our lanterns are expanding,” he said.Mayor Edwi…

MANILA -- Financing agreements for about 18 infrastructure projects will be signed between the Philippines and China during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping here in November, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said.“We’re just trying to iron out the remaining documentation for the signing,” Diokno said in a briefing Wednesday.These projects include the New Centennial Water Source-Kaliwa Dam Project, the 581-km. Philippine National Railways (PNR) South Long Haul Project, the PNR South Commuter project from Manila to Los Baños, Laguna, and the Binondo-Intramuros and Estrella-Pantaleon Bridges Construction Projects.These items are included in the two baskets of infrastructure projects that have been submitted for financing after the Philippines and China renewed their ties.Diokno said the Chinese president might also announce additional aid to the Philippines, but he declined to give specifics.“It’s big,” the budget chief added. “I think they will also donate more equipment for th…

MANILA -- The country’s largest business organization, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), has welcomed a smooth transition in the Bureau of Customs (BOC) so it will not disrupt trade flows in the country this coming peak season.In a statement Wednesday, PCCI Acting President Edgardo Lacson said the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to replace BOC executives amid the PHP6.8-billion shabu scandal is a “welcome development”, as this signals the administration’s zero tolerance against corruption and illegal drugs.“Business welcomes the bold initiative of President Duterte, which can trigger total overhaul of the system,” he said.Lacson noted that for decades since its creation, the BOC has been perceived to be the most corrupt agency of government.“Several heads have been installed and most, if not, all have been removed or replaced because of suspected, though unproven, involvement in smuggling operation. The fault is probably a systemic anomaly that punishes tho…

BACOLOD CITY -- The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will deploy a 15-man team of technical experts here in December to study the city’s traffic situation.Mayor Evelio Leonardia confirmed this after meeting with MMDA officials led by chairman Danilo Lim at the agency’s head office in Manila on Tuesday.The team, to be led by Traffic and Engineering Center director Neomie Recio, will be deployed to Bacolod from Dec. 2 to Dec. 15, the mayor said.The results of the MMDA evaluation will be utilized for the crafting of “Traffic Master Plan for Bacolod City.”“The MMDA, I believe, has the capabilities, expertise and competence to help us on this. That is why we are dealing with no less than the chairman himself, General Danilo Lim, and he was so gracious because he has also visited Bacolod. He assured us that MMDA will give us the best,” Leonardia said.The mayor noted that a traffic master plan could cost millions if done by private groups, but MMDA is assisting Bacolod City f…

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan -- More than 200 participants joined the Zumba and cleanup activity on Boracay’s Bulabog Beach on Wednesday to raise awareness against single-use plastic.The Halloween-themed activity led by the Philippine Red Cross- Boracay Malay Chapter and its Red Cross Youth members was participated by different groups on the island that was just reopened for tourists last October 26.The activity dubbed “Zumbie” started with a 30-minute dance exercise and was followed by an hour clean-up activity at Bulabog Beach located at the opposite side of the famed White Beach of Boracay.“We decided to conduct the activity in Bulabog in support of the island’s ongoing rehabilitation,” said Stella Marie Carreon, Red Cross Youth (RCY) Chapter Service Representative.Carreon said the event’s primary aim is to raise awareness about REDVolution, a youth-led campaign that aims to reduce consumption of single-use plastic.Aside from regular clean-up activities, RCY also conducts awareness campai…

BACOLOD CITY -- A total of 105 farmers-beneficiaries were installed by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in two separate landholdings in Negros Occidental province on Tuesday.In the north, the DAR Negros Occidental I distributed certificates of land ownership award (CLOAs) and installed 49 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Cadiz City.The recipients will share the 19.5403-hectare property in Hacienda Valencia in Barangay Burgos that was previously owned by Melissa Abelido.Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer Agnes Calantas, who led the distribution and installation rites, told the farmers to honor their obligations by paying the amortizations and taxes for the land awarded to them.Cultivate the land and do not resort to leasing or selling, which is prohibited, she added.In the south, DAR Negros Occidental II installed 56 farmers in Barangay Robles in La Castellana town.The ARBs were awarded 17.39 hectares of lot that used to belong to Maria Yulo and Leticia Barandiaran…

