Top PH military official claims violations of anti-terror law going on in UP
A top-ranking Philippine military official alleged that there are violations of the anti-terror law taking place at campuses of the University of the Philippines (UP).
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Not just ‘Red’ turf: PNP says UP community ‘crime hot spot’
The military and police piled up allegations of insurgent activities and criminality on the University of the Philippines (UP) on Friday as they continued to justify the abrogation of an agreement between the state university and the Department of National Defense (DND) to ban the entry of security forces into its campuses without prior permission from school officials.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Military units, men in uniform join forces on social media to back termination of deal with UP
Social media pages of Philippine military units and military men appear to be coming together in support of the Department of National Defense’s (DND) unilateral termination of an agreement with University of the Philippines (UP) barring the uncoordinated entry of policemen or soldiers on UP campuses.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
UP-DND pact does not hinder law enforcement —IBP president
The University of the Philippines' (UP) pact with the Department of National Defense (DND) does not stand in the way of law enforcement, said the president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP).
GMA News
UP-DND accord 'destined to be problematic': CHED chief
The accord between the University of the Philippines (UP) and the Department of National Defense (DND) was "destined to be problematic" because of vagueness in its provisions, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairman Prospero de Vera III said Thursday.
Philippine News Agency
DILG to meet with UP officials about its own security agreement with the university
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) stressed Friday night that it strongly supports the abrogation of the 1989 Department of National Defense-University of the Philippines (DND-UP) agreement.
Manila Bulletin
No more youth downfall due to ‘false ideologies’: NTF ELCAC
Just proper and long overdue. Thus, said the Legal Cooperation Cluster (LCC) of the National Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) on Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana’s abrogation of the accord with the University of the Philippines (UP) that prohibits military and police personnel from conducting security operations in any of UP campuses without prior notice to the University President, the Chancellor of the constituent university, or the Dean of the regional unit concerned.
Philippine News Agency
[Opinion] The AFP as thought police
In every society, there is an institution that plays the main role of policing ideas so that they do not subvert the established order. In the history of every country, there has taken place this struggle between a thought police and the forces of intellectual liberation. What is peculiar to contemporary Philippines is that the role of the thought police is being performed by the Armed Forces (AFP).
Rappler
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Provincial and Negros Oriental City Task Force – ELCAC Combined to Conducts Dagyawan sa Barangay in Guihulngan City
The desire to uproot the weeds of insurgency in Central Negros has brought The Negros Oriental Provincial Task Force- ELCAC (PTF-ELCAC) and Guihulngan City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (GCTF- ELCAC) together with the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, Provincial Government Agencies to launch the “Dagyawan sa Barangay” Talakayan at Serbisyo Caravan Para sa Mamamayan to the five (5) ELCAC Barangays in Guihulngan City Negros Oriental at Covered Court, Barangay Balugo, Guihulngan City, on January 20, 2021, at 10 a.m.
Kalinaw News
C. Luzon LGUs gear toward local peace engagements vs. insurgency
Local government units (LGUs) in Central Luzon are strengthening their efforts in dealing with communist insurgents toward local peace engagements.
Philippine News Agency
AgNor town villagers denounce, abandon NPA terrorists
Members of the Milisya ng Bayan (MB) and Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) in Las Nieves town in Agusan del Norte have withdrawn their support from the Communist New People’s Army (NPA) Terrorists (CNTs) and pledged their allegiance to the government. The withdrawal of support to the CNT movement was done during the mass surrender ceremony conducted on Thursday, January 21, 2020, in Barangay Casiklan, Las Nieves.
Kalinaw News
Hundreds of Protesters Decry and Condemn CTG’s Atrocities in an Indignation Rally in Legazpi City
At least 200 individuals gathered at the Freedom Park in Legazpi City to condemn through an indignation rally, the recent brutal killings staged by the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), Wednesday, January 20.
