CJ Peralta: Judge who issued search warrants vs. activists followed rules
The Supreme Court cannot initiate an investigation on the Quezon City judge who issued search warrants that led to the arrest of some 60 activists because she followed the rules, Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta said Friday.
GMA News, ABS-CBN News, Philippine News Agency
Cops planting evidence? Sinas says militant groups could just be ‘imagining things’
For National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) acting director Police Brigadier General Debold Sinas, militant groups could just be "imagining things" when they accused cops of planting evidence during operations.
GMA News
Bishop slams arrest of activists in Negros, joins call for probe
A Catholic bishop expressed alarm on Thursday over the arrest of 62 activists in a series of raids in Bacolod City in Negros Occidental, and joined calls for an impartial investigation into perceived "irregularities" of the law-enforcement sweep.
GMA News, Sunstar Manila
NegOcc guv commends military, police for peaceful search ops
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has commended the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) for carrying out the successful and peaceful search operations in the offices of progressive groups in Bacolod City.
Philippine News Agency
AFP tells progressive groups on raids: ‘No one is above the law’
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has denied claims of “harassment” made by progressive groups, following the arrest of 57 individuals in separate raids in Negros Occidental.
The Manila Times
Planting guns as ‘evidence’an old AFP-PNP trick
On the night of Oct. 31, joint AFP-PNP security forces simultaneously raided the offices of progressive organizations in Bacolod City, including Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), Bayan Muna, Kilusang Mayo Uno, Karapatan, Gabriela, and National Federation of Sugar Workers.
Philippine Star
UP condemns crackdown on government critics
Members of the University of the Philippines (UP) community condemned the “ongoing crackdown on progressive organizations.” UP Diliman Chancellor Michael Tan joined faculty members, students and members of progressive groups in a protest action inside the UP Diliman campus, Nov. 8.
Bulatlat
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Ibon has CHR, barangay watchmen inspect premises amid alleged police harassment
Local think tank IBON Foundation on Friday had members of the Commission on Human Rights and barangay officials over inspect its offices in Quezon City in the wake of a series searches at the premises of militant groups in the country.
GMA News
Church leaders express fear over alleged Red-tagging of NCCP
Interfaith organization Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP) expressed overwhelming fear over the list of alleged “front organizations of local Communist terrorist groups (CTG)” as presented by the Department of National Defense (DND).
Manila Bulletin
Redtagging divides the nation
A whole-of-nation approach to solve the country’s ills is correct. Our societal problems are so enormous that it needs all of government and all of civil society to come together and address them. A disunited country, with anyone left behind, marginalized, or considered by the government as an enemy, will not be able to solve its problems.
Manila Standard
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No more hiding places for Reds, Parlade says
Nowhere to go. This was the reaction of Major General Antonio Parlade, of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) to Communist Party of the Philippine (CPP) founder Jose Maria "Joma" Sison's claims that rebel assassins known as "Special Partisan Units" (SPARU) will be making a comeback in key populated centers "if there is no more space for patriotic and progressive forces in urban areas".
Philippine News Agency
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Activists' mothers reminisce time with daughters
As the holidays near, the mothers of recruited students who are now full-time members of various militant groups long to claim their children back into their homes and continue schooling.
Philippine News Agency
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2 Reds yield amid relief ops for NoCot quake victims
At the height of relief operations for quake victims in North Cotabato, two combatants of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion in Matalam town on Thursday morning.
Philippine News Agency
Peace Talks
Incidents/ Operations
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MARAWI
Gov't treating Marawi residents ‘like we don't matter’ – civic group
A group of professionals and experts from Marawi aired their frustrations and grievances against the government's rehabilitation task force, slamming a lack of transparency and seeming lack of sensitivity for the plight of residents.
Rappler
OPINION: The President wasn’t joking—Marawi rehab monitors bare painful truth about slow pace of recovery
At the height of the 5-month war in Marawi City between government forces and groups influenced by the Islamic State, Saripada Pacasum Jr. was a “white helmet” first responder. Amid artillery volleys, sniper fire and block-by-block skirmishes, the volunteers risked death to rescue folks trapped in “Ground Zero,” a 240-hectare sprawl of buildings and homes where the heaviest fighting took place.
