We are sorry, the requested page does not exist
BFP snubs Belmonte’s fire marshal pick
The controversy continues on the ranks of the Bureau of Fire Protection as reports that the leadership of the BFP is snubbing the order of Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte of appointing a fire marshal in the Quezon City Fire Department. This comes as Daily Tribune discovered that most of fire safety inspectors and firefighters at the QCFD are saying that there exist the alleged “bata-bata” system and a “quota system” in the agency. Just recently, the QCFD held a turnover ceremony at the BFP National Capital Region office where Sr. Supt. Florian Guerrero was named as the next District Fire Marshal of Quezon City, replacing Sr. Supt. Aristotle Bañaga. Bañaga, was relieved because of unfortunate fire incident a couple of months ago where a fire gutted a residential house converted into a warehouse located at Barangay Tandang Sora which resulted to 15 deaths — which included retired General George Ancheta. Ancheta was an uncle of Quezon City Council Majority Leader Dorothy Delarmente, who is also the chairperson of the Committee on Laws, Rules and Internal Government. During the council’s investigation, it was discovered that there were indeed lapses committed by QCFD for their failure to conduct the required yearly inspection based on the provision of the Fire Code of the Philippines and its Revised IRR. Though records showed that there were inspections undertaken in the year 2021, it failed to notice an unauthorized business activities at the address where the blaze killed 15 people. Because no inspection was conducted in 2022 and 2023. The incident prompted Belmonte to recommend to Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. — who has jurisdiction over BFP — the relief of Bañaga and his Fire Safety Enforcement Section head Chief Inspector Dominic Salvacion. Abalos then ordered another thorough investigation and let BFP chief director Louie Puracan handle the situation. Puracan instructed Bañaga to take a leave and passed the judgement to BFP-NCR chief Region head Chief Supt. Nahum Tarroza who immediately issue an order dated 18 September 2023, appointing Bañaga’s deputy, Supt. Gilbert Arellano as “caretaker” of the Office of the Quezon City Fire Marshal. However, Tarroza has also appointed Supt. Rowena Gollod, an “under rank” official, who was in “floating status” for being assigned at the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit as the Deputy Fire Marshal, replacing Arellano. BFP sources disclosed that Tarroza is allegedly trying to prevent the city government from appointing its own choice for fire marshal because the BFP leadership allegedly benefits from the “bata-bata” and “quota system” in which fire marshals are required to “remit” certain amount of money to the BFP for every Fire Safety Inspection Certificate that they issue. This quota system allegedly could bring in as much as P100,000 per month for BFP higher-ups. In Quezon City, the fire marshal should allegedly accumulate and “remit” P300,000 monthly. P100,000 each for BFP national and metropolis office, and for two DILG padrinos who are holding an Undersecretary positions, a former Quezon City official and the other, a retired firefighter, who could influence Abalos on every BFP issue. Appreciating the BFP gesture of relieving Bañaga and Salvacion without any administrative orders, Belmonte wrote Puracan on 2 October 2023, expressing her thanks to the BFP and recommended that she preferred to have Sr. Supt. Dennis Molo — a former QCFD Deputy — as the Chief of the QCFD and Arellano as his deputy. “As a seasoned Fire Officer, F/SSupt. Molo has generously shared extensive knowledge, experience and expertise with the City Goverment. His contributions in the crafting of public safety policies, formulating and recommending fire safety plans, executing on-the- ground operations and proposing engagement with potential national and international partners-stakeholders have been highly appreciated. For his part, F/Supt. Arellano, as lawyer, has been instrumental in his knowledge of the Fire Code, DILG directives and other relevant laws.” Belmonte wrote in her recommendation letter to Puracan. Puracan then responded to Belmonte by rationalizing his decision in designating Guerrero and brushed aside the Mayor’s recommendation to assign Molo as QCFD Marshal by saying the latter should process first his transfer to the BFP-NCR, as Molo was already assigned at BFP-Region 4A office. The post BFP snubs Belmonte’s fire marshal pick appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Joy backs Nestlé Family Festival
