Took a jeepney for the ride home and the driver stopped to take a leak.
I wish had taken a video!
Saturday, January 18, 2025
Friday, January 17, 2025
Retards in the Government 400
It's your weekly compendium of foolishness and corruption in the Philippine government.
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| https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1241399 |
Local government officials have been charged over the presence of Philippine Overseas Gaming Operations (POGOs) in their localities, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) revealed Thursday.
PAOCC Executive Director Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz announced that cases have been filed against local executives due to their negligence and failure to address the widespread POGO activities within their jurisdictions.
Cruz emphasized that local officials cannot claim ignorance, especially since these operations are often active within barangays, where they should be aware of such businesses.
“As President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has pointed out, these operations would not have existed if local governments were unaware of them, particularly at the barangay level,” Cruz said in an interview over state-run PTV.
“These businesses don’t just sprout overnight like mushrooms,” he added.
Cruz, however, did not divulge how many local officials have been charged.
Local government officials have been charged over the presence of Philippine Overseas Gaming Operations in their localities, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission revealed Thursday.
A Regional Trial Court (RTC) has found a mayor guilty of indirect contempt for defying an order to remove barricades blocking access to a local supermarket built on a lot leased by the municipal government.
Mayor Teresa Alegado of Consolacion town in north Cebu was facing both incarceration and fine for disobeying a court order to remove the barricades at Fooda Saversmart.
“Given by the circumstances of the case and the prayers of the petitioners, this court finds that she should be indefinitely incarcerated for disobeying the assailed writ until such time she is able to comply with the same,” said Judge Merlo Bagano of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 14 in Cebu City.
“On the alternative, if the respondent mayor has already complied with the assailed writ, she shall be penalized for a fine of P30,000,” the judge added.
Bagano’s decision was promulgated on Dec. 19, 2024, but copies of the ruling were secured by reporters only on Jan. 8.
The Inquirer tried but failed to reach Alegado for a statement on Thursday, Jan. 9.
But according to lawyer Paulo Sucalit, legal officer of Consolacion town, the mayor plans to file a motion for reconsideration to contest Bagano’s ruling.Sucalit, in a statement, emphasized that the ruling was not yet final and that they would exhaust all legal remedies to challenge the decision.
The case stemmed from a lease dispute between Alegado’s administration and Fooda Saversmart in 2023.
The supermarket owners alleged that local authorities had unjustly placed barricades around their leased property.
These barricades, they said, blocked access to the property and disrupted their operations.
The disputed lots, identified as Lot Numbers 604 and 11222, are located in Barangay Poblacion, Consolacion.
Fooda Saversmart, along with its president Patrick Ngochua, filed a petition for a writ of preliminary injunction to secure continuous access to the property.
The Cebu court eventually granted the petition and ordered the immediate removal of the barricades.
However, Alegado did not follow the court’s directive, prompting Bagano to hold the mayor liable for indirect contempt.
Under the Rules of Court, a person is guilty of indirect contempt if he or she disobeys or resists a lawful writ, process, order, judgment, or command of the hearing officer.
If the respondent is found guilty of indirect contempt, he or she may be punished by a fine not exceeding P30,000 or imprisonment of not more than six months or both.
A Regional Trial Court has found a mayor guilty of indirect contempt for defying an order to remove barricades blocking access to a local supermarket built on a lot leased by the municipal government.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has indicted 30 members of the Philippine National Police, including two generals, for allegedly simulating arrests and planting evidence during an alleged drug raid in October 2022 resulting in the largest drug haul in the country.
According to the DOJ on Friday, it had already filed charges of violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (Republic Act No. 9165) against the officers in the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 175.
The case stems from the supposed Oct. 8, 2022, drug raid on a company called Wealth and Personal Development Lending Inc. (WPD Lending) where 990 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride (“shabu”) worth P6.7 billion were seized.
Police Master Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo, a member of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (DEG) and one of the respondents, was supposedly arrested following a “hot pursuit” at Quezon Bridge in Quiapo, Manila. The “arrest” of Mayo and a certain Ney Atadero in an alleged buy-bust operation was cited in the “simulating arrests” case.
“CCTV footage presented by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the National Police Commission (Napolcom) revealed inconsistencies in the police narrative,” the DOJ said in a statement.
“The footage, also shown by former Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. during a press conference, allegedly showed Mayo in handcuffs as early as Oct. 8, contradicting claims of his arrest the following day,” the DOJ added.
