AFP reports possible violations of truce by Reds
Three communist-initiated attacks were reported in the provinces of Iloilo, Quezon and Camarines Norte on the first day of the holiday ceasefire between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army- National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).
Philippine News Agency, Manila Bulletin, Rappler
AFP says attacks on troops prove CPP-NPA-NDF brass has ‘no control’ over its fighters
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) declared Monday that the leadership of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) has “no control” of its members following the series of attacks against government troops by suspected Communist rebels despite an existing holiday ceasefire.
Manila Bulletin
NPA attacked anew after declaring truce: A double-edged sword
It was less than a day after the Communist Party of the Philippines has declared a unilateral ceasefire that started midnight of December 23, 2019 until January 7, 2020, another terroristic action was again decietfully launched by the NPA Terror group against the government forces early today along Brgy Singon, Tubungan town of Iloilo.
Kalinaw News
PNP forces told to stand down after Duterte approves holiday truce
Police forces running after Communist rebels were ordered Monday to stand down after President Duterte approved the Christmas truce with the New People’s Army (NPA).
Manila Bulletin
Palace says gov’t to remain vigilant in case ceasefire is broken
Malacañang said the government will remain vigilant amid the 15-day nationwide unilateral and reciprocal ceasefire the Philippine government implemented with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).
Manila Bulletin
NDFP to investigate alleged truce violation by communist rebels
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) will look into the authenticity of reports that communist fighters allegedly attacked government forces in Iloilo and Camarines Norte on Monday, casting dark clouds over the recent prospects for the resumption of talks.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Attacks by Reds after truce declared ‘isolated,’ not meant to violate ceasefire, says Sison
Communist party founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison on Monday sought to play down two attacks by New People’s Army rebels on government targets, saying these were “isolated” cases that were not “deliberate” violations of a truce between communist rebels and the military.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Sara Duterte: Exclude Davao City in ceasefire with CPP-NPA
Mayor Inday Sara Duterte called on her father’s administration to exclude Davao City in its ceasefire with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), saying the rebels could not be trusted.
Rappler, Kalinaw News, Philippine Daily Inquirer
Andanar, NorMin execs laud gov't, CPP-NPA ceasefire
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Jose Ruperto Martin Andanar and government officials in Region 10 on Monday lauded the Christmas truce agreed between the government and communist rebels during the holiday season.
Philippine News Agency
Dela Rosa tells Reds: Be sincere on truce in ‘deeds’
Communist rebels should display sincerity about their ceasefire declaration not only in words, but also in deeds, according to Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Monday (Dec. 23).
Philippine Daily Inquirer
-------------------------------------
Sending Joma home may halt NPA attacks: group
The anti-communist group, League of Parents of the Philippines (LPP) on Monday said the return of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria "Joma" Sison to the Philippines and the termination of his asylum status in the Netherlands may curtail the attacks made by the New People's Army.
Philippine News Agency
-------------------------------------
Esperon fed 'false information' on NPA hit list — Palace
President Rodrigo Duterte's inclusion in a so-called hit list of the Communist Party of the Philippines' armed wing New People's Army is "fake news," according to presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo.
Philippine Star
-------------------------------------
DILG to communist rebels: Lay down your arms, start a new life
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo M. Año asked communist rebels on Monday to lay down their arms and get back to the government’s fold and be reintegrated to society.
Manila Bulletin
-------------------------------------
Law enforcement ops to continue in Caraga amid ceasefire
The Police Regional Office in Caraga Region (PRO-13) said it will continue to conduct law enforcement operations amidst the declaration of the suspension of offensive police operation (SOPO) following the declaration of a nationwide ceasefire between the government and the communist rebels.
Philippine News Agency
-------------------------------------
The fight for Lumad schools
ON OCTOBER 8, the Department of Education (DepEd) ordered the closure of 55 Lumad schools run by Salupongan International. Military officials claim the New People’s Army used the schools as a platform for their subversive propaganda.
The Guidon
-------------------------------------
Caraga IP join the implementation of EO 70
The indigenous people (IP) in the Caraga Region unite with the state in the execution of Executive Order (EO) No. 70 pertaining to the Whole-of-nation Approach in achieving peace. The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Caraga Region calls on IPs for sustained cooperation with the government in eradicating the menace of the New People’s Army in the region.
