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China maritime forces harass Philippine scientists anew
At least two cases of Chinese harassment at sea have been reported by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) – one involving disruption of a scientific research activity in the vicinity of Escoda Shoal, and the other an attempt to block the medical evacuation of a sick soldier from the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal......»»
How young are you?
When I meet young people and am curious to know their age, I would ask: “How young are you?” This time, the question expands to a broader base......»»
Calinan District residents protest vs disguised Cha-cha
Residents from the 19 barangays in Calinan District rallied against the disguised People's Initiative for Charter Change in a protest held on January 19, 2024. Organized by the barangay captains, around 100 individuals from each barangay gathered at Rizal Park, chanting Dabawenyos are not for sale and expressing their disapproval of the alleged cash-for-signature scheme. The protest emphasized the residents' desire for fairness and a better government approach, rejecting the notion of exchanging signatures for money. Participants, including both young and old residents, voiced their opposition to the charter change, with the youth expressing concerns about power-hungry officials. Even 75-year-old Rosminda Amarilla joined the protest to question the need for change after numerous presidents have governed without such alterations. The rally, which included a motorcade and drew approximately 300 participants, received disapproval from Congressman Paolo Pulong Z. Duterte and Congressman Isidro Ungab, who alleged that the signature campaign was orchestrated by leaders of the Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Partylist. As of the latest update, PBA Representative Margarita Atty. Migs Nograles has yet to release a statement on the matter......»»
Crash on SH1 near Topuni blocks both lanes
Police are responding to a crash on State Highway One near Topuni in the Kaipara District.The crash between two vehicles was reported at around 11.40am and has blocked both lanes of SH1.Thankfully, no one has appeared to have suffered any serious injuries.Traffic management is being put in place and motorists are advised to expect delays, or to avoid the area if possible.ENDSTony Wrig.....»»
Sextortion victimizing widows
Love scammers are targeting the lonely and alone in life, including widows, as Valentine’s Day approaches, according to Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos......»»
Delivery drivers urge Mayor Baste for business permit exemption
Title: Delivery Drivers Seek Exemption from Business Permit Requirement A group of delivery drivers in Davao is urging Mayor Sebastian Duterte to exempt them from the mandatory business permits. The drivers, including those from various delivery apps such as Grab and FoodPanda, are concerned about the financial burden imposed by the business permits, which range from P2,000 to P6,000. They argue that this requirement is unique to Davao City among all cities and provinces in the Philippines. Grab rider Rolando Atico emphasized the need for solidarity among all delivery drivers, regardless of the app they work for. He urged fellow drivers to support each other, as the financial impact may extend beyond just Grab and FoodPanda. Atico also requested Mayor Duterte to reconsider the requirement and reinstate the previous occupational permit, which only cost P125. The group is facing a 30-day deadline to obtain the business permits, and they are citing financial constraints as a reason for their request for an extension. Failure to comply could result in their removal from the delivery platforms, jeopardizing their livelihoods. Additionally, they are advocating for changes to Davao City's Revenue Code, proposing a model similar to Cebu City, where only an occupational permit is required. The drivers are also calling for an inquiry into the lack of transparency and unilateral actions of food delivery companies, particularly concerning rider capitalization and financial concerns. They believe that a thorough investigation will help ensure fairness and equity in their financial obligations and working relationship with the delivery companies. Maribel Paguican, the Business Bureau officer-in-charge, stated that non-certified delivery riders categorized as service contractors must obtain a business permit. She mentioned two permits for occupational and business activities, with a discounted structure for delivery riders. However, concerns have been raised about increased taxes, potentially ranging from P3,000 to P6,000, along with an additional tax on top of the declared income of P1,400. The delivery drivers' plea for exemption from the business permit requirement reflects their concerns about the financial impact and the potential threat to their livelihoods. Their call for solidarity and support from fellow drivers highlights the urgency of the situation. This story sheds light on the challenges faced by delivery drivers in Davao and the implications of the business permit requirement on their financial well-being. It also underscores their efforts to seek fairness and equity in their working relationship with the authorities and delivery companies......»»
Should Small Business Owners Concern Themselves with Sporting Events?
Every year, big sporting events in the first quarter of every year like the recently concluded Super Bowl and the upcoming NBA All-Star Weekend, which is always a hit with the Filipino market, captivate audiences around the world. For entrepreneurs, however, the question remains: should you concern yourself with these major sporting events, or are […].....»»