In April 2023, following a fact-finding inquiry, Abalos made public video footage of Mayo’s arrest by several officers, showing that instead of leaving immediately, the handcuffed Mayo and other officers entered a building multiple times, transferring bags and luggage to various vehicles.Seen arriving and entering the establishment were high-ranking officials, including Police Lt. Col. Arnulfo Ibañez; Col. Michael Angelo C. Salmingo; Col. Julian Olonan; Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo, a former chief of the DEG; and Lt. Gen. Benjamin Santos Jr., former deputy chief for operations, the third-highest official in the PNP.
They were later seen in conversation before Olonan and Salmingo joined Mayo in a vehicle. Mayo’s handcuffs were removed before finally leaving the premises.
Police officers were also seen removing the handcuffs on Mayo in at least four instances before he entered the WPD Lending office on the day of the raid.
Abalos said Mayo was even listed as an arresting officer in a separate drug operation on the day of the raid even though he had already been caught in a buy-bust operation earlier.
The DOJ said that Mayo was seen being brought to WPD Lending while Atadero was observed moving freely in the same location.
From the CCTV footage, the PNP discovered that at least two DEG officers—Master Sgt. Lorenzo Catarata, Senior Master Sgt. Jerrywin Rebosora—took 42 kilos before the 990 kilos of shabu were inventoried.
The stolen shabu was recovered on Oct. 15, 2022, in an abandoned car parked along Boni Serrano Avenue in San Juan City near Camp Crame.
“We can conclude from the complaints that Mayo was already arrested earlier in Bambang, Tondo, Manila, for allegedly possessing 2 kilograms of shabu. Atadero can also be seen from CCTV footage freely roaming the WPD Lending office. Hence, the subsequent arrests were staged,” according to the DOJ statement quoting the indictment resolution.
The DOJ prosecutors noted that while charges had been filed in court against Mayo and Atadero for drug offenses previously, the new indictment was based on the alleged simulated arrests and planted evidence.
The indicted officers were Santos, Domingo, Olonan, Ibañez, Salmingo, Police Lt. Col. Dhefry Punzalan, Lt. Jonathan Sosongco, Master Sgt. Carlos Bayeta, Patrolman Hustin Peter Gular, Patrolman Rommer Bugarin, Patrolman Hassan Kalaw, Patrolman Dennis Carolino, Cpl. Joshua Ivan Baltazar, Patrolman Nathaniel Gomez and Lt. Ashrap Amerol.
The others were Rebosora, Catarata, Senior Master Sgt. Marian Mananghaya, Staff Sgt. Arnold Tibay, Lt. Col. Glenn Gonzalez, Lt. Randolph Piñon, Patrolman Mario Atchuela, Patrolman Windel De Ramos, Lt. Silverio Bulleser II, Police Chief Master Sgt. Emmanuele Docena, Master Sgt. Alejandro Flores, Cpl. Jhan Roland Gelacio, Patrolman James Osalvo, Patrolman Darius Camacho and Master Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo.
The Department of Justice has indicted 30 members of the Philippine National Police, including two generals, for allegedly simulating arrests and planting evidence during an alleged drug raid in October 2022 resulting in the largest drug haul in the country.
Nineteen employees of the Negros Occidental provincial government have tested positive for the use of illegal drugs.
These include three permanent employees, seven job order (JO) workers, three contract of service workers (COS), and six blue guards, according to Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz on Monday, Jan. 13.
The contracts of the COS and JO workers that ended in December, he said, were not renewed for the New Year.
The blue guards, who belong to an agency, were not allowed to continue work at provincial government facilities.
Diaz said the permanent employees were subjected to confirmatory testing and have the option to undergo rehabilitation if they wish to be reinstated.
“If they do not undergo rehabilitation, they will be charged with grave misconduct,” he said.
The 19 employees who tested positive for the use of illegal drugs were among the 1,800 who underwent drug tests on Dec. 17, 18, and 19 at the Capitol in Bacolod City.
Random drug testing is a mandatory requirement of the Civil Service Commission through Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 for a drug-free workplace.
The Negros Occidental provincial government has an ongoing drug testing program to make sure their employees are free from narcotics and perform their duties well.
Nineteen employees of the Negros Occidental provincial government have tested positive for the use of illegal drugs.
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https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/1/14/sandiganbayan-affirms-conviction-of-ex-gsis-official-over-p8-m-fictitious-claims-1457
The Sandiganbayan has upheld the conviction of a former Government Insurance System (GSIS) official for malversation and graft over P8 million worth of fictitious claims. |
Two former executives of the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) posted bail for four counts of graft charges filed against them by the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with a controversial P2-billion vessel monitoring system (VMS) project in 2018.
In an order by Branch 141 of the Antipolo City Regional Trial Court, former agriculture undersecretary and BFAR national director Eduardo Gongona and Demosthenes Escoto, who also served as BFAR national director, each paid a cash bond worth P360,000 on Jan. 7, 2025, a day after they were ordered arrested by the court.
