PASAY CITY, Philippines – A bill seeking to penalize all nuisance candidates is now being pushed in Senate.

In a bill filed by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian entitled Senate Bill No. 911, the Commission on Election (Comelec) may cancel the certificate of candidacy (COC) if a person files it with an intention of collecting money or other unlawful or invalid reasons.

If a person is proven to have filed a COC without any serious intention, he or she shall be penalized with a fine of up to P50,000.

Gatchalian hopes that the bill will be enacted soon to weed out personalities who disregard the very intention of the election process.

“Sana maipasa na ang panukalang batas na ito sa lalong madaling panahon para mapigilan ang mga hindi naman talaga seryosong balak tumakbo sa pagfile ng mga COC,” Gatchalian said in a statement.

The Comelec is expected to release the names of official election candidates as well as those who the poll body considers as nuisance. – Marje Pelayo

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Suspect Salahudin Takao Kendayo

MANILA, Philippines — A man was arrested by agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for selling drugs inside a mall in Manila.

The suspect who hails from Cotabato was identified as Salahudin Tokao Kendayo.

Authorities conducted the buy-bust operation at the mall’s parking area where Kendayo was eventually arrested.

Five sachets of suspected shabu worth P3.4 million were confiscated from the suspect.

“Ang source niya ng drugs ay nanggaling pa sa Alabang and we are still verifying sa initial investigation namin na connected siya sa malaking grupo sa Mindanao na nagbabagsak din hindi lang sa Mindanao but dito sa Metro Manila,” said PDEA team leader operation Gregor Bugalin.

(He sources his drugs from Alabang and we are still verifying our initial investigation that he is connected to a bigger group in Mindanao that supplies drugs not only in Mindanao but also in Metro Manila.)

The suspect said he was just told to transport the drugs by his cousin who is an inmate at the Manila City Jail.

“Pumayag po ako kasi bago lang ako sa Manila tapos yun nga, wala pa akong mahanap na trabaho. Tumawag yung pinsan ko. Inutusan ako bibigyan daw ako ng 5,000,” said the suspect.

(I agreed to it because I’m new in Manila and I couldn’t find a job. My cousin called me up and said he’ll pay me 5,000 for the delivery.)

PDEA said the suspect had been under surveillance for two weeks.

A tip from an informant led to the discovery of the illegal operation Kendayo’s illegal operations.

“The suspect was previously arrested by the PNP in Tondo, Manila for violation of Section 11 Article 2 of RA 9165. Last May 22 he was released on bail,” said Bugalin.

Kendayo expressed regret over his decision to act as a drug mule.

“Natakot din po pero naisip ko sabi ko magkakapera na ko. Hindi ko na naisip na ikakasira pala ng buhay ko,” he said.

(I was also afraid to do it but thought of the money I would be receiving. It never occurred to me that it will ruin my life.)

The suspect is currently detained at PDEA headquarters and will be facing charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. — Victor Cosare

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Newly-appointed Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and newly-appointed Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rolando Bautista. SIMEON CELI JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte presided over the oath taking of two new members of his Cabinet at Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (October 17).

Philippine Ambassador to the U.N. Teddy Boy Locsin will now lead the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) while Retired Army Chief General Rolando Bautista will now head the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Locsin replaced Alan Peter Cayetano who is now running for congressman of Taguig City.

Bautista, meanwhile, took over the position previously held by DSWD Acting Secretary Virginia Orogo. – UNTV News & Rescue

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QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Manila Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) is likely to postpone the impending water rate hike due to the arbitration case filed by Maynilad against the agency.

Last week, the MWSS received a dispute notice questioning the regulatory board’s decision to exclude the corporate income tax from the approved water rate hike.

According to the MWSS’s chief regulator Patrick Ty, this is not possible.

“Hindi po pwede i-pass on ang income tax sa publiko dahil ito po ay hindi kasama sa business tax. Ayon sa concession agreement, only business tax is recoverable so hindi kasama ang income tax sa business tax,” he explained.

The pending arbitration case, according to MWSS, is the reason why the water regulatory board is contemplating on a suspension of the water rate hike supposedly set next week.

