Vice President Leni Robredo answers a question from Daniel Razon on the program Get It Straight

MANILA, Philippines — In an interview on the program Get It Straight with Daniel Razon, Vice President Leni Robredo said there is someone behind the personal attacks against her.

When asked about the networks of critics attacking her, the vice president said:  “Yung tumitira sa akin, well-oiled na infrastructure. Hindi totoong tao lahat. Konting percentage lang ang totoong tao. Isa siyang mahal na set-up na makinarya at identified na namin kung saan galing ang mga centers.”

(Those attacking me are from a well-oiled infrastructure. They are not real people. Only a small percentage are real people. It is an expensive set-up of machinery and we have already identified the location of its centers.)

The show’s host, Daniel Razon, clarified with Robredo, “So kung lahat ng alegasyon sa inyo Ma’am sa iba’t ibang mga platform, are you saying na walang totoo?”

(So all the allegations against you on various platforms, are you saying none of those are real?)

The vice president readily replied, “Walang totoo. Wala akong naaalala na may sinabi silang totoo.”

(None of it is real. I don’t recall them saying anything true.)

Robredo said her membership in the Liberal Party is the root of all the criticisms. Despite this, Robredo said she has no intention to turn her back against the previously most influential political party in the Philippines.

She further noted that she will even run under the Liberal Party in the event of another poll run-up.

“Nagumpisa ako sa Liberal, matatapos ako sa Liberal. Hindi naman ako sumama sa Liberal dahil sa mga kasama ko pero sumama ako sa Liberal dahil sa paniniwala. Naniniwala ako sa mga prinsipyo ng partido,” said the vice president.

(I began my political career with the Liberal Party, I will end my career still as a member of the Liberal Party. I joined Liberal not because of my colleagues, but because of ideology. I believe in the principles of the party.)

Robredo also clarified that despite her criticisms against extrajudicial killings, she is not against the president and even wishes for his success.

However, she believes it is everyone’s obligation to call out the wrongdoings of public officials including the president.

“Sino ba ang nasa likod ng EJK (extrajudicial killings)? Maraming pagkakataon, hindi ito palagay pero ito yung fact, mga pulis ang nasa likod ng EJK. Hindi si Pangulong Duterte. Pag nagkontra tayo sa EJK na ginagawa ng ilang mga pulis, hindi nangangahulugan na gusto natin bumagsak ang gobyerno,” she said.

(Who do you think are behind the EJKs (extrajudicial killings)? There are many instances, this is a fact, where the police are involved, not the president. When we express opposition against EJKs that are committed by some policemen, it doesn’t mean we want to destabilize the government.)

Should the chief executive offer her another Cabinet position, Robredo said she is ready to accept it but with one condition.

“Kung ang bahagi noon kailangan ako sumangayon sa lahat ng bagay na kahit laban sa paniniwala ko, mas mabuting hindi na lang. Pero kung may agreement na pwede naman ako mag call out kung palagay ko nagkakamali tingin ko, ‘yun ang magandang part doon,” the vice president said.

(If it requires me to agree with him at all times even if it’s against my principles, I would rather not accept it. But if I will be allowed to call out errors, I think I would be agreeable to it.)

The vice president is also hoping to be able to talk with the president to discuss important matters with him.

And when asked about what she would tell the president in a heart to heart talk, the vice president said: “If he gives me the chance, sasabihin ko lahat ng saloobin ko sa mga bagay na di namin pinag-aagreehan  — EJK, human rights, China, Benham Rise, ICC (International Criminal Court) membership, propeso ng pagsulong ng Cha-Cha (Charter-Change). Sana mabigyan ako ng ganung pagkakataon.”

(If he gives me the chance, I will tell him all my concerns on policies I don’t agree with, like EJKs, human rights, China, Benham Rise, ICC membership, the manner in amending the charter. I hope to be given the chance to do so.) — Grace Casin | UNTV News & Rescue

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FILE PHOTO: Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III

MANILA, Philippines — The impeachment of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno is not a Senate priority.

This was the statement of Senator Tito Sotto in a forum in Manila on Wednesday.

According to the senator, there are pending bills in the upper chamber such as the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL); salary standardization; penalties of arresto menor; the Fair Elections Act; agricultural land conversion ban; and the Expanded Absentee Voting Act, among others.

