Tri-cities offer free anti-rabies vaccination, spay, castration on World Anti-Rabies Day
MANDAUE CITY, Philippines — In line with the celebration of World Anti-Rabies Day on Sept. 28, an anti-rabies vaccination, spay, and castration of pet animals were conducted at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex on Tuesday, September 27. Over 100 cats and dogs were able to avail of the services. The activity is organized […] The post Tri-cities offer free anti-rabies vaccination, spay, castration on World Anti-Rabies Day appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
P2.57 million shabu seized
Anti-narcotics operatives seized shabu with an estimated value of P2.57 million in Iloilo and Batangas cities on Wednesday......»»
Dev’t, capacitybuilding for cities
An attractive proposition and a necessary goal to further improve the state of the Philippines is to accelerate and sustain inclusive growth in the country. But what exactly needs improvement? How can this be achieved? What does it entail? How will it benefit the Philippines? Metro Manila is already developed and, in my opinion, not the priority in making more improvements. The cities outside Metro Manila are, however, a different story altogether. The economic competitiveness and resilience of said cities require much improvement. The development of these cities as engines of growth that are inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and strong is the foundation with which to realize these improvements. Specific areas may need financial inputs, and technical support varies from city to city. Examples of sectors to focus on are energy, environment, governance, health, local economy, small to medium entrepreneurship, taxation, technology and education. The enumeration is not exclusive and may be expanded. Generally, the growth trajectories of nations are closely linked to their urban environment, where cities act as propulsions of growth and lay the groundwork for their foundation. At first glance, it may seem like a tall order, but with proper planning, preparation, and stakeholder cooperation, it becomes achievable. If urban growth is well planned, cities can accelerate regional economic growth, innovation, and the end goal of prosperity for all. Circling back to my initial point on why cities outside Metro Manila are important to focus on for development, these smaller cities have a relatively high urban population concentration and hold the most growth potential. Although varying in size and level of development, they are equally important in ensuring the country’s success. To achieve this would require the cooperation and participation of various sectors and stakeholders. Government agencies, various leagues of local government units, civil society groups, non-government organizations, and the private sector, which may include corporations, business chambers, and trade associations, must all be involved. Implementing this undertaking will be an opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of the “whole-of-nation” approach. Government agencies that top the list of entities expected to shore up this collective effort include the Department of the Interior and Local Government, National Economic and Development Authority, Anti-Red Tape Authority, Department of Finance, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Health, and Department of Education. The participation of the Philippine National Police is also crucial, as business can thrive only in an atmosphere of peace and security. The benefits of capacity building for cities are many. Initially, the more apparent recipients are the affected cities themselves and their inhabitants. However, increased capability will lead to a more efficient and equitable distribution of resources and delivery of services to the specific sectors we have mentioned. This will support decentralization and public financial management by helping cities widen their own-source revenue bases. It also helps cities enhance tax collection efficiency, access debt capital markets, and strengthen their public financial systems to create a more equitable fiscal framework geared towards inclusive growth. Decentralization also improves governance, with cities becoming more accountable and transparent to their constituencies. With accountability and transparency, the city becomes an attractive destination for investments. Local entrepreneurs will be one of many who will seize upon these attractions, but foreign investors as well. The different benefits and positive impact foreign direct investments provide a country deserve another article in the future. For now, let us all call on our government and the private sector to join hands in developing and building capacity for all cities in the Philippines. Let us contribute to moving our country forward and taking it to new heights. The post Dev’t, capacitybuilding for cities appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bangsamoro Municipality Passes A Landmark Ordinance On LGBTQIA+ Community
Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao - In a significant stride towards ensuring equal rights and protection for the LGBTQIA+ community, the Municipal Council of Panglima Sugala has passed a comprehensive anti-discrimination ordinance, No. 001. This landmark decision comes after a series of campaigns, highlighting the pressing need for safeguarding the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community in the Bangsamoro region, amidst increasing acts of violence and discrimination. HUMAN RIGHTS Caravan headed by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in the Philippines, along with Google, Commission on Human Rights and implemented by Mujer LGBT+ Organisation. The urgency to address the plight of the LGBTQIA+ community was also recognized by the Bangsamoro Parliament through resolutions 524 and 526 in 2021, which called for a thorough investigation into instances of violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Emphasizing the significance of these resolutions, they are expected to contribute towards protecting LGBTQIA+ individuals from illegal acts, while preventing discrimination, harassment, and inhumane treatment. Human Rights Training/Workshop lead by Mujer LGBT+ Organisation. Bangsamoro Region has been marked by a series of reported cases of LGBTQIA+ members being subjected to harassment, physical attacks, and even murder in recent years. The passage of this ordinance is seen as a crucial step towards curbing