Inday Sara slams Makabayan solon, demands resignation for defending NPA
Hugpong ng Pagbabago chairperson and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte on Wednesday demanded the resignation of Bayan Muna Rep. Eufemia Cullamat for continuously berating the Department of Education, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and “government in general.”
Manila Bulletin
Lumad backers push back vs Sara’s echo of dad’s ‘lies’ vs IP schools as Red breeding ground
Officials and supporters of lumad schools across Mindanao pushed back against Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte’s statements that the city government was behind the closure of the schools because of violations of the law, an echo of her father’s rant, although not backed by evidence, that the schools were a training ground for future communist rebels.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Sara Duterte draws flak for statement on Lumad schools
Various Lumad advocates across Mindanao slammed Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte’s statement on Lumad schools after the mayor rebuffed the suggestion by a city councilor here to investigate the schools’ closure in the city’s far-flung villages.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Councilor: Call to reopen Salugpungan based on study
DAVAO City Councilor Pamela Librado-Morato insisted that her call for the reopening of the Salugpungan Ta'tanu Igkanugon Community (Salugpungan) was not solely based on the information relayed to her by the Makabayan bloc.
Sunstar Davao
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I won’t risk my life for lies: tribal leader
An indigenous peoples (IP) leader from Mindanao lambasted communist groups as she called for support from Filipinos in France to raise awareness on the atrocities committed by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA).
Philippine News Agency
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Senate panel seeks probe of solon, 7 others over recruitment of minors
A joint panel of the Senate has recommended further investigation and possible filing of charges, if warranted, against eight people, including Kabataan Rep. Sarah Elago, in connection with the alleged recruitment of minor students by leftist groups.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, CNN Philippines
Senators want inter-agency task force to probe alleged recruitment of 'missing minors'
Senators are seeking the creation of an inter-agency task force to look into alleged recruitment of minors by militant groups. Fifteen senators representing various committees and three ex-officio members signed Senate Committee Report No. 10, penned and submitted by Sen. Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa on Tuesday.
ABS-CBN News
Senate panels recommend police presence in schools, checking student activities amid NPA recruitment
Two committees at the Senate have recommended police presence inside schools and scrutiny of student activities inside and outside the campus “to ensure their security, safety and well-being” amid the so-called recruitment of minors into the communist movement.
GMA News
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The armed movement in Negros remains ablaze following the deafening rage of the people emanating from the injustices perpetrated by the AFP and PNP
Negros Commander BGen. Eric Vinoya is daydreaming and floating on the air with his statement aiming to convince red fighters of the NPA to abandon armed struggle and return to the fold of government to receive freedom and various services of the reactionary state.
PRWC
JTF Negros commander says NDF ‘hallucinating’ for calling an ‘illusion’ an insurgency-free Negros
Brigadier General Eric Vinoya, the Armed Forces’ Joint Task Force (JTF) Negros commander, hit back at Bayani Obrero, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front (NDF)-Negros, saying the rebel leader was “hallucinating” for describing as an “illusion” the desire for an insurgency-free island.
Cebu Daily News
10 ex-NPA rebels in Sarangani get aid
A total of 10 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Sarangani province received some PHP520,000 worth of financial assistance under the national government’s reintegration program.
Philippine News Agency
8 ex-NPA rebels get P1-M for surrendered firearms
Eight former New People's Army (NPA) rebels who turned in their firearms to the provincial government of Davao Oriental received checks on Tuesday as part of the government's firearms remuneration program.
Philippine News Agency
Army troopers in Leyte feted for seizure of NPA arms cache
The leadership of the Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade (802nd IBde) commended its men for the military operation in Caghalo village in Carigara, Leyte resulting in the recovery of high-powered firearms from the New People’s Army (NPA).
Philippine News Agency
Peace Talks
Incidents/ Operations
Armed encounter ensued between gov’t troops and communist terrorists in Albay
Government troops and members of Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) clashed anew around 10:30 in the morning, Tuesday, October 1. Combined elements of 31st Infantry Battalion and Police Mobile Force Company were conducting combat operation in response to a report made by the residents in Barangay Oma-oma, Ligao City in Albay province about the presence of CTG’s when they encountered more or less five members of Sentro De Grabidad, Larangan 1, Komiteng Probinsya 5 under Elmer Olie, AKA Rommel.
