BDP needed for dev't of CPP-NPA cleared villages in Davao Region
National Security Adviser (NSA) Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. on Sunday said the improvement of the peace and order situation in the Davao Region highlights the need for the Barangay Development Program (BDP) as communities cleared from the influence of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) are now ready for further growth and progress.
Philippine News Agency
Mother in Cagayan begs CPP-NPA to return her teen daughter
A mother from Cagayan province appealed to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) to let her daughter return home so she can continue her studies and live a better life.
Philippine News Agency
Peace talks
Pandemic preventing GRP-NDFP back-channel talks
The spike in new Coronavirus-19 (Covid-19) cases in Europe late last year frustrated plans for back-channel talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). NDFP chief political consultant Jose Maria Sison said a planned trip by GRP emissaries to The Netherlands last December did not push through as many countries in Europe implemented extended lockdowns.
Kodao Productons
Incidents/Operations
Medical Officer ng rebeldeng CPP-NPA, nagbalik-loob sa pamahalaan; mga pampasabog isinuko
Boluntaryong sumuko at nagbaba ng mga pampasabog ang isang medical officer ng Regional Sentro De Gravidad (RSDG), Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley (KRCV) ng teroristang Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army sa hanay ng 86th Infantry Battalion noong ika-20 ng Pebrero taong kasalukuyan sa Barangay Jose Ancheta, Maddela, Quirino.
Kalinaw News
150 members of communist ‘Militia ng Bayan’ surrender in Cagayan
At least 150 members and supporters of the rebel group Militia ng Bayan (People’s Militia) in Cagayan province surrendered on Friday, the military said.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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Davao barangay anti-terrorism exercise set this week
THE Davao City government will be conducting a second citywide community exercise against terrorism after receiving reports of lawless elements targeting barangay captains supportive of government initiatives for rebel returnees.
Sunstar Davao
MARAWI
Women of Yolanda, Marawi weave hope amid tragedies
SEEKING to inspire hope for the future in their communities by rewriting the disaster-victim narrative, Maranao weavers and Tacloban seamstresses have banded together to create the kadasig (resilient) reusable face masks to revive the local fabric and clothing industry.
Manila Times
SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD
Battle for young hearts and minds as extremists grow savvy online
A 17-year-old detained under the Internal Security Act in January last year had begun to walk down the path of radicalisation in 2017 when he was aged 15, after imbibing Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) material online.
The Straits Times
Online extremism: Censorship isn’t the solution
The debate about online information and misinformation has heated up with the US Capitol riots and Facebook's pulling of Australian news pages, but censorship is a Pandora's box. Do we want an internet where what is 'acceptable' is governed by a small set of powerful groups seeking to protect themselves?
Newsroom NZ
Extremism in the ranks is a ‘threat,’ but the Pentagon’s not sure how to address it
The sea of protesters-turned-rioters massing near the Capitol on Jan. 6 carried with them pro-Trump signs, American flags and an array of political banners. Also among the crowd were many emblems of the military community: Some waved Marine Corps flags, many sported military tactical gear, even specific unit patches signifying their time in service.
Military Times
Emerging extremists bring new concerns for law enforcement
When Ronald Sandlin and Nathaniel DeGrave appeared in federal court in Las Vegas last month on charges of participating in the Capitol Hill riot, prosecutors could not link them to any extremist group.
Las Vegas Review
‘It’s so unfair’: life on the streets of the French town branded as ‘lost to Islam’
Mayor of Paris suburb labelled an extremist centre says stoking division will not help his town. The HairCoiffure salon on Rue Jean Jaurès, a short walk from Trappes station, is offering a cut-and-blow-dry for women at €18 (£15.50) and €15 for men, a banal observation at the centre of the latest battle in France’s toxic debate over religious extremism.
The Guardian
Pakistan dubs France's anti-Muslim bill discriminatory
Pakistan's President Arif Alvi urged France on Saturday to desist from entrenching "discriminatory attitudes" against Muslims into laws aimed at fighting so-called extremism, Anadolu Agency reports.
