2 Aetas facing terrorism test case under new law
Two male Aetas alleged to be New People’s Army (NPA) rebels are about to become test cases for the implementation of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). Japer Gurung and Junior Ramos are facing terrorism charges for allegedly violating section 4(a) of Republic Act 11479 before an Olongapo City court for allegedly firing and shooting at members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines during an encounter in Zambales in August this year.
ABS- CBN | Rappler
Defund NTF-ELCAC, not UP, red-tagged solon says
The National Task Force to End Communist Armed Conflict deserves to be stripped of funding, not the University of the Philippines, Makabayan lawmaker ACT-Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro said.
Manila Bulletin
Sara Duterte: Task force, not Davao City, did list of barangays for anti-red funding
It was not the city government of Davao but the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) that determined the final list of barangays that would benefit from the government’s anti-insurgency funds in the proposed national budget next year, Mayor Sara Duterte said.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Ex-rebels reveal CPP-NPA legal fronts in the guise of legit peoples org
Three former New People’s Army members revealed the various legal fronts of Communist Party of the Philippines–New Peoples Army (CPP-NPA) that disguised as legitimate peoples organizations.
NDBC News
Peace talks
Peace advocates slam red-tagging as a ‘work of evil’; call for peace talks resumption
Peace advocates held a media briefing last Wednesday, November 11, to condemn red and terror-tagging activities they say undermine efforts to resume peace negotiations between the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP).
Kodao Productions
Incidents/Operations
Documents expose NPA extortion, recruitment of minors in Leyte
The recent recovery of documents from the house of a suspected member of the New People’s Army (NPA) in an upland village in Carigara, Leyte has exposed the group’s activities to recruit minors, and extort money and food supplies from local government officials, businesses, and farmers.
Philippine News Agency
|
|
SC is informed of first case involving Anti-Terrorism Act
The Supreme Court (SC) was informed late Wednesday afternoon, November 18, of the first case filed before the Olongapo City regional trial court (RTC) last September against two Aetas (indigenous people) for alleged violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 2020.
Manila Bulletin
With two detained for anti-terror charge, petitioners press SC to stop implementation of law
With two people now detained over the controversial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, activist group Bayan and more than 40 others on Wednesday urged the Supreme Court to nullify the law and stop the government from implementing it.
Philippine Star
MARAWI
SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD
Younger teenagers being drawn in by right-wing extremism
Ten out of the 12 under-18s who were arrested for terrorism last year were linked to extreme right-wing beliefs, police figures show.
Yahoo News
Extremism will not be allowed to raise its head again; President
Measures have been taken to control attempts made by any form of extremism to raise its head again, said President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in his address to the nation on Wednesday (18), marking 0ne year since he was elected to office.
The President further said there will be no room for the underworld & drug networks to conduct its operations from inside prison walls, anymore.
News First
Parents face jail for home-schooling in French curbs on Islamic extremism
Parents who home-school their children will face up to six months in jail under legislation intended to combat Islamist extremism in France.
The Times UK
Iranian, Russian Diplomats Discuss War on Terrorism
Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali and a Russian deputy foreign minister discussed cooperation between the two countries in the fight against terrorism and extremism.
Tasnin News Agency
Mercy Corps teaches community how to identify security threats, violent extremists
The Community Initiatives to Promote Peace, a program of Mercy Corps Nigeria has flagged off its Parenting for Peace Training in rural communities to equip parents and youth leaders with tools to identify threats of insecurity.
Daily Post Nigeria
Extortion, bio-warfare and terrorism: Extremists are exploiting the pandemic, says UN report
The COVID-19 pandemic is being exploited by criminals and violent extremists to build their support and undermine trust in governments.
Criminals and violent extremists are exploiting the pandemic to build their support networks, undermine trust in government and even weaponize the virus, according to a research report published on Wednesday by the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI).
UN News
|
|
BARMM
Bangsamoro seeks 3 more years for transition
The interim Bangsamoro parliament has asked Congress to extend the transition period of the expanded autonomous government for another three years after its lapse in 2022.