The agency said they will do their best to defer a potential increase in water rate charges.

As of this writing, it is only Maynilad that has filed an arbitration case.

The MWSS warned that they will also suspend the implementation of water rate hike by Manila Water if the latter will file a similar arbitration case.

Meanwhile, consumers need not worry because the MWSS assured to order the two water concessionaires to return the excess in collection once the water rate hike takes effect.

Based on the approved request, Maynilad will collect an additional P5.73/cubic meter while Manila Water will collect an additional P6.22/cubic meter starting next week.

The MWSS divided the amount into four tranches to be collected over the next four years.

For its part, Maynilad said filing the arbitration case is just appropriate.

“If we do not file a dispute notice, Maynilad would be construed to have waived its claim on the recoverability of CIT—a right that was affirmed with finality in our first arbitration with the MWSS,” said Jennifer Casipit-Rufo, MWSS’ Head for Corporate Communications. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Mon Jocson)

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Yolanda housing units

The National Housing Authority (NHA) began the distribution of housing units on Wednesday (October 17) to victims of Typhoon Yolanda in Carigara, Leyte.

A total of 3,489 housing units have been allocated to the municipality of Carigara.

Each unit costs P290,000 including land acquisition and its development; but will be given free to beneficiaries.

The family of Mang Renato Gaspar is one of the victims of super typhoon Yolanda in 2013 in Carigara.

Since the calamity, they have been relocated thrice because they have no property to set up their permanent residence on.

“Pag-gagamitin na ng may-ari yung lupa nila, aalisin na naman yung bahay namin. Makikiusap nanaman kami sa iba,” said Mang Renato.

Gaspar was delighted to be one of the first recipients of NHA’s housing project.

“Malaking pagpasalamat namin. Safe na po talaga ito kaysa dun sa dati namin,” he said.

Carigara Mayor Eduardo Ong said that residents within the danger zone are prioritized for relocation.

“Unang priority yung coastal barangays, landslide-prone area, flood-prone, yan ang mga priority. Ang LGU ang nag-identify niyan,” said Ong.

The units have a lot area of 4×10 meters including the comfort room and laundry area.

The NHA assured that the units given to the survivors are not substandard.

The units have their own power and water lines and can withstand maximum sustained winds of up to 250 kilometers per hour (kph).

To avoid allegations of favoritism, the units will be distributed through a raffle system.

The NHA reminds beneficiaries of housing projects to follow the specific guidelines since the housing authority can reclaim their benefits if proven that they violated the rules.  — Yssa Jalmasco ( with reports from Archyl Egano)

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FILE PHOTO: President Rodrigo Duterte graces the 3rd Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinical Forum of the Asia Pacific Association of Gastroenterology (APAGE) held at Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu on September 21, 2018. | PCOO

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte explained the reason behind the skin discoloration on his face which critics like communist leader Joma Sison has been linking to a serious medical condition.

The President noted that the darkening of his skin was a result of sunburn from prolonged exposure to the heat of the sun during a visit in Jordan and from a series of visits to military camps across the country.

“Pumunta ako ng Jordan, sunog na ito. Pumunta ako ng kampo every week, pumunta ka ng kampo sa bukid, pinakamalayong kampo lumilipad ako dun,” he said during a speech at the 44th Philippine Business Conference and Expo in Manila on Thursday (October 18).

(When I went to Jordan my skin was already burnt. I go to military camps every week. I go to the farthest camps in the fields.)

The condition of his skin worsened, according to the President, when he tried the whitening cream used by his long-time partner, Honeylet Avanceña.

“Kasi ang ginamit ko kasi, sa asawa ko. Sabi niya, cream lang yan, may 1, 2, 3, 4… ngayon lang ako nakakita ng medisina na parang rocket, parang booster…Iyong sa asawa ko, okay na. Pag tingin ko, bakit nangitim ako lalo?” the President recalled when he noticed the changing in his skin color.

(I use the cream my wife uses. She said there are 1,2,3,4 steps…it’s my first time to see a medicine that’s like a rocket; it has a booster. It worked well on my wife, but when I tried it, my skin got darker.)

