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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......»»
EDITORIAL — 115th in transparency
With the recent controversy involving secret funds for both national and local government agencies, people may question the improvement, slight as it is at just one notch, in the Philippines’ ranking in the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index......»»
Senate probes Filipino citizenship for sale scam
Senators expressed alarm yesterday over a possible crime ring in local civil registrars that has allowed foreign citizens to fraudulently apply for live birth certificates......»»
Fund for indigent cancer patients reaches P1.25 billion
Senators and congressmen have approved a substantial increase in this year’s budget allocation for indigent cancer patients, or the Cancer Assistance Fund (CAF), in the hope of helping more Filipinos to be healed from the killer disease......»»
GCash preparing for IPO in the last half of 2024
Oscar Reyes Jr., the CEO of GCash operator G-Xchange [link], said that they’re “preparing internally so that we can be ready this year” for an IPO, but clarified that “it is a question of the market, not of GCash, as the market has yet to rebound fully.”.....»»
Death knell
Members of the House of Representatives were hoping for a dialogue with senators on Charter change while Congress is not in session, during the long break starting before Palm Sunday......»»
Ex-President Duterte to back ChaCha if revisions limited only to economic provisions
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 28 February) – Former President Rodrigo R. Duterte has changed his stance on Charter Change (ChaCha), saying he will support it for as long as the constitutional reforms will be limited to economic provisions and not to extend the term of the current President, Senators, and members of the House of […].....»»
Approved without thinking: P26.7-B ‘mysterious ayuda’
Another last-minute insertion in the 2024 national budget has been bared. The P26.7 billion was slipped in by the bicameral conference committee. Senators and representatives then ratified the bicam report. They are all thus answerable to the people for that hanky-panky......»»
DSWD duty-bound to implement GAA provisions faithfully – DSWD exec
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Tuesday (February 13) welcomed questions by senators on the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program or AKAP which is funded under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2024. DSWD Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs Fatima Aliah Dimaporo said the agency respects the power of the purse by […].....»»
Senate eyes OK of P100 minimum wage hike
Senators are hoping to approve this week the proposed P100 increase for minimum wage earners as a Valentine’s gift to Filipino workers, Sen. Nancy Binay said yesterday......»»
Of senators and bilyonaryos
The buzz among some of the country’s billionaires these days is how Senator Raffy Tulfo called out tycoon Isidro “Sid” Consunji, chairman and CEO of DMCI Holdings Inc., for supposedly dozing off during a Senate hearing last week......»»
Strident
On second reading, the “manifesto” signed by all 24 senators against the ongoing people’s initiative for Charter change was unduly strident. Because of that, it threatens to put the chamber on collision course with the House of Representatives......»»
Books, greens & unfinished business
I recently had lunch with very busy insurance executives and since the topic was about insurance, I raised the question on how prepared were they for retirement or even semi-retirement. Of course, NO ONE, not a single one, had really entertained the thought or been working on the inevitable......»»
Megan Young apologizes after fixing Miss Botsawana s hair at Miss World 2024
Miss World 2013 Megan Young apologized for fixing Miss Botsawana Lesego Chombo's hair during the Question and Answer segment at the recent Miss World 2024. .....»»
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 […].....»»
ICC case exposes Duterte’s desperation, Marcos’ indecisiveness
If there is indeed an ICC warrant, the possibility of a local court showdown looms, creating a reason for Marcos to leave to the judiciary the question of how to deal with it.....»»
What is a right of first refusal and how does it work?
This question was asked in response to yesterday’s story about the possible existence of a “right of first refusal” clause in the shareholders’ agreement for investors in the Light Rail Manila Corp......»»
As a new investor, how should I pick stocks to invest in?
For 99% of people who ask this question, the best answer would probably be: “You don’t.” But that’s a very unsatisfying response to give someone who has come to the market with big eyes and bigger dreams, and it’s the kind of response that starts out true but could (at some point) cease being true and constructive as the investor gains understanding and skills......»»
Senators buck exclusive motorcycle lane on EDSA
Data-driven solutions to address traffic congestion are needed, senators said yesterday as they opposed the proposed exclusive lane for motorcycles along EDSA......»»
Escudero apologizes for EDSA bus lane use, admits ‘abuse of protocol’
Sen. Francis "Chiz" Escudero apologized after his vehicle, equipped with a protocol plate for senators, was caught using the EDSA busway......»»