Bulletproof glass panel installed for Duterte’s protection at Manila event
President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday spoke behind a bulletproof glass panel at an event in Manila following a government report that he was on the so-called “hit list” of communist rebels.
GMA News, Philippine Daily Inquirer
CPP has no “hit list”
National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr.’s hype of an alleged “NPA hit list” only aims to sow intrigue in order to sabotage the planned resumption of formal peace talks. Together with fellow peace antagonists Delfin Lorenzana of the Department of National Defense and DILG’s Eduardo Año, Esperon is adamant in adhering to GRP President Rodrigo Duterte’s statement to resume the peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.
Communist Party of the Philippines, GMA News, CNN Philippines,
-------------------------------------
PRRD nixes coalition gov’t with communists
President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Friday rejected the idea of forming a coalition government with the communist movement, despite his plan to revive the moribund peace talks with its political wing, the National Democratic Front (NDF).
Philippine News Agency
Don’t be swayed by communist ideology, Duterte tells youth
President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday asked Filipino youth not to be swayed by the communist rebels’ ideology which he called “barat” — that is, stingy.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, GMA News
-------------------------------------
QC ops 'devastating blow' to communist movement: AFP
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday called the recent successful neutralization of two ranking leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) in Quezon City as a devastating blow to the communist movement.
Philippine News Agency
-------------------------------------
Borongan blast death toll climbs to 4
The death toll from the New People’s Army’s (NPA) attack on policemen on December 13 has climbed to four after a mother succumbed to head fracture Wednesday night. The Borongan City information office identified the latest casualty as Mary Grace Rapada, 44, of San Isidro village, San Julian town.
Philippine News Agency
-------------------------------------
Eastmincom notes fewer atrocities committed by CPP-NPA in 2019
Atrocities committed by communist-terrorist groups (CTGs) in Eastern Mindanao were down to just nine for the fourth quarter of 2019 compared to the 45 atrocities committed in the first quarter of 2018, the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) said on Friday.
GMA News
32 AFP, Cafgu dead since January 2019
THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported a total of 17 soldiers and 15 members of the Cafgu Active Auxiliary who died during encounters against the communist armed group in the area of Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) from January to December of 2019.
Sunstar Davao
-------------------------------------
Trauma haunts Lumad students after attacks on their community
Sixteen-year-old Chricelyn Empong, a Lumad student from Mindanao, came to watch the University of the Philippines (UP) lantern parade in Diliman on Friday, December 13.
Rappler
-------------------------------------
Baguio activists seek protection
RIGHTS advocates and activists in Baguio City are asking Mayor Benjamin Magalong for help. On the heels of pronouncements on safety of activists in the city, groups met with Magalong’s chief of staff, Philip Puzon, to seek help on issues on red tagging, security and understanding.
Sunstar Baguio, Philippine Daily Inquirer
-------------------------------------
Government programs, military operations lure more CPP-NPA to go down, lay down firearms
The government’s sincere efforts to end the country’s insurgency problem through its whole of a nation approach that underscored enhanced programs on livelihood, remunerations for surrendered firearms, and relentless military operations are gaining grounds, attracting more CPP-NPA rebels to come down mostly in groups—further confirming their end is at hand.
Kalinaw News
CNT mass surrender in Caraga continues
In the mid of Christmas celebration, another 491 NPA regulars, Militia ng Bayan (MB) and Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) members heed the call of ending insurgency by abandoning their belief in armed struggle as they embrace a peaceful life through massive surrender to the Community Support Teams of the Army units in CARAGA from December 10-15 this year.
Kalinaw News
Gov’t gives P365-K aid to former rebels in NegOcc
A total of PHP365,000 in various assistance has been released by the government to former rebels (FRs) in Negros Occidental through the government’s Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
Philippine News Agency
Military, police officials act as godparents for ex-rebels' kid
Shaira Mae B. Perez, daughter of former members of the New People’s Army (NPA), was baptized on Friday at the Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry Division Headquarters, in this sprawling camp with some military and police officials standing as godparents of the child.