these acts of violence and promoting tolerance, acceptance, and equality within the community.The passage of the ordinance was spearheaded by Panglima Sugala Vice Mayor Dayang Iman Sahali, with support from the Mujer LGBT+ Organization, the Commission on Human Rights, and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany through their Human Rights Caravan program. The collaborative efforts of these organizations and individuals have been instrumental in ensuring the successful enactment of this legislation along with the members of the Municipal legislative council. This landmark passage was welcomed by the Executive Director of Mujer LGBT+ Organisation Alvin ''Toni Gee'' Fernandez, saying "Our organization is overwhelmed with emotion upon hearing the news of the passage of the landmark law. For years, we have dedicated ourselves tirelessly to create a safe and inclusive space for the Moro LGBTQIA+ community in Bangsamoro. The importance of anti-discrimination ordinances has never been more crucial than now. We firmly believe that these measures serve as a beacon of hope, guiding us towards a future where every Moro individual is valued, respected, and given the opportunity to thrive. This achievement is a testament to the resilience and determination of our community, and we will continue our unwavering commitment to championing equality and justice for all in Bangsamoro." Panglima Sugala Municipal Government Officials with Mujer LGBT+ Organisation What makes this achievement particularly noteworthy is the lack of a national anti-discrimination law in the Philippines, which has remained unresolved in the Congress for the past 24 years. This void has left LGBTQIA+ communities reliant on local legislation for protection and deprived them of their basic human rights for decades. The passage of this ordinance is a strong message that local communities are determined to initiate change and create an inclusive and safe environment for all. Panglima Sugala Municipality - Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Ordinance No. 001 Under the newly enacted anti-discrimination ordinance, the LGBTQIA+ community in Panglima Sugala will be afforded vital protection against all forms of discrimination, including denial of access to public services, education, employment, and healthcare due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. The ordinance also empowers victims of discrimination to seek legal redress by providing a clear avenue to file complaints and ensuring the enforcement of penalties against offenders. ''Whether people agree with it or not, it is a fact that people with different SOGIEs are humans as well. They deserve protection along with every Filipino in the Philippines. The passage of this ordinance is sending a message of inclusivity and acceptance to my colleagues in the Bangsamoro region. It shows that Panglima Sugala local government recognizes the rights and needs of all sectors of society, including those with varying SOGIEs and those living with HIV. By enacting this ordinance, we hope to set a precedent and inspire other municipalities in the Bangsamoro region to follow suit and implement similar measures to protect the rights of marginalized groups.'' - Vice Mayor Sahali strongly affirmed. Panglima Sugala Vice Mayor Dayang Iman Sahali This historic passage of comprehensive anti-discrimination ordinance No. 001 adds momentum to the ongoing struggle for equal rights in the Bangsamoro region. It is seen as a beacon of hope for the LGBTQIA+ community, setting a precedent for other municipalities and cities in the region to address their own local legislation and embrace inclusivity.While this ordinance is a positive step forward, advocates and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community continue to push for the timely passage of the national anti-discrimination bill in the Philippines Congress. The hope is that such a law will provide comprehensive protection and recognition of the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals in the country.As society progresses towards acknowledging and respecting the diversity of its citizens, the passage of this anti-discrimination ordinance in Panglima Sugala is a commendable milestone in the long journey towards equal rights and acceptance for all, irrespective of sexual orientation and gender identity. The post Bangsamoro Municipality Passes A Landmark Ordinance On LGBTQIA+ Community appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
England, Wales grapple with growing teen knife violence
Elianne Andam was headed to school like any other teenager in London last month when she was stabbed to death, becoming the latest victim of rising knife crime in England and Wales. The 15-year-old suffered a "brutal attack" in Croydon, south London, shortly after she and her friends had stepped off a public bus on a Wednesday morning, prosecutors have said. A 17-year-old boy arrested nearby just over an hour later will stand trial for her murder next April. One of the latest tragic cases of teen-on-teen violence in the British capital, it has become an increasingly common problem nationwide over recent decades. A few days after Andam's death, 16-year-old Taye Faik died in Edmonton, north London, following another knife attack. He was the 14th teenager to be killed with a blade in the city this year. The UK government, and mayors in some of its biggest cities and regions, have repeatedly vowed to tackle the persistent scourge of youth violence, but appear to be failing. Between 2012 and 2022, the number of knife and offensive weapon offences amongst children aged 10-17 increased by 19 percent across England and Wales, according to the Ministry of Justice. That compared with an eight percent increase among adults. 'Social issue' With the sale of guns strictly controlled in Britain, teenagers intent on violence typically turn to blades, including machetes and so-called "zombie" knives. Inspired by horror films, they often have one smooth blade and one serrated edge, and feature graphics or text on the blade or handle glorifying violence. Possessing them has been illegal since 2016, but some manufacturers have managed to evade this quasi-ban by altering their design. The government unveiled plans in August to outlaw them entirely and give police more powers to seize the weapons, which it said "seem to be designed to look menacing with no practical purpose". The new legislation will also increase the maximum penalty for their "importation, manufacturing, possession and sale" from six months to two years. However, machetes and zombie-style knives can be bought with relative ease for less than £50 ($60) on social media platforms like TikTok or Snapchat, circumventing online age restrictions, according to anti-knife crime campaigners. They urge more focus on the roots of the problem. "Knife crime isn't just a law-and-order issue, it's a social issue," Patrick Green, president of the Ben Kinsella Trust, told AFP. The anti-knife crime charity is named after a London teenager murdered in 2008. "When you start to unpick knife crime, you start to look at social deprivation, poverty, the lack of social mobility, mental health probation for young people," Green said. 