ABS-CBN News
Residents of war-torn city of Marawi decry ‘poor rehabilitation program’
Residents of the war-torn city of Marawi in the southern Philippines hit what they described as the poor implementation of the government’s rehabilitation program in the devastated area. The group Marawi Reconstruction Conflict Watch said the rebuilding and rehabilitation of Mindanao’s Islamic city is “a total mess.”
UCA News
Execs in charge of Marawi rebuilding told door closing on P4.4B in funds
The interagency Task Force Bangon Marawi has only this year to use funds allotted to rebuilding war-torn Muslim city before the door closes on some P4 billion in unreleased money, the Deoartment of Budget (DBM) said.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD
Turkey's Operation Peace Spring in northern Syria: One month on
Turkey launched a military operation across its border in northeast Syria a month ago, securing control of a large swathe of territory in the region.
Aljazeera
What Can We Learn from the US State Department’s Terrorism Report on Pakistan?
The United States Department of State recently published its annual Country Report on Terrorism. The report, which criticized Pakistan for failing to uniformly implement the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations and not taking action against regionally-focused terrorist groups, is important for several reasons.
The Diplomat
China Says Killing of Islamic State Leader Is Progress, Much Work Remains
The United States' killing of Islamic State's leader is important progress, but the world should not rest on its laurels in the fight against terrorism, China's special envoy to the Middle East said on Friday.
The New York Times
UAE outlines wide-ranging strategy against extremism
The UAE’s approach to countering extremism is much broader than taking military action and tackling online propaganda, a senior Emirati official said on Friday.
The National UAE
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NCMF urges sheiks to seek accreditation earlier for 2020 Hajj
The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) has enjoined all accredited sheiks in the country who want to participate in next year Hajj (Pilgrimage) to Saudi Arabia to apply or re-apply for accreditation with the commission earlier. It also asked intending pilgrims for 2020 to secure their passports earlier this month.
Ranao Star
BARMM
MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY
SC gives judge 30 more days to decide Maguindanao massacre case
The Supreme Court has given the Quezon City judge in charge of the Maguindanao massacre trial 30 more days to resolve the multiple murder cases over the gruesome killing of 58 people nearly 10 years ago.
GMA News, Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency, Business World Online
30 days ‘a short time to wait’ for Maguindanao Massacre decision –lawyer
The 30-day extension on the deadline for a court's decision on the Maguindanao Massacre case was a "short time" compared to the decade victims' families have waited, their lawyers and a media safety group said Friday.
GMA News
PTFoMS upbeat justice for victims of Maguindanao massacre served soon
President Rodrigo Duterte’s media security task force on Friday expressed optimism that the families of victims of the gruesome Maguindanao massacre will get justice soon despite the Supreme Court's decision to extend the deadline for the ruling on the cases.
GMA News, Philippine News Agency
Gov’t optimistic justice will still prevail for Maguindanao massacre victims
The government is still optimistic that justice will prevail for the victims of Maguindanao massacre even after Supreme Court gave a local court more time to decide on the case.
Manila Bulletin
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Magalong asks for reopening of Mamasapano probe, says ex-PNoy liable for SAF 44 deaths
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Friday joined the kin of the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) members killed in the infamous 2015 Mamasapano clash in asking the Ombudsman to reopen its investigation on the incident.
GMA News, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Star, CNN Philippines
NORTH COTABATO
LANAO PROVINCES
Marawi convenes city peace council over killings
Local authorities are alarmed over the merciless shooting of three construction workers by an unidentified assailant on Thursday in Barangay (Village) Emmie Punud just down the road of Area 1 in Barangay Sagonsongan here where more than a thousand displaced families are taking shelter.
Ranao Star
BASILAN
SULU
TAWI-TAWI
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DRUGS
No additional compensation for Robredo in new job as anti-illegal drug czar – Palace
Vice President Leni Robredo will not receive any additional compensation for her work as the country’s new anti-drug czar, a Palace official said recently.
Manila Bulletin
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Robredo to ICAD: Let's stop senseless killings in drug war
Vice President Leni Robredo on Friday called on the Inter-agency Committee Against Illegal Drugs (ICAD) to work on stopping senseless killings in the war against illegal narcotics, saying the campaign can succeed even without bloodshed.
