AFP lauds EU move to probe funneling of funds from NGOs to Reds
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) lauded on Sunday the move of the ambassadors of the European Union (EU) and Belgium to look into the request of the Philippine government to audit the funds they donate to non-government organizations which local security officials earlier tagged as having links with the Communist rebels.
Manila Bulletin

Reds' front groups scamming for donations: AFP official
Militant organizations, reportedly fronting for the communist terrorist groups, are exploiting Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and fabricating reports that paint a very dire human right situations in the Philippines which they will then use as a pretext for asking donations from foreign donors like the European Union (EU) and its member states.
Philippine News Agency, Manila Standard

IBON dares Armed Forces: Act on accusations vs NGOs
Think tank IBON Foundation challenged Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to prove their allegations before a court and shut them down already if they have any evidence to back up their claims that they have links with 
communist rebels.
Business Mirror

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18 gallant Victoria, N. Samar cops to be honored as ‘poster boys’ of PNP bravery
Police General Oscar Albayalde, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), wants the 18 policemen, who stood their ground and drove back a large band of Communist rebels trying to seize their police station in Victoria, Northern Samar, to be the poster boys of bravery for the entire police force.
Manila Bulletin

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PNP asserts Negros Oriental operation that left 14 dead legitimate
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Saturday that the 14 persons, who were killed in simultaneous anti-crime operations over the weekend in Negros Oriental, tried to shoot it out with local policemen amid claims that those slain were farmers massacred by security forces for having links with Communist rebels.
Manila Bulletin, Philippine News Agency, The Manila Times

CHR starts probe into killing of 14 farmers in Negros Oriental
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is now investigating the case of the 14 farmers killed during police operations in Negros Oriental on Saturday. CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said on Sunday that the rate of death count in the country continued to alarm the commission.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, GMA News

Rights groups dispute Philippine police account of clash that killed 14 suspected rebels
Fourteen suspected communist rebels were killed in a clash with security forces in the central Philippines, police said on Sunday, but human rights activists said those who died were farmers.
Reuters

Don’t turn Negros into a ‘killing field,’ bishop urges gov’t
Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos City asked on Sunday the government to probe the killing of 14 farmers in Negros Oriental during police-military operations in search of loose firearms.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

Militant group seeks justice for 14 peasants killed in Negros Oriental
Militant farmer’s group Unyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura (UMA) on Sunday demanded that justice be given to the 14 peasants killed in three towns in Negros Oriental supposedly due to terrorism.
Manila Bulletin

Colmenares wants Canlaon killers unmasked
Bayan Muna chairman and Makabayan senatorial candidate Neri Colmenares is demanding from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) the identities of the law enforcers involved in the so-called “Canlaon massacre.”
Manila Bulletin

Witnesses, kin relate 'tokhang' style executions in Negros Oriental killings
Police in Negros Oriental province executed their victims “tokhang” style during the Saturday pre-dawn raids that killed 14 persons in Canlaon City and Manjuyod and Sta. Catalina towns, according to families and witnesses.
ABS-CBN News

Wife relates killing of husband, brother in PNP, Army ops
Ismael Avelino was sleeping at home with his wife Leonora and two young children in Barangay Panubigan in Canlaon City in Negros Oriental on Saturday. At around 2:30 a.m., they were roused from sleep when at least six heavily armed men wearing masks barged into their house and ordered them to lie face down on the floor.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Hustisya para sa Labing-apat na Magsasakang Pinaslang sa Negros! Mamamayan, Makibaka at Ipagtanggol ang Sarili laban sa Pasismo ng Estado!
Nananawagan ang NDF-Bikol sa lahat ng pwersang progresibo at demokratiko na makibahagi sa paglaban ng mamamayang Negrense sa sukdulang karahasan at pagsasamantala sa kanilang hanay. 
PRWC

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Cop slain in Mt. Province clash with NPA buried in hometown
Patrolman Wilfredo Padawil, who was killed during an encounter with the New People’s Army, was laid to rest in his hometown in Mountain Province on Saturday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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Southern Negros villagers burn CPP flag, vow loyalty to gov't
Residents in two southern cities of Negros Occidental held separate activities to denounce the atrocities of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and its political wing, the National Democratic Front (NDF).
Philippine News Agency

Tribal leaders help fellow Lumad surrender to Army troops
With the help of the Ata Manobo tribal leaders of Kapalong town in Davao del Norte, another four (4) members of the terrorist group CPP-NPA voluntarily surrendered to the Balik-Loob Assistance Center (BLAC) of the 60 th Infantry Battalion on Friday. 
Kalinaw News