Philippine News Agency
Peace Talks
131 House members back revival of peace talks with Reds
The militant Makabayan Bloc led the filing of a cross-party resolution backing the potential resumption of peace talks between the government and Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NDFP).
Manila Bulletin, Rappler, ABS-CBN News, Philippine Star
Incidents/ Operations
Another minor victim of NPA recruitment dies in Misamis Oriental
One New Peoples Army (NPA) member was killed during the encounter between the 58th Infantry Battalion (IB), Philippine Army and about five NPAs of Platoon PPH, Sub-Regional Committee 1 (SRC1), North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC) in an inhabited hinter area of Mt. Balatukan in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental last December 19, 2019.
Kalinaw News
2 NPA ‘militiamen’ nabbed in Surigao Sur
Police have arrested two alleged members of the Militia ng Bayan of Guerrilla Front 19 of the New People’s Army (NPA) in separate operations in Surigao del Sur on Thursday. In a statement on Friday, the Police Regional Office in Caraga Region (PRO-13) identified the suspects as Antonio Vasquez Lamigo, 71, and Bebelito Luna Lozala, 46.
Philippine News Agency
|
|
MARAWI
Marawi youth create unique earrings to build hope
Jalalodin Mustari is a Marawi native, one of many internally displaced persons (IDPs) of the city, the capital of Lanao del Sur, after the five-month-long armed conflict between government forces and the Maute group.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD
Investigation finds Washington state representative took part in 'domestic terrorism'
A Republican state lawmaker in Washington is accused of participating "in an act of domestic terrorism against the United States," according to a new report released Thursday by the Washington State House Republicans on their website.
CNN, CBS News, The New York Times
Turkey Detains Pro-Kurdish Mayor on Suspected Terrorism Links
Turkish authorities on Friday detained a mayor from the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) due to suspected links to Kurdish militants, a security source said, the latest in a crackdown on mayors from the party since elections this year.
The New York Times, Reuters
The London Bridge knife attacker was a bad risk for release. Here’s why.
Less than a month ago, London endured another terrorist attack. Wielding two knives and wearing a fake suicide vest, Usman Khan killed two people and injured three others.
The Washington Post
U.S. to Ramp Up Counterterrorism Efforts in Sahel Region
The Trump administration is preparing to create a new special envoy position and task force to deal with security threats in the Sahel region of Africa, reflecting a growing alarm in Washington about the rise of extremist groups in West Africa, including ones affiliated with the Islamic State.
Foreign Policy
China urges EU parliament to drop double standards on anti-terrorism
China's foreign ministry said on Friday the European Parliament should abandon its double standards on anti-terror and instead to inject positive energy into the development of China-EU relations.
CGTN, France24
After Visiting Xinjiang, Pakistani Writer Muhammad Amir Rana Says China's Policy On Uyghur Muslims Is 'Supremacism' With 'Little Space For Accepting Diversity'
After Visiting Xinjiang, Pakistani Writer Muhammad Amir Rana Says China's Policy On Uyghur Muslims Is 'Supremacism' With 'Little Space For Accepting Diversity'
The Middle East Media Research Institute
Ex-soldier charged with Syria-related terrorism offences
A former soldier has appeared in court charged with terrorism offences for allegedly plotting to join Kurdish militia fighting in Syria and Iraq. Daniel Burke, 32, from Manchester, was remanded in custody at Westminster Magistrates' Court on two counts of preparing acts of terrorism.
BBC News
|
|
Dimaporo calls for deployment of more troops as soon as martial law is lifted in Mindanao
With martial law expected to be lifted starting next month, Lanao del Norte Rep. Khalid Dimaporo is calling on government to deploy additional military personnel in certain localities in Mindanao, especially in terrorists-infested areas.
Manila Bulletin
BARMM
BARMM pushes for quality education and advanced skills development in the region
The Bangsamoro Government's Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) is set to create a complete and integrated system of quality education and skills development in the Bangsamoro region.
NDBC News
P 2.5 M each for 30 BARMM LGUs for topping SGLG awards
Thirty awards of provincial and municipal recognition have sent the Bangsamoro to the country's top five and the first in Mindanao's list of winning regions of the Seal of Good Local Governance and the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Government.
