Grab Phillippines (Upper picture) & National Taxi (Lower picture)

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has ordered ride-hailing company Grab Philippines to pay P10 million pesos fine for overcharging.

LTFRB also compels Grab to reimburse the P2 pesos per minute that the company illegally charged to passengers.

The order took effect on Monday (July 9) but LTFRB released the copy of the order on Tuesday (July 10).

Grab PH is given 15 days to file a motion for reconsideration against the decision. Once denied, Grab PH can still appeal to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Meanwhile, Grab PH said they have to study the decision first with their legal team before making an official statement on the issue. – Joan Nano / Marje Pelayo

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Vice President Leni Robredo

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo supports the bid of some lawmakers to suspend the imposition of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law.

In a media interview, she reiterated that the law should be reviewed following its negative effects, especially to the poor Filipinos.

Robredo claims the authorities did not anticipate the increase in market prices upon drafting its provisions as she hits the failure in distributing the subsidy for 10 million poor families which are supposed to serve as the safety net of the TRAIN law.

“Until now July na 2.2M palang ang nabibigyan pero ang effects ng TRAIN ramdam na mula ng pumasok ang 2018,” Robredo said.

The vice president also questioned the need to amend the current Philippine Constitution and to shift into the federal government.

She insisted that there are more pressing issues that the government should focus on.

“Bakit ang pinagtutuunan natin ng pansin ay iyong Charter Change na hindi naman siya ang sagot sa pagtaas ng presyo. Hindi naman siya ang sagot sa kahirapan,” said the vice president.

Robredo, meanwhile, confirmed that she will attend President Duterte’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) to know about his plans for his remaining years in office. — Rey Pelayo | UNTV News & Rescue

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Satellite Image of Typhoon “Gardo” outside the Philippine area of responsibility (Image courtesy of DOST-PAGASA’

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – Typhoon “Gardo” has exited the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) as of 6:00 pm Tuesday (July 10).

At 3:00 a.m. today, weather bureau PAGASA monitored its movement at 650km north of extreme northern Luzon.

Based on PAGASA’s forecast, rains will be experienced in almost all parts of the country but heavier rains will be experienced in the provinces of Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batanes, Mindoro, Palawan, Romblon and Western Visayas due to the effects of southwest monsoon or habagat.

Flash floods and landslides are highly possible in the said areas.

Thunderstorms are expected over Metro Manila, Bicol Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, ARMM, Pangasinan, Marinduque and the rest of Central Luzon and Calabarzon. – Rey Pelayo / Marje Pelayo

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Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has begun its clearing operations in major roads in Quezon City in preparation for the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Duterte on July 23.

The MMDA targets to clear the routes leading to the venue in Batasan Complex particularly the stretch of Commonwealth Avenue and IBP Road in Batasan Hills.

MMDA personnel arrested motorists responsible for illegal parking, hitching and offenders of the tricycle ban on national road and the no helmet policy.

Agency personnel also assured that sidewalk vendors in Commonwealth market do not cause road obstructions. Commonwealth Avenue is among the areas MMDA regularly checks to ensure order and light flow of traffic. – Asher Cadapan Jr. / Marje Pelayo

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An alleged getaway vehicle of the suspects in the killing of Trece Martires Vice Mayor Alexander Lubigan

CAVITE, Philippines – Cavite Police Director PSSupt. William Segun confirmed on Wednesday (July 11) that they have recovered the alleged getaway vehicle of the suspects in the killing of Trece Martires Vice Mayor Alexander Lubigan.

Segun said the black Toyota Hilux was recovered at 6:55 a.m. today at Mabacao-Pantihan Bridge in Barangay Tulay B, Maragondon, Cavite. – Lea Ylagan / Marje Pelayo

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Mayor Ferdinand Bote (photo courtesy of Mabuhay Papaya-LGU FB account)

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – Authorities arrested the primary suspect in the killing of General Tinio, Nueva Ecija Mayor Ferdinand Bote on Wednesday morning (July 11).

PNP Region 5 Director PCSupt. Arnel Escobal confirmed that the suspect, identified as Florencio Suarez, was nabbed at a checkpoint in Andayan National Highway in Barangay Cabasag Del Gallego in Camarines Sur.

Suarez was with a companion named Robert Gumacay when he was arrested on board a beige Toyota Avanza with vehicle plate number PGW-134.

Authorities recovered from Suarez a .45 caliber pistol.