Middle East Monitor
UK's anti-terror chief fears rights group boycott threatens Prevent review
Britain’s best chance of reducing terrorist violence risks being damaged amid a huge backlash to the government’s choice of William Shawcross to lead a review of Prevent, the country’s top counter-terrorism officer has told the Guardian.
The Guardian
We can’t let the gun imperialists win again
In a quieter time, what President Biden said on Feb. 14 about his hopes for combating the scourge of violence in our country might have been much bigger news. “Today,” Biden said in a statement marking the third anniversary of the shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., which took the lives of 14 students and three teachers, “I am calling on Congress to enact common-sense gun law reforms, including requiring background checks on all gun sales, banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and eliminating immunity for gun manufacturers who knowingly put weapons of war on our streets.”
The Washington Post
Structured sentence management for violent and extremist prisoners in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Council of Europe (CoE) started on 1 November 2018 a 24 months project entitled “Structured sentence management for violent extremist prisoners in Bosnia and Herzegovina”. The project is implemented in close cooperation with the Ministries of Justice of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Federation BiH and Republika Srpska, and their respective partners from the state and the entity law enforcement agencies, social welfare services, as well as with the civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders.
Saravejo Times
Kashmir: Shining example of pluralism, diversity
Long tradition of tolerance, amity, goodwill, friendships across religious and cultural boundaries Kashmir's hallmark. Kashmir is internationally recognized as a disputed territory whose final status has yet to be determined by its people. Both India and Pakistan have nuclear weapons and have fought three wars during the past 73 years. This is a matter that urgently needs to be put on the road to finding a just and viable solution.
Anadolu Agency
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BARMM
Mapping digital poverty in PH
The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated existing inequalities accentuated by the widening of the digital divide. As the pandemic continues to reinforce the need for social distancing and continued lockdowns, the need for quality digital access and connectivity that is efficient, inclusive and sustainable—where users including the poor and marginalized have access to sufficient internet connection even in remote areas—has increased in importance. Achieving universal access to high-quality internet is an important public policy goal, but despite an accelerated shift to the digital space enabling service delivery, over 700 million people around the world remain without digital access.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
DICT to roll out free Wi-Fi, VSAT facilities in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi Tawi
Even Mindanao’s remotest parts can finally access the world wide web next month as the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) rolls out free Wi-Fi sites and very small aperture terminal (VSAT) facilities in the islands of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi Tawi.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
BARMM keeps COVID in check through facilities
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has relatively low incidence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) compared to other regions, officials said over the weekend.
Manila Standard
[Opinion] From victims to victors
Recently, I participated in an insightful online conversation with southern Thailand women and men peace advocates together with some leaders of Mindanao-based women’s civil society organizations. Some participants were from the Prince of Songkla University based in Muang, Pattani, southern Thailand. I have worked with some southern Thai women in a collaborative assessment project on the peace processes in Indonesia (Aceh), southern Thailand and southern Philippines (the Government of the Philippines-Moro Islamic Liberation Front peace negotiations). The virtual conversation was co-organized by the Philippine office of the Nonviolent Peace Force in partnership with the network of civic women in southern Thailand.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY
4 cohorts of wanted persons in Barira nabbed by CIDG-BAR
Police operatives arrested four coddlers of two men wanted for heinous crimes following a brief shootout in Barangay Liong in Barira, Maguindanao on Sunday morning. Personnel of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region are now in custody of Ibrahim Ayunan, Salik Macugar, Norhamin Macugar and Tatah Macugar from whom they seized two .45 caliber pistols.
NDBC News
BIFF tagged in foiled Maguindanao roadside bombing
Authorities have tagged the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Thursday’s foiled roadside bombing in Shariff Aguak town. The improvised explosive device, rigged with a blasting contraption that can be detonated from a distance, was fashioned from an 81 millimeter mortar round and two anti-tank rockets.