Philippine Daily Inquirer | NDBC News
CM Ebrahim, Balindong lead signing of Bangsamoro admin code
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim and Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament Speaker Pangalian M. Balindong led the ceremonial signing today, November 17, 2020 of the Bangsamoro Administrative Code during session no. 44 of the second regular session with the presence of other Members of the Parliament.
NDBC News
Kalinaw Mindanaw: The Story of the GRP-MNLF Peace Process, 1975-1996 (11th of 18 parts)
Chapter 5. In the Wake of EDSA: The Jeddah Accord and the 1987 Constitution
One of Mrs. Corazon C. Aquino’s first acts as president was to reach out to the MNLF leadership. Acting against all advice to the contrary, she met with Nur Misuari in his own base area and told him, “I am not your enemy.”
Mindanews
3 Moro LGU execs tops CSC's search for outstanding government workers
Three elected Moro executives topped in this year’s regional search for outstanding government workers by the Civil Service Commission-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
NDBC News
Japan, ILO, BARMM inaugurate Maguindanao water system
The Embassy of Japan’s Economic Minister Masahiro Nakata joined Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s Labor and Employment Minister Romeo K. Sema, Mayor Renalbert O. Insular and International Labour Organization (ILO) Country Director Khalid Hassan in a ceremonial handover of a Level-II water system to the Timanan Central Elementary School (TCES) in South Upi, Maguindanao.
Business Mirror
Tesda-BARMM strengthened with new MOA
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) in Koronadal City recently in order to devolve its power, control and supervision to Tesda -BARMM. Moby Pandi, regional information officer of the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) said the MoA that was signed by Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal and Tesda Director General Isidro Lapeña will devolve to the Tesda -BARMM the complete control over programs and projects allocated for or to be implemented in the Bangsamoro region.
Manila Times
MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY
166 scholars in Maguindanao graduate from vocational courses
“Today is a significant day in your life,” said Ruby Andong, Regional Director of the Technical Education and Skills Development of the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE-TESD) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Mindanews
Ex-Cotabato mayor back as chair of MNLF faction
An old guard of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has taken over the leadership of a faction of the group following the death of its chair, Yusop Jikiri, last month.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Cotabato power firm hikes distribution capacity
In response to the increasing power demand of the city’s growing economy, the Cotabato Light and Power Company (Cotabato Light), an AboitizPower distribution unit, started testing Wednesday the enhancement of its Malagapas substation here.
Philippine News Agency
MCWD announces water service interruption
Metro Cotabato Water District, Cotabato City
Water Service Advisory Notice of Low Water Pressure to No Water
NDBC News
LANAO PROVINCES
BASILAN
P10-M smuggled cigarettes seized off Basilan Strait
Operatives of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) seized some PHP10 million worth of smuggled cigarettes off Basilan strait, an official said Wednesday.
Philippine News Agency
SULU
Motor launch loaded with P3-M smuggled cigarettes seized in Sulu
A vessel with no boat captain onboard and was loaded with P3-million smuggled cigarettes was intercepted in Indanan, Sulu, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Wednesday.
Manila Bulletin
TAWI-TAWI
Naval troops rescue 5 off Tawi-Tawi
The Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM), through Marine Battalion Landing Team-6 (MBLT-6), rescued five passengers from a capsized watercraft off the province of Tawi-Tawi, an official said.
Sunstar Zamboanga
|
|
DRUGS
Operations/ Incidents
Crystal meth worth P3.4 million seized from 3 suspects in Pasay
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) arrested three suspects and seized from them 500 grams of suspected crystal meth, locally known as shabu, in a buy-bust operation in Pasay City on Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
‘Nanlaban’ in Bulacan: 4 men dead in anticrime police operations
Four people have been killed in Bulacan during police anti-crime operations in the province which started on Tuesday (Nov. 17).
Philippine Daily Inquirer
3 nabbed; P710-K shabu seized in Zambo drug busts
Authorities arrested a high-value target (HVT) drug personality and two others, seizing PHP710,500 worth of shabu in separate anti-drug operations here, a top police official said Wednesday.
Philippine News Agency
P3.22M worth of drugs seized in San Simon town
Some P3.22 million worth of suspected illegal drugs were confiscated by the Pampanga Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) during a buy-bust operation launched in Barangay Sta. Monica, San Simon town, Pampanga recently.
