Duterte orders AFP to crush NPA, Abu Sayyaf; takes ‘full legal responsibility’
President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the military to maintain peace and crush those engaged in terrorism, violent extremism, and insurgency in the country.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine Star, CNN Philippines
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CPP activates ‘Sparu’ death squad this Yuletide season, Esperon claims
The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) has activated its Special Partisans Unit (Sparu) to “take advantage of the Yuletide season” and “assassinate people who do not submit to their will,” National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said on Tuesday.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency, Business World Online, Manila Standard, GMA News
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Antique police on alert vs NPA this holiday season
The Antique Provincial Police Office (APPO) is preparing for any possible harassment that might be carried out by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-New People’s Army (NPA) Terrorists (CNTs) to disrupt the Christmas celebration.
Philippine News Agency
Surfers’ safety assured amid recent NPA attack
Despite fears caused by the recent attacks by the New People’s Army (NPA), the local police here have assured the safety of competitors of the five-day national surfing competition. Both uniformed and policemen in civilian clothes are deployed in the venue of "Surfing in the City", which opened Sunday night.
Philippine News Agency
Borongan City bans wearing of full-face helmets, face coverings
Borongan City has banned the use of full-face helmets and any masks that will conceal the identity of motorcycle drivers. Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda signed Executive Order No. JIDCA-005-1219-A Tuesday, saying the action was done to "promote the safety and security of the people of Borongan by ensuring that lawless elements are not able to conceal their identities thereby deterring the commission of crimes, terrorist acts and other unlawful activities."
CNN Philippines
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Peace is the greatest Christmas gift, former rebels say
Former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Panay cannot ask for more this Christmas as they have already received the present they have been longing for in years.
Philippine News Agency
942 NPA members, supporters yield to 7ID in 2019
A total of 942 communist rebels and their supporters have surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division from January to December 13 this year as a result of the implementation of the government’s campaign on ending the local communist armed conflict.
Philippine News Agency
3ID Commander: Our peace campaign is victorious, EO 70 hurts CPP-NPA significantly
The Executive Order No. 70 which aims to address root causes of insurgency through the Whole-of-Nation approach and the creation of National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) is continuously gaining and winning against the CPP-NPA Terrorist in Central and Western Visayas.
Kalinaw News
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Panday Sining slams House bill seeking 15-year prison time for vandals
Cultural youth group Panday Sining on Tuesday criticized a House bill that seeks to impose up to 15 years of imprisonment for vandals and those found stealing or destroying government property.
GMA News
Peace Talks
Incidents/ Operations
NPA 'militiaman' nabbed with IED in Agusan Norte
A team of police and Army personnel arrested an alleged member of the Militia ng Bayan of the New People’s Army (NPA), who was caught with an improvised explosive device (IED) in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte on Monday.
Philippine News Agency
Marawi hero killed in encounter with NPAs
Operatives of the Fifth Infantry Division have intensified the military operations against the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Cagayan Valley region following an encounter in Isabela province that resulted in the death of a soldier and the wounding two others on Saturday.
Manila Bulletin
Army seizes another 2 NPA Terrorist lairs in Caraga
Another Two (2) CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNT) lairs were seized by the troops under the 402nd Infantry Brigade in the municipalities of Jabonga and San Miguel in the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Sur, last November 26, 2019 and December 5, 2019, respectively.
Kalinaw News
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AFP urged to ‘crush’ illegal drugs, terrorism
President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday renewed his call for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to “crush” illegal drugs and terrorism to ensure a safer country for the future generations of Filipinos.
Philippine News Agency
MARAWI
Moro group condemns plan to build military camp in Marawi
A Moro group has sounded alarm on the planned establishment of a military installation in Marawi City. This after Pres. Rodrigo Duterte announced that Martial Law in Mindanao will no longer be extended beyond the Dec. 31, 2019 deadline.
Davao Today
Gov't may not pursue military camp in Marawi: Lorenzana
Officials and residents of Marawi City have expressed relief on the announcement of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana that the government may not pursue its planned construction of a new military camp in Marawi.