The President admitted consulting a dermatologist about his skin condition who advised him to use only specific skin care products.

“Sabi niya: ‘Ito lang ang gamitin mo. Pati ito lang. Iyan lang. Iyong iba huwag mo nang gamitin (dahil) mas lalo kang iitim’,” he said referring to an advice from his dermatologists.

The President aimed at critics who are questioning his health condition due to his skin discoloration.

“Third stage cancer of the brain? So what else? I have kidney problem, part of it is already gone. And my heart beats 120 miles per hour. Who won’t I die? Just wait,” he said.

“Para sa akin ang lalaki (For me, the true measure of a man) is not really the color of the face but it’s the character,” the President concluded. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Rosalie Coz)

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Former members of  NPA-allied groups return to the government’s fold | Courtesy of 2ID, PA, AFP

RIZAL, Philippines – Six members of the New People’s Army (NPA)-allied groups voluntarily surrendered to the military in Occidental Mindoro on Tuesday (October 16).

In a press release issued by the 2^nd Infantry Division, Philippine Army dated October 17, Lt. Col. Dennis Gutierrez said his men from the 4^th IB along with the local police in Occidental Mindoro facilitated their surrender.

The returnees include four members of the Milisyang Bayan (MB) and two members of the Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad (SKL).

“The MB is the armed component of the NPA tasked to conduct annihilatory activities against the government forces while the Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad (SPL) is the political organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) in the barangay that provides mandates on the Arouse Organize Mobilize (AOM) tactics of the NPA,” the report said.

Gutierrez said the identities of the returnees were not disclosed as they are considered classified information.

The returnees admitted they have grown frustrated with NPA’s propaganda and false ideals so they decided to surrender and live peacefully with their families under the government’s care.

Brigadier General Antonio Parlade Jr, the Commander of the 203rd Infantry Brigade who has operational jurisdiction over Mindoro Island, meanwhile, credited the mass surrender to the members of the community in the area who have been cooperative of their efforts of community-based negotiations.

Major General Rhoderick Parayno, the Commander of the 2ID, PA also commended the efforts of the 4IB troops against the NPA terrorists in the area.

Gutierrez is set to formally present the returnees to the LGUs and other government agencies in Mindoro.

Returnees are entitled to a number of benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) including immediate cash assistance.

Other benefits include government loan which provides educational benefits that can be extended to the returnees’ immediate family members. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Jennica Cruz)

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AFP Chief of Staff General Carlito Galvez, Jr. and PNP Director General Oscar Albayalde

MANILA, Philippines – Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Legal Adviser Salvador Panelo clarified that President Rodrigo Duterte is still awaiting the recommendation from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) on whether or not to extend the imposition of Martial Law in Mindanao.

It can be recalled that Congress allowed the extension of Martial Law in the region until December 31, 2018 upon request of the Duterte administration in order to eradicate Islamic State-inspired terror groups that sparked the Marawi siege.

Panelo said the President still gives utmost consideration to the information that the military provides as the soldiers are the ones monitoring the actual security situation on ground.

However, Panelo believes that another extension of Martial Law remains highly necessary to ensure the safety of the majority of citizens in all parts of the country.

“As I said, if it is helping the population – the population is not even opposing it, so to my mind, there is a need to extend it,” Panelo said. “But according to the President that will depend on the advice, the recommendation of the military because they are the ones on the ground.”

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the Department of National Defense (DND) is continuously assessing the situation in Mindanao through consultations with members of the community, local government units, the business sector and civil society groups.

“We are currently assessing the situation consulting with the population, LGUs, military, police, business and civil society. We will make the recommendation in the next two months before the year ends,” Lorenzana said in a statement. –  Marje Pelayo (with reports from Rosalie Coz)

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DPWH Sec. Mark Villar speaks on NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is speeding up the construction of the North Luzon Expressway harbor link segment 10 and is hoping to open the said portion of the road before end of December this year.

The construction is currently 83 percent finished, according to DPWH.

Secretary Mark Villar said the agency finally resolved the longstanding issue on road right of way that hampered the project for some time.