Suarez is now under the custody of Del Gallego Municipal Police. – Lea Ylagan / Marje Pelayo

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MANILA, Philippines – Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III met with leaders of contractual workers who were retrenched rather than regularized following the issuance of the Executive Order on regularization by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Contractual workers who were laid off from PLDT who belonged to PLDT Organization of Workers and Employees for Rights (POWER) were present in the meeting together with labor advocates from Defend Job Philippines and Kilos Na, Manggagawa.

Bello reiterated what’s written in the E.O. which ordered concerned companies to regularize all contractual employees as directed by President Rodrigo Duterte in line with the government’s resolve to end contractualization in the country.

In a clarificatory order issued by DOLE to PLDT signed by the Labor Secretary, the department said that “pursuant to existing laws, the regularization of workers as a result of the finding of labor-only contracting takes effect by operation of law, and is not subject to any condition.”

DOLE further warned that “Any act or condition imposed that frustrates or tend to frustrate the order to regularize is contumacious and shall be dealt with in accordance with law.”

During the meeting, Bello discussed with the workers the compensation that they still have to receive from their previous employers such as unpaid wages and other benefits.

In the meantime, Bello advised the retrenched workers to apply under DOLE’s emergency employment program while further clarifications are being addressed. – Aiko Miguel / Marje Pelayo

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FILE PHOTO: Members of the Philippine National Police in formation

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – A total of 6,000 policemen from the National Capital Region (NCR) will be deployed to ensure security and order on the course of President Rodrigo Duterte’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 23.

According to NCR Police Office (NCRPO) Chief PCSupt. Guillermo Eleazar, they are considering two options to address the bulk of protesters on the day of SONA. They are specifically contemplating on whether or not to set the protest line in Ever Gotesco Mall in Commonwealth Avenue or in Batasan Road.

This is in view of the possible repeat of last year’s event when President Duterte went out of Batasan Complex to personally address the protesters.

Eleazar added that all cops will not be allowed to bring their respective service firearms.

“Maximum tolerance. Wala kaming baril na dadalhin sa mga CDM but of course ang mga security forces natin ay meron. Pero malayo sila. Hindi sila hahalo o malapit sa mga rally,” Eleazar confirmed.

The PNP will not set up container vans and barbed wires to block the protesters but there will be 13 sub security task groups to be led by the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) who will monitor the surroundings up to the Batasan area.

Also, the PNP will invite representatives from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to join each of the sub security task group to check on the actions of police and demonstrators.

“Ito ang magiging unbiased defenders namin just in case we will be criticized or merong mga sasabihin itong ibang grupo on maliscious intentions against us. At least andon ang Commission on Human Rights na nakita nila what really happens,” Eleazar added.

On Saturday (July 14), the PNP sets to have a dialogue with leaders of militant groups. Though the PNP has not receive any threats prior to the event, the NCRPO assures that the will remain on full alert status.

“When the NICA brief us yesterday, wala syang sinabi na threat o manggugulo. But just the same hindi tayo pwedeng maging kumpiyansa. Just like the previous SONA and other major events laging nakahanda tayo doon,” the NCRPO Chief explained.

The NCRPO, meanwhile, reminds foreign nationals that they are strictly prohibited to join any protest actions. – Lea Ylagan / Marje Pelayo

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MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court (SC) junked the petition of the so-called “Ilocos 6” and Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos against the House Committee on Government and Public Accountability over the detention of the six Ilocos Norte provincial officials for 57 days or nearly two months for contempt charges.

In a statement, SC spokesperson Theodore Te said “that the court “dismissed the omnibus petition for habeas corpus, prohibition, injunctive relief, and Amparo as against the show cause order issued by respondent Committee of the House of the Representatives.”

The “Ilocos 6” was charged for not cooperating with the House inquiry on the alleged misuse of Ilocos Norte’s tobacco excise taxes. They were released from detention on July 25 last year after they responded to the lawmakers’ questions on the tobacco fund issue.

The House Panel earlier recommended the filing of criminal and administrative charges against the officials and employees of the province who were involved in the anomaly. – Mai Bermudez / Marje Pelayo

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House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez believes that postponing the 2019 midterm elections will help the lawmakers to focus more on tackling the proposed constitutional amendment.

Alvarez said the Lower House is facing a tight schedule in the coming weeks because they will have to deliberate on the 2019 Proposed National Budget along with the proposed shift to the federal government.

He also noted that the congressmen will be busy campaigning for the upcoming polls once they file their certificates of candidacy (COC) in October.

