Schools for IPs’ better future to replace Salugpungan
Following the permanent closure of 55 Salugpungan schools, a Palace official assured Wednesday that Salugpungan schools will be replaced with institutions that will truly ensure that indigenous children will have a much better future.
Philippine News Agency
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IP leaders denounce oppression by communist rebels
Members of various indigenous peoples (IPs) from Mindanao, such as the Manobos, and Aetas from northern Quezon convened on Tuesday at the Officers' Clubhouse in this camp to drum up public awareness on the oppressive practices of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People's Army-
Philippine News Agency
Reds kill IPs who support gov’t projects: tribal leaders
Tribal leaders from Mindanao said communist terrorist groups are killing tribal leaders who avail of much-needed government support. In a meeting with the Filipino community here on Thursday, Bae Magdalina Iligan of the Mamanwa-Manobo tribe said the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) is forcing Indigenous Peoples (IPs) to reject government infrastructure and social development projects, as anyone who supports them gets killed.
Kalinaw News
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Insurgency-free LGUs not exempt from forming TF vs. rebellion
A ranking official of the national task force to end insurgency in the country on Wednesday said local government units declared as insurgency-free are not exempted from participating in the whole-of-nation approach in addressing local armed conflict.
Philippine News Agency
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EO 70 cited in decreased NPA-military encounters
President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order (EO) 70, which seeks to institute a "whole of government" approach in addressing communist insurgency, has resulted in decreased armed engagements between government troops and the New People’s Army (NPA), an official said on Wednesday.
Philippine News Agency
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Progressive groups condemn slay attempt on ACT member
Human rights group Karapatan on Wednesday has strongly condemned the slay attempt on teacher Zhaydee Cabañelez, an active member of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT)- Region X last Tuesday.
Manila Bulletin
Teachers’ cry out for mechanisms for safety, security in schools
Following the shooting of a teacher-unionist in Bukidnon, a federation of teachers on Wednesday urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to “device mechanisms” to ensure the safety and security of the teachers in schools.
Manila Bulletin
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Albayalde resignation shows cracks in police drug syndicate, exposes drug war hoax
The resignation of PNP chief Oscar Albayalde is evidence of a large crack within Duterte’s police criminal syndicate. It is a result of inner struggles among rival syndicates for control of the national police. It is part of the conflicts over drug protection money and control of drug trafficking operations in the country.
Communist Party of the Philippines
Metro Manila transportation crisis reflects rotten economic system
Over the past few weeks, public attention has been focused on the massive traffic problem that plagues millions of commuters in Metro Manila. This came after the breakdown of rails and public transportation systems, as well as the gridlocks in Metro Manila’s main thoroughfares.
Communist Party of the Philippines
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Northern Samar top cop seeks locals’ help in fight vs. NPA
A top official of the Northern Samar police provincial office asked residents in the province to help convince New People’s Army (NPA) fighters to surrender to the government.
Philippine News Agency
Ex-rebel leader, 2 NPA members surrender in Isabela
A former leader and two members of New People’s Army on Tuesday, Oct. 15, surrendered to government soldiers. Lt. Col. Gladiuz Calilan, commander of the Army’s 95th Infantry Battalion, said the ex-rebel leader’s name was withheld for security reasons but he had operated in Cagayan Valley.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Peace Talks
Incidents/ Operations
NPA rebel tagged as top 3 most wanted person nabbed
JOINT military and police operatives have arrested a member of the New People’s Army (NPA) tagged as the number three most wanted person in Sultan Kudarat, the military said Wednesday, October 16. Colonel Wilbur Mamawag, Army’s 603rd Infantry Brigade commander, identified the arrested NPA member as Gina Ciano, who arrested in Sangay Village, Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat.
Sunstar Zamboanga
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Sotto confident Senate will pass amended Human Security Act by November
The Senate is expected to pass in November the bill that would amend the Human Security Act of 2007 to strengthen the government’s fight against terrorism.
Manila Bulletin, GMA News
MARAWI
2 years after bloody siege, Marawi 'physical' rehabilitation to start
Two years after the end of the bloody siege launched by Islamic State-linked militants that caused deaths and massive destruction of properties in Marawi City, the government announced the start of its "physical" rehabilitation.
ABS-CBN News, CNN Philippines
For ground zero IDPs in Marawi, there’s no going back
Construction workers are clearing the area that was the main battleground between government forces and extremist rebels, carting away the debris of a war that hogged international headlines two years ago.