NDBC News
How a survey zooms in
The special feature of the most recent Social Weather Survey is that it gives the Bangsamoro people statistical visibility, equal to the people in the National Capital Region (NCR), the Balance of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao (“Third Quarter 2019 Social Weather Survey Special Sample for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM),” www.sws.org.ph, 12/17/19).
Philippine Daily Inquirer
MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY
Massacre victims’ families to monitor convicted murderers’ appeals to higher courts
For the families of the victims of the Maguindanao massacre, their quest for justice is not yet over despite the conviction of some of the principal accused in the case. Elliver Cablitas, husband of newspaper publisher Maritess Cablitas who was one of the 32 journalists killed in the massacre, said they will continue to monitor updates of the case as the convicted accused belonging to the Ampatuan clan are expected to appeal their case before the higher court.
Manila Bulletin, GMA News, Rappler
Ampatuans must pay victims’ kin P155.6 million
Heirs or next of kin of the victims of the Maguindanao massacre are entitled to damages ranging from P926,000 to P12.6 million as part of the guilty verdict on the main perpetrators of the crime, particularly members of the Ampatuan clan.
Philippine Star
Legal options cited to challenge ruling in Maguindanao case
Government prosecutors and those convicted in the 2009 Maguindanao massacre cases have legal options to challenge the partial consolidated decision handed down last Thursday by Quezon City regional trial court (RTC) Judge Jocelyn A. Solis Reyes.
Manila Bulletin, GMA News
Roque on Sajid Islam Ampatuan: I'm sure karma will run after him
Lawyer Harry Roque, one of the prosecutors in the Maguindanao massacre case, on Friday lamented the acquittal of Sajid Islam Ampatuan, one of the principal accused in the high profile case.
GMA News
Ex-henchman’s testimony key to Ampatuans’ doom
In a trial that lasted nearly a decade, one witness account was key to establishing the elaborate murder plot hatched by the powerful Ampatuan clan that led to the killing of 58 people, some of whom were hurriedly buried in common graves dug by a backhoe at a hilly village in Maguindanao province, according to the court’s ruling.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
-------------------------------------
Legal options on Momay case: difficult to reopen because of ‘double jeopardy’ but ruling can be appealed
Relatives of the 58th victim of the 2009 Maguindanao massacre will have to put up a grueling fight against the Quezon City Regional Trial Court’s (RTC) decision to exclude his case in the conviction Thursday of the 28 suspects accused for the crime.
Manila Bulletin
Bad forensics hit over missing 58th Maguindanao massacre victim
The prosecution’s failure to account for a 58th victim in the Ampatuan massacre can be blamed on bad forensics, according to an expert who said she found a contaminated crime scene in Maguindanao province 10 years ago.
ABS-CBN News
-------------------------------------
Loved ones welcome home acquitted personalities from Maguindanao massacre
After spending several years in detention, some of the accused who have been acquitted from the Maguindanao massacre case were finally reunited with their loved ones again.
GMA News
SUMMARY: Why many were acquitted, some convicted in Ampatuan massacre
How did Quezon City Judge Jocelyn Solis Reyes come up with different rulings applied to 99 individuals allegedly involved in the grisly Ampatuan massacre on November 23, 2009?
Rappler
[ANALYSIS] What the Ampatuan massacre verdict did not – and could not – address
For a nation starving for justice, the non-parole reclusion perpetua conviction of the masterminds in the 2009 slaughter of 58 Filipinos, including 32 journalists, in the town of Ampatuan, Maguindanao, merits a collective sigh of relief. Imagine all the symbolism that goes with it: a heavily armed and feared clan bowing to the judgment of a female judge under an administration that promotes fear, violence, and the rape of law.
Rappler
Judge Reyes rules Maguindanao massacre planned
43 of the 101 accused convicted in the Maguindanao massacre case. They include the masterminds Ampatuan brothers, Datu Unsay and Zaldy, their other siblings Sajid was acquitted. How did Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes come up with the ruling?