Student activist-turned Army scholar gets college diploma
A 24-year-old supporter of the Communist New People's Army (NPA) who surrendered to government forces and became a scholar of the Philippine Army's 71st Infantry Battalion (71IB) was among the successful graduates of the Liceo de Davao Tagum College.
Philippine News Agency

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WE ARE THE NPA: We serve the people and the revolution until victory and for socialism!    
On the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of the true army of the people, the New People’s Army, Red fighters and commanders in Southern Mindanao, along with our tens of thousands of people’s militia, reiterate our commitment to serve the people and the armed revolutionary people’s war until victory and for the attainment of socialism.
NDFP

71st IB is guilty of the murder of 2 civilians in Mabini, ComVal    
The ugly twin heads of fascism and impunity has again victimized hapless civilians in Southern Mindanao under the US-Duterte regime’s brutal implementation of martial law and Oplan Kapayapaan.
NDFP

Peace Talks

Incidents/ Operations   

Municipal councilor shot dead in Negros Occidental town
A municipal councilor in Negros Occidental who was running for a third term was shot dead while sleeping inside his house in Moises Padilla town, about 49 km south of here. Councilor Jolomar Bañares Hilario, 51, was sleeping when armed men barged into his house in Barangay Inolingan and shot him around 6 a.m. on Saturday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Rappler, Philippine Star

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Army uncovers Maute terror plot
The military has uncovered an alleged plot by the Maute terrorist group to launch bombings, kidnappings and extortion during the election period in Lanao provinces. The information was intercepted by the military’s intelligence unit tracking down the remaining Maute group in Lanao del Sur, Col. Romeo Brawner, chief of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade, said yesterday.
Philippine Star

Officials: Filipino IS fighters may return home but must ‘pay the price’
FILIPINO terror fighters in Syria should be given the opportunity to return home but must “pay the price” of their involvement, officials and an analyst said. Following the recent attacks by American-backed forces on the jihadist group Islamic State (IS), the Department of National Defense said it is expecting the return of some IS fighters to their respective countries.
Business World Online

MARAWI

Touched by Marawi IDPs plight, Mamondiong cries, blames TFBM
Former TESDA Director General Guiling Mamondiong was touched on the plight of the 2017 Marawi Siege internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in temporary shelters and tents when he personally saw their condition and shed tears as he listened to their stories.
Ranao Star

Army Engineering Brigade accepts Marawi rehab challenge
A newly reactivated Army Brigade is now involved in the massive reconstruction of the Marawi City’s 24-barangay most affected area (MAA), which is now under debris clearing. According to Brigadier General (BGen) Ramon Ruiz, commanding officer of the 55th Engineering Brigade based here, the first batch of heavy engineering equipment arrived at Iligan Port on Feb. 1, 2019 purposely to help in the rehabilitation and rebuilding of Marawi under the supervision of Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM).
Bangon Marawi

TFBM grateful for international support to Marawi rehab
TFBM appreciates the support of the other countries in rebuilding Marawi City from devastation. This was emphasized by Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) chairperson and housing czar Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario in today’s Bangon Marawi press briefing.
Bangon Marawi

TFBM exec says ‘no delay’ in Marawi rehab timetable
In a press briefing held by the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) today, housing czar and TFBM chairperson secretary Eduardo del Rosario has assured the Marawi residents that the task force is still on track in pursuing its target to complete the rehabilitation of the war-torn city particularly the most affected area (MAA).
Bangon Marawi

DOST launches livelihood projects in Butig town
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in partnership with the Skills Mastery Institute for Learning Entrepreneurship and Success (SMILES) Foundation has launched here the skills training on “Do-It-Yourself (DIY)” bamboo shelter production and the establishment of a corn mill to benefit the locals and some home-based internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Marawi City.
Bangon Marawi

SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD      

In Syria's Al-Hol camp, ultra-extremists fuel fear
Clashes with guards, violent factional quarrels and a new strain of ultra-extremism -- the Islamic State group's territorial "caliphate" may be defeated, but a camp in eastern Syria is emerging as a fresh jihadist powder keg.
The Jakarta Post

Indonesia encourages global cooperation to prevent terrorism funding
The international community must work together innovatively and adaptively to prevent and overcome the increasing funding of terrorism, Indonesian Vice Minister for Foreign Affair A.M. Fachir said during the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on "Threats to International Peace and Security caused by terrorist acts: Preventing and Combating the Financing of Terrorism", at the UN Headquarter, in New York, Thursday (March 28).
Antara News