ABS-CBN News
Family life is never the same in Marawi
Crammed inside a 24-square-meter house is how the 16 members of the family of Norhayne Dimapinggun have lived ever since their family compound was destroyed at the height of the Marawi siege two years ago.
Mindanews
Hope springs eternal as Marawi heals, rebuilds
A loud explosion from a 260-pound aerial explosive pierced through the otherwise quiet and peaceful atmosphere here at “Ground Zero” of what was once a war zone on Wednesday morning.
Manila Bulletin
Maranao group adorns marker to evoke hope in the rebuilding of Marawi
The bullet-riddled signage of this war-torn city stood proud in the middle of dilapidated buildings and piles of rubbles from demolished structures.
Manila Bulletin
Marawi IDPs get more aid as 14th Kawiyagan launched
A little goes a long way. This was the focal point of Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (now Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development) Assistant Secretary Felix J Castro Jr.’s opening speech at the 14th Kawiyagan (Livelihood) event held at the Marawi City Hall Complex on Wednesday.
Bangon Marawi
SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD
Indonesia arrests 36 terror suspects including policewomen ahead of Jokowi inauguration
At least 36 suspected militants, including two former policewomen, have been arrested in recent weeks for plotting suicide bombings and assembling explosive devices ahead of Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s inauguration for his second term this Sunday, police have said.
South China Morning Post
Red poppy to mark civilian victims of war and 'acts of terrorism'
The Royal British Legion said it had updated its definition of the remembrance symbol to be "more explicit" about its meaning. Red poppies are traditionally worn to remember those who fought in war.
BBC News
United Nations Backslides on Human Rights in Counterterrorism
Human rights and counterterrorism have been dramatically politicized and undermined at the United Nations over the past 18 months. In a spate of recent resolutions, the 47-member Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva and the General Assembly in New York have both retreated markedly from many of the hard-won normative gains in their earlier resolutions after 9/11.
Lawfare Blog
ISIS Is Already Rising From the Ashes
A U.S.-led military coalition succeeded in toppling the self-declared caliphate of the Islamic State, known as ISIS, in Iraq and Syria just this past March. Remarkably, only around 2,000 U.S. troops took part in this effort, a tiny fraction of those deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan at the heights of those wars. T
Foreign Affairs
US withdrawal from Syria makes countering ISIS more difficult
Two arguments have been puzzling for European allies in the discussion on U.S. involvement in northeast Syria — first, the idea that Syria was one of America’s “endless wars in the Middle East,” and second, the notion that Washington alone has been footing the bill for engagement in northeastern Syria.
The Hill
In West Asia, advantage Russia?
Russia’s president Vladimir Putin landed in Saudi Arabia, starting his first visit to the country after a gap of 12 years. This was a significant moment, as a few hours earlier the US had pulled its support of the Syrian Kurds, giving Turkey a green light to undertake military options against the Kurds who had spent the past few years fighting ISIS, and helping America ‘defeat’ the Islamic State’s khilafat (caliphate).
Observer Research Foundation
Trump claims Kurds are 'no angels' as he praises Turkish offensive
Donald Trump has hailed his decision to withdraw US troops in Syria, paving way for a Turkish offensive, as “strategically brilliant”, declaring that the Kurds he had abandoned were “much safer now” and were anyway “not angels”.
The Guardian
Threat from extreme rightwing terrorism in Australia has increased, Asio says
The threat from extreme rightwing terrorism in Australia has increased in recent years and will remain an “enduring threat”, according to Australia’s spy agency.
The Guardian
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BARMM
Phaseout of ARMM employees to start November
More than 500 permanent employees of the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will undergo phasing out starting November this year according to Bangsamoro Government Attorney General Sha Elijah Alba.
Bangsamoro Government, Sunstar Zamboanga
MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY
Showdown between 2 feudal MILF groups continue
The military today warned to disengage using force two feudal Moro groups whose recurring clashes since early this week have dislocated no fewer than a thousand villagers.
NDBC News
Cotabato City favors martial law extension
Unless terrorist threats are contained, the city government here said it will continue to support the imposition of martial law in Mindanao, the city legislative body said in a resolution Tuesday.