Kalinaw News
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PH to boost ties with Russia in fight vs terror, violent extremism, transnational crimes
The Philippines is planning to forge closer defense cooperation with Russia in fighting terrorism, violent extremism, and other transnational crimes. President Duterte has disclosed plans to boost cooperative ties on security and defense when he meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday.
Manila Bulletin
Lacson sponsors bill allowing detention of terror suspects for 14 days without warrant
A measure which allows detention of suspected terrorists for a non-extendable period of 14 days without charges, on top of surveillance of suspected terrorists for 60 to 90 days, has been sought by Senator Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday.
GMA News, Philippine Daily Inquirer
MARAWI
Torres-Gomez wants full accounting of Marawi reconstruction funds
Leyte Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez has batted for a full accounting of all disbursed funds for the reconstruction of Marawi City, even as she cited the “compelling need” to fast track the post-disaster recovery of the battle-scarred city.
Manila Bulletin
207 Marawi IDPs undergo special intervention program
Some 207 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Marawi City have undergone a "special intervention program" from the city government here on Wednesday.
Philippine News Agency, The Mindanao Times
SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD
Uzbek Official Reprimanded by Senate for Rude Remarks on Beards and Hijabs
On September 30, the governor of Uzbekistan’s Fergana region, Shuhrat Ghaniev, was reprimanded by the Uzbek Senate — of which he is also a member — for rude remarks regarding women in hijabs and men with bushy beards.
The Diplomat
Putin proposes ratification of protocol to Council of Europe anti-terrorism convention
President of Russia Vladimir Putin has submitted the Additional Protocol to the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism to the State Duma for ratification. The document’s version has been published on the database of the lower house of parliament.
Russian Legal Information Agency (RAPSI)
Saudi says Iran's claim it received mediation message 'not accurate'
Iran's claim that its President Hassan Rouhani received a message from Saudi Arabia through an unidentified mediator is "not accurate", the Saudi minister of state for foreign affairs said.
The News Arab
Uncertain future awaits foreign ISIS orphans in Syria camp
Nine-year-old Ruqaya lives in Ain Issa, a camp for displaced people in northern Syria. She lost her Egyptian parents, who were members of Islamic State (ISIS), when Kurdish-led forces took the group’s last Syrian holdout of Baghouz in March 2019. She lost her left eye and her legs in the violence.
RUDAW
Homeland Security official who rolled back some terrorism programs resigns: report
A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official who presided over the scaling back of some of the department’s counterterrorism efforts during the past two years will leave his post at the request of acting DHS Secretary Kevin McAleenan, according to The Los Angeles Times.
The Hill
Egypt: Regional Forum on Terrorism Recommends Enhancing Security Institutions
The capabilities of security institutions combating terrorism must be enhanced and mechanisms must be established to put an end to some countries’ regional interventions, a regional Arab-African forum held in Cairo recommended.
Asharq Al-Awsat
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BARMM
MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY
NORTH COTABATO
LANAO PROVINCES
Stolen vehicle recovered from Marawi police exec
A high-ranking police official in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur is now in hot water following the discovery of an alleged stolen sports utility vehicle (SUV) in his possession, a regional highway patrol official said Monday.
Philippine News Agency
Maranao flavors right in Quiapo
She began with a small table of pater, a Maranao staple of rice and minced adobo, wrapped in banana leaves. Today, Noron Sharief Macatanong, 57, leases a two-story building for her restaurant, June-Nairah (“good luck” in Manarao), in Muslim Town, Quiapo.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
BASILAN
SULU
TAWI-TAWI
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DRUGS
Foreign aid and the drug war
THERE has been much talk about foreign aid in the wake of a move in the US Senate to bar entry to the US of Philippine government officials who were involved in the incarceration of Sen. Leila de Lima. This came on the heels of the move by our government to retaliate against the 18 member countries of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) that supported the resolution filed by Iceland on behalf of 27 other countries for the UN to review the drug war situation in the Philippines.
