Retards in the Government 420

It's your weekly compendium of foolishness and corruption in the Philippine government.

 

 https://mb.com.ph/2025/05/29/reelected-maguindanao-del-sur-town-dad-shot-dead

Police in Maguindanao del Sur, backed by soldiers, have launched a manhunt against two assailants who fatally shot a reelected town councilor in Datu Piang on Wednesday.

The Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) said Councilor-elect Thong Mamasalanao Asim, 56, an agriculture businessman, sustained multiple bullet wounds and was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital following the 3:45 p.m. attack.

“The gun attack occurred directly in front of the victim’s copra buy-and-sell business in Barangay Poblacion,” Police Lt. Col. Jopy Ventura, PRO-BAR spokesperson, said.

Initial police investigation indicated that two men wearing black shirts and dark glasses arrived at Asim’s copra buying station.

They inquired about the prevailing buying price of copra before suddenly shooting Asim. The assailants fled the scene on a motorcycle.

The Datu Piang municipal government condemned the attack on Asim.

“Councilor Asim was a dedicated public servant whose commitment to the welfare of his constituents was unwavering,” Datu Piang Mayor Victor Samama said.

Asim was Samama’s party mate in the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), the political party of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), in the May 12 midterm elections. He was reelected to his third and final term as municipal councilor.

The BJP-Maguindanao del Sur chapter also denounced the killing in a statement, characterizing it as "an attack not only on an individual but on the values of democracy, public service, and peace that we all strive to uphold.” 

A Maguindanao town councilor has been assassinated. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/05/29/sandiganbayan-affirms-conviction-of-ex-phlpost-teller

The Sandiganbayan has affirmed the conviction of a former teller of the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) for malversation of public funds amounting to P614,742.92 from June 2013 to January 2017.

Affirmed was the decision of the Rizal regional trial court (RTC) which convicted Ma. Amparo E. Salvador, former Bayad Center Teller of PHLPost.

However, instead of the prison term ranging from five to eight years imposed by the RTC, the Sandiganbayan modified the imprisonment to two years, four months and one day to eight years and one day.

The anti-graft court also affirmed Salvador’s payment of fine of P614,742.92 and the restitution to PHLPost of the same amount.

In appealing the RTC’s decision, Salvador told the Sandiganbayan that the prosecution failed to establish that she had custody or control over the missing funds and that she was accountable for them.

Finding her appeal unmeritorious, the anti-graft court said it remains “unrebutted” that she failed to produce upon demand the missing funds or satisfactorily explain how the shortage occurred.

"After a thorough and judicious review of the records, this court finds that the lower court did not commit reversible error in taking cognizance of the instant case inasmuch as it has jurisdiction over the case; and that the lower court did not commit reversible error in convicting accused-appellant Salvador of malversation of public funds," the Sandiganbayan said. 

"Perforce, this court denies the appeal for lack of merit and thereby affirms the assailed decision of the lower court, with modifications only as to the penalty imposed upon accused-appellant Salvador," it ruled.

The 50-page decision was written by Associate Justice Georgina D. Hidalgo with the concurrence of Associate Justices Ma. Theresa Dolores C. Gomez-Estoesta and Zaldy V. Trespeses.

The Sandiganbayan has affirmed the conviction of a former teller of the Philippine Postal Corporation for malversation of public funds amounting to P614,742.92 from June 2013 to January 2017.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/947845/sandiganbayan-finds-ruffy-biazon-guilty-of-graft/story/

The Sandiganbayan has found Muntinlupa mayor and former lawmaker Ruffy Biazon guilty of graft in connection with the alleged misuse of P1.95 million Priority Development Assistance Fund or pork barrel scam.

As a result, the anti-graft court sentenced Biazon to six to 10 years in jail.

Sandiganbayan, however, cleared Biazon of malversation raps in the same pork barrel case.

Biazon, meanwhile, has said that he will appeal the ruling.

“Public service should not be derailed by noise or distraction. My commitment to Muntinlupeños stands firm—a city led with compassion, guided by vision, and focused on real solutions," Biazon said in a statement.

Biazon's camp also said that the Sandiganbayan verdict does not impact his current position as mayor.

"The governance will continue with the same integrity and resolve that has marked his leadership since day one. This is not the end—it’s the beginning of a renewed push for deeper, more inclusive public service,” Biazon's camp said.

Ruffy Biazon has been found guilty of graft in connection with the alleged misuse of P1.95 million Priority Development Assistance Fund or pork barrel scam and faces six to 10 years in jail.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/05/30/ex-oriental-mindoro-lawmaker-convicted-in-p65-m-graft-cases

Former Oriental Mindoro congressman Rodolfo G. Valencia and businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles have been convicted of graft in the misuse of P6.5-million priority development assistance fund (PDAF) of the then legislator in 2013.

Valencia and Napoles were found guilty of three counts of graft, while former Technology Resource Center (TRC) deputy director general Dennis L. Cunanan and group manager Maria Rosalinda M. Lacsamana were convicted of two counts each.

