Philippine Army, CAFGU and PNP completed Urban Combat Orientation Training in Aurora
42 selected individuals from 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, Philippine Army, Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU), and Aurora Police provincial Office (APPO) successfully completed a four-day training in Urban Combat Orientation Training (UCOT) on Thursday, February 18, 2021 at 91st IB headquarter, Barangay, Calabuanan, Baler, Aurora.
Kalinaw News
Army’s 3ID Forges Stronger Ties with Religious Sector in Panay
To forge a better and stronger partnership with the religious sector in Panay, the Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division through its 301st Infantry (Bayanihan) Brigade reached out to the Archdiocese of Jaro in Iloilo City on Thursday, February 18, 2021. Col. Orlando Edralin, the Deputy Brigade Commander, of the 301st Bde and party met Jaro Archbishop Jose Romeo Lazo to have a brotherly and friendly dialogue.
Kalinaw News
[Opinion] An End in Sight for the Philippines’ Maoist Insurgency?
The Philippine military claims that a breakthrough is around the corner, but a continuation of the conflict is convenient for many. The Philippines’ Maoist insurgency has spanned over five decades and is one of the world’s longest ongoing armed conflicts. The roots of militant communism in the Philippines can be traced as far back as World War II, when communist guerrillas led by the Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas-1930 (PKP-1930) fought a campaign of resistance against the Japanese occupation.
The Diplomat
Deadly 'Red-Tagging' Campaign Ramps Up in Philippines
Human rights activists say “red-tagging,” a tactic whereby individuals are labelled as communists or terrorists – often without substantial proof – is being increasingly deployed by government supporters and state officials in the Philippines.
Voice of America Cambodia News
16 Former Rebels receive Financial Assistance grant in Misamis Oriental
A total of 16 Former Rebels (FRs) received an initial financial assistance amounting to Php80,000.00 from the Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental during an awarding ceremony held at Headquarters 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion (58IB), Sitio Migbanday, Poblacion, CLaveria, Misamis Oriental, February 17, 2021.
Kalinaw News
Peace talks
Compelling Visions of Just Peace: The Ethical Imperative of Human Dignity in Social Transformation
I am honored to speak at the 9th Ecumenical Church Leaders’ Summit on Peace February 18-19, 2021 commemorating 500 Years of Christianity in the Philippines and celebrating God’s gift of human dignity on the subject of Compelling Visions of Just Peace: The Ethical Imperative of Human Dignity in Social Transformation.
Communist Party of the Philippines
Incidents/Operations
NPA surrenderee tipped-off war materiel, 10th Infantry Division scores anew
A 51-year old team leader of Abe, Primera, Weakened Guerilla Front 18 (WGF), Sub-Regional Committee 2 (SRC) of SMRC, Elmer Soblia Mangasdang alias MIC- a member of Mandaya tribe and resident of Purok-1, Brgy Fuentes, Pantukan, Davao de Oro voluntarily surrendered with firearms on February 17, 2021 to joint elements of 66 Infantry Battalion, 104 Military Intel Company, Provincial Intel Unit, Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office at Sitio Mangway, Brgy Maragatas, Lupon Davao Oriental.
Kalinaw News
Army 1Lt. Romeo Sabio likely died in a misencounter—NPA-Quezon
The New People’s Army (NPA) in Quezon denied engaging troops from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in an encounter in Catanauan, Quezon last February 5. NPA Spokesperson Ka Cleo del Mundo said that the only armed action between the Red fighters and fascist soldiers occurred on February 5 at 3:51 a.m. in Barangay Masaya, Buenavista.
Communist Party of the Philippines
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MARAWI
Fire destroys temporary classrooms, books for Marawi evacuees’ children
Fire destroyed a structure that served as a temporary school building here late on Thursday (Feb. 18), according to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Amid COVID-19 pandemic, TFBM racing against time to complete Marawi rehab by yearend
The Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) is racing against time but is “confident” it could complete the reconstruction and rehabilitation of war-torn Marawi City as targeted on December 31, 2021, despite the delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Assistant Housing Secretary Felix Castro, Jr., manager of the TFBM Field Office, said.
