MANILA, Philippines – The number of victims of firecrackers has reached 307 since December 21, 2018.

This is lower than 201 reported cases or 40% during the same period in 2017.

Advocates have expressed support on the proposed nationwide total ban on firecrackers.

One of them is Senator Sherwin Gatchalian.

“I will support a total firecracker ban,” Gatchalian said.

Gatchalian said he may support the use of a number of firecrackers only on certain venues.

“We will only allow institutional use such as malls, commercial establishments and government. Permits will be strictly monitored,” he added.

He also suggests a strict monitoring on the issuance of permits on the use of firecrackers which the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) agrees.

“Napakaganda rin kasi sa ibang bansa, nakikita natin na ganun rin na hindi nagpapaputok ang mga tao talaga. So total ban talaga. Kundi nagkakaroon lang ng mga community fireworks display na state sponsored na mayayaman na company o kaya mga local government,” explained Fire Director Leonardo Banago of the BFP.

The BFP also do not believe that regulating or totally banning the use of firecracker would bring huge impact to the country’s firecracker industry.

“Mga imported na iyan, Ang ating mga produkto so ang mga sinasabi dito na mga manufacturing company dito sa Pilipinas, nagi-import na ng finish products coming from China then niri-repack nila ditto. Pinapalitan ng labelling. Parang ganoon lang. Nilalagyan lang ng local label,” argued Banago.

At present, only a few cities in Metro Manila imposes total ban on firecrackers.

Among them is Las Piñas city.

As of press time, the proposed legislation on the nationwide ban or a more stringent regulation on firecrackers remain pending at the committee level in both Houses of Congress. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Nel Maribojoc)

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Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge

MANILA, Philippines — Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will restart the closure of Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge on January 12 for its rehabilitation.

The bridge connects Makati and Barangka Drive in Mandaluyong.

The said bridge was previously closed for the rehabilitation.

However, it was made accessible to the motorists for two days to ease the holiday traffic.

DPWH is set to expand the two-lane way of the bridge into four.

The rehabilitation works is expected to end in 2021, so motorists are advised to take alternative routes.  — UNTV News & Rescue

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MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has approved the petition of 20 local government units (LGUs) to join plebiscite that will ratify the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

Comelec said that the LGUs have submitted the required documents.

Twenty-four (24) applications were not approved by the poll body due to insufficient documents and non-observance of guidelines for the plebiscite.

“Iyong una itatanong natin kung ratified ba itong BOL, kapag na-rectify iyan, ang epekto niyan magkakaroon ng Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and then second, elections sa February. Ang itatanong sang-ayon ba kayo na itong lugar na ito ay isasali sa Bagnsamoro Autonomous Region,” said Comelec Spokesperson Director James Jimenez.

The plebiscite for Bangsamoro Basic Law is set this month. — Aiko Miguel | UNTV News & Rescue

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MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) is close to solving the Batocabe-Diaz double murder and multiple frustrated murder case.

Over the weekend, all six suspects were completed after Rolando Arimado alias ‘RR’ and Danilo Muella alias ‘Manoy Dan’ yielded to authorities in Masbate on Friday (January 4) and in Bicol on Saturday (January 5), respectively.

PNP Chief DG Oscar Albayalde said this latest development is expected “to complete the puzzle” and eventually reveal the truth behind the killing of Ako Bicol Party list Rep. Rodel Batocabe and his police aide SPO1 Rolando Diaz.

According to the PNP, Arimado is a rebel-returnee who served as look-out and back-up gunman in the assassination.

Meanwhile, Muella, who was also a trusted security aide of Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo, was identified as the suspect who purchased the two caliber 45 pistols used in the murder.

With Arimado and Muella’s surrender, the PNP now has all six prime suspects in the case which include Christopher Naval alias ‘Tuping,’ Emmanuel Rosello alias ‘Boboy,’ Henry Yuzon alias ‘Romel,’ Jaywin Babor alias ‘Gie.’

The PNP was able to expedite the arrest of the suspects through the help of a key witness, Emmanuel Bonita Judavar, who provided investigators with relevant information from planning to execution of the crime.