For each count, they were sentenced to six to 10 years imprisonment with perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

Napoles was also ordered to indemnify the government and return to the national treasury P1,800,000, P1,800,000, and P2,910,000 or a total of P6,510,000, representing the total amount wrongfully and illegally disbursed funds.

Former Department of Budget and Management (DBM) undersecretary for operations Mario L. Relempagos, budget officer Consuelo Lilian R. Espiritu, group manager Francisco B. Figura, and chief accountant Marivic V. Jover were acquitted on the ground of reasonable doubt.

On the other hand, Valencia, Cunanan, Lacsamana, Napoles, Relampagos, Espiritu, Figura, Jover, paralegal employee Victor Roman C. Cacal, National Agribusiness Corporation (NABCOR) officer-in-charge of the Accounting Services Division Maria Ninez P. Guanizo, and director of Administrative and Finance Rhodora B. Mendoza were acquitted of the crime of malversation as defined under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code.

The cases against Antonio Y. Ortiz and Alan A. Javellana have been ordered archived pending their arrest.

Their criminal cases stemmed from the release of Valencia's P6.5 million PDAF to Masaganang Ani Para sa Magsasaka Foundation (MAMFI), a non-government organization (NGO) owned by Napoles.

The NGO was chosen as "project partner" in the implementation of livelihood projects for the 1st District of Oriental Mindoro, which were funded by Valencia's PDAF.

In a decision dated May 30, the anti-graft court said that the combined acts of the accused -- Valencia, Cunanan, Lacsamana, and Napoles -- are indicative of a "conspiracy of silence and inaction."

Because of their respective positions and obligations under the law, the court said that their actions amounted to gross inexcusable negligence, and it was only through their individual participation that Valencia's PDAF funds were released.

"With the release of the PDAF fund to MAMFI that eventually ended up with Napoles, the government lost a total of P6,510,000 causing actual damage to the government for projects expended but not implemented," the anti-graft court ruled.

The 173-page decision was written by Associate Justice Ma. Theresa Dolores C. Gomez-Estoesta with the concurrence of Associate Justices Zaldy V. Trespeses and Georgina D. Hidalgo.

Former Oriental Mindoro congressman Rodolfo G. Valencia and businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles have been convicted of graft in the misuse of P6.5-million priority development assistance fund (PDAF) of the then legislator in 2013.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/05/30/army-general-reprimanded-3-others-get-jail-time-over-businesswoman-models-killing-in-davao-city

A military court reprimanded a Philippine Army (PA) general and sentenced three other soldiers to prison for violating the Articles of War in connection with the killing of a Davao City-based businesswoman and model in 2022.

Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante III, former commander of the Army’s 1001st Infantry Brigade, along with his former subordinates—Sergeant Delfin Sialsa, Corporal Adrian Cachero, and Private First Class Rolly Cabal—were found “guilty beyond reasonable doubt” of violating Article of War 97 (conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline) by a special general court martial, according to the Philippine Army.

Durante received a reprimand as his penalty; Sialsa and Cachero were sentenced to 10 to 12 years in prison; while Cabal received a prison term of four to six years.

Sialsa, Cachero, and Cabal were also dishonorably discharged from the service.

Meanwhile, Durante and his former deputy, Col. Michael Licyayo, were acquitted of violating Article of War 96 (conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman) due to “lack of evidence.”

Licyayo was also absolved of violation of Article of War 96.

Two former subordinates of Durante, Master Sergeant Ariel Ballesteros and Staff Sergeant Gilbert Plaza, were also cleared of violation of Article of War 97.

The Philippine Army did not elaborate on the ruling.

Durante, who rose to the ranks after becoming the head of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) under the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte, had been accused of being the mastermind in the killing of Ms. Yvonnete Chua Plaza. 

Plaza was gunned down by motorcycle-riding gunmen outside her home in Davao City in December 2022. 

Philippine National Police (PNP) investigators alleged that Durante and Plaza had an intimate relationship, and jealousy was considered as one of the possible motives behind the incident.

However, Durante denied the police’s allegations and said he was only friends with Plaza.

The Army said it acknowledged the decision rendered by the special general court martial involving Durante and his subordinates.

“The Philippine Army assures the public and the family of Ms. Yvonette Chua Plaza that justice has been pursued with full diligence and integrity,” Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said.

A military court reprimanded a Philippine Army (PA) general and sentenced three other soldiers to prison for violating the Articles of War in connection with the killing of a Davao City-based businesswoman and model in 2022.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/05/30/former-soldier-turned-calabarzons-most-wanted-for-murder-nabbed-in-antipolo

A 69-year-old senior citizen tagged as Calabarzon region's most wanted person for the crime of murder was finally caught by the police in Antipolo City on Thursday, May 29.

The suspect was identified as "Joel," a former soldier. He was arrested in Barangay San Jose after more than 10 years of hiding from the law.

