PNP: Monitoring of enemies of state continuous
THE Philippine National Police (PNP) maintained Friday, March 22, that they are continuously monitoring and gathering intelligence information against the enemies of the state, as mandated by law.
Sunstar Manila

Return to the fold, avail of gov't aid, rebels told
Now that President Rodrigo R. Duterte has permanently terminated the peace talks with the communist rebels, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) urged New People's Army (NPA) rebels and their supporters to abandon the armed struggle and return to the fold of the law.
Philippine News Agency

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NDFP peace consultant, ex-priest subjected to inquest proceedings
National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace consultant Renante Gamara and retired priest Arturo Joseph Balagat were subjected to inquest proceedings at the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Manila Friday following their arrest in Imus, Cavite.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine News Agency

Another guns and explosives possession charge against newly-arrested NDFP consultant    
Guess what charges were filed against arrested National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace consultant Renante Gamara. Like the complaints it filed against four NDFP consultants it arrested in succession in 2018, the Philippine National Police (PNP) charged Gamara and his companion, retired priest Arturo Balagat, with illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
Kodao

PH a hotspot for peace advocates, says human rights group
A human rights group said illegal arrests and trumped-up charges imposed on the government’s critics make the country a hotspot against peace advocates. Human rights group Hustisya claimed the “Duterte government is making the country a hotspot for peace advocates and activists, escalating attacks and rights violations while throwing the whole efforts to a just and lasting peace to the bin.”
Manila Bulletin

Peace Talks

Holders of safe conduct pass can now be arrested —AFP spokesman
A military official said Friday leaders, consultants, and staffers of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines who are holding safe conduct pass can now be arrested with the termination of the peace talks.
GMA News

Philippine Army supports Duterte’s termination of the peace negotiations with CPP/NPA/NDF
The Philippine Army (PA) on Friday (March 22, 2019), said that it fully supports the decision of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to terminate the peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).
Manila Bulletin, GMA News, The Manila Times

Parlade welcomes cancelation of peace negotiations, hits NPA’s “deceptive ploys”
Armed Forces deputy chief of staff for civil-military operations Brig. Gen. Antonio Parlade Friday welcomed the permanent cancellation of peace negotiations between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).
Manila Bulletin

Peace talks, CPP’s deceptive ploy to overthrow gov’t: AFP
It’s just right that President Rodrigo Duterte permanently terminated the peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) as the Reds are just using the talks as a “deceptive ploy” to replace "the government with a proletarian dictatorship,” a ranking official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Friday.
Philippine News Agency

Senators support shift to localized peace talks
Senators on Friday backed President Duterte’s move to localize the peace talks with communist rebels, as they believed that it would be more “practical” and would have greater chances of success.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency

Lacson: Localized negotiations with communist group practical, logic
Senator Panfilo Lacson branded Friday as practical and logical the decision of Malacañang to localize its handling of the insurgency situation in the country as President Rodrigo Duterte formally terminated the peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.
GMA News

Gov't must be superior in peace talks with Reds: ex-rebel group
A peace advocacy group on Friday called on the national government to take control of the discussion regarding peace agreements with local communists.  "Ang GRP (Government of the Republic of the Philippines) panel ang may matibay na posisyon to negotiate on a superior strength. Tayo ang lehitimong republika (The GRP panel has the stronger position to negotiate on a superior strength. We are the legitimate republic)," La Independecia spokesperson Ka Mario Laudades said .
Philippine News Agency

EastMinCom to push for localized peace talks with Reds after Duterte scraps talks with finality
After President Rodrigo Duterte had terminated the appointments of government peace negotiators holding talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), a military official here said Friday that they would push for the implementation of localized peace talks in a bid to address the root cause of conflict in areas perceived to be stronghold of the communists.
Mindanews