MindaNews
SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE WORLD
[Opinion] The Capitol rioters speak just like the Islamist terrorists I reported on
In July 2005, while working as a foreign correspondent in London, I was alarmed to learn that two terrorists lived right down the street from me. The men had attempted to blow themselves up on the London transit system two weeks after the deadly “7/7” subway bombings that killed 52 commuters. Watching the failed suicide bombers being arrested at their apartment complex — stripped down to their underwear to ensure they weren’t wearing explosive vests — launched me on a reporting journey to answer a question: What had led these young men, living in Europe with Western freedom and opportunity, down the same path to terrorism I’d reported on so many times in the Middle East? In interviews with well-educated, often middle-class and seemingly moderate young men, I documented what was then the new and growing appeal in the West of Islamist violence built on false history and a deep, debilitating sense of victimhood.
Washington Post
Labeling groups like the Proud Boys “domestic terrorists” won’t fix anything
Canada recently designated the Proud Boys, a far-right hate group, as a terrorist organization, a move that has put pressure on President Joe Biden’s administration to take similar punitive action against the group and others who participated in January 6 attack on the US Capitol.
Vox
Two Proud Boys committed "crimes of terrorism" during Capitol riot, federal prosecutors say
At least two Capitol rioters may have committed "crimes of terrorism," prosecutors say, which is cause to hold them without bail as they await trial — and may mean longer sentences should they be found guilty.
CBS News
America Is Exporting Its Extreme Right Abroad via Social Media, Experts Warn
The battle against far-right extremism will be a significant part of President Joe Biden's domestic agenda. Long on the fringes of American society and politics, far-right extremists were energized and emboldened by former President Donald Trump and his allies, who did little to discourage their rise and at times even helped it.
Newsweek
ARPC renews terrorism reinsurance scheme
The Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation (ARPC) has renewed the retrocession reinsurance program of its terrorism insurance scheme for the 2021 calendar year.
Insurance Business Magazine
Facebook makes a power move in Australia - and may regret it
For years, Facebook has been in a defensive crouch amid a slew of privacy scandals, antitrust lawsuits and charges that it was letting hate speech and extremism destroy democracy. Early Thursday, though, it abruptly pivoted to take the offensive in Australia, where it lowered the boom on publishers and the government with a sudden decision to block news on its platform across the entire country.
ABC News
Rules of thumb for fighting terrorism
The reaction of politicians to the execution of 13 Turkish citizens by the PKK terrorist group demonstrates the challenges Turkey faces in its counterterrorism efforts. It is deeply saddening that opposition parties would rather look for a scapegoat than join the nation in condemning the terrorists who shot abductees in the head.
Daily Sabah
As Right-Wing Extremism Rises, Jihadism Still Persists
Six separate terrorist attacks took place in Europe between late September and late November of last year—three in France, and one each in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. All six attacks were inspired by Salafi-jihadist ideology, which is, and will remain, a persistent terrorism threat to Europe and elsewhere in the West for the foreseeable future.
World Politics
Western critics should visit Xinjiang to see real situation: China’s Ambassador to Germany
China’s Ambassador to Germany Wu Ken said that China welcomes foreigners to visit Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and learn about the real Xinjiang, given that some anti-China politicians in the West are spreading lies about Xinjiang.
Global Times
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BARMM
BSP to promote BARMM as investment hub for Islamic banking
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has vowed to help promote the region as an investment destination for Islamic banking and finance, the Bangsamoro Regional Board of Investments (RBOI) chairperson said Friday.
Philippine News Agency
Health workers first to get Covid-19 vaccine in BARMM
Health workers in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) would be the first to receive the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines once the vaccination rollout starts in the region by the end of March or early part of April this year.
