LEYTE, Philippines –  Following the recent suicide of a rookie teacher in Eastern Visayas, the Department of Education (DepEd) Leyte Division recommends equipping newly hired teachers with mental health education.

According to DepEd-Leyte Assistant Division Superintendent Edgar Tenasas, this will prepare new hires of what to expect throughout the course of his or her all-encompassing job as a teacher.

“The region has a plan to consider giving our teachers the so-called mental health education. Somewhat like giving our teachers the knowledge. Or perhaps how are we going to combat if we will be affected because of the work that we have,” said Tenasas.

Aside from mental health education, the Regional office also plans to establish a pre-orientation and transition program prior to deployment of rookie teachers.

Meanwhile, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) on Thursday (July 19) urged the DepEd to unload public school teachers of piles of paper works.

ACT Secretary General Raymond Basilio suggested to the government to add non-teaching personnel who would accomplish the paper works for teachers who usually handle up to four classes.

“Sa kalagayan sa Pilipinas, halos wala po tayong Education Support personnel. Si teacher ay nagiging teacher, registrar, gumagampan bilang nurse, guidance counsellor, gumagampan ng samo’t saring trabaho. Dagdag pa diyan iyong napakaraming forms, paperworks na kaniyang ginagawa na maaari namang gawin ng isang clerk ng eskelwelahan,” explained Basilio.

Teacher Emilou Malate of Bagacay West Primary School took her life on July 14 due to depression as she could no longer handle stress and her load as a multi-grade teacher.

Her friends launched a Facebook page seeking justice for Emilou’s death. They also call on DepEd to assign school heads in public schools who have compassion and consideration to his or her colleagues. – Archyl Egano / Marje Pelayo

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QUEZON CITY, Philippines – Despite the continuous rains, the prices of vegetables in Balintawak Market dropped to the convenience of consumers.

However, crops from Nueva Ecija such as red onions and tomatoes slightly increased in prices.

According to retailers, price adjustments are common, especially during the rainy season. Vegetable farmers opt to harvest their crops to avoid devastation. They sell their yield at a cheaper price to prevent long-storage and decay.

Meanwhile, suppliers assured that there is enough supply of vegetables in the market amid the inclement weather. – Aiko Miguel / Marje Pelayo

Vegetable Prices (per kilogram) at Balintawak Market as of July 20

Price drop:

broccoli            P200             P110

potatoes          P50 to 60      P40

sayote             P30               P25

cabbage          P70               P50

cauliflower       P180             P140

Baguio beans  P50              P40

Price up:

Red onions      P50         P80-85

Tomatoes         P50          P75

No adjustment

Garlic                P65

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MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) advises the public to lodge applications for copies of documents in the agency’s online service prior to the website’s “Serbilis” system downtime on Sunday (July 22).

According to the agency’s advisory, the PSA “Serbilis” website will be temporarily unavailable between 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday for the scheduled system maintenance.

The agency particularly advises those who urgently need a civil registry document to avoid delays in processing.

Meanwhile, the PSA also informs the public that it is now accepting credit card payments both for local (domestic delivery), and overseas (international delivery) requests.

However, the agency only accepts card payments using Visa, Mastercard, American Express and JCB. – Marje Pelayo

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FILE PHOTO: President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his second state of the nation address (SONA) on July 24, 2017.

SONA 2018: Duterte signs new laws

Legislations signed by President Rodrigo Duterte during his second year in office.

R.A. 10928 or the Philippine Passport 10-Year Validity

An act extending the validity of Philippine passports from 5 years to 10 years signed August 2, 2017. It is an amendment to Section 10 of R.A. 8239 or the Philippine Passport Act of 1996.

R.A. 10929 or the Free Internet Access In Public Places Act Of 2017

An act that provides free internet access in public areas nationwide across the country. Signed August 2, 2017, the measure provides the public free access to internet in “national and local government offices; public basic education institutions; state universities and colleges, and technology institutions; public hospitals, health centers, and rural health units; public parks, plazas, libraries and barangay reading centers; public airports and seaports; and public transport terminals.”

The law also provides that no fees shall be collected from users to connect to the public Internet access points.