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Bayan Muna: Peace talks’ termination bodes ill for opposition, progressive bets
Bayan Muna Chairman Neri Colmenares and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate on Friday assailed President Rodrigo Duterte’s latest termination of the peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), claiming it part of the government’s plan to attack progressive and opposition poll candidates as well as their supporters.
Manila Bulletin, GMA News

Senate bets urge Duterte to pursue peace talks, call in help of religious leaders
Labor leader Sonny Matula expressed disappointment over the latest decision of the President Rodrigo to permanently end the peace negotiations. Matula, who is also eyeing a Senate seat this coming polls, is urging the government and communist groups to "still allow some room for negotiation."
GMA News

Duterte yields GRP-NDFP peace talks to the military
Back-to-back with the controversial withdrawal of the Philippines from the International Criminal Court (ICC) that took effect on March 17, the following day President Duterte dismissed the government panel negotiating peace with the National Democratic Front and, the day after, even said it was a “permanent” termination.
Philippine Star

Incidents/ Operations   

Folks evacuated, classes suspended amid clash in north Negros
Almost 700 residents in the remote villages of two northern Negros localities were evacuated following an encounter between government troops and communist rebels on Thursday night. A report from the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) on Friday afternoon stated that 381 individuals sought shelter at the Doña Rosorio Baldevia Elementary School in Sitio Sta. Ana, Barangay Mabini, Escalante City.
Philippine News Agency, The Daily Guardian

AFP sustain security operations ensures peace and development in the communities
Three encounters transpired in different areas of Eastern Mindanao as units under Eastern Mindanao Command sustains the conduct of security operations in their respective area of jurisdiction. For the past two days, troops of EMC averted CPP-NPA Terrorist Group evil plan in conducting atrocities against the communities.
Kalinaw News

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Early response network launched
The local disaster risk reduction management officers in the province of Lanao del Sur consisting of 39 towns and one city launched a more powerful early response network (ERN) using the Critical Events Monitoring System (CEMS) of the NGO’s Alert International Philippines at Cheradel Suites here on Thursday.
Manila Bulletin

LANAO SUR BRACES FOR EL NIÑO
Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer (PRDRRMO) Saripada Pacasum on Friday said Lanao del Sur was ready with contingency for the El Niño, even as there is no official report yet on the effect of the dry season. Pacasum said the local disaster risk reduction management officers in the province’s 39 municipalities and one city organized recently the Early Response Network (ERN) for information sharing using advanced technologies to deter violent conflict, disasters and displacement. 
The Manila Times

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Duterte confident of winning against terror groups, drug traffickers
President Duterte is confident that the government could win the war against groups that seek to sow terror in the country.
Manila Bulletin

Madaris Tarbiyyah: Countering extremism in Sarangani
Efforts to counter violent extremism among Muslims in Sarangani province continue to gain ground through the provincial government’s innovative Madaris Tarbiyyah program. Asma Akmad, coordinator of Sarangani’s Commission on Muslim Affairs, said Friday more Moro residents are now aware of violent extremism and are making efforts to counter the problem in the area.
Philippine News Agency

EDITORIAL - Foreign threats
Whether there are 100 foreign jihadists who have entered the Philippines or only 10, the principal task of security forces is to stop extremist violence. The Armed Forces of the Philippines, which is the lead agency in counterterrorism, has reported receiving information that jihadists fleeing Syria and Iraq are considering going to the Philippines.
Philippine Star

Alert on foreign terrorists’ entry up
Foreign terrorists are attempting to enter the country despite the strict security measures being implemented in the tri-boundary of the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said Friday.  Eight out of 10 foreign terrorists who were monitored to have entered the Philippines have been tracked in Central Mindanao, AFP Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Col. Gerry Besana said.
Manila Standard

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Military finds more BIFF war materiel in Maguindanao
Military troops pursuing the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao have recovered more anti-personnel mines, mortars, rifles, and communication devices from the extremist group.
Philippine News Agency