PNP Chief Albayalde noted that they are now awaiting the surrender of the last piece in the puzzle — Mayor Carlwyn Baldo, the alleged mastermind in the case who commissioned the gunmen in September 2018 to kill Batocabe. – Marje Pelayo

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MANILA, Philippines – Netizens posted funny comments when PAGASA released the names of potential tropical cyclones for 2019.

Some expressed disbelief to see the word (or name?) ‘Zigzag’ included on the list of tropical cyclones likely to enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) this year.

Netizen, Lyndon Alexis said he once dreamed of having his name on the list.

Meanwhile, no less than President Rodrigo Duterte offered names to be included on PAGASA’s list.

“Mga Bernadette ganun.  Leonora. Mga — si Leni  ganun ba,” the President said in jest to the amusement of officials present during the situation briefing in Pili, Camarines Sur on Saturday (January 4) on the aftermath of Tropical Depression Usman.

The President made this remark after he observed that the name ‘Usman’ is a strong name for a typhoon.

 “Alam mo dapat ang mga bagyo, huwag ninyong pangalanan na mga Usman. Si Randy Usman, Maranao iyan.  He’s my brother in the Maranao side. Mga Usman-Usman, ang tindi niyan,” the President said.

President Duterte apparently derived his suggestions from Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat and Education Secretary Leonor Briones who were present at the briefing while Vice President Leni Robredo was not in the assembly.

The President made a serious note, however, when someone suggested the name ‘Leila’ referring to Senator Leila de Lima.

“No, we should not take her name in vain,” the President concluded. – Marje Pelayo

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QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Sunday (January 6) began the deployment of personnel to the Quirino Grandstand in Ermita, Manila in anticipation of the of the annual Trasclacion on Wednesday, January 9, 2019.

The MMDA initially deployed 350 personnel particularly from the Western Traffic Enforcement Division to help coordinate traffic.

The agency said 500 more MMDA personnel will be added on the day of the Traslacion to man the procession routes to ensure the safety of the attendees.

It was also announced that on Wednesday, some roads in the Quiapo area will be closed to traffic including Katigbak Drive and Padre Burgos Avenue up to a portion of Taft Avenue going to Jones Bridge.

The MMDA Metro Parkway Clearing Group will also take part in the preparation to ensure that the procession routes are free from obstructions.

The Sidewalk Clearing Group will take care of crowd control while the street sweepers are directed to promptly clean up any trash left by the devotees.

The MMDA Road Emergency Group and Public Safety Division have road emergency vehicles and ferry boats on standby for crisis situations.

The Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council together with the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MMDRRMC) will lead as the first emergency response unit.

The MMDRRMC is expecting good weather on Wednesday and estimates attendees to reach up to 15 million. — Asher Cadapan Jr. | UNTV News & Rescue

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MANILA, Philippines — Two fire incidents occurred in Metro Manila over the weekend.

A food stall caught fire last night at Brgy. 10, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, injuring three employees with second-degree burns as it spread to two more stalls.

The victims were identified as food stall manager, Jerrt Orpila, 33; cook, Jay Vebuz delos  Santos, 58 and cashier, Annaliza Sevilla, 37.

Based on the investigation of the Pasay  City – Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the cook smelled gas before the explosion. 

“May naamoy siyang parang leak daw po ng LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). Nakita niyang umapoy at nag-explode na po,” said BFP officer Keenan Dubaldo.

Pasay-BFP is still looking into the cause of the fire and if there is negligence on the part of the establishment.

Last Saturday, a fire also occurred in Brgy. Manressa in Quezon City at around 11:00 p.m.

BFP pointed to illegal electric connection as the cause of fire.

Four hundred thirty-six (436) residents were affected by the incident and are temporarily residing at the covered court of the barangay.

Department of Social Welfare and Development officer Lorlyn Sorita assured that the displaced residents are receiving adequate assistance. 

“Meron naman tayo provided na assistance na ibinibigay namin three times a day na food. Meron breakfast, lunch at saka dinner. Maliban doon sa ibinibigay ng mga politician ng local, may provision naman ng food,” said Sorita.

“Pangatlong sunog na namin to. Wala kapag ano na lang inaayos yung bahay lilipat na kami ulit kapag naayos na mga isang buwan kapag naayos na yung bahay,” said Genesis Pidlaoan, a resident.