Affected residents have already been given the appropriate compensation while some of them were relocated to other areas of Bulacan and nearby provinces.

The NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 is an elevated expressway that interconnects the cities of Valenzuela, Malabon, Caloocan, and Novatas exiting NLEX.

The said infrastructure will mainly benefit truckers from Manila Port area that deliver goods to the Central and northern parts of Luzon.

It is also expected to further ease traffic congestion in Metro Manila.

 “Ano pong impact ng harbor link project? 30,000 cars a day minimum ang dadaan sa harbor links. Lahat po ng trucks na galling po sa Port hindi na kailangan dumaan sa Metro area. Diretso na po sa NLEX. Napakalaking bagay sa commerce, sa traffic itong project,” Villar said.

The DPWH estimates that travel time from Metro Manila to NLEX will soon take up to 15 minutes only once the harbor link segment 10 is completed, a big convenience to motorists especially in the coming holiday season.

Meanwhile, The Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation is proposing a P6.00 increase in toll once the NLEX harbor link segment 10 is opened.

“Mayroon tayong binabayarang toll sa tinatawag nating open system. Iyon ang section from Balintawak to Bocaue. Ang magiging adjustment dito that initial toll na babayaran magdagdag ng P6.00,” said Rodrigo Franco, the MPTC President.

This proposal, according to MPTC, is still subject to review by the Toll Regulatory Board – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Joan Nano)

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MANILA, Philippines – A big-time price rollback in oil products is expected next week.

The price of gasoline is projected to drop by P2.00 per liter while the price of diesel is projected to go down by P1.00 per liter based on the results from the previous four-day trading in the world market.

If it pushes through, it will be the second week of price cut on oil prices by oil industry players. – UNTV News and Rescue

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A Pantawid Pasada fuel card

MANILA, Philippines – The distribution of Pantawid Pasada fuel cards across the country is only until tomorrow, October 20.

Based on the advisory issued by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), drivers who want to avail of the fuel subsidy cards need to present their respective valid ID cards, copy of the vehicle’s CPC and photocopy of the OR/CR.

Transactions can be done in all offices of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

The LTFRB encourages legitimate operators and drivers to avail of the fuel assistance which is funded under the provision of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law. – UNTV News and Rescue

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MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines inflation rate has skyrocketed to 6.7% in the month of September and to a staggering 6.2% mark for the 3^rd quarter of 2018.

The approved fare hike on buses and public utility jeepneys is already set on the first week of November.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) warned that the fare increase might cause a huge impact on the country’s inflation rate or a further rise in prices of basic goods and services.

NEDA however could not say just how big the impact of the fare hikes would be on the inflation.

“Anything that increases cost of service would be. We’ll have to find out what quantitative is that will be, we’ll see by how much,” said NEDA Director Secretary Ernesto Pernia.

According to Secretary Pernia, their original proposal was only a 50-centavo increase in minimum fare to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon in her letter to the LTFRB explained that the fare hike’s “inflationary impact will, however, result in higher inflation in 2019.”

The NEDA forecasts an estimated an increase of “0.221-percentage point to the country’s annual inflation next year.”

But LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra believes otherwise and argued that the fare hike will only cause a slight impact on the country’s inflation.

“We have been calculating enough na kahit na dito sa dagdag piso na binigay natin hindi masyadong makaka-apekto duon sa inflation rate,” he said.

Amid the issue, Malacañang through Presidential Spokesperson and Presidential Legal Adviser Salvador Panelo calls on the riding public to do some belt-tightening measures because the government’s actions are limited by the uncontrollable movement of oil prices in the world market.

“Siguro we have to accept the fact na talagang masama ang panahon, so magtiis muna tayo,” Panelo concluded. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Joan Nano)

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Crime scene of the ambush against police personnel in Lupi, Camarines Sur on October 18, 2018

CAMARINES SUR, Philippines – Following the gruesome ambush against police personnel in Lupi, Camarines Sur on Thursday (October 18), Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Oscar Albayalde wants a level up of skills in intelligence gathering among policemen.

Albayalde admitted to have noticed some loopholes in police operation procedure during the ambush specifically in critical areas such as that in Lupi.

