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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......»»
10th ID bashes Canadian gov’t for travel advisory vs Mindanao
The 10th Infantry Agila Division (10ID) of the Philippine Army criticized the Canadian government for issuing a travel advisory against all parts of Mindanao, which includes their area of responsibility. Major Mark Anthony Tito, spokesperson for the 10th ID, emphasized that the regions under their jurisdiction are peaceful and free from terrorism and violent threats, contrary to the Canadian embassy's advisory. The division oversees 12 provinces, seven cities, and 72 municipalities in various parts of Mindanao. Tito expressed bewilderment at the basis of the travel advisory, asserting that the Canadian government lacks awareness of the actual situation on the ground. He highlighted the peaceful nature of the entire Davao Region throughout 2023, with no recorded incidents of terrorism or insurgency. Despite the exclusion of Davao City from the advisory, Tito noted that the region would still be impacted. The Canadian embassy's advisory warned its citizens to avoid visiting Mindanao due to ongoing terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, high levels of violence, and encounters between rebel forces and government security authorities. Specific provinces and regions were singled out for caution or non-essential travel, including Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and Eastern Mindanao. Contrary to the advisory, the 10th ID has been actively weakening and eliminating guerilla forces within its jurisdiction as part of the Philippine Army's efforts to establish an insurgency-free zone. In fact, on October 27, 2023, the Davao Region celebrated its first anniversary as an insurgency-free region in the Philippines. This dispute has led to other related stories, including the Chamber's intention to engage in discussions with the Canadian government regarding the travel advisory, as well as refutations from the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and celebrations of the Davao Region's insurgency-free status by the Regional Peace and Order Council. In summary, the 10th ID vehemently opposes the Canadian government's travel advisory, citing the peaceful and secure nature of the regions under their jurisdiction, and highlighting the significant strides made in eradicating insurgency in the Davao Region......»»
Mandaue drug bust: P476,000 ‘shabu’ seized from HVI
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Authorities seized suspected shabu worth at least P476,000 from a 45-year-old man described as a high-value individual during an anti-illegal drugs operation in Mandaue City early on Wednesday morning, March 27, 2024. The operation took place along Realty Road in the North Reclamation Area in Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City, Cebu. The.....»»
From the Newsrooms: March 3 to 9, 2024
THIS WEEK the news followed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as he traveled to Australia to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Australia summit from March 4 to 6. The Australian government hosted this year's special summit in the city of Melbourne, to underscore among other issues roiling the region, maritime and security concerns in the South China Sea, an area which has been re-named by the P.....»»
From the Newsrooms: March 3 to 9, 2024
THIS WEEK the news followed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as he traveled to Australia to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Australia summit from March 4 to 6. The Australian government hosted this year's special summit in the city of Melbourne, to underscore among other issues roiling the region, maritime and security concerns in the South China Sea, an area which has been re-named by the P.....»»
PDEA-9 agents seize P13.6-M worth of shabu from 2 dealers
Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency confiscated P13.6 million worth of shabu from two peddlers arrested in an entrapment operation in the Camino Nuevo area in Zamboanga City at about dusk on Saturday......»»
Pagasa: Less chance of tropical cyclone forming in March
MANILA, Philippines — Meteorologists from Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) stated that there is a low chance of a tropical cyclone forming or entering the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) this March. The likelihood of experiencing typhoons remains low this month, but it is still possible, said Benison Estareja, weather specialist from Pagasa,.....»»
Donated clothes
Evacuees from the landslide area of Barangay Masara, Maco, Davao de Oro scavenge for used clothes from donations at the Lorenzo Sarmiento Sr. National High School in Mawab, Davao de Oro on 11 February 2024. MindaNews photo by MANMAN DEJETO.....»»
PSSO warns anew vs building structures atop dikes, coastal road
The Davao City Public Safety and Security Office's (PSSO) Coastal Road and Davao River Monitoring Team has issued a renewed warning to Dabawenyos against constructing buildings on top of dikes and along the coastal road. This caution follows the dismantling of 334 illegal structures from October 2020 to the third week of January 2023. PSSO Head Angel Sumagaysay emphasized that these structures, including house extensions, kitchen extensions, cages, and sala extensions, are typically found atop or attached to dikes and gabions near the Davao River. Recent operations in the Talomo District involved the removal of a hut at Purok 8 Iñigo, Matina Pangi, and a reconstructed fisherman's kiosk at the Punta Dumalag section of the Coastal Area. Sumagaysay highlighted that the PSSO collaborates with barangays to identify and address illegal structures, and owners are given the choice to self-demolish or have the PSSO carry out the demolition. Sumagaysay stressed that illegal structures on dikes and gabions pose risks to the structure's integrity, potentially leading to increased flooding and related issues. He urged residents living near the river to refrain from constructing any form of extension or additional structure on the dikes, emphasizing the need to preserve their stability to prevent flooding and overflow. The PSSO does not have a specific target number of structures to dismantle, but rather identifies them during monitoring and inspection, working in coordination with barangays and purok leaders. Sumagaysay hopes that the public comprehends the purpose behind these dismantling efforts, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the dikes to mitigate flooding risks......»»