Senate may possibly hear the impeachment in the first week of August.

Meantime, Sotto also believes the fate of the divorce bill in the Senate is blurry even as it passed the third and final reading in the Lower House.

“Chances are very slim. Additional grounds or expanding the grounds for annulment has a bigger chance for us. Maybe that has a bigger chance,” he said.

“Annulment from the start [is void], as if the marriage did not happen,” Sotto explained.    — UNTV News & Rescue

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LTFRB board member Atty. Aileen Lizada checks the tires of a Dimple Star Bus (Joan Nano / UNTV News)

MANILA, Philippines — Following an inspection on Wednesday by personnel of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) at the terminal of Dimple Star bus firm, the agency prohibited two bus units of the company.

The two bus units were supposed to travel to Iloilo but were found to have bald tires with holes.

The thread near the bus tires was already loose, while one of the units had no document.

Because of this, LTFRB banned the two buses from operating, while its passengers were transferred to other bus firms.

“Bakit nadidispatch ang ganitong klase ng bus? (Why are they allowing buses like these to be dispatched?) Where is the safety protocol or measure ng Dimple Star?” LTFRB board member Atty. Aileen Lizada said.

Although the inspection caused inconvenience, passengers were glad that the LTFRB discovered the defects.

“Malaking abala to pero buhay to. Dapat talaga bago sila umaalis, talagang sinisiguro nila na safe ang mga pasahero,” said bus passenger, Salnie Francisco.

(It is a huge inconvenience but live are at stake. Before buses leave, they should ensure the safety of passengers.)

Meanwhile, the LTFRB imposed a 30-day preventive suspension on the firm’s 10 bus units with routes from Manila to San Jose Occidental Mindoro following the fatal accident on Tuesday that left 19 people dead and more than 20 others injured.

Aside from this, the LTFRB will also summon the bus operator, Hilbert Napat, and will be ordered to explain why their franchise should not be revoked or cancelled, and to identify the negligence of the company in the said accident.

The LTFRB set the hearing in connection with the case on April 18.

Meanwhile, the officials of the Passenger Accident Management and Insurance Agency (PAMI) will travel to Occidental Mindoro to process the financial assistance the relatives of the victims will receive.

Aside from this, the operator of Dimple Star bus also provided financial aid to the victims. — Joan Nano| UNTV News & Rescue

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FILE PHOTO: DPWH Sec. Rogelio Singson (UNTV News)

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday recommended the filing of plunder and graft charges against former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Sec. Rogelio Singson, and 20 former and current DPWH officials for the alleged anomalous road right-of-way claims in General Santos City way back in 2013.

Investigation showed that the government paid P255-million as compensation for nine lots supposedly affected by road construction.

But it was discovered that the claims were fake and all its supporting documents including land titles, tax declarations, and the identity of the claimants.

“Ang ating verification with the Registry of Deeds, lumalabas na lahat itong siyam na transfer certificate of titles na ginamit as basis for the claim, lahat ito ay spurious,” said NBI Deputy Director for Regional Operations Service Atty. Antonio Pagatpat.

(In our verification with the Registry of Deeds, it appears all these nine transfer certificates of titles which were used as the basis for the claim, were all spurious.)

The claimants were paid nonetheless.

Singson himself wrote the letter requesting the release of funds from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

But NBI officials admitted that there is no evidence yet that Singson benefited from the scam.

Fourteen private individuals who also participated in the commission of the scam were charged as well.

They are Wilma Mamburam and Mercedita Dumlao, the alleged leaders of the syndicate, and whistleblower Roberto Catapang Jr. who is now under the custody of the witness protection program.

In his statement last November, Catapang said that the syndicate had amassed about P8.7-billion from the government.

The NBI is also looking into the possible liability of former budget secretary Butch Abad.

“It’s not necessarily na you incur a criminal act kung mag-approve ka ng request ng isang ng isang department. So we have to come up with an evidence that he is in collusion with the subjects at dito sa nine vouchers. Wanting pa yung evidence na yun,” said the NBI regional director.

(It’s not necessarily that you incur a criminal act if you approve a request from one department. So, we have to come up with an evidence that he is in collusion with the subjects and in these nine vouchers, that evidence is still wanting.)