MARAWI

Kapuso Foundation gets grant from Japan to build Marawi school building
GMA Kapuso Foundation Inc. has received a grant from the Embassy of Japan to construct a school building in war-torn Marawi City. Japanese Ambassador Koji Haneda and Kapuso Foundation Executive Vice President Rikki O. Escudero-Catibog inked the grant contract at the Embassy on Friday.
GMA News

Mindanao conflict moves Muslim to work with Christians
Hidaya Macapaar Sultan, a 22-year-old Muslim humanitarian worker, speaks before a group of Catholic and Protestant leaders on March 12 about plans to help people affected by armed conflict in Mindanao.
La Croix International

SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD      

Mourners Honor the Dead With Call to Prayer in Christchurch, New Zealand
One week after a terrorist attack that killed 50 people at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, mourners who came from around the world honored the dead Friday by sharing the Muslim call to prayer and two minutes of silence.
New York Times

White Nationalist Terrorism in the Indo-Pacific: The Threat After Christchurch
The Diplomat‘s Ankit Panda (@nktpnd) and Prashanth Parameswaran (@TheAsianist) discuss the white nationalist terror attack in Christchurch, New Zealand, and the threat of white nationalism in the region.
The Diplomat

Humanity’s call
What happened in Christchurch, New Zealand, on March 15 exposed a truth that many refused to see—that in the realm of terrorism, Muslims are victims, too. The harsh and sad part is that it had to be at the cost of 50 innocent lives. But this event, no matter how tragic, was still not enough for people to come together and realize that there is a common enemy.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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Three years after the Brussels attacks fight against terrorism is still high on the EU agenda
Today, we are commemorating the third year of the horrid Brussels attacks where 32 victims were killed and hundreds were injured. Their memories are still vivid in our minds and hearts as are the memories of other victims of terrorism spanning Europe, the Middle East, Africa, North America, Asia and the Pacific. 
The Brussels Times 

‘Women Here Are Very, Very Worried’
It was once a prominent and bipartisan cause: the liberation of Afghan women from the tyranny of the Taliban. These women were championed by an array of strange bedfellows: feminists like Eleanor Smeal, celebrities like Lily Tomlin and stalwarts of a conservative administration like Laura Bush and Dick Cheney.
The New York Times

Leila de Lima slams government’s coddling of Misuari, calls the MNLF chief criminal
Detained Senator Leila de Lima on Friday slammed the Duterte administration for taking Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chair Nur Misuari’s threat to go to war lightly saying the government should not be giving terrorists a platform.
Manila Bulletin

21K more households in Soccsksargen, BARMM to get UCT subsidies
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has enlisted some 21,392 additional households in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) and parts of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as beneficiaries of the national government’s Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) program.
Philippine News Agency

Summit calls for community-based, 'relational' approaches to Mindanao conflict
THE first quarter of 2018 has seen a number of conflicts that's all too familiar in Mindanao. In late January, 20 were killed and 102 injured when the Roman Catholic cathedral in Jolo was bombed by insurgents. In February, eight died in a series of encounters between soldiers and rebels in Bukidnon. In the same month, five government troops were killed and five others were injured in an armed clash with over a hundred suspected Abu Sayyaf members, and three blasts in separate occurrences hit the province of Lanao del Norte.
Sunstar Manila

BARMM

Bangsamoro gov't inauguration repeatedly delayed to ensure Duterte presence
A month after they took their oaths, Bangsamoro Transition Authority members are yet to convene as a parliament. The date for their inauguration and first Session as parliament has been repeatedly changed to make sure President Rodrigo Duterte will be there.
Rappler, Manila Standard

MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY

Sandiganbayan: Sajid Ampatuan guilty of corruption
The anti-graft court Sandiganbayan has found former Maguindanao governor Sajid Ampatuan guilty of corruption in connection with anomalous purchases for school building repairs in his province in 2009.
Rappler, Philippine News Agency, GMA News