'Awful weapons' Youth knife violence is more prevalent in Britain than many other European countries, he noted. "It's difficult to determine why exactly," Green added. London mayor Sadiq Khan's office blamed the austerity policies of successive Tory governments in power since 2010, which it argued have "decimated youth services" in the capital and beyond. As many as 130 centers offering sports and arts activities in the city have closed over that period, its statement noted. The pandemic and the country's worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation, driven by decades-high inflation, are also seen as contributing to the problem. Following the recent knife crime deaths in the capital, the Labour mayor urged the Conservative government in a letter "to speed up the legislation so we can ban these awful weapons as soon as possible". "The proposals also need to be toughened up to close the loopholes that could still allow the sale of these weapons," Khan added. He also wrote this month to London's 500 secondary schools reiterating that wand metal detectors to screen pupils for weapons were available, as well as police officers to deliver knife crime prevention talks. His opposition Labour party -- well ahead in polls for over a year -- has pledged to spend up to £100 million if it wins power in an election expected next year on a "Young Futures" program. It would fund new youth mentors and mental health hubs in every community, youth workers in schools set up for troubled students and hospitals, alongside wide-ranging public sector reforms. The post England, Wales grapple with growing teen knife violence appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Int’l acclaim illuminates Meralco’s sustainability agenda
The Manila Electric Company continues to shine a spotlight on its unwavering commitment to sustainability with the recent accolade awarded to First Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer Raymond B. Ravelo, who was named the "Sustainability Thought Leader of the Year for the Asia Pacific Region." The recognition was conferred during the Sustainable Company Awards 2023 by Environmental Finance. Ravelo was commended for his exceptional leadership in spearheading Meralco's sustainability agenda called "Powering the Good Life", which is marked by a distinctive focus on four pillars: Power, People, Planet, and Prosperity. Ravelo's achievement was the result of a rigorous selection process overseen by a distinguished panel of over 30 independent industry experts. The Sustainable Company Awards celebrates organizations and individuals who are at the forefront of reshaping corporate practices to ensure a sustainable future. “This recognition brings great pride to us in Meralco as it reflects our earnest commitment to sustainability. As we move towards building a sustainable energy future, we will continue placing sustainability at the core of our strategy and operations as a Company to bring forth a brighter future for all,” Ravelo said. Meralco, a recognized leader in the Philippine energy sector, has deeply rooted its sustainability agenda in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with emphasis on clean energy, responsible consumption and production, and climate action. At the center of Meralco's sustainability thrust is its commitment to a just, orderly, and affordable transition to clean energy. This commitment involves securing at least 1,500 MW of its power supply from Earth-friendly sources and actively developing 1,500 MW in renewable energy power generation projects. Additionally, Meralco has been at the forefront of adopting alternative and sustainable transportation solutions, with the deployment of 156 electric vehicles to date, constituting 7 percent of the company’s fleet and surpassing the government's 5 percent vehicle electrification rate mandate. To advance gender diversity and inclusion in the workplace, Meralco has launched its D&I program “#Mbrace”, which significantly increased female representation in its workforce to 23%, over and above the global energy sector's average of 13 percent. Moreover, Meralco recently achieved its highest-ever environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ratings from global companies. Notably, MSCI Inc. upgraded Meralco's ESG rating to BBB in 2022 and maintained it in 2023, a remarkable progression from its BB rating from 2019 to 2021. MSCI evaluates over 8,500 companies worldwide based on general and industry-specific sustainability criteria. Likewise, Meralco attained a record high on its FTSE Russell ESG Rating, with a score of 3.2 in 2023. Meralco thus ranked higher than both the Philippine global energy sector ESG rating averages, with strong performance in risk management, labor standards, corporate governance, and anti-corruption practices. Furthermore, Meralco is now the first and only electric utility in the Philippines to be included in the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index, the only ESG assessment in the world focused on gender equality in the workplace. Meralco was recognized for distinctive performance in anti-sexual harassment policies, gender pay parity, and building an inclusive culture. “We are resolute in our commitment to powering the good life. Guided by the UN SDGs, we, in Meralco, will continue energizing cities and communities while preserving our planet, empowering our people, and creating prosperity for all,” Ravelo affirmed. The post Int’l acclaim illuminates Meralco’s sustainability agenda appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pre-historic Tell al-Sultan site added to world heritage list