PTV News
21 communist rebels surrender in northern, Central Luzon – military
The Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) reported that 21 communist rebels surrendered while dozens of weapons were turned in just this December as part of their peacekeeping efforts in the region.
GMA News
Peace Talks
Mapping the course: Peace talks and red bashing
One of the urgent and important reasons for which the peace talks must resume and the more strategic peace negotiations should bear fruit, especially for the working poor of Philippine society— the semi-proletariat, farm workers, landless peasants, local and overseas contractual workers— is for us to own the freedom to demand people’s rights and realize some in various sites and spheres, unhampered.
Bulatlat
Labor group expresses support for renewed peace initiatives of GRP, NDF
The Federation of Free Workers on Monday reiterated its untiring support for the peace initiatives of the government with the Communist-led National Democratic Front (NDF).
Manila Bulletin
Peace group lauds gov't, NPA Christmas truce
The temporary ceasefire agreed to by the government and communist rebels should be a cause for celebration for Filipinos during the Yuletide season, a peace advocate group said Monday (Dec. 23).
Philippine News Agency
Incidents/ Operations
Soldier killed, 6 others wounded in Camarines Norte NPA attack
A soldier was killed, while six others were wounded when suspected New Peoples’ Army (NPA) insurgents attacked the troopers of the 92nd Division Reconnaisance Company (92DRC) while conducting a security operation in Labo town, Camarines Norte province on Monday morning.
Manila Bulletin, Tempo, GMA News, The Manila Times, Kalinaw News
PNP: NPA attack on cops is terrorism
For the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Monday attack staged by the New People’s Army (NPA) against cops in Tubungan town, Iloilo province is an act of terrorism.
Manila Bulletin
|
|
MARAWI
SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD
ISIS Militants In Iraq Are Like 'Al-Qaeda On Steroids,' Says Counter-terrorism official
Kurdish intelligence and military officials have warned that the extremist militant group the Islamic State (or ISIS) is regrouping in Iraq, with one official describing the organization as "Al-Qaeda on steroids."
Newsweek
As a Muslim who’s been unfairly reported by a stranger, this counter-terrorism police course for citizens is terrifying
When I was a teenager, several years after the bombing of the Twin Towers, I often travelled alone by plane to see my dad on internal flights. On one flight, I got up to go to the toilet. When I got back the air steward was searching through my hand luggage. I had been gone less than 10 minutes. The grown man sitting next to me had reported me.
The Independent
Germany charges woman as member of Islamic State group
German prosecutors have filed terrorism charges against a German woman who allegedly joined the Islamic State group in Syria. Federal prosecutors said Monday that the indictment against the woman, identified only as Sibel H. in line with local privacy laws, was filed with the Munich state court on Dec. 6.
The Washington Post
Second Swedish school linked to extremism by security services
Sweden’s security service has warned an extremist network has been meeting at a school and says children are at risk of radicalisation. It comes weeks after another school was shut down after it was revealed its staff had included former ISIS fighters.
The National UAE
|
|
BARMM
Duterte: Make Bangsamoro work so that women no longer have to work abroad
President Duterte urged Bangsamoro officials to make the Bangsamoro government work so that the economy would thrive and women no longer had to work abroad for their family to survive.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Duterte inclined to allow BARMM to ‘establish’ own ‘armed forces’
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said he would allow the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to have its own armed forces as he urged the region to “assert” its authority against terrorists.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine News Agency, Manila Bulletin
Opinion: Bangsamoro Parliament prioritizes human rights commission
Injustices committed against the Moros were among the strongest reasons why our people revolted against the government. These injustices included massacres perpetuated by the state, and they served as the tipping points in the Bangsamoro people's struggle for self-rule.
ABS-CBN News
MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY
Gov't to go after perpetrators of Mindanao blasts
Malacañang on Monday condemned the perpetrators behind a series of blasts that rocked Cotabato City, North Cotabato and Maguindanao and injured several people, including soldiers, on Sunday.
Philippine News Agency
BIFF could be behind Cotabato, Maguindanao blasts, military says
The Philippine military suspects the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters which has ties to terror group Islamic State is behind the series of bombing attacks in the southern Philippines. Government officials have condemned the blasts which come days before martial law in Mindanao is set to expire.
