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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......»»
Floods displace 83,000 families in Davao Region
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 19 January) – Floods brought by heavy rains due to a shear line have uprooted a total of 83,158 families or 349,183 individuals in Davao Region, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) regional office. OCD-Davao Region spokesperson Franz Irag said that as of Friday, 3,648 families or 14,685 individuals […].....»»
Samal resort gets notice of violation over hawksbill turtle hatchlings
The Department of Natural Resources-Davao Region (DENR-Davao) has issued a notice of violation to Isla Reta Beach Resort in Samal for the illegal possession of hawksbill turtle hatchlings. The resort violated Republic Act 9147, which prohibits the exploitation of wildlife resources and their habitats. The law strictly prohibits collecting, hunting, or possessing wildlife or their by-products, with penalties including imprisonment and fines. In response to the notice, the resort's owner must release the turtle hatchlings within a day, or face legal action. Despite the resort's intention to care for and release the hatchlings after six months, DENR-Davao found 130 hatchlings inside styro boxes and emphasized the critical importance of immediately releasing them to ensure their survival. The Philippines recognizes five sea turtle species, with hawksbill and leatherback classified as critically endangered. DENR-Davao encourages individuals to report wildlife sightings and pledges to conduct public awareness campaigns for wildlife conservation. Isla Reta Beach Resort faced criticism for unauthorized plans to raise the hatchlings......»»
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......»»
39 LGUs in Davao region suspend classes due to bad weather
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 16 January) – At least 39 localities in the Davao region, including this city, suspended classes in public and private schools as of 7:55 a.m. Tuesday due to heavy rains since Monday night, which triggered flooding in some areas. The local government unit (LGU) of Davao City suspended classes in all […].....»»
Envi group urges Senate to probe Samal-Davao bridge project
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 15 January) – The Sustainable Davao Movement has called on the Senate to investigate the implementation of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) project due to the ties of the government’s winning contractor, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), to the China Communications Construction Company Limited (CCCC), which the United States government blacklisted in […].....»»
Aboitiz-led Apo Agua starts supplying water to Davao City
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 10 January)—Consumers here can expect better supply as the P12-billion Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP) of the Aboitiz-led Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc. has commenced operations on December 1, 2023, three years after the completion target. In a joint statement released by the Davao City Water District (DCWD) and Apo […].....»»
Sports and medical tourism eyed to sustain Davao-Manado-Davao flights
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 11 January) — Sports and medical tourism is the “low-hanging fruit” that can sustain the possible revival of the air connectivity between Davao City and Manado in Indonesia, a business leader said. Arturo Milan, co-chair of the Regional Development Council, told “Wednesdays Media Forum at the Habi at Kape,” that tourism could potentially […].....»»
3 Chinese face raps for using fireworks display on Chinese New Year in Davao City
THREE Chinese nationals in Davao City will face legal cases for violating City Ordinance 060-02, also known as the Firecracker Ban, after their minute-long fireworks display during the Chinese New Year celebration on Friday night, February 9, 2024......»»
Free leptospirosis meds, anti-tetanus vaccines for flood-affected residents
Summary: The Davao City Health Office (CHO) is providing free medicines for leptospirosis and anti-tetanus shots to residents affected by floods. Dr. Tomas Miguel Ababon, CHO Officer-In-Charge, announced the availability of these medications during a media forum, emphasizing their dispatch during emergencies. He highlighted the proactive response of health district staff, ensuring that evacuation centers are equipped with prophylaxis for leptospirosis. Additionally, tetanus toxoid, dressings, and antibiotics are available for flood-related injuries. Ababon emphasized that these services and medications are provided free of charge. He advised seeking a doctor's guidance for the dosage of prophylaxis medicine, as well as the administration of antibiotics due to potential allergies. Despite recording 17 cases of leptospirosis in the first two weeks of the month, no related deaths were reported. This initiative aims to safeguard the health of flood-affected residents in Davao City......»»
53% drop in Davao City’s road accidents: DCPO-TEU
The Davao City Police Office-Traffic Enforcement Unit (DCPO-TEU) has reported a significant 53% decrease in road accidents during the first 16 days of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Deputy Chief Pcpt. Raymundo B. Bacera Jr. revealed these statistics during the ISpeak media forum, citing 213 recorded incidents in 2023, compared to only 102 in 2024. He noted a reduction in the number of vehicles involved, from 120 to 51. Human error was identified as the primary cause of accidents, accounting for 97% of cases, while vehicle defects and road defects contributed to 2% and 1% of incidents, respectively. Private vehicles were involved in 40% of the accidents, with common human errors including texting/calling while driving, overtaking, and speeding. The peak hours for accidents were identified as between 2 pm to 4 pm. Despite the implementation of the New Speed Limit Ordinance, which came into effect on January 11, 2024, Dionisio Abude, head of the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO), emphasized that the ordinance cannot guarantee the absence of road incidents, highlighting the critical role of driver behavior and driving habits. Since the ordinance's enforcement, CTTMO and DCPO-TEU have issued citations to 730 violators, with private vehicles constituting 49% of the total, followed by motorcycles, taxis, trucks, public utility jeepneys, buses, and public utility vans......»»
DOH logs 122 Pertussis cases
DOH logs 122 Pertussis cases.....»»
Marbil vows legal aid for cops facing court cases
The Philippine National Police eyes outsourcing a law firm to help PNP personnel facing court cases related to their duties, PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil said yesterday......»»
Negros Occidental reports 64 confirmed pertussis cases
Negros Occidental reports 64 confirmed pertussis cases.....»»
Measles, rubella cases up 39 percent
The Department of Health has recorded over 2,000 cases of measles and rubella nationwide......»»
DOH 7: TB cases on the rise
DOH 7: TB cases on the rise.....»»
Bacolod records 3 more confirmed pertussis cases
Bacolod records 3 more confirmed pertussis cases.....»»
‘Vampire facials’ linked to cases of HIV in three women
Three women were diagnosed with HIV after getting “vampire facial” procedures at an unlicensed New Mexico medical spa, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a report last week, marking the first documented cases of people contracting the virus through cosmetic services using needles. Federal health officials said in a new report that an investigation.....»»
DOJ appeals for patience on Teves, Bantag cases
The Department of Justice yesterday appealed to the public for patience on the cases of former Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr. and former corrections chief Gerald Bantag, saying efforts are being made to ensure that proper legal processes are followed......»»
Philippines tallies 6 heat-related deaths
MANILA, April 24 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday said it has received at least 34 cases of heat-related illness, including six deaths, from January 1 to April 18 this year. "The causes of death are still for verification," DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said. The 34 reported heat-related cases were from the central Visayas region in the central Philippines, the.....»»