Philippine News Agency
Ampatuan seeks reopening of murder trial, says witness to recant testimony
The principal accused in the Maguindanao massacre case had asked a Quezon City court to re-open the trial on the 58 counts of murder filed against him claiming of the prosecution witness wants to recant his testimony.
Manila Bulletin
Sandiganbayan orders 90-day suspension of Ampatuan
The Sandiganbayan Sixth Division has ordered the 90-day suspension pendente lite of Shariff Saydona Mustapha Mayor Datu Sajid Islam Ampatuan of Maguindanao in light of his pending criminal charges involving the reportedly irregular repair of school buildings in Maguindanao.
Manila Bulletin, GMA News
Cotabato City officials, employees undergo drug testing
To sustain Cotabato City’s “drug cleared” status, officials, and personnel of the local government underwent a surprise and mandatory drug testing Wednesday morning.
Philippine News Agency
Maguindanao market fire engulfs 30 stalls
A fire gutted more than 30 stalls at the temporary site of the public market in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao shortly before midnight Tuesday. Engulfed by the fire were fish and vegetable stalls and small eateries, mostly made of light materials in the area. No one was reported hurt in the incident.
Philippine News Agency
NORTH COTABATO
LANAO PROVINCES
BASILAN
LOOK: Soldiers recover IEDs after Basilan clash
Government troops retrieved several improvised explosive devices (IEDs) after a clash with around 15 members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) on Tuesday morning in Barangay Calang Canas, Maluso town in Basilan province.
ABS-CBN News, Rappler, Philippine News Agency
SULU
Troops rescue abducted teacher in Jolo
Joint police and military personnel successfully rescued a teacher who was abducted in downtown Jolo, Sulu last month. Col. Pablo Labra, Sulu police director, said the victim, Rosina Singua, was rescued around 6:05 a.m. Wednesday inside Room 2 of ANR Hotel, Barangay Walled City, in the capital town of Jolo.
Philippine News Agency, Sunstar Zamboanga, Mindanao Examiner
TAWI-TAWI
PAL to introduce Zamboanga-Tawi-Tawi route Dec. 15
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is adding Zamboanga-Tawi-Tawi route along with two other domestic destinations it would launch on December 15, spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said Wednesday. At present, only Cebu Pacific services the said route. PAL will have daily flights between these two points.
Philippine News Agency
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DRUGS
Andanar sees need for stronger drug campaign after girl's slay
The appalling murder of a five-year-old girl by her drug-dependent mom emphasized the need for an intensified anti-illegal drugs campaign, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Jose Ruperto Martin Andanar said on Wednesday.
Philippine News Agency
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Gordon says Panelo should respect Senate’s ‘ninja cops’, GCTA probe
Senator Richard Gordon on Wednesday called on Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo to respect the Senate’s investigation into the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) law and the alleged anomalies in the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Manila Bulletin
Gordon wants DOJ to ‘perpetuate’ testimonies of witnesses in ‘ninja cops’ case
Senator Richard Gordon on Wednesday said he has asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to perpetuate the testimonies of the police officers in Mexico, Pampanga and some barangay officials who testified against Major Rodney Magalong and the 12 other policemen who conducted a drug buy bust in 2013.
Manila Bulletin
DILG vows to release results of ‘ninja cops’ investigation before Albayalde resigns
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has vowed to release the results of its investigation on the alleged illegal drug links of resigned Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar D. Albayalde before he retires on November 8.
Manila Bulletin
PNP-CIDG given more time to submit evidence vs ‘ninja cops’
The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) has been given more time to submit additional evidence, as well as amend the complaint it filed against 13 so-called “ninja cops” involved in the questionable 2013 illegal drugs operations in Pampanga.
Manila Bulletin
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PNP Region 8 reopens drugs cases involving cops
The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Region 8 (Eastern Visayas) has reopened the 49 drug-related cases involving law enforcers.
Philippine News Agency
Operations/ Incidents
P2.4-M shabu meant for fiesta celebration seized in Talisay City
The chief of the Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB) in Cebu has commended intelligence operatives for successfully preventing PHP2.4-million worth of illegal drugs from flooding this city during its annual fiesta celebration on Tuesday.
Philippine News Agency
P54K shabu seized, 2 suspects nabbed in Dumaguete
Police arrested two alleged drug pushers and seized some PHP54,000 worth of suspected shabu during an anti-illegal drug operation in Barangay Looc here close to midnight on Tuesday.