CNN Philippines
Reading Judge Solis-Reyes’ decision
I have not read the entire decision of Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes, presiding judge in the Maguindanao Massacre case. It is 761 pages long. If you want to try, Reader, you can access it on Rappler. But I will plow through it to the end. I have reached p. 370. In the meantime, let me share my general impressions.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
-------------------------------------
PRO-12 vows to protect kin of Ampatuan massacre victims
Police authorities in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) assured on Friday that they are ready to provide security to the families of Ampatuan massacre victims in case they receive any threats.
Philippine News Agency
PNP allows cops acquitted in Maguindanao massacre to be reinstated
The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Friday that the policemen who were acquitted in the infamous Maguindanao massacre will be allowed to go back to active police service.
Manila Bulletin
No automatic reinstatement for cops acquitted in Maguindanao massacre case —PNP
Police officers who were acquitted of multiple murder in connection with the November 2009 Maguindanao massacre will not be automatically reinstated in the police force, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday.
GMA News, Manila Standard
Hunt down massacre fugitives – solon
There’s still one major task left to do concerning the Maguindanao Massacre case — catching the estimated 80 of the accused that are still free.
Manila Bulletin
EDITORIAL- Get the rest of them
The first phase of the quest for justice in the Maguindanao massacre has been concluded, with the conviction of the principal perpetrators of the atrocity. The convicts have been sentenced to life in prison and ordered to pay the victims’ heirs a total of over P155.6 million.
Philippine Star
-------------------------------------
Ampatuans, other convicts under tight security at Bilibid
The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) said members of the Ampatuan clan and other convicts in the Maguindanao massacre case are now tightly guarded at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa.
Manila Bulletin
-------------------------------------
Canada joins US, UK in welcoming verdict on Maguindanao massacre case
Canada on Friday joined the international community in welcoming the resolution of the murder trial against the perpetrators of the Maguindanao massacre which resulted in the death of 58 people, including 32 journalists, in November 2009.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency
Andanar: Ampatuan massacre verdict shows gov’t does not tolerate media killings
Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the result of the promulgation of the Ampatuan Massacre exemplified the dedication of the Philippine government to punish those who perpetrate crimes against the media.
Manila Bulletin
IBP: Maguindanao massacre case a lesson of accountability
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on Friday welcomed the resolution of the Maguindanao massacre case even as it called for improvements to the country’s justice system.
GMA News
Marcos now favors death penalty for ‘brutal, inhuman’ crimes
Senator Imee R. Marcos said on Friday Congress should reconsider the revival of the death penalty ‘’for crimes of an unimaginable level of brutality and inhumanity as in the Ampatuan massacre.’’
Manila Bulletin
-------------------------------------
-------------------------------------
4 IS-linked BIFF leaders surrender to Army
After months of running away from intense military pursuit operations, four subleaders of the Islamic State (IS)-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered to authorities on Dec. 19.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine News Agency, Philippine Star, NDBC News
NORTH COTABATO
LANAO PROVINCES
BASILAN
1st ever ice plant in Basilan's fishing capital rising
This is good for the fishery sector in the now markedly peaceful island province of Basilan. Thousands of residents in Maluso town, fishing capital of Basilan, are to benefit from the first ever P20 million worth ice plant project of the provincial government that municipal officials are to help put up via counterpart fund and technical support.
NDBC News
SULU
TAWI-TAWI
|
|
DRUGS
DOJ hopes to release resolution on sedition case vs Robredo, other respondents next month
The Department of Justice (DOJ) will hopefully release this January the resolution on the sedition complaint filed against Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo and her co-respondents over their alleged involvement in the “Ang Totoong Narcolist” viral videos which is believed to be part of a destabilization plot against President Rodrigo Duterte
Manila Bulletin
-------------------------------------
5 get life imprisonment for P600-M shabu shipment
Five people, including a pregnant woman, have been convicted for transporting PHP600 million worth of illegal drugs to Samar province two months ago.