Philippine News Agency
SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD
Why veil restrictions increase the risk of terrorism in Europe
Several countries across Europe have put restrictions on wearing veils in public spaces. Drawing on a new study, Stuti Manchanda and Nilay Saiya write that far from helping to combat extremism, these restrictions are strongly and positively correlated with an increase in terrorist activity. They suggest this may be due to veil restrictions generating resentment among Muslim communities and causing Muslim women to become more isolated from the rest of society.
London School of Economics Blog
Indonesia Muslim Groups Deny China Lobbying Sways Views on Uighurs
Indonesia's biggest Muslim groups have denied that lobbying by Beijing, including tours facilitated by China in Xinjiang, had influenced their stance on the treatment of the region's Muslim Uighur minority.
The New York Times
Congress set to pass bill to help terrorism victims win compensation from Palestinian Authority
Congress appears set to approve legislation intended to help American victims of terrorism win compensation from the Palestinian Authority.
The Hill
Trump’s Anti-Terrorist Policy left the US in a Predicament
On 27 October, President Donald Trump announced Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was shot and killed, in what was perceived as a remarkable victory for the US war against terrorism. In the meantime, a mass shooting accident that took place in Greenville Texas killed at least 2 people, and injured 14.
International Institute for Counter-Terrorism
Kuwait affirms key UN role in preventing, ending conflicts
Kuwait affirmed the role of the UN in ending conflicts around the world as well as prevent their break out. Kuwait's Permanent Representative at the UN Ambassador Mansour Al-Otaibi made the remarks during the United Nations Security Council's (UNSC) session on violence in societies and violent extremism in West Africa late Monday.
MENAFN
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BARMM
More than half in Bangsamoro poor — SWS
MORE than half or 59% of families in the newly established Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) think they are poor, compared with 53% in Mindanao and 42% for the entire country, according to the latest poll by the Social Weather Stations (SWS).
Business World Online
BARMM gives Duterte ‘excellent’ performance rating in latest SWS survey
The majority of Filipinos in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) were satisfied with the performance of President Rodrigo Duterte for the past three months, based on the third quarter of 2019 Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey results.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency
MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY
QC court orders return of Zaldy Ampatuan to jail
The Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) on Tuesday ordered that Zaldy Ampatuan, a principal accused in the 2010 Maguindanao massacre, be sent back behind bars from the Makati hospital where he is presently recovering from a stroke.
Philippine News Agency, The Manila Times, ABS-CBN News, Business Mirror, Philippine Star
Lawmakers bare threat to disrupt Maguindanao massacre verdict proceedings
It's called the trial of the decade. The whole world will be watching as a local court hands down its decision on more than one hundred accused in the Maguindanao massacre case. But this early there are reports of people who may try to disrupt the proceedings.
CNN Philippines
Maguindanao massacre
The fate of the 197 accused in the infamous November 23, 2009 Maguindanao massacre case hangs in the balance as the world anxiously awaits the verdict of Quezon City Regional Trial Court Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes which will be made public tomorrow, Dec. 19, at 9 a.m. at the Quezon City jail annex in Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City.
Manila Bulletin
Massacre judge
When the verdict on the Maguindanao massacre case is handed down on Thursday, Dec.19, 2019, one person will take the spotlight — Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 211.
The Manila Times
Palace hopeful that justice will prevail in massacre case
Malacañang is hopeful that justice will prevail amid the upcoming court verdict in the gruesome Maguindanao massacre case. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said they expect the court to decide on the case based on evidence, and hope the public will respect the decision.
Manila Bulletin
Guevarra: Prosecution did its best in Maguindanao massacre case
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Tuesday, December 17, expressed belief that the prosecution team did its best in the trying to secure convictions in the 2009 Maguindanao massacre case.
Manila Bulletin
Robredo hopeful justice will be finally served in Maguindanao massacre case
After 10 years without a single conviction, Vice President Leni Robredo is hopeful that justice will be finally served for the victims of the gruesome Maguindanao massacre.