Singson said that he wants to see the complaint first before making any comment on the allegations.

The NBI is further investigating the scam. — Roderic Mendoza | UNTV News & Rescue

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In his remark during the 39th commencement exercises for Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA), President Rodrigo Duterte said that the country will no longer participate in all US-led wars.

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered a halt on the country’s participation in all expeditions led by the United States (US).

According to the President, the country has nothing to benefit from those missions.

The Chief Executive cited as an example the Philippines’ participation in the United States’ efforts to free Kuwait from the control of Iraq during the Gulf war in 1991.

The Philippines sent Filipino troops to help in the war that freed Kuwait, but the President lamented, the now independent Arab nation allows the abuse of Filipino workers there.

“I am addressing America right now, whatever expeditions that you will conduct, any wars that you will fight in any countries, count us out. We benefit nothing all these years of sacrifice except brutality,” said Duterte.

The President also noted that the Philippines can stand on its own; further arguing that what is important is for the country to maintain its dignity.

He added that invasions such as during the Spanish and American colonial era should not happen again.

“Tama na po yun (That’s enough). You have had your fill. Do not ask for more,” said the President.

At the end of his speech during the 39th commencement exercises for Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA), the President said the Philippines will no longer participate in any war by the US under his term.

“Unless we are threatened directly, there will be no more joint expeditions at least sa panahon ko (during my term),” he said.  — Rosalie Coz | UNTV News & Rescue

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CHAMPIONS. The Senate of the Philippines formally commended the Senate Defenders for winning the UNTV Cup championship title.

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate of the Philippines formally commended on Wednesday, the Senate Defenders for winning the championship title in UNTV’s basketball league of public servants — the UNTV Cup Season 6.

Senators Joel Villanueva and Sonny Angara delivered their manifestation in the plenary regarding the approved resolution last March 13.

“And those who gave all-out support, we will no longer mention what they did for us, Senator Ping Lacson and Senator Cynthia Villar,” said Villanueva.

The highlights of the game of the Senate Defenders was shown during the plenary session.

Senate President Koko Pimentel also thanked UNTV at the event.

UNTV vice presidents Gerry Panghulan and Ruth Soriano received the certificate of appreciation for UNTV, Kuya Daniel Razon, and Members Church of God International (MCGI) led by Bro. Eli Soriano.

“In behalf of the Senate Defenders, our senators, in behalf of the beneficiary na sabi nga namin (as we have said), we play basketball but we save lives,” Senate Tax Study and Research Office Director-General Atty. Rodelio T. Dascil said.

“Nagpapasalamat tayo sa taas at binigyan tayo ng pagkakataon na kahit sa paraan na ito ay nakakatulong na ito. Nakita niyo naman ang mga benepisyaryo ay kasama natin sa araw na ito,” said UNTV Vice President for Adminsitration Gerry Panghulan.

(We thank God for giving us the opportunity to help even through this way. You have seen the beneficiaries who were with us today.)  — UNTV News & Rescue

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FILE PHOTO: Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III

MANILA, Philippines — On the program Get It Straight with Daniel Razon on Tuesday, the country’s second-highest official, Vice President Leni Robredo said that it is impossible to have irregularities in the 2016 national polls.

This was her reaction to the privilege speech of Sen. Tito Sotto last March 6 where the latter alleged that there had been foreign access to Smartmatic servers and premature transmission of election results in Libon, Albay before May 9, 2016 — which was election day.

“Ito paniwala ko, kung may dayaan noong eleksyon, lumabas na dapat,” said Robredo.

(This is what I believe, if there was election fraud, it should’ve surfaced already.)

When asked if Sotto was misled, the vice president said, “Hindi naman. Napakasweeping naman para sabihin ko ‘yon pero isa iyon sa mga possibilities.”

(Not really. It’s a sweeping generalization to say that; but it’s a possibility.)

Sen. Sotto hit back saying VP Robredo is not the subject of his criticisms.

“My question now, itatanong ko sa kanya: bakit? Siya ba ang nakinabang doon? Why are they questioning it? Sila ba ang nakinabang? Wala naman akong binabanggit,” said the senator.