GMA News, Manila Bulletin, Reuters, The New York Times
Robredo questions gov’t numbers on drug war but says UN intervention can wait
Vice President Leni Robredo has questioned the integrity of the government’s numbers on drug dependents but maintained that the Duterte administration should be given the chance to address drug-related killings before seeking international intervention.
GMA News, Philippine Daily Inquirer
Robredo as anti-drug czar: Will the killings stop?
As Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo stepped into her new role as the fresh face of President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, one of the biggest questions she tried to answer had been written in blood—will the killings stop?
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Illegal drugs a 'medical, sociological' issue: VP Robredo
Aside from seeing the country's illegal drug problem using the lens of crime, Vice President Leni Robredo on Friday proposed to the members of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) to also treat the issue as a "medical and sociological problem".
Philippine News Agency
PDEA, PNP assure Robredo: Anti-drug ops won’t violate the law
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have assured Vice President Leni Robredo and the public that the government’s anti-illegal drug operations will be conducted within the bounds of law.
GMA News
Co-chair challenges Robredo to join anti-drug ops; Leni accepts
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) chief Aaron Aquino has challenged his new co-chair of the Inter-agency Council on Anti-Illegal Drugs, Vice President Leni Robredo, to join an anti-drug operation.
GMA News
Solon wants part of Duterte’s intel funds reallocated to Robredo anti-drug drive
Vice President Leni Robredo will have a hard time in her new post as co-chair of the inter-agency committee against illegal drugs since ICAD does not have enough resources, Robredo’s fellow Liberal Party member and Albay representative Edcel Lagman said Friday.
GMA News, Manila Bulletin
Sinas on VP Leni's 'zero killings' in drug war: Cops need to defend selves
Vice President Leni Robredo’s push for zero killings in the war on drugs met National Capital Region Police Office OIC Brigadier General Debold Sinas' skepticism on Friday, saying police operatives need to defend themselves if armed drug suspects fight back.
GMA News, Manila Bulletin
US envoy lauds Robredo acceptance of ICAD post
United States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim on Friday congratulated Vice President Leni Robredo for accepting her appointment as co-chair of an inter-agency office tasked to lead the campaign against the trafficking and use of illegal drugs in the country.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency
Soccsksargen anti-drug units support Robredo in ICAD post
Anti-narcotics and law enforcement units in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) have expressed support to the appointment of Vice President Leni Robredo as co-chair of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD).
Philippine News Agency
Davao authorities support Robredo in anti-drug czar post
Law enforcement authorities here have expressed support to the appointment of Vice President Leni Robredo as co-chair of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) on Wednesday.
Philippine News Agency
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Pending complaint vs. Albayalde before DOJ has no effect on his retirement benefits — Banac
Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde will still enjoy his full retirement benefits, according to the spokesman of the police organization on Friday.
GMA News
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IPU-assigned Australian lawyer attends de Lima trial, laments limited access to detained senator
A prominent Australian lawyer representing the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) attended the trial of detained Senator Leila de Lima in Muntinlupa on November 8 and noted that there was limited access to her while she is in prison.
Manila Bulletin
Operations/ Incidents
BOC seizes P40.8M worth of shabu from Filipina passenger at NAIA
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Friday intercepted P40.8 million worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu from a Filipina passenger at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
GMA News, Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency
Militiaman, 6 others nabbed in Zambo anti-drug ops
A militiaman and six others were arrested in separate anti-drug operations here and in Pagadian City as the police continue the campaign against illegal drugs in the region, an official announced Friday.
Philippine News Agency
Target-listed pusher, 2 others nabbed in GenSan
Police and anti-drug operatives arrested a target-listed pusher and two other drug personalities in separate operations in two villages here on Wednesday night.
Philippine News Agency
PNP-11 reports P1.7-M drug haul in October
The Police Regional Office in Davao Region (PRO-11) has reported that its intensified campaign against illegal drugs has led to a total drug haul of PHP1.7 million in October alone.