No mayoralty contests in 14 Maguindanao towns
There will be no midterm elections in 14 of the 36 towns in Maguindanao, a province in the Bang­samoro Autonomous Region (BAR), where feudal politics once peaked with the infamous Maguindanao massacre of 2009. The 14 Maguindanao towns where mayoral candidates face no rivals, ac­cording to a 2019 list of officials candi­dates from the Commission on Elections (Comelec), are Buluan, Pandag, Mangu­dadatu, Paglat, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Datu Blah Sinsuat, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Kabuntalan, Sultan Kudarat, Sultan Mastura, Datu Paglas, Guindolungan, Ampatuan and Talayan.
Manila Bulletin

NORTH COTABATO

LANAO PROVINCES

BASILAN

SULU 

TAWI-TAWI 

DRUGS

2nd narco list unlikely out before polls – PDEA
The names of 20 to 30 more local executives included in President Duterte’s narco list will most likely not be released before the midterm elections, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said yesterday.
Philippine Star

IBP: Prosecute, don’t shame, lawyers, prosecutors, judges in drug watchlist
Instead of shaming them by revealing who they are, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) prefer to have lawyers, prosecutors and judges in the drugs watch list prosecuted. The IBP made the call after Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Aaron Aquino revealed there are lawyers, prosecutors and judges in the agency’s drug watchlist.
Manila Bulletin, GMA News

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Will Sri Lanka’s hard line on drugs produce results?
Sri Lanka’s move in February 2019 to bring back capital punishment for convicted drug offenders has put a spotlight on the growth of narcotics-related crime in the country. The government’s apparent tough stance is in response to concerns that Sri Lanka is re-emerging as a transit hub for global drug trafficking networks.
East Asia Forum

Operations/ Incidents

P1.8 B shabu seized at Manila port
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) confiscated on Friday an estimated P1.8 billion worth of shabu at the Manila International Container Port.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Recidivist in Cotabato City nabbed for shabu anew
Police nabbed a recently-released "drug peddler" for allegedly selling shabu to a poseur-buyer during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Rosary Heights 6 here Thursday.
Philippine News Agency

Recovery and Rehabilitation  

Drug surrenderers serve Ifugao town as volunteer firefighters
Former drug surrenderers are making themselves useful to the community as firefighters and as rescue volunteers for Kiangan town in Ifugao province, which embraced them back.
Philippine News Agency

ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES AND AMMUNITION

CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING  

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS 

PRO-12 chief warns personnel on investment scam
The chief of the Police Regional Office-12 (PRO-12) has warned all policemen in the region to shun any form of investment scam that reportedly involved even its rank-and-file personnel.
Philippine News Agency

Duterte lauds Filipino-Chinese business leaders’ role in nation-building
President Duterte expressed his gratitude to Filipino-Chinese business leaders for supporting his administration’s fight against illegal drugs, criminality, and corruption. The President made the statement during the opening of the 32nd Biennial Convention of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) Thursday night.
Manila Bulletin

Duterte bans travel junkets for all gov’t officials, employees
President Duterte has prohibited government officials and employees from taking “travel junkets” and adjusted the rates and allowances for their official foreign and local trips.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Rappler

ELECTION RELATED

Poll body says surveys not the best guide in choosing candidates
In an interview, Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez explained that surveys offer only a snapshot of a candidate’s popularity. “It does not reveal anything substantial about the candidate’s qualifications, character, or potential as an elected government official,” he said.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency

Why is Abra under Category Red on Comelec hot spot list?
Commission on Election has painted Abra red, declaring the whole province as a hot spot under Category Red. Comelec assistant director for Cordillera Vanessa Roncal said that under Category Red, the highest stage among the hot spots, the commission may order the augmentation of the police and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Abra based on the need or the perceived need of the Comelec official assigned there.
Rappler

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Dissecting Data: Vote-rich areas in the Philippines
There are 61.8 million registered voters for the midterm polls in May, 14 percent higher compared to the 2016 presidential vote, data from the Commission on Election showed. Voters are distributed in 36,807 voting centers located in 81 provinces. Warren De Guzman presents the findings of ABS-CBN Data Analytics.
ABS-CBN News