Sunstar Pampanga
Recovery and Rehabilitation
ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES, AND AMMUNITION
CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING/ COUNTERFEIT GOODS
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
KIDNAPPING/ ABDUCTION
ILLEGAL GAMBLING
ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS/ EXTORTION
|
|
Land Reform in the Philippines: Coming Full Circle
The Philippine government and impoverished farmers had an acrimonious relationship for thirty years. The disadvantaged rural farming community inherited a long-standing Spanish labor system that placed land ownership into the hands of the wealthy while farmers were essentially sharecroppers.
Borgen Magazine
Residents back UPLB land coverage
Residents of Barangay La Granja in La Carlota City have expressed support on the coverage of the portion of La Granja Research and Training Station of the University of the Philippines Los Banos-College of Agriculture and Food Science (UPCA-LGRTS) under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (Carp).
Sunstar Bacolod
|
|
SC told of tortured Aetas, a case of 'direct injury' caused by Anti-Terror Law
Two Aetas accused of being communist rebels have been detained on non-bailable charges which their lawyers said was the "first publicly known" court case in which fears about the Philippines' new anti-terrorism law had been realized.
GMA News
|
|
Expedite work on anti-child marriage bills, Solon urges House leaders
Bagong Henerasyon Partylist Rep. Bernadette Herrera urged House leaders on Wednesday to expedite work on three bills against child marriage that are still pending in the lower chamber.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
PHL reinstated to UN body tackling discrimination vs women
Ambassador Rosario G. Manalo, the Philippines’s expert-candidate to the United Nations’ (UN) Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), was reelected for another term starting January 1, 2021 until 2024.
Business Mirror
[Opinion] Farmers of Hacienda Luisita call for healing and peace
Years after the bloody Hacienda Luisita incident that transpired on Nov. 16, 2004, we have always witnessed protests from various groups in different parts of the country to commemorate the incident, except for this year. In Tarlac, where the incident took place, the farmers of Hacienda Luisita commemorated the 16th year of the infamous Hacienda Luisita incident peacefully through a mass and prayer, contrary to the appeals and will of the communist terrorist group (CTG) disguising itself as legal and progressive organizations like the Alyansa ng Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luzon to hold indignant protests and strikes not only in the province of Tarlac but also throughout the country.
Manila Times
Press Freedom/ Freedom of expression
Philippine Army soldiers kill journalist in Masbate
A journalist was shot and killed by government soldiers in Milagros, Masbate, last Saturday, November 14.
Ronnie Villamor, 50, a stringer for local tabloid Dos Kantos Balita was killed by troops led by a certain 2nd Lieutenant Maydim Jomadil after covering an aborted survey of a disputed property.
Kodao Productions
Martial Law
|
|
COVID-19
Cases
DOH: PH COVID-19 cases reach 412,097 with 1,383 new infections
The total number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines reached 412,097 after an additional 1,383 infections were recorded, according to the Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Daily COVID-19 cases less than 2,000 for 9 days now
For nine days in a row, the Philippines has seen less than 2,000 daily reported cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Manila Bulletin
Department of Health
No COVID-19 cases recorded among evacuees – DOH
The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday said it has not yet recorded a single case of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) among individuals temporarily staying in evacuation centers in areas ravaged by recent typhoons.
UNTV
IATF/NTF COVID-19
Regions
Luzon including NCR
COVID-19 active cases in Quezon City now at 2 percent
Quezon City’s number of active coronavirus disease (COVID-19) decreased by about 50 percent on Wednesday as compared to its number a day before.
Manila Bulletin
Visayas
Mindanao
4 deaths, 43 new infections, 42 recoveries in Region12
Four more Covid-19 patients have died in Region 12 due to novel coronavirus diseases related diseases, the Department of Health today said.
NDBC News
No ECQ, MECQ despite “very alarming” surge in COVID-19 cases in Davao City
National Task Force (NTF) Covid-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez on Wednesday ruled out placing Davao City under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) or Modified ECQ despite the “very alarming situation” brought about by the surge in COVID-19 cases.