Based on the police report, Joel was arrested by virtue of a Warrant of Arrest issued in 2014 by the Antipolo City Regional Trial Court (RTC) for the crime of murder without recommended bail.

Police investigation showed that in December of 2013, the suspect shot and hacked his drinking buddy to death during their drinking session which led to the victim's immediate death. He did not revealed his reason for killing the victim.

After the incident, the court issued an arrest warrant against Joel where he hid and moved from place to place to evade the authorities.

Joel was placed under the custody of the CIDG-Rizal Custodial Facility for processing.

A former soldier has been arrested for murder. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/06/01/jail-officer-faces-administrative-charges-for-drug-use

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology has initiated additional administrative charges against a jail officer who not only tested positive for drug use but also suspected to have ties to the illegal drugs trade here and province of Iloilo.

Jail Senior Insp. Juniven Rey Umadhay said the unnamed jail officer from Capiz province is facing an additional administrative charge of grave misconduct.

“This is on top of the serious administrative case for conduct unbecoming of a jail officer,” said Umadhay, chief of the Legal Service Section. 

The jail officer assigned to Dumangas town tested positive for illegal drug use last April.  

The drug test was ordered by BJMP-6 after a major drug suspect identified the unnamed jail officer to be the supplier of the P2.3-million worth of suspected shabu confiscated in Iloilo City. 

“We will not condone nor conceal any wrongdoing of our personnel,” said Jail Chief Supt. Simeon Dolojo Jr.  

“Instead, we will show to them and the public that the full brunt of the law will be imposed against these erring personnel, if the pieces of evidence warrant,” added Dolojo. 

A jail guard faces administrative charges after testing positive for drugs. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/05/31/sandiganbayan-affirms-estafa-conviction-of-ex-bir-official

The Sandiganbayan has affirmed the conviction of a former Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) official who demanded P125,000 in exchange for the transfer of a land title in 2005.

Veronica Santiago Carpio, former chief of the Taxpayers Service Division of Revenue District Office No. 38 of the BIR, was found guilty of estafa and sentenced to one year in prison by the Quezon City regional trial court (RTC). She was also ordered to pay P125,000 in damages to complainant Evangeline S. Magleo.

While Carpio’s prison term was affirmed, the anti-graft court modified the term for the payment of damages: “The amount P125,000 as actual damages is subject to legal interest at the rate of 12 percent per annum from the filing of the Information on Dec. 29, 2011 until June 30, 2013, and six percent from July 1, 2013 until finality of this Decision and until full satisfaction thereof."

Prosecutors said that Carpio made it appear that she has connections with the Registry of Deeds of Quezon City, and tried to convince the late Ofelia Salas and complainant Magleo that she is capable of facilitating the transfer of ownership of a Quezon City property and issuance of a new Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) in the name of Magleo in exchange for P125,000.

However, the transfer of title never materialized and the money was never returned to Magleo.

Carpio appealed the RTC decision as she told the anti-graft court that the P125,000 subject of the case was used for the transfer of title to Magleo. She also said the amount was insufficient to cover the taxes for registering the land sale and transferring the title to Magleo’s name.

While Carpio denied involvement in the transaction, the anti-graft court noted that the BIR official could not explain why her signature appeared on the acknowledgment receipt for the money.

"Denial is an intrinsically weak defense that must be buttressed with strong evidence of non-culpability to merit credibility," the anti-graft court said.

"Unless supported by clear and convincing evidence, denial cannot prevail over the positive declaration of a victim who, like in this case, in a natural and straightforward manner, convincingly testified on the circumstances surrounding the fraudulent representation made by appellant," it said.

"The accused-appellant's weak denial, coupled with inconsistent and incredulous statements, could not prevail over Magleo's positive testimony. Thus, the accused-appellant's conviction must be upheld," it ruled.

The 22-page decision was written by Associate Justice J. Ermin Ernest Louie R. Miguel with the concurrence of Fourth Division Chairperson and Associate Justice Michael Frederick L. Musngi and Associate Justice Lorifel L. Pahimna.

The Sandiganbayan has affirmed the conviction of a former Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) official who demanded P125,000 in exchange for the transfer of a land title in 2005.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2066373/ex-abra-mayor-shot-dead-at-home-by-motorcyle-riding-suspects

The former mayor of Lagayan, Abra was shot dead in his home in Bangued town on Tuesday morning, according to a report from the Police Regional Office (PRO) of Cordillera.

The victim was former Lagayan mayor Jendricks Seares Luna.

He was sitting in a shed in front of his home in Barangay Dangdangla when the incident occurred at around 8:22 a.m. on June 3, the PRO Cordillera said.

“The suspects on board two motorcycles arrived and shot the victim multiple times, then escaped towards an unknown direction,” the police report detailed.

“The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds on the different parts of his body and was brought by his relatives to Seares Memorial Hospital for medical treatment, but was declared dead on arrival,” it added.