Their arraignment and pre-trial have been set on Jan. 22 and Feb. 26 at 1:30 pm.
Looking back, a complaint was filed in 2022 by lawyer James Mier Victoriano on alleged irregularities in the procurement of VMS transreceivers for BFAR’s Integrated Marine Environment Monitoring System (IMEMS) Project Phase II. The contract was worth P2.09 billion and awarded to the British company SRT Marine Systems Solutions Ltd.
Both Gongona and Escoto have been charged with two counts of violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act (RA) 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, as well as one count each of violation of Sections 3(g) and 3(j) of the same law, for their alleged involvement in the “improper awarding” of the contract to the British company.
Simon Tucker, chief executive officer of the solutions provider, is a co-accused, too.
Victoriano’s complaint in 2022 asked the Ombudsman to charge Gongona, Escoto, Tucker, former agriculture assistant secretary Hansel Didulo, and SRT Marine Systems Solutions Ltd. chief financial officer Richard Hurd with violations of RA 3019, as well as the Government Procurement Reform Act.
This, as the initial invitation to bid in 2017 for the IMEMS Project Phase II stated that the project was to be funded by the French Republic and through a loan agreement. The initial invitation to bid had an Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) of P1.6 billion.Victoriano said the loan agreement required that the bidder must be either a French national or possess a joint venture agreement with a French national, and that the goods must be of French origin. However, “despite the requirement, SRT participated in the bid and was declared by DA-BFAR to be eligible and eventually won the bid.”
Victoriano said it was clear that DA-BFAR did not comply with the conditions provided in the initial invitation to bid and would have continued with the award if not for the disapproval by the French government, which resulted in the cancellation of the loan agreement.
The procurement proceeded with the use of local funding.
Back in October 2018, BFAR conducted the last bidding with an ABC of P2.09 billion. SRT Marine Systems Solutions Ltd. was eventually awarded the contract to equip fishing vessels with VMS transceivers, which are seen to help in protecting marine resources by keeping track of commercial fishing vessels.
The project’s scope eventually expanded to include 5,000 VMS transceivers for commercial vessels and satellite service subscriptions, significantly increasing the government’s obligations, which was initially set at only 3,736. This made the contract “disadvantageous to the government.”
The complaints against Didulo and Hurd were dismissed for lack of evidence.
The Ombudsman affirmed its February 2024 decision by denying in October 2024 the motions for reconsideration filed by the respondents. Escoto has already been dismissed from government service by the Ombudsman after being found guilty of grave misconduct in relation to the same transaction.
Two former executives of the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) posted bail for four counts of graft charges filed against them by the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with a controversial P2-billion vessel monitoring system (VMS) project in 2018.
A sedition complaint was filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday, Jan. 15, against a vlogger who allegedly called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to topple the government.
Charged was Elemente Enrique, also a former Philippine Army officer with the rank of captain, in the complaint filed by PNP Brig. Gen. Nicholas D. Torre, chief of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).
Sedition is a crime in the Philippines that involves inciting people to violently revolt against the government or its authorities. The crime includes spreading false information to cause panic.
The complaint against Enrique was filed in relation to the Cybercrime Law, Torre told journalists.
“There were many instances he was calling for sedition against the government and even during the time when I was regional director of Davao during the hunt for Quiboloy,” said Torre.
Prior to being PNP-CIDG chief, Torre headed the Police Regional Office 11 of the Davao Region that arrested Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder and pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy who is facing non-bailable charges of qualified trafficking in persons.
“‘One of the things he did was to ask law enforcement to drop the implementation the arrest warrant against Quiboloy,” cited Torre.
“And now, he is calling on the Armed Forces and the PNP to abandon this government and topple it, to withdraw the support," he added.
He said that “in a democracy, everybody has the right to express their grievances.”
“That’s the beauty of democracy you can express your own opinion. However, there are limitations. It should be made within the bounds of the law,” he pointed out.
A sedition complaint was filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday, Jan. 15, against a vlogger who allegedly called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to topple the government.
The Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged the city government of Baguio for having P4.43 billion in time deposits and several high yield savings accounts (HYSA) amid unpaid obligations and unimplemented priority development projects.
In a 2023 audit report on Baguio, the COA said the funds, placed under HYSA/time deposit and approximately totaling P4.45 billion as of December 2023, were in excess by P3.7 billion or 537 percent of idle funds amounting to P695 million.
The audit breakdown showed that 17 of the HYSA/time deposit accounts were with the Land Bank of the Philippines and have a yearend balance of P3.32 billion.
Seven other accounts were with the Development Bank of the Philippines, with a total yearend balance of P1.11 billion.
Based on COA Circular Nos. 92-382 and 92-382-A, only idle funds of local government units (LGUs) can be placed in time deposits and HYSAs.