MANILA -- The Department of Transportation (DOTr) will ask the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to review the fares of public utility vehicles amid lower oil prices in the world market.“We will ask LTFRB to review the fares in light of the new developments, such as lower cost of fuel in world prices. This applies to all modes of transport, such as jeeps, buses and UV Express,” DOTr Assistant Secretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark de Leon said in a text message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Wednesday.“The formula preparation might take time. If they can quickly finish the review, the better,” he added.He said the DOTr will also ask the LTFRB to create a formula that will ensure that decisions on fare increases will become automatic and will not rely on petitions that may be filed by public transport groups.He, however, pointed out that the jeepney and bus fare hikes recently approved by the LTFRB will still take effect in November.The LTF…

ILOILO CITY -- The observance of “Undas” is an opportune time for enterprising individuals to earn extra income but flower vendors and some cemetery workers here said business is sluggish this year compared to last year.Well Derago said aside from cleaning and maintaining the tomb of his dead relatives, he also accepts jobs from those who would request the grave of their loved ones painted.“That’s our source of income every ‘Undas’. Our income though varies depending on the size and the extent of work,” he said, adding that they usually charge PHP500. However, as of Wednesday, he was able to paint only one tomb.The same sentiment was shared by Dondon Palabrica. While he also accepts painting jobs, he said that he has no client yet. He was asked though to clean tombs for a fee of PHP200 each.“Since this morning, I was able to clean two tombs,” he said. Last year he said that he had up to 10 clients.He added though that the job was only his sideline because during ordinary days he works…

MANILA -- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Wednesday domestic inflation likely reached its peak last September, projecting the October figure to settle within a range of 6.2 to 7 percent.In a statement Wednesday, the central bank said its Department of Economic Research (DER) forecasts the month-on-month change to be within -0.2 to 0.6 percent.This range, it said, “is in line with the BSP’s assessment that inflation is likely to have peaked in third quarter 2018 in the absence of further price shocks.”Last September, inflation rose to a multi-year high of 6.7 percent due to the faster rate of price increases of the heavily-weighted food and non-alcoholic beverages index due to supply issues.In the first nine months this year, inflation averaged 5 percent, exceeding the government’s 2-percent to 4-percent target band, which is also the target until 2020.With the sustained rise of inflation, the government has put in place several measures targeted to ensure enough supply of r…

COTABATO CITY –  Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operatives nabbed two drug suspects during simultaneous raids conducted in Pikit, North Cotabato, on Wednesday.

Neil Liansing, PDEA-North Cotabato provincial director, identified the arrested suspects as Bajunaid Ali, 40, of Barangay Fort Pikit, and Danny Calungsod, 31, of Barangay Ginatilan.

Liansing said a third drug suspect managed to escape.

“He managed to escape before our raiding team reached his home,” he said.

Armed with search warrants issued by a local court, the PDEA agents--backed by personnel from the Pikit police and Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion--swooped down on their targets around 3:00 a.m. and got Ali and Calungsod.

Seized from Ali were four sachets of suspected “shabu” valued at PHP20,000. Confiscated from Calungsod were five sachets of the illegal stuff with a street amount of PHP30,000.

Liansing said the arrested suspects are members of a local drug syndicate operating in Pikit and other nearby towns in th…

MANILA – Malacañang on Wednesday expressed condolences to the families of victims of Typhoon Rosita, saying President Rodrigo Duterte will visit the affected areas to personally assess the situation.“The Palace wishes to express its deep condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims who perished in Natonin, Mountain Province, when the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) building was covered by a landslide, along with others who died due to the typhoon,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.According to media reports, at least 30 people were feared buried under a massive landslide in Natonin.“Efforts to look for survivors are going on and we pray for the rescue of those still trapped or missing,” Panelo said.Panelo said Duterte has directed all government agencies to immediately respond and undertake measures to help the victims and families and to rehabilitate the typhoon-ravaged areas, including the clearing and repairing of roads that …

KORONADAL CITY -- City officials urged residents on Wednesday to be more responsible in sharing information after a report on supposed sightings of Islamic State-inspired Maute terrorists in an upland village here triggered panic and evacuation among residents.

Around 100 families from Sitio Acub in Barangay San Isidro and neighboring villages here fled their homes on Monday night due to the reported presence of armed members of the Maute terror group.

City Administrator Cyrus Urbano said the incident was a case of misinformation and "fake news."