NDBC News
Metro Cotabato Water District announces water service low pressure for Feb. 24
Metro Cotabato Water District informs that there will be a temporary shutdown (repair of clarifier tank) at Bulk Water Facility in Macaguiling, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, starting at 1:00 pm on February 24, 2021 to 1:00 pm on February 25, 2021.
NDBC News
LANAO PROVINCES
Rebel slain in Lanao Sur as Army retrieves remains of NPA fighter
One New People's Army (NPA) rebel was killed in the hinterlands of Lanao del Sur as Army troopers advanced to exhume and retrieve the remains of an 18-year-old female rebel killed by her comrades two years ago.
Philippine News Agency
‘Most wanted man’ of Lanao town meets end after resisting arrest
Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) killed a man wanted for murder in a raid that led to a shootout in Balabagan town of Lanao del Sur. CIDG director Brig. Gen. Albert Ignatius Ferro said the operation also resulted in the arrest of four people who were with slain suspect Sarao Mangadang when the arrest warrant was served on Thursday in Barangay Barurao.
Manila Bulletin
BASILAN
SULU
Abu killed in shootout; kidnapping plot foiled
An Abu Sayyaf group member was killed in a shootout with police in Sulu on Saturday. Gen. Debold Sinas, chief of the Philippine National Police, claimed that the slain Abu Sayyaf, Wahid Sahid, had been surveilling prominent families in Zamboanga City possibly for kidnapping. Sahid, a member of the subgroup under Almujir Yadah, allegedly smuggled high-powered guns and armed the bandits in Sulu province and Zamboanga City. On Saturday morning, an undercover agent who posed as buyer went to Sahid’s house in Sitio Buton, Barangay Kansipat in Panamao town, Sulu. After Sahid’s illegal sale of firearms was confirmed, the arresting team rushed to Sahid’s house but was met with gunfire. Police fired back and killed Sahid. Several firearms were seized from the house.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Dissecting Sabah’s illegals woe
IT is a public knowledge that Sabah has the highest number of illegal immigrants in Malaysia. In 2020, the population of Sabah was estimated to be approximately 3.9 million, of which a third of the population are foreigners.
Daily Express
TAWI-TAWI
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DRUGS
Operations/ Incidents
Cebu City drug raids: P3.4M shabu seized; 2 men nabbed
Authorities confiscated at least 500 grams or half a kilo of suspected shabu worth at least P3.4 million and arrested two men, one of them a former convict, during two separate raids in Barangay Basak Pardo in Cebu City at past noon today, February 21.
Cebu Daily News
Religious groups push Mayor Sara to run for president
SEVERAL religious groups are pushing Davao City Mayor Sara "Inday" Duterte to run for president in the 2022 polls. The Community Movement of Interfaith for Solidarity and Development (CMISD) launched on Friday, February 19, 2021, the "Run Inday Run" prayer caravan held at the Blessed Presbyterian Church at 718 Quirino Highway, Metro Green Village, San Bartolome, Novaliches, Quezon City.
Sunstar Pampanga
Drug-positive cop snubs retest; marked AWOL
One of the two Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) personnel being investigated for alleged involvement in illegal drugs has been marked AWOL or absent without official leave.
Panay News
Recovery and Rehabilitation
ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES, AND AMMUNITION
CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING/ COUNTERFEIT GOODS
BOC seizes P9-M worth of smuggled Chinese medicines, goods
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has confiscated PHP9 million worth of smuggled Chinese goods, including a medicine being marketed as cure for Covid-19 in Parañaque City.
Philippine News Agency
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
KIDNAPPING/ ABDUCTION
ILLEGAL GAMBLING
ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS/ EXTORTION
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Police, Talaingod officials whisk 13 Lumad bakwit students to Davao
hirteen Lumad students had been flown to Davao from Cebu City this evening, less than a week after police and social workers took them from the bakwit school at the University of San Carlos-Talamban campus in Cebu.
Bulatlat
[Editorial] Inquisition on education
EDUCATION is hardly neutral. For some teachers, learning takes place when the student questions the teacher, an indicator that a person once so dependent is coming on his or her own, making personal judgment on what is not just true or false but also right and wrong.