Philippine News Agency
Recovery and Rehabilitation
ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES AND AMMUNITION
CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
KIDNAPPING
ILLEGAL GAMBLING
ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS/ EXTORTION
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Suspended gold mine should return to Vizcaya indigenous communities - green group
The land where a suspended gold and copper mine in Nueva Vizcaya province stands should be returned to indigenous communities, an environmental group said Wednesday.
Philippine Star
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CHR: Right to work tied to freedom of movement
The people's right to work has crucial links to their freedom to travel from one place to another, according to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) amid the glitches and gridlocks plaguing Metro Manila's transport system.
GMA News
Press Freedom/ Freedom of expression
Martial Law
Sotto: DND to recommend lifting of Mindanao martial law if Duterte OKs anti-terror bill
Senate President Vicente Sotto III said Wednesday that the Senate would pass early next month a bill which aims to strengthen the government’s fight against terrorism and criminality.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Police official welcomes Oro’s exclusion in ‘selective’ martial law
A NORTHERN Mindanao police official yesterday said while martial law is instrumental in quelling violence and crimes in the region, the exclusion of Cagayan de Oro in the proposed "selective" martial law is welcomed.
Sunstar Cagayan de Oro
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PRRD to DENR, DOE: Continue monitoring power generation firms
President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday directed the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Energy (DOE) to closely monitor the power generation firms in the country.
Philippine News Agency
Duterte names Belmonte special envoy to Japan
President Duterte appointed former House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. as Special Envoy of the President to Japan for Trade and Market Access.
Manila Bulletin
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Palace takes the side of Trump vs Washington Post article
Malacañang said the Washington Post article on the phone calls made by United States President Donald Trump to world leaders, including President Duterte, bordered on rumor-mongering and showed strong negative bias against the American leader.
Manila Bulletin
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Gov’t officials dared to take ‘wheelchair challenge’
Here’s yet another dare for government officials to take following the “commuting challenge” made famous by presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo: the “wheelchair for a day challenge.”
Manila Bulletin
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
Robredo’s satisfaction rating improved in 3rd qtr of 2019 – SWS
More Filipinos have expressed satisfaction with the performance of Vice President Leni Robredo in the past three months, based on the third quarter of 2019 Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey results.
Manila Bulletin
Use technology to bolster inclusive progress – VP Leni
Vice President Ma. Leonor “Leni “Robredo on Wednesday urged businessmen to use emerging technology in their companies to bolster inclusive progress in the country.
Manila Bulletin
ELECTION RELATED
SC spokesperson clarifies PET orders; parties to comment on findings, 3 more provinces
Supreme Court (SC) spokesperson, lawyer Brian Keith Hosaka clarified two important points on the order issued by the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) on the electoral protest filed by former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Manila Bulletin
Marcos will never find recovery for his poll protest – Robredo
The move of her opponent former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to nullify election results in the three Mindanao provinces showed he failed to obtain substantial recovery of votes in the recount for his poll protest, Vice President Leni Robredo said.
Manila Bulletin
Hataman backs Robredo’s call to dismiss Marcos electoral protest
A House leader has joined the chorus of those asking the Supreme Court (SC), sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), to dismiss with finality the electoral protest of losing vice presidential candidate Bongbong Marcos against Vice President Leni Robredo.
Manila Bulletin, GMA News
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Posting of voters’ list for Compostela Valley plebiscite reset to Oct. 18
The scheduled posting of the Posted Computerized Voters List (PCVL) in connection with the December 7 plebiscite to ratify the renaming of Compostela Valley to Davao de Oro has been reset from October 8 to October 18.
Manila Bulletin
DISASTER
1 dead as magnitude 6.3 earthquake hits Cotabato
A child was killed in a strong magnitude 6.3 earthquake that hit Cotabato on Wednesday evening, October 16. The child died in a house collapse in the town of Datu Paglas, while 4 residents of nearby Tulunan town were injured when at least two other houses fell down, Tulunan Mayor Reuel Limbungan told Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Rappler, Manila Bulletin, Sunstar Davao
No tsunami threat after N. Cotabato quake – Phivolcs
There’s no threat of a tsunami following the magnitude 6.3 quake that hit North Cotabato on Wednesday night, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
PHIVOLCS: Small houses near the epicenter are more affected by earthquakes
Many people think that tall buildings can easily crumble caused by earthquakes, such as the recent 6.3 magnitude temblor that shook Southern Mindanao.
