Joma Sison reveals talks of a military coup against Duterte
After the Philippine government sent a notice of termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) to the United States, Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison has claimed that some pro-America officers in the military were talking about a possible coup d’etat against President Duterte.
Manila Bulletin
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Red-tagging Joma's doing: Parlade
It is the Communist Party of the Philippines(CPP) founding chair Jose Maria "Joma" Sison who is to be blamed for identifying and "red-tagging" militants and activists allied to their cause.
Philippine News Agency
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Tribal ‘Bagani’ warriors, Government officials, and Military join hands for peace
Over 1,000 members of the Dibabawon tribe and their non-indigenous local supporters gathered at the Barangay Gymnasium of Poblacion, Laak town yesterday to express their full support to the government’s campaign of immediately ending the local communist armed conflict within and beyond their ancestral domains.
Kalinaw News, The Mindanao Times
LGU, army hold Convergence Awareness Campaign in Surigao del Sur town
The Local Government Unit of San Miguel in partnership with the army’s 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion hold a convergence awareness campaign to the students of Sagbayan National High School, San Miguel, this province last February 13, 2020, at 9 o’clock in the morning.
Kalinaw News
Agusan solon asks teachers to protect youth from NPA recruitment
Concerned over reports that influence of the New People’s Army (NPA) has already reached school campuses, Agusan del Norte 2nd District Rep. Ma. Angelica M. Amante-Matba urged the teachers in the province to help the government save the youth from the recruitment of the NPA.
Philippine News Agency
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On the arrest of top CPP-NPA officials in Bohol
ON February 8, two suspected high-ranking officials of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) were arrested at their rest house in Brgy. Tulang, Getafe, Bohol. Reynaldo Camacho, 50, and Carmelita Cañeda, 48, have been charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
The Manila Times
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Hinggil sa Matagumpay na Taktikal na Opensiba ng Apolonio Mendoza Command – New People’s Army
Nagpupugay at nagbubunyi ang mga manggagawa sa ilalim Revolutionary Council of Trade Unions – National Democratic Front – Southern Tagalog sa matagumpay na taktikal na opensiba ng Apolonio Mendoza Command – NPA Quezon sa bayan ng San Narciso laban sa mersenaryo at berdugong elemento ng Philippine National Police noong ika-14 ng Pebrero.
Communist Party of the Philippines
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Grassroots consultative approach adopted to end NPA scourge: Exec
A top official from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in the region said they will try a different approach to end local communist armed conflicts.
The Mindanao Times
Two cops who survived, repel NPA ambush awarded
Two rookie policemen who survived a New People’s Army (NPA) ambush in San Narciso in Quezon on Valentine’s Day have been recognized for displaying bravery in repelling the attack.
Manila Bulletin
Peace Talks
On Mindoro Oriental PPOC’s plan to hold localized peace talks with NPA-Mindoro
Hungkag, inutil, walang saysay at pagsasayang lamang ng oras at salapi ng bayan ang paglalabas ng resolusyon ng Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) ng Mindoro Oriental (MinOr) na magpatupad ng lokalisadong usapang pangkapayapaan sa NPA sa probinsya.
Communist Party of the Philippines
Incidents/ Operations
Top ranking NPAs die in firefight with Army and Police in Ilocos Sur
Three leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army’s Komiteng Larangang Gerilya (KLG) South Ilocos Sur (SIS) died in a firefight with troops of the 81st Infantry (Spartan) Battalion at Barangay Namatican, Sta. Lucia, Ilocos Sur on the evening of February 13, 2020.
Kalinaw News
Revolutionary justice for the Ilocos 3
The Chadli Molintas Command (CMC) of the New People’s Army – Ilocos-Cordillera Region vehemently condemns the brutal murder of Julius Marquez (Ka Goyo), Ennabel Balunos (Ka Onor/Leah) and Ma. Finela Mejia (Ka Ricky). The three comrades are members of the NPA – Alfredo Cesar Command of Ilocos Sur.
Communist Party of the Philippines
Pulang Saludo at Pagpupugay sa 3 Martir ng Ilocos!
Pulang saludo at pinakamataas na parangal at pagpupugay ang iginagawad ng Kabataang Makabayan- Ilocos kina Kasamang Finela “Ka Ricky” Mejia, Julius “Ka Goyo” Marquez, at Enniabel “Ka Onor” Balunos para sa makabuluhang buhay na kanilang inialay sa dakilang mithiin ng rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka ng mamamayan ng Ilocos at ng buong bansa.