The audit body said a review of the city government’s financial statement showed Baguio has idle funds of only P695 million as of December 2023, which should have been placed under time deposit during the first quarter of 2024.
“Apparently, the fund placed under time deposits were obtained from funds intended for payment or settlement of current liabilities and to cover the budgeted regular and recurring operating expenses for calendar year 2024,” the COA said.
It said that such conditions resulted in the accumulation of liabilities to suppliers and contractors, unsettled obligations to officers and employees, and unremitted amounts in favor of other government agencies.
The Commission on Audit has flagged the city government of Baguio for having P4.43 billion in time deposits and several high yield savings accounts amid unpaid obligations and unimplemented priority development projects.
A former policeman was arrested when law enforcers raided a suspected drug den in Barangay Duljo Fatima here on Wednesday, Jan. 15.
The suspect, a certain Ruel, was the alleged maintainer of the drug den raided by agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Cebu Provincial Office and operatives of the Cebu City Police Station 11.
Two other men, a 61-year-old on-call driver, and a 46-year-old parking attendant, were also arrested after they were caught inside the drug den.
Among the items confiscated during the operation were seven packs of suspected shabu with an estimated average market value of P122,400.
Leia Alcantara, information officer of PDEA-Central Visayas, said the operation materialized after a one-week case buildup.
Alcantara said Ruel had gone absent without official leave after serving for 18 years in the police organization.
The suspect was also arrested in 2016 for illegal drug charges but was acquitted in 2022.
Charges for violation of Sections 5, 6, 7, 11, and 12, Article 2, of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 will be filed against the former policeman and two other suspects, Alcantara said.
A former policeman was arrested when law enforcers raided a suspected drug den.
Thursday, January 16, 2025
Coronavirus Lockdown: Sinulog Fever, Self-Rated Poverty Highest In 21 Years, and More!
More news about how the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines is being handled by the public and the government.
A new bill mandates higher payment for health workers during pandemics.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2022619/bill-makes-higher-pay-mandatory-for-health-workers-during-pandemics |
A bill filed by Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. will make it mandatory for healthcare workers to receive higher minimum wages and additional benefits and allowances during pandemics, epidemics, and other public health emergencies as compensation for their hard work and dedication.
In filing House Bill No. 11023, or the proposed Healthcare Workers Act, Abante said that “healthy, dedicated, and efficient healthcare workers or providers mean healthy people and a healthy nation, the people being the most important asset of a nation.”
“We cannot put a price tag on the sacrifices and dedication of our selfless healthcare workers or providers, which they have for a long time exhibited,” he added, saying that this was proven at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This bill, therefore, seeks to recognize and compensate the hard work, critical and sacrificial role, and invaluable kindness of our healthcare workers or providers in providing quality and prompt healthcare services,” he said.
The bill, which covers both private and public medical front-liners assigned to health facilities and establishments, sets a P250 increase in their daily rate upon its effectivity.
In case of a public health emergency, they will also be given health emergency allowances (HEA) “for every month of service during the state of emergency based on the risk exposure categorization as may be determined and defined by the Department of Health (DOH).”
The HEA for those deployed to low-risk areas will be set at P2,000, P3,500 for those in medium-risk areas, and P5,500 for those in high-risk areas.“Where a wage distortion occurs as a result of the increase in the minimum wage under this Act, the employer and the union, or the employer and the workers in the absence of a union, shall negotiate to correct the distortion,” the bill states.
It also tasks the DOH to set up a grievance mechanism for the investigation, adjudication, and settlement of complaints regarding noncompliance with benefits under the bill.
The Department of Labor and Employment, on the other hand, should “conduct an inspection of payroll and other financial records kept by private health facilities to determine whether these health-care workers or providers are paid the prescribed minimum wage increase and/or allowances provided in this act and other benefits granted by law.”
Of course a higher wage for health workers does not matter if the government does not pay them.
The DOH has rejected lockdowns and border closures amidst the reports of an outbreak of HMPV in China.
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| https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/health-science/2025/1/8/doh-rejects-lockdown-border-closure-over-hmpv-scare-1040 |
The Department of Health on Wednesday said there was no need to implement lockdowns or close the country's border over reports of an outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in parts of China.
HMPV cases have reportedly surged among young people in northern parts of China in recent weeks. Cases of rhinoviruses, a major cause of common colds, have also risen.
"That country does not deny that they have an increase in their cases. But when compared to their number in 2023, it is still lower," noted DOH spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo.
HMPV is a seasonal infection occurring in the colder months. It causes infections in the upper and lower respiratory tract. Its symptoms can include cough, fever and congested nasal passages, which are often caused by other viruses, as well.