Morocco institute trains imams to counter extremism
With its watchwords of dialogue and coexistence, the Mohammed VI Institute that trains Muslim prayer leaders to serve in Morocco and abroad was Saturday one of the first stops on Pope Francis’s visit to the kingdom.]
The Borneo Post

Al-Qaradawi: Propagating a dangerous view of Islam
In counter-extremism circles, many prefer to focus on violent extremism: Anything that explicitly calls for or engages in violence on behalf of an extremist ideology. Others — and I am firmly in this camp — believe there are sets of ideas that are dangerous not because they explicitly lead to violence, but because they create a worldview that is exclusivist in a way that affects others — a worldview that renders violence more likely. 
Arab News

Did Central Asia’s Jihadists Challenge Al Qaeda?
First-time al Qaeda-linked Salafi-Jihadi groups from Central Asia, Caucasus and China’s Xinjiang fighting against the Bashar al-Assad regime in northern Syria have interfered in ideological disputes and internal confrontations between Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Tanzim Hurras al-Din, the Guardians of Religion, which has remained loyal to al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri. 
Modern Diplomacy

The Limits of British Citizenship
What to do with captured foreign volunteers for terrorist organizations is one of the toughest issues facing Western governments today. Human rights organizations are particularly critical of governments that revoke citizenship or otherwise try to prevent their citizens from returning. Robin Simcox of the Heritage Foundation believes this opposition is simplistic. 
Lawfare Blog

It's not wrong to worry about immigration in the wake of terror
We expect our government to keep us safe. We expect it in terms of our defence force and in terms or our border protection. John Howard’s famous statement that “we will decide who comes to this country and the circumstances in which they come” was then and remains a simple affirmation of our sovereignty.
The Sydney Morning Herald

BARMM

Ex-fighters, kin ready for decommissioning
Babu Psung, 60, from Sultan Sa Barongis, Maguindanao, was among the hundreds of Bangsamoro residents who witnessed the inauguration of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao on March 29. She is the wife of a grizzled MILF combatant.
Philippine News Agency

MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY

NORTH COTABATO

LANAO PROVINCES

Sandiganbayan clears Dimaporo of graft in fertilizer fund scam
The Sandiganbayan acquitted Lanao del Norte 2nd District Representative Abdullah Dimaporo of graft and malversation for lack of evidence that he falsified documents in relation to a fertilizer scam.
Rappler, Business World Online

BASILAN

SULU 

7 bandits surrender to PHL Army in Sulu
Seven Abu Sayyaf Group members have surrendered to the Philippine Army in Sulu province on Sunday. According the Army's 2nd Special Forces Battalion, the bandits surrendered and turned over their guns to authorities in Parang town.
GMA News

TAWI-TAWI 

DRUGS

Guevarra to handle probe of prosecutors in drug list
Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra will personally lead the fact-finding investigation against 10 prosecutors in the narco-list of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
Manila Bulletin

SC seeks names of ‘narco judges’
The hands of the Supreme Court (SC) are tied in investigating 13 judges implicated by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in the illegal drug trade. The SC was supposed to initiate its probe on the judges in the latest narco list but failed, reportedly due to the lack of cooperation from PDEA.
Philippine Star

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Drilon: Narcolist should not be released until cases are filed
Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon on Sunday said that the Duterte administration’s narcolist should not be released until proper cases, supported by evidence, have been filed.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Tolentino: Release names of celebrities in drugs
“It’s very necessary to divulge the names of show business personalities involved in illegal drugs,” administration senatorial candidate Francis Tolentino said during a press conference here Sunday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Gov’t willing to help reform drug-linked celebrities
Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the government is willing to help celebrities using illegal drugs to rehabilitate should they ask for it. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) earlier said they were in favor of releasing the names of the drug-linked celebrities following the death of businessman Steve Pasion, an alleged big time party drugs supplier for celebrities and models during a buy-bust operation early this month.
Manila Bulletin

Bakit Wala sa Listahan ng mga Narco-Pulitiko si Paolo Duterte at Mans Carpio?
Kahina-hinalang hindi napabilang sa listahan ng mga narco-pulitiko sina Paolo Duterte at Mans Carpio sa kabila ng mga naganap na pampublikong pagdinig na nagresulta sa konkretong mga ebidensyang nagpapatunay sa kaugnayan nila sa pagpuslit ng P6.4 bilyong halaga ng shabu sa Davao noong 2017. 
PRWC