“Marami tayong nakitang kailangan i-improve…Unang-una iyong sa information gathering, intelligence gathering natin. Pangalawa, iyong will to fight ng ating mga kapulisan kailangan natin iyong skills, iyong instinct ng ating mga pulis. So marami pa po tayong nakikita rito. Iyong manner of investigation…These incidents, hindi na po natin [hahayaan na] mangyari ang similar incident na ganito,” Albayalde said,

Albayalde was in Canaman, Camarines Sur on Friday (October 19) to award the posthumous promotion to three police escorts killed in the attack.

They were SPO1 Percival Rafael, PO3 Carlito Navarroza and PO1 Ralph Jason Vida.

“The whole Philippine National Police, kami po’y nakikiramay sa mga pamilya ng mga biktima and we want to assure the family that we will give justice to the victims,” Albayalde assured the slain cops’ kin.

After the ceremony, the PNP Chief proceeded to a hospital in Naga City where the rest of the wounded cops are confined.

The relatives of those killed in action and the wounded policemen also received cash assistance from the PNP.

Meanwhile, the remains of the cops killed in action have already been delivered to their respective hometowns. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Allan Manansala)

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MANILA, Philippines – From 25% in June, the net satisfaction rating of President Rodrigo Duterte’s Cabinet has improved to 32% in September this year.

This means more Filipinos are getting satisfied with their performance, according to the latest survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS).

The increase in support was marked in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao though ratings dropped in Metro Manila.

The survey, which was conducted from September 15 to 23 among 1,500 respondents across the country, was welcomed by Malacañang.

According to Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, the results of the survey conducted while the country’s inflation rate is at 6.7% “tell us that our people, indeed, recognize and appreciate the efforts of the administration in stabilizing the prices of basic commodities and bringing a comfortable and dignified life for all.”

However, the members of the Cabinet cannot be complacent as there are still other issues facing the government that need to be immediately addressed.

“Notwithstanding the favorable survey numbers, the members of the official family of the president will not grow complacent in addressing national issues but will continue to work tirelessly as we lay down the foundation of a stronger and more robust society,” Panelo said.

Meanwhile in the same survey, the Senate of the Philippines, the House of Representative and the Supreme Court received “good” ratings at 48%, 36%, and 31% respectively. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Rosalie Coz)

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MANILA, Philippines –  The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-NCR started on Monday (October 22) its deliberation on the proposed P334 wage increase for private workers in Metro Manila.

The Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP) proposed in June a P320 wage hike which they later on revised to P334.

According to Alan Tanjusay, the national spokesperson of ALU-TUCP, the P320 proposed additional amount was based on the 5.2% inflation rate.

Because of the consecutive increases in inflation rate, the group decided to hike up the proposed amount to P334 citing the 6.2% rate in October.

“They will be able to cope with the rising inflation, rising cost of services at higit sa lahat they will be able to buy food that are very essential sa kanilang kalusugan, sa kanilang kalakasan bilang manggagawa so they would become more productive,” Tanjusay explained.

Once approved, the current minimum wage rate of P512 will be set to P846.

Tanjusay expects that the Board will release the approved wage rate before end of October. If that’s so, the new minimum wage rate will take effect on the second week of November.

Tanjusay argued that such proposal is reasonable to help workers make both ends meet for their families.

“Ang aming hinihingi ay hindi po luho hindi kami humihingi ng luxury hindi kami humihingi ng mga pambihirang hindi kinakailangan. ang aming hinihingi sa kanila ay yung tamang halaga na para mabuhay yung mga manggagawa at kaniyang pamilya,” he said.

The group added that it is high time for the imposition of a nationwide uniform wage rate citing that the prices of goods and services do not vary in every region.

They are also expecting a positive decision from the government on the issue of 14^th month pay.

 “Gusto namin at welcome namin ang panukala dahil sa panahon ngayon, kulang na yung 13th month pay bonus,” Tanjusay concluded. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Cathy Maglalang)

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ANTIPOLO, Philippines — A drug raid by operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) at three houses inside Imburnal Compound, Baranggay Mayamot, Antipolo City last Saturday (October 20) yielded 21 arrests and 34 sachets of suspected shabu with a street value estimated at P200,000.