Rare beetle discovered in Mt. Hamiguitan sanctuary
In a recent discovery, a rare long-horned beetle, Paraskeletodes hamiguitanensis, was found in the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (MHRWS) in Davao Oriental. The beetle was unearthed during a scientific expedition led by the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental and conducted by a team from Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU). Dr. Milton Medina, a Filipino coleopterist, confirmed the uniqueness of P. hamiguitanensis through careful morphological examination, highlighting distinct differences from its closely related counterpart found in Sulawesi, Indonesia. The discovery sheds light on the limited knowledge of beetle taxonomy in the Philippines and underscores the need for increased scientific and conservation efforts in biodiversity hotspots like the Philippines and Sulawesi. Concerns were raised about the global trade of beetle species and the rapid loss of forest cover in the Philippines, emphasizing the vital role of protected areas like Mt. Hamiguitan as essential sanctuaries for biodiversity. The researchers emphasized the need for cooperation with DENR-Davao in promoting biodiversity conservation and encouraged young scholars to explore beetle taxonomy. The discovery of P. hamiguitanensis and several other beetle species in the area underscores the rich biodiversity of Mt. Hamiguitan, with ongoing research aiming to describe more species and uncover many undiscovered ones in the region......»»
Sambag 2 fire: P7.5M and counting
CEBU CITY, Philippines – The massive fire that hit a densely populated area in Brgy. Sambag 2 here on Monday afternoon, April 8, has not yet been extinguished. But the blaze has already gobbled up at least P7.5 million in properties. According to the latest report from the Cebu City Fire Station, firefighters have yet.....»»
3 stolen motorcycles used by terrorists recovered in Cotabato town
The police and military together impounded in a joint operation on Friday three stolen motorcycles that local terrorists had reportedly used in transporting home-made bombs from one area to another and in distributing shabu to contacts in different towns in Cotabato province......»»
Scientists discover potential energy source in Manila Trench
Researchers from the UP Diliman College of Science Natural Institute of Geological Sciences discovered that a roughly 15,400 square kilometer area, or approximately the size of Palawan, within the Manila Trench could contain gas hydrates. .....»»
USAID visits Davao del Norte to discuss impact of calamities
REPRESENTATIVES from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) personally visited the provincial and municipal officials of Davao del Norte to comprehensively discuss the impact of the recent trough of the low-pressure area (LPA) and the shear line in the province on Monday morning, March 11, 2024......»»
South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao Sur stakeholders ink pledge to protect Marbel Buluan Watershed
KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews / 6 March)– After seven years, various stakeholders from the public and private sectors formalized their commitment Wednesday for the protection and preservation of the Marbel Buluan Watershed, a vital biodiversity area spanning 121,000 hectares in the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao del Sur. Catholic Church leaders expressed their […].....»»
West Philippine Sea: Guard PH shoal, fishers with frequent patrols
The Philippines will take “decisive action” in securing one of its traditional fishing grounds amid growing Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea by establishing a constant presence at Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal through rotational patrols of that area by government ships starting this month. National Security Adviser Eduardo Año on Friday said vessels from the Philippine Coast.....»»
Acorda: No need for immediate evacuation over bomb threats
Bomb threats should not immediately result in the evacuation of people from an area, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said on Tuesday as he ordered the reorientation of PNP officers on how to respond to bomb threats......»»
Davao USAR continues to assist in Masara search and rescue ops
THE Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) 911 received a go signal from the Office of the Civil Defense to extend the number of days in assisting the ongoing rescue operations in the landslide-hit area of Masara in Maco, Davao De Oro......»»
PBBM doles out P265M to LGUs affected by floods, landslides
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 8 February)—President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led on Wednesday the turnover of P265 million in cash assistance to 12 local government units (LGUs) to aid them in recovering from the effects of the heavy rains and landslides brought about by the shear line and the low pressure area the past days. The […].....»»
Shelter
Evacuees from the landslide area of Barangay Masara, Maco, Davao de Oro stay inside tents at the Lorenzo Sarmiento Sr. National High School in Mawab, Davao de Oro on 11 February 2024. MindaNews photo by MANMAN DEJETO.....»»