Philippine News Agency
Operations/ Incidents
Recovery and Rehabilitation
ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES, AND AMMUNITION
CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING/ COUNTERFEIT GOODS
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
KIDNAPPING
ILLEGAL GAMBLING
ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS/ EXTORTION
|
|
Aetas from Tarlac give 10,000 kilos of sweet potatoes as Christmas gifts to Baseco residents
Few days before Christmas, a group of Aetas from Tarlac traveled all the way to the city to give sacks of sweet potatoes as gifts to residents of Baseco, Manila on Friday. The sacks of sweet potatoes given by the Aetas as Christmas gifts totaled to 10,000 kilos, according to a "24 Oras" report by Arnold Clavio.
GMA News
|
|
Pope’s lifting of secrecy in sexual abuse hailed
A Catholic prelate said on Friday Pope Francis’ lifting of the “pontifical secret” in cases of sexual abuse is “a positive step.” “It is a positive step to protect children, to prevent further or future abuses, and to render justice for those who have been victims,” Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos said in an interview.
Manila Bulletin
2019 is a year for women and health – Hontiveros
Despite challenges, Senator Risa Hontiveros said she believes 2019 is still a year for women and health, noting the passage of landmark laws for women’s rights and better health services this year.
Manila Bulletin
Press Freedom/ Freedom of expression
Andanar rallies Baguio journos to support media security bill
Presidential Communications and Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Friday urged media practitioners in Baguio to support the media security and welfare bill pending before the Congress this year.
Philippine News Agency
Martial Law
|
|
|
93% of Filipinos to welcome 2020 'with hope': Pulse Asia
Hope among majority of Filipinos in the coming 2020 remains high, despite several issues that confronted the country this year, according to the latest survey released by pollster Pulse Asia on Friday.
Philippine News Agency, Rappler
Nearly half of Filipinos optimistic of a more prosperous Christmas this year
Nearly half of Filipinos are optimistic that the coming Christmas day will be more prosperous for them and their families, the latest Pulse Asia Research survey showed.
Manila Bulletin
--------------------------------------
Duterte’s approval rating surges to 87%
President Duterte’s approval rating further improved in December, the latest Pulse Asia survey revealed. In the December survey, the President’s approval rating jumped by nine percentage points to 87 percent, from 78 percent last September, while disapproval rating declined by three percentage points from eight percent to five percent.
Manila Bulletin
Palace welcomes Duterte’s 87 percent approval rating
Malacañang was delighted with President Rodrigo Duterte’s high approval rating in the Pulse Asia Survey for the fourth quarter of 2019, saying the results reflect the people’s satisfaction with the government’s commitment to service.
Manila Bulletin
69% of Filipinos believe infrastructure improved under Duterte
Majority of Filipinos believe that the country’s infrastructure improved during President Duterte’s administration, latest Pulse Asia survey showed.
Manila Bulletin
--------------------------------------
Duterte vows never to answer to ICC
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte dared the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday to jail him or hang him over alleged extrajudicial killings in his war on drugs, but said he would refuse to cooperate with foreigners if put on trial.
GMA News, Philippine Daily Inquirer
'Inspired by China,' Duterte orders daily military drills for Rizal
Inspired by China, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered on Friday, December 20, the Armed Forces of the Philippines to perform daily military drills honoring national hero Jose Rizal.
Rappler
--------------------------------------
Biggest controversies Duterte faced in 2019
The year 2019 was a mixed one for President Rodrigo Duterte. He marked the midway point of his presidency with his highest-ever satisfaction ratings. His allies swept the senatorial elections, cementing his hold on the legislative branch and proving he’s no lameduck president yet. The year started on a positive note too, with the inauguration of the Bangsamoro region, a major campaign promise of Mindanao’s most famous politician.
Rappler
We got your back, Mr. President!
Well, one would’ve thought that the failed media blitz to spoil the country’s hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games is as good as it gets for the anti-administration black propaganda efforts to attract international attention.
Manila Standard
--------------------------------------
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
Robredo calls for unity, cooperation to help calamity-affected Filipinos this Christmas
Vice President Leni Robredo on Friday called for unity and cooperation to help the families affected by the recent spate of calamities that hit the country.