According to the PRO-Cordillera, there are four male suspects but they have yet to be identified.

Police are finding out the possible motive for the shooting.

Authorities launched a dragnet operation to catch the assailants.

A former mayor has been assassinated. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1251442

A casual employee of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office in Surigao del Norte, along with two other individuals, was arrested during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Taft, Surigao City on Tuesday.

In a report on Wednesday, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Caraga Region (PDEA-13) stated a total of 115 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of PHP782,000 were seized from the suspects during the operation.

“The buy-bust was successfully conducted thanks to valuable information shared by a concerned citizen, which directly led to the arrest of the suspects,” the agency said.

PDEA-13 withheld the names of the suspects but confirmed that they are now in their custody and are being processed for the formal filing of appropriate criminal charges.

“The operation initially targeted the sale of 50 grams of suspected shabu. Subsequent searches recovered seven more sachets containing approximately 35 grams, and an additional sachet with around 30 grams of suspected shabu,” the report indicated.

The suspects will be facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

A government employee has been busted for drugs. 

Coronavirus Lockdown: Face Mask Use Mandatory, Desparate For Teachers, and More!

More news about how the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines is being handled by the public and the government. 

House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said despite the spike in COVID cases abroad they will not be changing protocols for the State of the Nation Address. 

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/5/27/no-changes-yet-in-sona-health-protocols-despite-spike-in-covid-cases-abroad-house-secgen-1208

The House of Representatives will not implement changes in the health protocols for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 4th State of the Nation Address on July 28, despite a fresh wave of COVID-19 infections in some Asian countries.

House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said on Tuesday that COVID cases in the Philippines “have generally declined” the past five months compared to the same period last year. He noted that the House Medical Team continues to closely monitor the health conditions in and outside the country and will issue adjustments if necessary.

“As of now, there are no changes in the protocols for SONA in terms of medical measures. While COVID-19 cases have generally declined from January to May 2025 compared to last year, and also in the past 3–4 weeks, we continue to monitor the situation closely,” Velasco said in a statement.

“As the Secretary of Health has always reminded the public, it’s still important to practice basic health measures such as wearing masks when necessary, frequent handwashing and building up your immunity, especially with the unpredictable weather conditions that may affect our health. We will issue updates if any adjustments are needed,” he added. 

He admits cases in the Philippines have declined so why would they change anything because of what is happening overseas?

The state of Nebraska is so desperate for teachers they are looking to the Philippines to fill spots. 

https://ruralradio.com/krvn/news/desperate-for-teachers-nebraska-schools-turn-abroad-to-the-philippines/

In a classroom 7,903 miles from home, Dorina Ramos counts down from five.  

“Five,” Ramos says in her clear and practiced English, as a teenager passing around handfuls of chips sits back at his desk. 

“Four.” A lingering high schooler stores his school-issued iPad away in a classroom cabinet. 

“Three.” Another teenager wanders from the pencil sharpener back to her seat. 

“Two.” The Spanish chatter of Ramos’ class of immigrant high schoolers falls to a hush.

“One.”

They pull the day’s worksheet on the mirror equation and magnification formulas out of their folders. 

Counting down is a new strategy for Ramos, a classroom management tactic she picked up after arriving in Schuyler. 

“They know that after that time, if they are still misbehaving, they will be reported to the office,” the 37-year-old teacher said. 

Nine months ago, Ramos and 12 other teachers left their lives in the Philippines — homes, families, friends — to teach at Schuyler Community Schools, joining the growing number of Filipino teachers across the state who accept the jobs school districts are desperate to fill. 

In Nebraska, vacant teacher jobs are still three times as high as they were the year before the COVID-19 pandemic. More teachers than ever are leaving the profession, administrators said, and not enough new teachers are entering it. 

Colleges and the state have pursued long-term attempts to fix the teacher pipeline. But in the short term, schools have started to look internationally. At least eight Nebraska school districts — many of them rural — have hired from the Philippines. More still are considering it. 

“We knew that (the) teacher shortage was coming, because candidates were becoming very thin. So we wanted to give it a shot. Which, thank God we did, because without those staff, all those positions would have been vacant,” said Kevin Mills, director of human resources for North Platte Public Schools, which hired six Filipino teachers two years ago. 

But challenges arise when hiring internationally, said Tim Royers, president of the Nebraska State Education Association, the union representing teachers. And, he said, if fails to address the systemic problems facing the profession.  

“If you’re turning to a solution because you can’t find anybody else — whether that’s an international teacher, whether that’s an alternative certification pathway — if you’re turning to that solution in desperation, you’re making the wrong move period,” Royers said.

No one tracks how many Nebraska districts have hired abroad. But the Flatwater Free Press found such districts in suburban Omaha, and northeast Nebraska cities like Columbus and Schuyler. Tiny Loup County in the Sandhills hired an English teacher. North Platte to the west brought in six new teachers. Walthill on the Omaha reservation hired a music teacher. In total, at least eight districts have hired teachers from the Philippines. 