(My question to her now is: why? Was she the one who benefited from it? Why are they questioning it? Did they benefit from it? I have not said anything.)

“I have nothing to show. I have nothing to do with Marcos and Robredo. I  have nothing to do with Tolentino and De Lima, so he [source] thought that I would be the best person to show what he has and what he has gotten from the Smartmatic itself,” he said.

Sen. Sotto believes that his source is credible and is ready to face the probe of the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms in April.

Officials of Comelec and Smartmatic will also be called to the scheduled hearing. — Mai Bermudez | UNTV News & Rescue

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FILE IMAGE: Kerwin Espinosa on a Senate hearing

MANILA, Philippines —  Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre has announced that the decision to dismiss the drug charges against big time drug lords Kerwin Espinosa, Peter Lim and others is void.

For this reason, the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) is set to submit additional evidence against the said drug personalities.

CIDG legal division chief PSupt. Joseph Orsos said that although they believe they have a strong case, they will still submit the transcript of the statement of Espinosa during a Senate inquiry where he admitted being a drug dealer and his extrajudicial confession to the PNP-Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (AIDG).

“As far as we are concerned, we have already shown that what is stated there is uncontested,” said Orsos.

The extrajudicial confession of Kerwin to the AIDG states that he was distributing illegal drugs while in detention through his men.

He also said he was introduced to other drug lords like Peter Co, Tony Co, and Peter Lim while in detention.

In line with this, the CIDG is confident that the police unit can win against the said drug lords.

“If you will read the resolution, if you scrutinize it, it’s really reversible,” said the legal chief.

However, Orsos said the fiscal have to explain why they have a contradictory decision regarding the case against Sen. De Lima. — Lea Ylagan | UNTV News & Rescue

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FILE PHOTO: PNP Chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has ordered cops to prepare for possible attacks by the New People’s Army (NPA).

Dela Rosa particularly directed cops to take caution against the Special Partisan Armed Revolutionary Unit (SPARU) of the NPA that carries out ambush attacks against members of the police and military.

Since January 2017 until March 22, 2018, there have been 65 recorded incidents of attacks by the SPARU unit of the NPA.

The PNP chief said President Rodrigo Duterte hired the services of retired cops to teach active policemen how to counter the tactics of SPARU.

“We have retired police officers commissioned by the president to orient young officers that lack exposure against insurgency. They should share their knowledge so these cops would be aware of the modus operandi of the SPARU. — UNTV News & Rescue

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FILE IMAGE: A portion of the burnt Manila Pavilion

MANILA, Philippines —The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is waiting for results of the samples of ashes and electrical wiring they sent to laboratories from the burnt Manila Pavilion Hotel and Casino.

Through this the BFP can determine whether the fire broke out because of faulty electrical wiring or arson.

“The burned wiring were taken for micro electro analysis also to determine if electrical fault caused the fire,” BFP chief of public information services FSupt. Joanne Vallejo.

However, the fire bureau noted that it is just the first phase of the investigation since the agency still has to determine the source of the fire and interview witnesses to strengthen its probe.

The BFP is certain that the fire started on the ground floor before reaching the seventh floor of the 22-storey building.

“We are doing our job with thoroughness. Ide-determine po natin kung may responsibilidad sa pangyayaring ito ay dapat po nating mailabas sa imbestigasyon ,” said Vallejo.

(We are doing our job with thoroughness. We will determine the ones responsible for this incident.)

The BFP reminded the public to always ensure that their electrical wiring in their homes is in good condition and to keep matches or candles away from materials that could easily burn.

The public is also advised to call BFP hotlines immediately in case of fire. — Aiko Miguel | UNTV News & Rescue

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(L-R) Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi

MANILA, Philippines — Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano met with his Chinese counterpart, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Wednesday.

During the said meeting, China agreed to prudently advance cooperation with the Philippines on joint oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea.

Wang also hopes to turn the disputed territory into a source of friendship and cooperation.

“The South China Sea controversy will be turned into a source of friendship and cooperation and we will jointly uphold regional peace and stability,” said the Chinese foreign minister.

For his part, Cayetano said he is confident that the countries would find a suitable legal framework on future explorations in the South China Sea.