Manila Bulletin
‘Conviction, no less’ for Ampatuan massacre suspects
Maura Montaño, 80, winced as she tried to remember the last time she saw her daughter Marife, a broadcast and print journalist here, two days before the Ampatuan massacre on Nov. 23, 2009.
Philippine News Agency
‘Not guilty verdict catastrophic for human rights, justice’
The alleged masterminds of the worst political violence in the Philippines will learn their fate on Thursday when a Quezon City court hands down its decision, in a test of the justice system for a nation with a deep-seated culture of impunity.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Gov't exerted all efforts to secure justice in Ampatuan case
Government lawyers did all they can to give justice to the victims of the Maguindanao massacre case, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Tuesday, two days before the scheduled promulgation of the court's decision on the case.
Philippine News Agency
Kin of Ampatuan Massacre victims who can’t go to Manila will watch televised promulgation together
Relatives of the media victims of the 2009 Ampatuan Massacre who can’t make it to Taguig City in Metro Manila will gather in General Santos City on Thursday, December 19, to watch the televised promulgation of judgment on the 58 counts of murder filed against 197 persons, including members of the Ampatuan clan that dominated Maguindanao politics until a decade ago.
Mindanews
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Mayor Zamzamin Ampatuan appointed Agriculture Undersecretary
Engineer Zamzamin Lumenda Ampatuan, on his third term as mayor of Rajah Buayan town in Maguindanao, is now the new Agriculture Undersecretary for Policy and Plans vice Segredo Serrano.
Mindanews, NDBC News
NORTH COTABATO
LANAO PROVINCES
BASILAN
SULU
PRRD cites Sulu-based troops’ ‘great strides’ vs. Abu Sayyaf
President Rodrigo Duterte praised government troops belonging to the Army’s 11th Infantry Division (11ID) for making "great strides" in the continuing campaign against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the province of Sulu.
Philippine News Agency
Special Forces officer gets 2nd highest award for rescue of Brit, wife
A junior officer of the Philippine Army’s Special Forces received the second highest military award medal for combat for a mission to rescue a British man and his wife from their captors in Sulu.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
TAWI-TAWI
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DRUGS
Panelo: Drug trafficking should be considered ‘heinous’ crime
Drug trafficking should be considered a heinous crime in the country, Malacañang said Tuesday, after the Senate approved a bill creating separate jails for heinous crime convicts.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency
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Panelo-Robredo tiff takes turn for the worse
The word war between Vice President Leni Robredo and Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo over the delayed release of her report on the war on drugs has escalated.
Manila Bulletin
PNP confident no can of worms in Robredo’s report on PH drug war
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it does not fear any revelation that Vice President Leni Robredo could have on the anti-illegal drugs campaign being aggressively undertaken by the Duterte administration.
Manila Bulletin
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‘Intrigues’, controversies spook cops from joining PNP’s prime anti-drug unit
“Intrigues” as well as controversies like the alleged recycling of seized illegal drugs seemed to daunt policemen from joining the Philippine National Police’s Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG).
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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National Geographic’s ‘The Nightcrawlers’ on Philippines’ drug war shortlisted for Oscars
National Geographic’s documentary about the Duterte administration’s brutal war on drugs is shortlisted for the 92nd edition of the Academy Awards documentary short subject category.
Interaksyon
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NegOr police appeals to villages anew for help in drug war
The Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) said on Monday it is continuously appealing to village leaders to help in the campaign against illegal drugs.
Philippine News Agency
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Bato says police in drug operations should have body cameras
Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa stressed the importance of providing body cameras to drug enforcement operatives to protect them from allegations of killing drug suspects.
GMA News
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Moreno camp to DILG: Why blame Isko for Erap’s anti-drug faults?
Why blame Mayor Isko Moreno for Manila's shortcomings in the anti-drug campaign before his term? Moreno's chief of staff Cesar Chavez directed this question to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), after the agency announced that the current administration of Manila would receive a show cause order for the poor performance of the city's anti-drug abuse council (ADAC).