ABS-CBN News
AFP appeals for calm amid series of explosions in Mindanao
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) urged the public on Monday to remain calm but vigilant in the wake of the series of explosions in Cotabato City and the provinces of Cotabato and Maguindanao.
Manila Bulletin
NBI to probe bomb blasts in Mindanao
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will be joining investigations to determine who were behind the spate of bomb blasts in Mindanao which took place Sunday night, December 22, and resulted in the wounding of around 20 persons.
Manila Bulletin
Local authorities prop up security measures after spart of bomb attacks in C. Mindanao
Local authorities have beefed up security measures in Central Mindanao following the spate of bomb attacks that rocked this city, Maguindanao and North Cotabato Sunday night and wounded dozens of persons, including several soldiers.
Manila Bulletin
Mayor Sara to Dabawenyos: stay vigilant
Mayor Sara Duterte urged Dabawenyos to remain vigilant following the blast in Cotabato City Sunday evening, which was followed by explosions in the nearby town of Libungan in North Cotabato and Upi in Maguindanao.
Mindanews
-------------------------------------
Maguindanao massacre
Judge in Maguindanao massacre case deserves higher judicial post – Barbers
Not just ballsy, but worthy too. That was how Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers described Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 221 Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes, whom he sees going up further in the ranks of the judiciary.
Manila Bulletin
Rule of law prevailed but Mangudadatu still confused on Sajid Ampatuan’s acquittal
Maguindanao Representative Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu on Monday said he was happy with the result of the verdict in the Maguindanao massacre case, but added that he remained confused on why Sajid Islam Ampatuan was acquitted.
Manila Bulletin
OPINION: Has justice really been served?
Nothing less than a conviction in the Maguindanao massacre trial of the masterminds behind the worst instance of election-related violence in the Philippines would have satisfied the ends of justice.
ABS-CBN News
Kin appeals release of 'wrong' Ampatuan massacre suspect
The family of one of the acquitted suspects in the 2009 Ampatuan massacre, who was previously ruled by a court here as “wrongfully accused due to mistaken identity,” appealed on Monday for his immediate release.
Philippine News Agency
Holy night
After an entire decade, the long reach of Lady Justice has finally caught up with the infamous Ampatuan clan of Maguindanao, masterminds and perpetrators of the deadly massacre in November 2009 that claimed 58 lives and put a macabre twist to the innocuous name of the construction equipment called backhoe.
Manila Standard
Ampatuan massacre a reminder for cops
Policemen cannot get away with a “I was just following orders” defense when murder and other serious charges such as those in the Ampatuan massacre are filed against them after their involvement in a killing rampage.
Philippine Star
Maguindanao massacre: how a manservant, a backhoe and a flurry of texts helped convict the Ampatuans
When a Philippine court last week sentenced dozens of police officers, militia men and two political warlords of a powerful Muslim clan to life imprisonment for a 2009 massacre in Maguindanao province, it did not use bullets or guns as evidence.
South China Morning Post
NORTH COTABATO
LANAO PROVINCES
Town police chief, barangay tanod killed in Lanao ambush
The police chief of Binidayan town in Lanao del Sur and a village auxiliary police were killed in an ambush Monday. A patrolman and a non-uniformed personnel survived the the attack.
GMA News
BASILAN
SULU
Rescued kidnap victims turned over to Indonesian authorities
Two Indonesians rescued from their Abu Sayyaf captors on Sunday were turned over to Indonesian authorities yesterday. Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command chief, said Maharudin bin Lunani, 48, and Samiun bin Maneu, 26, were turned over to Indonesian Ambassador Sinyo Harry Sarundajang during a briefing held at the military headquarters in this city.
Philippine Star
TAWI-TAWI
|
|
DRUGS
Filipinos’ satisfaction with government’s drug campaign slightly declines
The net satisfaction of Filipinos with the government’s campaign against illegal drugs has slightly declined in the third quarter of 2019, based on the Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey results released on Sunday.