Philippine News Agency
OCM aims for more ethical and effective financial operations
About 100 staffs from the various offices and bureaus under the Office of the Chief Minister (OCM) have completed a 2-day orientation on government expenditures and simulation activity of the proposed Standardized Documentary Checklist (SDC), Guidelines and Tracking forms. OCM’s Internal Audit Office (IAO) spearheaded the activity held Feb. 18-19 at Alnor Convention Center in the city.
Bangsamoro Government
P15-B infra projects lined up for Bangsamoro communities in 2021
More communities within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and special geographic areas will be reached with several infrastructure projects lined up by the Ministry of Public Works (MPW) this year. The MPW, being the Bangsamoro Government’s engineering and construction arm, will construct various infrastructure projects for 2021 that include roads and bridges, flood control, water supply projects, and other public works facilities all amounting to P15,053,995,064.
Bangsamoro Government
New Zealand Gov’t, IOM donate Covid-19 vaccine cold storage units to BARMM
hirty-five (35) units of biological safety refrigerator for safer cold chain management, intended for coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccines, were turned over to Bangsamoro region’s health ministry (MOH) on Thursday. The cold storage units were donated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and was funded by the Government of New Zealand.
Bangsamoro Government
Groups ask Duterte to certify as urgent bills extending transition in BARMM
Civil society groups in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are urging President Rodrigo Duterte to certify as urgent the passage of bills seeking to move regional elections in 2022 to 2025.
Luwaran
UN leadership lauds BARMM achievements
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has acknowledged what he said was significant achievements made by the leadership of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao during the last two years.
Manila Standard
[Opinion] Two tracks of the Bangsamoro peace process
Much of the discourse on the proposed extension of the transition period covering the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has focused on its justification. While some groups in Mindanao have expressed their reservations, both the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) have backed the call, citing the need for more time to fulfill their responsibilities and mandate.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
MAGUINDANAO AND COTABATO CITY
Roadside bombing plot in village of Satan foiled by Army
Soldiers foiled a roadside bombing plot in the town of Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao province on Thursday (Feb. 18).
Philippine Daily Inquirer
LANAO PROVINCES
Traditional weaving in Lanao Sur lives on
Rakimah Casidar, 43, sat cross-legged in front of the iroan (Meranaw loom) in her home in Ranaranao in this municipality. It was not a well-lit place ideal for intricate tasks such as weaving.
MindaNews
BASILAN
SULU
TAWI-TAWI
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DRUGS
Operations/ Incidents
Authorities serve freeze order vs suspected drug courier’s Cebu home
Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday said it has implemented the freeze order issued by the Court of Appeals on the property of suspected drug courier Charlie Fortuna, who was arrested in Mandaue City in 2019.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
High value target in Cebu connected to Parojinog family — Sinas
Charlie Duhaylungsod Fortuna, high value target who was arrested in a Mandaue City raid in 2019, allegedly had links to the Parojinogs in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, Philippine National Police chief General Debold Sinas said Friday.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
4 suspects nabbed, P87-K illegal drugs seized in Bulacan
Four drug suspects were arrested in separate anti-illegal drugs operation in this province on Friday.
Philippine News Agency
9 arrested, more than P220-K in shabu seized in Bacolod City
Nine persons were arrested while a total of PHP224,400 worth of suspected shabu were seized in separate buy-busts here in the past four days, reports from the Bacolod City Police Office said.
Philippine News Agency
Recovery and Rehabilitation
ILLICIT FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES, AND AMMUNITION
GenSan cop hurt in accidental grenade blast
A police officer was slightly injured after a newly recovered hand grenade accidentally exploded inside a police station here on Friday afternoon.
Philippine News Agency
Zambo mayor orders probe on the killing of soda firm exec
Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar ordered Friday an in-depth investigation over the killing of a soft drink firm executive in this southern port city.