Compared to the virus that causes COVID-19, HMPV is relatively known and well-understood, Domingo told TeleRadyo Servisyo.
“The HMPV, it’s not like COVID-19 because it’s not new… This human metapneumovirus, it was known by Dutch researchers in the Netherlands in 2001… and it’s being detected sporadically,” he said.
Last year, the Philippines detected 284 cases of HMPV, Domingo said.
“We know HMPV, we don’t need to close our borders and it’s not spreading even if it’s here,” he said.
“There’s no lockdown, our lives go on. Let’s be careful po lang at ito ay seasonal na mga flu,” added the official.
Domingo added that HMPV circulates worldwide and not just in China
“You may have noticed that the US CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) also reported it. And the report "For them, the trend is the same, during the winter...it really spreads when it's cold," the DOH spokesperson said.
"For us...the wind is not that strong," he said.
There is currently no treatment or vaccine for HMPV.
“But don't panic...even the common cold, the rhinovirus, there is no real cure for it. The real prevention is to strengthen the immune system,” Domingo said.
Preventive measures include good hygiene, avoiding exposure to infected people, staying home if one experiences symptoms, and adopting measures such as wearing masks.
It's not as if lockdowns and border closures stop the spread of disease anyway. That lesson should have been learned during the pandemic.
BDO says the Philippine economy is resilient and set for more growth in the post-pandemic era.
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| https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/ph-economy-resilient-and-set-for-growth-amid-challenges-says-bdo-analyst/ |
The Philippine economy stands out as a global outperformer, bolstered by robust domestic consumption and a favorable demographic profile. Despite facing global headwinds, the nation continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and growth potential.
Dante Tinga Jr., Senior Vice President at BDO Unibank’s Investor Relations Group, highlighted this optimistic outlook during an exclusive economic briefing for BDO’s Japanese clients.
Addressing an audience of over 80 executives from Japanese companies, Tinga underscored the critical role of the country’s young, growing population and strong consumer spending in driving economic performance, showcasing the Philippines’ capacity to sustain growth amid global uncertainties.
The country’s young, fast-growing population underpins its economic resilience. With half of its citizens aged 25 or younger and an annual population growth rate of 1.6%, domestic consumption has remained strong. Household spending has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, fueled by a resurgence in overseas labor deployment, which exceeds pre-pandemic numbers, and a steady flow of remittances from abroad. These inflows continue to strengthen the purchasing power of Filipino families, driving consumption-led growth.
Inflation in the Philippines has returned to the Bangko Sentral ng Philipinas’ (BSP) target range, opening the door for potential monetary easing. Stabilized rice prices, supported by government measures such as reduced import tariffs, have contributed to price stability. As a result, BSP is expected to lower interest rates cautiously, creating a favorable environment for business investments and improved consumer confidence.
Globally, easing monetary policies—including the U.S. Federal Reserve’s push to lower interest rates—align with local conditions, further supporting economic recovery. Lower rates are expected to reinvigorate private sector investments, boost business sentiment, and potentially accelerate the Philippine economy to its pre-pandemic growth trajectory.
On the international front, the Philippines must navigate risks such as potential U.S. fiscal policies under the upcoming Trump administration and the effects of a stronger dollar, which could make imports costlier and weigh on the peso. Moreover, while the Philippines excels in services exports and benefits from significant remittance inflows, there is an urgent need to upskill the workforce to stay competitive in an increasingly digital global economy.
Private capital expenditures remain subdued due to previously high interest rates, but with inflation now under control and rates set to decline, the outlook for private sector investment is improving.
Tinga highlighted that the Philippines is well-positioned for accelerated growth, bolstered by resilient domestic consumption, strong household balance sheets, and prudent monetary policies. He also emphasized the importance of understanding the needs of international investors in supporting the country’s economic trajectory. BDO’s Japan Desk, in particular, plays a crucial role in this effort, offering tailored insights and solutions to Japanese businesses navigating the local market. By fostering stronger economic ties between Japan and the Philippines, the Desk underscores its commitment to enabling mutual growth and opportunity.
They say part of this resilience is household pending which has surpassed pre-pandemic figures. And yet the latest SWS survey says Filipinos believe they are more poorer than ever.
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| https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/01/09/2412923/sws-self-rated-poverty-highest-21-years |
An estimated 17.4 million Filipino families deemed themselves poor in the last quarter of 2024, the highest in over two decades, a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey found.
The survey, conducted from Dec. 12 to 18, found that 63 percent of the respondents rated their families as poor, up four points from the 59 percent or 16.3 million poor families in September 2024.
It was the highest since the 64 percent obtained in November 2003.