Communist Party of the Philippines
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MARAWI
P 3.4B in Marawi rehab projects await OK
With 11 months before funds allocated in 2019 expire, P3.405 billion in projects to rehabilitate war-torn Marawi City have been sought for approval by the Office of the President and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).
Philippine Daily Inquirer
SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD
Foreign fighters: ‘One of the most serious dimensions’ in global counter-terrorism struggle
Over the past few years, ISIL and Al-Qaida terrorist fighters have posed an “unprecedented threat to international peace and security”, the UN counter-terrorism chief said on Wednesday in Vienna, at the close of a joint UN- Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) regional conference on addressing challenges posed by terrorists who have gone to fight overseas.
Modern Diplomacy
Exclusive: Pompeo to Asharq Al-Awsat: US Committed to Preventing Iran From Acquiring Weapons
Before landing in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, Feb 19, US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo underscored the importance of the US-Saudi partnership, saying it is critical as the two countries work to confront Iran’s destabilizing behavior in the region.
Asharq Al-awsat
In long-suffering Afghanistan, this is a peace deal worth trying
On Saturday, a holiday commemorating the 31st anniversary of the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan, people here awaited the announcement of an agreement between the United States and the Taliban on the withdrawal of U.S. troops.
The Washington Post
German extremists ‘plotted attacks on Muslims to stoke war’
A group of right-wing extremists have been arrested in Germany after planning attacks on Muslims and asylum seekers to try to provoke civil strife.
The National UAE
Three-year-old Australian girl in Syria's al-Hawl camp may lose fingers to frostbite
A three-year-old Australian girl held in al-Hawl camp in Syria will likely lose her fingers to frostbite, unable to be properly treated during a brutal winter in the squalid camp.
The Guardian
The Pointlessness Of Terrorist Assassinations
On 6 February 2020, the White House confirmed the death of Qassim al-Rimi, one of the earliest founders of al-Qaeda and leader of the group’s affiliate in Yemen. It was no surprise that the Trump administration ordered the airstrike.
The Organization for World Peace
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BARMM
First barracks for decommissioned weapons completed
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has turned over to Camp Abubakar, Maguindanao the first of 11 Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST) barracks that will house weapons turned over by members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)-Bangsamoro.
Manila Bulletin, ABS-CBN News
MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY
Comelec urged to resolve issue in Maguindanao town
Who should sit as mayor of the Maguindanao town of Sultan sa Barongis after the mayor died last year? This is the question that Mayor Alfizzar Angas, the vice mayor who took over the post by law of succession, wants the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to settle.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
NORTH COTABATO
LANAO PROVINCES
BASILAN
SULU
Jolo named MinDA priority development area
THE MINDANAO Development Authority (MinDA) has identified Jolo, the capital of Sulu province, as a priority development area after Taraka town in Lanao del Sur.
Business World Online
TAWI-TAWI
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DRUGS
Big funds, little transparency: How Duterte's drug list works
In the so-called drug war of President Rodrigo Duterte, his drug list is sacred. But what happens when it fails him? This is precisely what journalists discovered when one of his own most favored followers, Lieutenant Colonel Jovie Espenido, was among those included in the notorious list.
Rappler
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Robredo says PNP leaders shouldn’t protect cops who taint its’ image
Vice President Leni Robredo said on Sunday the leaders of the Philippine National Police (PNP) should not try to protect police officers who taint the image of the institution because this will erode public trust.
Manila Bulletin, Rappler, GMA News
No special treatment for Espenido – Año
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said Lt. Col. Jovie Espenido will still have to go through the adjudication process, despite Malacañang’s vouching for the controversial police official who was allegedly included in the government’s narco list.
Philippine Star
‘Drug rings behind fake news vs policemen’
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday said criminal groups were behind the spread of fake news against police officers.
The Manila Times, GMA News
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PNP seeks ‘Bikoy’ suspects
The Philippine National Police has activated tracker teams to determine the whereabouts of at least four people, including Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, who have been charged of conspiring to commit sedition by producing the “Bikoy” videos linking President Duterte to the drug trade.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Operations/ Incidents
Recovery and Rehabilitation
ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES, AND AMMUNITION
CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING/ COUNTERFEIT GOODS
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
KIDNAPPING
Police rescue 4 Malaysians from Chinese captors in Laguna
Anti-kidnapping operatives of the Philippine National Police (PNP) have rescued four Malaysians in a raid on the safe house of their abductors in San Pedro, Laguna on Saturday.
