FILE PHOTO: Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno (UNTV News)

MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court (SC) reprimanded on Tuesday (July 17) Atty. Maria Lourdes Sereno for publicly discussing the merits of her ouster case and issuing statements against the magistrates in violation of the Court’s sub judice rule.

In a press briefing, SC Spokesperson Theodore Te said: “The Court acting on the show cause order contained in its May 11, 2018 decision reprimanded the respondent with a stern warning that the repetition of the same acts will merit a heavier penalty.”

Sereno’s camp, meanwhile, said they would wait for an official copy of the resolution before making an official statement on the matter.

“We have not received the copy of the resolution. CJ Sereno is reserving her comments until she sees the resolution,” said Sereno’s legal counsel Atty. Jojo Lacanilao in a text message. – Mai Bermudez / Marje Pelayo

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Photo taken inside the Quezon City Jail

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – A detainee at Quezon City Jail was diagnosed and died of leptospirosis infection, according to jail warden JSupt. Ermilito Moral.

Inmate Mark Joseph Millete, 29, was detained last year for involvement in illegal drugs transaction.

According to authorities, Millete was hospitalized from June 19 to 21 but his condition worsened until his death on June 23. At first, he was diagnosed with a chronic liver disease which later on developed into leptospirosis infection.

The duty warden admitted that the facility usually submerges into rainwater especially during a heavy downpour. The facility is surrounded with creeks where floodwater recedes very slowly due to a clogged drainage.

“Base doon sa medical bulletin namatay siya dahil sa leptospirosis,” said BJMP Spokesperson PSInsp. Xavier Solda.

Millete’s death prompted the QC jail management to intensify its weekly clean-up drive and regularly conduct fumigation to eliminate infectious insects and rodents inside the detention facility.

All 2,000 inmates, as well as the 153 jail personnel, were given doxycycline as protection to their health. The jail management also advises inmates to report at once should they experience or know someone who shows early symptoms of diseases for immediate treatment.

“Kapag mayroon tayong nararamdaman na sintomas tulad ng lagnat na naggaling sa pagbaha at pag-ulan ay agad natin itong isangguni,” said QC jail warden PSupt. Ermilito Moral.- Cathy Maglalang / Marje Pelayo

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Satellite image of a new low-pressure area east of Cagayan. Source: PAGASA

QUEZON CITY,  Philippines – Another low-pressure area (LPA) is likely to develop into a tropical cyclone after tropical cyclone Henry exited the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR).

According to PAGASA’s monitoring, the new weather system was located some 540km east of Aparri, Cagayan.

Should it enters PAR, it will be named “Inday” and will be the country’s ninth cyclone this year.

It is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon or habagat that will further bring more rains across the country.

Based on PAGASA’s forecast, heavy rains will be experienced in Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Cordillera Autonomous Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Mimaropa.

Scattered rain showers will also be experienced in Bicol Region and the Visayas and thunderstorms in Mindanao.

A high tide warning is raised along Manila Bay at 1:48 p.m. which is expected to reach 1.2 meters high.

As of Wednesday morning (July 18), flooding was reported in most low-lying areas in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Motorists were advised to check on alternate routes as neck-deep flood rendered a portion of Araneta Avenue in Quezon City and is still impassable to all kinds of vehicles. Other flooded areas include R. Papa in Manila; Barangay Tatalon, Roxas District; E. Rodriguez Avenue in front of Delos Santos Medical City; and the Cubao tunnel along Aurora Boulevard in Quezon City as well as other parts of Metro Manila.

Meanwhile, classes in public schools and government work in Metro Manila were suspended by Malacanang upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Government agencies involved in disaster and emergency response are exempted from the work suspension as they are expected to continue to render the necessary services, according to Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

Private companies, offices, and schools, meanwhile, were given discretion on whether to suspend work and classes. – Rey Pelayo / Marje Pelayo

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QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) reported on Wednesday (July 18) the arrest of a female illegal recruiter promising jobs in Japan.

The suspect, identified as Edna Recierdo, was nabbed at EDSA corner Quezon Avenue on the act of receiving the P20,000 pesos boodle money from the victim.

According to CIDG Chief PSupt. Roque Merdegia Jr., Recierdo was reported to be demanding P50,000 to P100,000 from victims in exchange for jobs as factory workers for a known shoe brand in Japan.

The victim, who preferred anonymity, recalled one of their co-applicants proceeded to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) allegedly to meet Recierdo who was supposed to hand the travel documents for the victim’s departure. But Recierdo was a no-show.