Rappler
Operations/ Incidents
54 nabbed in ‘one time, big time’ ops in Soccsksargen
At least 54 wanted persons and suspected criminals were arrested in parts of Region 12 (Soccsksargen) on Monday in the second wave of the “one time, big time” law enforcement operations launched by local police units.
Philippine News Agency
Anti-drug stings net P400,000 shabu
POLICE have arrested three people, including a suspected courier, and seized P400,000 worth of illegal drugs in separate drug busts in Zamboanga City, officials said. The officials identified the arrested suspects as Rudy Frias, 33; Alnadzker Dammang, 29; and Rey-Al Macrohon, 34.
Sunstar Zamboanga
Drug suspect yields shabu, firearm in NegOr town
Anti-illegal drug operatives on Monday seized suspected shabu, a firearm, and ammunition during a buy-bust in Siaton, Negros Oriental. A report from the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) identified the suspect as Hubert Cariño Libo-on, Jr., 39, of Purok 1, Barangay Poblacion South in La Libertad, Negros Oriental.
Philippine News Agency
Cops seize grenade, shabu in Zambo anti-drug ops
Police seized an explosive and a firearm in separate anti-drug operations that also resulted in the arrest of three people and confiscation of more than PHP100,000 illegal-drugs in the Zamboanga Peninsula, an official said Tuesday.
Philippine News Agency
5 nabbed in suspected drug den in Pangasinan town
Authorities have arrested five persons allegedly involved in illegal drug use and trade during an operation inside a suspected drug den at Barangay Minien West here. PDEA-RO1 team leader Retchie Camacho said the suspect, Joey Cabico, is the subject of the buy-bust.
Philippine News Agency
High-value target yields P100K shabu in NoCot buy-bust
Anti-narcotics agents on Monday nabbed a high-value target (HVT) in Pikit, North Cotabato and confiscated from him some PHP100,000 worth of shabu.
Philippine News Agency
Recovery and Rehabilitation
ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES, AND AMMUNITION
CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING/ COUNTERFEIT GOODS
P54-million misdeclared sugar from China seized at Port of Manila
Forty-eight containers filled with misdeclared refined sugar worth P54 million from China were seized at the Port of Manila Tuesday.
Manila Bulletin
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
PCG rescues 13 women about to be brought illegally to Malaysia
The promise of well-compensated yet unidentified jobs in Malaysia prompted 13 women to fall for an alleged human trafficking scheme in Zamboanga City, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Tuesday.
Manila Bulletin
15 Chinese arrested for sex-trafficking
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested 15 Chinese nationals engaged in the sex trade in a series of operations in Las Piñas City.
Manila Bulletin
KIDNAPPING
Chinese officials meet with NBI on cooperation against criminality
The kidnapping of Chinese woman in Makati City has pushed the Chinese government to reach out to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to offer help in stopping the Chinese mafia believed behind the rise of crimes in the Philippines involving Chinese nationals.
Manila Bulletin
Abducted Chinese woman returns home; has no plan to sue abductors
The Chinese woman who was abducted by four men in Makati City last week has returned to her family on Monday.
Manila Bulletin
ILLEGAL GAMBLING
ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS/ EXTORTION
NBI arrests Liberian national in ‘Budol budol’ scam
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested a Liberian national who duped a man in handing over P134,000 in cash.
Manila Bulletin
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The Aetas among us
It was in the wake of the Great Earthquake of 1990 that Aetas coming down to Metro Manila to beg became a fixture of our metropolitan lives. Over the past decade or so, they have also engaged in an annual migration to Metro Manila to beg during the holiday season.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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CHR exec warns: Marcoses’ Sandigan victories may lead to historical revisionism
An official of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has warned that the string of victories by the Marcoses at the Sandiganbayan may lead to even more historical revisionism.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Philippines drops to No. 16 in Gender Gap Report 2020
The Philippines has dropped 8 notches in the latest Global Gender Gap report, falling out of the top 10 most gender equal countries to 16th place.