Kalinaw News
Ex-rebels, soldiers complete livelihood training
Former fighters of the New People’s Army (NPA) and soldiers in Samar and Leyte provinces have completed a 27-day landscape training by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Philippine News Agency
Peace talks
Incidents/Operations
Army-NPA clash in AgSur, 1 rebel killed
One (1) member of the CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNT) was killed and two (2) high-powered firearm, M16 and attached M203 grenade launcher, were recovered by the troops of the 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion, Philippine Army during an encounter with more or less 20 fully-armed CNTs while conducting combat operations at Brgy. Segunda, Esperanza, ADS, yesterday, January 20, 2021.
Kalinaw News
Troops, NPA collecting revolutionary taxes clash in Misamis Oriental
Government troops clashed with a band of New People’s Army rebels collecting revolutionary taxes in the hinterlands of Barangay San Juan, Balingasag, Misamis Oriental Wednesday.
Manila Bulletin
10 FORMER NPA SUPPORTERS RELEASED, CASE ACQUITTED
The 27th Infantry “Action” Battalion in coordination with the City Government of Davao through Peace 911, Municipal Administrator, Sto Tomas, DDN, PNP Paquibato District, Brgy Officials of Barangays Malabog, Mapula, Paquibato Proper and Lumiad, and other government agencies of Davao City facilitated the release of 10 individuals who were alleged former NPA supporters with attempted murder case.
Kalinaw News
448 NPA supporters yield in Agusan Norte
At least 448 underground supporters of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in the Agusan del Norte town of Las Nieves have pledged loyalty to the government during a mass surrender Thursday afternoon, the Army’s 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB) said.
Philippine News Agency
2 NPA rebels surrender in Eastern Visayas
TWO alleged members of the New People's Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered following the “collaborative efforts” of the authorities in Eastern Visayas.
Sunstar Tacloban
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MARAWI
TFBM commences work on 2nd school bldg in Marawi's ground zero
Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) commenced construction on another new school building inside the most affected area (MAA) of the city. TFBM chief Secretary Eduardo del Rosario led the groundbreaking rites for the construction of a four-storey school building in Brgy. Moncado Kadingilan on Thursday, Jan. 21.
Philippine Information Agency
[Multimedia] Business in Marawi
Vendors sell ethnic Maranao items at an agricultural fair in Marawi City on Thursday. Commerce has slowly returned to Marawi City even as the city has not been restored after its total destruction during the war in 2017.
ABS- CBN
SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD
GUNS, GOVERNMENT, AND GRIEVANCE: RIGHT-WING EXTREMISM AND THE OATH KEEPERS
In this episode of Horns of a Dilemma, Doyle Hodges, executive editor of the Texas National Security Review, sits down with Sam Jackson, assistant professor in the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity at the University of Albany, to discuss far right-wing, antigovernment groups in the United States. In particular, Hodges and Jackson focus on the group, the Oath Keepers. Who are the Oath Keepers? Why were they founded and when? Jackson’s book, Oath Keepers: Patriotism and the Edge of Violence in a Right-Wing Antigovernment Group, sheds light on these questions and more.
War on the Rocks
Biden admin plans to overhaul government's approach to violent domestic extremism
The assault on the Capitol "underscored what we have long known” about the rising threat of domestic extremism, said White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki.
NBC News
Biden takes steps to confront domestic violent extremism following Capitol riot
In the wake of the deadly Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol, President Joe Biden is directing the intelligence community to assess the threat of domestic violent extremism in the U.S. and explore new policies to confront extremist networks.
USA Today
Lloyd Austin confirmed by Senate as 1st Black secretary of defense
Lloyd J. Austin, a West Point graduate who rose to the Army's elite ranks and marched through racial barriers in a 41-year career, won Senate confirmation Friday to become the nation's first Black secretary of defense.
ABC News
How prevalent is extremism in the military?
A new report from NPR shows that nearly 1 out of 5 of the U.S. Capitol rioters have ties to the military. 13News Now Mike Gooding explains how deep the problem is.
NPR
Capitol mob wasn’t just angry white men – there were angry white women as well
The terror inflicted on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 laid bare America’s problem with violent extremism. The FBI and other law enforcement agencies have begun to piece together the events of that day, while attempting to thwart any impending attacks. Scores of people have been arrested and charged over the attack – the vast majority being men.