GMA News
Several Mindanao cities, towns suspend classes after quake
Local officials called off classes in the cities of Davao, Cotabato and Cotabato province to allow engineers to check the integrity of buildings following a 6.3 magnitude quake that jolted a large sweep of Mindanao at 7:37 p.m. Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
MINDANAO
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
JUDICIARY
Bersamin admits wanting to delay vote on Marcos protest vs. Robredo
Outgoing Supreme Court (SC) Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin on Wednesday admitted that wanted to delay the vote on Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s election protest against Vice President Leni Robredo. Bersamin, who will retire on Friday, he said didn't like speculations that he had the results fixed.
GMA News
LEGISLATIVE
Senate of the Philippines
Senate’s 11-man delegation attends IPU assembly in Serbia
Almost half of the 24-member Senate led by Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III is in Europe attending the 141th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) assembly in Belgrade, Serbia.
Manila Bulletin
Villar still the richest senator, De Lima poorest
Senator Cynthia Villar is still the Senate’s richest member with a net worth of P3.53 billion as of June 30, 2019.
Manila Bulletin
Senate not a contest on wealth, says Go
Did the revelation of Christopher “Bong” Go as the second poorest senator shock you? It shouldn’t, according to the former special assistant to President Duterte, as he stood by the contents of his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth (SALN) which placed him as the second poorest senator, next to detained Senator Leila de Lima.
Manila Bulletin
Villar prefers funding for research that can be applied
Senator Cynthia Villar clarified on Wednesday that she was not against research works, following the public backlash against her remarks on the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) high budget on corn study last week.
Manila Bulletin
House of Representatives
Only the president can decide for the coalition, will follow his instructions – Speaker Cayetano
Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday doused cold water to speculations that the “term sharing agreement” for the House leadership will be ignored, saying that it is only President Rodrigo Duterte who can make such decision for the existing administration coalition.
Manila Bulletin
House TWG panel approves proposed eHealth Systems and Services Act
A technical working group of the House Committee on Health approved on Wednesday a substitute bill seeking to establish the Philippine eHealth system and services using information and communications technology in the country to support the government’s implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law.
Manila Bulletin
Romualdez thanks colleagues for ‘continued compassion’; day of remembrance to be set by bill
Tingog Sinirangan partylist Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez thanked Wednesday her colleagues for approving on second reading a bill seeking to declare November 8 of every year as the “Yolanda Commemoration Day” in Eastern Visayas region.
Manila Bulletin
House health panel TWG approves ‘passport system’
A technical working group of the House Committee on Health approved on Wednesday a bill seeking to entitle all Filipino citizens to a Health Passport, which will be used during medical and dental check-ups or treatment in government or private medical institutions.
Manila Bulletin
Resolutions hailing 2 PH athletes filed at House
Two resolutions commending the country’s gold medal-winning athletes, Carlos Edriel "Caloy" Yulo and Nesthy Petecio, have been filed at the House of Representatives.
Philippine News Agency
BUDGET, FINANCE and TAXATION
BIR seeks assistance of IT experts in simplifying filing and payment of taxes
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is inviting students and other information technology enthusiasts to submit applications (apps) on simplifying the procedure of registration, filing, and payment of taxes for the convenience of taxpayers.
Manila Bulletin
Distributor of fake cigarettes fined P10M, sent to jail
A distributor of fake cigarettes based here has been sentenced to up to four years in jail by the Municipal Trial Court (MTC). MTC Branch No. 6 also slapped Adam Mangoda with a fine of almost P10 million.
Manila Bulletin
Hontiveros welcomes BIR announcement of tax free EML benefits
Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday welcomed the announcement of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) that the salary differential provision in the Expanded Maternity Leave (EML) Law is not subject to tax.
Manila Bulletin
Rural banks still banking on government support to help farmers, SMEs, amid shrinking ratios
ANKS rely on trust and risks. But because there are risks in trust, some banks are averse to, if not totally avoid, small-holding farmers and small retailers as their main clients. Some bankers would invariably use keywords or phrases such as “not profitable enough,” “higher cost” in terms of providing service or outright “risky.”
Business Mirror
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)
LGUs to push talks with PRRD on expanded IRA share
Governors and mayors are set to discuss further with President Rodrigo R. Duterte their request for the early release of the expanded Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) share of local government units (LGUs).
