Mayor Cortes downplays charges filed against him for mangrove cutting
MANDAUE CITY, Philippines — Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes has downplayed the cases filed against him, stating that they are unfounded and motivated by personal vendetta. Maria Priscilla Melendres filed charges against Cortes, city councilors, and two other city officials for oppression, gross misconduct, grave abuse of authority, and violations of anti-graft and corrupt practices,.....»»
Puerto Princesa’s battle: Safeguarding its mangrove forests
Puerto Princesa residents have institutionalized an annual activity for the past 20 years. They unite in a mass mangrove planting event every year to value the importance of safeguarding and rehabilitating mangrove habitats......»»
DENR seeks public participation to verify Philippine mangrove map
Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said the public can play an active role in mangrove rehabilitation and conservation by validating the national mangrove map......»»
Mandaue City prepares for strong El Niño
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu – Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes has instructed the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) to coordinate with officials of the 27 barangays and conduct an inventory of their water tanks and make sure that they have enough water supply. Cortes also wanted an inventory of the water systems in each.....»»
Chan, Cortes favor ‘cha-cha’
Chan, Cortes favor ‘cha-cha’.....»»
MCWD vs Rama, 5 others: Raps filed against Cebu City mayor, execs
CEBU CITY, Philippines – A period of heightened legal scrutiny for the mayor and his administration continued to intensify as another agency filed a new round of complaints against them. The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD), led by Chairman Jose Daluz III and General Manager Edgar Donoso, lodged the complaints against the mayor before the.....»»
Resort charges mayor due to excessive force during closure
MANILA, Philippines — A resort in Panglao, Bohol, which was recently ordered to shut operations due to lack of business permit, filed charges against town Mayor Edgardo “Boy” Arcay and others due to the alleged use of “excessive force” during the closure. Criminal and civil cases were filed last April 26 at the Office of.....»»
VP Sara ready to face ICC charges only before a Filipino court
Vice President Sara Duterte expressed her readiness to confront any allegations against her but insisted that she would only do so in front of a Filipino judge and within the jurisdiction of a Filipino court. In a statement on her Facebook page, she emphasized her refusal to participate in any process that could tarnish the reputation and integrity of the Philippine judiciary system. Duterte adamantly opposed the involvement of foreign entities in the country's legal affairs, citing it as a dishonor to the sacrifices made by Filipino heroes for the nation's freedom. Duterte, who previously served as vice mayor and mayor of Davao City, vehemently denied any involvement in the Davao Death Squad during her terms in office. She expressed dismay over the sudden appearance of a witness against her in the International Criminal Court (ICC) after assuming the vice presidency. Duterte dismissed the accusations and questioned the motives behind the allegations, asserting her capability to accomplish tasks without resorting to unlawful means. In a related development, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. voiced his refusal to acknowledge the ICC's jurisdiction in the Philippines, considering it a threat to the country's sovereignty. He issued a directive for all government agencies to refrain from cooperating with the ICC, emphasizing the nation's non-recognition of the court's authority. Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV claimed that ICC investigators had gathered substantial evidence against former President Rodrigo Duterte regarding his administration's war on drugs. He anticipated an imminent issuance of an arrest warrant against the former president. Former President Rodrigo Duterte condemned the ICC's decision to initiate a preliminary investigation into the war on drugs, labeling it an insult to the Philippines and challenging the court's jurisdiction within the country. During his presidency, he initiated the withdrawal of the Philippines' membership from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. The ICC appeals chamber recently granted a request to resume the investigation into alleged crimes against humanity related to the Philippines' controversial drug campaign, spanning from November 2011 to March 2019. The developments surrounding the ICC's probe into the Philippines' internal affairs have sparked a contentious debate, with key political figures and rights groups expressing divergent views on the matter. The ongoing tensions between the Philippines and the ICC underscore the complex intersection of international law, national sovereignty, and human rights issues......»»