The United Nations' cultural organization inscribed the pre-historic site of Tell al-Sultan, near the Palestinian city of Jericho in the occupied West Bank, on its World Heritage List Sunday. Tell al-Sultan, which predates Egypt's pyramids, is an oval-shaped tell, or mound, located in the Jordan Valley that contains the prehistoric deposits of human activity. The UNESCO decision, which was posted by the organization on X, formerly Twitter, was taken at its 45th World Heritage Committee meeting held in Riyadh. "The property proposed for nomination is the prehistoric archaeological site of Tell al-Sultan, located outside the antique site of Jericho," UNESCO's assistant director general, Ernesto Ottone, said at the session. The site was inscribed following a three-year candidacy "during which no state party raised any objections", said a diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak to the media. "There are no Jewish or Christian remains found at the (Tell al-Sultan) site. It's a place of pre-historic remains," the diplomat told AFP. Israel quit the UN organization in 2019 over accusations it fosters an anti-Israel bias but sent a delegation to this year's meeting in Saudi Arabia. The Palestinian Authority, acknowledged by the United Nations as a non-member observer state, welcomed the listing of the Tell al-Sultan site. Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas said he considered the decision to inscribe Tell al-Sultan "a matter of great importance and evidence of the authenticity and history of the Palestinian people". He vowed that the Palestinian authorities would "continue to preserve this unique site for all humanity", according to a statement from his office. Diverse Palestinian heritage UNESCO's listing shows that the Tell al-Sultan site is "an integral part of the diverse Palestinian heritage of exceptional human value", Palestinian tourism minister Rula Maayah, who was attending the meeting in Riyadh, said in a statement. Given Tell al-Sultan's "importance as the oldest fortified city in the world... it deserves to be a World Heritage Site," she said. "A permanent settlement had emerged here by the 9th to 8th millennium BC due to the fertile soil of the oasis and easy access to water," UNESCO said on its website. UNESCO said the "skulls and statues found on the site" testify to cultic practices among the neolithic population there, while the early bronze age archaeological material shows signs of urban planning. "Vestiges from the middle bronze age reveal the presence of a large Canaanite city-state occupied by a socially complex population," UNESCO added. The Tell al-Sultan site has been under excavation for over a century and is billed as the oldest continuously inhabited settlement on the planet, Palestinian official Wafa news agency reported. It is the fourth Palestinian site to be listed on UNESCO's World Heritage list, alongside the Church of the Nativity and the Old City of Hebron. Israel has occupied the West Bank -- now home to some three million Palestinians -- since the 1967 Six-Day War, when it also seized the Gaza Strip, the densely populated coastal enclave it has since withdrawn from. The Palestinians want these territories for their future state, along with annexed east Jerusalem as its capital. Jericho is one of the oldest inhabited cities on the planet and is a major tourist destination in the Palestinian territories. UNESCO urged for the protection of other archaeological sites in Jericho. "The other archaeological sites located in Jericho, covering among other Jewish and Christian heritage, also have important historical interest and deserve to be preserved as well," said Ottone. Archaeology is a highly political subject in Israel and the Palestinian territories, and some discoveries have been used to justify the territorial claims of each people. The post Pre-historic Tell al-Sultan site added to world heritage list appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Taguig rejects Makati help to EMBO studes
Taguig City has rejected the offer of Makati City to continue providing free uniforms, shoes, supplies and other school needs of 30,000 public schools students in the 10 barangays covered by a Supreme Court decision on the boundary dispute between the two cities. Makati City Administrator Claro Certeza said Taguig officials rejected the offer in a meeting last July with Mayor Abby Binay and officials of the Department of Education. Mayor Lani Cayetano was present during the meeting. “We have offered an arrangement that would benefit the students. But Taguig rejected it,” he said. Certeza said Mayor Abby proposed a status quo where Makati will continue its services in the affected schools to ease the worries of the students and their parents and avoid disruption in school operations. The Taguig officials, however, rejected the offer and told Makati to stop distributing the students’ school needs starting this school year. Since the 1990s, Makati has been providing all public school students with free school uniforms and school supplies. Makati students under the administration of Mayor Abby Binay, also receive sneakers, white socks and black leather shoes, reusable water tumblers, and Japanese-inspired Randoseru bags. Students also receive hygiene kits, dental kits, anti-dengue kits, hard hats and Emergency Go Bags, rain gear including rain coats and rain boots and jackets. Last March, Mayor Abby launched Project FEED (Food for Excellent Education and Development) which provides students from Kinder to Grade 6 with nutritious snacks every school day. The students are also provided with free educational experiential learning trips every school year. “For the sake of the youth and the residents of the 10 affected barangays, please let us provide free school gear and supplies to the students. Let us make them our priority,” Certeza said. He said they are hoping that compassion for residents prevail and work together so that their welfare and lives will not be affected. Certeza said Makati’s offer will greatly ease the worries of both parents and students in the affected barangays. “Makati has offered to continue to provide these benefits to ease the worries of the students and their parents. We have asked COA for guidance on how best to proceed, but we are willing and ready any time,” he said. Certeza said the offer still stands despite the provocative action of Taguig. The 14 public schools located in the affected barangays in District 2 are Fort Bonifacio Elementary School, Cembo Elementary School, South Cembo Elementary School, Pitogo Elementary School, East Rembo Elementary School, Rizal Elementary School, Comembo Elementary School, West Rembo Elementary School, Pembo Elementary School, Makati Science High School, Benigno “Ninoy” S. Aquino High School, Tibagan High School, Fort Bonifacio High School, and Pitogo High School. The post Taguig rejects Makati help to EMBO studes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Taguig rejects Makati offer to provide free school supplies to EMBO students