Merdegia said Recierdo was enticing applicants with high salary and free accommodation in Japan. She will face charges of illegal recruitment and estafa for swindling. – Lea Ylagan / Marje Pelayo

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CALOOCAN CITY, Philippines – Search and recovery continues for the boy who was electrocuted and fell off into the Tullahan River on Tuesday night (July 17).

According to the boy’s mother, 11-year-old Jan Darwin Vargas was seen wading through the flood water in Barangay 164, Caloocan City at around 5:00 p.m. when he accidentally came across a live power cable and fell off into the river.

“Nagpunta doon sa may baha. Ngayon naka-apak siya sa isang semento sa may bahay. Na-ground po siya kaya nahulog siya. Nawalan po siya ng malay dahil sa pagkakuryente,” said Cristlita Reyes, Darwin’s mother.

Rescuers and barangay personnel are still searching for the body of the boy which they believed had been drowned by the strong river current.

“Ina-assist po namin si Ma’am kasi may tumawag sa kanyang kamaganak dito daw namin matatagpuan iyong batang nakalutang. Ngayon nanghingi kami ng tulong sa rescuer ditto. Wala nmang developemnt na.mayrooon silang na-rescue,” said Barangay 164 Rescue team leader Baby Kua.

Following the incident, other families near Tullahan River have started to evacuate to safer grounds realizing the danger of staying near the river especially during rainy season.

“Kaya karamihan sa iba pinalilikas lalo na sa tabi tulad doon sa amin sa tabi ng Tullahan talgang pinalilikas namin iyan. Hagmo-monitor po kmi sa Brgy. 164. Naka-alert kaming lahat,” Kua added.

Parents of Jan Darwin are calling the public to notify them, the authorities or the barangay office number 330-5443 should they find the boy or his body. – Reynante Ponte / Marje Pelayo

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Water level slightly reduced at Marikina River but second alarm remained on Wednesday, July 18, 2018.

MARIKINA CITY, Philippines – Several evacuees have returned home after the local government of Marikina City permitted their return even though the Marikina River remains on second alarm.

The Barangay Risk Reduction and Management Council remains on high alert as well as the Marikina Rescue 161 personnel despite a slight reduction in the river’s water level on Wednesday (July 18).

At 1:22 p.m. on Tuesday (July 17) water level at Marikina River rose to almost 17 meters prompting Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro to hoist second alarm and ordered preemptive evacuation to residents living near the river.

Seven temporary shelters have been opened to evacuees –

Malanday Elementary School

Bautista Elementary School

Sto. Nino Elementary School

Libis Bolelak Gym

Marikina Elementary School

Barangka Elementary School

Concepcion Elementary School

Returning residents received 15 kilograms of rice each family plus medical assistance from the local government before they left the evacuation centers.

The weather bureau PAGASA earlier announced that another low-pressure area (LPA) is likely to develop into a tropical cyclone by Wednesday night.

With monsoon rains expected to persist overnight, residents in low-lying areas are advised to force evacuate once the Marikina River’s water level hits the 18-meter critical mark. – JL Asayo / Marje Pelayo

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Government trucks to service stranded commuters on Wednesday, July 18. Photo courtesy of Atty. Aileen Lizada, Spokesperson Jount Quick Response Team

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The government has pre-positioned several trucks and buses on Wednesday (July 18) to give free rides to commuters stranded in major roads in Metro Manila drenched by monsoon rains.

Government agencies are offering free rides to and from four designated routes namely Commonwealth Circle and Quiapo in Manila; Monumento in Caloocan and Pedro Gil Street in Manila; the US Embassy and Baclaran in Manila; and EDSA-Timog in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Manila.

According to Atty. Aileen Lizada, spokesperson of the Joint Quick Response Team (JQRT), the public may request free rides through government hotline 136.

Motorists are reminded that the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has earlier lifted the number coding for city buses. – Joan Nano / Marje Pelayo 

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MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Justice (DOJ) dismissed several appeals on its resolution indicting Aegis Juris Fraternity members in line with the death of UST Law student Horacio “Atio” Castillo III last year.

In a resolution dated July 5, the DOJ junked the petition of Atio’s parents Carmina and Horacio Jr. seeking to file criminal charges against UST Law Dean Dean Nilo Davina due to late filing.

Meanwhile, the agency also dismissed petitions for review filed by two of the 10 accused, Marcelino Bagtang and Ralph Trangia, also due to procedural lapses.

Both parties are set to undergo trials in Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 20 on July 24. – Mai Bermudez / Marje Pelayo

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LEYTE Province, Philippines – A total of 40 in 92 barangays in Baybay City in Leyte are now affected with dengue infection.