Philippine News Agency
DILG: Zamboanga Peninsula has most failed road-clearing assessments
One in four local governments in the Zamboanga Peninsula region failed to comply with nationwide road-clearing operations, according to the Department of Interior and Local Government's assessment and validation ratings.
Philippine Star
Makati still Philippines' richest local government unit
Makati City remained the country's wealthiest local government unit (LGU) for the second year in a row, reporting total assets of P230.833 billion in 2018. According to the 2018 Annual Financial Report on LGUs submitted by the Commission on Audit in September, Makati's assets grew by P34.26 billion from its total assets of P196.574 billion in 2017.
Rappler
DEFENSE AND SECURITY
PH Army beefing up cyber-defense capabilities
The Philippine Army (PA) continues to beef up its cyber-defense capabilities. This was emphasized during the conduct of the 2nd Gat Andres Bonifacio Colloquium on Monday, with the theme, “Building Resilience in the Age of Disruption: Strengthening the Army’s Cyber Defense Capabilities”.
Philippine News Agency
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Lacson lauds Gamboa for banning cops from playing golf on weekdays
Senator Panfilo Lacson lauded on Wednesday the order of Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge Lieutenant General Archie Gamboa prohibiting policemen from playing golf on weekdays.
Manila Bulletin
Why Internal Affairs Service wants to separate from PNP
The head of the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) is seeking separation from the Philippine National Police (PNP) amid issues of system failure in disciplining erring cops.
Manila Bulletin
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Expect more ‘girl power’ at NCRPO with Sinas at the helm
He may have established his reputation as a strict disciplinarian, but the new director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is a firm believer in girl power.
Manila Bulletin
From FEO, De Leon is new Central Visayas regional police chief
After more than two years, Brig. Gen. Valeriano de Leon finally heaved a sigh of relief after he was taken out of the Firearms and Explosive Office (FEO) to head the Central Visayas regional police.
Manila Bulletin
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PAF allots P32-M for repair of attack aircraft
The Philippine Air Force (PAF), through its Bids and Awards Committee, is allocating PHP32.98 million for the acquisition of spare parts needed for the repair and maintenance of the electrical instrument systems of one of its Rockwell OV-10 "Bronco" attack aircraft.
Philippine News Agency
ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS
PH improves global IPR protection ranking
The Philippines’ overall ranking and score in the 2019 International Property Rights Index has improved to 67th out of 129 economies covered, up from 70th out of 125 economies in 2018.
Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard
BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS
DPWH signs pact with Land Bank on easier appraisal of ROW claims
Appraisal of right-of-way (ROW) acquisitions is expected to be more seamless after the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) signed an agreement with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) seeking a faster appraisal of ROW claims.
Manila Bulletin
DPWH vows to build gender-neutral toilets in its buildings, projects
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) vowed on Wednesday that it will take the lead in constructing gender-neutral restrooms in the country in a bid to promote equality through its projects.
Manila Bulletin
OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
AUDIT, GRAFT AND CORRUPTION
ARTA names 3 agencies in ‘priority’ list for red-tape
The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) named the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and the Land Registration Authority (LRA) as the “priority agencies” that need their attention because of red-tape.
Manila Bulletin
ARTA to file case vs governor over red tape
The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) is set to file a case against a provincial governor for holding the release of permits without any valid reason.
Manila Bulletin
FOREIGN RELATIONS
Locsin suggests ‘universal boycott’ of DreamWorks movies
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Wednesday suggested a “universal” boycott of all movies being produced by American film giant DreamWorks following the controversy created by the movie “Abominable,” a full-length animation that featured China’s controversial “nine-dash-line” map in the South China Sea.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency
West Philippine Sea
China calls for peaceful dialogue after Vietnam’s leader accuses it of violating its sovereignty
Beijing has called for peaceful dialogue to resolve disputes in the South China Sea after Vietnam stepped up its rhetorical attacks, accusing Beijing of violating its sovereignty.
South China Morning Post
LABOR
No plans to repatriate OFWs in HK – DOLE
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said there are no plans yet to repatriate Filipino workers in Hong Kong. “Although it’s still…very volatile ang situation, I don’t think the situation will warrant the repatriation of overseas workers,” Bello told ABS CBN in an interview.