‘Code red’ favors Mindanao
It must come as a welcome news to its residents that the Commission on Elections has placed the entire Mindanao under category red until after the May 13 elections. As a Mindanaoan, I interpret the Comelec’s move as a sign that it places great importance on the conduct of a clean, orderly and peaceful polls in the South that shall reflect the true will of the people—in other words, credible elections. 
Manila Standard

Senatorial bet Leody de Guzman scores Robredo on socmed regulation proposal
Militant labor leader and senatorial bet of the Partido Lakas ng Masa (PLM) Leody de Guzman scored Vice-President Leni Robredo for her proposal to have a law that would regulate the use of social media.
Manila Bulletin

Respect our trees, DENR tells poll bets
With the ongoing election campaign period, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has reiterated its call to candidates to spare the trees and display posters only in designated areas.
Philippine News Agency

Voters urged: Elect leaders who will champion women's rights
Women’s rights groups are urging voters to look into leaders who would champion women’s rights in the coming 2019 midterm elections. Women leaders from the Pambansang Koalisyon ng Kababaihan sa Kanayuan, Mawari-based Al-Mujadillah Development Foundation and Oxfam Philippines presented a list of feminist policies must be pushed by political aspirants.
Philippine Star

Oppositions

Administration

Gwen Garcia joins Sara Duterte, Hugpong ng Pagbabago campaign in Cebu
Cebu gubernatorial bet Gwen Garcia hitched her wagon to Hugpong ng Pagbabago's (HNP), joining the administration-allied slate as they campaigned in Liloan, Cebu, on Friday, March 22.
Rappler

Rep. Gwen Garcia vows 12-0 victory for Hugpong bets in Cebu
Cebu Representative Gwen Garcia, the ruling party PDP-Laban candidate for governor here, has vowed a landslide victory for the administration slate Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) in the vote rich province.
GMA News

Estrada claims exposé on Corona impeachment bribery caused his incarceration
Hugpong ng Pagbabago senatorial candidate former Sen. Jinggoy Estrada on Friday claimed that his expose of the multi-billion peso bribery that influenced the outcome of the impeachment of the late former Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona triggered the filing of alleged trump up criminal charges that caused his detention for over four years.
Manila Bulletin

Election-related Violence, Incidents and operations

DISASTER

MINDANAO

Lone district for GenSan seen to spur growth
Residents can expect more developments with President Rodrigo R. Duterte's approval of the law that created a separate legislative or congressional district for this city. This was according to Mayor Ronnel Rivera, who said Friday the city's lone congressional district complements the administration's initiatives to transform General Santos as one of the country’s premier cities.
Philippine News Agency

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

Pimentel sees hope for federalism shift in Senate after 2019 elections
With administration allies dominating pre-election senatorial surveys, Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III is hopeful that the shift to federalism will gain more ground in the Senate under the 18th Congress.
Rappler

JUDICIARY

LEGISLATIVE

Arroyo orders House panel to break impasse on budget “as soon as possible”
Former president and now Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has instructed the House of Representatives 2019 budget panel to put an end to the on-going budgetary impasse “as soon as possible”.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer

Congressmen renew call for SIM card registration
Ranking House members have renewed their call for owners of mobile phones to have their SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards registered.
Manila Bulletin

Velasco: Speakership is destiny
Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Jay Velasco said Friday he is grateful for the Hugpong ng Pagbabago endorsement of his speakership bid but will leave it to destiny if he will make it to the top House post.
Manila Bulletin

BUDGET, FINANCE and TAXATION

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)

DEFENSE AND SECURITY

US: No request from Philippines to review defense treaty
Despite calls to review the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the Philippines and the United States, there have been no requests from either side to do so. Patrick Murphy, US Department of State Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Southeast Asia, said the two countries have been regularly discussing the treaty.
Philippine Star