Philippine News Agency
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Agusan Norte declared ‘drug-cleared’ province
The province of Agusan del Norte and its two cities, Butuan and Cabadbaran, were declared “drug-cleared” during the 17th meeting of the Barangay Drug Clearing Program (BDCP) of the Regional Oversight Committee (ROC) on Friday.
Philippine News Agency
ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES, AND AMMUNITION
CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING/ COUNTERFEIT GOODS
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
KIDNAPPING
ILLEGAL GAMBLING
ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS/ EXTORTION
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CHR bats for IP empowerment in business activities
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has further strengthened the protection and promotion of the rights of indigenous peoples in the context of business activities, particularly in special economic zones.
Manila Bulletin
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Press Freedom/ Freedom of expression
Andanar commends police, Palace task force on arrest of suspects in Dumaguete radio broadcaster slay
Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar on Friday welcomed the arrest of suspects in the killing of Dumaguete radio broadcaster Dindo Generoso.
GMA News, Manila Bulletin
Radio broadcaster's slay in Dumaguete proves police’s hand in PHL media killings —NUJP
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) on Friday said the killing of Dumaguete radio broadcaster Dindo Generoso proves the involvement of police officers in many media killings in the country.
GMA News
CHR condemns ambush-slay of Dumaguete radioman
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has condemned the ambush of Dumaguete-based radio broadcaster Dindo Generoso by unidentified riding-in-tandem gunmen Friday.
Manila Bulletin
EDITORIAL - Murder in Dumaguete
On Nov. 2, All Souls’ Day in this country, the world marked International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. Last Thursday morning in Dumaguete City, broadcaster Dindo Generoso was driving his car on his way to work when two men on a motorcycle opened fire.
Philippine Star
Martial Law
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Let Robredo do her work, refrain from pre-judging her – Palace tells public
The post of anti-drug czar may be a make or break opportunity for Vice President Leni Robredo, but the public should refrain from prejudging her and, instead, give her a chance to prove her mettle, according to a Palace official.
Manila Bulletin, GMA News
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
ELECTION RELATED
Overseas voter registration for May 2022 polls starts Dec. 16
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said the overseas voter registration for the May 2022 polls will start on December 16. Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said the registration period will run until September 30, 2021.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency
DISASTER
Magnitude 5.1 earthquake rocks Eastern Visayas
A magnitude 5.1 earthquake rocked the central Philippine province of Eastern Samar on Friday, according PHIVOLCS. The temblor, which was tectonic in origin and has a depth of 003 kilometers, was located at 10.74N, 125.66E - 033 km S 12° W of Guiuan. It occurred at 1:31 p.m.
GMA News
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URGENT APPEAL: My personal experience of the earthquakes in Kidapawan and surrounding towns
On October 16, 2019, our Bishop and all the clergy and a large crowd gathered for the dedication of the Kidapawan Cathedral which was renovated with paintings, stained glasses and a magnificent display of Saints like a vision of heaven.
Mindanews
Quake-hit areas flooded with food aid
The humanitarian response to the displacements caused by the series of earthquakes that hit North Cotabato since October 16, 2019 had been enormous, officials said yesterday.
Philippine News Agency
Makati to donate P24-million financial aid to quake-stricken LGUs in Mindanao
The Makati City government will donate P24-million financial assistance to local government units (LGUs) severely affected by the series of earthquakes that struck Mindanao, Mayor Abigail “Abby” Binay announced on Friday.
Manila Bulletin
PSE, SM Foundation extend aid to quake victims
Operation Tulong Express", organized by SM Foundation, Inc. in partnership with the Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. (PSE), arrived here Thursday, extending relief assistance to nine earthquake-stricken towns. SM Foundation vice president Cristie Angeles said the partnership with PSE is part of SM's program to distribute relief aid around the country in times of disaster.
Philippine News Agency
Chinese consul leads aid delivery for Digos City
The People's Republic of China has sent a team to deliver truckloads of assistance to earthquake victims here through its consul-general on Friday.
Philippine News Agency
Pacquiao distributes aid to NoCot quake victims
Senator Manny Pacquiao and wife Jinkee distributed Friday relief goods to quake victims in one of the hardest-hit villages here. Accompanied by his brother, OFW Party-list Rep. Bobby Pacquiao, the senator and his party arrived here shortly before noon and first met with Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph Evangelista in Barangay Ilomavis..