“The Philippines and China are finding a common legal framework to conduct joint exploration and surveys. And with our discussions today, I’m confident that we will find a suitable legal framework for our two countries,” said Cayetano.

The two countries in February agreed to set up a special panel to work out how they can jointly explore offshore oil and gas in areas both sides claim, without needing to address the touchy issue of sovereignty.

The area is currently under a territorial dispute.

China claims most of the South China Sea, a key trade route and home to areas that are believed to hold large quantities of oil and natural gas. Along with China, parts of the South China Sea are subject to competing claims from Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines. — Victor Cosare | UNTV News & Rescue

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Earth Hour 2018 poster

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is encouraging all local government units to participate in the Earth Hour on March 24.

In a memorandum circular, the DILG has ordered local chief executives to turn off their lights, including lights on streets, signage and monuments in public areas.

DILG officer-in-charge Eduardo Año said that governors, mayors, and barangay captains should also encourage their constituents to turn off their lights from 8:30 to 9:30 in the evening.

The Earth Hour is a global campaign to fight against climate change by lessening carbon emissions. — UNTV News & Rescue

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FILE PHOTO: A session in Senate

MANILA, Philippines — Thirteen senators have signed the consolidated bill seeking to prohibit political dynasties.

The senators who signed the bill are senators Franklin Drilon, Risa Hontiveros, Loren Legarda, Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Grace Poe, Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino, Maria Lourdes “Nancy” Binay, Sonny Angara, Ralph Recto, Leila De Lima, Sherwin Gatchalian, and Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan.

The Senate Bill No. 1765 or the Anti-Political Dynasty Act of 2018 states that relatives of incumbent government officials can no longer run for public office.

The prohibition covers second degree of consanguinity or affinity or spouses, siblings, parents or children of an elected official.

Sen. JV Ejercito believes the bill will surely undergo intense debate in the Senate.

“Meron kasing freedom of choice. Parang yung iba ang argument, yung dynasty only applies to those yung mga appointees ganyan,” said Ejercito.

(There is freedom of choice. Some have argued that the dynasty only applies to appointees.) — UNTV News & Rescue

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PNP Health Service acting director PSSupt. Ma. Antonietta Langcauon answers question from the media regarding the death of a police allegedly vaccinated with Dengvaxia

MANILA, Philippines —According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), the cop who reportedly died of Dengvaxia did not receive the controversial dengue vaccine.

PNP Health Service acting director PSSupt. Ma. Antonietta Langcauon said that SP02 Vicente Arugay of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Station 6 was not on the list of Dengvaxia vaccinees.

“We have the lists in Camp Karingal. His name is not there,” said the police officer.

She noted that Arugay was already 50 years old. He is not included in the 9 to 45 years old required age to receive Dengvaxia vaccine.

The doctors of the PNP  said the cause of Arugay’s death was leptospirosis based on the symptoms he showed which include fever, a decrease in sodium and jaundice, which was why he could not talk.

He also suffered bleeding.

“Di tayo pwede mga imbento o gumawa ng istorya to cover up. Wala po kami mapapala dyan,” said the PNP chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.

(We’re not allowed to invent or create a story to cover up. We will not benefit from it.)

Of the 1,548 individuals injected with Dengvaxia inside Camp Crame, none are staying at the PNP General Hospital since March 16.

A utility worker of the PNP GH reportedly died due to Dengvaxia vaccine but the PNP Health Service said the worker died of pneumonia. — Leslie Longboen | UNTV News and Rescue 

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BORACAY ISLAND, one of the most visited destinations in the Philippines.

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has not issued his official decision on the recommendations of government agencies to temporary close Boracay Island.

Consequently, Malacañang ensured that this summer break, tourists can still visit the island beach resort.

“I don’t think any closure will happen during the peak season of Boracay. We’re looking at — possibly if the president finally accepts the recommendation — lean season,” said Presidential Spokesperson Roque.

The president said he is willing to support whatever the decision of Interior Secretary Eduardo Año will be on the issue.

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Department of Tourism (DOT) have been recommending a maximum of one year closure of Boracay Island to rehabilitate it.