The Manila Times
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Ninja word wars move to airwaves; Albayalde appears in broadcast prime times
The word war between beleaguered national police chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde and retired general and now Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong has transcended beyond the halls of the Senate as the former went on media interviews where he questioned the integrity of his accuser.
Manila Bulletin
PNP fully supports embattled chief Albayalde —Banac
Philippine National Police spokesman Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac on Wednesday gave the assurance that the PNP fully supports Police General Oscar Albayalde amid the issues being thrown at the PNP chief.
GMA News
PNP: No need for ‘loyalty check’ amid ‘ninja cops’ issue
There is no need for a “loyalty check” within the ranks of the Philippine National Police (PNP) amid the controversial issue of “ninja cops,” the PNP said Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
PRO-7 stands behind Albayalde amid ‘ninja cop’ allegation vs the PNP chief
Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Oscar Albayalde can be assured that the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) stands behind him amid speculation from the Senate over his alleged involvement in the recycling of illegal drugs.
Cebu Daily Inquirer
Magalong reveals getting threats after testifying at Senate hearing
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Wednesday revealed receiving a lot of threats after he testified in the Senate hearing on the ‘ninja’ cops controversy.
GMA News
Magalong says 'moral obligation' drove him to speak out vs. 'ninja cops'
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Wednesday said "moral obligation" was his only motive appearing before a Senate hearing and testifying regarding "ninja cops," or policemen involved in the recycling of seized illegal drugs.
GMA News
Magalong: Albayalde has a lot of explaining to do
Former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief and now Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong said that although he has no hard evidence against Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Oscar Albayalde, he believes that the police official has a lot of explaining to do.
Manila Bulletin
Favors? Albayalde says Magalong also asked one from him years ago
Embattled Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Oscar Albayalde on Wednesday bared that Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong had asked a favor from him years ago.
GMA News
Magalong refutes Albayalde: I cannot recall asking him for ‘favor’
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Wednesday refuted Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde’s claim that he asked the police chief for a “little favor” sometime between 2006 and 2010.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, GMA News
Albayalde believes Magalong ‘not a man of integrity’
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde believes Baguio City Mayor and former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) director Benjamin Magalong is not a man of integrity.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Albayalde on claim he got SUV after drug ops: Photo or it didn’t happen
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Oscar Albayalde on Wednesday asked for any proof to support the claim of Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong Jr. that he had acquired a sports utility vehicle after a controversial drug buy-bust in Pampanga in 2013.
GMA News
Albayalde turns emotional over 'ninja cops' issue, says he misses his family
Embattled Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Oscar Albayalde on Wednesday turned emotional during a radio interview amid the accusations thrown against him weeks before he retires from service.
GMA News
Albayalde denies ‘selective cleansing’ in PNP: Cops involved in Pampanga drug ops were never favored
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Oscar Albayalde on Wednesday denied the claim of Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong Jr. regarding the "selective cleansing" in the police force.
GMA News
Gordon: Integrity of Albayalde, Aquino has been ‘stained’
Senator Richard Gordon said Wednesday that the initial turnout of the Senate investigation into “ninja cops” involved in the irregular anti-drug operation in 2013 tainted the integrity of Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Aaron Aquino.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Gordon: ‘Magalong was telling the truth’
Between Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Senator Richard Gordon believes Magalong was the one telling the truth.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Albayalde should consider resigning – Gordon
Beleaguered Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Oscar Albayalde should consider resigning as an option.
Manila Bulletin
Albayalde says he has no plans of resigning
Embattled Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde said he has no intention to resign amid the controversy over allegations that he protected 13 of his men who were accused of recycling more than 160 kilos of shabu and earning more than P60 million in a bogus buy-bust operation in Pampanga in 2013.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency
Senators divided on Albayalde resignation calls
Senators were divided Wednesday on whether Philippine National Police chief Police General Oscar Albayalde should resign or take a leave of absence a month before his retirement amid the issue of agaw-bato or drug recycling scheme by his former men.
GMA News
Sotto: Albayalde’s credibility not affected by his past
Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III believes that the credibility of Philippine National Police Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde remained intact despite allegations from the past are now being raised against him.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Sotto defends Magalong, says Mayor’s statements didn’t come out of the blue
Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Wednesday came to the defense of Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong amid claims that he brought up the controversial anti-drug operation in Pampanga to destroy the image of Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde.