PRRD inspects Army's state-of-the-art equipment
President Rodrigo R. Duterte was given a first-hand look of the Philippine Army's (PA) newly-acquired state-of-the-art equipment during its 122nd founding anniversary celebration Thursday. Army spokesperson, Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, in a statement said Duterte toured the PA's Multi-Purpose Mobile Treatment Facility, which provides a rapid, deployable and operational military facility for mobile battalions when conducting military operations.
Philippine News Agency

Tondo lad heeds late pa’s wish; tops PNPA Class of 2019
A 24-year-old young man from Tondo, Manila not only fulfilled the wish of his late father for him to be a policeman, he even exceeded it as he emerged on top of his class during the 40th commencement exercises of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) held at Camp General Mariano Castaneda here Friday.
Manila Bulletin

Farmer’s daughter graduates as PNPA salutatorian
It was a woman, a farmer’s daughter, who ranked second among 201 graduates of the Sansiklab Class of 2019 of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA).
Philippine Daily Inquirer

New police officers must shun power, fame – Duterte
The country’s new batch of police officers should never be deceived by power or fame as they start their service to the nation, President Duterte said Friday. The President challenged the 201-member Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Sansiklab Class of 2019 to become the “greatest version” of themselves and perform their duty with integrity, loyalty, patriotism, and compassion as instilled by their alma mater.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Rappler

Philippine Navy to host Joint Working Conference with Russian Navy
The Philippine Navy (PN) will be hosting this June a Joint Working Conference between their experts and experts from the Russian Navy to discuss what they can get from Russia in order to further upgrade their naval capability.
Manila Bulletin

ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS

SE Asia Stocks-Philippines gains on hopes of policy easing
Most Southeast Asian stock markets ended higher on Friday, with Philippines rising to a near six-week closing peak amid expectation of monetary policy easing after the central bank cut its 2019 inflation forecast.
Reuters

BUILD, BUILD, BUILD

Palace: OK to release Kaliwa Dam docs if covered by FOI
Malacañang is open to making public the documents concerning the China-funded Kaliwa Dam project if it is not restricted by Freedom of Information (FOI) rules.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer

Carpio raises alarm over Chico River deal: China 'can take' gas-rich Reed Bank
Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio warned that the "expensive" Chico River Pump Irrigation project would allow China to take gas-rich Reed Bank (Recto Bank) should the Philippines default on its P3.69-billion loan for the project.
Rappler

OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

Japan signs new P41.8-M grassroots projects in PH
The Japanese embassy in Manila on Friday has signed five new grassroots projects worth PHP41.78 million, which are focused on improving education, health, and agriculture across the country. The projects, under Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), will be implemented by the GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc. and the municipalities of Matanog in Maguindanao, Dingalan in Aurora, Balete in Batangas, and Calintaan in Occidental Mindoro.
Philippine News Agency

GRAFT AND CORRUPTION

Ombudsman asked to probe Sandra Cam’s undeclared properties
The Office of the Ombudsman is being urged to look into the undeclared properties of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board member Sandra Cam in her statement of assets liabilities and net worth (SALN) for the years 2017 and 2018.
Manila Bulletin, GMA News

FOREIGN RELATIONS  

Our growing partnership with Japan
There was very good  news from Japan early this week. Secretary Silvestre Bello III of the Department  of Labor and Employment  (DOLE) said  officials  of DOLE and Japan’s Ministries of Justice, Foreign Affairs, Health, Labor and Welfare, and  National Police will sign  on Tuesday  an agreement  providing  for  a new status and protection for “Specified Skilled Workers” in Japan.
Manila Bulletin

Bilateral relations mark 70 years
THIS year the friendship of Pakistan and the Philippines has seen 70 springs. Official bilateral relations between the two countries commenced with the establishment of the Philippine consulate in Karachi on September 9, 1949, followed by the opening of the Philippine Embassy in Karachi in 1956 and the Pakistani Embassy in Manila in September 1957.
Business Mirror