ABS-CBN, GMA ‘drug-free workplaces’
Television networks ABS-CBN and GMA have assured the public that they are maintaining drug-free workplaces and are subjecting their employees, including talents and other third-party contractors, to random drug tests.
Philippine Star

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Gordon urges PNP, PDEA to arrest Acierto
Senator Richard Gordon on Sunday urged the heads of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to order the immediate arrest of former police officer Eduardo Acierto.
Manila Bulletin, Rappler

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LTO-7 to cancel licenses of drug-positive drivers
The Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTO-7) has suspended the licenses of the seven jeepney and van-for-hire (V-hire) drivers, who were found positive in the drug test conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Central Visayas (PDEA-7).
Cebu Daily News

Operations/ Incidents

2 suspected drug pushers killed in N. Ecija buy-bust ops
Two suspected drug pushers were killed in separate police operations in Nueva Ecija over the weekend. Col. Leon Victor Rosete, chief of the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office, identified the suspects as Mhel Ador Dionisio of Barangay San Pascual, Talavera, and Gil Martinez of Barangay Mayapyap Norte in this city.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Jeepney driver nabbed for possession of illegal drugs in Pasay
A jeepney driver in Pasay City was arrested for possession of illegal drugs early Sunday. The driver, identified as 30-year-old Oliver Rances, was arrested along Bayanihan Extension Street, Barangay 181, Maricaban in Pasay City around 2:00 am, according to a police report.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Recovery and Rehabilitation  

ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES AND AMMUNITION

76 firearms seized in Region 12 amid gun ban — police
Police in Region 12 confiscated 76 high-powered firearms since the Commission on Elections (Comelec) enforced a gun ban for the May elections.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING  

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS 

Duterte requires only honesty from gov’t appointees
With his zero tolerance for corruption, President Duterte said he requires nothing but honesty from his appointees in government. The President said he expects government officials to do their job efficiently without getting involved in corruption.
Manila Bulletin

2019 P3.757-T budget ready for signing — House leader
President Duterte is expected to sign “anytime soon” the proposed 2019 P3.757-trillion budget. This was relayed by the House leadership to the members of the Lower Chamber.
Manila Bulletin

Duterte shuns burial at Libingan ng mga Bayani if he dies
President Duterte does not consider himself a hero who deserves to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani when he dies.
Manila Bulletin

Duterte keen on not being seen as 'lame duck' in next 3 years: analyst
President Rodrigo Duterte wants to make sure that he doesn't spend the next 3 years perceived as a lame duck president, which is why he is actively campaigning for candidates who are loyal to him, an analyst said Sunday.
ABS-CBN News

De Lima to Duterte: ‘Time to do some serious soul-searching’
Noticing the amount of hate that President Rodrigo Duterte is receiving on social media, Senator Leila De Lima said the chief executive must consider doing soul-searching. “I don’t know if Mr. Duterte realizes that more and more people hate him. Really hate him,” De Lima said in a statement on Saturday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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CSC may ban cellphone use by front line gov’t workers
The Civil Service Commission (CSC) may impose a ban on cellphone use by personnel assigned as front liners of government agencies. CSC Commissioner Aileen Lizada made this announcement at a press conference on Saturday after her weeklong regional visit across the country.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Fresh grads urged to take CSC pen and paper exam
The Civil Service Commission (CSC) appealed on Sunday to the set of graduates this 2019 to take its pen and paper exam. CSC Commissioner Atty. Aileen Lizada said that newly graduates have the advantage because their learnings are still fresh.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

ELECTION RELATED

First 2 days of campaigning for local posts peaceful – Comelec
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Sunday noted that the first two days of the campaign season for local government positions were “generally peaceful.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Comelec to send notices to PDP-Laban bets for illegal electronic ads
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will be sending notices to the senatorial candidates of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) regarding their illegal campaign material placed in an electronic billboard.
Manila Bulletin

Comelec urges signing of peace covenants among local candidates
Since tension is usually higher in the local race, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is encouraging the signing of peace covenants among candidates.
Manila Bulletin

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The decline of Philippine political parties
What has happened to Philippine political parties? The political party is defined as an organization of individuals bound by common vision, values, program and public policies, and its goal is to win political power through free and fair elections. A political party has a clear position on each major issue that society faces.
Business World Online