Manila Bulletin
ILLEGAL GAMBLING
ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS/ EXTORTION
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‘Oplan X-Men’ of the Makati police angers LGBTQI community
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has started investigating “Oplan X-Men,” the Makati police’s alleged profiling of transgender women, to save them from “exploitation and human trafficking.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Press Freedom/ Freedom of expression
Solons demand House action on ABS-CBN franchise
Congressmen criticized on Sunday the supposed plan of the House leadership to let the effectivity of broadcast giant ABS-CBN’s current operating franchise expire before acting on pending bills to renew the franchise for another 25 years.
Manila Bulletin
Lawmaker warns ABS-CBN franchise renewal bid may be rejected if House rushed
A lawmaker who sits as a vice-chairperson of the House panel that handles legislative franchises warned Sunday they may end up rejecting ABS-CBN’s bid for franchise renewal if they are rushed in the process.
CNN Philippines
Solon calls for joint reso to allow ‘status quo’ on ABS-CBN franchise
A lawmaker on Sunday suggested the drafting of a Joint Concurrent Resolution (JCR) in Congress to have the National Telecommunications Commission formally recognize precedent situations and to maintain the "status quo" as bills to renew the franchise of ABS-CBN Corporation were pending before the House of Representatives.
GMA News
The law and SC ruling are clear: No franchise for ABS-CBN, no broadcast
THE law passed by the 9th Congress in March 1995 that gave ABS-CBN the authority to operate as a TV and radio network is crystal clear: “The franchise shall be for a term of twenty-five years from the date of effectivity of this Act.”
The Manila Times
Foot-dragging on ABS-CBN franchise bolsters suspicions of horse trading
THE issue of the franchise renewal of broadcast giant ABS-CBN has become not only about breach of press freedom on one hand and its alleged violations of the franchise provisions on the other, but also about political corruption.
The Manila Times
The unusual power of Jose Calida
Back then in Davao City’s legal orbits that included among others “Fiscal Rody,” he was known as “Attorney Joe.” When Rodrigo Duterte ran for president in 2016, Jose Calida was tapped as one of Mr. Duterte’s campaign managers (but for Alyansang Duterte-Bongbong).
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Martial Law
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Duterte vows to ‘humiliate’ individuals, entities engaged in corruption
A shame campaign against those involved in corruption will be applied by President Rodrigo Duterte in a bid to protect public interest and public funds.
Manila Bulletin
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Duterte: Manila Bay reclamation will suffocate Manila
President Duterte said he will never allow any massive reclamation projects in Manila Bay saying it will put the nation’s capital at peril.
Manila Bulletin
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Duterte risks regional security
With much at stake for The Philippines and its regional partners, including Australia, President Rodrigo Duterte should rethink his risky decision to scrap the key security pact that has long underpinned the US alliance with Manila.
The Australian
The era of ‘Visiting Forces Disagreements’
The sudden termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement on Feb. 11, 2020 comes exactly 121 years to the day, when the Philippine-American War was beginning to come to a boil. Bloody battles broke out in the second month of the year from Cavite to Caloocan and from thence Manila to even faraway Iloilo.
Philippine Star
Military historian warns vs. forging VFA with China, Russia
A military historian on Sunday warned the Philippine government against forging a "visiting forces" type of agreement with China and Russia, after the country repealed the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the US.
GMA News
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
Careful on travel ban, Leni tells Duterte
Vice President Leni Robredo on Sunday urged the Duterte administration to be careful about making decisions to prevent a repeat of the “backlash” caused by the controversial travel ban imposed on Taiwan.
Manila Bulletin
ELECTION RELATED
Comelec aims to increase registered OAVs to at least 2 M before 2022 polls
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is targeting to increase the number of registered overseas voters to at least 2 million for the May 2022 polls.
Manila Bulletin
DISASTER
BOC donates truckloads of relief goods for Taal thru Red Cross
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) donated to the Philippine Red Cross two truckloads of assorted items for the families affected by Taal Volcano’s eruption last month
Philippine News Agency
MINDANAO
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
JUDICIARY
LEGISLATIVE
Senate of the Philippines
Senators to question VFA termination at Supreme Court
Senators from both sides of the political fence will file a petition before the Supreme Court (SC) questioning Malacañang's termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States.