Philippine News Agency
CROSS-BORDER TRADING/ SMUGGLING/ COUNTERFEIT GOODS
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
KIDNAPPING/ ABDUCTION
More suspected robbers killed in QC police operations
A day after two robbery suspects were killed in a police encounter in Quezon City, seven more alleged robbers died in separate police operations in the city early Friday morning.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
ILLEGAL GAMBLING
ILLICIT FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS/ EXTORTION
PDEA warns public anew over fake agents, says arrests made with court orders
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has reminded the public to be vigilant over individuals pretending to be anti-narcotics agents, saying that there are ways to discern legitimate operators from fake ones.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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Converting agricultural land for development use
Dreaming to develop a project but the property is classified as agricultural land? Your dream might only be a few documents away from becoming a reality given the recent amendments on the 2002 Comprehensive Rules on Land Use Conversion by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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Romero says slamming ‘rescue’ of lumads doesn’t mean support to NPA
House Deputy Speaker and 1-Pacman Rep. Mikee Romero on Friday denied allegations that he was supporting the New People’s Army (NPA). This comes after Romero condemned the supposed police rescue of lumads (indigenous people) in a university in Talamban, Cebu City.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
PNP urges CHR to look deeper into IP kids’ rescue
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday called on the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to look deeper in its investigation into the rescue of indigenous peoples (IP) children in a Cebu university earlier this week.
Philippine News Agency
Sinas backs social workers, cops in IP kids’ rescue
The chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday backed the social workers and the police who rescued the indigenous peoples (IP) children inside a retreat house owned by the University of San Carlos (USC)-Talamban Campus early this week.
Philippine News Agency
[Editorial] Some ‘rescue’
Was it a rescue or a raid? On Monday, police swooped down on the University of San Carlos (USC) in Talamban, Cebu, and forcibly took into custody at least 19 lumad students in what Central Visayas police chief Brig. Gen. Ronnie Montejo claimed was a “rescue operation.”
Philippine Daily Inquirer
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Press Freedom/ Freedom of expression
[Opinion] Vicious raid and arrest
THE vicious raid and arrest of 26 Lumad students, elders, and volunteer teachers on Feb. 15 at the University of San Carlos (USC)-Talamban Campus in the guise of “rescue operations” came as no surprise. The state’s armed elements have been overtaxing resources and overriding the Philippine Constitution to thwart the indigenous Lumad’s right to education and other basic services, and to violate their right to exercise their right to self-determination through the Lumad schools.
Panay News
Martial Law
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COVID-19
Cases
DOH reports additional 1,901 Covid-19 cases, 157 new deaths
The Department of Health (DOH) reported on Friday 1,901 additional coronavirus cases and 157 new deaths due to Covid-19.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Department of Health
DOH confirms 2 SARS-CoV-2 mutations in Central Visayas
The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday confirmed the detection of two mutations of the SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), in Central Visayas following the sequencing of some samples taken from the region last week.
Philippine News Agency
IATF/NTF COVID-19
Regions
Luzon including NCR
Central Luzon Covid-19 recovery tally hits 24.2K
At least 217 more patients have recovered from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in Central Luzon, bringing the region’s overall Covid-19 recoveries to 24,235.
Philippine News Agency
Visayas
Eastern Samar Covid-19 patients to get cash aid
The Eastern Samar provincial government will provide financial assistance to confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients of the province.
Philippine News Agency
Pantries, smoking areas seen as possible ‘sources’ of contagion
The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is working with the city government here in enforcing the minimum health protocols in work eating places and smoking areas where transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) possibly occurs.
Philippine News Agency
Mindanao
Boy in Davao with COVID-19 UK variant has no travel history
The first confirmed case of the UK variant of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Davao City, a 10-year old boy, has not travelled outside the city while his family has no known exposure to foreigners, Davao City Health Office (CHO) head Dr. Ashley Lopez said.