Crazy politicians
Every year our politicians a.k.a. public officials are getting richer and richer and crazier than ever. First of all, although they may seem to be running for public office, they are not really running to serve the people. They are running to get a job or a seat in government in order to abuse its coffers.
Philippine Star

A tale of 2 siblings: Binay vs Binay
The past days have been, in reelectionist Sen. Nancy Binay’s words, the “most difficult time” for her family which has practically been in charge of Makati City for over three decades.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Oppositions

Administration

Escudero endorses Bong Go in Sorsogon sortie
Senator Francis Escudero, who is running for governor of Sorsogon province in the coming May elections, formally endorsed former Special Assistant to President Duterte Bong Go during his visit here on Sunday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Election-related Violence, Incidents and operations

DISASTER

El Niño task force to prioritize water, food security
Water and food security will be top priorities in the immediate responses of the El Niño Task Force (ENTF) that is being reactivated, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said over the weekend.
Philippine Star

MINDANAO

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

JUDICIARY

SC starts sessions in Baguio City
The Supreme Court (SC) starts its traditional summer sessions in Baguio City on Monday, April 1, before it goes on recess for the Holy Week. At least two full court sessions are scheduled for April 2 and April 10. Division sessions are held Mondays and Wednesdays.
Manila Bulletin

LEGISLATIVE

Pimentel seeks passage of emergency lighting system for buildings
Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III has sought the passage of a measure that would mandate the installation of an improved emergency lighting system in all buildings and structures as part of fire safety regulations.
Manila Bulletin

BUDGET, FINANCE and TAXATION

Government borrowing rises 4.15% in February
GOVERNMENT borrowing grew slightly in February driven by the issue of bonds and bills, the Bureau of the Treasury said. The Philippines borrowed P56.74 billion in February, up 4.15% from a year earlier.
Business World Online

BIR charges three business operators in Cavite, Batangas with tax evasion
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has filed separate tax evasion charges against three business operators in Batangas and Cavite for their alleged refusal to settle tax debts despite repeated requests.
Manila Bulletin

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)

DEFENSE AND SECURITY

35th PH-US Balikatan exercise opens Monday
About 4,000 Philippine troops, 3,500 American soldiers, and 50 Austra­lian Defence Force (ADF) members will participate in the biggest annual military exercise between the United States and the Philippines known as “Balikatan” which opens Monday at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
Manila Bulletin, The Manila Times

ECONOMY AND INVESTMENTS

US flags growing deficit in goods trade with PHL
THE United States’ goods trade deficit with the Philippines widened by more than a fifth last year, according to the US 2019 National Trade Estimates (NTE) report which largely reiterated concerns raised by Washington on trade barriers put up by the Philippine government.
Business World Online

TIEZA to woo Chinese investors to set up shop in TEZs
The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) is courting Chinese investors to set up shop in Tourism Enterprise Zones (TEZs) across the country.
Philippine Star

120 international hotels set to invest P23b in PH
More than 100 international hotel chains are expected to invest over P23 billion in the Philippines in the next three years, according to the Philippine Franchise Association.
Manila Standard

BUILD, BUILD, BUILD

OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

Drilon seeks review of PH-China infra loan deal
Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon on Sunday backed the review of the loan deal between the Philippines and China which seeks to fund several infrastructure projects in the country.
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin

Why borrow from China? Japanese dam is free, safe
Filipino and Chinese apologists of onerous China loans talk alike. Both dismiss as “nonsense” fears of Philippine surrender of sovereignty. Citing the same statistics, they belittle the loan amounts as easy to repay. It’s as if Philippine government and Chinese embassy spokesmen co-wrote the script. 
Philippine Star

GRAFT AND CORRUPTION

FOREIGN RELATIONS  

Arroyo meets with Chinese Premier Li, cites China’s development lessons
Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, along with other officers of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) said she had a “valuable” meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang during the recently concluded BFA Annual Convention in Hainan, China.
Manila Bulletin

West Philippine Sea

Duterte says he’s not ready to go to war with China over South China Sea dispute
President Duterte recently admitted that the country could not win if it goes to war with China over a territorial dispute, warning that Manila might be quickly hit by a missile attack. The President, who has opted to pursue dialogue in the South China Sea dispute, said he was not prepared to go to war and lose government troops in a massacre.
Manila Bulletin

LABOR

DOLE asked to find jobs for K to 12 graduates
A party-list has urged the De­partment of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to help K to 12 graduates find jobs. “One of the promises of the K to 12 program is to help graduates enter the workforce even if they do not wish to pursue higher studies,” Sulong Dignidad Party-list president and first nominee Rico Paolo Quicho said.
Manila Bulletin