Taguig has rejected an offer from Makati to continue providing free uniforms, shoes, supplies and other school needs of some 30,000 public schools students in the 10 barangays covered by a Supreme Court decision on the boundary dispute between the two cities. Makati City Administrator Claro Certeza said Taguig officials rejected the offer in a meeting last July with Mayor Abby Binay and officials of the Department of Education. Mayor Lani Cayetano was present during the meeting. “We have offered an arrangement that would benefit the students. But Taguig rejected it,” he said. According to Certeza, Binay proposed a status quo where Makati would continue its services in the affected schools to ease the worries of the students and their parents and avoid disruption in school operations. The Taguig officials, however, rejected the offer and told Makati to stop distributing the students’ school needs starting this school year. Since the 1990s, Makati has been providing all public school students with free school uniforms and school supplies. Under Mayor Abby Binay, Makati students also receive sneakers, white socks and black leather shoes, reusable water tumblers and Japanese-inspired Randoseru bags. Students also receive hygiene kits, dental kits, anti-dengue kits, hard hats and Emergency Go Bags, rain gear including rain coats and rain boots and jackets. Last March, Binay launched Project FEED (Food for Excellent Education and Development) which provides students from Kinder to Grade 6 with nutritious snacks every school day. The students are also provided with free educational experiential learning trips every school year. “Alang-alang sa kapakanan ng mga kabataan at mga mamamayan ng sampung apektadong barangay, hayaan nyo na kaming magbigay ng libreng gamit at supplies ng mga estudyante. Sila po sana ang unahin natin,” Certeza said. (For the sake of the youth and the residents of the 10 affected barangays, please let us provide free school gear and supplies to the students. Let us make them our priority.) “Nawa’y mangibabaw ang malasakit sa mga mamamayan at magtulungan tayo upang hindi maapektuhan ang kanilang kapakanan at pamumuhay,” he said. (May compassion for the residents prevail and work together so that their welfare and lives will not be affected.) Certeza said Makati’s offer will greatly ease the worries of both parents and students in the affected barangays. “Makati has offered to continue to provide these benefits to ease the worries of the students and their parents. We have asked COA for guidance on how best to proceed, but we are willing and ready any time,” he said. Certeza said the offer still stands despite the provocative action of Taguig. Earlier, Certeza appealed to Taguig to follow the rule of law to avoid creating unnecessary and unwanted tension in the affected areas, as it did over the weekend. The 14 public schools located in the affected barangays in District 2 are Fort Bonifacio Elementary School, Cembo Elementary School, South Cembo Elementary School, Pitogo Elementary School, East Rembo Elementary School, Rizal Elementary School, Comembo Elementary School, West Rembo Elementary School, Pembo Elementary School, Makati Science High School, Benigno “Ninoy” S. Aquino High School, Tibagan High School, Fort Bonifacio High School, and Pitogo High School. -- Sincerely, Information and Community Relations Department Makati City Telephone +632 899.8938 The post Taguig rejects Makati offer to provide free school supplies to EMBO students appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bulacan water world
The government should probe the connection between the recent destructive flooding in Bulacan and Pampanga to the construction of the massive San Miguel Corp. airport project. Residents, environmental groups and scientists had foretold the damaging effects on the environment of disturbing the ecology of the area. Experts have said delicate ecosystems are under threat from the $15-billion airport development called the New Manila International Airport. It is currently the Philippines’ most expensive infrastructure deal ever and will cover an area seven and a half times the size of New York’s Central Park which is 3.41 square kilometers. When completed, it will cater to approximately 100 million passengers a year and is targeted to be one of the busiest airports by passenger traffic globally. Despite the denials and assurances of SMC officials that the project will include spillways and other anti-flood structures, the almost one week of continuous rain as typhoons Egay and Falcon passed near the northern Philippines point to the worst fears of the residents transpiring. The provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga have been placed under a state of calamity due to the flooding that has persisted days after the typhoons passed and the southwest monsoon rain had stopped. Some 172 barangays in 16 towns and three cities in Bulacan are still affected by floods ranging from six inches to seven feet, according to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. London and Washington-based group Global Witness said in a report that the project’s environmental costs are already significant as hundreds of mangrove trees, “which not only absorb and store climate-wrecking carbon dioxide but also form natural flood barriers,” had been cleared. Environmental and climate-related damage is expected to worsen and permanently damage natural habitats on the airport development site, the report added. A census of waterbirds in Manila Bay, according to Global Watch, revealed that their presence has declined by over 20 percent since 2017. Massive land reclamation projects — like the airport — are set to see these numbers dwindle even further. SMC promised to construct a $1-billion spillway from Bulacan’s upstream river sources to drain directly to Manila Bay, saying it will resolve the flooding problem of the province. An SMC official even boasted during a meeting with residents and representatives of environmental groups that “SMC is not stupid that it will build an airport only to be flooded.” Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment warned against relying on the SMC promises as recent typhoons showed the location as being increasingly prone to flooding as a result of the reclamation and airport construction. The waterways from Bulacan’s ridges down to its reefs are complex systems that cannot be simply resolved with just a spillway, according to environmental advocates. Recent torrential monsoon rains were cited as an example, as the flood comes not only from waters in the Sierra Madre but also from extreme rainfall directly falling on Bulacan’s river basin and from coastal overflow. Continuing land subsidence, aggravated by groundwater extraction, is worsening the flood situation in Bulacan, according to a geological expert. The urban sprawl resulting from the expected influx of over one million workers and 100-200 million air passengers constantly in transit in the area, if the SMC Aerotropolis were built, would intensify land subsidence and increase the exposure of populations to flooding hazards. Engineering solutions and simplistic development promises are always impressive until you start looking into the devil in the details, according to the expert. With an average number of typhoons that uses up all the letters of the alphabet each year, Bulacan and nearby provinces are destined to be constantly submerged in exchange for the Aerotopolis. The post Bulacan water world appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Barbenheimer’ memes spark anti-nuclear anger in Japan
One film is about a wildly popular children's doll and the other is a biopic about J. Robert Oppenheimer, one of the creators of atomic weapons. Memes shared on social media combined images from both, with one showing a cheering Barbie on the shoulders of Oppenheimer, against the backdrop of an apocalyptic blast. "Do they know how many people died when that mushroom cloud appeared?... Don't have fun with the atomic bomb," said one irate Japanese social media user, using the hashtag #NoBarbenheimer. Around 140,000 people died in Hiroshima and 74,000 in Nagasaki when the United States dropped atomic bombs on the two Japanese cities days before the end of World War II in 1945. "We just want (the US) to know what kind of devastation the two atomic bombs caused before speaking, not just for Japan but also for the world," wrote another user. The official account of the "Barbie" movie on X, formerly known as Twitter, replied to one such image, saying: "It's going to be a summer to remember" accompanied by a blowing kiss emoji. The message, which on Tuesday was no longer visible, prompted Warner Bros. Japan, the local distributor of "Barbie", to apologize. "We apologize to those who were offended by this series of inconsiderate reactions," Warner Bros. Japan said in a statement. The distributor also said the replies by the US official account were "extremely regrettable", adding they are urging the headquarters to "take appropriate action". "Barbie" is due to be released in Japan later this month, but no date has been set for "Oppenheimer". Both films have been major box-office successes in the United States. nf/stu/aha © Agence France-Presse The post ‘Barbenheimer’ memes spark anti-nuclear anger in Japan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Is ‘reasonable certainty of conviction’ the ‘new probable cause’?
It is well settled in Philippine law and jurisprudence that criminal complaints subject to preliminary investigation are assessed by the prosecutors to determine “probable cause,” or the existence of such facts that would excite the belief in a reasonable mind that the person committed the crime. However, recent circulars of the Department of Justice or DoJ have imposed the additional stricter standard of “reasonable certainty of conviction” in certain cases before a complaint is filed or even when already pending in court, to de-clog and decongest court dockets. In February 2023, the DoJ issued Circulars No. 008 s. 2023 and 008-A s. 2023 directing all public prosecutors handling criminal cases for offenses cognizable by the Municipal Trial Courts or MTCs, Municipal Trial Courts in Cities or MTCCs, and Metropolitan Trial Courts or MeTCs to determine if each has a reasonable certainty of conviction based on the evidence, witnesses, and continued interest of the private complainants, and to withdraw the information if there is none. “Reasonable certainty of conviction” is expressly defined in DoJ Circular No. 016 s.2023 as follows: Section 2. Reasonable Certainty of Conviction. There is reasonable certainty of conviction when a prima facie case exists based on the evidence at hand, including but not limited to, witnesses, documentary evidence, real evidence, and the like, and such evidence, that on its own and if left uncontroverted by the accused, shall be sufficient to establish all the elements of the crime or offense charged, and consequently warrant a conviction beyond reasonable doubt. DoJ Circular No. 16 s. 2023 provides further specific guidelines on its applicability to cases falling under the Rules on Summary Procedure or those that are pending in the MTC, MTCC, or MeTC which (a) had no considerable movement over a period of three months or more; (b) where the complainant or his witnesses have repeatedly failed to appear without valid reason despite due notice; or (c) where the material evidence are not available or can no longer be produced despite earnest efforts by the complainant. In such cases, the absence of reasonable certainty of conviction should prompt the prosecutor to move for withdrawal of the information and/or dismissal of the case/s. On 31 March 2023, the DoJ issued Circular No. 20 s. 2023 which imposed a preliminary evaluation of the complaint based on the same standard prior to its docketing for preliminary investigation or the conduct of inquest proceedings in cases involving heinous crimes, capital offenses, violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, Republic Act 9160 or the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001, Republic Act 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, and Republic Act 10168 or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012. Heinous crimes include: (1) Treason under Article 114 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC); (2) Piracy and Qualified Piracy under Articles 122 and 123 of the RPC, respectively; (3) Qualified Bribery under Article 211-A of the RPC; (4) Parricide under Article 245 of the RPC; (5) Murder under