 “Ay mahirap po kasi nung nasunugan din kami naubos yung bahay namin. Nasa kalye kami nakatira ngayon sa kanto ng Dagot St,” said Herminihilda Corpuz, another resident.

Residents are currently suffering from insufficient water supply and lack of proper toilet facilities. — Gerry Galicia | UNTV News & Rescue

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MANILA, Philippines – Personnel from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) swept down the service road of Roxas Boulevard in line with the agency’s new initiative against illegal parking.

Several motorists complained because the amount of penalty was indeed high not only for unauthorized parking but other traffic violations as well.

“Sana huwag naman ganoon kataas. Kasi katulad naming mga driver, nagpapa-receive kami sa mga sangay ng gobyerno tapos wala namang parking (space) iyang mga iyan. Paano naman mga driver, kawawa,” said Blas Vinluan.

“Wala pong magagawa kundi sumunod lng. Kaya lang nagkataon lang po talaga nagde-deliver lang po ako. Mabigat po iyon kasi gastusin rin po iyan,” Ralph de Leon said.

Aside from unattended vehicles, MMDA personnel also issued tickets for driver-less vehicles illegally parked along the service road.

Based on MMDA Regulation Number 18-008, attended but illegally parked vehicles will incur a fine of P1,000 from the previous P200.

Meanwhile, fines for unattended but illegally parked vehicles has been raised to P2,000 from the previous P500.

For road obstruction, the penalty has been raised to P1,000 from the previous P150.

For violation of the yellow lane policy, the penalty now is P1,000 from the previous P500.

The implementation of higher penalty for illegally parked vehicles has been deferred in December to give motorists enough time to adjust.

Apprehended drivers may pay the amount due at any Bayad Center or at the MMDA office within seven days from the day of apprehension. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Joan Nano)

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QUEZON CITY, Philippines – Veteran election lawyer Atty. Romulo Macalintal wants to enter politics to give voice to one of the most vulnerable sectors in the country – the senior citizens.

He is considered one of the most prominent election lawyers in the country for representing high-ranking officials of the government including former Presidents Gloria Arroyo and Benigno Aquino III.

Macalintal has been offered a position in government many times in the past but refused to accept them as he wanted a position decided by the people.

In October 2018, Macalintal formalized his bid in the 2019 senatorial race.

Given the chance to serve, the veteran lawyer said he will work immediately to amend the law on senior citizens’ benefits.

“Dapat ang discount ng mga senior citizen pagdating natin ng 70 years old, 30 per cent ang discount. Pagdating ng 80 years old dapat 40 per cent ang discount. Pagdating natin ng 90 and above dapat 50% na ang discount natin sapagkat habang tayo ay tumatanda kailangang kailangan natin ng gamot at medical services,” Macalintal said in an interview in the program Get It Straight with Daniel Razon on Monday (January 5).

Among other issues which he wants to improve are the P100,000 cash gift for centenarians; discounts on electric bills for senior citizens; and the establishment of a senior citizens common fund for the benefit of indigent senior citizens.

“Kung 7M lang na senior citizens araw-araw ang magbibigay ng .50 centavos, that would be P3.5M a day, P90M a month, and P1.2B a year,” he explained, noting that the fund will be managed by specific “reputable people.”

He also eyes scrapping all monetary dues intended for overseas Filipino workers (OFW).

Atty. Macalintal hopes that he would receive enough support for his senatorial bid not only from the elderly sector but also from his clients as a lawyer to be able to secure a position in the Senate. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Rey Pelayo)

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QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is confident of having a strong case against the suspects in the killing of Ako Bicol Party list Rep. Rodel Batocabe and SPO1 Rolando Diaz.

Based on the results of the ballistic exam conducted by the PNP Crime Laboratory, Police Chief DG Oscar Albayalde revealed that the bullet slugs and shells found at the crime scene matched with the Norinco caliber .40 pistol registered under one of the suspects, Henry Yuson.