Manila Bulletin
Drilon says Albayalde will just be allowed to retire next month
Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon expressed belief that Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde will be able to serve his term as police chief until his retirement in November.
Manila Bulletin
The unmasking of Oscar Albayalde
THE authorities should watch closely two 40-foot container vans inside the customs zone that, my informers say, contain crystal meth (street name: shabu).
The Manila Times
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‘Lumambot:’ Gordon says Aquino retracted revelation on Albayalde’s phone call
Senator Richard Gordon revealed on Wednesday that Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Aaron Aquino retracted his supposed revelation on Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde’s phone call to him in 2016.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine News Agency
Ex-PDEA chief says Aquino must resign amid inquiry into ‘ninja cops’
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) chief Aaron Aquino should resign, according to retired General Dionisio Santiago, a former holder of that position.
GMA News
Aquino said Albayalde asked him not to dismiss ‘ninja cops’, says Gordon
Then Metro Manila police chief Oscar Albayalde in 2016 asked then Central Luzon regional director Aaron Aquino to refrain from signing the order to dismiss the 13 police officers who figured in an allegedly anomalous drug operation in Pampanga in 2013.
GMA News
Drilon urges DOJ to take firm action against 13 ‘ninja cops’
The Department of Justice (DOJ) should take firmer action against the 13 police officers that were part of the anti-narcotics team in Mexico, Pampanga who reportedly recycled the illegal drugs they seized during the buy-bust operation in 2013.
Manila Bulletin
Garin says House should conduct own probe on ‘ninja cops’
The House of Representatives ought to hold its own inquiry into the “ninja cops” controversy, Senior Deputy Minority Leader and Iloilo 1st district Rep. Janette Garin said Wednesday.
Manila Bulletin
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US cancels visa of ‘drug queen’ Guia Gomez Castro
The United States government has granted the request of the Philippines to cancel the visa of former barangay chairwoman Guia Gomez Castro who has been tagged as the “drug queen” in cahoots with “ninja cops” in the recycling of illegal drugs.
Manila Bulletin, GMA News, Philippine News Agency
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Dangerous drugs law set for review in Thursday’s Manila Hotel summit
Representatives of the executive, judiciary, and legislative branches of government will meet Thursday (October 3) at the Manila Hotel “to review and adopt effective policies and procedures toward critical adjustments and reforms in the handling of drugs cases.”
Manila Bulletin
Operations/ Incidents
3 suspects nabbed in NoCot anti-drug ops
Police and anti-narcotic agents arrested on Tuesday three persons, including two women, in separate law enforcement operations in the province.
Philippine News Agency
High-value ‘pusher’ yields 2 kilos of shabu in Dumaguete
Joint police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operatives seized some two kilos of suspected shabu from a “high-value target” drug peddler during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Camanjac here on Tuesday afternoon.
Philippine News Agency
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Holistic drug rehab center opens in Iligan City
The city government and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) opened on Tuesday a "Balay Silangan" center inside the Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (DTRC) in Barangay Abuno here.
Philippine News Agency
LGU support to police’s anti-drug war crucial: Lapu-Lapu mayor
Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan on Wednesday said local government units' (LGU) support to the local police force is crucial in the campaign against illegal drugs.
Philippine News Agency
ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES AND AMMUNITION
2 drug peddlers yield machine gun, ammo in QC buy-bust
Authorities arrested two drug peddlers and seized from them a sub-machine gun and several rounds of ammunition in an operation in Quezon City on Tuesday.
Philippine News Agency
CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
BI on the lookout for illegal aliens using PH as transit point to other destinations
Bureau of Immigration (BI) officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) are strictly monitoring foreigners arriving as transit passengers, following reports that syndicates are again using Manila as a jump-off point to smuggle illegal aliens to Canada and other Western countries.
Manila Bulletin
KIDNAPPING
ILLEGAL GAMBLING
ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS/ EXTORTION
Kapa officials set to respond to NBI raps
Kapa-Community Ministry founder and president Joel Apolinario and his co-respondents are set to file this Monday (October 7) their response to the complaint of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) which accused the religious organization of allegedly engaging in an investment scam.