Rappler, GMA News
House of Representatives
Increased honoraria, bonus for barangay workers pushed
House Deputy Majority Leader, Bagong Henerasyon (BH) Party-List Rep. Bernadette Herrera wants to give barangay officials and workers better financial incentives in recognition of their efforts.
Manila Bulletin
House closer to passing bill allowing foreigners to own PH public utilities
The House of Representatives terminated plenary debates on the Public Service Act, coming closer to amending the 84-year-old law, the lower house of Congress announced in a statement on Sunday, February 16.
Rappler
House considers NVVS as illegal –Nograles
Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Party-list Rep. Jericho Nograles reminded Bureau of Customs (BoC) Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero Sunday that the House of Representatives has already deemed the agency’s National Valuation Verification System (NVVS) as illegal.
Manila Bulletin
Barbers renews call to close down tax-delinquent POGOs
Shut down tax-delinquent Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers reiterated this call, Sunday, at the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
Manila Bulletin
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)
QC forms task force for 2nd round of road clearing ops
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte announced that the second round of road-clearing operations mandated by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will kick off on February 17.
Philippine News Agency
LGUs vital in fight vs COVID-19, solons say
House members underscored on Sunday the importance of local government unit (LGU) participation amid the continued threat posed by the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on the population.
Manila Bulletin
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
DEFENSE AND SECURITY
Armed Forces of the Philippines
Philippine National Police
PCSO gives P1M laboratory equipment to PNP Region 11
Laboratory equipment amounting to P1 million was donated by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to the National Police (PNP) Regional Health Service 11, PCSO General Manager Royina Marzan-Garma said Sunday.
Manila Bulletin
BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION
BIR assessing effects of COVID-19 on tax collections
Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) instructed on Sunday regional directors and the chief of the large taxpayers’ service (LTS) to start assessing the effects of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) in relation to its P 2.5 trillion collection assignment for the year.
Manila Bulletin
ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS
BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS
Urban planner hopes next admin will continue ‘Build Build Build’
An urban planner has hopes that the next administration will continue the “Build Build Build” program of President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.
The Manila Times
OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION
COA rejects PrimeWater's P24-million claim vs Nueva Ecija water district
The Commission on Audit (COA) rejected a claim amounting to P24.2 million filed against the state-run Jaen Water District (JWD) in Nueva Ecija over a joint venture agreement in 2016.
Rappler
FOREIGN RELATIONS
West Philippine Sea
LABOR
TUCP calls for restoration of ban on deployment of household service workers to Kuwait
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) wants the order lifting the deployment ban on household service workers to Kuwait recalled.
Manila Bulletin
TRANSPORTATION
HEALTH
Indonesia cited by WHO for efficient handling of public health emergency
The World Health organization (WHO) heaped praises to Indonesia for the efficient handling of its evacuees from China’s Hubei province.
Manila Bulletin
Novel coronavirus could damage global growth in 2020 – IMF
The coronavirus epidemic could damage global economic growth this year, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) head said Sunday, February 16, but a sharp and rapid economic rebound could follow.
Rappler
Chinese businesses in faraway Namibia feel virus fear
Namibia should by rights feel little concern about the coronavirus outbreak given that the sparsely-populated desert country is 12,000 kilometers from China and without a single confirmed case.
Rappler
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New China virus cases drop for third day as toll passes 1,600
The number of new cases from China's coronavirus epidemic dropped for a third consecutive day on Sunday, February 16, as the World Health Organization chief warned it was "impossible" to predict how the outbreak would develop.
Rappler
US effort to help in containing COVID-19 shunned
Efforts of the United States to send its medical experts to China as part of the World Health organization (WHO) mission to contain the COVID-19 has not been accepted yet since the offer was made in January.
Manila Bulletin
What the Fight Against the New Coronavirus Tells Us About the Post-Reform PLA
Since mid-January, the public and media around the world have focused their attention on the new coronavirus that originated in Wuhan. As the virus spread from China to elsewhere in the world, panicked people began buying personal protective equipment while major cities in China started to take measures to contain the spread of the virus.
The Diplomat
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Southeast Asia feels the burn as coronavirus keeps Chinese tourists at home
Elephant parks unvisited, curios at markets unsold as tuk-tuks sit idle: Southeast Asia is facing billions of dollars in losses from a collapse in Chinese tourism since the outbreak of a deadly new coronavirus.