R.A. 10930 or Extending the validity period of drivers’ licenses from 3 years to 5 years

An act rationalizing and strengthening the policy regarding driver’s licenses. It amends Section 23 of RA 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code. Signed in August 2, 2017, the amended law mandates the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to extend the validity period of drivers’ licenses to five years, except for student permits. It charges P20,000 fine to applicant for a driver’s license who has willfully misrepresented his application; connived with the officer in the irregular conduct of examinations or issuance of license; falsified documents; and cheated during examinations.

R.A. 10932 of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act of 2017

The law covers the tuition and fees of students enrolled in 112 state universities and colleges (SUCs), 78 local universities and colleges (LUCs), and all technical-vocation education and training (TVET) programs registered under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) beginning school year 2018 to 2019.

Signed on August 3, 2017, the measure also specifically provides free miscellaneous and other school fees; affirmative action programs for minorities such as the Lumads, the Muslims, the indigenous peoples (IP), persons with disabilities (PWD), and students from public high schools and depressed areas. It also allows students who have financial capacity to volunteer to opt out of the free higher education provision or avail of the free tuition but also contribute a specific amount to the higher education institution (HEI). It provides tertiary education subsidy and student loan programs for tertiary students. The law also specifies no increase in tuition fees in the next 5 years.

R.A. 10932 or the Anti-Hospital Deposit Law

An amendment to Batasan Pambansa 702, the law prohibits demand of deposits or advance payments for the confinement or treatment of patients in hospitals and medical cases.

Signed on August 3, 2017, the law allows the attending physician to transfer the patient to a facility providing appropriate care in case of “inadequacy” of medical capabilities of the hospital or medical clinic. It also mandates local government units where the hospital or medical clinic is located to allow the free use of its emergency vehicle if there is no ambulance available for use for the emergency transfer of the patient.

It provides stiffer penalties to any hospitals and medical clinics that will refuse to administer appropriate initial medical treatment and support in emergency serious cases. Violators will face imprisonment of six months to not more than two years and will also face a fine of not less than P100,000 but not more than P300,000.

R.A. 10951 or the Anti-Fake News Act of 2017

An act amending amounts and fines imposed in the Revised Penal Code. The measure charges those guilty of spreading or publishing fake news of penalties of “arresto mayor” or imprisonment of one month and a day to six months, and a fine ranging from ₱40,000 to ₱200,000. The penalties also apply to those who deliver speeches that encourage disobedience to the law, those who publish an official document without proper authority, and those who will publish pamphlets anonymously.

Signed on August 29, 2017, the amended law also provides sky-high fines for sedition from the previous P10,000 of the Revised Penal Code to up to P2M pesos. The leader will also be imprisoned from six years to eight years. Meanwhile, those who will conspire will be punished by imprisonment of two years to four years and fined not exceeding ₱1 million, from the previous ₱5,000. Those who will incite others to sedition will be fined up to ₱400,000 and imprisoned from four years to 12 years.

The amended law also increases the fine for libel by means of writings or similar means from the previous ₱200 to ₱6,000 to ₱40,000 to ₱1.2 million. Those guilty of slander or oral defamation will now be fined not exceeding ₱20,000 from the previous ₱200 of the Revised Penal Code.

R.A. 10962 or the Gift Check Act of 2017

An act regulating the issuance, use and redemption of gift checks. Signed on December 19, 2017, the measure prohibits issuance of gift checks that bear expiry dates as a protection of consumers against deceptive and unfair sales or act. The new measure applies to all issuers of gift checks, gift cards or certificates, may they be in the form of paper, card, code, or other device.

R.A. 10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act of 2017

Signed on December 19, 2017, the law is the first package of the Duterte administration’s Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP) which seeks to redesign the Philippine tax system effective January 1, 2018. The new law provides for the increase in take-home pay of salaried Filipino by reducing income tax rates, while increasing and rationalizing tax rates in other goods such as oil and sugary beverages as well as services and adjustments in spending and consumption patterns.

R.A. 10969 or the Free Irrigation Service Act of 2017

An act amending R.A. 3601, the law exempts all farmers from paying irrigation fees for landholdings of eight hectares and below.

Signed on February 2, 2018, the measure also nulls all unpaid ISF and corresponding penalties, as well as loans and past due accounts and corresponding interests and penalties of the irrigator associations (IA) from the records of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).

R.A. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business Act

The law amends the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007. The amended law simplifies business procedures on the national and local levels. The law requires government agencies to act on applications within 3 days for simple transactions, 7 days for complex ones and 20 days for the highly technical.