“Boracay, he thinks will take a little bit longer. And I answered him,  I said, ‘General, I placed you there. Whatever is your decision, I will support you. It’s up to you. You just make the recommendation. And if I find everything that is alright and in consonance, go ahead.’ He said, ‘It will take about something like six months.’ So do it, it’s their actions which destroy Boracay, not us,” said Duterte.

Malacañang is not sure if the Boracay closure will affect the recently approved contract to build new casino resorts on the island.

But according to Roque, the developers must follow the government’s requirements in the construction of the infrastructures such as adequate water and sewer system.

“Warning to the developer, they should know that all their development plans hinges on what the president will decide upon on the issue of Boracay. But right now there is a moratorium on new improvements, so they can’t build even if they want to today because of the moratorium,” said Roque.— Rosalie Coz | UNTV News & Rescue

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Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Deputy Administrator Arnel Ignacio admitted in the program Get It Straight with Daniel Razon that the agency is undermanned.

MANILA, Philippines — Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Deputy Administrator Arnell Ignacio admitted on the talk show Get It Straight with Daniel Razon, that the agency is undermanned.

He said currently, they only have 120 people deployed outside the country and they need 500 more personnel.

Ignacio admitted that there had been times when they had to borrow personnel from other agencies.

Since they are understaffed, the quality of service given to OFWs suffers.

The deputy administrator said that in Riyadh, an OWWA employee has to review contracts that can reach up to 900 a day; increasing the risk of making errors due to fatigue.

He asked OFWs to understand their situation and assured that they are doing all they can to address these problems.

Ignacio also has a reminder to Filipino migrant workers.

“Kapag ang iyong papeles o qualification ay kulang at sasabihin sayo ng sinomang kausap mo dyan na ‘Aayusin natin o kami na ang bahala’, tumanggi ka na. Nagsimula ka ng mali tapos aasahan mo na magiging tama along the way? Common sense, mas malamang mamalasin ka,” said the deputy administrator.

(If your documents or qualifications are insufficient and your contact says, ‘We’ll take care of it’, refuse it them right away. You begin your application the wrong way and you expect it to correct itself along the way? It’s common sense: you are more likely get in trouble.)

Among the problems encountered by OFWs is the possession of fake documents given by illegal recruiters; not being able to go home due to lack of exit visas; and being victimized by abusive employers.

Ignacio also created a Facebook page where OFWs can easily reach them and report their problems.

They just need to search for DA Arnell Ignacio OFW to speak directly to OWWA personnel.

“This is their mode of communication. Bakit ka mag-iimbento ng bago kung sila ay magaling sa plataporma na ‘to? Kaya nga, ngayon kapag nagpapadala sila dyan, ang bilis-bilis,” said Ignacio.

(This is their mode of communication. Why do we have to invent a new one if they are already adept with this platform? So this time, when they send their concerns, response is very quick.)

Meanwhile, OWWA will give 5,000 financial assistance to active OWWA members and 2,500 for inactive members who are affected by the deployment ban.

It is expected that the ban will be lifted soon. — Mon Jocson | UNTV News & Rescue

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Some units of Dimple Star Bus company on terminal

MANILA, Philippines — Following a number of accidents involving the bus units of Dimple Star bus, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has ordered a 30-day preventive suspension of the company’s entire fleet of 118 bus units.

The agency initially imposed a 30-day preventive suspension on the company’s 10 bus units following the fatal crash of one of its buses in Occidental Mindoro.

However, due to the company’s alleged involvement in other accidents, the LTFRB decided to ban all 118 units from operating.

According to LTFRB board member Atty. Aileen Lizada, since 2011, the buses of Dimple Star had been involved in eight accidents that had left a total of 26 people dead and more than 100 injured.

“The board decided to issue a preventive suspension order covering the fleet 118 units of Dimple Star with 10 CPCs para ma-check-up thoroughly ng LTO through MVIS yung kanilang nga sasakyan,” said Lizada.

(The board decided to issue a preventive suspension order covering the fleet 118 units of Dimple Star with 10 CPCs for the LTO to check their vehicles thoroughly through MVIS.)

The latest order is expected to affect routes going to Iloilo City, Caticlan, Romblon, Dumaguete, San Jose Occidental Mindoro and going back to Metro Manila.

Despite this, the LTFRB assured passengers that there are available buses that will operate on the affected routes.