What impact could a potential POGO ban have on the REITs?
I got this question in response to news that the House of Representatives approved two measures that seek to ban POGOs in the Philippines. POGOs, or Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, are licensed and monitored by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., and have been controversial since their presence exploded during Rodrigo Duterte’s term as president......»»
House leaders question Cha-cha survey results
Two House leaders yesterday questioned the latest Pulse Asia survey results which showed that 88 percent of Filipinos are opposed to the amendment of economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution......»»
Cha-cha plebiscite during mid-year elections: No media question on Comelec s apparent uncertainty
BOTH LEGISLATIVE chambers are on the forefront of ongoing charter change discussions. Legislators have repeatedly said that amendments will be limited to economic measures in the 1987 Constitution.Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (Com.....»»
EDITORIAL — The untouchables
As President Marcos and his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte swapped charges of illegal drug use, one question inevitably came up: if they are both sure of their allegations, why hasn’t either of them been charged or arrested on drug-related offenses?.....»»
Why Laufey is selling out her every show
Who is Laufey and why is she selling out her every show? The question I have been getting a lot these days is “do you know Laufey?” Then, it is followed by “Do you know how I can get tickets to her show?” because tickets online to Laufey are already sold out......»»
A ticket to anywhere
Where are we heading, we might ask ourselves. We ask ourselves this question again and again......»»
Al-ag proposes to repeal ordinance requiring delivery riders biz permits
Davao City Councilor Bernie Al-ag has proposed the repeal of an ordinance that requires delivery riders to obtain business permits. The ordinance in question, City Ordinance 0612-21 series of 2021, classified delivery riders as independent service contractors, mandating them to apply for business permits. However, a joint memorandum circular issued by various government agencies exempts individuals providing personal services, including delivery riders, from securing business permits. Al-ag emphasized that the city government must adhere to the guidelines set forth in the memorandum. While the proposed repeal is pending, Al-ag advised delivery riders to comply with the existing ordinance. He expressed confidence in the passage of the repeal, citing the solid basis provided by the joint memorandum. Despite a group of delivery riders seeking an audience with Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte on the matter, Al-ag's proposal was drafted in response to a separate petition. He clarified that the repeal is not about monetary collection but aligning with national law, which exempts delivery riders from obtaining business permits. Al-ag remains optimistic about the repeal's approval, pointing to the support provided by the joint memorandum as a strong foundation for his proposal......»»
Plugging loopholes and leakages
Less than two years after it took effect, Republic Act 11900, or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, may already need a thorough review in order for our legislators to find out whether indeed there are serious flaws and loopholes in the law and in its implementation and enforcement......»»
Drug war-related killings of children continue, refuting Marcos Jr’s claims
In the first six months of the Marcos Jr administration, the Children’s Legal Rights and Development Center documented 12 children killed. In 2023, 20 children died in Caloocan and Manila alone. The post Drug war-related killings of children continue, refuting Marcos Jr’s claims appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
El Niño damage to agriculture sector hits P357.4 million
The damage the El Niño phenomenon brought to the agriculture sector in four regions alone – Ilocos, Mimaropa, Western Visayas and Zamboanga peninsula – has already ballooned to P357.4 million, according to the Department of Agriculture......»»
Rwanda: End Abuses Against Journalists
(Nairobi) - Rwandan authorities should release journalist Dieudonne Niyonsenga, also known as Cyuma Hassan, and urgently investigate serious torture allegations he has made and ensure his rights to freedom of expression, a fair trial and to freedom from torture and ill treatment are respected, Human Rights Watch said today. The authorities' failure to transparently accoun.....»»
Unwell King Charles absent, but still very much in the picture
LONDON – Britain’s King Charles will on Monday miss the first major royal event since his cancer diagnosis, but there is no sign of the monarch vanishing from public view let alone contemplating stepping down from his role, experts say. King Charles, 75, has been forced to postpone all public engagements since Buckingham Palace revealed.....»»
Remains of widower found in mountain area of Sibonga
CEBU CITY, Philippines – The remains of a 78-year-old man, Juan Palmero Ordanieza, were discovered in a mountainous area in Barangay Banlot, Sibonga, Cebu on Thursday afternoon, February 29, 2024. Juan reportedly lived alone in the mountainous area of the barangay, isolated from neighbors. According to Cereno, Juan was last seen by his relatives on.....»»