West Philippine Sea

Del Rosario welcomes Duterte’s ‘thoughtful reply’ on ICC case vs Xi
Former Foreign Affairs chief Albert Del Rosario has welcomed what he called a “thoughtful reply” of President Rodrigo Duterte on their complaint before the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Chinese President Xi Jinping over intrusions in the West Philippine Sea.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Ex-PH officials: ICC complaint vs China 'to check impunity'
Former Philippine officials said on Friday, March 22, that they filed a complaint against Chinese President Xi Jinping before the International Criminal Court (ICC) to "check impunity" in the disputed South China Sea.
Rappler

Opposition senatorial bets back ICC case against China’s Xi
Opposition senatorial candidates have rallied behind former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales for suing Chinese President Xi Jinping before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Philippine Daily Inquirer, GMA News

‘David vs. Goliath’ in South China Sea: Beijing must take us seriously, ex-Philippine officials seeking ICC probe into Xi Jinping say
The two former Philippines officials asking the International Criminal Court to investigate Chinese President Xi Jinping for his“crimes against humanity” in the South China Sea say their aim is to improve the lives of Filipino fishermen and Beijing should take their move seriously.
South China Morning Post

ICC correspondence vs China's Xi: What happens next?
Opening an investigation into allegations of committing crimes against humanity against Chinese President Xi Jinping is now up to the International Criminal Court.
Philippine Star

LABOR

Labor chief assures Hanjin workers shipbuilder has enough assets to cover liabilities
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has assured the displaced Hanjin workers that its firm has enough remaining assets to pay for all of its liabilities to them.
Manila Bulletin

Villanueva sees urgency of implementation of stricter policies on foreign workers
Senator Joel Villanueva has stressed the urgency of putting up stricter policies in the entry of alien workers in the country to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who are involved in illegal drugs.
Manila Bulletin

TRANSPORTATION

‘Honesty’ is such a lonely word, bus company learns
Barely a week after it tested an “honesty system” in collecting fares, a bus company on Wednesday announced that it would discontinue the novel scheme after it found that one out of three passengers did not pay for the trip.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

HEALTH 

Hontiveros to gov’t: Give out incentives like vouchers, tax credit, ‘libre load’ to boost immunization program
Senator Risa Hontiveros proposed Friday giving incentives in exchange for receiving vaccination and returning for subsequent vaccination shots to boost the government’s immunization program.
GMA News

DOH welcomes QC ordinance that regulates use of vapes or e-cigarettes
The Department of Health (DOH) welcomed the passage of a city ordinance in Quezon City that regulates the use of electronic cigarettes or vapes. “We are happy that Quezon City is moving in the direction of regulating the use of e-cigarettes and vapes,” said Health Undersecretary Rolando Enrique Domingo.
Manila Bulletin

Albay plan to distribute condoms to HS studes receives flak
The plan of the Albay Provincial Health Office (APHO) to distribute condoms to high school students to prevent further rise in cases of human immunodeficiency virus-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV-AIDS) and teenage pregnancy in the province was slammed by the Department of Education (DepEd) and a church-based organization.
Philippine News Agency

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

Agri sector to ‘survive’ even after PH opens up to more imported rice – Pinol
Amid the passage of the Rice Tariffication Bill, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol already set aside his “fears” and said he will make sure the agriculture sector will “survive” the anticipated entry of more imported rice in the local market.
Manila Bulletin

DA calls anew for temporary ban on palm oil imports
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has reiterated its earlier recommendation for a "temporary ban" on palm oil imports, as Filipino coconut and oil palm farmers complain of extremely low prices due to the dumping of the commodity by two major palm oil-producing countries in Southeast Asia.
Philippine News Agency

1 ASF case can wipe out 65% of Philippines’ hog trade
Extra vigilance was needed to keep pork contaminated by African swine fever (ASF) from entering the country as only one ASF case could wipe out small backyard raisers, which make up 65 percent of the country’s pork industry, according to an agricultural group.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