Manila Bulletin
Palace: ‘Drug war’ satisfaction rating a loud repudiation of Duterte critics
Malacañang welcomed Monday the results of a recent survey showing that 8 in 10 Filipinos are satisfied with President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, calling it a “loud and clear repudiation” of the administration’s critics.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
‘Drug war approval a heads-up to foreign interference’
The recent survey indicating that a majority of Filipinos are satisfied with the government’s war on illegal drugs should serve as a wake-up call for foreign countries and groups to stop their “affront” against Philippine sovereignty, Malacañang said.
Philippine Star, GMA News
PNP contests SWS poll on ‘nanlaban’: We were stereotyped
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday (Dec. 22) contested the results of a recent survey by Social Weather Stations (SWS) that showed 29 percent of Filipinos did not believe police claims that slain drug suspects resisted arrest and fought back, or nanlaban.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
-------------------------------------
Trump signs bill which includes visa ban on officials involved in De Lima detention
President Donald Trump has signed into law the United States Fiscal Year 2020 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill, which includes the visa ban on Filipino government officials found to have been involved in the politically-motivated detention of Senator Leila de Lima.
Manila Bulletin
De Lima thanks US Congress for backing law on visa ban on those responsible for her detention
Senator Leila de Lima on Monday thanked the United States Congress for pushing for the signing into law the bill that would ban the travel to the US of those responsible for and party to her persecution and imprisonment in the Philippines.
Manila Bulletin
De Lima praised Canadian PM’s directive to support human rights victims globally
Opposition Senator Leila de Lima welcomed on Monday Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s directive to support victims of human rights abuses globally by building on the US Magnitsky Act against rights violators and oppressors in different parts of the world.
Manila Bulletin
Palace not bothered by US law banning officials behind De Lima’s detention
Malacañang said it was not bothered by a provision of the new United States law which prohibits the entry of those behind the “wrongful” detention of Senator Leila de Lima, saying there was no credible information to prove that the legislator was a victim of political persecution.
Manila Bulletin
Guevarra takes offense at US visa ban on PH officials involved in de Lima detention
Justice Secretary Mernardo Guevarra has taken offense with the decision of the United States to ban from entry government officials and prosecutors involved in the detention of Senator Leila de Lima.
Manila Bulletin, Phili
Locsin: It’s exercise of sovereign right for US to refuse visa to anyone
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Monday (Dec. 23) recognized that the United States can refuse visas to anyone, citing sovereignty.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
‘Unacceptable’: Lacson on U.S. Senate resolution calling for dismissal of charges vs. De Lima, Ressa
Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Monday expressed his belief the United States (U.S.) government can exercise its prerogative to ban individuals from entering their country, but to call for the release of an individual who is facing criminal cases is an affront to the Philippines’ own justice system.
Manila Bulletin
‘Democracy is more vibrant here’: Cayetano invites U.S. Congress to visit PH
Apparently dismayed over the insertion of a rider in the recently-passed United States (U.S.) national budget, Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano Monday invited members of the U.S. Congress to the Philippines for them to gain first-hand knowledge how democracy and human rights are observed in the country.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency
Go to US: Duterte drug war has people’s support
Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Monday urged United States (U.S.) government officials to come to the Philippines so they can better understand the country’s anti-illegal drug campaign.
Manila Bulletin
Senators slam US for interference in PH affairs
Senators on Monday slammed the United States’ supposed interference in the Philippines’ internal affairs following President Donald Trump’s approval of the ban on Filipino officials involved in the detention of opposition Sen. Leila de Lima.
Manila Bulletin
-------------------------------------
PNP assures protection for cops hunting high-value targets
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday assured the protection to police officers tasked with running after high-value drug targets (HVTs).
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Operations/ Incidents
Zambo City police nets 11 in anti-drug ops
Police arrested 11 drug personalities in separate operations in this southern port city, an official said Monday. Maj. Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) information officer, said six of the 11 suspects were caught in possession of some PHP10,000 worth of suspected shabu when arrested Sunday in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Sta. Catalina, this city.
Philippine News Agency
P6-M cocaine found off Isabela town
A kilogram of cocaine worth PHP6 million was found off the shorelines of Barangay Bicobian in Divilacan, Isabela on Sunday.