SWS has conducted quarterly surveys on self-rated poverty since 1992, except in the first three quarters of 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. In November 2020, self-rated poverty was at 48 percent, even lower than pre-pandemic figure of 54 percent obtained in December 2019.
The latest survey results showed that the annual self-rated poverty average for 2024 reached 57 percent, nine points above the average of 48 percent in 2022 and 2023. It was the highest annual average since 2003, when the average reached 60 percent.
Meanwhile, those who rated their families as “not poor” in the latest poll decreased to 26 percent, from 28 percent in September 2024.
Those who were “borderline poor” decreased from 13 percent to 11 percent.
Across areas, Mindanao had the highest self-rated poverty at 76 percent (from 67 percent), followed by those in the Visayas at 74 percent (from 62 percent), balance Luzon at 55 percent (similar to September 2024) and Metro Manila at 51 percent (from 52 percent).
Those who rated their families as “not poor” were highest among those in Metro Manila at 40 percent (from 38 percent), followed by those in the rest of Luzon at 34 percent (from 33 percent), Mindanao at 15 percent (from 23 percent) and the Visayas at 11 percent (from 16 percent).
The latest survey also found more than half or 51 percent identified their families as “food poor” or poor based on the food they eat.
It was up five points from the 46 percent obtained in September 2024 and was the highest since the 51 percent obtained in March 2004.
SWS said the average self-rated “food poverty” last year was 44 percent, nine points higher than the 35 percent average in 2023. It was the highest since the average of 53 percent in 2003.
Those who rated their families as “not food-poor” decreased from 37 percent to 36 percent, while those who considered their families as “borderline food-poor” decreased from 17 percent to 13 percent.
Self-rated food poverty was highest among respondents in Mindanao at 68 percent (from 61 percent), followed by those in the Visayas at 61 percent (from 49 percent), balance Luzon at 42 percent (from 39 percent) and Metro Manila at 39 percent (similar to September 2024).
The SWS Fourth Quarter survey had 2,160 respondents and a margin of error of plus/minus two percent.
This rating is the highest since 2003 which means both before and after the pandemic. N doubt inflation is to blame for many thinking they are poorer than ever.
Sinulog is here and hotel occupancy is the highest ever in the post-pandemic era.
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| https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-business/2025/01/13/2413839/sinulog-fever-boosts-hotel-occupancy-record-highs |
The Hotel, Resort, and Restaurant Association of Cebu, Inc. (HRRACI) reported the highest occupancy rates achieved by Cebu’s hospitality sector this year since the post-pandemic era began.
According to HRRACI president Mia Singson-Leon, the 80 percent to 100 percent occupancy rates during the Sinulog Festival week were driven primarily by the surge of domestic visitors participating in this year’s festivities.
“Most hotels in Cebu have reached an impressive 80 percent to 100 percent occupancy, marking the highest rates since the pandemic,” said Singson-Leon during a press conference.
Singson-Leon, who also serves as the general manager of Quest Hotel and Conference Center Cebu, noted that local tourists were the main drivers of the surge. International arrivals, while gradually increasing, have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels.
The Sinulog Festival, a flagship event in Cebu, has consistently been a major contributor to the hospitality sector.
This year, with clearer plans and early preparations, hotels experienced an early influx of bookings, with guests typically staying two to three nights.
City hotels like Quest Hotel, which fully booked its 427 rooms, exemplify the strong demand.
Last year, booking trends leaned toward last-minute reservations and cancellations, but this year has shown greater stability, said Singson-Leon.
Maybe next year occupancy will be even higher?
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Blowing up Illegal Firecrackers
What do you do with illegal firecrackers? Douse them with water and toss them in the trash? Well, in the Philippines you blow them up!
The Police Regional Office-2 destroyed 1,347 illegal firecrackers seized during the Yuletide season in the Cagayan Valley region on Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 7.
Police Brig. Gen. Antonio Marallag Jr., PRO-2 chief, said the destruction aimed to eliminate hazards posed by illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.
“This initiative not only complies with laws and regulations but also protects the community from the dangers associated with firecracker-related injuries and accidents," Marallag said.
"This annual event is a crucial part of our efforts to educate the public about the risks of illegal fireworks and to encourage safer celebration practices,” Marallag added.
The Bureau of Fire Protection assisted the police in the destruction of the banned firecrackers valued at P38,000.
Setting off illegal firecrackers? Bad. Setting off illegal firecrackers by the PNP? Good. Ridiculous. Why not defuse them and douse them with water? Surely there are safer ways to destroy firecrackers than by blowing them up.
Don't tell that to the Zamboanga PNP.
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| https://mb.com.ph/2025/1/7/zamboanga-city-police-destroy-seized-firecrackers |
Several cartons of firecrackers confiscated by the police here during the holiday season were destroyed on Tuesday, Jan. 7.