The city has currently recorded three deaths and over 200 dengue infections which prompted Baybay City Mayor Carmen Cari to declare a state of health emergency

“Ang state of emergency at least we can utilize our funds for this and nag-acquire ako ng more fogging machine,” said Mayor Cari.

The LGU also sought the services of additional doctors and specialists from the Department of Health (DOH) Region 8 office so that patients needing medical consultations would not need to travel to Tacloban and Ormoc.

The Mayor encourages barangay officials to cooperate with the city health office in conducting a house-to-house awareness campaign to prevent the spread of dengue infection and educate every household with proper sanitation measures and how to maintain cleanliness in every barangay.

According to the data of Baybay City health officials, the increase in dengue infection began in the months of  April and May.

“Nagsasagawa po kami ng comparative study way back 2016. Half year lang 58 cases lang po and then we compare sa 2018, half year pa lamang is mga almost 117 na. So parang abnormal na talaga ang trending ng aming mga cases po,” said Wayne Gunhuran of the city health office.

Health authorities advised residents to immediately consult once symptoms of dengue are being experienced particularly an on-and-off fever of up to three days. They added that dengue is serious and can be fatal especially to children if not immediately addressed. – Archyl Egano / Marje Pelayo

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MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang reiterated that the shift to a federalism government would not have any adverse effect on the economy. This is after the country’s top economist cautioned that federalism could affect government finances.

Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque said the palace has already clarified the matter with socioeconomic planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia.

“The shift to federalism, we reiterate, would have no adverse effect on the Philippine economy. Our budget would remain the same, as identified national projects would be devolved and transferred to the internal revenue allotment (IRA) of local government units. These projects include maintenance of barangay roads and bridges, water supply services, barangay health centers and daycare centers, solid waste disposal system of municipalities, among others,” he said.

Roque added that “The role of the national government would be to continue to implement Build, Build, Build projects and would hence be concentrated on policymaking.”

During a media interview, Pernia said that federalism could disrupt the administration’s infrastructure projects and the country’s fiscal situation.

President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to endorse to Congress the draft federal charter during his state of the nation address (SONA) on July 23. – Rosalie Coz / UNTV News and Rescue

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Satellite image of Tropical Depression Inday (Photo courtesy of PAGASA)

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The southwest monsoon is expected to bring heavy rains in most parts of northern Luzon.

Flash flood and landslides are expected In Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Bataan, Zambales, Batanes and Babuyan Group of Islands.

Meanwhile, scattered rain showers will prevail over Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon.

Thunderstorms will be experienced in the Visayas and in Mindanao that may cause flash floods, especially in low-lying areas.

TD Inday is currently enhancing the southwest monsoon or habagat which PAGASA monitors at a distance of 935km east of Basco, Batanes, packed with maximum sustained winds of 75kph and gustiness of up to 90kph as of 10:00 a.m. Thursday (July 19).

TD Inday is currently moving at 20kph towards east and northeast direction while it is not expected to hit land mass in any part of the country. – Rey Pelayo / Marje Pelayo

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QUEZON CITY, Philippines – Disaster authorities are calling on the public to pay close attention to warnings and advisories that are being sent through text messages.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC), these messages are part of their precautionary measures for the safety of the public in times of disasters and calamities especially in danger zones or in flood-prone areas.

This rainy season, NDRRMC said, it is important to be guided by the rainfall warnings set by the weather agency PAGASA. Red, orange and yellow color codes are applied to the three levels of rainfall volume intensity and possible consequent flooding.

On PAGASA’s official website, the agency explained the official rainfall warning color signals that will guide the public especially those in low-lying areas.

The YELLOW SIGNAL is the most basic which advises the public to monitor weather conditions and listen to weather updates in order to be constantly informed. It means that heavy rains, about 7.5 to15 mm of rain have been observed in the past hour. It is expected to continue so flooding is possible.

The ORANGE SIGNAL is the next level which encourages people to be alert for possible evacuation due to high threats of a flood. It means that rain is intense, that is, around 15 to 30 mm of rain has been observed in the past hour and is expected to continue in the next two hours.

Meanwhile, the RED SIGNAL constitutes an emergency which orders the public to evacuate. It means serious flooding is expected, especially in low-lying areas, because the amount of rain has reached a critical level of more than 30 mm and is expected to continue in the next hours.

Barangay Tumana is one of the most flood-prone areas in Metro Manila especially during rainy season due to the rising of water level in Marikina River.

Gimmy Esguerra said they have set up CCTV cameras side by side with loudspeakers to forewarn residents of upcoming threats or dangers due to the inclement weather.