Philippine News Agency
57 Cebu City employees tested positive for illegal drug use
The number of Cebu City Hall employees found positive for illegal drug use has reached 57. Jonah John Rodriguez, head of the Cebu City Office of Substance Abuse Prevention (Cosap), said 56 employees tested positive for methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu while one tested positive for marijuana.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Recovery and Rehabilitation
903 barangays in Soccsksargen declared 'drug-cleared'
At least 903 barangays in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) are now considered cleared of illegal drug-related activities. Kath Abad, spokesperson of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-12, said Monday the figure was based on the results of the assessment as of November by the Regional Oversight Committee on the Barangay Drug-Clearing Program.
Philippine News Agency
P5-M for drug rehab center in Ilocos Norte released
A community-based rehabilitation facility in the province will soon rise in a remote village of Tamdagan in Vintar, Ilocos Norte. This is good news to all the 175 individuals who have on-going plea bargain cases in the province as they may now be able to avail of a facility nearest them.
Philippine News Agency
ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES, AND AMMUNITION
CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING/ COUNTERFEIT GOODS
BOC-Cebu seizes ‘glutinous rice’ cargo misdeclared as white rice
The revenue efforts of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) here has scored anew with the seizure of five 20-footer container vans of glutinous rice misdeclared as white rice from Vietnam. The five container vans were part of the 10 container vans cargo which the Cebu port discovered to contain “super malagkit” rice.
Philippine News Agency
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
KIDNAPPING
ILLEGAL GAMBLING
ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS/ EXTORTION
|
|
2nd Mindanao pride parade highlights SOGIE, HIV awareness
Mindanao Pride, an organization of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders, queer, intersex, asexual and others (LGBTQIA+) in Mindanao organized the second "Pride Parade" on Sunday.
Philippine News Agency
Press Freedom/ Freedom of expression
Martial Law
PNP: No to Mindanao martial law extension despite recent attacks, blasts
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it will not recommend an extension of martial law in Mindanao despite five explosions that rocked Cotabato City and the provinces of Cotabato and Maguindanao Sunday night.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin
|
|
|
Duterte asks Malaysia, Indonesia to take in Rohingya refugees
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday renewed his vow to accept Rohingya refugees and asked Malaysia and Indonesia to do the same.
GMA News, Manila Bulletin
Duterte calls to end of deaths from overspeeding
President Rodrigo Duterte said overspeeding on the road should be controlled because of the number of deaths it causes, which he claimed can be compared to a massacre.
Manila Bulletin
Duterte’s Coast Guard Diplomacy
Recently, the Philippine budget secretary approved an increase of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel to 4,000 for this year. This increase is only intended for 2019, while the funds for an additional 6,000 personnel are also anticipated by the PCG to be appropriated in 2020.
The Diplomat
--------------------------------------
Duterte to spend Christmas at home, and rest – Go
President Rodrigo R. Duterte will celebrate its Christmas here in the city along with his family. This was bared by Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go in an interview during his visit with earthquake victims in Matanao, Davao del Sur on Monday noon.
Manila Bulletin
--------------------------------------
Palace on Duterte’s high trust rating: This means people love him
Malacañang welcomed the high trust rating President Rodrigo Duterte received in the December 2019 Pulse Asia survey, saying it means the Chief Executive is loved by an overwhelming majority of the Filipino people.
Manila Bulletin
--------------------------------------
Palace keeps hands-off Quiboloy rape case
Malacañang distanced itself from the charges Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy is facing, but assured the public that his relationship with President Duterte will not affect the pastor’s case.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency
Palace: We have laws to address POGO kidnappings
Malacañang said the government is strictly implementing the laws against Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGO) workers, especially amid the rising incidence of kidnappings involving Chinese nationals in the industry.
Manila Bulletin
Palace alarmed over ‘lambanog’ poisoning cases
Malacañang reminded the public to take extra precaution on what they eat or drink after the number of people who died from drinking coconut wine, locally known as lambanog (distilled palm liquor), climbed to 11.
Manila Bulletin
--------------------------------------
PAO prods Duterte to veto budget slash
The Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) has renewed calls to President Duterte to veto provisions in the 2020 budget which slashed the funds of its forensic laboratory.