A Zamboanga City Police Office statement said the disposal was carried out in coordination with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal-9 and other concerned agencies in Barangay Muti here, more than 50 kilometers away from the central business district.
“This operation is part of the ongoing efforts to ensure public safety and maintain peace, especially in times of community celebration. The firecrackers, which were previously seized during routine operations last Yuletide season, were safely and efficiently disposed of by the EOD-9 team, in accordance with established safety protocols,” police said.
Zamboanga City Police Office spokesperson Police Major Albert Alfaro disclosed these firecrackers were seized based on an ordinance banning their sale and use.
These were destroyed in the area far from the town proper to prevent a repeat of the huge explosion that happened in Barangay Cabatangan last July.
In the past, seized firecrackers were destroyed in front of City Hall.
What is safe about setting off illegal fireworks in front of City Hall? NOTHING!! Here is what happened last year.
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| https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1228556 |
A total of 27 persons, including 19 uniformed personnel, were wounded in an explosion of firecrackers that were for disposal in Zamboanga City on Monday afternoon.
In a report on Tuesday, the Zamboanga City Police Office said the victims consisted of eight civilians, six police officers, three Philippine Coast Guard members, five Bureau of Fire Protection personnel, and five members of the Philippine Marine Corps.
Of the 19 uniformed personnel, one is in critical condition while four were "severely wounded," according to the report.
Meanwhile, the other victims sustained minor injuries and were all discharged from the hospital.
Initial investigation showed members of the Regional Explosive Canine Unit (RECU) 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) transported the firecrackers using a marked vehicle with plate number 092805 to the disposal site in Zone 2, Barangay Cabatangan, Zamboanga City.
RECU members were about to dispose of the firecrackers when these prematurely exploded at the site at about 5:35 p.m. on Monday.
The firecrackers were seized in the aftermath of an explosion in a pyrotechnic warehouse in the city's Barangay Tetuan on June 29.
Responding personnel of the Zamboanga City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office provided the victims with first aid and brought to hospitals those hurt badly in the explosion.
HAHA!!! Let's not pretend that isn't funny because it is hilarious! These morons think the proper way to dispose of fireworks is to blow them up and they got what they deserved.
If you Google "how to dispose of fireworks" this the very first result.
Three Steps to Safe Fireworks Disposal
- Soak. Completely submerge fireworks in a bucket of water. Allow to soak overnight.
- Wrap. Double wrap soaked fireworks in plastic wrap or plastic bags so they do not dry out.
- Dispose. Place wrapped bags in regular household garbage and take to your local solid waste facility.
Only in the Philippines do authorities destroy illegal fireworks by blowing them up instead of defusing and disposing of them.
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Insurgency: Background Checks on 2025 Poll Bets
It's 2025 and the insurgency is still happening. This week the Army ha dismantled two NPA platoons on Samar Island.
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| https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1241176 |
The Philippine Army has dismantled two platoons of the New People’s Army (NPA) that operated in some parts of Samar and Eastern Samar provinces.
After decades of fighting government forces in the southern part of Samar Island, the "Bugsok" and "Apoy" platoons are now considered officially dismantled, Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade, said.
The two platoons are the remaining rebel formations under the sub-regional committee (SRC) Sesame of the NPA’s Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).
The National Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center (NJPSCC) approved the declaration through the signing of resolution No. 13 on Dec. 11, 2024, according to Vestuir.
He recalled that in middle of 2023 during the relocation of the Army's 802nd Brigade headquarters to Borongan City, Eastern Samar, the Apoy platoon had 44 fighters while the Bugsok platoon had 23 combatants.
“Through synchronized efforts and the right force mix utilizing combat, intelligence, and civil-military operations, 47 active NPA fighters were neutralized, and 87 assorted firearms and 54 banned anti-personnel mines were seized until year-end 2024,” Vestuir told the Philippine News Agency.
Currently, there are only 16 members left, five of whom are more than 60 years old, and they have no direction from the Communist Party of the Philippines, as their secretary already surrendered because of hardships, hunger, and inhospitality of the communities towards the NPA, he said.
In an earlier interview, Realyn Basada, 38, a former secretary of the sub-regional committee Sesame under the NPA’s EVRPC, said the absence of provision from previously supportive upland farmers influenced her decision to escape from their lair at about midnight on the third week of November 2024.
“We starved for many days because we did not get any donations from farmers after the military conducted the RCSP (retooled community support program) in previously NPA-influenced areas. We’re not getting any support, unlike in the past,” Basada said.
This development prompted the joint evaluation board from the military and police to recommend the SRC Sesame as dismantled during its meeting on Dec. 23, 2024. The board is just waiting for the resolution from the NJPSCC.