“Kapag nag-third alarm na, ito na iyong pre-evacuation. So evacuate na ang mga nasa low-lying areas. Pagdating ng 18 (meters), forced evacuation na iyan,” Esguerra, a barangay official, said.

Authorities said it is important to be informed and plan ahead to prevent loss of lives and properties.

“Sa paghahanda di bale ng O.A. basta ligtas tayo. Kesa we did not plan o kulang ang plano natin ay may napahamak,” said NDRRMC Spokesperson Edgar Posadas. – Rey Pelayo / Marje Pelayo

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MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Health (DOH) sees spike in the number of dengue and leptospirosis cases following the series of downpours that caused flooding in some areas.

 According to Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, reported leptospirosis cases have reached 623 from January 1 to July 14 this year with 68 deaths.

While dengue cases rose to 8,223 which is 17% higher than the reported cases in the same period last year.

“This rainy season of the last 2- 3 days, we expect again an upsurge in the number of leptospirosis and dengue cases…It’s always alarming if we have deaths so certainly because we have reported deaths,” Duque said.

The DOH previously declared an outbreak on leptospirosis in 29 villages in Metro Manila. Most of the cases were reported in Quezon City which reached 201.

In order to prevent any increase in the said number and to make the residents aware of the symptoms and prevention of dengue and leptospirosis, Duque made rounds in some flooded villages on Wednesday (July 18).

Secretary Duque reminds the public to seek medical consultation when symptoms appear instead of just taking doxycycline as this may lead to antimicrobial resistance.

“So kung hindi naman nalusong sa baha, wala ring epekto naman. Mahirap lang baka magkaroon pa ng antimicrobial resistance which is something that we would like to avoid.”

Duque further advises the public to seek a doctor’s advice on the correct antibiotic to use because doxycycline is not suitable to be taken by everyone such as pregnant women. –  UNTV News and Rescue

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MANILA, Philippines – Government and private agencies, as well as schools around Metro Manila, joined the fourth annual metro-wide earthquake drill organized by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Thursday (July 19).

Dubbed online as the #MMShakeDrill, the simulation was prompted by a short messaging service (SMS) sent by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) at 12:00 noon today informing the public about the drill. The actual drill was held an hour later.

Initially, the MMDA announced the drill as “a surprise” to test the level of awareness and preparedness of the public as no one can predict an actual earthquake. – UNTV News and Rescue

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PASAY CITY, Philippines – The 28-member of the bicameral conference committee approved on Wednesday night (July 18) the reconciled version of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which was renamed, Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

This was after the bicameral panel concluded its debates on the most contentious provisions of the House and Senate versions on the region’s territorial jurisdiction.

The Bangsamoro Organic Law seeks to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which would have a regional government, a parliament, and justice system as well as a greater fiscal autonomy that would allow an independent budget management. Up to P70B in block grant would be given to the Bangsamoro Region from the national government.

Awaiting a regional plebiscite, the proposed region would be composed of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

It also seeks to include six municipalities of Lanao del Norte and 39 barangays of North Cotabato in the Bangsamoro, only if the province and their municipalities vote for inclusion.

Meanwhile, chartered cities of Cotabato and Isabela would also be included, also pending a plebiscite.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri accepted the Bangsamoro bill on the part of the Senate followed by House Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas for the Lower House. After both legislators signaled the acceptance of the measure, celebrations erupted in the room.

“They can now also convince the extremist yung mga nagiisip na mga manggugulo doon. Sila na mismo ang MILF, MNLF ngayon ay partners ng gobyerno in convincing population not to join extremism,” said Zubiri.

“This may be not a perfect law, but this is good to start with,” exclaimed MILF Vice Chairman for Political Affairs Ghadzali Jaafar.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Thursday (July 19) said President Rodrigo Duterte can sign the BOL “anytime” as soon as he receives the consolidated version.

President Duterte may also opt to sign the proposed measure into law hours before his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 23. – Nel Maribojoc / Marje Pelayo

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MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will hold special offsite registration for persons with disability (PWD) in Region 1 on Friday (July 20).

The registration will be set up in covered courts in the municipalities of Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Aside from new registrants, Comelec will also open reactivation of voters’ registration, correction of entry and reinstatement of records.

The said voters’ registration is part of the poll body’s preparations for the May 2019 national and local elections. It runs from June 2 to September 29, 2018. – UNTV News and Rescue

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FILE PHOTO: Kerwin Espinosa

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Justice (DOJ) has ordered the filing of drug charges against self-confessed drug supplier Kerwin Espinosa, convicted drug lord Wu Tuan Yan a.k.a Peter Co and four others

In its resolution issued Thursday (July 19), the DOJ panel of prosecutors “found sufficient the positive allegations” against Kerwin and his cohorts for conspiracy to commit illegal drug trade.