“Papaano tayo magka- quorum ditto? Anong mangyayari? Siempre magkakampanya na ang mga congs. Election iyan. (Dapat hindi na mageleksyon muna?) Kung gugustuhin talaga na matapos ito kasi kailangan mo ng focus diyan,” argued Alvarez.

But Senator Francis Pangilinan disagreed with the House Speaker insisting that the people’s right to suffrage should not be compromised.

Meanwhile, Alvarez stressed that they will continue working on the proposed federalism even without the Senate.

This is because the Senate’s version of the bill is still pending in the committee level.

“Wala naman sinasabi na magcoconvene kami into constituent assembly. Three-fourth vote of all its members. Congress may propose. Hindi ito iyong parang batas na inaaprubahan mo. Proposal lang ito for the people to agree,” he added.

Earlier today, the members of the consultative committee tasked by President Rodrigo Duterte to review the 1987 constitution submitted a copy of their proposed federal charter to the house leaders.

However, solons are yet to tackle the content of the proposal.

House Majority Floor Leader Rudy Fariñas also clarified that only Congress has the power to propose amendments in the Constitution.

“Alam naman nila na ang kanila is just recommendatory. They are only advisory and I hope that we can make that very clear to the public,” Fariñas concluded. – Grace Casin

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FILE PHOTO: Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo

MANILA, Philippines – The lawyers of Vice President Leni Robredo filed on Wednesday (July 11) another motion urging the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) to give the Commission on Elections (Comelec) only five days to submit its comment on the ballot shading threshold issue amid the continuing vice presidential race vote recount.

Robredo’s camp explains this is to avoid any further delays in the resolution of its motion for reconsideration before the PET on the matter.

They believe that the Comelec’s confirmation of the minimum percentage of shading to be considered as a valid vote can help the pet decide on the case.

The Vice President initially appealed to PET to use a 25 percent ballot shading threshold, arguing this was set by the Comelec in 2016 polls.

This was despite the move of Solicitor General Jose Calida to favor former Senator Bongbong Marcos’ stand to use the 50% threshold as a standard in the electoral case.

The Comelec, so far, has yet to issue a statement on the issue.

Meanwhile, Robredo’s camp also asked the Supreme Court (SC) to show the CCTV footage to prove that Marcos’ camp delivered snacks on the 4^th floor of the PET’s office for the swimming party

Atty. Emil Maranon, the legal consultant of Robredo’s team, maintained there is nothing wrong in the activity.

They also insisted it was revisor Osmundo Abuyuan’s personal decision to attend the outing and that they could have stopped him if they have known about it beforehand.

“I think last week they have already meted some penalty doon sa mga taong involved sa outing and what we see here is a very clear case of a PR stunt kasi inuunahan lang ni Bongbong Marcos ang investigation,” said Atty. Emil Marañon, Robredo’s legal consultant.

PET head revisors have the duty to identify valid, invalid or stray votes and has access in vote counting machines and ballot boxes in the VP race vote recount.

Marcos’ legal counsel, Atty. Vic Rodriguez, meanwhile, urges Robredo to show the video and prove their allegations

“Malinaw na paglabag po ito sa ethical standards at malinaw po ito sapagkat bago po sila manungkulan bilang head revisor, sila po ay nanungkulan sa kanilang tungkulin in all fidelity and allegiance to the Tribunal,” argued Rodriquez.

“If you want to appear na there’s no malice or walang influence sa part ni Bongbong Marcos, he should’ve not done that. He should have been careful,” said Marañon.

The recount in the vice presidential votes is still ongoing in Camarines Sur and Iloilo.

Last Monday, Marcos’ camp asked the PET to probe Robredo’s head revisor for allegedly violating the standard in the ongoing case. – Mai Bermudez / UNTV News and Rescue

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QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will begin on Thursday (July 12) the distribution of fuel vouchers to jeepney operators in line with the implementation of the government’s fuel subsidy or the Pantawid Pasada program.

The joint memorandum circular on fuel vouchers was signed on Wednesday (July 11) by representatives from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Energy (DOE), the LTFRB and the Landbank of the Philippines.

Under the program, a legitimate jeepney driver or operator will receive P800 monthly subsidy from the government in the form of fuel vouchers.

The LTFRB says the distribution of the fuel vouchers to public utility jeepneys (PUJ) is covered by the imposition of the Tax Reform Law.

The agency said only legitimate PUJ operators with franchise may avail of fuel vouchers at the LTFRB booth inside the compound of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in East Avenue, Quezon City. Landbank personnel will also be present during the distribution of the fuel voucher cards.