MindaNews
Top floor of UP Mindanao building used for Covid-19 patients condemned
The city government has condemned the top floor of UP Mindanao’s three-story faculty and staff house, which is currently used as one of the temporary treatment and monitoring facilities for coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
MindaNews
49 CICL in Davao’s Bahay Pagasa test positive of Covid-19
At least 49 youth offenders being housed at the Davao City Children’s Village or Bahay Pagasa, a temporary shelter of the local government for children in conflict with the law (CICL), tested positive of coronavirus disease (Covid-19), City Health Office (CHO) acting head Dr. Ashley Lopez said.
MindaNews
P4M paid to Covid-19 patients in Region 12
The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) has already paid around P4 million in claims for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients who were confined in hospitals and other health facilities in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) since last year.
MindaNews
World
Pfizer submits data showing Covid-19 vaccine’s stability in refrigerators
Pfizer Inc and partner BioNTech SE said Friday they have submitted new data to the U.S. health regulator showing the stability of their Covid-19 vaccine at temperatures commonly found in pharmaceutical freezers and refrigerators.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Pfizer first dose 85% effective after 2-4 weeks, says study
The first dose of the Pfizer vaccination is 85 percent effective against coronavirus infection between two and four weeks after inoculation, according to a study published in the Lancet medical journal.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
J&J submits emergency use listing to WHO for Covid-19 vaccine
Johnson & Johnson (J&J) said Friday it had submitted for emergency use listing of its Covid-19 vaccine to the World Health Organization (WHO)
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Diplomatic, Development and Private Sector
Incidents and Violations
AFP: No side effects seen so far among PSG men who were vaccinated before FDA approval
No serious side effects had been found among members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG), who were inoculated with the vaccine Sinopharm, manufactured by a state-owned Chinese company, the military said on Friday (Feb. 19).
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Editorial, Analysis, Opinion and Features
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
PRRD can’t wait for Covid-19 vax to arrive in PH: Roque
President Rodrigo Duterte could no longer wait for the arrival of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the country to start the rollout of the government’s mass immunization drive, Malacañang said on Friday.
Philippine News Agency
Duterte might be convinced to declare nationwide MGCQ: Palace
There is a chance that President Rodrigo Duterte might be convinced to impose the most relaxed modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) in the entire Philippines, Malacañang said Friday.
Philippine News Agency
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
Robredo camp tells Marcos spox: Tapos na ang boksing
The camp of Vice President Leni Robredo on Friday slammed the spokesperson of former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. over his remarks on the decision of the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) against his election protest.
GMA News
AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION
BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION
PH seeks $700-M ADB, AIIB loans for vaccine rollout
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will lend the Philippines a combined $700 million (about P33.9 billion) by March to buy vaccines and inoculate Filipinos against the COVID-19 disease.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
FIST Act draft implementing rules now up for public scrutiny
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has drafted the implementing rules of the newly enacted Financial Institutions Strategic Transfer (FIST) Act, which offers time-bound fiscal incentives to make it easier for financial institutions to unload bad debts that may pile up during the current economic difficulties brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
BUSINESS, ECONOMY AND INVESTMENT
Peso seen further strengthening vs dollar in 2021
The Philippine peso would further strengthen this year although at a slower pace than last year’s gains amid expectations of sustained US dollar weakness, the UK-based Oxford Economics said.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Philippines invites Indian firms to explore investment opportunities in infra sector
The Philippines has invited Indian companies to explore investment opportunities in infrastructure sector such as railways, airports, shipbuilding and ports with an aim to enhance economic cooperation, industry body CII said on Friday. The opportunities were showcased by the Philippines during a business conference on India-Philippines Infrastructure Cooperation, which was held on February 18.
Economic Times India
DTI-12 holds online trade fair
Region 12’s (Soccsksargen) prime export-quality products may now be accessed and purchased online through leading e–commerce site Shopee Philippines.
MindaNews
BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS
Subic Bay Freeport Expressway inaugurated
The newly completed 8.2-kilometer Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX) eyed to accelerate business activities and facilitate the flow of goods and services between the economic zones in Clark and Subic was inaugurated on Friday.