This reversed the panel’s decision in 2017 dismissing the case due to the insufficiency of evidence.

Other respondents to the case are Marcelo Adorco, Lovely Impal and Ruel Malindagan.

Espinosa, Co and other respondents will be charged before the Regional Trial Court of Makati City, the resolution stated.

Meanwhile, respondent Peter Lim’s case is pending resolution after the panel granted a separate preliminary investigation. – Mai Bermudez / Marje Pelayo

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FILE PHOTO: Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III

MANILA, Philippines — The proposed Bangsamoro Organic Law hurdles the scrutiny of the bicameral conference committee following the reconciliation of all its sensitive and contentious provisions on Wednesday (July 18).

And with the expected enactment of the proposal, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said that the Congress will no longer need to railroad the efforts for the shift to federalism.

During a weekly press briefing at the Senate, Sotto noted that the proposed organic law could be a good test case to see if a federal type of government would work in the country.

“Magandang experimental itong Bangsamoro Organic Act. Dito makikita natin kaya hindi natin kailangang apurahin yung federalism,” Sotto said.

The measure seeking to create a Bangsamoro entity that aims to help attain lasting peace in Mindanao is expected to be ratified by the Congress on July 23.

President Duterte is expected to sign the bill into law on the same day when he delivers his third State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Sotto added that in the two years of the implementation of the Bangsamoro Organic Act, the public would be able to weigh in if it is effective or not.

He said that the Congress can always repeal the law if it fails to cease the hostilities. But if it turns out positive, it would not be hard to push for charter change.

Sotto admitted that for now, he is not keen to push for the immediate passage of the proposed federal charter as it contains issues that need to be thoroughly scrutinized.

These include the proposed political party system, putting up of a democracy fund and the anti-political dynasty.

“Maraming debatable issues pa,” said the Senate president.

The Senate leader plans to call for a caucus after the SONA on Monday (July 23) to get his fellow senators’ take on the proposed constitutional revisions. — Nel Maribojoc | UNTV News & Rescue

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PASAY CITY, the Philippines – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Thursday (July 19) started the four-day random testing on actual passengers of its Electronic Gate System (E-Gate) project at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.

This aims to fine-tune the program and the machines before its official launch on Monday (July 23).

BI Deputy Commissioner Tobias Javier the project is expected to relieve passengers of the hassle of queuing in manual counters as the machines would cut processing time of passengers from the present 45 seconds to just 8 to 15 seconds.

The electronic gates are provided with modern security features such as facial recognition, biometric scanning, barcode reading, and smart card recognition which will help immigration officers to detect passengers with derogatory records as well as those who are in the immigration blacklist, watch list and hold departure list.

BI, however, explained that the electronic counters are initially open for Filipino passengers with machine-readable passports (MRP). Meanwhile, senior citizens in wheelchairs and other handicapped travelers and children will still have to go through the regular counters.

A total of 11 e-gates will be installed at NAIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. The other five will be installed at the Mactan international airport in Cebu; three at the Clark international airport in Pampanga; and two at the Davao International Airport before the year ends. – Joan Nano / Marje Pelayo

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A voter shading his ballot

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte will not support any motion seeking to defer the upcoming elections, according to Malacañang.

In a press briefing earlier, Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque said that the chief executive is cold towards the bid to cancel the national elections in 2019 to give way for the deliberations on the proposed charter change.

Roque added that he directly asked the president on his thoughts on the issue recently floated by House Leader Pantaleon Alvarez, who believed that this would help lawmakers to focus more on the proposal to rewrite the Constitution.

“I and President Duterte talked about this. I will quote the president, ‘I will not have any hand in that, he is really against the so-called no elections scenario for charter-change’,” the spokesman said.

According to Roque, the chief executive even directed the Consultative Committee (ConCom) which drafted the federal charter to include in the transitory provisions the conduct of an election of the transition president and vice president; and to ban president Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo from running for any public position in may 2022.

Roque noted that through this action, President Duterte wants himself to be an example for his allies.

“He has asked the Consultative Committee to include the provision that would ensure that he will not benefit from charter change. He would like to see all his allies do the same thing, not to benefit from charter change,” Roque said.

Meanwhile, the Palace official said that the administration is not concerned about VP Robredo’s term of office in response to allegations that the government is pushing for federalism to cut short the term of the vice president.

“We are not giving much important to the career of the vice president. It is her concern. Our main concern is the leadership of president Duterte,” Roque said. — Rosalie Coz | UNTV News & Rescue

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