The two countries have similar curriculums and grading systems, and similar school calendars, making teachers from the Philippines a good fit for schools in the U.S. 

In Schuyler, administrators turned to the recruiting company Praxical Strategies, which arranges interviews and handles immigration paperwork and background checks. Schuyler’s international teachers are hired on H-1B visas, which offer a path to a green card and let teachers bring their families to Nebraska. The teachers are paid the same salary as their American counterparts, and are represented by the teachers union. 

“Our hope was not to bring them here on a business transaction,” Comley said. “Our job is to actually hope they want to stay and be a part of the community.”

School districts used to get dozens — sometimes hundreds — of applicants for teaching jobs, said Bret Schroder, the superintendent in Schuyler. Now, it’s common to get one or two applicants. Sometimes, they get none at all. 

In 2023, unfilled teaching jobs in the state peaked at 908, according to the Nebraska Department of Education’s annual vacancy survey. An unfilled position includes both positions left vacant and positions filled by someone other than a fully qualified teacher. Of those 908 unfilled jobs, 361 were left empty. 

That number has gone down a bit. This past school year, Nebraska had 669 unfilled positions and 200 vacant positions. But that’s still higher than the years before the COVID-19 pandemic. While the annual vacancy survey shows improvement, the numbers can be misleading. If a district gives up on hiring and cuts a position entirely, that’s no longer counted as an unfilled job, Royers said.

Fewer people are entering the profession. In 2012, 1,804 people completed teacher prep programs at Nebraska colleges. That dropped to 1,366 people in 2022. 

Schools and colleges have tried to reverse that trend, said Paul Turman, chancellor of the Nebraska State College System. More high schools are offering dual credit programs, where students can start earning credits for their teaching degree in high school. A scholarship program helps students pay for their teaching degree, so long as they stay to teach in Nebraska after graduating. It’s becoming easier for paraprofessionals to get their teaching certification.  

Still, the number of graduates entering the profession “most certainly needs to be higher,” Turman said. 

Teaching vacancies are three times higher than they were before the pandemic. It's not clear if the two are related.

Monkeypox cases are on the rise and Maasin City has mandated face masks and social distancing.

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2025/5/30/tv-patrol-turistang-kinapos-sa-pamasahe-lumangoy-patungong-isla-sa-biliran-2211

Maasin City Mayor Nacional Mercado has confirmed on his social medias post that they have a suspected case of mpox.

The patient is a 55-year-old female who is now in isolation who is currently undergoing confirmatory testing. 

The local chief executive said local health authorities have started contact tracing to identify and monitor anyone who may have had close contact with her.

As a precautionary measure, the city government has reimposed the mandatory use of face masks in all public spaces.

Physical distancing and other basic health protocols are also back in effect. 

These steps aim to protect the public and prevent the possible spread of the virus.

The Department of Education Eastern Visayas clarified that there are no confirmed cases of mpox in the entire Eastern Visayas region yet, based on the latest report from the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU).

However, the Department of Health - Eastern Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH-EVCHD) strongly reminds the public to stay informed with accurate information about the disease. 

While no confirmed cases are recorded in the region, everyone is urged to practice preventive measures to avoid infection.

Cotabato has also mandated face masks but only in "all health facilities, including hospitals, clinics, barangay health stations, rural and city health units, lying-ins, and other free-standing health facilities."

https://mb.com.ph/2025/05/30/cotabato-health-office-orders-mandatory-face-masks-vs-monkeypox

The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) in Cotabato has ordered the mandatory wearing of face masks in all health facilities in the province to help prevent the spread of contagious diseases, including monkeypox. 

In a two-page health advisory issued on May 29, IPHO chief Dr. Eva Rabaya urged patients and the public to wear face masks while inside health facilities amid the threat of the monkeypox in the province. 

The mandatory wearing of face masks covers all health facilities, including hospitals, clinics, barangay health stations, rural and city health units, lying-ins, and other free-standing health facilities. 

“This measure aims to reduce the risk of respiratory and close-contact transmission, protect vulnerable populations, and maintain safe and accessible public health services,” the IPHO stated. 

Rabaya added that wearing face masks significantly reduces the risk of respiratory transmission and provides essential protection for high-risk individuals, including healthcare workers, immunocompromised persons, and patients in clinical settings. 

The IPHO issued the measure amid the threat of monkey pox in the Soccsksargen region or Region 12 with 14 cases.  

The region is composed of Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City. 

Ten cases are from South Cotabato, three in Sultan Kudarat, and one in Cotabato.  

Meanwhile, Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Soccsksargen region has denied reports that a lockdown has been imposed due to monkeypox cases. 

“The DOH-CHD Soccsksargen clarifies that there is no declared lockdown in any regional provinces, cities, or municipalities. It also warns that such fraudulent acts may lead to criminal charges for the dissemination of false information,” it said.  