Manila Bulletin
SEC orders scent seller Scentko World to stop unlicensed investment scheme
The Securities and Exchange Commission has ordered Scentko World Corp. and its parent firm Brendahl Cruz Holdings Inc. to stop what the corporate regulator deemed as illegal solicitation of investments in the guise of marketing perfume and cosmetics.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
PRO-12 warns cops vs. engaging in illegal investment schemes
The Police Regional Office 12 (Soccsksargen) warned its personnel anew of stiff sanctions if they are found to be involved in any illegal investment activity.
Philippine News Agency
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Custom, caste system deny land rights to Asian women, indigenous people
Women, lower-caste and indigenous people across Asia are failing to benefit from land reform laws because of custom and deep-rooted social biases, land rights activists said on Wednesday.
Reuters
Beyond land-related agrarian reform
FARMERS POUR blood, sweat, and tears into lands they do not own. Reforms from those in seats of power typically tackle such issues of land ownership. The centerpiece agrarian program of the government, for example, has been the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) which, among many things, is an initiative towards ensuring “a more equitable distribution and ownership of land.”
The Guidon
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SMI repairs road for Tampakan indigenous people
SAGITTARIUS Mines Inc. (SMI) completed the repairs of 6.7-kilometer Barangay Danlag Road in Tampakan, South Cotabato that will provide residents, especially the Indigenous People (IP), better access and shorter travel to adjacent barangay (villages).
The Manila Times
74 Lumads complete various livelihood skills
A closing ceremony for the graduates of various skills trainings and course initiated by the 56th Infantry Battalion with the Provincial Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) of Davao Del Norte commenced today in Sitio Tibucag, a far-flung area in Barangay Dagohoy, Talaingod, Davao Del Norte.
Kalinaw News
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De Lima condemns, contests PH rejection of UN resolution on Rohingya crisis
Detained Senator Leila De Lima on Wednesday slammed the Philippines’ rejection of a United Nations resolution addressing the human rights situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Pro-Duterte, anti-Philippines
I do not want to say that “our country voted against a UN resolution that seeks to end human rights abuses toward the Rohingya Muslims” because this is not who we are. Neither am I willing to say “the Philippines is surrendering the West Philippine Sea to China” because I do not believe that such a statement comes from the will of our people.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Press Freedom/ Freedom of expression
Martial Law
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Duterte backs SC, says LGUs deserve more IRA
President Duterte has agreed with the Supreme Court (SC) that local government units “deserve more” internal revenue allotment (IRA) to efficiently address the needs of their constituents.
Manila Bulletin
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Duterte arrives in Moscow for official visit
President Rodrigo Duterte arrived here early Wednesday morning to for his official visit where he is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and witness the signing of several bilateral agreements.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, GMA News
Duterte’s official visit to bolster Philippines’ ties with Russia – Panelo
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte views his second visit to Russia as an “auspicious opportunity” to deepen the bilateral relations between the two nations, his spokesman said.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Duterte meets Medvedev in Moscow, Putin in Sochi
President Duterte arrived here early Wednesday (Russia time) to begin his five-day official visit highlighted by his bilateral meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.
Manila Bulletin
Medvedev welcomes Duterte to ‘bigger, better’ white house
President Duterte met with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in this city last night. Reuters news agency translated Medvedev’s greeting to Duterte, spoken in Russian: “I am very glad to welcome you to Moscow, in the house of the Russian government. It is sometimes called the white house, but it is not the white house which is in another country. It is the house of the Russian government, although it is sometimes called the white house, but it is bigger and better (laughs).”
Philippine Star
Duterte to get honorary degree from Moscow school on int’l ties
President Rodrigo Duterte sees his second visit to Russia as an “auspicious opportunity” to bolster ties between Manila and Moscow, Malacañang said Wednesday.
GMA News
President Duterte’s trip to Russia coincides with a significant event
UNKNOWN to many people, President Duterte’s trip to Russia coincides with one of the most significant events in the country’s history 34 years ago this month when then- First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos brought the image of Our Lady of Fatima to be consecrated with the Liturgical Service in Moscow at the height of the Cold War.