Rappler
Who’s who: All the Filipino women in U2’s concert tribute
Irish rock band U2 gave a tribute to female personalities in the Philippines when they performed their song “Ultraviolet (Light My Way)” during their one-day stop for “The Joshua Tree Tour” at the Philippine Arena last December 10.
Interaksyon
Baby or a job? Stark choice for Taiwan's Filipino migrant workers
"You want a child or you want a job?" As ultimatums go, it was stark - but migrant workers say such life-changing dilemmas are on the rise in Taiwan as thousands of domestic laborers are drawn to the country by the promise of work, at times with only a veil of rights.
ABS-CBN News, Thomson Reuters Foundation
Press Freedom/ Freedom of expression
Suspect in journalist’s murder freed on bail
A suspect in the killing of broadcast journalist Eduardo Dizon last July 10 has been freed on bail. Jail authorities released on Tuesday Sotero Jacolbe, Jr., based on the order issued on December 17 by Judge Arvin Sadiri Balagot of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 17.
Mindanews
Martial Law
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Palace wishes all happy holidays; Duterte to spend it in Davao
With Christmas just around the corner, Malacañang is wishing everyone love and peace this holiday season. Presidential Spokesman Savaldor Panelo said they hope the world will be given a “respite” from conflicts and instead live in peace and harmony.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency
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Palace supports independence of courts on cases – Panelo
Malacañang is concerned about the dismissal of another forfeiture case against the Marcos family but is not keen on interfering with the affairs of the judiciary.
Manila Bulletin
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CSC reminds gov’t offices: Hold simple, alcohol-free Christmas parties
The Civil Service Commission on Tuesday reminded government offices to hold simple Christmas parties this holiday season. In an interview, CSC Commissioner Aileen Lizada particularly cited a 2011 CSC resolution that prohibits the consumption of alcoholic beverages within government premises during office hours.
GMA News
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
Robredo camp slams Panelo for talking politics instead of focusing on relief efforts for quake victims
The camp of Vice President Leni Robredo on Tuesday insisted that the welfare of earthquake victims in Davao del Sur and other areas in Mindanao should come first than the release of her drug war report.
Manila Bulletin
ELECTION RELATED
DISASTER
Death toll in Davao earthquake increases to 8
The death toll following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that rocked Davao del Sur and adjacent provinces on Sunday has increased to eight.
Manila Bulletin, Mindanews
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Phivolcs has yet to determine which fault triggered Sunday quake in Mindanao
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has yet to determine the exact fault line that triggered the magnitude-6.9 earthquake in Davao del Sur last Sunday.
Manila Bulletin
Mindanao quakes hint at ‘The Big One's’ effects on Metro Manila —UP Nec
The devastating effects of the recent temblors that shook Mindanao during the latter part of the year, give a glimpse of what could happen if a major earthquake, like "The Big One", struck Metro Manila, according to the University of the Philippines National Engineering Center (UP NEC).
GMA News
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Quake survivors cry for help
Several people remain trapped under the rubbles of the Southern Trade shopping center in Padada, Davao del Sur, after it collapsed following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that hit the province last Sunday, December 15.
Manila Bulletin
PCSO gives relief goods to quake victims in Davao del Sur
Around 200 individuals affected by the recent earthquake that hit Davao del Sur were given grocery packs by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) on Monday.
Manila Bulletin
Caritas Manila appeals for help for Davao Sur quake victims
Caritas Manila has called on everyone to extend help to the victims of the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that hit Davao del Sur and several parts of Mindanao on Sunday.
Manila Bulletin
Respond to children’s urgent needs – Save the Children
Teams of a children’s group moved to assess the damage in order to provide life-saving support following the devastating earthquake in Mindanao last Sunday.
Manila Bulletin
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Upland residents in Kidapawan ordered to leave high-risk homes
Residents of an upland village here who returned home after fleeing to safer grounds following several strong earthquakes in October were ordered to evacuate anew following Sunday’s magnitude-6.9 tremor, an official said Tuesday.