Sunstar Cebu
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IJM shares paper to curb net's child sexual abuse content
IN COMBATING the livestreaming of child sexual abuse, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have an important role to play, along with tech platforms and financial sector institutions. International Justice Mission (IJM) reviewed related literature and has proposed recommendations for ISPs in its technical paper, “Philippine ISP Visibility: Technology, Limitations and Recommendations Related to Combating the Online Sexual Exploitation of Children.”
Sunstar Cebu
Press Freedom/ Freedom of expression
Martial Law
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COVID-19
Cases
PH Covid-19 tally: 1,888 new infections, 9,737 recoveries
The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday reported 1,888 new Covid-19 cases, driving the Philippines’ tally up to 561,169.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Department of Health
IATF/NTF COVID-19
Ulama to be tapped on Covid-19 vaccination information drive
The Ulama or Islamic scholars in the country will be tapped to help in the information drive of the government to promote Covid-19 vaccination. In a statement, Secretary Saidamen Pangarungan of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), said it held a consultation with various Ulama and Imams regarding the Covid-19 vaccination roll-out wherein the said vaccine will arrive in the Philippines soon.
Luwaran
Regions
Luzon including NCR
Upward trend in COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila as PH tally tops 561,000
The National Capital Region (NCR) is seeing an upward trend in new COVID-19 cases, said the Octa Research Group in its latest report on Sunday, February 21.
Rappler
Balancing economic recovery, gains vs. pandemic necessary
Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto said there is a need to open the economy while keeping the gains that the government has achieved in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic.
Philippine News Agency
Visayas
Mindanao
SouthCot Gov tests positive for COVID-19
South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. has tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). Tamayo personally confirmed in a video message and a Facebook post by the provincial government late Sunday afternoon that he has contracted the disease and experiencing unspecified symptoms.
Mindanews
World
WHO panel to recommend 'deeper' study of early Covid-19 clues
he World Health Organization's preliminary report into the origins of the novel coronavirus will recommend more extensive contact tracing of the first known patient with Covid-19 in Wuhan, China, as well as the supply chain of nearly a dozen traders in the Huanan seafood market, which is thought to have played a role in the early spread of Covid-19 in late 2019, according to investigators familiar with the draft report.
CNN
UK speeds up vaccinations: All adults get 1st jab by July 31
The British government announced Sunday that it aims to give every adult in the country a first dose of coronavirus vaccine by July 31, a month earlier than its previous target.
Arab News
Diplomatic, Development and Private Sector
Incidents and Violations
Editorial, Analysis, Opinion and Features
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Palace assures aid for ‘Auring’ victims
Malacañang on Sunday assured the public that immediate relief and assistance will be given to those affected by Tropical Storm Auring (international name “Dujuan”). “We are closely monitoring Tropical Storm ‘Auring’ and the communities on its track. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and line government agencies have been providing relief and assistance to those affected,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press statement.
Philippine News Agency
‘Common sense’ dictates need to back Duterte’s payment demand
Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo on Sunday insisted that those criticizing President Rodrigo Duterte’s demand for the United States (US) to pay the Philippines for hosting American troops should allow the chief executive to “strategize” since it was part of his job.
Philippine News Agency
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
Robredo pushes anew for face-to-face classes in Covid transmission-free areas
Vice President Leni Robredo has again urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to allow the resumption of face-to-face classes in areas without Covid-19 transmissions.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION
BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION
After FIST, BSP wants bank secrecy, 3 other measures passed
Fresh from having a law that will help ease banks’ bad loan burdens enacted, the central bank wants Congress to pass four other measures aimed at helping the Philippine economy weather the ill effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Sans income from cinemas, LGUs urged to tax streaming sites
With potential revenues from movies and concerts basically gone, local government units (LGUs) may want to look into taxing alternative sources, such as online streaming sites, according to the state-run National Tax Research Center (NTRC).