Article 248 of the RPC; (6) Infanticide under Article 255 of the RPC; (7) Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention under Article 267 of the RPC; (8) Robbery with violence against and intimidation of persons under Article 294 of the RPC; :(9) Destructive Arson under Article 320 of the RPC; (10) Rape under Article 335 of the RPC; (11) Plunder under Republic Act 7080; and (12) Carnapping under Section 14 of Republic Act 6539. Sections 5 and 6 of DoJ Circular No. 20 s. 2023 further requires criminal complaints to be evaluated before preliminary investigation or inquest proceedings to determine if they contain all the necessary evidence to prove the essential elements of the crime. The investigating prosecutor would then issue a certification as to the existence of a prima facie case and a reasonable certainty of conviction based on the available documents, witnesses, and evidence. If assessed in the negative, this would be referred to the private complainant, together with a report, advice on the lacking evidence, and a directive to secure such lacking evidence. If this is not possible, then the complaint would be terminated without prejudice to refiling. It is worth noting that the Supreme Court has repeatedly held that a preliminary investigation is not the avenue for a full-blown display of evidence (PCGG v. Navarro-Gutierrez, GR No. 194159, 21 October 2015), and that probable cause does not require clear and convincing evidence establishing certainty of guilt (Galario v. Office of the Ombudsman, GR No. 166797, 10 July 2007). However, it is also undisputed that the determination of probable cause in a preliminary investigation is an executive function, where the public prosecutor is given broad discretion to determine whether probable cause exists (People v. Castillo and Mejia, GR No. 171188, 19 June 2009). We have yet to see the full implications and effects of the cited DoJ circulars, but it is certainly advisable to ensure the presence of sufficient evidence to support all elements of the crime charged before filing the complaint. The post Is ‘reasonable certainty of conviction’ the ‘new probable cause’? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Muntinlupa among ARTA awardees
Muntinlupa City’s innovative business registration, already recognized as an industry best practice, has received recognition anew from the Office of the President’s Anti-Red Tape Authority, or ARTA. Muntinlupa led seven other cities as the first recipients of the Accelerating Reforms for Improved Service Efficiency or ARISE Awards, which were given during ARTA’s fifth-anniversary celebration recently. “We are definitely proud of this recognition, as this is a validation of the city government’s commitment to bring quality public service to every Muntinlupeño,” Mayor Ruffy Biazon said. The city’s Business One-Stop Shop and its electronic equivalent, the eBOSS, place all business license or permit-issuing agencies under one roof. Earlier this year, ARTA feted Muntinlupa for its compliance monitoring as a benchmark for other local government units to follow. In addition to BOSS, the city also has the Business Permits and Licensing Office Single-Window Transaction, or PLO-SWiT, program in partnership with the Festival Mall in Alabang. Alternatively, business owners may also renew their license and Mayor’s permit at the BPLO in Muntinlupa City Hall, as well as online via the Business E-payment System, through the City’s official website (www.muntinlupacity.gov.ph.). The other ARISE awardees are the cities of Manila, Parañaque, Quezon City, Navotas, Marikina, Valenzuela and Lapu-Lapu in Cebu. The post Muntinlupa among ARTA awardees appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Muntinlupa City hailed by ARTA for business innovations
Muntinlupa City's innovative business registration process, already considered an industry best practice, has earned recognition from the Office of the President's Anti-Red Tape Authority for setting the standard among LGUs. Muntinlupa led seven other cities as the first recipients of the Accelerating Reforms for Improved Service Efficiency (ARISE) Awards, which were given during ARTA’s fifth anniversary celebration recently in recognition of initiatives to improve the delivery of government services. "We are definitely proud of this recognition, as this is validation of the City Government's commitment to bring quality public service to every Muntinlupeño," Mayor Ruffy Biazon said in response to the award. The city's Business One-Stop Shop and its electronic format eBOSS, which places all the necessary agencies for a business license or permit in one location, was commended earlier this year by ARTA in its latest compliance monitoring as a benchmark for other local government units to follow. In addition to BOSS, the city also has the Business Permits and Licensing Office Single-Window Transaction program in partnership with Festival Mall in Alabang in order to bring tax payment and registration services closer to business owners. Alternatively, business owners may also renew their license and Mayor’s permit at the BPLO in Muntinlupa City Hall, as well as online via the Business E-payment System, through the city's official website (www.muntinlupacity.gov.ph.). The seven other ARISE awardees are the cities of Manila, Parañaque, Quezon City, Navotas, Marikina, Valenzuela, and Lapu-Lapu in Cebu. The post Muntinlupa City hailed by ARTA for business innovations appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Putting the quit on Quilter