“The troops and stakeholders in the communities are optimistic in pursuing these 16 remnants for this year's campaign to once and for all achieve the total victory of winning the peace in the southern half of Samar Island against the NPA, who waged anti-community development actions since the 1970s,” Vestuir added.
He commended all troops for their bravery, discipline, and sacrifice for the successful dismantling of the two remaining platoon formations.
Dismantled? Actually there are 16 members left. Yet the Army says they are old men over the age of 60 and "they have no direction from the Communist Party of the Philippines." If there are 16 members left in both of these platoons that means they are not dismantled. And we have seen that the AFP's claim that the NPA cannot carry out attacks because of a lack of leadership is unfounded.
The AFP has also said the CPP-NPA cannot carry out recruitment activities because they have no leadership. That has not stopped them from engaging in ant-recruitment campaigns.
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| https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/army-battalion-conducts-awareness-campaign-at-davao-del-norte-school/ |
THE 56TH Infantry “Tatag” Battalion conducted a massive awareness campaign at Datu Jose A. Libayao Memorial High School in So Salawao, Barangay Sto. Niño, Talaingod, Davao del Norte.
The event, attended by 123 students, was led by Ms. Christine E. Paulican, the School Head.
As part of the campaign, the Battalion distributed informational leaflets focused on the “Culture of Security,” raising awareness of the importance of safeguarding communities against threats.
The campaign also included a film screening that educated students about the dangers of recruitment by insurgent groups, highlighting the risks and consequences of such involvement.
Following the film, the students were encouraged to share their thoughts and insights on what they had learned.
Their reflections served as a powerful reminder of the importance of critical thinking and community awareness in addressing security concerns.
The 56th Infantry “Tatag” Battalion actively engages local communities and educational institutions to promote peace, security, and resilience.
They aim to equip the younger generation with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions for the future of their community and country.
Why hold these campaigns if the AFP has already said the CPP-NPA cannot recruit?
The AFP has also said electing the right people will fix the problems of the Philippines.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2023165/electing-right-people-not-coups-can-fix-ph-problems-brawner |
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. on Thursday said launching a military coup or putting in place a military junta will not solve the country’s present problems.
He instead urged Filipinos to vote for the right candidates in the midterm elections.
“I have only one appeal to our countrymen: let us use this election to bring out our sentiments by voting the right people in the right positions,” Brawner said at a joint press conference with the Philippine National Police and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Quezon City.
Brawner made the call as he cited the growing “complaints” from the public about the government and the issues hounding the Philippines.
“Because many are complaining now about our country’s problems, others think that the solution is to have a military coup d’etat or military junta. This is not the solution. Let us handle our election better,” he said.
The AFP chief said the military is tasked “to assist in making sure the elections will be peaceful,” including addressing the proliferation of armed groups and possible peace spoilers.
In a statement, the AFP said the three government agencies have already “outlined the government’s comprehensive security measures to safeguard the electoral process and ensure the integrity of the elections.
“Our call to the people is to use this election as a platform to express our desires by voting for the right individuals who will serve the country and our society,” Brawner said.“Let us use our voice to correct what we want to correct,” he added.
In a statement, Col. Xerxes Trinidad, chief of the AFP public affairs office, said the “intensification of intelligence gathering is geared towards helping the Comelec ensure the integrity of the electoral process and safeguard national security.”
The right people? Like who? Comedians? Actors? Convicted criminals? Dynasty candidates with no qualifications except a name? No. He means non-leftists. That is why the AFP is eyeing background checks on 2025 poll bets.
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| https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2023009/fwd-afp-eyes-to-conduct-intel-ops-to-check-background-of-poll-bets |
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is eyeing to conduct intelligence operations to check on the background of candidates in the 2025 midterm elections.
AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. said they plan to report the results of the operations to the Commission on Elections (Comelec),especially information on candidates with “red flags.”
(One of the things the AFP is looking at right now is conducting intelligence operations, wherein we will check the candidates and and look at their backgrounds. And if we see any red flags we will inform the Comelec about this.)
“We are in collaboration with the PNP and also with the Comelec to prevent these kinds of things from happening again, so pina-paigting po natin yung dating intelligence operations,” he added.
(… so we are intensifying our intelligence operations.)
In the same briefing, Brawner bared that they are currently addressing concerns surrounding private armed groups, “peace spoilers,” New People’s Army’s permit to campaign and permit to win.
What are these red flags? We already know they have red-tagged groups like Makabayn as being CPP fronts. But why not flag other candidates who are known to be corrupt or who have an air of being corrupt? Do you really think they are going to flag Quiboloy who is running for the Senate? Having the AFP vet political candidates is practically a coup!
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