Mindanews
World
Poorer nations face vaccine wait as West locks down supply
Hailed this week as a pandemic game-changer, the new Covid-19 vaccine offered countries that had pre-ordered doses a potential escape from a cycle of lockdowns and new waves of sickness and death.
Manila Bulletin
Pfizer ends COVID-19 trial with 95% efficacy
Pfizer Inc said on Wednesday that final results from the late-stage trial of its COVID-19 vaccine showed it was 95% effective, adding it had the required two-months of safety data and would apply for emergency U.S. authorization within days.
Interaksyon
Inbound travelers to Singapore can purchase insurance for COVID-19 related costs
Inbound travelers arriving in Singapore can now purchase insurance coverage for Covid-19 related costs incurred during their stay here.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Driver claims he has COVID-19 to avoid ticket, gets charged
A 22-year-old driver in Ontario, Canada, is now facing charges after falsely claiming that he had COVID-19 to avoid being issued a traffic ticket.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Diplomatic, Development and Private Sector
PH will make strong rebound – Haneda
Outgoing Japanese Ambassador to Manila Koji Haneda voiced optimism that the Philippines will make “a strong rebound” from the effects of the pandemic.
Manila Times
Aboitiz Construction lauded for effective Covid-19 protocols
Local government units and private firms commend Aboitiz Construction Inc. for its strict compliance with Covid-19 safety guidelines, open communication and close coordination as it continues its business operations while ensuring a healthy and safe working environment for its team members and stakeholders under the new normal.
Manila Times
Philippines' richest chip in for COVID-19 vaccines
The Philippines' richest families are chipping in to ensure the availability of around one to two million COVID-19 vaccines widely expected to hit markets by mid-2021. National Task Force Against COVID-19 Chief Implementer Carlito Galvez Jr thanked Enrique Razon Jr, Lucio Tan, Ramon Ang, the Sy siblings, and Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion for placing orders for over one million vaccines through advance market commitments (AMCs) – a financing mechanism that basically assures funders of the vaccine once produced.
Rappler
Incidents and Violations
Editorial, Analysis, Opinion and Features
Investing in women: Key to Covid-19 recovery
In this time of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) spread, economic recovery is high on everyone’s agenda, as we all look to build back better and support conditions for broad-based and inclusive growth. Investing in women is key to a strong and sustainable recovery.
Business Mirror
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Duterte: New Clark City is backup government center
President Duterte has ordered the establishment of a national government administrative center (NGAC) at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac to serve as a ”backup” government center during disasters and emergencies.
Philippine Star
Roque reminded why some Filipinos look for president’s presence during disasters anew
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said that “it wasn’t right” for people to ask about the chief executive’s whereabouts amid Typhoon Ulysses‘ onslaught despite the government’s constitutional duty “to serve and protect the people.”
Interaksyon
Duterte warns Robredo of 2022 nightmare
President Duterte has threatened that things will not be easy should Vice President Leni Robredo decide to run for president in the 2022 elections as he would be her “nightmare.
Philippine Star
Robredo made it appear she led relief efforts: Palace
President Rodrigo Duterte lost his temper with Vice President Leni Robredo because she made it appear that she was in charge of typhoon relief efforts, Malacañang said Wednesday.
Philippine News Agency
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
I never gave orders to military, police during Typhoon Ulysses – Robredo
Vice President Leni Robredo denied on Wednesday breaking the chain of command by giving orders to the military and police during rescue and relief operations in Cagayan Valley, which was during the onslaught of Typhoon Ulysses.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Robredo: Better ties between President, VP could have benefited Filipinos
Looking back four years under the Duterte administration, Vice President Leni Robredo believes Filipinos could have benefited more if there was no political divide between the two highest leaders of the land.
“It would have been better kung meron kaming mas harmonious na working relationship ni Pangulo dahil para sa akin magre-redound naman ‘yun to the benefit of the Filipinos,” Robredo told CNN Philippines’ News Night on Wednesday.