Philippine Daily Inquirer
BUSINESS, ECONOMY AND INVESTMENT
Chua: Nationwide MGCQ to resume 95% of economy
Up to 95 percent of the economy would resume jobs and provide income once the entire Philippines is placed under a uniform and the least stringent of its Covid-19 quarantine levels, which the government’s chief economist has been pushing amid a prolonged pandemic and the recession it wrought.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Digitalization cushions pandemic impact on economy
The digitalization framework laid down by the central bank in recent years helped mitigate the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the country as many Filipinos were able to buy essential needs and send money to their dependents despite last year’s lockdown.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Aboitiz supports Abac’s 2021 ‘people, place, prosperity’ call to action
THE Aboitiz Group is one with Asia-Pacific economies in putting “people, place and prosperity” at the heart of response initiatives to the Covid-19 pandemic, which essentially would help rebuild the region’s economies.
Yahoo News
BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS
MinDA forms local body to monitor delayed infra in Mindanao
The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) will formally organize on Wednesday the Davao del Norte Infrastructure Monitoring and Advisory Group (IMAG) to oversee the implementation of major infrastructure projects, including the PHP20-B Davao City-Samal Island Bridge.
Philippine News Agency
DPWH proposal to upgrade Currimao seaport access road OK’d
The local government unit of Currimao is elated to see more developments in its seaport, about 28 kilometers from this city with a looming infrastructure project to improve transport services in the area.
Philippine News Agency
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
DISASTER AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
‘Auring’ moves toward Visayas, leaves behind flooded areas in Mindanao
Rescuers waded through waist-deep waters to get to the flood-stricken residents in Tandag City and other parts of northeastern Mindanao on Sunday, as Tropical Storm ‘Auring’ moved toward the Visayas.
Mindanews
Initial P179K aid sent to LGUs affected by Auring — DSWD
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has assured residents of areas affected by Tropical Storm Auring that an initial P179,000 in aid has been sent.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Ever Onward Troopers At Your Service!
Tropical Depression Auring is currently causing massive rainfall in the areas of Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands and the NDRRMC had already declared an orange rainfall advisory. It means serious flooding is seen and that residents should be ready to evacuate.
Kalinaw News
DSWD provides initial relief aid to Caraga
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has initially extended relief aid to the local government units (LGUs) affected by Tropical storm “Auring”. hrough its Field Office-Caraga, the DSWD said it augmented the resources of LGUs in the affected region.
Manila Bulletin
DSWD reports 1, 297 evacuee-families in Caraga, Davao
As Tropical storm “Auring” was seen moving closer to Dinagat Islands-Eastern Samar-Leyte area, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said Sunday, Feb. 21, almost 1,300 families or over 5,000 persons were staying in evacuation centers in Caraga and Davao regions.
Manila Bulletin
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
DEFENSE AND SECURITY
Armed Forces of the Philippines
Hundreds benefit from Army-LGU medical mission in Aurora
A total of 352 villagers benefitted from a one-day medical-dental mission conducted by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Maria Aurora Led by Mayor Amado M. Geneta and the Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, at Barangay San Juan, Maria Aurora, Aurora.
Kalinaw News
Army, LGUs and Engineers collaborate for Surigao del Norte development.
Eighteen (18) Project Engineers / Project In-Charge of Constructions Companies and several members of Local Government Units within 30IB area of responsibility attended the First Contractors and Business Establishments Security Forum held at Headquarters 30IB in Brgy Mahanub, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte, February 19, 2021.
Kalinaw News
Wounded SAF trooper receives financial assistance
BRIGADIER General Ronaldo De Jesus, director of Police Regional Office-Eastern Visayas, personally extended financial assistance to Patrolman Villamor Dumaguing, a Special Action Force (SAF) commando who was wounded during an encounter with members of New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Cuenco, Las Navas, Northern Samar on February 19, 2021.
Sunstar Tacloban
Philippine National Police
Calabarzon’s 6th most wanted fugitive falls
After years of evading arrest, the No. 6 most wanted person in Calabarzon was arrested by the police in Batangas City on Saturday.