Signed on May 28, 2018, the measure also mandates the adoption of a unified application form for local tax and building clearances and sanitary and zoning clearances, among others. It requires automation of permit and licensing procedures to local government units.

R.A. 11035 or the Balik Scientist Law

The law institutionalizes the Balik Scientist Program which provides incentives and assistance to returning Filipino experts, scientists, inventors, and engineers with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as the main implementing agency.

The measure allows a returning scientist to enjoy various forms of compensation, such as tax and duty exemptions; free medical and accident insurance; reimbursement of expenses for baggage related to scientific projects; special working and non-working visas and DOST-subsidized visa application; exemption from local travel tax; and relocation benefits, such as support in securing job opportunities for the spouse and in admitting children into preferred schools. They can also enjoy monthly housing or accommodation allowance.

Signed on June 11, 2018, the law mandates the utilization of the expertise of science, technology or innovation experts of Filipino descent.

R.A. 11036 or the Philippine Mental Health Law

A landmark legislation, the law provides Filipinos better access to mental health services down to the barangay level, and integrates mental health programs in hospitals.

It also seeks to improve mental health facilities and to promote mental health education in schools and workplaces.

Signed on June 20, 2018, the measure calls on the government health insurance provider PhilHealth to cover not just hospitalization or confinement but also psychiatric consultations and medicines. It also mandates the opening of units dedicated for patients with mental health care needs to be attended to by health workers.

R.A. 11037 or the “Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act”

The law that institutionalizes a national feeding program for undernourished Filipino children. A school-based feeding program shall be implemented for undernourished public school children from kindergarten to Grade 6 students. Children under this program shall also receive one fortified meal for a period of not less than 120 days in a year. Implementers of the law are the Department of Education and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Signed on June 20, 2018, the law also provides for a milk feeding program and the creation of the National Nutrition Information System, which shall be utilized in monitoring the health and nutrition of all Filipino children, especially those covered by the program.

R.A. 11052 or the Food Technology Act

The law creates the Professional Regulatory Board of Food Technology which regulates the practice in the Philippines

Signed on June 29, 2018, the law “shall develop and nurture competent, virtuous, productive, and well-rounded professional food technologists whose standards of practice and service shall be excellent, world-class, and globally competitive through honest, effective, relevant, and credible licensure examinations” in recognition of the importance of professional food technologists in nation-building and development.

R.A. 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018

The law amends the Republic Act 8049 or the Anti-Hazing Act of 1995. The amended law totally bans all forms of hazing among fraternities, sororities and any school organization, offices, and uniformed learning institution.

Signed on June 29, 2018, 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.”

It covers acts ranging from paddling to whipping, beating, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance or any brutal treatment or forced physical activity likely to adversely affect the physical and psychological health of a recruit.

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 in 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.

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PANGASINAN, Philippines – A total of 13 towns are currently submerged in floodwaters in the province of Pangasinan following days of non-stop rains.

Residents endure a high level of flood water in the towns of Bani; Mangatarem; Alaminos City; Urdaneta City; Calasiao; Sta. Barbara; Labrador; Mabini; Lingayen; Bugallon; Malasiqui; Agno; and Natividad.

Among these areas, seven towns remain impassable to motor vehicles namely Alaminos; Bani; Agno; Sta Barbara; Mabini; Calasiao; and Manaoag.

The local government already ordered preemptive evacuation to affected residents.

Meanwhile, landslides were recorded in the town of Sual.

Some rivers are now threatening to burst their banks as water level hits the critical mark.

These include the Marusay River in Calasiao; Balingcaguing River in Bani; and Sinocalan River in Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan. –  UNTV News and Rescue

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Illegal recruiters 

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – Two Japanese nationals and six Filipinos were arrested in Quezon City on Friday (July 20) for large-scale illegal recruitment.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said the suspects allegedly recruit applicants to Japan via “direct hiring” through a language school named Kansai Care Training Center. The group asks P30,000 each victim for a Nihonggo language training which they say is a prerequisite for a caregiver job in Japan.

A victim said the group promised to send him to Japan this July but after the first schedule lapsed, the center vowed to include him in the September batch.