“Iyong 11 shells na 50 at 5 slugs ay nag-match doon sa license firearms ni Yuson na sinabi niya na ginamit niya doon sa crime scene. So nag-positive iyan. Nag-match according to the finding of the Crime Lab. That will now boost our case,” the PNP Chief said,

Yuson, in his affidavit, admitted to using his own licensed firearm when the caliber .45 pistol which they bought for the assassination, jammed.

According to PNP records, the registration of Yuson’s Norinco caliber .40 has been expired since 2015.

He also admitted in his affidavit that after Batocabe, he then shot at the lawmaker’s police escort SPO1 Diaz.

Yuson said he also sustained gunshot wounds to the arm and to the side as somebody from the lawmaker’s end exchanged fire with them but he couldn’t verify who.

Albayalde said, they will continue with the investigation even after six of the suspects surrendered to check if there are other individuals involved in the crime.

“Hindi namin isinasara ang imbestigasyon dito. In fact, meron din tayong tinitingnan kung bakit nasa Masbate itong dalawa. Kung sino ang kumukopkop sa kanya. Puwedeng sibilyan, puwedeng politician. These are all part of our investigation kaya open ang investigation namin dito,” the PNP Chief concluded. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Lea Ylagan)

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MANILA, Philippines – Two members of President Rodrigo Duterte’s Cabinet are now under probe by the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC).

According to PACC Commissioner Manuelito Luna, they have been investigating Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III and Director General Isidro Lapeña of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) since 2018.

“Nagkaroon na kami ng fact-finding sa DOLE tapos magnetic lifters. Although si Lapeña, cleared na ng Senate, kami, hindi pa kami ready to say so kasi hindi pa nga tapos,” Luna confirmed.

Lapeña was tagged in the billion-peso shabu shipment concealed inside large magnetic lifters.

Bello on the other hand was bombarded with criticisms for allegedly accepting bribe from a recruitment agency and from a businesswoman.

But the Palace assured that President Duterte will definitely act on the matter once the investigation of the PACC is over and the result of the probe is submitted to him.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo reiterated that there is no ‘palakasan’ or ‘padrino’ system in the Duterte administration.

“You must remember that the President’s policy ever since there are no sacred cows in this administration, you violate the law regardless of your status whether you’re a friend or ally or political adversary, or a relative, a friend or a fraternity brother. wala lahat yun. You violate the law, you are accountable,” Panelo said.

Secretary Bello, for his part, maintained that there is no truth in the allegations being thrown against him.

“Wala naman akong alam na katiwalian na involved ako,” he said.

Lapeña, meanwhile, is yet to respond to the issue.

The TESDA administration was cleared by Senate in the shabu shipment probe and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) did not include him in the list of persons charged for the billion-peso drug scandal. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Rosalie Coz)

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QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Metro Manila and Davao (Region 3) have started accepting medical certificates online from applicants for student permits, driver’s licenses and license renewals.

Memorandum Circular 2018-2157 however, requires applicants to secure a medical certificate from clinics accredited by the LTO.

LTO Regional Director Jojo Guadiz said such policy is to ensure that the medical certificates are authentic and that the applicant is indeed qualified to drive.

“Kasi po ang daming mga instances na ang mga clinic wala naman talagang doktor na nandoon either secretary lang ang nandoon o kung sinu-sino lang at may mga pre-sign na medical certificate and then bitbit ng tao ito ang medical certificate na in-issue ng clinic kuno,” Guadiz said.

“Dadalhin nila and then based on that the LTO will be issuing a driver’s license relying in good state na ang tao talaga ay fit to drive samantalang hindi pala,” he added.

Under the new directive, the accredited doctor must transmit online the soft copy of the medical certificate of a specific applicant through his or her own biometrics data encoded and registered in the agency’s IT system.

“Ni-require namin ngayon na dapat lahat po ng mga mag-a-apply ng license ngayon or magre-renew ay dadaan ng proseso na yung talagang titingin sa kanila ay doktor para makasigurado po kami na talagang may doktor, hindi po kung sino sino lang ang nasa clinic. Dapat bawat transaction po ay kinakailangan ng finger print ng doktor through a biometrics para makita ang resulta sa district office,” Guadiz added.

But disappointed clients vented out their anger on social media.

On LTO’s official Facebook page, many are complaining because only few clinics are LTO accredited and so they have to endure that long queue of applicants just to get their medical certificate.