Philippine News Agency
EDUCATION
INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Give telcos, ISPs more teeth in fighting child pornography, gov’t urged
Consumer advocacy groups urged the government to provide internet services providers (ISP) and telecommunications companies more teeth to combat online child pornography.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Lapeña thanks Globe's continuous communication aid to TESDA
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Isidro Lapeña on Sunday thanked Globe Telecom for offering another communication assistance to the agency.
Philippine News Agency
ELECTION RELATED
False claims about junked poll protest hurt democratic institutions — Robredo
False claims about the electoral protest that former Sen. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. filed against Vice President Leni Robredo and that has since been dismissed cast doubts on government institutions, she said Sunday.
Philippine Star
Locsin slams Robredo’s comment on Marcos and democratic institutions
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Sunday opposed the statement made by Vice President Leni Robredo that the refusal of former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to accept defeat in the 2016 vice presidential race destroys the country’s democratic institutions.
Manila Bulletin
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
LABOR
LEGISLATIVE
Senate of the Philippines
Angara: COVID-19 indemnity law only seeks to free vaccine makers from liability
Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara on Sunday said the indemnity provision of the bill proposing to fast track the procurement of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines is meant only to free vaccine manufacturers from any liability should their products cause side effects.
Manila Bulletin
House of Representatives
Salceda defends Bayanihan 3 as Senate, Executive branch show lack of interest
One of the embedded economic experts in the House of Representatives on Sunday, February 21 defended the leadership’s decision to strongly push for the swift passage of a third sequel of the Bayanihan Act proposing a P420 billion economic stimulus package.
Manila Bulletin
Solon questions delay in release of 2019 GSIS audit report
A partylist lawmaker has questioned the Commission on Audit for the long delayed release of the 2019 annual audit report for the Government Service Insurance System. In a briefing conducted by GSIS officials for the House Committee on Public Accounts, Ako Padayon Pilipino Rep. Adriano A. Ebcas disclosed that COA has yet to publish the audit report even as the audit agency has started to release the 2020 annual audit report (AAR) of other government offices.
Manila Bulletin
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)
OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
Foreign diplomatic missions now required to clear all NGO donations with DFA
All foreign diplomatic missions in the Philippines are now bound to seek “appropriate clearance” from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) before funneling funds to non-government organizations (NGOs) in the country.
Manila Bulletin
FOREIGN RELATIONS
West Philippine Sea
How China is Bending the Rules in the South China Sea
Chinese exercises in the South China Sea last month, and the strong U.S. response, show these disputed waters will not soon be calm. While the focus has largely been on military maneuvers, competition in legal positions has also been heating up. Last year, both the United States and Australia risked China’s wrath by officially stating that China’s claims in the South China Sea are unlawful. Other claimants were pleased by this change of policy, but none voiced it prominently.
Maritime Executive
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
HOUSING and SETTLEMENT
POVERTY
SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT
TRANSPORTATION
Will number coding scheme return amid planned MGCQ shift? Abalos answers
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will keep the number coding scheme suspended for the foreseeable future. Thus, said MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos amid very serious discussions within the Metro Manila Council (MMC) to shift lockdown protocols from the current general community quarantine (GCQ) to the less stringent modified GCQ (MGCQ).
Manila Bulletin
TOURISM
Fiscal stimulus for tourism sector pushed
Revitalizing tourism in countries like the Philippines whose domestic industry had been badly hit by global and local movement restrictions amid the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic would entail fiscal stimulus, especially infrastructure development, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
WATER and ENERGY
TransCo to operate off-grid power systems as directed by DoE chief
THE Energy department has designated the state-led National Transmission Corp. (TransCo) as operator of off-grid power systems that have two or more suppliers, according to a memorandum issued by the agency early this month.
Business World
Citicore to start construction of Pampanga solar power plant
Citicore Power Inc. said it would commence the construction of its solar power plant in Pampanga – which is in partnership with the Ayala Group – within the first quarter as it rebrands all its projects in its portfolio to align itself with its 2025 goal.
Philippine Star
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