“Kami po ay taga-probinsya…Nagbigay po sila ng pangako na magandang trabaho sa Japan kapalit ng pagaaral sa kanila ng Nihonggo at pagproseso ng dokumento sa pagpapaalis sa amin,” said alias Rolly, one of the victims.

The entrapment team launched the operation at 1:45 p.m. today after the suspects demanded an additional P12,000 from four of the victims allegedly as processing fee.

CIDG-Anti Transnational Crime Unit (ATCU) Chief PSupt. Roque Merdegia Jr. said the suspects’ modus operandi is known as “enrolment to employment scheme” and the alleged language center is not a registered agency under the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).

The suspects will face charges of economic sabotage, illegal recruitment and estafa.

“It’s a non-bailable offense,” Merdegia concluded. – Lea Ylagan / Marje Pelayo

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CHED OIC Prospero De Vera III

PASAY CITY, Philippines – The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) expressed concern over the clamor to suspend the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.

CHED OIC Prospero De Vera III explained that the implementation of the Free Tuition Act was given an initial budget of P40B for school year 2017-2018 and 2018-2019.

To date, the government’s free tuition program supports around 1.3 million student beneficiaries.

De Vera said the agency expects increase in the number of K to 12 graduates next year, estimated at 400,000 students who are potential beneficiaries of the free tuition program.

This is the reason why CHED is asking for an additional P11B budget for the next school year.

However, De Vera said, if the suspension of TRAIN pushes through, CHED is not sure to sustain the funding for the current scholars.

“The computation of that budget in anchored on revenues generated thru the TRAIN Law. So we cannot expand access to education. We cannot increase the budget if TRAIN is suspended,” De Vera said.

The CHED official explained that prior to the enactment of the Free Tuition Act, state universities and colleges (SUCs) depend on tuition and miscellaneous fees to support their respective operational expenses. However, with the proposed suspension of TRAIN, SUCs would be left the hard choice of passing the burden to students. Otherwise, they will not be able to operate.

“We’ll have to go back and allow state universities to charge tuition. You have to allow them to generate their income somewhere else. And the most reliable source of income in charging tuition and miscellaneous fees,” he said.

De Vera said the suspension of TRAIN will not have much impact on the salary of teachers.

Nevertheless, he said the Duterte administration is not keen on stopping the implementation of the TRAIN Law despite the strong push for its suspension.

“There is no way that we will stop TRAIN because the whole program of the government will be affected if our revenue base is affected. That’s why I have come out publicly to support TRAIN because higher education requires a lot of funding from the national government,” De Vera concluded. – Rey Pelayo / Marje Pelayo

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Film and television director Joyce Bernal

Film and television director Joyce Bernal shares some of her plans in directing the third State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Duterte, a few days before the event on Monday (July 23).

In preparation for the occasion, she requested for more lights to be placed inside the plenary hall of the Philippine Congress as she wants the President to appear brighter and more pleasant when he delivers his yearly report to the country.

Bernal said that she will also use shots that will make viewers feel they are part of the changes that the Duterte administration is advocating.

“I want them to feel comfortable while listening. I hope the president will feel well on that day as well as most of the people,” Bernal said.

The director also appeals to the public to intently listen to the President’s message before giving any comment on his speech.

“I hope there will be no criticisms and bashing first but instead be open. Listen to the SONA first. I want the public to be open-minded,” she said.

And though she is doing this directing gig for free, Bernal is also prepared to accept any criticisms about her directing skills.

It can be noted that Director Brillante Mendoza received some bashing from netizens for using unconventional shots during the first two SONAs of Duterte.

On Sunday, Bernal is expected to personally meet the president for his last SONA rehearsal in Malacañang. — Rosalie Coz | UNTV News & Rescue

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Satellite image of Typhoon Inday (Photo courtesy of DOST-PAGASA)

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – Weather agency PAGASA forecasts that tropical storm Inday is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility on Friday night (July 20) or Saturday morning (July 21).

As of 3:00 p.m. today, the cyclone was estimated as 945km east-northeast of Basco, Batanes, packed with maximum sustained winds of 90kph near the center and gustiness of up to 115kph.

It is slowly moving but less likely to affect any part of the country.

Meanwhile, PAGASA said the southwest monsoon will continue to affect Luzon.

Metro Manila, the regions of Ilocos and Cordillera as well as the provinces of Pampanga, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Bataan and Zambales will continue to experience rains.