Nestlé Philippines held its Family Wellness Festival on Saturday at the Quezon Memorial Circle. Mayor Joy Belmonte of Quezon City said that the local government is committed to providing its citizens with the support they need to have a healthy mind and body. “It’s the right of the people to be afforded ways to be healthy,” she said. “But the local government cannot do it alone. We need the support of the private sector to augment our efforts.” The event, which was expected to welcome 4,000 citizens and residents from nearby cities, was part of Nestlé Philippines’ activities to mark Nutrition Month this July. The festival focused on educating families about good nutrition and how to live healthier, happier lives. Fun games and exciting activities, as well as free personalized nutrition consultations from registered nutritionists-dietitians, were held. Festival-goers also received freebies by exchanging empty sachets and tetra packs of Nestlé products. This was in line with Nestlé Philippines’ 3Rs advocacy to engage more Filipinos to reuse, reduce and recycle plastic waste. “We at Nestlé Philippines believe that good nutrition starts at home,” said Joey Uy III, senior vice president and Head of Corporate Affairs of Nestlé Philippines. “We are bringing the Family Wellness Festival closer to communities as we strive to provide citizens with the right information and tips that can help them improve their health and wellness,” he added. The post Joy backs Nestlé Family Festival appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Singapore: ‘Premature’ for any ASEAN talks with Myanmar
Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said Friday that conditions were not yet right for ASEAN to open high-level talks with Myanmar on the country's political situation. "We believe it would be premature to reengage with the junta at a summit level or even at a foreign minister level," Balakrishnan said when asked about a news report that Thailand's military-controlled caretaker government had proposed talks. Speaking in a joint press conference in Washington with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Balakrishnan said the leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations had recently reaffirmed their stance. "We condemned the coup, and the ongoing violence against civilians, the instability in the country, the setback to national reconciliation, and the enormous impact on the economy," he said of the 2021 military takeover in Myanmar. "Unfortunately, it's now more than two years. We haven't seen any signs of improvement," Balakrishnan said. The Irrawaddy, a Myanmar-focused news website operated in Thailand, said that Thailand's foreign ministry proposed in a recent letter to host an informal ministerial meeting of some ASEAN members with Myanmar on Monday to relaunch engagement. Balakrishnan did not reject all engagement with the Myanmar junta. "The key point is this. You do need everyone ultimately to sit down and negotiate," the Singapore diplomat said. "I don't know how long it will take. The last time it took 25 years for some form of democratic transition to occur in Myanmar. I hope it won't take that long," he said. Blinken said the United States backs ASEAN efforts to resolve the violence that has seen 6,000 civilians killed since the February 2021, according to the Peace Research Institute of Oslo. "It's very important that we continue, all of us, to sustain the appropriate pressure on the junta and look for ways of course to engage the opposition" in Myanmar, Blinken said. The post Singapore: ‘Premature’ for any ASEAN talks with Myanmar appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Belmonte backs renaming of Roosevelt Ave. after FPJ
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte backed on Saturday Senate President Vicente Sotto III’s suggestion to rename Roosevelt Ave. after Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ) Ave. in honor of his contributions to the Filipino movie industry. The local government said Belmonte asked the city council to pass a resolution urging Congress to pass a measure renaming Roosevelt Avenue. Senator Lito Lapid earlier suggested to rename Del Monte Ave. after the late actor, but Sotto suggested to change Roosevelt Ave. instead because “it’s where FPJ grew up because it was their ancestral home.” For Belmonte, “it is but right and proper to honor the late Fernando Poe Junior for his invaluable contribution to the city and our culture.” “At the same time, we also recognize the historical and religious significance of the area. We are hoping this issue will be resolved judiciously,” the local chief executive said. “The Senate President’s suggestion to rename Roosevelt Avenue after the late action king more popularly known as FPJ is a welcome development and a win-win solution for everyone concerned,” she added. “We thank the Senate President for sharing his wisdom and for providing us with a situation that is acceptable to everybody,” she added. In his 46 years as an actor, FPJ starred in around 300 action films earning him the monicker “Da King” of Philippine movies. Almost two years after his death on December 14, 2004 at age 65, FPJ was declared National Artist for film by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. But Poe’s wife, actress Susan Roces refused to accept the posthumous award during a conferment ceremony at Malacañang in June 2006. Poe and Arroyo contested the Presidency in 2004. In 2012, President Benigno S. Aquino III issued another presidential proclamation —Proclamation No. 435 affirming FPJ’s National Artist stature......»»
China urges ROK to stay prudent on South China Sea issue: Chinese FM
BEIJING, March 28 (Xinhua) -- China urges the Republic of Korea (ROK) to stay prudent when it comes to the South China Sea issue, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday. Lin made the remarks at a regular press briefing when responding to a media query about ROK Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's biased and unfactual comments on the South China Sea issue over the past few days. "China.....»»