The LTFRB will post a list of qualified operators on its website and only those listed may avail of the fuel voucher cards.

Around 10,000 PUJ drivers in Metro Manila will be prioritized in the first tranche of the distribution while those in the regions will be able to receive their fuel voucher cards next week.

The LTFRB and the Landbank of the Philippines warn that the privilege may be revoked once drivers and operators use the vouchers in unauthorized transactions such as in purchasing grocery or other items. – Joan Nano / Marje Pelayo

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FILE PHOTO: THEN AND NOW. President Rodrigo R. Duterte (center) poses with former President and Manila Mayor Joseph E. Estrada (left), former President and Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (2nd from left), former President and Special Envoy to China Fidel V. Ramos (2nd from right), and former President Benigno S. Aquino III (right), before the start of the National Security Council (NSC) meeting at the State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on July 27. REY BANIQUET/PPD

MANILA, Philippines – The Consultative Committee (ConCom) wants all living former presidents to be part of the transition commission under the federal form of government.

The ConCom met Wednesday (July 11) after President Rodrigo Duterte rejected the transitory provisions of the draft federal constitution submitted to him on Tuesday (July 10).

Under the draft charter, the President will serve as the Chairman of the Federal Transition Commission and will lead a 10-member team, which he will also appoint to exercise all powers necessary to ensure a speedy and successful transition.

But after Wednesday’s meeting, the ConCom decided that the current Chief Executive be stripped of said powers and proposed that the four ex-presidents be included in the transition government.

“We also made as ex-officio members the transitory vice-president, senate president, speaker of the house and all living presidents,” said ConCom Head retired Chief Justice Reynato Puno.

This means Former Presidents Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Gloria Arroyo and Benigno Aquino III will now be part of the 17-member committee which will start performing their functions after the new proposed charter is ratified in the plebiscite. – Mai Bermudez / UNTV News and Rescue

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Constitutional Reform & Rectification for Economic Competitiveness & Transformation (CoRRECT) Movement Principal and Co-Founder, Orion Perez Dumdum guesting on Get It Straight with Daniel Razon. (Froilan Calces / Photoville International)

QUEZON CITY, Philippines — CoRRECT Movement Principal and Co-Founder, Orion Perez Dumdum questions some of the provisions of the Federal Charter proposed by the Consultative Committee (ConCom) tasked by President Rodrigo Duterte to review the 1987 Constitution.

In the program Get It Straight With Daniel Razon, Dumdum explained the draft does not entirely reflect the type of federal government being pushed by the PDP-Laban which is the political party of the President.

He said the draft espouses the federal-presidential and not the hybrid or parliamentary form of government as discussed in the party’s book, which includes Dumdum as one of its authors.

The federal advocate also notes that some ConCom members pushed for the hybrid form but majority favored the federal-presidential type.

 “Iyong sinasabi kong Magnificent 7, ang panukala nila ay mag parliamentary o mag-hybrid. Pero hindi sila pinakinggan,” Dumdum said.

He claimed that corruption prevails in some countries that are practicing presidential form of government while those implementing a federal-parliament form are more progressive.

 “Ang mga presidential system usually ang nagiging brand of politics is puro personality-based politics, puro mga showbiz style, pasikatan, name recall. Whereas pag parliament, ang parliamentary system more party based, more platform based, more issue centric. So mas stable ang system of government nila,” he added

He also pointed out several provisions in the draft Federal Charter that might hamper the country’s economy such as the retention of limitations on the foreign ownership.

Dumdum believes that opening the country to more foreign investors will generate more jobs for the Filipinos.

“Kasi ang iba’t-ibang bansa sa ASEAN, bukas sila sa pagpasok ng investors. Tayo lang ang may ganyan sa Constitution kaya hindi tayo nakakapag partake doon sa integration na sinasabi,” he explained.

Dumdum also opposed ConCom’s proposal to require a college degree for those running for higher positions as well as the anti-dynasty provision limiting the number of political family members allowed to seek government posts.

“Operationally the way a parliamentary system works, the only people who can reach the top level positions are those who proved themselves thru competence and ability,” the advocate concluded. – Rey Pelayo / UNTV News & Rescue

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Authorities conduct investigation at the crime scene where Sapa-Sapa Vice Mayor Al Rashid Mohammad Ali of Tawi-Tawi was gunned down by riding in tandem criminals on Wednesday afternoon, July 11, 2018 in Governor Alvarez Street, Barangay Zone 3 in Zamboanga City. (COURTESY: Melanie Guanzon)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Sapa-Sapa Vice Mayor Al Rashid Mohammad Ali of Tawi-Tawi was declared dead on arrival at Zamboanga Doctors Hospital on Wednesday (July 11) after he was shot by a riding-in-tandem.