Philippine News Agency
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
MPD to secure 'RevGov' rally
The Manila Police District (MPD) has laid out a security plan for the rally of a group pushing for the establishment of a revolutionary government and the adoption of a new federal Constitution.
Philippine News Agency
DISASTER AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
'Auring' intensifies into severe tropical storm
Weather disturbance "Auring" has intensified into a severe tropical storm (STS) as it continues to move slowly to the southwest, the weather bureau said Friday.
Philippine News Agency
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
SC chief: Over 120,000 PDLs freed since start of Covid-19 lockdown in 2020
More than 120,000 persons deprived of liberty or PDLs have been released since the start of the lockdown last year in an effort to decongest jails as the country still fights a pandemic.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
SC waiting for justices’ explanation before releasing official ruling on Marcos protest dismissal
THE official document on the dismissal of the electoral protest of defeated vice presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. will be released after the Supreme Court justices have submitted their formal explanations on their vote, the country’s top magistrate said on Friday.
Business World
Marcos can still appeal PET decision on poll protest vs Robredo — CJ Peralta
Former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. can still file a motion for reconsideration on the decision of the Supreme Court (SC), sitting as Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), on his election protest against Vice President Leni Robredo, Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta said.
UNTV Web
DEFENSE AND SECURITY
Armed Forces of the Philippines
PH acceptance of C-130 plane 'timely reinforcement': DND
As the Philippine Air Force (PAF) formally accepted the first of two Lockheed C-130H cargo transport aircraft acquired through a grant from the US government Thursday, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana called the arrival of the airplane a "timely augmentation" to the country's existing C-130 fleet.
Philippine News Agency
Distribution of Hygiene kits and Groundbreaking Ceremony
Kaugnay sa isinagawang Peaceful meeting nitong umaga ng February 17, 2021 ay tinungo ng United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Local Government Unit of Shariff Saydona Mustapha (LGU SSM), Youth of Peace Movement (YFPM) Pukaw Inc at 33rd IB upang mamahagi ng Hygiene Kits sa mga estudyante ng Mahad Imaan Al-Qudaibiz in Southern Philippines at Markaz Badria Batili Ala Alrashidie Madrasa barangay Nabundas, Mamasapano, Maguindanao.
Kalinaw News
Philippine National Police
Prime suspect in 2019 slay of 4 NegOr cops killed in Mandaluyong
A prime suspect in the murder of four police officers in Negros Oriental last June 2019 was killed in an encounter with police officers in Mandaluyong City.
Philippine News Agency
EDUCATION
DepEd asked: Can it keep senior high students safe from COVID-19 if schools open?
A youth group has questioned the Department of Education (DepEd) whether or not they are ready to ensure the safety of students from the COVID-19 pandemic, as the agency looks to resume face-to-face classes for senior high school departments.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY
SC turns down PLDT suit vs. Globe-Bayantel
The Supreme Court (SC) has turned down moves by publicly-listed telco Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) to block Globe and Bayan Telecommunications Inc.'s (Bayantel) application for regulatory approval filed before the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).
Philippine News Agency
ELECTION RELATED
Robredo lawyer accuses Marcos of wanting to revise PET rules
A lawyer for Vice President Leni Robredo on Friday accused the camp of former Senator Bongbong Marcos trying to revise the rules of the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) which dismissed his election protest.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Ex-Comelec exec to visit NegOr for voters' education drive
Former Commissioner Gregorio "Goyo" Larrazabal of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to visit Negros Oriental on Feb. 27 as part of the poll body’s voters’ registration campaign for the May 2022 presidential and national elections.
Philippine News Agency
Zambo City exec nixes no face-to-face campaign
Vice Mayor Rommel Agan has expressed opposition to the Commission on Elections' (Comelec) plan banning face-to-face campaign in the 2022 national elections.