Philippine News Agency
Quake-hit Mindanao courts to hold proceedings in tents, buses
Courthouses in earth-quake struck areas of Mindanao will hold proceedings in pitched tents and buses following severe damage brought to government offices by Sunday's magnitude 6.9 earthquake.
Philippine News Agency
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Bloated 'Tisoy' damage reports dismay Albay governor
Albay Gov. Al Francis Bichara on Tuesday expressed dismay over the apparently bloated damage reports submitted by various local government units (LGUs) after Typhoon Tisoy hit Bicol last December 3.
Philippine News Agency
MINDANAO
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
Solon: Cha-cha for ‘full discussion’ by House next year
Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez assured the public that the controversial Charter change resolution will be exhaustively discussed in the Lower Chamber in February next year.
Manila Bulletin
Filipino people to oppose term extension of lawmakers as proposed by congressmen – Sotto
Filipinos will reject the “self-serving” proposal to extend the terms of lawmakers who are pushing for Charter change (Cha-cha), Senate President Vicente Sotto III said Tuesday.
Manila Bulletin
JUDICIARY
LEGISLATIVE
Senate of the Philippines
Senators laud SEA Games-winning athletes
The Senate adopted on Tuesday three resolutions that congratulate and commend a number of Filipino athletes who won in the recent 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games hosted by the Philippines.
Manila Bulletin
Revilla thanks Duterte, colleagues for passage of SSL 5
Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. thanked on Tuesday President Duterte for certifying as urgent the proposed Salary Standardization Law (SSL 5) which allowed the Senate to immediately pass it on final reading.
Manila Bulletin
Senate set to probe PCGG legal setbacks
The Senate is set to conduct an investigation into the failure of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) to win its cases filed before the Sandiganbayan in connection with the government’s efforts to recover the alleged ill-gotten wealth from the heirs of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, Sen. Richard Gordon said yesterday.
Philippine Star
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Tolentino files resolution seeking Christmas bonuses for job order, contractual workers in LGUs
A measure seeking the grant of Christmas bonuses to job order (JO) and contractual workers in local government units (LGUs) has been filed in Senate.
Manila Bulletin
House of Representatives
Solon files freedom of information bill, urges creation of information commission
Quezon City Representative Alfred Vargas has revived discussions on the Freedom of Information issue by filing a new measure proposing the passage of an enabling law on the said constitutional right of Filipinos.
Manila Bulletin
House adopts Sustainable Development Goals resolution on 2nd reading
The House of Representatives has adopted on second reading a resolution expressing its commitment to legislate measures that would ensure that the country is on track in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
Manila Bulletin
House bill OKs giving DOH the authority to approve bed capacity of retained hospitals
The House of Representatives has approved on second reading a bill authorizing the Department of Health (DOH) to set and approve the bed capacity and service capability of all DOH-retained hospitals.
Manila Bulletin
House panel approves consolidated bill establishing PH eHealth system
The House Committee on Health on Tuesday approved a consolidated bill establishing the Philippine eHealth system and services using information and communications technology in the country to support the government’s implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law.
Manila Bulletin
House panel OKs bill to expand, modernize health facilities & services
The House Committee on Health on Tuesday, December 17 approved a substitute bill seeking to modernize the regulation of health facilities and services. The panel, chaired by Quezon Rep. Angelina Tan, passed the still unnumbered measure, which is a consolidation of five bills.
Manila Bulletin
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Proper accounting to act as safeguard in water deals – solon
Proper accounting of the contract details with water concessionaires should go a long way in ensuring that both government and consumers don’t get the raw end of the deal.
Manila Bulletin
BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION
CTA reminds taxpayers to promptly answer deficiency tax assessments
The Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) has reminded taxpayers anew to be prompt in answering deficiency tax assessments sent to them by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to avoid dismissal of their protests.