Landslides and flash floods are expected in these areas.

The rest of Luzon will also experience occasional rains while thunderstorms will prevail over the Visayas and Mindanao. – Rey Pelayo / Marje Pelayo

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House Speaker Gloria-Macapagal Arroyo

PASAY CITY, Philippines – Senators expressed disappointment over the nomination and election of former president now House Speaker Gloria-Macapagal Arroyo in a Lower House drama that ousted Pantaleon Alvarez.

Senator JV Ejercito said it was unbecoming of a House Speaker-to-be to take her oath minutes before the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) as it appeared that she stole the limelight from President Rodrigo Duterte on his supposedly most important day of addressing the Filipino people.

He added that the actions of the congressmen tainted the image of the House of Representatives (HOR) with a missing mace and a microphone audio cut drama being broadcasted on live television.

Ejercito recalled that the administration of then President Arroyo can be likened to a “roller-coaster” ride full of controversies and allegations of irregularities.

“The administration of GMA was hounded with…the legitimacy was always in question. Hindi rin naging maayos iyon. Marami ring scams. Marami ring scandals,” said Ejercito.

“We can forgive but we can never forget the sins of the past,” he added.

Senator Grace Poe, meanwhile, expressed dismay over Arroyo taking over as House Speaker saying there could be someone better than her to lead the Lower House.

“Nakakalungkot kasi iyong pinalitan niya, hindi na naman tayo sang-ayon doon, hindi ba? Pero wala na bang ibang mapagpipilian?” said the lady senator.

Poe was also skeptical over the sudden shift of House leadership saying it casts doubts on the true intention of the government – is it serving the interests of the people or the interests of the selected few?

She advises the Filipino people to be vigilant and be reminded of the controversies that hounded the Arroyo administration such as the Hello Garci scandal, and Arroyo’s further rise to power as Prime Minister should the shift to a Federal form of government pushes through.

“Maaaring magising nalang kayo. Either patas ang kapangyarihan sa pangulong ibinoto ninyo o siya na ang magte-take over bilang prime minister,” Poe concluded.

In 2004, Arroyo defeated Senator Poe’s father, late actor Fernando Poe Jr. in a fraud-tainted presidential election. The lady Senator also ran in 2016 but lost to President Rodrigo Duterte.

Prior to Arroyo’s election as House Speaker, Senate President Tito Sotto on Monday said the Senate is ready to work with their counterparts in the Lower House “regardless who he or she is the (Speaker).” – Charlie Barredo / Marje Pelayo

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FILE PHOTO: Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – Outgoing Ombudsman Conchita-Carpio Morales on Tuesday (July 24) shrugged off the sudden rise to power of House Speaker Gloria-Macapagal Arroyo.

Morales believes that it is the right of congressmen to choose a leader among them. However, Morales said her speakership does not give Arroyo immunity to be charged in court.

“Kung speaker siya and mayroon siyang case which involved criminal and administrative adjudication, I think the case can go on,” said the Ombudsman.

Morales was an appointee of former President Benigno Aquino III. Her plunder charges over the alleged misuse of P366-million Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) intelligence funds kept Arroyo in jail for four years. But in July 2016, the Supreme Court (SC) set Arroyo free saying Arroyo’s approval of the fund releases “did not constitute an act to commit plunder.”

“The Sandiganbayan was I believe correct in denying the demurrer to evidence. But when it got to the Supreme Court, the Supreme Court said the evidence was weak,” said Morales.

Still,  Arroyo has a pending criminal complaint related to the PCSO funds.

Meanwhile, Morales vowed to finish filing all cases in the pork barrel scam before she retires on July 26, 2018. She said she trusts “that the next ombudsman should be able to determine who should be given priority.”

According to Morales, her office was able to achieve 77% conviction rate of the cases they filed even against high-ranking officials of the government. She believes her successor will carry on with the work and achieve even more.

The outgoing Ombudsman said she has no plan to run for any government office after retirement.

“I am not going to enter the political arena. I am not cut for politics,” she concluded.

Among the candidates to take over as Ombudsman include Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Martires, Special Prosecutor Edilberto Sandoval and Atty. Felito Ramirez. –  Rey Pelayo / Marje Pelayo

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MANILA, Philippines — Hype Transport Systems Incorporated insists that they do not charge passengers P2.00 per minute of travel time.