Belmonte, Binay call for climate action funding from development banks
The C40 coalition of cities, a network of nearly 100 mayors, asked MDBs to increase urban climate investment, integrate urban climate action into their strategies, and implement tailored programs to support city projects. .....»»
India backs Philippines in dispute with China
New Delhi has drawn a strong response from Beijing after reiterating its support for Manila in a territorial dispute India has "firmly reiterated" its support for the Philippines and its "national sovereignty," as Manila remains locked in a territorial dispute with Beijing in the South China Sea. Ten.....»»
India backs Philippines in sea dispute with China
New Delhi has drawn a strong response from Beijing after reiterating its support for Manila in a territorial dispute India has "firmly reiterated" its support for the Philippines and its "national sovereignty," as Manila remains locked in a territorial dispute with Beijing in the South China Sea. Ten.....»»
Moira Dela Torre highlights value of giving credit following viral copyright issue
Moira Dela Torre weighed in on the viral copyright issue and said that it is important to give credit where credit is due. .....»»
Belmonte: No tolerance for corruption
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte yesterday reiterated her zero-tolerance policy against corruption following the arrest of an official for alleged extortion......»»
Gathering of champions
The stars descended on the Okada Grand Ballroom last Sunday as former world boxing champions gathered to celebrate the launch of the 1st Pacquiao-Elorde Awards Night with WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman as guest of honor and speaker......»»
Fully independent PHI-NADO pushed
With the WADA compliance issue settled and cleared, the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization are moving forward and making sure that all bases are covered from hereon......»»
Gela Atayde masaya sa kasalang Ria-Zanjoe: My heart is at peace
ISANG heartfelt message ang alay ng Kapamilya artist na si Gela Atayde para sa bagong kasal niyang kapatid na si Ria Atayde at sa asawa nitong si Zanjoe Marudo. Matatandaang nitong Sabado, March 23, kasabay ng kaarawan ni Ria ay ikinasal sila ni Zanjoe sa Quezon City na in-officiate ni Mayor Joy Belmonte. Sa latest.....»»
Life in plastic ain’t fantastic for women
In a plastic pollution crisis, women are disproportionately at risk, making it as much a social justice issue as it is an environmental one......»»
'How do you deal with a neighbour...': Jaishankar slams Pakistan over 'industry level' terrorism
Singapore, March 24 (ANI): Emphasising the complex situation of dealing with a neighbour like Pakistan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that Islamabad uses terrorism as an instrument of statecraft and does not even hide from the fact. He affirmed that India will not skirt this problem anymore and the mood in the country is not to overlook the issue of terrorism. The EAM, who is in Singapore as part of his thre.....»»
Zanjoe, Ria nagpakasal na; magiging nanay at tatay na rin ba?
IKINASAL na ang celebrity couple na sina Ria Atayde at Zanjoe Marudo sa pamamagitan ng intimate wedding ceremony officiated by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte. Kinumpirma ito ng Kapamilya actor sa kanyang latest Instagram post kung saan makikitang nakasuot siya ng black suit habang naka-white dress naman si Ria na may hawak na bouquet of flowers......»»
It s important that you speak up : Morissette scores People s Choice win after gig issue
Morissette still has the people's trust after she won the fan-voted People's Choice at the inaugural Billboard Philippines Women in Music last Friday in Samsung Hall, SM Aura Premier in Taguig City. .....»»
'How do you deal with a neighbour...': Jaishankar slams Pakistan over 'industry level' terrorism
Singapore, March 24 (ANI): Emphasising the complex situation of dealing with a neighbour like Pakistan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that Islamabad uses terrorism as an instrument of statecraft and does not even hide from the fact. He affirmed that India will not skirt this problem anymore and the mood in the country is not to overlook the issue of terrorism. The EAM, who is in Singapore as part of his thre.....»»
Mikey Belmonte bags Water Warrior Award
Quezon City Councilor Belmonte was conferred the “Water Warrior Award for Advocacy Leadership” during the 2024 World Water Day Awards in recognition of his contributions as an active partner of Maynilad in championing access to safe water, reliable sanitation and environmental responsibility......»»
DOT seeks inclusion in protected areas board amid Chocolate Hills issue
Department of Tourism Sec. Christina Frasco —INQUIRER.net file photo / Ryan Leagogo After the recent controversy surrounding a resort development near Chocolate Hills in Sagbayan town, Bohol, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced plans to advocate for its inclusion in the national government’s Protected Area Management Board (PAMB). Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco stated during a.....»»