The agency assured the public that health facilities are fully prepared to handle cases effectively by ensuring implementation of the Health Facility Preparedness and Response Plan for monkeypox. 

Bohol has not mandated face masks yet but has formed a monkeypox task force despite the absence of any cases. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/05/30/bohol-creates-monkeypox-task-force

While there is no confirmed case of monkeypox in Bohol yet, Gov. Aris Aumentado is not taking any chances as he ordered the creation of a task force to help prevent the spread of the virus in the province.

Aumentado issued Executive Order No. 28 that created the Bohol Provincial Monkeypox Task Force.

Aumentado on Thursday, May 29, presided over a meeting with key officials and agencies to map out immediate measures in anticipation of potential monkeypox cases.

“We have not recorded any monkeypox case yet in the province but we are closely monitoring the situation through our Provincial Health Office (PHO),” Aumentado said.

The task force was formed after a confirmed case of monkeypox was recorded in Talisay City, Cebu. 

It is composed of provincial officials Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte, Chief of Staff Atty. Filipina Piollo, Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Handel Lagunay, PHO OIC Dr. Fruserma Mary Uy, PDRRMO head Anthony Damalerio, and PGSO head Engr. Eustaquio Caliao.

During the meeting, the PHO instructed the province’s rural health units, hospitals, and local facilities to intensify community-based information campaigns focusing on early detection, isolation, and prompt reporting of symptoms that may be linked to monkeypox.

Aumentado called for vigilance and asked the people to avoid unnecessary gatherings to limit exposure.

“Let us continue to maintain the cleanliness of our environment and our health,” he said. “If you have a family member experiencing abnormal health conditions and itchy skin or rashes, consult our health experts for early detection.”

The province will coordinate with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to prevent possible price manipulation or profiteering, especially for medical supplies like masks and sanitizers.

The DOH has set these municipalities straight by advising that face masks are ineffective against monkeypox.  

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2066153/amid-hike-in-demand-doh-says-face-masks-ineffective-vs-mpox

Wearing face masks may help prevent the spread of many diseases but not mpox, Health Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said on Monday as he urged face mask retailers not to use the reported cases of the infectious disease as an excuse for raising their prices.

“They should not increase the prices of face masks because of the higher demand for these at the moment. The Department of Health (DOH) is stressing that face masks cannot protect you from mpox,” Domingo said over radio station dzMM on Monday.

The current retail price for face masks or surgical masks ranges from P1 to P8 apiece, while N95 masks sell for P45 to P105 each.

“Some local government units (LGUs) made face mask-wearing mandatory. There’s nothing wrong with that. But mpox is transmitted through close, skin-to-skin contact. Precautions should be based on the mode of transmission,” Domingo said.

He encouraged LGUs to coordinate with the DOH for health protocols that suit the transmission method for the disease.

Experts from the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases noted that unlike COVID-19, mpox is not airborne or transmitted through the air inside rooms, marketplaces, or even in planes.

“Hence, compulsory masking in these areas or within the broader community is not necessary. Enforcing masks is not a cost-effective measure and will not prevent the spread of mpox,” it said in a statement on Monday.

So what are those LGU's doing by mandating face masks? It it about health or is it about the appearance of "doing something?"

Here's another story about a pandemic pursuit being turned for a profit. 

https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2025/06/02/2447471/donnie-tantoco-turns-pandemic-idea-tribute-parents

A few Saturdays ago, PR maven Susan Joven invited me and Leo Espinosa for a leisurely lunch at Rico’s Café, nestled within the serene grounds of the Sta. Elena Golf and Country Club (SEGACC) in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. We rode in Susan’s van, and the drive of less than an hour from the Ortigas area was a perfect prelude to a memorable afternoon.

Because of the amusing stories and uncontainable laughter that marked the brief drive, we were famished when we got to Sta. Rosa. Upon our arrival at Rico’s Café, we were warmly greeted by Tricia Vistan, the ever-gracious customer relations director, who led us to our reserved table. Thankfully, Susan had the foresight to book in advance. The café was busy and buzzing with lots of weekend diners. As we settled in, we were soon joined by a familiar face: Donnie Tantoco. It had been years since I last saw him, yet he hadn’t aged a day — save for slightly longer hair and, quite surprisingly, the proud glow of a doting grandfather to three.

Naturally, I was curious. Donnie is best known as a visionary retail entrepreneur from the illustrious Tantoco clan — the family behind Rustan’s and Stores Specialists Inc. (SSI). What brought him here to the heart of Sta. Elena?

As it turns out, Donnie’s journey with SEGACC began during the height of the COVID pandemic in May 2020. Three months into the lockdown, when it had been many weeks since he saw his parents, Rico and Nena Tantoco, Donnie received a call from his father, who asked him for ideas about developing SEGACC. Inspired by the serendipitous timing of the call, Donnie decided it was the perfect opportunity and time to create a tribute to his parents — a living legacy while they are still around to see it.