CARD MRI plants 750 mangrove trees in Oriental Mindoro
CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI) planted 750 mangrove trees in Brgy. Baruyan, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro on October 7, 2023......»»
Federal Land spearheads coastal revival via mangrove planting in Carcar
Federal Land spearheads coastal revival via mangrove planting in Carcar.....»»
Ombudsman junks case vs suspended Tabuk City, Kalinga mayor
Tabuk City, Kalinga province Mayor Darwin Estranero will be back to work on April 1 after the case filed against him in connection to the alleged overpricing of medical equipment for his town was dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman......»»
Antique mayor sinapak vice mayor dahil sa ayuda
INAMIN ni Antique Gov. Rhodora Cadiao na sinuntok ng isa nilang alkalde ang vice mayor nito dahil sa pamamahagi ng ayuda sa kanilang mga nasasakupan. The post Antique mayor sinapak vice mayor dahil sa ayuda first appeared on Abante......»»
Murder raps filed vs suspect in hit-and-run of basketball player
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Police here have filed on Thursday, February 8, a charge of murder against the suspect behind the fatal hit-and-run of Jeslar Uriel Larumbe. Four days after the 23-year-old Larumbe was left sprawled on the road lifeless, authorities have filed the charge against the suspect in the viral incident which sent shock.....»»
Mandaue City councilor questions plan to purchase P4M van
MANDAUE CITY, Philippines — A Mandaue City councilor has questioned the plan to purchase a P4 million coaster van for the Mandaue Investment Promotions Tourism Action Center (MIPTAC). On Monday, March 11, 2024, the councilors passed on second reading a proposed ordinance authorizing Mayor Jonas Cortes to purchase one unit of a 29-seater coaster amounting.....»»
Viral Tarsier Video: DENR to file criminal charges vs 2 vloggers
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said preparations are underway for the filing of charges against two vloggers for the “improper treatment” of Philippine Tarsiers in Polomolok, South Cotabato. “Ongoing po ang preparation ng documents for the filing of criminal charges. Kung kakayanin ay mafa-file siya within today,” DENR Region.....»»
Attendance of 4 lawyers in Mandaue session questioned
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu — A councilor of Mandaue City is questioning the participation of four lawyers representing Mayor Jonas Cortes during the sessions of the Sangguniang Panlungsod. On Monday, March 4, different department heads including City Administrator Jamaal James Calipayan, City Budget Officer Atty. Giovanni Tianero, and Atty. August Lizer Malate, head of the Business.....»»
Public reminded: Follow traffic rules to avoid accidents
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu –Officials of Mandaue City are reminding motorists to always follow traffic rules to avoid violations and possible accidents. Mayor Jonas Cortes stated on Friday, March 1, that adherence to traffic rules can ensure drivers’ safety and promote smooth traffic flow. “Kung magdali ka o mag-counterflow, prone ka sa disgrasya. Importante gyud ang.....»»
Mandaue won’t join Sinulog at SRP
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu – Mandaue City will not be joining the Sinulog Grand Parade and Ritual Showdown at the South Road Properties (SRP) on Sunday, January 21, 2024. Mayor Jonas Cortes, on Wednesday, January 17, said that the city will instead focus on presenting a performance during the Traslacion on Friday, January 19. Mandaue City.....»»
Rama files motion to lift suspension order against him
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Suspended Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and his legal team have filed a motion before the Office of the Ombudsman to lift the suspension order against him and seven other city hall officials. This developed after the Court of Appeals (CA) dismissed their petition for certiorari with a “prayer for issuance.....»»
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......»»
Residents continue to oppose ship-cutting works in Punta Engaño
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — Residents from Barangay Punta Engaño in Lapu-Lapu City, who acquired respiratory illnesses due to fiber dust emitted from the ship-breaking operation of M/V Diamond Highway, have continued to oppose the resumption of the ship-cutting works in the area. On May 29, the barangay held a public hearing to continue and complete.....»»