“Hindi kami nag-implement ng P2.00. Dinedeny namin yan (We do not implement a P2.00 charge. We deny it),” said Hype president, Nicanor Escalante.

Hype is among the latest transport network companies that received accreditation form the Land Transportation Franchising And Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to give TNVS (transport network vehicle service) patrons more options.

On July 18, the LTFRB issued a show cause order against Hype allegedly charging P2.00 per minute of travel time.

During its hearing with the Board earlier today, the company admitted to charging P1.25 per minute of travel time and not P2.00.

Hype said it was way back in May when they wrote to LTFRB seeking approval for the P2.00 travel time charge.

Under the approved fare structure, a flag down rate is imposed by ride hailing services depending on the type of vehicle.

It also includes an additional rate of P14.00 per kilometer of travel and surge pricing of up to two times the fare.

However, the structure prohibits the per minute travel time charges.

“Yung original approval namin did not include the per minute charge dahil we always wanted to emphasize affordability of fare to the riding public,” said Escalante. “Ganun pa man when we were already trying to get onboard TNVS operators and drivers there was some resistance from them to join us because of the absence of the P2.00 per minute travel time charge.”

The LTFRB wants to look at the fare structure of Hype again and has set another hearing on August 15.

Despite complaints about its higher fares, Hype contends that their fares are reasonably priced. — Joan Nano | UNTV News & Rescue

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House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and President Duterte (Image courtesy of PCOO)

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – Newly installed House Speaker Gloria Arroyo is now preparing for a major revamp in the House of Representatives (HOR) following the ouster of Representative Pantaleon Alvarez.

Arroyo earlier designated as interim members of the majority bloc, Camarines Sur Representative Rolando Andaya, Bohol Representative Arthur Yap, Minority Leader Danilo Suarez, Iloilo Representative Arthur Defensor and Liberal Party Member Marikina Congressman Miro Quimbo.

Arroyo is now contemplating on who will she assign to the position of Majority Leader which is currently occupied by Ilocos Norte Representative Rudy Fariñas.

Arroyo did an early arrival at the Lower House on her first day as House Speaker, to meet with Chinese businessmen.

When asked if she already reached out to the ousted speaker, she said “No. I haven’t talked to him.”

Davao 1^st District Representative Karlo Nograles said they are ready to defend the procedures they took yesterday amid criticism of an alleged “coup d’ etat” at the House plenary against Alvarez.

“There is nothing to correct. We stand by our position that the proceedings yesterday were valid, legal and binding,” he said.

Meanwhile, the group of former House Speaker Alvarez also took a step to counteract the ouster move. Oriental Mindoro Representative Reynaldo Umali said Alvarez and around 30 of their allies in the Lower House met earlier to discuss the creation of a new minority group.

Alvarez’ camp assured that they will remain in support of the Duterte administration.

Umali believes that the ouster of Alvarez was because of his long-time rift with presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sarah Duterte-Carpio.

Citing Alvarez, Umali said the former House Speaker has no plans to appeal his ouster given that Arroyo holds of the majority of the congressmen.

“It will be pointless to insist, lest we damage more the institution,” Umali concluded. – Grace Casin / Marje Pelayo

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Former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez

MANILA, Philippines – Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Tuesday (July 24) hinted at the possible reason behind the ouster of former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez.

It was likely in connection with Alvarez’ proposal of not pushing the 2019 midterm election which, Roque admitted, have caused the President to be concerned.

“As we said, at that point in March, there was no reason for anticipating that the House would change its leadership. I think really what change is, I do not know, I’m now speculating, but even the President had problems with the call of the House Speaker on no-el,” Roque said.

The Palace also refused to provide any reaction or insights on the alleged questionable timing and manner of the sudden change in House Leadership that delayed the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

Malacanang also declined to address reports that the President wanted to walk out amid yesterday’s conflict, as well as the allegation that presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte was the one who urged the lawmakers to remove Alvarez and install Arroyo.

Nevertheless, the Palace assured it is ready to work with the new House Speaker despite criticisms and oppositions to her election.