The Conversation
The QAnon Community Is in Crisis — But On Telegram, It’s Also Growing
Extremists are actively recruiting disillusioned or despondent QAnon believers on encrypted messaging apps like Telegram, researchers say
Rolling Stone
Targeting of Aid Workers in Nigeria Highlights Security Sector’s Shortcomings
A rash of recent kidnappings targeting non-governmental organization (NGO) and humanitarian aid workers in Nigeria has drawn renewed attention to the threat posed by violent extremists in West Africa and to the failings of the Nigerian government’s security sector. The presence of both al-Qaeda aligned Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has been widespread. In recent years, both groups have attacked both civilian and military targets across the northeast of the country, resulting in the deaths of numerous Nigerian soldiers. The ongoing insurgency in northeastern Nigeria has killed over 36,000 people over the last decade.
The International Affairs Review
Is Algeria once again confronted with the threat of terrorism?
Across Algeria, a growing number of attacks, arrests and weapons have come to light, indicating a possible resurgence in jihadist activity in the country; a chapter from the 1990s that many hoped would stay closed.
The Africa Report
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BARMM
ARMM special audit welcomed
A lawmaker from Mindanao on Friday welcomed the special audit requested by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao on some infrastructure projects of the now-defunct ARMM.
Manila Standard
‘Give us a chance to succeed’: Bangsamoro officials plead for extended transition period
While President Rodrigo Duterte has expressed support for the extension of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority's term, this has not been discussed in Congress, with a little more than a year left before the transitional government is dissolved.
CNN Philippines
BARMM working to pass electoral, local gov't, and civil service codes in Q1: chief minister
BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim said the parliament has approved the administrative code and that three other codes—electoral, local government, and civil service—are now at the committee level.
ABS-CBN News
BARMM in dialogue with 2 BIFF groups for peace and order, says Ebrahim
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is having a dialogue with two of the three groups of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters as it aims to end atrocities in the region.
GMA News
Muslim official warns of increased resistance
Splinter Muslim rebel groups might increase their resistance if the transition period toward a more independent Bangsamoro region in Mindanao is not extended, according to the region’s chief minister.
Business World
BARMM gets vehicles, cold chain equipment from IOM, Germany, UK
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), together with the British Embassy Manila and the German government, handed over critical medical vehicles and equipment to the Ministry of Health (MOH) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to support the region’s Covid-19 response.
Philippine News Agency
Philippine Archbishop Backs Extension for Bangsamoro Transitional Authority
The Catholic Church’s highest official in the southern Philippines on Friday endorsed a term extension for ex-separatist leader Murad Ebrahim as head of an autonomous Muslim region.
Benar News
MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY
Amidst pandemic BARMM Government reached out to Teachers
Some 124 teachers from Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao received 1 sack of rice (25kls) in an outreach program of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) conducted in Municipal Gymnasium, Barangay Pura, Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao on January 18, 2021.
Kalinaw News
Hundreds benefit from Medical Outreach of BARMM Government and JTF Central in Cotabato Province
A total of 266 villagers benefitted from the medical and minor surgical mission of the Ministry of Health of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) conducted in collaboration with the Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) at Pikit Municipal Gymnasium in Pikit, North Cotabato on January 19, 2021
Kalinaw News
P124.4M na Runway Strip Grade Correction Project ng Cotabato Airport, inumpisahan na
Inumpisahan na ng Department of Transportation (DOTr) ang Cotabato Airport Development Project (Runway Strip Grade Correction) na nagkakahalaga ng P124,392,413.00 sa Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.
Kalinaw News
PDEA K9 unit guard Cotabato Airport from drug smuggling
Agents used dogs this week to detect shabu in the luggage of plane passengers bound for Manila from the Cotabato Airport in Maguindanao but found none.
NDBC News
LANAO PROVINCES
BARMM to go on construction binge in Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur this year
Eight municipal halls in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur, as well as public markets and legislative buildings, will be constructed within the year as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) launched a construction campaign in the region last Monday, January 18.
Manila Bulletin
Missing fisherman found dead in Lanao del Norte
The fisherman who left his home for fishing around 8 p.m. Wednesday and reported missing for two days was found dead along the wharf of Tubod, the capital town of Lanao del Norte.