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Crispin de Regla was disappointed because he went to a clinic only to find out that it was not yet accredited by the LTO.

 “Kung alam ko lang hindi na ako kumuha ngayon kasi ang layo. Paikot-ikot na ako. Naubos na ang pamasahe ko,” he lamented.

The LTO admits that they have not yet registered in their IT system all of their accredited clinics.

Nevertheless, the agency said it is doing its best to encode everything in their database of accredit clinics before the day ends.

The LTO apologized for the inconveniences the public experienced during the process. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Joan Nano)

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QUEZON CITY, Philippines — Agricultural group, Samahang Industriya Ng Agrikultura (Sinag) revealed on Monday the entry of over 1 million kilos of Belgian pork into the country from October to November 2018.

Sinag president Rosendo So said, their report is based on the documents they obtained from the Bureau of Customs.

On September 17, 2018, the Department of Agriculture released a memorandum order prohibiting the importation of pork from Belgium due to the outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the said country.

Sinag expressed concern over the possible impact of the imported meat on the local swine industry in case the ASF virus reaches country.

The Department of Agriculture on the other hand assured that there is nothing to worry about because importers of the frozen meat have followed the guidelines.

Even though the imported pork meats arrived after the release of the import ban, their slaughter/process date was before August 25, 2018.

In total, over 1.4 million kilos of Belgian pork meat have entered the country from October to November.

Other than Belgium, it is also prohibited to import pork from China, Latvia, Romania, Hungary, Russia, Poland, Ukraine, South Africa, Czeck Republic, Moldovia, Zambia and Bulgaria.

The Department of Agriculture has also ordered the placement of foot baths at international ports to disinfect passengers. — UNTV News & Rescue

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MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) will start the implementation of the liquor ban in Quiapo, Manila on Tuesday (January 8) at 8:00 o’clock in the evening until the annual procession is over.

According to PNP Chief DG Oscar Albayalde, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has been on full alert status for the security of the event.

The PNP calls on those who will join the procession to support the measures to be imposed by authorities.

Despite the expected surge of participants in the annual ‘Traslacion’, the PNP said they have not monitored potential threats to the occasion on Wednesday.

“We have not monitored any significant security issue that may possibly affect the otherwise peaceful and orderly celebration of the feast of the black Nazarene in Manila this year including other annual religious festivities celebrated in January,” Albayalde assured. – Marje Pelayo / UNTV News and Rescue

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QUEZON CITY, Philippines – With 206 affirmative votes, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved on third and final reading a measure lowering the retirement age of government employees from 60 to 56.

House Bill No. 8683 seeks to amend Section 13-A of Republic Act 8291, otherwise known as the “Government Service Insurance Act of 1997.”

The proposed amendment states that government workers who have reached the age of 56 years may file for retirement.

They will also be entitled to old-age pension for life from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

According to the principal author of the bill, ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio, an earlier retirement age for government workers will give them time to enjoy their benefits. — Marje Pelayo

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QUEZON CITY, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief PDG Oscar Albayalde is in favor of giving the P50-M reward money to Emmanuel Judavar, the witness in the assassination of AKO Bicol Partylist Rep. Rodel Batocabe and his police escort SPO2 Orlando Diaz.

However, the PNP chief added that Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año has yet to green-light the granting of said bounty.

But if it were up to him, Albayalde said the reward money should go to Judavar whose testimony prompted the investigation into the lawmaker’s brutal death.

“Siya ang tatanggap doon sa ibibigay na reward kasi sa kanya naman lahat nagsimula ‘yun. Remember ‘yung involvement niya ay last August pa and then humiwalay siya sa grupo ni Mayor Baldo,” said Albayalde.

It will be recalled that Judavar was the first one who surrendered to the police for his alleged role in hatching the assassination but not the actual killing, which he claims, he had no part in.

Judavar was the one who named the seven prime suspects, including alleged mastermind, Daraga Mayor Carlwyn Baldo.

All suspects who surrendered also confirmed that Mayor Baldo allegedly offered P5 million for the assassination of Cong. Batocabe. — Lea Ylagan | UNTV News & Rescue

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AGUSAN DEL SUR, Philippines – Authorities were able to locate a marijuana plantation in the municipality of La Paz with the help of concerned residents on Monday (January 7).