CNN Philippines
Robredo: Duterte being fed false info, lies; surrounded by fake news peddlers
President Rodrigo Duterte has been fed with false information about her since she joined the Cabinet and until now, Vice President Leni Robredo said Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION
Cayetano dares Hontiveros: Resign if no irregularities found in SEAG probe
Former Speaker and Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday dared Senator Risa Hontiveros to resign if she does not find any irregularities regarding the construction of the sports facilities Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Duque admits some past DOH deals were corrupt as Gordon threatens to block budget
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III acknowledged on Wednesday that there was “corruption” in some of the previous dealings of the Department of Health (DOH) after Sen. Richard Gordon threatened to block the approval of the department’s budget.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION
FSCC to address COVID-19 uncertainties
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)-led Financial Stability Coordination Council (FSCC) has shifted the way they assess, review and forecast systemic risks because the global COVID-19 pandemic has changed consumer preferences and market risk behaviors, and using “older norms” and previously-sufficient economic models will no longer be as effective or relevant.
Manila Bulletin
BUSINESS, ECONOMY AND INVESTMENT
INNCO expresses concern over impact of foreign group’s donation on local FDA
An umbrella group of more than 35 national consumer organizations expressed concern over the growing influence of foreign grants on health regulators that may adversely affect the campaign to reduce the harm caused by combustible cigarettes in low- and middle-income countries including the Philippines.
Manila Standard
BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS
DPWH chief Villar ‘not corrupt,’ but it’s not because he‘s rich – Lacson
Sen. Panfilo Lacson has yet to find proof that Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar has “dipped his fingers” in alleged corrupt activities within the agency.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
DISASTER AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Duterte places Luzon under state of calamity
President Rodrigo Duterte has placed the entire island of Luzon under a state of calamity to enable the national and local governments deal faster with widespread devastation caused by three successive typhoons and respond quickly to pleas for help from residents whose lives have been upended by the disaster.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Palace issues EO on typhoon rehab, recovery efforts
Malacañang on Wednesday released Executive Order (EO) No. 120 creating a "Build Back Better Task Force" for post-disaster rehabilitation and recovery efforts in areas affected by successive typhoons.
Philippine News Agency
Change of plans: Cimatu, Villar lead Duterte's typhoon task force
After first announcing that Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea will lead President Rodrigo Duterte's typhoon task force, Malacañang said there has been a change of plans. Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu and Public Works Secretary Mark Villar will lead the task force instead.
Rappler
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
DEFENSE AND SECURITY
Defense chief clarifies info on Robredo’s use of military aircraft
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Wednesday clarified that Vice President Leni Robredo did not board any military aircraft when she traveled to Bicol region to deliver relief supplies to communities severely affected by recent typhoons.
UNTV
Armed Forces of the Philippines
AFP sees no problem if Robredo uses gov't aircraft
One of the false accusations hurled against Vice President Leni Robredo recently was that she boarded a government C-130 plane to reach typhoon-hit Catanduanes.
CNN Philippines,
Philippine National Police
Sinas reshuffles key PNP officials
Several ranking police officials have been reshuffled in the latest round of reorganization in the Philippine National Police a week after Gen. Debold Sinas took over as PNP chief.
Philippine Star
EDUCATION
Sanctions loom vs teacher in Angel Locsin body shaming
The Department of Education said Wednesday that the teacher who used actress Angel Locsin as a example of an “obese person” might face sanctions based on the existing rules and regulations of the agency.
Greenpeace Philippines has reiterated its urgent call to declare a national climate emergency that will determine the government’s priorities in protecting Filipinos from the ill effects of the climate crisis.
Manila Bulletin
'Vaccinated against budget cuts': Lawmakers reject Duterte threat to defund UP
A threat by President Rodrigo Duterte to defund the country's premier state university that later on turned out to be misplaced is not sitting well with some members of Congress.
Philippine Star
INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Countering criticisms against Duterte, supporters try to trend #NasaPusoKoAngPangulo
Vocal supporters of the current administration initiated their own campaign in response to criticisms on President Rodrigo Duterte‘s perceived absence during the onslaught of recent typhoons.
Interaksyon
ELECTION RELATED
Comelec allots P660.7-M for refurbishment of over 97K VCMs
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has approved a PHP660.7-million budget for the refurbishment of over 97,000 vote counting machines (VCMs) that will be used in the May 2022 national and local elections.