Business Mirror
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OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
OVP partners with hospitals for medical assistance program
Filipino indigents who will avail of medical assistance from the Office of the Vice President will now be given a guarantee letter to a partner hospital instead of cash.
Manila Bulletin
ELECTION RELATED
It’s 8-6 for Marcos in PET first round
BEFORE Chief Justice Lucas P. Bersamin retires on Oct. 18, the Supreme Court sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal is likely to deliver to ex-Sen. Bongbong Marcos a first-round win in his election protest against Vice President Leni Robredo, according to sources.
Philippine Star
House OKs bill postponing village, SK polls to Dec. 2022
The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on second reading a measure seeking the postponement of the May 2020 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections to Dec. 5, 2022.
Philippine News Agency
Comelec registers 37,549 new Zambo voters
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has registered some 37,549 new voters during the two-month voters’ registration conducted in this city. The voters’ registration started August 1 and ended Monday, September 30.
Philippine News Agency
DISASTER
Schemes, policies improve PH’s ability to deal with calamities – DILG
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) said the country is better prepared and more resilient to deal with natural calamities as evidenced by the decreased number of casualties during disasters.
Manila Bulletin
MINDANAO
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
Federal charter gives president ‘martial law powers’ over regions — Colmenares
Former lawmaker Neri Colmenares has warned that the proposed constitution, which advocates for a federal state, will give the president martial law-like powers in case a region merely fails to discharge its duties.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Ex-SC justice: Proposed constitution not a federal charter
A former Supreme Court (SC) justice has asked the House of Representatives to drop the words ‘federal’ in the proposed constitution, as the charter is just a decentralized unitary form of government.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin
JUDICIARY
Peralta on being next CJ: ‘There is hope for an individual like me’
“There is hope for an individual like me,” Associate Justice Diosdado Peralta said as he faced members of the seven-man Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) on Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, GMA News
'Religious' chief justice aspirant: Premarital sex is immoral
Supreme Court Associate Justice Jose Reyes, Jr., an applicant for chief justice who identifies as religious, on Wednesday expressed a stance against sex before marriage.
GMA News
Six trial court judges, clerk of court are 2019 ‘Judicial Excellence’ awardees
Six trial court judges and a clerk of court will be bestowed the Judicial Excellence Awards (JEA) for 2019 in ceremonies starting at 4 p.m. on Friday, October 4, at the Rigodon Hall of the historic landmark Manila Hotel.
Manila Bulletin
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Declaring hazing a heinous crime unnecessary, ex-AFP chief Santiago says
There is no need to declare hazing a heinous crime as existing laws are in place to address this form of violence, former Armed Forces chief Dionisio Santiago said Wednesday.
GMA News
LEGISLATIVE
CA confirms appointments of 9 AFP officers
The Commission on Appointments (CA) confirmed on Wednesday the appointments of nine ranking officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Manila Bulletin
Senate of the Philippines
Senate panel OKs bill converting gov’t cash subsidy to rice
A bill that would allow the government to give rice, instead of cash subsidy to Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, has been approved by a joint panel of the Senate.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Senate adopts resolution paying tribute to Filipino teachers
The Senate adopted on Tuesday a resolution honoring and commending teachers. Senate Resolution No. 14 was approved in time for the National Teachers’ Month, and the upcoming celebration of the World Teacher’s Day on October 5.
Manila Bulletin
House of Representatives
Romualdez couple bats for creation of a House Committee on PWDs and special needs
House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez and wife, Tingog partylist Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez are seeking the creation of a standing committee in the House of Representatives that would keep an eye on the social development and welfare of persons with disabilities (PWDs) to empower them to become part of the mainstream society.
Manila Bulletin
Solon files bill on fiscal regime for mining industry
Albay Rep. Joey Salceda on Wednesday filed a bill that seeks to establish a fiscal regime for the mining industry. Salceda, chair of the House ways and means committee, filed House Bill 5022, which proposes an equitable imposition of royalty on mining operations within and outside mineral reservations.