It was specifically located at Purok 4 and Purok 6 in Sitio Kalampayan in Barangay Kasapa Dos in La Paz, Agusan del Sur.

It is a remote area believed to be infested with members of the New People’s Army (NPA) that’s why for the longest time, authorities have not been able to penetrate the area.

“Kailangang sadyain mong puntahan dun para makita mo yung area na ‘yun. Tapos nakatanim siya sa ilalim ng palcata trees kaya kahit mag helicopter hindi niyo makita. Talagang strategic yung pagkakatanim ng marijuana,” explained PSupt. Christian Rafols, the spokesperson of PRO-13.

Personnel from the La Paz Municipal Police and Agusan del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company uprooted and burned the confiscated illegal plants.

About 61 kilograms of marijuana were yielded from the area with an estimated street value of more than three million pesos.

Authorities are now in pursuit of the owners of the plantation who have been identified as Rene Salintao and Bernard Sanggod.

They are facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

“Na file na ang case. Pinuntahan doon sa luagr nila pero wala na sila doon,” Rafols said.

The PNP-Caraga, meanwhile, is now monitoring other potential marijuana plantations in the region and are investigating to find out the source of the marijuana seeds. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Raymond Octobre)

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MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Energy (DOE) will investigate over 300 gasoline stations that have begun imposing additional tax on oil products.

According to DOE, a total of 268 gasoline stations of Petron and 32 from Flying V were discovered to have imposed the second tranche of excise tax on oil despite the agency’s call on oil firms to defer the implementation until mid of January.

The agency is set to visit the said gas stations to check if they have followed the requirements in imposing the excise tax on oil such as placing banners advising consumers of the said measure. – UNTV News and Rescue

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QUEZON CITY, Philippines – One of the suspects in the bomb attack on South Seas Mall in Cotabato City yielded to authorities on Sunday evening (January 6), according to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Region 12.

Police Regional Office 12 Director PCSupt. Eliseo Rasco said Salipudin Pasandalan was turned in by his relatives after they saw his image on television as one of the persons implicated in the blast on December 31 that killed two people and injured 34 others.

“Ongoing ang ating investigation and this morning ang directive ko doon sa SITG commander ay mai-file na ang kaso within today,” Rasco said.

Rasco noted, however, that Pasandalan still refuses to speak of the incident and he wants to be with his lawyers all the time.

“Wala pa tayong nakikitang grupo kase makikita natin kung sino ang personalities and group behind kapag meron na tayong nakuhang tao at meron na siyang binanggit na personalities and group,” the Director added.

But Rasco added that their evidence against Pasandalan are strong, based on the results of the investigation on the CCTV footage that was recovered in the blast site.

The CCTV footage showed a suspect placing the bomb at the counter at the second floor of the said mall.

“Kung makikita ninyo ang kuha ng CCTV sa Lotto outlet. Siya ang kumu-cover dito sa bata. Siya habang nilalagay noong naka-back pack ang second IED dito sa shelve ng Lotto card,” Rasco further explained.

Among the angles that the police are looking into are the retaliation of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) after Pasandalan’s young brother was killed in a military operation in December 27; intense political rivalry; and the participation of Dawlah Islamiya Group in the bombing. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Lea Ylagan)

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MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte supports the proposal to increase taxes on cigarettes and alcoholic beverages.

The proposal presented by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Finance (DOF) aims at solving the problem of high mortality rate and increasing number of Filipinos falling ill due to smoking and drinking alcohol.

According to Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, President Duterte wants to certify as urgent the proposed P60 tax per packet of cigarette and P40 for each liter of liquor.

It is also aimed at generating funds for the implementation of the Universal Health Care Program.

“So the recommendation is that bill should be passed and signed into law. That was what was approved last night,” Panelo said.

In December 2018, the House of Representative (HOR) approved on third and final reading the two proposals seeking to add P2.30 in excise taxes on cigarettes per year from July 2019 to 2022.

But under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, excise tax on cigarettes increased from P30 to P35 pesos in July 2018. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Rosalie Coz)

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