Rappler
Malaysia insists virus diagnosis from cruise passenger is correct
Malaysia insisted Sunday, February 16, it had correctly diagnosed coronavirus in an elderly American woman from the Westerdam cruise ship despite all passengers having been given a clean bill of health when they disembarked in Cambodia.
Rappler
Kim Jong-un in first appearance in weeks as coronavirus rages next door
North Korea's Kim Jong Un marked the birth anniversary of the country's former leader Sunday, February 16, in his first reported public appearance in over 3 weeks as a deadly coronavirus rages in neighboring China.
Rappler
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Inday Sara conveys support for China’s fight vs virus
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte has conveyed her support to the people of China in the face of the challenges they are facing with the spread of the deadly Coronavirus disease 2019.
Manila Bulletin
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Coronavirus cases on Japan ship rise to 355
The number of people infected with the deadly new coronavirus on a quarantined ship off Japan has risen to 355, the country's health minister said Sunday, February 16, as the United States, Canada and Hong Kong prepare to repatriate their residents on board.
Rappler
Filipino crew of Diamond Princess to be repatriated soon – Bello
The more than 500 Filipino crew members aboard a cruise ship being held on quarantine off Yokohama, Japan will be repatriated soon, according to Labor Secretary Silvestro Bello III on Sunday.
Manila Bulletin
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Bello says Macau travel ban likely to be lifted
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said on Sunday there is a “high possibility” the travel ban imposed on Macau in response to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) will be lifted after Taiwan. Speaking to radio DZMM, Bello said it was just a “matter of considering the [health] protocols to be observed” by China’s special administrative region for the ban to be lifted.
Manila Bulletin
Locsin wants ban on OFWs to Hong Kong lifted
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. is recommending the lifting of the ban on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), specifically household workers, to return Hong Kong following reports that there were no new confirmed cases of Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the former Crown Colony over the weekend.
Manila Bulletin
OFWs hope gov’t will allow them to return to Hong Kong
After the government revoked the travel ban earlier imposed on Taiwan, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) expressed hope that the Philippine government will do the same for Hong Kong and allow him and his fellow workers to travel back to where they are employed.
Manila Bulletin, GMA News
Duque promises OFWs: Gov’t will consider their request to allow them to return to HK
The request of stranded Hong Kong-based overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Manila to return to China’s special administrative region will be taken up by the government’s inter-agency task force when they convene on Feb. 17.
Manila Bulletin
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PH coronavirus watch: Suspected cases per region, as of February 16, 2020
The Department of Health (DOH) continues to place persons under investigation for possible cases of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). As of Sunday, February 16, the DOH said it has probed 498 patients. There is still no recorded local transmission in the country.
Rappler
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Polio
Poliovirus detected in Cebu river – DOH
The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine has confirmed that environmental samples from Butuanon River in Mandaue City, Cebu have tested positive for poliovirus, the Department of Health (DOH) reported in a statement released last Saturday.
Philippine Star, Sunstar Cebu
EDITORIAL - 17 and counting
While the government moves to contain the spread of the 2019 coronavirus disease or COVID-19, the threat posed by another virus is increasing. Over the weekend, the Department of Health announced that environmental samples taken from Butuanon River in Mandaue City, Cebu have tested positive for poliovirus.
Philippine Star
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
EDUCATION
ENERGY
Parts of Luzon to experience power interruption starting February 17
Parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces will experience scheduled power interruptions starting Monday, February 17, until Sunday, February 23, due to maintenance works.
Manila Bulletin
POVERTY
What explains the increase in self-rated poverty in the last quarter of 2019?
The recent survey on self-rated poverty done by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) piqued my curiosity. The Fourth Quarter of 2019 survey (conducted on Dec. 12-16, 2019) showed self-rated poverty spiking by 12 points compared to the previous quarter.
Business World Online
SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT
Children’s Joy Foundation hailed best NGO by DSWD
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently recognized the Children’s Joy Foundation Inc. as the best non-government organization (NGO) in the country for its valuable contribution to the programs of the agency.
Manila Bulletin
HOUSING
TOURISM
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Last of Korean trash to be shipped back
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Sunday shipped back to South Korea all the waste it illegally sent to the Philippines in 2018.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY
EU, PH hold Copernicus Space Program dialogues
In this day and age, finding a partner can already be made possible with the use of technology via several applications. And even partnerships between space agencies have so much to gain from cutting-edge technology.
The Manila Times
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