Mindanews
BASILAN
MSSD-BARMM, BGH ink agreement to help indigent patients
The social welfare department of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the Basilan General Hospital (BGH) inked an agreement on January 21 to help indigent patients in the region.
Big News Network
SULU
Defense Secretary Lorenzana meets with ASG surrenderees in Sulu
Secretary of National Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana meets with Abu Sayyaf Group surrenderees at the 11th Infantry Division headquarters in Jolo, Sulu.
Kalinaw News
Special Forces Clash With Abu Sayyaf Terrorist
11th Infantry Division Commander Major General William N Gonzales stated that around 10:00 AM today, January 22, 2020, troops of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion under Lieutenant Colonel Jooney Jay R Businos encountered more or less fifteen (15) Abu Sayyaf Group Members in Brgy. Langhub, Patikul Sulu.
Kalinaw News
Military clashes with bandits in Sulu
Military forces have encountered suspected members of Abu Sayyaf Group in Patikul, Sulu on Friday morning. According to Joint Task Force Sulu, at least 15 fighters had a confrontation with the combat group of the Second Special Force Battalion in Barangay Langhub. The bandits were believed to be members of ASG leader Radulan Sahiron.
PTV News
PNP tracking down 9 ex-cops in Jolo shooting
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has formed tracker teams to trace the whereabouts of the nine dismissed police officers implicated in the fatal shooting of four Army intelligence operatives last year.
Philippine News Agency
TAWI-TAWI
Ex-Abu Sayyaf bandit allegedly involved in drugs killed in Tawi-Tawi
A former Abu Sayyaf member allegedly involved in illegal drugs was killed during an combined police-military operation on Thursday in Sapa, Tawi-Tawi, the military said Friday.
GMA News
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DRUGS
Operations/ Incidents
8 truck drivers arrested after testing positive for shabu
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) said eight truck drivers have been arrested for testing positive for shabu. In a memo released Friday, LTO National Capital Region (LTO-NCR) Regional Director Clarence Guinto said the joint crackdown against erring truck drivers conducted a total of 103 drug tests.
Philippine News Agency
Recovery and Rehabilitation
ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES, AND AMMUNITION
CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING/ COUNTERFEIT GOODS
Sinopharm local distributor denies smuggling allegations
A pharmaceutical firm claiming to be the sole distributor of China’s Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine on Friday denied illegally importing the still unapproved vaccine in the Philippines.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
KIDNAPPING/ ABDUCTION
4 alleged kidnappers who abducted Chinese die in shootout with QC cops
Four alleged kidnappers, who reportedly abducted a Chinese, died in a gun battle with police officers in Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City early Friday morning, police said.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
ILLEGAL GAMBLING
ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS/ EXTORTION
DOTr to public: Beware of infra projects fund solicitation scam
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) warned the public on Friday to watch out for a certain individual who is allegedly using the government’s infrastructure projects to solicit funds.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Binangonan police chief axed amid extortion probe
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Debold Sinas, has ordered the relief of the chief of Binangonan police from his post amid alleged extortion activities of his personnel.
Philippine News Agency
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The Mendiola Massacre: Decades on, Philippines Land Reform Remains Mired in Blood
Thirty-four years ago today, Rafael Mariano was marching towards the presidential palace in Manila. Joined by over 10,000 others protesting for peasant land rights, he remembers trudging past Manila Central Post Office before pushing on to Mendiola Street.
The Diplomat
CA denies firm’s plea to exclude from CARP its lands in Guimaras
The Court of Appeals (CA) has dismissed due to procedural “infirmities” the petition of an agricultural firm to allow the exclusion of its 203.4 hectares of land in Guimaras from the coverage of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
Manila Bulletin
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Cordillera IP leader facing fabricated case seeks NBI protection
True to his earlier statement to face the “fabricated murder case” lodged against him, Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA) Chairperson Windel Bolinget voluntarily submitted himself to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) yesterday, Jan. 21.