“Congresswoman Mrs. Arroyo is now the House Speaker. We are of course able and willing to work with Speaker Arroyo. We have had very good relations with Speaker Arroyo. She was one of the staunchest supporters of the President during the elections,” Roque concluded. – Rosalie Coz / Marje Pelayo

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MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) advised the public that several roads and bridges in Luzon remain impassable to motorists following the effects of tropical storms and monsoon rains.

On its official social media  account on Wednesday (July 25), the agency said six (6) road sections in Cordillera Administrative Region; one (1) in Region I and two (2) in Region III are closed.

Road closures were prompted by continuous flooding, landslide, and on-going restorations of damaged bridges.

The agency provided the list of affected road sections and alternative routes to guide the public. — Marje Pelayo

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OCCIDENTAL MINDORO, Philippines – Flood water in most parts of Occidental Mindoro has started to recede following days of non-stop monsoon rains.

The National Road leading to the towns of Sablayan and San Jose via Abra De Ilog and Sablayan that was submerged in waist-deep flood is now open to motorists.

About 90% of residents who evacuated during the onset of the storms have already returned to their homes.

“Nag-subside na ang baha bagaman may mga natitira pang mga evacuees pero majority, 90 percent ay umuwi na sa kanilang mga tahanan at naglilinis na sila ngayon,” said PDRRMO Officer Mario Mulingbayan.

(The flood has subsided. Although there are still some evacuees, 90 percent of evacuees have returned to their homes and are now cleaning up debris.)

Based on the assessment of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), the weather systems left a total of P32.5 million worth of damage in the province’s crops and around P11 million worth of damage in infrastructure.

The provincial government vows to provide assistance to affected residents while repair works on the damaged roads and bridges are now ongoing.

“Ongoing na tayo sa pagpapadala ng equipment. Nagconduct na tayo ng monitoring ng mga engineer natin sa probinsiya at munisipyo. Nagkaroon na ng assessment at tuloy-tuloy na ang paggawa,” said Mulingbayan.

(Sending of equipment is ongoing. Our engineers have conducted the monitoring of provinces and municipalities. Assessment has been made and operations are underway.)  – Sherwin Culubong / Marje Pelayo

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Former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez (left) and new House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (center)

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – House Speaker Gloria Arroyo has finally met with Representative Pantaleon Alvarez on Wednesday (July 25), their first since the Lower House leadership drama that delayed President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

Arroyo appealed for respect when asked about what transpired in her discussion with Alvarez but said they both promised to continue their good working relationship. – Grace Casin / UNTV News & Rescue

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QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The tables are turning in the House of Representatives (HOR) after the sudden taking over of House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

After the leadership struggle, tensions are seemingly brewing among the congressmen as to who will be recognized as the House minority bloc.

Quezon Representative Danilo Suarez is still holding the grip as the House Minority Leader despite being among the front-runners of the “oust Alvarez” group and the installation of Arroyo.

But according to the Liberal Party congressmen, the House rules clearly dictate that they are the official members of the minority bloc.

“Rules are very specific. Kapag bumoto ka sa nanalong speaker, majority ka. Papano nating tatanggapin na ang magiging minority ay ang mga taong tumulong iluklok ang current speaker?” argued Marikina Representative Miro Quimbo.

Nevertheless, LP members said they welcome the members of the Makabayan bloc and Alvarez’ group with open arms if they want to join the LP. – Grace Casin / Marje Pelayo

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MANILA, Philippines – After three days of surveillance, members of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Enforcement and Security Services (ESS) tracked the exact location of illegal contraband inside a condominium unit in Tondo, Manila.

On the 11^th floor of the building, authorities discovered boxes of fake cigarettes, cellphone accessories, blank CDs and some duplicating machines while on the 2^nd floor, meanwhile, fake cigarette brands were uncovered. The total haul has as an estimated value of more than P55 million.

The BOC believes that more of the items have already been disposed to local markets and transported to the provinces.

The two condo units were registered under the names Sonny Kho and Tito Yao.

“We already have their identities base in the documents recovered, mga shipping manifest,” said BOC-ESS Director Yogi Ruiz.

The agency is now conducting an analysis as to how smugglers were able to bring in contraband without going through the process of the BOC. An investigation is underway to identify the owners of the said contraband.

“The goods will undergo seizure and forfeiture proceedings for violation of Republic Act number 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines and other pertinent provisions of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act,” said Commissioner Isidro Lapeña.- JL Asayo / Marje Pelayo

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