EDUCATION

DepEd readies for opening of classes; launches Oplan Balik Eskwela
In line with its efforts to ensure the smooth opening of classes for School Year (SY) 2019-2020, the Department of Education (DepEd) announced the conduct of this year’s “Brigada Eskwela” and the launching of the national Oplan Balik Eskwela (OBE).
Manila Bulletin

Filipino scholars hope to bring home lessons learned from Japanese education
Work ethic became one of the foundations that led to the economic achievements of Japan until today. Japan, through the Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship or JDS, has invited three young Filipino scholars from different government agencies in the Philippines to take a cue from the Japanese work ethic and governance system.
Manila Bulletin

ENERGY

POVERTY

HOUSING

TOURISM

36 local tourism service providers get ASEAN Tourism Standard Awards
Thirty-six tourism service providers in the country were awarded with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Tourism Standards Awards led by the Department of Tourism (DOT) on Friday. Tourism Undersecretary Arturo Boncato Jr. said that the awardees have achieved the “highest standards of tourism” not only in the Philippines but all over the ASEAN region.
Manila Bulletin

European cruise ship sails to Leyte’s Kalanggaman Island
At least 352 tourists from European countries on Thursday explored Kalanggaman Island, Leyte’s premier tourist destination.  The foreign tourists were on board MS Europa 2, the highest-rated cruise ship in the world operated by German-based Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, according to the Berlitz Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships. The cruise ship has almost 300 crew, including 185 Filipinos.
Philippine News Agency

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES 

Mercury level rising in Philippine waters, mine sites; 18 hot spots tagged
At least five bodies of water in Luzon and Mindanao have been identified as having high levels of mercury, according to an assessment that studied the prevalence of the chemical and existing policies to curb its use and release to the environment.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

23 years after, mine tailings still a threat to Marinduque, says official
Many residents of Marinduque province still live in fear, almost 23 years after the area was hit by one of the largest mining disasters in the country. These fears were awakened by the supposedly worsening condition of the Maguilaguila dam, which was recently inspected by the staff of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), according to Lord Allan Velasco, the lone district representative of Marinduque.
ABS-CBN News

Gov't urged to halt reclamation in Manila Bay as new species of sardines found
Advocacy group Oceana on Friday urged government to stop reclamation efforts in Manila Bay to protect marine life in the area after a new sardine species was discovered. In a statement, Oceana belied claims that Manila Bay's ecosystem is dying, saying that a new sardine species called Sardinella pacifica has been discovered in the body of water and other parts of the country.
ABS-CBN News

Water crisis

Angara calls for sweeping reforms in water sector
Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” on Friday called for sweeping reforms in the water sector to ensure the availability of the precious resource at all times.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer

Laguna Lake boosts water supply
Laguna Lake is now boosting the water supply of East Zone concessionaire Manila Water Company, Inc., which continues to draw the flak from its customers for implementing recently a low to no-water supply interruptions in its concession areas.
Manila Bulletin

INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY

FOI website data leak? Privacy commission investigating
The government and the National Privacy Commission (NPC) are looking into an issue with the country's freedom of information request website, foi.gov,ph, as some data submitted by users to the site appears to be getting indexed on search engines.
Rappler

Makati cops nab 9 in illegal sale of LTE modems in Quezon City
Nine persons were arrested on Thursday night for illegally selling broadband modems purportedly of a telecom company. In a report from the Southern Police District (SPD), the suspects were identified as Jeffrey Abalos, 22; John Reymart Abalos, 25; Jericho Abalos, 21; Jonathan Abalos, 21; Richard Solomon, 20; Patrick Calangian, 26; Marlon Abalos, 39; Elpedia Abalos, 44; and Dionisio Abalos, 52.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Experts advocate water demand management
Various experts raised the urgency for water demand management in the country to help guard against adverse situations, such as the water shortage gripping private concessionaire Manila Water Company, Inc. (MWCI). 
Philippine News Agency

DEVELOPMENT SECTOR