Philippine News Agency
Marcos hits Leni’s PET motion
The legal team of Vice President Leni Robredo on Wednesday urged the Supreme Court, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), to investigate “possible collusion” between former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and the Office of the Solicitor General on their electoral protest against her 2016 victory.
Manila Standard
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Floods and forests, plunder and profit
The ecological debacle that the Philippines is currently facing is characterized by floods, landslides and mudslides which devastated vast areas in Luzon at the heels of successive typhoons in the past few weeks. The culprits are easily identifiable—mega dams stopping the flow of rivers, alongside historical denudation of the country’s mountains. Alongside their demand for social justice, a wide array of democratic sectors are clamoring for environmental justice. They demand an end to the plunder and destruction of the environment which makes the Philippines vulnerable to ecological disasters and extreme weather disturbances.
Communist Party of the Philippines
Greenpeace renews call for nat’l climate emergency
Greenpeace Philippines has reiterated its urgent call to declare a national climate emergency that will determine the government’s priorities in protecting Filipinos from the ill effects of the climate crisis.
Manila Bulletin
LABOR
LEGISLATIVE
Senate of the Philippines
Gordon tells PH leaders: We have a country to be won so let’s fix ourselves
Philippine leaders must learn that we have a country to be won and if we do not fix ourselves, nobody is going to fix it for us.
Manila Bulletin
Lacson bares ‘huge’ infra allocations for congressional districts
Sen. Panfilo Lacson bared “huge” infrastructure allocations for congressional districts under the 2021 budget, with allocations for 220 districts amounting to over P1 billion, the highest of which is P15.3 billion.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Zubiri seeks clarification: So who’s really in charge during calamities?
"Who’s in charge?”
That’s the usual question that crops up during calamities, causing some confusion among local and even national agencies, as Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri pointed out during Wednesday’s plenary session focusing on the 2021 budget of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and its attached offices.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Sen. Bong Go visits, gives aid to Bulacan typhoon victims
Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go visited the towns of Marilao and Calumpit Tuesday (Nov 17) to distribute food packs and extend assistance to families affected by the recent typhoons.
Manila Bulletin
House of Representatives
Velasco relieves 3 House deputy speakers
The House of Representatives under newly installed Speaker Lord Allan Velasco relieved last night three deputy speakers closely allied with his predecessor, former speaker and Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano.
Manila Bulletin
Rep. Camille Villar declines deputy speakership
Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar declined the post of House deputy speaker just hours after being elected on Wednesday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Bataan solons defends Women in Political Parties Act
The proposed Women Participation and Representation in Political Parties Act shouldn’t be viewed as discriminatory towards men, Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman said Wednesday during a virtual hearing of the Committee on Women and Gender Equality wherein the subject measure, House Bill (HB) No.7179, was taken up.
Manila Bulletin
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)
OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
FOREIGN RELATIONS
China: Entry suspension applies on all states, not only PH
The Chinese embassy in Manila on Wednesday clarified that the temporary suspension of foreign entry into China applies to all foreigners from "all foreign countries," not only to Filipinos.
Philippine News Agency
West Philippine Sea
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
African swine fever hits Iligan
Agriculture officials on Wednesday said they are trying to contain an outbreak of African swine fever in one of the villages in neighboring Iligan City.
Mindanews
HOUSING and SETTLEMENT
POVERTY
SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT
TRANSPORTATION
TOURISM
WATER and ENERGY
Private firms deny roles in Magat Dam operation
The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) and SN Aboitiz Power Corp. (SNAP) denied any involvement in the operation of Magat Dam, which straddles the boundary of Ifugao and Isabela provinces, amid heavy flooding in downstream towns after the onslaught of Typhoon “Ulysses.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Aboitiz’s Visayan Electric helps restore power in Albay
Linemen from Aboitiz subsidiary Visayan Electric Comapny, the country’s second-largest power distributor, have been working in the past week to help restore power in Albay, which bore the brunt of Typhoon Quinta and Super Typhoon Rolly.
Power Philippines
|
|
|
|
|