Bulatlat | Kodao Productons
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Press Freedom/ Freedom of expression
Democratic expressions amidst fragile institutions: Possibilities for reform in Duterte’s Philippines
This primer characterizes the authoritarian practices of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration and their legacies for liberal democracy in the country. It argues that the policy and rhetoric of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs have created fragile democratic institutions that are prone to abuse of power. It highlights three key areas of concern: the increasing role of coercive institutions like the police and the military in all levels of governance undermines long efforts at institutionalizing democratic control over security forces; the regime’s systematic and aggressive attacks against the political opposition, the judiciary, and the media weaken the capacity of monitory institutions to scrutinize and hold the regime accountable; and disinformation campaigns further corrode the capacity of the public to engage in critical discourse and informed political decisionmaking.
Brookings Institute
Martial Law
[Opinion] Duterte pushes the Philippines closer to Marcos-era martial law
Duterte pushes the Philippines closer to Marcos-era martial law. Revival of 'red-tagging' has set the country back decades.
Nikkei Asia
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COVID-19
Cases
1st PH case of new variant now negative for COVID-19
The Quezon City (QC) government on Friday, January 22, announced that its resident who was the first case of the more infectious United Kingdom (UK) variant of COVID-19 in the Philippines has tested negative for the virus.
Rappler
127 new COVID-19 cases, 46 recoveries among Filipinos in Europe, Asia and the Pacific
One hundred twenty-seven new cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and 46 new recoveries were recorded among Filipinos in Asia and the Pacific and Europe, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in its latest report on Friday, Jan. 22.
Manila Bulletin
Department of Health
6 new COVID-19 patients confirmed to be UK variant carriers — DOH
There are 16 new COVID-19 patients carrying the variant from the United Kingdom (UK), the Department of Health (DOH) confirmed late Friday night.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
PhilHealth will shoulder medical expenses of people with serious reactions from vaccines – Duque
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said on Friday, Jan. 22, that the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) will shoulder all the medical expenses of people who will suffer serious reactions from COVID-19 vaccines.
Manila Bulletin
IATF/NTF COVID-19
BI implements ban on foreign diplomats, spouses, Filipinos’ children traveling from 35 restricted countries
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said that foreign diplomats, spouses and children of Filipinos who come from 35 restricted countries are now allowed to enter the country subject to health and quarantine protocols.
Manila Bulletin
Regions
Luzon including NCR
Bontoc LGU says UK variant of coronavirus has infected 12 residents
“Twelve out of 35 specimens from COVID-19 positive cases in this capital town have been confirmed to be of the UK variant,” the local government said.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
QC to consult health professionals on easing age restrictions
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said the city would consult health professionals on the suggested easing of age restrictions in areas under the general community quarantine (GCQ).
Philippine News Agency
Visayas
Mindanao
5 deaths, 40 new infections, 32 recoveries in Region 12
Lima katao pawang mga lalaki, ang iniulat ng Dept of health na sumakabilang buhay ngayong araw dahil sa Covid-19 related disease.
NDBC News
World
Wuhan lockdown: A year of China's fight against the Covid pandemic
A year ago on 23 January 2020 the world saw its first coronavirus lockdown come into force in Wuhan, the Chinese city where the pandemic is believed to have started.
BCC
Canada deporting thousands even as pandemic rages
Canada deported thousands of people even as COVID-19 raged last year, data seen by Reuters shows, and lawyers say deportations are ramping up, putting people needlessly at risk in the midst of a global health emergency.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Japan tourism push linked to surge in COVID-19 infections–study
A domestic tourism campaign promoted by Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga may have contributed to a sharp increase in coronavirus infection cases in the country, a prominent adviser to the government’s pandemic response said.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Diplomatic, Development and Private Sector
Incidents and Violations
DOJ still awaiting DOH request for locating 2 other contacts of UK variant patient
The Department of Health (DOH) has yet to reach out to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for help in tracing the two still unlocated co-passengers of the Filipino infected with the UK Covid-19 variant.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Editorial, Analysis, Opinion and Features
[Editorial] Compliance and equity
As President Duterte has said repeatedly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the only solution to the spread of the coronavirus is the emergence of an effective vaccine. It seemed that in his view, the more standard protections—frequent hand-washing, wearing masks and face shields, keeping one’s distance from others and quarantining—were but temporary stopgap measures until the miraculous vaccine or vaccines emerged.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Duterte registers for national ID system
President Duterte had his biometrics and personal data captured for his national identification the other day in a bid to support the program and water down controversy surrounding its supply contract.