He asked his dad for a three-hectare plot by the man-made lake within the property and began transforming it into what is now Nena’s Sanctuary — a lush, tranquil space that embodies the Tantoco family values of compassion, resilience and a deep commitment to people. “In tough times, no one gets laid off,” Donnie shared, recalling one of his dad’s many philosophies “to take care of employees like family.”

Here’s another unique Rico Tantoco philosophy: rather than design landscapes, create habitats. With this principle guiding him, Donnie developed the sanctuary. With its thriving flora and fauna, it has since become a haven not just for humans but for wildlife too, including migratory birds (around 3,000 species) and aquatic life. The space now includes Rico’s Café and an adjoining Events Place.

The Events Place, which opened in May 2023, was not part of the original plan. “I was hesitant to keep inventory,” Donnie admitted, “so we built something that could be rented for celebrations instead.” With a 350-seat capacity, the venue is a sought-after location for intimate yet grand occasions.

By November 2024, Rico’s Café officially opened its doors. The interiors evoke nostalgia — a vivid homage to Donnie’s father in his 30s. From vintage hanging lamps salvaged from Rico’s old den to modern touches like a yellow brick wall and winding staircase envisioned by Donnie’s wife, Crickett, the café artfully balances legacy and lifestyle. Designed with families in mind, it offers a unique blend of contemporary comforts in a nature-immersed setting.

And the vision doesn’t stop there. Donnie and his sister Katrina are now working on building a mid-rise boutique hotel complete with a wellness and spa center. With 40 rooms and select villas, they hope to open the doors to a full eco-luxury retreat within the next three years.

In all, our lunch at Rico’s Café was more than a culinary journey — it was a window into a family’s heartfelt legacy, their vision for mindful living and a reaffirmation that the best stories are often shared over good food and even better company.

If they did a survey on businesses born during the pandemic surely restaurants would take the lead. 

No Kidding Part 4: Earthquake Proof Infrastructure

The BIG ONE hit Myanmar causing massive devastation in three countries. Looking on from a distance of 1,500 miles the Philippines has been reminded how the it could be destroyed in the blink of an eye. Senate President Escudero says the nation needs to inspect its infrastructure. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1247177

Senate President Francis Escudero on Monday called for more inspections of public and private structure nationwide to check the buildings’ integrity, citing the need for this given that the country lies along the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire.

In a statement, he cited the destruction caused by the March 28 magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Myanmar, which also affected Thailand -- countries with infrastructure comparable to the Philippines.

“We must see to it that regular inspections are conducted on public infrastructure and on the structures constructed by the private sector, particularly the office and residential buildings that have sprouted over the past decades,” Escudero said.

The call comes as the Senate advances several bills seeking to update and strengthen the country’s decades-old Building Code.

Among them are Escudero’s Senate Bill (SB) 289 and SB Nos. 1181, 1467, and 1970 filed by Senators Christopher Lawrence Go, Ramon Revilla Jr., and Majority Leader Francis Tolentino.

These proposed measures aim to repeal Presidential Decree No. 1096 or the National Building Code of the Philippines, and institutionalize stricter inspection and certification processes by local government building officials.

Escudero emphasized that the current Building Code lacks comprehensive provisions on structural integrity during earthquakes.

While the National Structural Code of the Philippines (NSCP), updated in 2015, serves as a referral guideline, it must be effectively enforced across all construction sectors, he said.

Escudero cited a 2004 study by Japan International Cooperation Agency, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, and the Metro Manila Development Authority that warned of the possibility of a 7.2-magnitude quake hitting Metro Manila, which could cause up to 34,000 deaths, collapse of 170,000 homes, and widespread fire damage.

“We need to take seriously disaster risk reduction and management initiatives at all times,” he said.

Yeah no kidding! There are already building codes in place but it doesn't matter unless they are followed. Then there is the issue of substandard construction material making its way into the Philippines. In fact substandard steel rebar is ALLOWED by the government to make its way into buildings and bridges. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2050621/substandard-steel-deadly-risks-bangkok-collapse-a-warning-for-ph

The collapse of a 30-story government building in Bangkok is again raising alarm about the dangers of substandard construction materials — and what they could mean for the Philippines when a major earthquake hits.

At least 15 people were killed and more than 70 remain missing after the State Audit Office building, still under construction, came crashing down on March 28. The collapse was triggered by a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck neighboring Myanmar but was strong enough to shake parts of Thailand.

Investigators later found that the building had used steel bars made by Xin Ke Yuan Steel Co., a Chinese manufacturer using induction furnace (IF) technology — a controversial process linked to weaker, lower-quality steel.

Tests by the Iron and Steel Institute of Thailand confirmed that the rebars used in the building failed basic quality checks. They didn’t meet standards for weight, chemical makeup, or strength. Thai authorities also revealed that the factory that supplied the steel had already been ordered closed months earlier for safety violations.

