National
Comelec to study requests to exempt BBB projects from ban
February 20, 2019, 6:41 pm
MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday said it will be evaluating the request of government agencies to exempt infrastructure projects under the “Build, Build, Build” program from the construction ban. Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said they already received the… Read More
Solons laud enactment of landmark Universal Health Care Law
February 20, 2019, 6:25 pm
MANILA -- Lawmakers at the House of Representatives on Wednesday lauded the signing of the landmark Universal Health Care Law by President Rodrigo Duterte, calling its enactment as “historic” and a “priceless gift” to all Filipinos. Kabayan party-list Rep. Ron Salo said the enactment of… Read More
Comelec to PUV owners: Comply with poll ads rules
February 20, 2019, 5:34 pm
MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday said privately-owned public transport, such as buses, are allowed to have campaign posters but they have to comply with the size provided set by the poll body. Commissioner Rowena Guanzon noted that the allowable size of campaign… Read More
DOH urges public anew to observe anti-dengue measures
February 20, 2019, 5:32 pm
MANILA -- An official of the Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday urged the public again to observe preventive measures against dengue to contain the increase of cases nationwide. In a television interview, Director Napoleon Arevalo of the Disease Prevention and Control Bureau stressed the… Read More
Universal healthcare can be implemented gradually: Palace
February 20, 2019, 5:11 pm
MANILA -- Malacañang on Wednesday said it is open to the possibility that Universal Health Care (UHC) may be implemented “gradually” without revenue from higher tobacco excise tax. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said while Congress has yet to draft a final bill raising tobacco… Read More
Collaboration needed to beat NPA infiltration in schools: AFP
February 20, 2019, 5:09 pm
MANILA --- To stop the New People's Army (NPA) infiltration in schools, proactive collaboration is needed among various government organizations, parents and learning institutions, an Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) official said Wednesday. The military issued the statement when asked… Read More
DND ready to impose mandatory ROTC in senior high schools
February 20, 2019, 5:05 pm
MANILA -- An official of the Department of National Defense (DND) expressed on Wednesday the readiness of the agency to implement the mandatory Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) in Grades 11 and 12 nationwide once the bill is signed into law. During the subcommittee hearing of the Senate… Read More
Focus on studies instead of joining rallies, CHED tells studes
February 20, 2019, 5:04 pm
MANILA -- Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairman J. Prospero E. De Vera III on Wednesday reminded government scholars to focus on their studies instead of joining protest rallies. "If you're a scholar under Republic Act 10931, please be a good student and finish your course on time. We… Read More
Ilocos Sur mayor faces raps for illegal detention
February 20, 2019, 5:03 pm
MANILA -- An Ilocos Sur town mayor has been ordered arrested by a local court over the padlocking of a local beach resort with its operator and four-year-old son trapped inside. In the two-page warrant, Cabugao regional trial court branch 24 Judge Raphiel Alzate directed the Philippine National… Read More
Malacañang still supports Diokno on cash-based budgeting
February 20, 2019, 5:01 pm
MANILA - Malacañang on Wednesday reiterated its support for Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Benjamin Diokno on the latter's push for a cash-based budgeting system from the current obligation-based approach. "Sa palagay ni Secretary Diokno iyon ang mas makakabuti sa ating mga… Read More
New law shows gov’t serious in battle vs. cancer: solon
February 20, 2019, 4:49 pm
MANILA -- The signing of the National Integrated Cancer Act shows that the government is taking serious steps to improve cancer care in the country and gives hope to cancer patients, especially the poor, in their battle against the disease, a lawmaker at the House of Representatives said… Read More
Malacañang hopes Bangsamoro transition body ‘to lead effectively’
February 20, 2019, 4:47 pm
MANILA -- Malacañang on Wednesday said that it expects the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to “lead effectively” as its officials are set to take their oath of office before President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Friday. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that while previous… Read More
Narco-list will help voters make 'intelligent choice': Palace
February 20, 2019, 4:39 pm
MANILA - Malacañang on Wednesday said a proposal from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to release a list of politicians allegedly involved in illegal drugs will help voters make ‘intelligent choice”. "As far as the Secretary of DILG is concerned there is a need to… Read More
2 solons push passage of mandatory ROTC bill
February 20, 2019, 4:28 pm
MANILA -- Two senators are pushing for the passage of a measure proposing the re-institutionalization of the mandatory military and civic Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program toward a disciplined and patriotic youth. During the subcommittee hearing of the Senate committee on education,… Read More
FVR to grace launch of new book on 33rd Edsa anniversary
February 20, 2019, 4:23 pm
MANILA – A new book, "Silver Linings: The Continuing Saga of the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution", will be launched on Friday on the 33rd anniversary of the historic peaceful revolt with former president Fidel V. Ramos as the guest of honor and speaker. The book launching will be held at the… Read More
Quezon City backs delay of Tandang Sora flyover closure
February 20, 2019, 4:03 pm
MANILA -- Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte on Wednesday expressed her support for a one-week delay of the closure of the Tandang Sora flyover to conduct more information drive on alternative routes, saying motorists are not yet fully aware of the closure and the rerouting scheme. “I think… Read More
Mindanao prelate backs SC decision on martial law extension
February 20, 2019, 3:45 pm
MANILA — A Mindanao bishop on Wednesday expressed support for the decision of the Supreme Court (SC) to uphold the constitutionality of President Rodrigo Duterte's order to extend martial law in Mindanao until the end of 2019. According to Ozamiz Archbishop Martin Jumoad, those who are not from… Read More
Call to remove student-rallyists’ scholarships ‘reckless’: Palace
February 20, 2019, 3:41 pm
MANILA -- Malacañang on Wednesday thumbed down the call of National Youth Commission (NYC) chairman Ronald Cardema to remove state scholarships for student-rallyists, particularly those suspected to be members of the leftist movement. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo described the… Read More
Palace open to resumption of peace talks with Reds
February 20, 2019, 3:35 pm
MANILA - Malacañang on Wednesday expressed its openness to resume peace talks with communist rebels. "They're welcome to come if they want to talk. Hindi sila aarestuhin (They won't be arrested)," Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a Palace briefing. Panelo said the government is… Read More
CHED to ban poll bets in graduation rites
February 20, 2019, 3:27 pm
MANILA -- Candidates running in the May 2019 elections are not allowed as guest speakers in graduation ceremonies of public and private higher education institutions (HEIs), an official of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) said Wednesday. "We're issuing a memorandum by next week after the… Read More