Based on initial investigation, the  Vice Mayor just departed from a meeting together with his wife, his son and a police escort when an unidentified suspect shot him at the intersection along Governor Alvarez Street, Barangay Zone 3 in Zamboanga City.

 “While they are on stop, one person just casually walked at the right side of the car then pagtapat doon sa kung saan nakaupo si Vice Mayor binaril niya. Then after na nabaril niya, umikot lang siya and then he went on the other side of the road and then may dumaan na motorcycle doon siya sumakay,” said PSSupt. Alan Nazarro, Director or Zamboanga City Police Office.

The Vice Mayor suffered from three gunshot wounds that eventually led to his death. His family members and other companions survived the incident though they refused to give a statement.

Authorities, meanwhile, recovered four empty shells of .45 caliber pistol at the crime scene.

Police confirmed that the Vice Mayor has been receiving threats in the past months.

“May sinasabi daw siya na may threat siya but hindi man daw niya sinabi kung kanino galling, saan galing ang threat na iyon. Basta sinasabi daw niya may threat siya so iyon pa ang tinitingnan pa naming,” Nazarro added.

The Zamboanga City Police Office said they have no reports about the Vice Mayor’s involvement in corruption or in illegal drugs trade but the local official is highly expected to run for the mayoralty race in the 2019 Midterm elections. – Dante Amento / Marje Pelayo

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FILE IMAGE: Screenshot of CCTV Footage submitted as evidence for Servando Hazing (PNP)

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte signed on Wednesday (July 11) the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 which strictly prohibits all forms of hazing among fraternities, sororities and any school organization, offices, and uniformed learning institution.

The amended law expanded the definition of the term “hazing” to include “physical or psychological suffering, harm or injury inflicted on a recruit, neophyte, applicant or member as part of an initiation rite or a requirement for continuing membership in a fraternity or sorority or organization.”

The amended law also provides harsher penalties as those who planned or participated in the hazing will face a penalty of reclusion perpetua and a P3M fine if the hazing resulted to death, rape, mutilation or sodomy, thus amending the previous measure which merely regulates it. Also, the new law penalizes attempts to cover up the hazing activities.

The Anti-Hazing Acts of 2018 strengthens the existing Anti-Hazing Act of 1995 which was criticized for being toothless, with only one conviction since it was enacted into law 23 years ago.

It has been 10 months since the death of UST Law Student Horacio “Atio” Castillo III after a hazing initiation by members of the Aegis Juris Fraternity.

Though the suspects in the case are now behind bars, his parents still grieve for the loss of their only son.

 “I know he’s not coming back for us. Parang tumigil ang time. I was wishing na sana noong time na iyon sana classes were called up siguro or sana na flat tire ako or sana that day umulan para hindi sana natuloy because hindi ko alam mapapahamak ang anak ko. I had no idea the next day na ang susunod kong malalaman ay patay na sya,” said Atio’s father, Horacio Castillo Jr.

“In the morning paggising namin kulang pa rin. Iyong. “Ma, gisingin mo ako ng six may klase ako.” Wala nang nagsasabi ng ganon, Iyon ang mahirap for us. Masakit sa amin. Apat lang kami. It’s always 4 of us lang. Ngayon nabawasan pa kami ng isa. Talagang miss na miss namin sya,” said Carmina, Atio’s mother.

Despite what happened to their son, Carmina still looks at the positive side of school organizations such as fraternity. However, she said, hazing should not be used as a measure of someone’s loyalty to the group.

 “Iyong nature of brotherhood para iyang barkada mo. Pero ang ganitong organization sasali ka just to prove your loyalty, I think it’s wrong. Your loyalty belongs to your parents with your family with God and with the country, not with people like these,” she concluded. – Joan Nano / Marje Pelayo

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ILOILO CITY, Philippines – Minimum wage earners in Western Visayas get additional pay starting Thursday (July 12) after the National Wages and Productivity Commission approved on June 8 the petition for a pay hike.

From the current P323.50, workers in non-agriculture, industrial and commercial sectors will receive a P365 daily minimum wage.

Meanwhile, agricultural workers will receive a P295 daily minimum wage, an increase of P23.50 to the current P271.50 daily pay.

Plantation workers who earn P281.50 a day will start receiving a P295 daily minimum wage.