TRANSPORTATION

Cavite eyeing P200-b bonds for new airport
The Cavite provincial government plans to issue P200 billion worth of bonds to raise funds for the proposed international airport in Sangley Point and meet the Transportation Department’s deadline to resolve its financial issue. “We’re looking towards a bond float to start everything out with the province as one of the initiators of the bond float. We are looking towards a local consortium,” Cavite Governor Jesus Crispin Catibayan Remulla said.
Manila Standard

HEALTH 

Sex, HIV/AIDS still taboo subjects in Filipino homes – Popcom
Sex, teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and HIV/AIDS are still taboo topics in Filipino homes, an official of the Commission on Population (Popcom) said Sunday.
Manila Bulletin

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

Agricultural damage climbs to P4.35 billion amid El Niño
Agricultural damage caused by the weak El Niño further went up to P4.35 billion as of Sunday, March 31, according to the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Operations Center of the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Rappler

Cacao shortage in Davao
THE Philippines has recently proven that it is a conducive location for cacao production. It is accessible to domestic and foreign trade which is also an advantage and an encouragement to local farmers and exporters to produce quality cacao products that can compete with other major cacao-growing nations. 
Sunstar Davao

EDUCATION

ENERGY

ASEAN fast becoming a renewable energy hub
Technological innovations and favourable government policies are among the four trends expected to drive Southeast Asia’s transition to renewable energy in the coming years. A report published by global auditing firm KPMG on Tuesday titled ‘The Renewable Energy Transition’ noted that while there are still 70 million ASEAN citizens without access to reliable electricity, the potential for renewable energy is huge in those markets and governments are increasingly turning to solar and wind energy to address the issue.
The ASEAN Post

POVERTY

HOUSING

Philippines housing crisis: Filipinos need affordable homes
The International Monetary Fund expects the Philippines to become the fastest-growing economy in Southeast Asia. But many Filipinos doubt whether they will benefit. Millions of affordable homes are needed to cope with a growing population and to alleviate extreme poverty.
Aljazeera

Angara: Gov’t must step up efforts to avert housing crisis
Reelectionist Sen. Sonny Angara said the country’s housing backlog could balloon up to 12 million by 2030 if left unaddressed, and the homeless population could reach crisis proportions unless the government steps up efforts to provide them with permanent shelter.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

TOURISM

'Laboracay' turns into 'Love Boracay'
The Boracay Inter-Agency Rehabilitation Management Group (BIARMG) announced it will support a weeklong initiative to celebrate rehabilitation efforts in the world-famous tourist spot.
Rappler

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES 

Tons of garbage collected in ‘Battle for Rivers and Esteros’
According to Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary Jonas Leones, “1,980 volunteers came forward, resulting in the cleanup of garbage with a total volume of 37,103 kilograms of garbage, collected in 5,301 sacks.”
Manila Bulletin

DOT hails volunteer groups, gov’t agencies for Manila Bay clean-up efforts
The Department of Tourism (DOT) has recognized the participation of various volunteers from government agencies and the private sector which took part in the clean-up activities in Manila Bay tributaries on Sunday.
Manila Bulletin

Solon calls for Laguna Lake, Pasig River clean-up
The chairman of the House Committee on Ecology is batting for the aggressive clean up of two bodies of water that serve as water source for Manila Bay. According to Quirino lone district Rep. Dakila Cua, the clean-up of both the Pasig River and Laguna de Bay (or Laguna Lake) would ensure that the current rehabilitation efforts on the Manila Bay won’t go to waste.
Manila Bulletin

Water crisis

With El Niño, many sites still badly need water, says Red Cross
THE water crisis in Metro Manila has abated, but the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) continues to receive requests to augment water supply, especially in communities affected by the El Niño phenomenon.
Business Mirror

INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY

Robredo wants FB troll accounts checked for cyberbullying
Following Facebook’s move to take down around 200 Facebook pages, accounts, and groups exhibiting “coordinated and inauthentic behavior,” Vice President Leni Robredo on Sunday said she would want the accounts to be investigated for possible cyberbullying.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Robredo welcomes FB move to take down 200 dubious pages, accounts
Vice President Leni Robredo reiterated her call for accountability on social media as she welcomed Facebook’s move to take down 200 pages, groups, and accounts organized by President Duterte’s social media manager Nic Gabunada in 2016.
Manila Bulletin

DEVELOPMENT SECTOR