Manila Bulletin
Businesswoman sentenced to 2 years in jail for tax evasion
The Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) has sentenced up to two years a Malampaya gas contractor for tax evasion. The CTA also fined Rebecca Tiotangco, sole proprietor of Anilos Trading and Construction of Palawan, P10,000 after she was found guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violating Section 255 of the Tax Code, or massive under declaration of sales.
Manila Bulletin
P2.1-B unpaid loans to owners led to Banco Filipino’s closure
Unpaid loans reaching over P2.1 billion that were granted to the owners of the Banco Filipino by the bank have contributed to the demise of the once leading financial institution in the country.
Manila Bulletin
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
PAO mulls suspending operations of its forensic laboratory
The Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) is considering temporarily suspending the operations of its forensic laboratory. PAO forensic chief Dr. Erwin Erfe said on Tuesday, December 17, he has already recommended this to PAO Chief Persida Acosta on Monday.
Manila Bulletin
DEFENSE AND SECURITY
BrahMos missiles deal seen in 2020: Lorenzana
The contract signing for the medium-range ramjet supersonic BrahMos cruise missiles, which are being eyed for coastal defense missions of the Philippine Army (PA), will be signed by the early part of 2020, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Monday night.
Philippine News Agency
Armed Forces of the Philippines
AFP marks 84th founding anniversary
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) celebrated its 84th founding anniversary in a ceremony at the Lapu-Lapu Grandstand in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Tuesday. President Rodrigo Duterte led the anniversary rites which highlighted the various accomplishments of the AFP in the past year.
Philippine News Agency
PAF eyes Swedish, US planes for multi-role fighter project
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is currently evaluating two aircraft for its multi-role fighter (MRF) project, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Monday night.
Manila Bulletin
CA confirms 14 senior officers of Armed Forces
The bicameral Commission on Appointments (CA) confirmed Tuesday the appointments of 14 senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) led by Erickson R. Gloria as Lieutenant General.
Manila Bulletin
Philippine National Police
PNP zeroing in on criminals on motorbike
A ranking police official of the Philippine National Police (PNP) is eyeing the implementation of a one-strike policy on motorcycle-riding criminal attacks in order to compel police commanders to come up with security measures against the motorcyle-riding suspects.
Manila Bulletin
ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS
SE Asia Stocks-Philippines reverses losses; Indonesia hits over 1-month high
Philippine shares reversed from an over two-month low to end higher on Tuesday as investors picked up beaten down stocks, while the Indonesian benchmark rose on gains in financial and energy sectors.
Reuters
BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS
'Build, Build, Build' should include infrastructure to benefit farmers, Hontiveros says
Sen. Risa Hontiveros in a press release on Tuesday urged the administration to include rice infrastructure initiatives in the Build, Build, Build flagship program to ease strains on the agriculture sector.
Philippine Star
OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION
Sandiganbayan convicts three former La Union water district officials for graft
The Sandiganbayan First Division has convicted three former officials of the Metro La Union Water District (MLUWD), now known as the Metro San Fernando Water District (MSFWD), of their graft charge involving the irregular disbursement of checks to selected employees, including themselves, in the amount of P7.2 million.
Manila Bulletin
FOREIGN RELATIONS
China seeks help from PH in ending violence, restoring order in Hong Kong SAR
The newly designated top Chinese diplomat in Manila has called on the Philippines to support the Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government in Hong Kong in ending violence and restoring order and upholding the rule of law in the former Crown Colony.
Manila Bulletin
PH gives financial aid to Bahamas post-Hurricane Dorian
The Philippine government has extended financial aid to The Bahamas to contribute in its relief efforts following the devastation left by Hurricane Dorian, which hit the country last September.
Philippine News Agency
West Philippine Sea
LABOR
Pinoys in Tripoli told to remain vigilant amid unrest
Less than a week after General Khalifa Haftar ordered his troops for a final assault to capture Tripoli, the Philippine embassy in Tripoli on Tuesday urged all Filipinos near the clashes to relocate and remain vigilant.