Philippine News Agency
Impose stiff sanctions vs. erring telcos, NTC urged
A lawmaker at the House of Representatives is pushing for a measure providing for a more comprehensive public telecommunications policy program that would boost the role of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) in regulating the industry.
Philippine News Agency
BUDGET, FINANCE and TAXATION
DepEd, DBM agree on additional P800-million special allowance for public school teachers
The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Budget of Management (DBM) have adopted an amendment in the proposed 2020 General Appropriations Act (GAA) that would provide for an additional P800 million as special allowance for public school teachers.
Manila Bulletin
Rice tarriffs credited for higher BOC collections
Collections from duties slapped on imported rice were helping boost the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) tax take, which grew 12.4 percent to P58.9 billion in September.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Customs fills over 500 vacant plantilla positions, more to be hired, promoted this year
Over 500 vacant plantilla positions in the Bureau of Customs (BOC) have already been filled as of September, following the addition of 64 newly hired and promoted personnel this week.
Manila Bulletin, GMA News
P1-B illegal cigarette-making machines, counterfeit tobacco products destroyed
The government destroyed P1-billion worth of illegal cigarette-making machines and counterfeit tobacco products seized in various raids conducted in Visayas and Mindanao, the Department of Finance (DOF) said Wednesday.
Manila Bulletin
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)
Isko vows to review national infra projects that affect private properties in Manila
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso vowed to review infrastructure projects of the national government that may affect private lot owners in the city.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency
Anti-smoking, liquor ban arrests rise in Davao City
The city government's Vices Regulation Unit (VRU) reported on Wednesday an increase in the number of apprehensions for violations of the anti-smoking ordinance and the liquor ban in the first half of the year.
Philippine News Agency
DEFENSE AND SECURITY
AFP optimistic on possible acquisition of Russian helicopters
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is upbeat about the Philippine government being able to close a deal with the Russian government on the acquisition of 16 units of Mi-17 medium lift helicopters worth $235 million, or P12.5 billion in total, as part of its modernization program.
Manila Bulletin
PH Navy eyes French-made submarines
The Philippine Navy (PN) bared on Wednesday that it prefers to acquire its first ever pair of submarines from France as they best fit the requirements they have set.
Manila Bulletin, GMA News
ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS
PSE buys back P445M worth of shares
THE Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. (PSE) has bought back P445.10 million worth of shares as part of its plan to reduce broker ownership to less than 20%.
Business World Online
Hanjin shipyard’s savior–not Chinese–is coming
A foreign shipbuilding giant could take over the Subic shipyard left behind by Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Philippines (HHIC-Phil) before the end of the year.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Business World Online
BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS
OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
AUDIT, GRAFT AND CORRUPTION
FOREIGN RELATIONS
PH-Indonesia EEZ pact shows bilateralism works: Locsin
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. on Wednesday said the Philippines and Indonesia's recent submission of the 2014 agreement establishing the boundary between their overlapping exclusive economic zones (EEZs) to the United Nations showed that bilateralism works.
Philippine News Agency
West Philippine Sea
Philippines to protest Chinese ships’ presence in Ayungin Shoal
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. has ordered the filing of a diplomatic protest over the presence of Chinese vessels in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, GMA News
Chinese vessels in Philippine waters: Who’s keeping score?
When Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana faced the Senate budget panel on Monday, September 30, Senator Panfilo Lacson asked him whether the defense establishment had a “counterstrategy” to China’s “cabbage strategy” of swarming the Philippine outposts in the West Philippine Sea with different kinds of vessels to make access difficult, if not impossible, for Filipinos.
Rappler
LABOR
DOLE: 2 Filipino fishermen dead, 1 still missing in Taiwan bridge collapse
Two Filipino fishermen were confirmed dead after a bridge collapsed in eastern Taiwan, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said Wednesday. In a statement, the two were confirmed as Andree Abregana Serencio and Gorge Jagmis Impang.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency
DOLE reactivates regional child labor committee
The Department of Labor and Employment in the Cordillera Administrative Region (DOLE-CAR) has reactivated the inter-agency regional child labor committee to look into the almost 2,000 reported cases of child labor.