Manila Bulletin
TUCP poses no objection to higher monthly contributions to Pag-Ibig Fund
Labor group Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) has no objection to the proposed increase in monthly contributions for Pag-Ibig members
Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency
Jobseekers urged to apply for gov't vacancies in online fair
The Civil Service Commission (CSC) is inviting jobseekers and interested applicants to join in the first-ever Government Online Career Fair (GOCF), an online event where government agencies and jobseekers meet in a virtual environment to exchange information about job openings.
Philippine News Agency
TRANSPORTATION
Ang disagrees with proposal to reduce or suspend toll at SLEX
San Miguel Corporation President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Ramon Ang did not agree with the proposed reduction or suspension of toll at the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).
Manila Bulletin
Improvements, rehabilitation to double MRT-3’s passenger capacity
An official of the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) believes that with the necessary improvements and rehabilitation forthcoming, MRT-3’s passenger capacity could be doubled in the next two years.
Manila Bulletin
Cebu needs Duterte’s power vs. traffic crisis: prov’l dad
With the declaration that Cebu is in a traffic crisis, the Cebu Provincial Board wants President Rodrigo Duterte to exercise “extra-ordinary power” in solving road congestion in Metro Cebu.
Philippine News Agency
6 firms vie to build Clark Airport-Depot segment of PNR Clark 2
The massive North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Project continues to draw a significant number of proposals from here and abroad, as Packages 4 and 5 of the PNR Clark Phase 2 attracted one local and five international companies.
Philippine News Agency
It is an emergency
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote of the chaos installing a sewerage system would create. A couple of days later, a lane of South Luzon Expressway was closed down. Just one lane out of four that transports vehicles from the south to Manila, yet chaos ensued. Traffic was stuck for one, two, even three hours just getting past Alabang.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
HEALTH
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
Food production needs to increase by 70 percent to avoid food shortage by 2050
Senator Cynthia Villar, in time with the celebration of the World Pandesal Day, said food production in the country should be increased by 70 percent to ensure food security and avoid shortage by year 2050.
Manila Bulletin
National Nutrition Council to meet food firms to reformulate more nutritious food products
The National Nutrition Council (NNC) on Wednesday said that it is planning to set a meeting with the different food manufacturers and fast food chains to encourage them to reformulate their food products.
Manila Bulletin
DILG asks LGUs to allow sale of pork laced meat products subject to conditions
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) asked the local government units (LGUs) to allow the sale of pork laced processed meat products subject to certain conditions so as not to impede trade and commerce in the wake of the African Swine Flu (ASF) scare.
Manila Bulletin
‘Rise for Rice!’
How have we come to this? Those who produce food for us remain in penury and debt while they are perpetually being stalked by hunger that need not be.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Palay prices continue to fall
The average farm gate price of palay slid further to a new eight-year low in the fourth week of September while production of the staple had also posted a decline in the last three months, government data showed.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
EDUCATION
DepEd cites need to go beyond traditional notion of basic literacy
Recognizing the need to go beyond the traditional notion of basic literacy, the Department of Education (DepEd) continues to push for initiatives that would help improve the present condition of literacy in the country.
Manila Bulletin
Age does not matter when it comes to serving the country – Briones
Amid concerns about her health due to her age, Education Secretary Leonor Briones, who celebrates her 70th birthday Wednesday, said age does not matter when it comes to serving one’s country.
Manila Bulletin
ENERGY
Recto proposed use of gov’t share of Malampaya fund in energizing public schools, households in far-flung areas
Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto has suggested the use of the government’s share from the proceeds of the Malampaya Natural Gas Project for the installation of solar energy systems in public schools and households in the country.
Manila Bulletin
POVERTY
SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT
HOUSING
TOURISM
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
NBI probes incidents of garbage being shipped into the country
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is set to investigate allegations that a United States-based organization has been sending wastes to the Philippines garbage in the guise of medical donations.
Manila Bulletin
Mining firm halts operations in Vizcaya as LGU, NGOs continue ‘blockade’
An environmental group on Wednesday called the suspension of operations of a mining company in Nueva Vizcaya “a hard-fought victory.” Australian-Canadian company OceanaGold Corporation, in a statement on Tuesday, announced that it will have lower output following its suspension of operations at its gold and copper mine in Didipio, Nueva Vizcaya.
ABS-CBN News
Water crisis
INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY
DEVELOPMENT SECTOR
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