Philippine News Agency
DOLE planning to scale down deployment of OFWs to Saudi Arabia next year
The labor department is planning to scale down the deployment of overseas Filipino workers to Saudi Arabia starting next year. In a press briefing, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said this was due to the “slow action” of the Saudi government on the plight of workers there.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency
Pangilinan honors OFWs on International Migrants Day
Opposition Senator Francis N. Pangilinan joined the nation Wednesday, December 18, in celebrating International Migrants Day with special gratitude to the over 10 million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who live and work in some 200 countries and territories around the world.
Manila Bulletin
TRANSPORTATION
LTFRB to meet with TNCs over holiday fare hike
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is set to meet with transport network companies (TNCs) this week to discuss complaints of an excessive surge in fares during the holidays.
Philippine News Agency
Lucio Tan firm, Chinese infra giant sole bidder for $10B Cavite airport project
A Chinese state-owned company and Philippine Airlines owner Lucio Tan forged an alliance to transform a former Air Force base in Sangley Point, Cavite into an international gateway to decongest Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).
Philippine Daily Inquirer, GMA News
HEALTH
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
CA confirms Dar as agriculture secretary
The powerful Commission on Appointment (CA) confirmed Tuesday the appointment William D. Dar as Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary.
Manila Bulletin
Tolentino questions importation of ‘galunggong’
Senator Francis Tolentino on Tuesday questioned the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) decision to allow the importation of galunggong or round scad.
Manila Bulletin
Irrigation system projects open to private contractors — Dar
The Duterte administration seeks to invite private contractors to build irrigation systems to irrigate some 1.2 million hectares in the next five years under a ‘’Build, Transfer’’ scheme, Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William D. Dar said on Tuesday.
Manila Bulletin
EDUCATION
Teachers’ pay hike equal to a kilo of rice daily
Entry-level public school teachers will receive a daily pay increase equivalent to a kilo of rice under the proposed Salary Standardization Law (SSL) that has sailed through the Senate and is scheduled for final approval by the House of Representatives after being certified urgent by President Rodrigo Duterte.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Upskilled teachers key to winning battle for quality education – DepEd
Education Secretary Leonor Briones will hold a dialogue with teachers in order to discuss the challenges and solutions to realize quality education in the country.
Manila Bulletin
DepEd steps up efforts to address online abuse, bullying
In order to help provide a safer online environment for learners, and protect them against all possible forms of abuse, the Department of Education (DepEd) continues to adopt a cyber safety and digital citizenship program as part of the Values Education subject in schools.
Manila Bulletin
ENERGY
Consumers to feel December power rate hike, says Zarate
Talk about the holiday pinch. Senior Deputy Minority Leader, Bayan Muna Party-List Rep. Carlos Zarate said the P0.30 per kilowatt hour (kWh) rate hike announced by power giant Meralco for the month of December would definitely hurt consumers.
Manila Bulletin
POVERTY
More Filipino families rated themselves ‘poor’ in Q3 – SWS
The number of Filipino families who consider themselves “poor” rose to 42 percent during 2019's third quarter compared to the record-low 38 percent in the first quarter, the Social Weather Stations (SWS) said Tuesday.
GMA News
Media urged to raise awareness on admin’s anti-poverty drive
A Palace official has urged the media to continue featuring reports that will “raise awareness” on the Duterte administration’s anti-poverty efforts.
Philippine News Agency
SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT
HOUSING
TOURISM
DOT to tourists: Make Calabarzon your next stop
The Department of Tourism (DOT) urged both local and foreign tourists to visit the different destinations in the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon (Calabarzon).
Manila Bulletin
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
DENR urges Congress to tax plastic bags by piece, not by kilo
An official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Tuesday asked the Congress to consider taxing plastic bags per piece to address plastic pollution in the country.
Manila Bulletin
De Lima urges Filipinos to ditch single-use plastics these holidays
Senator Leila de Lima on Tuesday urged Filipinos to ditch single-use plastics during Christmas parties and gatherings this holiday season.
Manila Bulletin
Water crisis
INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY
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