Philippine Star
PDU30 honors CAFGU plane crash victim
The Office of the President honored the late CAFGU Active Auxilliary (CAA) Jerry S. Ayocdo, one of the plane crash victims, during his internment at Brgy. Salug, Esperanza, ADS by awarding the Order of Lapu-Lapu Medal yesterday, January 21, 2021.
Kalinaw News
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
Robredo tours Camarines Sur, checks livelihood projects, learning hubs
Vice President Leni Robredo travelled around Camarines Sur on Friday to visit community learning hubs and other projects led by her office in the province, which was battered by successive storms back in November.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Leni lauds young American poet’s performance at Biden inauguration
Vice President Leni Robredo lauded young American poet Amanda Gorman for an inspiring performance at the inauguration of US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris last Wednesday.
Manila Bulletin
AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION
BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION
BUSINESS, ECONOMY AND INVESTMENT
New Philippine development plan focuses on education, social security
Enhancing social security and improving the delivery of education will be priorities in human development in the next two years, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).
Philippine Star
PH economy to continue decline in Q4, but milder than previous quarter — poll
The economy is expected to shrink again in the last three months of 2020, but the plunge seen is still tamer than the quarter prior.
CNN Philippines
Ayala Corp chair sees full economic recovery by fourth quarter of 2022
In a virtual event hosted by the Shareholders' Association of the Philippines, Zobel said he expects the Philippines to be one of the last to emerge from the pandemic among its Southeast Asian peers, as consumption drives most of domestic activity.
ABS- CBN News
BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS
Clark airport’s new passenger terminal turned over to DOTr, BCDA
The new passenger terminal building of the Clark International Airport has been officially turned over to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) by Megawide GMR Construction Joint Venture.
Philippine News Agency
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
10 business groups buck Cha-cha at this time
Ten business organizations are against making amendments to the Constitution at this time and are urging the government to focus on the continued safe economic recovery instead.
Philippine Star
[Opinion] Why—or why not—Cha-cha?
Cha-cha, or Charter change, has always been a controversial subject. A survey conducted in mid-2018 revealed that majority of Filipinos were against amending the Constitution, and this unpopularity may have historical underpinnings. Many Filipinos still recall how former President Ferdinand Marcos passed the 1973 Constitution through a haphazard process that what was widely viewed as an attempt to prolong his stay in power. This move gained even more notoriety as the Supreme Court upheld the document’s validity in the landmark case of Javellana vs Executive Secretary. Marcos was eventually deposed, but the negative perceptions of Cha-cha continued, plaguing many outgoing presidents from Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to Benigno Aquino III.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
DISASTER AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Nothing to worry about magnitude 7.1 DavOcc quake: Solidum
There is nothing to worry about the magnitude 7.1 quake that jolted Davao Occidental on the night of January 21, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Renato Solidum Jr. said Friday.
Philippine News Agency
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Fiscals handling cases 'fairly, equitably': Guevarra
State prosecutors are taking great lengths to ensure that the country's justice system is administered fairly, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said on Friday.
Philippine News Agency
DEFENSE AND SECURITY
Armed Forces of the Philippines
Philippine National Police
EDUCATION
INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY
PLDT Global expands AsPac digital services
The international subsidiary of the country’s largest integrated telco, PLDT Inc. is enhancing its digital services across Asia Pacific as it strikes a partnership with California-based digital infrastructure company Equinix.
Philippine Star
ELECTION RELATED
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Extreme weather events, climate action failure remain as top global risks
For the fourth consecutive year, extreme weather events and climate action failure are the top global risks in terms of likelihood, according to the report titled “The Global Risks Report 2021” released this week.
Manila Times
LABOR
Domestic workers who contract Covid-19 entitled to cash aid: DOLE
Domestic workers (kasambahays) that contracted coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) are entitled to financial benefits, a labor official said on Friday.