"We should be more responsible in sharing information, especially in social media, about incidents that could create panic among residents," Urbano said.

Urbano, who heads the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said the false reports affected residents of Barangays San Isidro, Assumption, Mambucal, Sta. Cruz and Carpenter Hill.

He said the evacuees, who mostly took temporary shelter in barangay plazas, ret…

COTABATO CITY -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s (PDEA) office in North Cotabato has denied any involvement in the recent disappearance of two persons in Pikit town.

“We operate as a team and coordinate with our partner military and police operatives for every mission we conduct in localities of the province,” PDEA-North Cotabato provincial director, Neil Liansing, said Wednesday.

PDEA-North Cotabato was dragged into the issue after two persons, identified as cousins Faisal, 21, and Hamid, 17, both surnamed Dianalan and residents of Barangay Macabual, Pikit, were picked up by burly men on board a black pickup truck in Barangay Inug-ug, Pikit last Sunday.

Village chairman, Jalandoni Matalam, said the cousins were walking towards a river in the area at about 10 a.m. when their path was blocked by a black pickup truck.

He said Faisal was manhandled before both were forcibly loaded in the vehicle.

Matalam said militiamen manning a nearby Army detachment attempted to stop the men …

DUMAGUETE CITY – Some local officials here have questioned the legality of the formation of the Parish Volunteer Security Force (PVSF) by five villages during their joint session on Tuesday.Village chiefs Lilia Batalan of Talay, Jimmy Tabada of Cadawinonan, Maximino Umbac Jr. of Junob, Pilardo Sarte of Cantil-e, and Crispin Patrimonio of Bajumpandan, along with their respective councilors and Sangguniang Kabataan chairmen attended the session.Prior to the session, five barangays headed by these local officials organized the so-called Parish Volunteer Auxiliary Security Force, mainly to help secure the premises of the San Isidro Labrador Parish Church from burglars and other criminal elements.This, after parish priest Fr. Bernie Lingcong intimated to the village chiefs the security concerns of the church, asking what their respective barangay tanods could do about it.City Local Government Operations Officer Aquilina Eltanal, who was also present at the joint session held at the parish …

CEBU CITY -- The management of the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) has said they are all set for the influx of passengers during the observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days on Thursday and Friday, respectively.Terminal manager Joy Tumulak on Wednesday said to be able to cater to all outbound passengers, the CSBT will limit the number of people in the passenger lounge.Once the passenger lounge reaches its 2,000-seating capacity, Tumulak said they will implement a temporary closure of the CSBT until after some of the passengers have already boarded the buses bound for their respective hometowns.“If 50 passengers have boarded their buses, we will then reopen the passenger lounge to allow 50 people to enter the passenger lounge, so on and so forth,” Tumulak explained to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in Cebuano.Tumulak said the CSBT has already accommodated about 150,000 passengers since last weekend and they expect this number to double by Friday with the influx of out-of-towners …

MANILA — Not all people visiting the graves of their loved ones in Novaliches at this time of the year—from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2—end up at the five memorial parks and five public cemeteries in the large district, which is divided between Quezon City and Caloocan City.Many of them also go to the Society of Jesus-owned Sacred Heart Novitiate Cemetery, located at the compound of the Sacred Heart Novitiate and Retreat House (SHNRH) along Quirino Highway in Barangay Pasong Putik Proper, Novaliches, Quezon City.According to the SHNRH website (sacredheartn@yahoo.com), the Jesuit cemetery is the final resting place of several Filipino and American Jesuit priests, bishops, chaplains, scholars, scientists, and noted writers, among others.The graveyard is shaded by tall narra and other trees that also line both sides of the almost 1-km. narrow road, beginning from Quirino Highway. A marker on one side of the cemetery has this inscription: "Called to be with Jesus' friends: to work with Him…

BACOLOD CITY -- Weather disturbances in Luzon have driven up the prices of flowers in this city as demand is expected to increase for the observance of All Saints’ Day on Thursday and All Souls’ Day on Friday.Vendors regularly selling in stalls at the Bacolod Public Plaza have noted higher prices since Oct. 15 among flowers sourced from typhoon-affected areas in Luzon.Vendor Small Esquilla said they have enough stocks for the occasion until Friday.Prices have soared by PHP5 to PHP15 per stem for Malaysian mums, chrysanthemums, anthuriums, and glandulas. Esquilla said these flowers are the most in-demand during the two-day observance.The cost of Malaysian mums has increased to PHP30 each from the previous PHP20 while anthuriums now cost PHP15 to PHP40 per stem, from only PHP10 to PHP35 before.Chrysanthemums and glandulas can now be bought at PHP20 and PHP35 per stem, respectively, from the previous PHP15 and PHP30 per stem. Flower baskets cost PHP100 to PHP1,500, depending on the size.…