Manila Bulletin
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
Robredo thanks Filipinos for higher trust, approval ratings
The Office of the Vice President said on Monday the recent surge in Vice President Leni Robredo’s approval and trust ratings affirms the work that her office is doing for the Filipino people, especially for those at the fringes of society.
Manila Bulletin
Robredo looking forward to spending Christmas with 3 daughters
What make Christmas extra special for Filipinos is when the entire family is complete. Spending time with her three daughters on this special day is something that Vice President Leni Robredo has looked forward to as a mother and it’s bound to happen.
Manila Bulletin
ELECTION RELATED
DISASTER
Volcanic quakes from Taal have tripled
The number of volcanic earthquakes that originated from Taal Volcano has tripled overnight to 128 quakes.
Manila Bulletin
MINDANAO
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
JUDICIARY
PRRD mandated to appoint new SC justice until Jan. 21
President Duterte is mandated to appoint a new Supreme Court (SC) associate justice on or before January 21 as replacement to then Associate Justice Diosdado M. Peralta who was promoted Chief Justice last October 23.
Manila Bulletin
LEGISLATIVE
Senate of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Cayetano says delay in signing of 2020 national budget no big deal
House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano doesn’t see any problem with the potential six-day delay in the signing of the proposed P4.1-trillion budget for 2020.
Manila Bulletin
House to probe non-implementation of 20% discount for national athletes
The leadership of the House of Representatives reacted swiftly to the complaint of SEA Games gold medalist Agatha Wong over the refusal of certain business establishments to extend the 20-percent discount privilege for all national athletes as mandated by law.
Manila Bulletin
Social Welfare and Dev’t Agencies bill pushed at House
La Union Rep. Sandra Eriguel is counting on the House leadership to prioritize the plenary deliberations and approval of a bill seeking to create a registration, licensing and accreditation system for social welfare and development agencies (SWDAs) in February next year.
Manila Bulletin
‘Nothing anomalous’ about P150,000 bonus for House employees
There was nothing irregular in the release of up to P150,000 each in bonus for employees of the House of Representatives, according to Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday (Dec. 23).
Philippine Daily Inquirer
BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
BuCor workers asks Duterte to fire chief for corruption
For some Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) personnel, the best gift they could ever receive this Christmas would be the ouster of their director general.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
DEFENSE AND SECURITY
Armed Forces of the Philippines
Philippine National Police
ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS
Mindanao, Palawan eyed to play key role in East Asean growth
The regions of Mindanao and Palawan were seen to play vital roles in the Southeast Asian region’s sustainable development during an event of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
Philippine Daily Inquirer
BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS
Salceda keen to pass laws raising fresh funds for gov’t infra program
Assuring the Duterte administration of a minimum P42 billion in fresh funds to finance its ambitious infrastructure program, the House ways and means committee will continue to pass new measures that will help guarantee its successful implementation.
Manila Bulletin
OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION
Sandiganbayan allows prosecution to amend information in ex-Pagcor chair’s graft, malversation case
The Sandiganbayan Third Division has denied the motion for reconsideration filed by former Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) chairman Efraim Genuino and his co-accused, seeking to fight the amendment that would be made in their graft and malversation charges.
Manila Bulletin
Sandiganbayan affirms suspension of Cebu municipal engineer
The Sandiganbayan Sixth Division has affirmed its decision ordering the 90-day suspension pendente lite of Ronda City Municipal Engineer Oscar M. Pilapil of Cebu in light of his pending graft charges.
Manila Bulletin
FOREIGN RELATIONS
West Philippine Sea
LABOR
Distressed OFWs in Jeddah get aid from PRRD, DFA
Christmas came early for less than 200 Philippine Consulate General wards here after they received care packages and financial assistance from President Rodrigo R. Duterte and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Philippine News Agency
NBI issues over 1,000 clearances for free to first-time jobseekers
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said it has given out free NBI clearance certificates to a total of 1,032 first-time job seekers this year.
Manila Bulletin
TRANSPORTATION
CAAP now on heightened alert for expected surge in air passenger volume
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is now on heightened alert in anticipation of the expected surge in the volume of air passengers during the Yuletide season.
Manila Bulletin
No ‘Merry Christmas’ with extortion at NAIA terminals – Monreal
Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Ed Monreal warned on Monday airport personnel in the country’s international and domestic terminals not to extort money or ask passengers for gifts through veiled greetings or innuendos this Christmas.