Philippine News Agency
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Kidapawan businesses lose P3 billion to quakes
Economic losses due to the powerful quakes which hit Mindanao last month was initially estimated at P3 billion in Kidapawan City alone. Psalmer Bernalte of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said the closure of commercial establishments to allow authorities to assess the damage and check the structural integrity of buildings was a big factor in the losses.
Philippine Star
DOLE to inspect quake-hit firms, may order work stoppage
THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) might issue work stoppage orders to businesses that fail in the occupational health and safety (OSH) inspections to be conducted in earthquake-hit structures in Mindanao.
Sunstar Manila
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Yolanda survivors to gov’t: Don’t relocate us to ‘death zone’
Around 100 survivors of super typhoon Yolanda on Friday held a protest rally in front of the National Housing Authority (NHA) office in Quezon City to decry the government’s “anomalous” resettlement projects as they commemorate the disaster’s sixth anniversary.
GMA News
Culion IPs yet to receive aid six years after Yolanda hit
The devastation of Tacloban City easily comes to mind of many when super typhoon Yolanda is mentioned but indigenous peoples from Culion in Palawan have their own stories about the strongest cyclone to hit the Philippines.
GMA News
All ‘Yolanda’ housing to be finished by 2020: Cabsec
The central government is eyeing to complete next year all housing projects intended for super typhoon Yolanda survivors, Cabinet Secretay Karlo Alexei Nograles said here on Friday.
Philippine News Agency
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Palace says occurrence of natural disasters now ‘new normal’
The government has vowed to continue to build safe, adaptive and disaster-resilient communities following the lessons learned from the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda six years ago.
Manila Bulletin
Palace: Creating disaster-resilient communities a ‘collective responsibility’
Building resilient disaster-resilient communities is a shared responsibility, Malacañang said Friday, as the nation commemorated the sixth anniversary of Super Typhoon Yolanda.
GMA News
MINDANAO
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
JUDICIARY
Chief Justice Peralta denies favoring Marcoses
Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta on Friday denied he has been favoring the Marcoses, assuring the public that he will vote on former senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr.'s election protest objectively.
GMA News
Chief Justice wants security force for judges patterned after US Marshals
Following the recent killings of a judge and a former magistrate, Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta on Friday said he was envisioning a security force for the protection of judges much like the United States' Marshals Service.
GMA News, Philippine News Agency
LEGISLATIVE
Senate of the Philippines
Lacson contradicts Cayetano claim that budget bicam would be a circus
Senator Panfilo Lacson on Friday contradicted House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano's assertion that an open bicameral conference committee deliberation on the proposed P4.1-trillion national budget for 2020 would turn into a “circus."
GMA News
Senate urged to pass Yolanda Commemoration Day bill
House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez and Tingog party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Kittilstvedt Romualdez urged on Wednesday the Senate leadership to shepherd the immediate approval of a bill declaring November 8 of every year as the “Yolanda Commemoration Day” in Eastern Visayas.
Manila Bulletin
Cayetano bats for higher sin tax on alcohol to discourage binge drinking
Senator Pia Cayetano on Friday said imposing higher sin taxes would discourage binge drinking among Filipinos which she claimed has already reached alarming levels.
Manila Bulletin
Lapid bill seeks to expedite process for women to revert to maiden surnames after end of marriage
Women should be allowed to revert to their maiden surname without the “tedious and expensive” court process associated with it, Senator Manuel ‘’Lito’’ Lapid said Friday.
Manila Bulletin
Revilla wants cash incentives for 80 – 90 years old
Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. is seeking to grant cash incentives to senior citizens aged 80 and 90 by amending the Centenarians Act of 2016.
Manila Bulletin
Solon wants review of Magna Carta for public school teachers
The chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture is eyeing to file a resolution seeking an oversight review of the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers to address the issues on their salaries and working conditions.
Philippine News Agency
House of Representatives
Solon wants congressional probe into politics, power play in PH sports
Politics and power play affecting the country’s sports development program will continue to deprive the Philippines of international honors, a senior administration lawmaker warned as he sought a congressional inquiry into the issue.