ILOILO CITY, Oct. 31 (PIA) - - The Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 will deploy a total of 4,975 security personnel to ensure peaceful and orderly celebrations of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Days.These PNP personnel will man the different places of public convergence, transport terminals such as bus stations, seaports and airports, malls, routes resorts and other tourist destinations, according to the PRO 6 Regional Public Information Office (RPIO) press release.Some 1,505 PNP personnel will also be deployed in 393 cemeteries in the whole region.PRO 6 Director Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao warned the public of the various criminal and threat groups that may take advantage of the celebration to carry out their criminal intents and illegal activities.He advised them to be vigilant and not to give any opportunity to these lawless elements to commit crimes.The PNP will enforce the prohibited acts and practices such as bringing of firearms and deadly weapons, drinking of alcoholic d…

MANILA -- Following the issuance of Executive Order (EO) No. 64 that revives the barter trade in Mindanao, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) targets to release the comprehensive guidelines governing barter in the next two months.In a text message Wednesday, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said his department will conduct consultations in drafting the guidelines governing barter trade and is eyeing to complete this until the end of the year.Lopez, as the country’s trade chief, will chair the Mindanao Barter Council (MBC) created under the EO.Top officials of the Mindanao Development Authority and the Bureau of Customs will serve as vice chairpersons in the newly formed Council.“The Council will finalize the rules and procedures with respect to allowable goods and the limit in the amount of transaction under the barter scheme,” Lopez said.Under the barter system, trade in goods and services can be done without the use of cash.The EO initially allowed barter trade in only three ports …

MANILA -- Newly-installed Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero assured that there would be no militarization of the bureau.“Let us correct the impression that there would be a militarization of the BOC. There will be personnel from the AFP that would support the BOC but that does not mean the BOC would be taken over by the military because clearly I'm a civilian and I am the head of the agency,” Guerrero said in an interview after the turn-over ceremony on Wednesday in Port Area, Manila.“This is not a militarization process because clearly the officers of Bureau of Customs will still be in control of operations and activities of the bureau,” the new BOC chief added.Guerrero officially replaced Isidro Lapeña, who is now the Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).The new Customs chief said he has yet to assess the situation before implementing appropriate actions on various Customs personnel.“The President (Rodrigo …

LEMERY, Batangas -- In the run-up to ensure life-saving operations for holiday-goers during the observance of “Undas,” the first batch of 38 lifeguards completed their eight-day rigorous training course under the auspices of the Department of Health (DOH) Calabarzon and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) at the La Suena Brisa Resort here.The DOH training through its Health Emergency Management Service, was supervised by the PCG-Subic District head Commander Paolo Z. Abejuela as Course Director for the first batch of 38 trainees from Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon who undertook training from Oct. 22 until Oct. 28 in preparation for the “Undas 2018” holiday break.Cavite province sent four; Laguna, seven; Batangas, eight; Rizal, 11; and Quezon, eight lifeguard-trainees coming from participating 32 resorts in the region as well as some Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Offices (PDRRMOs) personnel.DOH Calabarzon Regional Director Dr. Eduardo C. Janairo who graced Sund…

MANILA -- Budget and Management Secretary Benjamin Diokno said while the government has approved the proposed construction of an international airport in Bulacan, he is not sure if airline companies will automatically relocate from either Clark or the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).“Our condition is very clear, that there will be no commitment on the part of the government to transfer flights from Clark or NAIA to Bulacan. They have to compete to make the airport better, more attractive so that airline companies will voluntarily (re) locate to Bulacan,” he said in a briefing Wednesday.The NEDA Board has approved San Miguel Holdings Corporation’s unsolicited proposal for the construction of an airport in Bulacan and the Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) is set to approve the proposal before forwarding it to the President.Diokno said construction of the project has no timeframe yet.“I don't know whether it will be completed in the next five years or 15 years,” he sa…