Philippine News Agency
TRANSPORTATION
5 years after passage of anti-drunk driving law, gov’t yet to purchase alcohol breath analyzer — DOTr exec
Five years since the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act or Republic Act 10586 has been enacted into law, the government has yet to purchase an alcohol breath analyzer (ABA) which can measure the level of blood alcohol concentration in a person’s body.
GMA News
MMDA wants ban on mall sales during weekdays starting November
Expecting traffic jams to become heavier as Christmas nears, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is once again considering a ban on mall sales during weekdays as well as some adjustments in mall operating hours this holiday season.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Tugade offers Baguio City P26-M deal for cable car to La Union
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade has offered Baguio City a partner deal for a cable car system from La Union to Baguio, the city information office said on Wednesday.
GMA News
Baguio City’s Magalong wants P160M from DOTr to revive Loakan Airport
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong is trying to convince Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade to shell out P160 million to revive Loakan Airport, according to the city’s information office.
GMA News
Yanson feud: Original management tightens grip on bus empire after Bacolod court ruling
A Bacolod City court has foiled a bid by a breakaway faction of the billionaire Yanson family to invalidate corporate actions that led to the original management regaining control of the country’s largest bus firm after a boardroom coup attempt last July.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
HEALTH
DOH confirms meningococcemia death in Batangas
A regional health official confirmed Wednesday that a 53-year-old woman from Tanauan, Batangas succumbed to meningococcemia in September while three more deaths in the province on the same month that could be linked to the infectious disease are being checked.
Manila Bulletin
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
Farmers, peasants decry DA’s ineffective solutions in addressing their woes
Members of militant groups Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), AMIHAN national federation of peasant women and land reform advocates on Wednesday has denounced the Department of Agriculture (DA) for its failure to properly address the farmer’s woes.
Manila Bulletin
Sen. Risa Hontiveros calls for massive subsidies, palay buying operations to help rice farmers.
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday filed a resolution asking the Duterte government to immediately release massive subsidies to help rice farmers cope with the falling prices of palay.
Manila Bulletin
Baguio’s longanisa festival set this weekend amid ASF scare
Now on its third year, the longest longanisa festival will be held on Sunday (October 6) as part of the Hotel and Restaurant Tourism (HRT) weekend event here.
Philippine News Agency
EDUCATION
ENERGY
DOE says oil firms exploiting Saudi attacks to manipulate fuel prices may face charges
The Department of Energy (DOE) has warned oil companies of administrative or criminal charges if they are found to have unreasonably jacked up or rolled back fuel prices in the wake of the drone and missile attacks on Saudi Arabian oil facilities.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin
DOE hoping for lifting of WPS oil exploration ban this year
The Department of Energy (DOE) is hoping Malacañang will lift the existing moratorium on oil and gas exploration in the West Philippine Sea within the year.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Business World Online
POVERTY
SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT
HOUSING
TOURISM
Davao-Manado tourism B2B rakes in over PHP1-M sales
The joint tourism and business matching meeting organized to help boost the viability of Garuda Indonesia's foray into Mindanao raked in over PHP1 million in negotiated sales, the Department of Tourism in Region 11 (DOT-11) said Tuesday.
Philippine News Agency
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Expert warns against environmental impact of reclamation projects on Manila Bay
A law reform specialist at the Institute for Maritime Affairs and the Law of the Sea (IMLOS) of the University of the Philippines (UP) has expressed concern over the overall environmental impact that reclamation projects could pose to the ongoing rehabilitation of the Manila Bay due to the apparent lack of proper study and consultations.
Manila Bulletin
Water crisis
INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY
PH legislators, Korean NGO partner vs. cyber-bullying
Philippine legislators, led by San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan Rep. Florida "Rida" Robes, on Wednesday signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Korean non-government organization (NGO) Sunfull Foundation Internet Peace Movement on the fight against cyber-bullying.
Philippine News Agency
Facebook: Mark Zuckerberg Will Not Comply with U.S.
Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg has pledged to “go to the mat” to fight a government attempt to break up the social media giant, according to a report Tuesday based on a leaked audio recording.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
DEVELOPMENT SECTOR
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