Among the suspects were Judith Barcelesa alias “Judith”, Dolores Canacungan alias “Nanay Dory” and Dan Michael Angeles alias “Isok” who denied the allegation.

“Hindi po talaga. Hindi ho, promise ko po yan, hindi po ako gumagamit, hindi,” said Angeles.

His denial was refuted by PDEA officer-in-Charge, IO4 Leverette Lopez.

“Kasi yung pinasok natin, hindi lang siya bentahan, kundi gamitan din siya, drug den siya. So lahat ng mga nandun sa loob, ano yung purpose niyo, bakit nasa loob kayo? Ano ang ginagawa niyo riyan?” Lopez challenged the arrested individuals.

“So isa lang ibig sabihin nun, naggagamit sila. And based dun sa seizing natin, may mga nakuha tayong strip of foils na may traces ng shabu. Meaning on going yung mga gumagamit. Nagulat lang sila nung pag-implement natin ng search warrant.”

The suspects may face charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002. — Jennica Cruz

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Allan Joson

NUEVA ECIJA, Philippines – Authorities are investigating the motive behind the killing of an independent election candidate in the town of San Antonio on Friday (October 19).

The victim, 42-year-old Allan Joson was shot dead near his home by a still unidentified motorcycle-riding gunman.

Police recovered at the crime scene seven fire cartridge cases and a deformed bullet slug.

Aside from politics, authorities are looking into business or personal conflict as the motives behind the killing.

Joson lost the vice mayoralty race in 2016.

“Halos lahat dito sa kanya humihingi ng tulong kapag nasa ospital ang mga kalugar niya,” said Joson’s neighbor Raymond Mata.

Meanwhile, an eight-year-old girl was hit by a stray bullet believed to be from the incident.

The girl survived and is now recovering in a hospital. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Danny Munar)

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Aerial shot of Naga, Cebu after  a tragic landslide struck the city

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Workers affected by the tragic landslide that struck the City of Naga in Cebu were given temporary employment by the Department of Labor and Employment Region 7.

Around 357 workers from families who survived the incident benefited from the month-long Emergency Employment Program which began on October 2.

“We’ll be shelling out their salary, apart from the salary katong 386 per day per worker for one month but we’ll be giving them like 1 rest day so mahitabo siya kada Domingo. No work no pay man jud ng atong general principle ana. We also have enrolled them to a group micro insurance, so ang coverage ana for 1 year, ” DOLE-7 Information Officer III Luchel Taniza said.

(Translation: We’ll be shelling out their salary, apart from the salary na 386 per day per worker for one month; but we’ll be giving them like 1 rest day na mangyayari kada Linggo. No work no pay naman talaga ang general principle niyan. We also have enrolled them to a group micro insurance, so ang coverage niyan ay for 1 year.)

Their tasks will be limited within assigned evacuation centers of the local government.

“It’s the city’s General Services Office that is primarily directing kung unsa ilang buhaton kada adlaw. So since atong gituyo nga dili hazardous ang ilahang buhaton naa sila mainly jud nakaconcentrate sa mga evacuation centers. They can help pack the relief goods, makapanglimpyo sila didto sa mga nagkatag so things like that,” Taniza said.

(Translation: It’s the city’s General Services Office that is primarily directing kung ano ang gagawin nila araw araw. So, since sinadya natin na hindi hazardous ang gagawin nila, mainly ay nakaconcentrate sila sa mga evacuation centers. They can help pack the relief goods, maglilinis sila ng mga kalat doon, so things like that.)
The Emergency Employment Program is one of the measures seen to help families affected by the landslide.

The unfortunate incident that claimed the lives of more than 70 residents occurred in September after the onslaught of Typhoon Ompong. — Gladys Toabi

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BORACAY ISLAND, Philippines — Consistently crowned as among the best beaches in the world, Boracay Island has been known for its exceptional beauty, attracting tourists from across the globe.

But early this year, Boracay made world headlines as President Rodrigo Duterte ordered its shutdown after declaring it a “cesspool” for years of mismanagement, over tourism, abuse, massive pollution and corruption.