Manila Bulletin
ELECTION RELATED
DISASTER
Liquefaction sank Davao Sur building
Science Undersecretary Renato Solidum stressed the need to follow the building code in putting up structures in areas like this town identified by experts to be prone to liquefaction.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Hard hat required for Kidapawan City hall clients, workers
The transacting public at city hall is now required to wear hard hats as personal protective equipment (PPE) while inside the building and its vicinity, a local official said on Friday. The local government’s move was prompted by the series of earthquakes in the Mindanao region in the past few days.
Philippine News Agency
EU gives PH additional P170M in humanitarian aid
The European Union (EU) has provided the Philippines additional humanitarian funding amounting to €3 million (nearly P170 million) to help individuals affected the recent series of natural calamities and conflicts.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
MINDANAO
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
JUDICIARY
Midas Marquez in shortlist for next SC justice anew
Longtime Supreme Court Administrator Midas Marquez has again made it to the shortlist of nominees for the next associate justice of the Supreme Court.
GMA News
SC declares with finality against Philhealth in eye doctor’s case
The Supreme Court recently declared final and executory their July 2019 decision in favor of an ophthalmologist whose accreditation as a healthcare professional was illegally suspended by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (Philhealth).
Manila Bulletin
LEGISLATIVE
Senate of the Philippines
Senate to resume tackling creation of water resources department in January
The Senate will continue tackling the proposed creation of a department for water resources management next year, but Senate President Vicente Sotto III maintained that the lawmakers should first work on right-sizing the government.
Manila Bulletin
House of Representatives
BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION
Customs says imported goods worth P10,000 and below duty- and tax-free
All imported goods valued P10,000 and below will enjoy duty-free and tax-free privilege as long as they are not prohibited shipments, the Bureau of Customs reminded the public recently.
Manila Bulletin
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
DEFENSE AND SECURITY
Police, military to get additional P3 billion in 2020
The military will get an additional budget of P2.093 billion and police an additional P1.73 billion for next year after the bicameral conference committee of Congress approved the budgets of the two security agencies with the combined additional funding of P3.823 billion.
Philippine Star
Military report confirms spying risks in deal with China-backed telco
It wouldn't really say so in public, but the military itself recognizes the high likelihood of spying threats and the resulting damage posed by its deal allowing the China-backed 3rd telco to build cell sites in its camps and bases all over the Philippines.
Rappler
BRP Gabriela Silang, the largest in PCG fleet, to arrive in PH February
The biggest and newest ship of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is expected to arrive in the country by February 2020, the agency said Friday.
Manila Bulletin
Armed Forces of the Philippines
DND fetes soldier-athletes in SEA Games
Soldier-athletes who participated in the just-concluded 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games were formally awarded for their efforts, which contributed 54 medals for the Philippine delegation.
Philippine News Agency
Army gets new chief of staff with Sarsagat set for retirement
The Philippine Army (PA) installed its new Chief of Staff (CS) on Friday in a change of command ceremony held at its headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City with the upcoming retirement of outgoing CS, Major General Jesus Sarsagat.
Manila Bulletin
Philippine National Police
ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS
BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS
OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION
Ombudsman dismisses ex-CHED official anew
Due to conduct prejudicial to public interest, a former official of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has been dismissed anew by the Ombudsman. In a statement, CHED Chairman J. Prospero de Vera III confirmed that former CHED Executive Director Julito Vitriolo was dismissed by the Ombudsman on December 16, 2019.
Manila Bulletin
COA orders LWUA officials to return P25.2 million in disallowed allowances
Officials of the Local Water Utilities Administration were ordered to return over P25.2 million in disallowed allowances granted them 10 years ago.
Manila Bulletin
Ex-PADC officials convicted of graft
Former Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation (PADC) President Danilo Reyes Crisologo and Senior Vice President Roberto Loleng Manlavi were convicted by the Sandiganbayan Third Division of graft due to the disadvantageous sale of PADC spare aircraft parts back in 2007 and 2008.
Manila Bulletin
FOREIGN RELATIONS
[OPINION] Why should Filipinos care about Brexit?
When the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union (EU) on June 23, 2016, no one would have thought it would take more than 3 years, 3 extensions, 2 prime ministers, 2 general elections, and countless debates in the Houses of Parliament, in offices around London, and in various social settings, before this was decided with finality.