Philippine News Agency
No wage petition filed yet — Nat’l Wages and Productivity Commission
The National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) said Friday that there is no wage petition filed yet in any region.
Manila Bulletin
LEGISLATIVE
Senate of the Philippines
‘Panic buying’ of vaccine feared may lead to oversupply, wastage
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Friday raised fears over the possible excess in Covid-19 vaccine supplies with both the local government units (LGUs) and the private sector scrambling to order jabs for their constituents and employees.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
House of Representatives
Bating Filipino': MPs in Philippines pass bill to create new Covid-safe greeting
Contactless greeting will help fight pandemic, say MPs of worst-hit country in south-east Asia, though some people would prefer more action on a vaccine
The Guardian
Solon calls out credit card companies ‘harassing’ cardholders with unpaid dues
Ang Probinsyano Rep. Ronnie Ong on Friday called out credit card companies for allegedly harassing clients with unpaid balances amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
House panel okays bill protecting freelancers
A measure providing protection to freelancers in the country has hurdled committee level at the House of Representatives.
Philippine News Agency
FDA sees nothing wrong with Rep. Arroyo’s email about Sinopharm data
Food and Drug Administration Director General Rolando Domingo on Friday said there is nothing “unusual” about Rep. Mikey Arroyo wanting to share with the FDA information about the COVID-19 vaccine made by Chinese firm Sinopharm.
CNN Philippines
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)
OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
FOREIGN RELATIONS
Philippines pledges $100,000 to Asean response fund vs Covid-19
The Philippines has promised to donate $100,000 (approximately P4.8 million) to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Covid-19 response fund, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. announced Friday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
West Philippine Sea
No compromise on WPS amid PH-China vaccine talks: Galvez
Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., National Task Force Against Covid-19 Chief Implementer and vaccine czar, on Friday assured the country will not compromise its claim to the West Philippine Sea (WPS), while it exerts all efforts for the acquisition of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines with other countries, including China.
Philippine News Agency
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
Demand for fruit-based processed food products on the rise in Europe–study
Healthier lifestyles and less sugar consumption in Europe create opportunities for Philippine fruit-based processed food. Dried and frozen fruits, as well as fruit purées, have the biggest potential in these markets.
Business Mirror
UAE remains an attractive market for PHL produce, goods, PTIC says
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains an attractive market for Philippine produce and goods as food exports to the Middle East country remained steady in 2020 amid the pandemic, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Dubai said.
Business Mirror
Revised agri-agra lending rules seen boosting loans to farmers
More than a decade since the creation of the Agri-Agra Reform Credit Law, policymakers have finally approved the amendments to its implementing rules and regulations (IRR) that would make it easier for banks to lend more money to the agriculture sector.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
DA urges hog raisers to avail of free insurance from PCIC
The Department of Agriculture (DA) wants backyard and commercial hog raisers to secure insurance packages so they can recover part of their investments, in case their farms got infected with animal diseases such as the African swine fever (ASF).
Philippine News Agency
SoCot offers free tractor services for low-income farmers
Low-income farmers in South Cotabato province may now avail of tractor services for free through an innovative farm support program of the provincial government.
Philippine News Agency
HOUSING and SETTLEMENT
A decent shelter for every Filipino
The country’s central housing authority is poised to make great strides this year in addressing the lingering, pervasive and massive problem of affordable housing.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
POVERTY
Rice is cheap, but vegetables, meat pricey in recession-hit Philippines
Rice may be cheap now, but FIlipinos are finding it hard to find food items to pair it with as costs rise during the pandemic
Rappler
SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT
TRANSPORTATION
TOURISM
Call to defer tourism taxes
Senator Nancy Binay has backed the appeal of tourism stakeholders for the deferment of the payment of local taxes this year due to the massive losses brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Manila Standard
WATER and ENERGY
Aboitiz Power unit renews power deal with N. Ecija co-op
Aboitiz Power Corp. said Friday subsidiary AP Renewables Inc. renewed its partnership with Nueva Ecija II Electric Cooperative Area 1 for another five years beginning December 2020. APRI is set to deliver 41 megawatts of clean energy to 10 municipalities within the NEECO II Area 1 franchise area.
Manila Standard
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