Manila Bulletin
Pack luggage well, airline reminds travelers
Cebu Pacific Air reminded passengers travelling this holiday season to pack their luggage properly and ensure that checked in baggage have proper identification labels with name, address and contact details.
Manila Bulletin
PCG takes in former military, police personnel to boost workforce
Former military members and police officers took oath Monday as the newest addition to the force of the Philippine Coast Guard.
Manila Bulletin
--------------------------------------
NLEX reactivates motorist assistance program for travelers heading to northern, central Luzon
A motorist assistance program initiated by a tollway firm in the country has been reactivated as 10-percent surge in traffic volume going to northern and central Luzon provinces during the holidays is expected.
Manila Bulletin
--------------------------------------
DOCUMENT: Updated guidelines on the motorcycle taxi pilot run
The inter-agency technical working group (TWG) that monitors the motorcycle taxi pilot run released a revised set of guidelines for the continuing operations of motorcycle ride-hailing firms Angkas, JoyRide, and Move It.
Rappler
LTFRB: No “Angkas” driver will lose his job
The inter-agency technical working group (TWG) on motorcycle taxis explained that no riders will lose their job even as it implements the 10,000 cap per bike-hailing firm during the extended pilot run.
Manila Bulletin
Villanueva slams TWG for putting cap on number of Angkas riders
Senator Joel Villanueva slammed as “ridiculous” the decision of a transport agencies to reduce the number of Angkas bikers that will be allowed to operate in the extended pilot run for motorcycle taxis.
Manila Bulletin
Angkas accused of 'emotional blackmail' in DOTr social media open letter
The Motorcycle Taxi technical working group on Monday evening accused ride-hailing app Angkas of making a public spectacle and "[resorting] to emotional blackmail" over a 10,000-rider cap that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has imposed on motorcycle taxi firms.
Philippine Star, ABS-CBN News
Strict regulation a must for motorcycle taxis, illegal couriers
The thousands of motorcycles on our roads are either “time savers” or potential hazards to motorists and pedestrians. They need to be strictly regulated by the government agencies concerned.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
LTFRB hates you, and doesn’t care if you have to walk to work
THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is unique among government agencies. While most agencies fall short of consumer expectations due to simple bureaucratic inertia, the LTFRB, it seems, is intentionally making life harder for Filipinos as a matter of policy.
The Manila Times
HEALTH
DOH probes massive lambanog poisoning incident in Laguna
An investigation into the poisoning cases allegedly caused by ingestion of “lambanog” (coconut wine) in Laguna was launched Monday by the Department of Health (DOH).
Manila Bulletin
DOH bats for passage of bill that will provide health passports to Filipinos
The Department of Health (DOH) has strongly rallied behind the passage of a bill seeking to entitle all Filipinos to a Health Passport which will be used during medical and dental check-ups or treatment in government or private medical institutions.
Manila Bulletin
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
African swine fever hits hard on PH hog growers, traders
Two months after the first outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) was reported in Rizal province in September, the disease had spread to seven provinces, and 55 cities and towns in Luzon, resulting in the culling of over 136,770 pigs.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
End sale of counterfeit seeds – solon
AAMBIS-OWA partylist Rep. Sharon Garin has called on her colleagues to put an end to the rampant sale of counterfeit seeds in the country. The chairman of the House Committee on Economic Affairs urged the House Committee on Agriculture and Food, chaired by Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga to give due attention to her House Bill 3591, which seeks to curb the proliferation of unlawful seed lots.
Manila Bulletin
EDUCATION
ENERGY
POVERTY
SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT
Don’t give alms, but allow DSWD to rescue street beggars – Bautista
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reminded the public not to give alms to street beggars and indigenous people (IP), especially during the Christmas season.
Manila Bulletin
HOUSING
TOURISM
TIEZA approves high-impact tourism infra projects
The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) Board has approved almost PHP4 billion worth of tourism infrastructure projects which seek to promote sustainable tourism, restore and rehabilitate cultural and historical sites, and improve overall visitor experience.
Philippine News Agency
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Water crisis
INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY
|
|
|
|
|