“Rest assured dun sa riding public sa mananakay ng Dimple Star, mayroon po tayong ibang mga bus operators na nag apply na po ng special permits para doon sa mga routes na masususpinde ang Dimple Star” said Lizada.

(To the riding public of Dimple Star, rest assured there are other bus operators that applied for special permits for the said routes of the suspended Dimple Star.)

The bus firm refused to comment on the suspension order of the LTFRB. — Joan Nano| UNTV News & Rescue

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President Rodrigo Roa Duterte orders Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Martin Delgra III to arrest the operator of the Dimple Star bus during his visit to the accident site in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro on March 23, 2018. He also ordered the arrest of other operators who are running colorum public utility vehicles nationwide. Duterte’s orders came on the heels of the accident involving the same bus company that left 19 dead and 21 wounded last Tuesday. Joining the President is Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go. ROBINSON NIÑAL JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte arrived on Friday at the national highway of Brgy. Batong Buhay Sablayan Occidental Mindoro where a Dimple Star bus unit figured in a fatal accident last Tuesday night.

The president has expressed dismay over the accident especially since 19 of its passengers had died, while more than 20 others were injured.

Following the incident, the president threatened to order the detention of the owners of all bus units in the country that have no proper permits.

The chief executive also visited the wake of the casualties in the accident and vowed to shoulder the burial expenses.  — UNTV News & Rescue

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A mobile user downloads the Payong Pagasa mobile app

MANILA, Philippines — Farmers are among the most affected by climate change.

This has prompted the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) to develop an application called “Payong Pagasa” that will help them in their farming.

Farmers will be notified in advance of what climate to expect in the coming months such as more rainfall or whether there is a threat of dry spell.

The mobile app was launched on Friday during the celebration of the World Meteorological Day.

Pagasa said that farm production is highly dependent on the weather and it is imperative to notify farmers about it.

“Yung anak ng ating mga magsasaka ngayon may mga millenials po tayo dyan na mabilis po nilang matuturuan yung ating mga magsasaka,” Pagasa climate specialist Analisa Solis said.

In recent months, Visayas and Mindanao have experienced above normal rainfall due to the existence of weak La Niña.

But now, Pagasa said dry season is about to start.

“Baka after po nitong bagyong ito ay magtuloy-tuloy na po at magprevail na yung tinatawag na tag-init natin,” said the climate specialist.

The weather agency forecast that some parts of the country may experience hot weather that could reach up to 40 degrees Celcius.

“We could get as high as around 39.8 degrees Celcius, lalong-lalo na po yung mga kababayan natin nakatira dyan sa may (particularly for people living in the) Cagayan Valley Region,” said Solis.

Pagasa predicts 8-12 tropical cyclones will enter the Philippine area of responsibility from April to September this year. — Rey Pelayo | UNTV News & Rescue

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Members of the fraternity Aegis Juris involved in the death of Atio Castillo

MANILA, Philippines — Members of the Aegis Juris fraternity who were accused in the death of law student Horacio “Atio” Castillo III are now under National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) custody.

The 10 fratmen, including Aegis President Arvin Balag, voluntarily surrendered around noon on Friday.

They were accompanied by their lawyers and parents.

“Mas ginusto nila mag-voluntary surrender sa NBI kasi nga parang last night may mga nagpupunta na sa mga bahay nila. Hindi nila kilala basta mga law enforcers din,” said NBI agent Atty. Danilo Mayani.

(They opted to surrender voluntarily to the NBI because last night there are people who are lurking in their homes. They don’t know them but the men are also law enforcers.)

NBI Deputy Director Atty. Ferdinand Lavin said that the accused had already coordinated with them for the surrender before the court issued the arrest warrant on Thursday.

He said that the accused will be treated fairly.

“There is nothing special about this incident. As a matter of fact, if these young gentlemen would like to evade the long arms of the law they can do that. But we appreciate and recognize their effort in coming to the folds of the law,” said Lavin.

The fratmen will be held at the nbi detention cell while waiting for the commitment order from the Manila Regional Trial Court.

They will be presented before the court on Monday after the documentation and booking procedures.

They are facing charges for violation of the anti-hazing law, a non-bailable offense which carries a penalty of life imprisonment. — UNTV News & Rescue

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