Manila Bulletin
BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION
CTA sends to jail city bus operator for filing false tax returns
The Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) has sent to jail for up to eight years a Metro Manila bus operator for filing false income tax returns (ITR) in 2008 and 2009.
Manila Bulletin
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)
91 NorMin LGUs receive 'Child-Friendly' award
Ninety-one towns and cities in Northern Mindanao region were conferred the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance for 2018 by the regional office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Friday.
Philippine News Agency
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
DOJ grants refugee status to Iranian beauty queen
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has granted refugee status to Iranian beauty queen Bahareh Zare Bahari, who has been staying at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 since October 17.
Manila Bulletin, Rappler
DEFENSE AND SECURITY
Armed Forces of the Philippines
PHL Navy's second missile frigate launched in South Korea
The Philippine Navy's second missile-capable frigate was launched at sea for the first time during a ceremony in Ulsan, South Korea on Friday.
GMA News
Another cadet dies at PMA, body found in swimming pool
A Philippine Military Academy (PMA) plebe drowned in the school's swimming pool on Friday, PMA spokesperson Captain Cheryl Tindog has said.
GMA News
Philippine National Police
Sans traditional retirement honors, Albayalde turns in his badge
Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, General Oscar Albayalde officially retired from service on Friday upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 without the traditional retirement honors.
Manila Bulletin
40 cops relieved from posts due to corruption
Forty personnel from the Philippine National Police's Civil Security Group (CSG), Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (SOSIA) and Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) were relieved from their posts due to alleged corruption.
GMA News, Philippine News Agency
Almost 23K applicants to take PNPA exam on Nov. 10
More than 22,000 applicants are set to take the Philippine National Police Academy Cadet Admission Test (PNPACAT) on Sunday. In a press briefing Friday, PNPA Dean of Academics Brig. Gen. Jon Arnaldo, reported that 22,753 applicants will take this year's examination compared to last year's 12,301 examinees.
Philippine News Agency
PNPA to implement squad system strictly to prevent hazing incidents
The Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) will adhere more closely to the squad system after a fourth class cadet was recently brought to the hospital for injuries allegedly caused by hazing.
GMA News
ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS
US investor confidence PHL ‘very high’, Filipino diplomat says
Investor confidence on the Philippines is “very high” among American businessmen as the Duterte administration pursues business-friendly reforms, a senior Philippine official said Thursday.
GMA News
Villanueva hoping higher GDP growth rate to translate into more jobs for Filipinos
Senator Joel Villanueva is hoping that the growth of the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) would result to more jobs for Filipinos.
Manila Bulletin
Spending catch-up plan crucial in meeting full-year GDP growth target – Angara
Senate Finance Committe chair Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara on Friday said the Duterte government’s “spending catch-up plan” will be key in meeting the country’s full-year gross domestic product (GDP) growth target of 6 to 7 percent.
Manila Bulletin
BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS
DPWH opens P718 million Quezon bypass road
A six-kilometer bypass road in Lopez, Quezon, which is expected to ease traffic along the Manila South Road-Daang Maharlika Highway, was opened to motorists yesterday.
Philippine Star
OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION
FOREIGN RELATIONS
DFA defends conferment of diplomatic merit to Zhao
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Friday defended the awarding of the Order of Sikatuna to outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Manila Zhao Jianhua, adding he was the one who proposed the conferment.
Philippine News Agency
West Philippine Sea
China hopes Vietnam does not ‘complicate’ South China Sea issue
China called on Vietnam on Friday not to "complicate" the South China Sea issue, after a senior official in Vietnam said it could explore legal action, among various options, in its territorial dispute with China over the waters.
GMA News
Jackie Chan cancels Vietnam charity visit after South China Sea backlash
Martial arts film star Jackie Chan’s planned visit to Vietnam for a charity has been cancelled following an online backlash related to Beijing’s expansive claims in the disputed South China Sea.
South China Morning Post
LABOR
CBCP raises alarm over rising number of child laborers
An official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) raised alarm over reports that over 7,000 child laborers were profiled by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the National Capital Region.
Manila Bulletin
PH consulate conducts forum for Filipinos living, working in Milan
The Philippine Consulate General in Milan, together with a local law firm, has jointly organized a public forum to provide Filipinos living or working there with relevant information pertaining to their legal concerns on immigration, accidents and even medical malpractices.