Philippine News Agency
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
It is official: US back in the Paris climate club
The United States officially rejoined the Paris climate agreement on Friday, reinvigorating the global fight against climate change as the Biden administration plans drastic emissions cuts over the next three decades.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
NEO buildings get 5-star certification
Green office developer NEO achieved clean energy citations, including net zero carbon energy, with 5-star certifications under the Advancing Net Zero Philippines program that verifies a development’s net emissions.
Manila Standard
LABOR
Go stresses role of proposed DOFil in protecting Pinoys overseas
In addition to the proposed establishment of the Department of Overseas Filipinos (DOFil), Senator Christopher “Bong” Go assured that the government will continue to push for more economic opportunities for Filipinos domestically so they will not need to leave the country in search of greener pastures.
Philippine News Agency
LEGISLATIVE
Senate of the Philippines
CHR backs Senate bill requiring moratorium on rental payments, evictions during calamities
While regular households already find it hard to cope with the demands of the Covid-19 pandemic like stay-at-home policies, it is likely worse for people who do not have any shelter as of the moment — seen as the primary defense against the health crisis.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
House of Representatives
House to pass vax indemnification bill Feb. 22
The House of Representatives is set to approve on third and final reading on Monday (February 22), a measure establishing a vaccine indemnity fund and expediting the purchase of vaccines against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Philippine News Agency
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs)
SouthCot forging sisterhood with Indonesian province
The provincial government of South Cotabato is pushing for the forging of a sisterhood agreement with North Kalimantan province in Indonesia as it moves to open up exchanges between the two areas.
MindaNews
OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
FOREIGN RELATIONS
Duterte does a Marcos’ ‘show me the money’ tactic
“I would like to put on notice, if there’s an American agent here, that from now on, you want the Visiting Forces Agreement done? You have to pay.” Thus, President Rodrigo Duterte laid down the country’s foreign policy.
Vera Files
NCMF, Saudi Embassy discuss issues of mutual interest
National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Commissioner Yusoph J. Mando was graciously received by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of the Philippines His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Bin Nasser Al-Bussairy in his office at the Royal Embassy of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at Makati City earlier this week to discuss Muslim cooperation in diverse sectors and different issues of mutual interests.
Malaysia Sun
West Philippine Sea
‘Powder keg’
MORE warships have been deployed to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) as part of the Philippine Navy’s continued maritime operations in the disputed area to ensure the safety and security of Filipino fishermen who make a living in the territory that China claims, following the operation of Beijing’s controversial Coast Guard law.
Business Mirror
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
Chicken, vegetable prices remain elevated, DA says
Chicken and vegetable prices have remained stubbornly elevated, adding to the woes of the Department of Agriculture (DA) that has its hands full reining in elevated pork prices in Metro Manila public markets.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
DAR-NoCot grants hauler truck to IP banana farmers
Banana farmers from an Indigenous Peoples (IP) community in Tulunan, North Cotabato can now deliver their perishable products in time after the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) granted them a hauler truck.
Philippine News Agency
HOUSING and SETTLEMENT
POVERTY
Naga City notes rise in teen pregnancy
Alarmed by the uptrend in pre-teen and adolescent pregnancy, the City Population and Nutrition Office (CPNO) of the local government unit (LGU) here has urged parents to “constantly keep an eye on their children and establish an atmosphere of open communication among family members”.
Philippine News Agency
SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT
No need for seniors to physically claim pension starting March 1
Senior citizens no longer need to make a physical appearance to claim their pension beginning March 1, Malacañang announced on Friday.
Philippine News Agency
TRANSPORTATION
TOURISM
WATER and ENERGY
San Miguel bags MERALCO 1,800MW power deals
San Miguel Corporation (SMC) was the big winner in the Manila Electric Company’s (MERALCO) competitive selection process (CSP), as two of its subsidiaries bagged contracts to supply the power giant’s 1,800-megawatt (MW) supply needs. Excellent Energy Resources, Inc. (EERI), which proposed to supply MERALCO with 1,200MW from its liquefied natural gas (LNG) power plant, offered the best bid at Php4.1462 per kilowatt hour (kWh).
Power Philippines
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