Government investigators found that most commercial structures had been operating without permits and violating environmental laws among others.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) deep penetrating radar revealed that 43 sites in the entire white beach area of Boracay Island were planted with illegal sewers.

More than 2,000 businesses and homes were illegally connected to the island’s sewage system, all pumping their waste water directly into the sea.

Pollution level at the beach was unprecedented as coliform contamination in Boracay waters already exceeded environmental standards for recreational water. According to DENR, with the said level of contamination, it was not only harmful to humans but it also adversely affected marine life and coral reefs among other aquatic resources.

Seventeen (17) local officials of Aklan province were charged with graft, conduct unbecoming of public officials, gross neglect of duty, grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the services over irregularities in managing Boracay Island.

An inter-agency task force was created to manage the six-month rehabilitation works in the island starting off with the construction of a new sewerage and drainage system, communication lines and the main road.

After six months of closure and with environment laws and building codes now being enforced, only 68 hotels and resort lodgings are noted compliant, ready to accept bookings.

After days of dry run, the paradise Island of the Philippines is set to officially reopen its gates to tourists but…under stricter compliance guidelines.

Here are some of the new set of rules tourists need to observe when in Boracay’s beachfront:

• No eating, smoking and drinking on the beach.
• No partying on the beach front, only indoors.
• No beach beds, chairs, tables or umbrellas in the sand or within 30 meters of the beach front.
• No masseur or vendors be allowed on the beach.
• No littering.
• No pets allowed in beach area.
• No single-use plastic on the shore.
• No urinating/defecating /spitting/vomiting in public places.

“They can go inside the restaurants. It’s a matter of cooperation lang. And kung magkaroon din ng pay na toilet, meron namang available. D’Mall has a pay toilet, pwede rin,” said Boyet Sacdalan, the vice chairman of the Compliant Association of Boracay.

DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda reminded tourists to book their accommodations with compliant hotels and resort lodgings only to avoid hassles.

“May listahan tayo sa jetty port. Pagdating niyo, pipili lang kayo roon at magkakaroon na kayo ng hotel. ”

According to the official, the task force is only preventing the resurgence of commissionaires or free agents that cause inconvenience to tourists taking a rest or walking along the beachfront.

The DENR stressed that these guidelines released by the task force is a work in progress.

This means some conditions may be added or changed depending on the situation and its effect not only on the environment but also on the welfare of residents, workers and tourists in Boracay Island. —  Marje Pelayo (with reports from Vincent Arboleda)

The post BORACAY: A paradise regained appeared first on UNTV News.

Courtesy: PRO 6

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) condemns the massacre of sugar farmers in Hacienda Nene in Sagay City, Negros Occidental last October 20.

According to DAR Secretary John Castriciones, they have formed a task force to investigate on the incident which led to the death of nine individuals including two minors.

Based on initial report, the incident happened around 9:45 pm when the victims were about to rest inside a makeshift shelter after a day’s work.

“So what transpired was actually a land occupation. When you say land occupation, this farmers entered the premises of the plantation without any legal basis at all,” said Castriciones.

The DAR Secretary clarified that the slain farmers were not agrarian reform beneficiaries.

DAR Undersecretary Luis Meinrado Pangulayan added that the site was privately-owned and was never covered by the government’s agrarian reform program because the owner already distributed parcels of land to 25 donees since 1988, even before DAR started issuing notices of coverage.

According to a source of the agency, the gunmen were members of a revolutionary proletarian army, a New People’s Army (NPA) breakaway group turned private army for some private land owners.

Authorities, however, are still verifying the said information.

The newly formed Task Force Sagay will determine what help the agency can provide to families of slain farmers, particularly legal assistance.

The DAR is also looking for available land that it can distribute to the affected farmers in the area.

The government is currently working to revive the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform program to properly distribute over 500 hectares of land in different parts of the country to potential beneficiaries. – Rey Pelayo / Marje Pelayo

The post NPA breakaway group seen behind farmers’ massacre in Negros Occidental appeared first on UNTV News.