Manila Bulletin
TRANSPORTATION
DOTr rolls out modern PUVs in Parañaque City
A new set of modern public utility vehicles (PUVs) in Metro Manila were rolled out in Parañaque City on Thursday.
Manila Bulletin
HEALTH
DOJ set to conclude preliminary probe in 4th batch of Dengvaxia raps
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is expected to wrap up this December its preliminary investigation over the fourth batch of complaints concerning those who received shots of the anti-dengue vaccine Dengvaxia.
Manila Bulletin
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
No price hike for 134 Noche Buena products –DTI
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reported that a total of 134 Noche Buena products have maintained its prices while six products have lower prices this 2019 compared to last year’s suggested retail price (SRP) list.
Manila Bulletin
EDUCATION
DepEd to give national recognition to exemplary ALS teachers, coordinators
In line with its efforts to boost the morale of its personnel assigned in the implementation of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) program, the Department of Education (DepEd) is set to give national recognition to select ALS mobile teachers and coordinators who have shown exemplary performance in the promotion of the program.
Manila Bulletin
DepEd enjoins schools to take part in 2019 Nat’l Children’s Month celebration
The Department of Education (DepEd) enjoined all private and public elementary and secondary schools to undertake activities in line with the celebration of the 2019 National Children’s Month (NCM) this November.
Manila Bulletin
TESDA probes ‘ghost’ training, trainees in Soccsksargen
An official of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) warned of hefty sanctions on Friday against schools found with “ghost training and ghost trainees.”
Philippine News Agency
ENERGY
POVERTY
Solons chide NAPC for crafting 41-page IRR for 10-page Magna Carta of the Poor
Caloocan City first district Rep. Dale “Along” Malapitan has directed the National Anti-Poverty Commission’s (NAPC) to fix its draft implementing rules and regulations or IRR for the Magna Carta of the Poor Act after its authors in the House of Representatives highlighted its glaring flaws.
Manila Bulletin
SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT
HOUSING
TOURISM
International tourist arrivals in PH reach more than 6 million – DOT
The number of international tourist arrivals in the country has already reached more than six million, the Department of Tourism (DOT) reported on Friday.
Manila Bulletin
DOT welcomes inclusion of Cebu in UNESCO Network of Creative Cities
The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Friday welcomed the inclusion of Cebu City in the list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Network of Creative Cities.
Manila Bulletin
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Villar welcomes initiative to ban single-use plastics in PH
Senator Cynthia Villar welcomed on Friday the Duterte administration’s reported plan to ban single-use plastics in the country.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency
EcoWaste Coalition asks Congress to pass bills on prevention of plastic pollution
Environmental group EcoWaste Coalition asked the Senate and Congress to prioritize the passing of pending plastic pollution prevention bills on the heels of President Duterte’s recent pronouncement regarding the possibility of banning plastics in the country.
Manila Bulletin
Shun single use plastic – bishop
A Catholic prelate said Filipinos should start shunning single use plastic and not wait anymore for a law formally banning it.
Manila Bulletin
DENR official says swimming could remain banned on Manila Bay until next year
Manila Bay won’t be open for swimming until next year. This after Assistant Secretary Gilbert Gonzales of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) admitted that the rehabilitation of Manila Bay has encountered delays.
Manila Bulletin
Water crisis
INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Broadcast media should disseminate truthful info, prevent spread of lies – PCOO chief
Given their capability to influence public sentiment, broadcast media should help disseminate truthful information and prevent the spread of “invented facts,” according to Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar.
Manila Bulletin
PH, China seek stronger media ties: PCOO
Amid improving relations between the Philippines and China, the two countries have agreed to further enhance cooperation in the media sector, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar said on Thursday.
Philippine News Agency
Animated film might taint Lapu-Lapu’s heroic legacy, says solon
Agusan del Norte 1st district Rep. Lawrence Fortun has called on the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to conduct a thorough review of a foreign animated film that could potentially “bastardize” the legacy of Philippine hero Lapu-Lapu.
Manila Bulletin
DEVELOPMENT SECTOR
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