Rappler
De Lima calls on gov’t to strengthen international cooperation, foster culture of solidarity
Senator Leila de Lima on Friday called on the government to strengthen international cooperation and foster a culture of solidarity in the Philippines to ensure lasting peace, security and prosperity for the entire country.
Manila Bulletin
West Philippine Sea
LABOR
341 Chinese nationals nabbed for working without permits, visas
Bureau of Immigration (BI) and police operatives have arrested 342 illegal aliens working in an online gaming company in Bago Bantay, Quezon City.
Manila Bulletin, Rappler
Workers’ group welcomes increase in minimum wage of ‘kasambahays’ in Metro Manila
The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) on Friday welcomed the increase in the minimum wage of domestic workers in Metro Manila, saying it was long overdue.
Manila Bulletin
Workers in Central Luzon will get P20-salary hike
A P20-daily wage increase for minimum wage earners in Central Luzon has been approved by the National Wage and Productivity Commission.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
TRANSPORTATION
Airport screener dismissed after being caught stealing from departing passenger
One of the security screeners from the Office of Transportation Security (OTS) assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 was dismissed from work after he was caught stealing money from a departing foreign passenger.
Manila Bulletin
JoyRide, Move It join Angkas in extended motorcycle taxi pilot run
Motorcycle taxis will continue operations as the technical working group (TWG) tasked to monitor the pilot run decided on an extension that will include two new players apart from Angkas, namely JoyRide and Move It.
Rappler, Philippine Daily Inquirer
China-made trains coming for PNR’s Manila-Bicol line
Commuters traveling from Metro Manila to the Bicol Region and vice versa can look forward to a more comfortable and shorter trip in 2021, with the signing of a contract on Wednesday between transport officials and Chinese locomotive manufacturers.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
HEALTH
World's first anti-dengue drug made by Pinoys may soon be available
After over seven years of study and research, the first anti-dengue drug in the world may soon be released and become available in the market. And, it is made by Filipinos.
GMA News
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
Rice farmers ‘worse off’ under liberalization — think tank
Farmers have been made “worse off” under the liberalization of rice imports, according to a new study by government think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).
Philippine Daily Inquirer
EDUCATION
Summit underscores need to improve PH educational curriculum, internship programs
There is a need to improve the curriculum and internship programs in the Philippine educational system to expose students to more practical work and give them other incentives during on-the-job training.
Manila Bulletin
TECO offers more scholarships for Filipinos
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines has unveiled a list of scholarship programs for qualified Filipino students, especially those who wish to pursue degree studies (Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral Degrees) or for those who would like to learn Mandarin Chinese in Taiwan.
Manila Bulletin
TESDA sanctions GenSan school for ‘ghost’ training, trainees
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has revoked the registration of a technical-vocational school here and ordered its perpetual disqualification from the government’s scholarship programs due to alleged cases of “ghost" training and trainees.
Philippine News Agency
ENERGY
POVERTY
Group calls for donation of money intended for fireworks to families in need
A cause-oriented group has urged the public to donate to families in need instead of buying fireworks and firecrackers.
Manila Bulletin
SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT
DSWD tells public: Don’t give alms to street kids, IPs this Christmas
The spirit of giving might be in the air this holiday season but Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Bautista is discouraging the public to extend such a kind gesture to street beggars.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
HOUSING
TOURISM
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Water crisis
INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Facebook taps community reviewers to aid in fact-checking
Facebook is tapping community reviewers to help third-party organizations of fact checkers address false claims faster, the social media network announced on Tuesday, December 17.
Rappler
China slams Xiaomi, tech giants for app privacy violations
Chinese tech giants Xiaomiand Tencent have been reprimanded by Beijing for designing apps that infringe on users' privacy, even as the Communist regime amasses its own collection of personal data.
Rappler
French regulator fines Google 150 million euros over search engine ads
France's competition authority has fined Google 150 million euros ($167 million) for abusing its dominant position on the market for advertising linked to web searches, the regulator announced Friday.
Rappler
|
|
|
|
|