But in the Philippines, steel made from induction furnaces continues to be allowed — and widely sold — despite years of warnings from industry experts and environmental groups.

In the Philippines, the Philippine Iron and Steel Institute (PISI) has been sounding the alarm for years. Their lab tests have repeatedly found IF-made rebars being sold nationwide that are underweight, brittle, and fail to meet the Philippine National Standards (PNS 49:2002) — the country’s benchmark for safe, high-quality construction steel.

Rebars that don’t meet PNS specs may look the same as stronger ones, but they’re more likely to snap or crumble under pressure — especially in buildings, bridges, and roads meant to withstand heavy loads or earthquakes.

Induction furnaces melt scrap metal using electricity. But unlike electric arc furnaces (EAFs), IFs can’t remove impurities in the steel. That makes the end product cheaper, but also more inconsistent and risky to use in construction.

Environmental group SEEDS PH has called on the government to phase out IF steel altogether, calling it a pollutive, outdated, and dangerous technology. SEEDS PH Secretary-General Dona Cristino described the technology as a serious public risk:

“These IFs are like a double-whammy to us Filipinos: they destroy our environment and they produce substandard products,” Cristino said in an online report.

She also warned that many IF plants operate without updated environmental compliance certificates and pollution control permits — violations of the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act.

The group says these products don’t meet national standards and could put lives at risk, especially during typhoons and earthquakes.

In 2019, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) created a technical working group to review steel production standards. But as of 2025, there is still no official ban or clear restrictions on IF-produced steel in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, officials like Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno have made their position clear.

“Using substandard steel can compromise the strength of buildings, houses, and other structures such as bridges, warehouses, etc. Lives will be at risk if such buildings or structures collapse,” Nepomuceno told INQUIRER.net in an earlier interview.

How hard is it for the DTI and DENR to issue a ban on substandard steel? Are they busy with something more important? Are they receiving kickbacks from manufacturers? 

Then there is just out and out corruption like the construction of the recently collapsed Isabela bridge. 

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2025/3/26/all-segments-of-collapsed-isabela-bridge-defective-accident-waiting-to-happen-cayetano-1955

All 12 segments of the collapsed Cabagan-Santa Maria bridge in Isabela turned out to have defects.

This, according to Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano during the continuation of the Senate Blue Ribbon Subcommittee hearing on Wednesday. He based the finding on various reports from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) from 2018 to 2020.

These include cracks, snapped bolts and deformed steel cross.

"Every single span has a problem. And these are based on reports that were submitted and I want to thank the DPWH but were ignored by the higher-ups," Cayetano said. "Every single one of them your field engineers noticed something. So much so that the DPWH asked to get an independent structural engineer."

A bridge has fallen, a billion peso bridge and we don't seem outraged.”

DPWH logged fewer segments with problems during construction citing only Spans 1, 2, 3, 7 and 8.

Cayetano added that 935 failures were recorded when urban engineers evaluated the bridge.

"It is not unexpected that the bridge collapsed because since 2018 until now five years, problem after problem after problem after problem and then there are so many fails," he said.

Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan explained the said failures were addressed during retrofitting.

They also hired a private consulting firm to study the condition of the bridge.

Bonoan clarified the bridge was under the custody of the contractor and had not yet been turned over to DPWH when it collapsed.

A special committee was created last March 18 to conduct a forensic investigation and is expected to submit a report to DPWH by April 25.

According to Bonoan, the contractor, R.D. Interior Jr. Construction, is waiting for the forensic investigation to be finished before reconstructing the bridge.

"Reconstruction of the collapsed span of bridge is still under the responsibility of the contractor and the contractor is willing to reconstruct the bridge anytime that the Department will give the go signal," Bonoan explained.

He estimates the reconstruction of Span 3 to be finished in less than a year but said other parts of the bridge should also be examined.

Almost a month after the collapse, the DPWH official said no one has been put on preventive suspension.

"There has not been any suspension that has been meted to any personality in the department simply because many of those who have been one way or the other involved in construction, supervision of the bridge are no longer connected with the department," Bonoan said.

Engineer Alberto Cañete, the bridge designer, admitted he knew his design was already obsolete because he finished it in 2012 or 2013, years before a new bridge code was released in 2015.

"I recommended in writing that it really needs to be redesigned and I believe that is the main reason why the retrofit is so expensive," Cañete said. "I'm very confident that finorensic investigation is going to be done, overloading it."

In an interview after the hearing, Cayetano assured the public that someone will be held responsible for the collapse. He is also looking at possible corruption.

"Obviously, there's a quiet cover-up that's happening," Cayetano said.

"I want them to know, if they don't turn around and they don't prove it, we have evidence against them. I still have something that hasn't been released."

He added, "The paperwork is more than enough to show that it wasn't an accident. This was waiting to happen."

How many more bridges, roads, and buildings are as shoddily built as the Isabela bridge? When will the government act by inspecting construction sites and enforcing the law?