“More or less the wage increase here in Western Visayas is okay for the employee because it’s less more than the poverty threshold and afford naman ng employer,” said DOLE 6 Regional Director Atty. Johnson Cañete.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) considered in allowing the wage increase was the P289 daily poverty threshold in the province that is no longer enough due to the increasing prices of commodities and the rising inflation.

“Kung ako po ay trabahante, ang sweldo ko ay dapat hindi bababa sa poverty threshold because kung ang sweldo ko ay mababa pa sa poverty threshold parang wala rin akong trabaho na nangyayari,” explained Cañete

DOLE warns that failure to impose the minimum wage increase would mean a criminal complaint against the company. Meanwhile, newly established firms, those affected by calamities and firms who cannot afford a wage increase may file a petition.

Meanwhile, pay increase for workers in Aklan is still pending due to a moratorium on the six-month Boracay rehabilitation work but DOLE assured that they may expect the minimum wage increase by November. – Lalaine Moreno / Marje Pelayo

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QUEZON CITY, Philippines –  The Philippine National Police (PNP) is contemplating on opening a gun amnesty program to owners of loose firearms in the country.

PNP Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde believes the measure could curb crimes involving loose firearms and would encourage owners to apply for an official license.

The plan was prompted by a series of killings against local executives by suspects using unregistered firearms.

“Kaya nga tayo nagpo-propose ng amnesty to encourage ang owners ng loose firearms lalong lalo na ang mga hindi lisensyadong firearms to license their firearms and register their firearms. That is one way na ma-account natin itong mga less one million (loose firearms) na estimate natin,” Albayalde said.

The PNP Chief added that they will intensify police crackdown through improving intelligence gathering, checkpoints, Oplan Sita and Oplan Bakal towards recovering unregistered gun units across the country.

“Pinag-igting natin ang intelligence build up on owners or possesor of loose firearms lalong lalo na ang suspected natin na gun for hire or even ang private armed groups na sinasabi. Kaya nga nagbigay tayo ng direktiba sa ating mga pulis sa ground na i-intensify ang …kanilang account ng loose firearms at pag-aresto sa most wanted person sa kani-kanilang mga areas of jurisdiction,” he added.

Albayalde stressed that there is no way gun owners will not renew or register their units or acquire a license to own and possess firearms (LTOPF) given that there is an operational one-stop-shop for fast processing of gun license at PNP Headquarters in Camp Crame.

Owners may also opt to apply online or in LTOPF caravans in their areas.

The PNP, as always, remind gun owners and enthusiasts to be responsible when carrying or using firearms and be of help to the authorities in combatting crimes, especially that the 2019 Midterm election is drawing near. – Lea Ylagan / Marje Pelayo

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QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has deferred its distribution of fuel voucher cards to drivers of public utility jeepneys (PUJ) supposedly set Thursday (July 12).

The LTFRB said they decided to postpone the distribution because of a need to fix the system of the Landbank of the Philippines. Also, the agency said they still need to orient jeepney operators on the proper use of the voucher.

The adjustment was also prompted by a sudden decision from stakeholders that instead of monthly, it will be a one-time distribution of the P5,000 fuel subsidy that will be deposited to each voucher card.

The Landbank management said that though they were surprised by the sudden change in the process, they promised to fix the bank’s system at the soonest possible time in order to begin the distribution of fuel vouchers hopefully on its next schedule on July 17.

“Binago iyong amount. Ginawang one time P5,000. Ngayon ko lang nalaman. Hindi na namin itutuloy ang distribution ng P833, plus hihingi kami ng pondo para lang sa one month so funding at correcting the amount. Tapos iyan sa Monday kaya ang distribution will be on Tuesday,” assured Alexander Buenaventura, President of the Landbank of the Philippines. – Joan Nano / Marje Pelayo

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Mugshots of suspects in Gen. Tinio Nueva Ecija Mayor Ferdinand Bote slay (Image courtesy of PRO-5)

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) already have information on the alleged mastermind who ordered Florencio Suarez and Robert Gumacay to kill General Tinio, Nueva Ecija Mayor Ferdinand Bote.

PNP Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde, however, said they cannot disclose any details yet regarding the person so as not to preempt the ongoing operation.

“Iyong binanggit niyang tao, we cannot name it right now. He is a subject of our manhunt. He is now a person of interest,” confirmed Albayalde.

The PNP Chief added that the motive behind Mayor Bote’s killing has something in relation to his personal business, based on the information given by Suarez and Gumacay. – Lea Ylagan / Marje Pelayo

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