Karl Quilter, a Chicago resident, was recently handed a sentence of 30 years in a United States federal prison for OSEC, or the online sexual exploitation of children based in the Philippines. The 58-year-old Quilter entered last year a guilty plea, claiming that the minors he spoke with on social media sites Facebook, Viber, and Skype from 2017 to 2020 were his “girlfriends.” His modus operandi, court records showed, involved dangling money transfers to persuade his victims to send the requested images. Quilter, in fact, visited the Philippines in 2017 and 2018, but he would not admit to actually having physical sex with minors, something that could have added to his sentence. He, nonetheless, admitted to having vowed to return to the Philippines in 2020 to act out his OSEC fantasies, yet more proof that OSEC oftentimes leads to actual physical abuse by moneyed, well-traveled monsters. The successful prosecution of Quilter and others like him, however, represents only one side of the coin as there’s also a pressing need to stop the abuse at the source, hundreds of miles away. Putting behind bars adults, frequently family members, who enable this heinous crime within the Philippines and other poor countries, is equally important. Unicef, the International Justice Mission, and Interpol have conducted extensive research that indicates that the Philippines, even before the start of the pandemic, had become a major global hub for live-streaming or the distribution of videos and photos of sex acts involving children as young as two years old. According to their estimates, the incidence of OSEC in the country had more than tripled in recent years, with the Philippines receiving more than eight times as many referrals as any other country, “making it the center of the global live-stream sex abuse trade.” The IJM, which started working closely with authorities in the Philippines in 2020 to close physical channels of sexual abuse of minors like bars and prostitution houses, had warned that Covid-19 lockdowns spanning two years had significantly contributed to a threefold rise in OSEC cases. With his department as the lead agency in the government’s efforts against human trafficking, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has gone, so far, as to warn telecom companies that they would be prosecuted if they did not provide checks and filters against OSEC materials being routed through their networks. The biggest telcos have been heeding Remulla’s call, but as technology moves fast, they have to contend not only with the traffickers but also with tech wizards, those who live off the Dark Web, and who provide the backend support to ram OSEC materials through governmental and corporate check valves. IJM has drawn a silver lining around the dark clouds, saying that significant progress has been made in reducing the availability of children for sale on the streets and for internet-based sex trafficking. The figures, the group claimed, have fallen by as much as 86 percent in the cities where they were present. The relationship between OSEC and money transfers has been made crystal clear by recent research by the Anti-Money Laundering Task Force. It said that to stop the cycle of exploitation and bring the offenders to justice, it is necessary to destroy the illegal financial networks and stop the use of legal ones for OSEC payments. Although Quilter’s sentencing represents an important development in the prosecution of foreign offenders, he is just one among the millions of pedophiles and other perverts who have fueled OSEC, a multi-faceted problem that requires creative solutions and cross-border cooperation among governments, non-governmental organizations, and communities. OSEC operations by families in far-flung barangays are an open secret in communities, betrayed by the sprouting of Wi-Fi antennas in homes that also suddenly had access to extra cash. Cracking down on them has been easier, but the additional challenge now is stopping OSEC coursed through smartphones with internet data access. OSEC has been and will always be a cat-and-mouse game. It’s a virtual one-upmanship in trying to put the quit on depravities perpetrated by the likes of Quilter. The post Putting the quit on Quilter appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Key events in the war in Ukraine
From the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February last year to the armed rebellion Saturday of the pro-Kremlin Wagner paramilitary group, here is a timeline of the main events. The biggest attack on a European country since World War II has killed or wounded over 150,000 people, according to Western estimates. February 2022: invasion Russian President Vladimir Putin announces a "special military operation" in Ukraine on 24 February, saying he wants to demilitarise and "de-Nazify" the country as well as protect the predominantly Russian-speaking east from "genocide". A full-scale invasion starts, with missile strikes on several Ukrainian cities that sparks a refugee crisis. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stays in the capital Kyiv to lead the resistance. The West imposes unprecedented sanctions on Russia and the European Union and United States send Ukraine weapons and aid. March: Russian advances Russian forces make gains in the south, seizing the city of Kherson, close to the Moscow-annexed Crimea peninsula. Russian forces also attempt to surround Kyiv and take Ukraine's second city of Kharkiv in the northeast but meet fierce resistance. A month into the fighting, Russia withdraws from the north to focus on the eastern industrial Donbas region, partly held by Moscow-backed separatists, along with the south. April: war crimes revealed In early April, AFP discovers the bodies of at least 20 civilians lying on a single street in the Kyiv suburb of Bucha -- the first of several grisly discoveries in towns that Russian forces had occupied which spark an international outcry and war crimes investigations. May: Mariupol falls On 21 May, Russia announces the fall of the southeastern port city of Mariupol, which had been relentlessly bombed, after the last Ukrainian troops holding out at a steelworks surrender. Sweden and Finland request membership of NATO, fearing they could be future targets of Russian aggression. June: Donbas battle rages In June, Russia takes the Donbas city of Severodonetsk after one of the bloodiest battles of the war, followed soon after by the neighbouring city of Lysychansk. July: gas supplies cut On 22 July, Kyiv and Moscow sign a deal to resume grain exports from Ukraine, in a bid to relieve a food crisis aggravated by Russia's blockade of the country's ports. Russian gas giant Gazprom slashes its supply to Europe through the Nord Stream pipeline, fuelling fears of gas shortages in Europe. August: battle for Bakhmut Kyiv launches a major offensive to retake Kherson as a bitter battle begins for the eastern town of Bakhmut, spearheaded on the Russian side by the Wagner mercenary group. Wagner claims to have wrested total control of Bakhmut in May. September: annexation Ukraine retakes hundreds of towns and villages in a lightning counter-offensive around Kharkiv. Putin launches a partial draft of 300,000 reservists, sparking an exodus of young Russian men of military age. On 30 September, he formally annexes the Ukrainian regions of Lugansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. October: power supply hit On 8 October, an explosion causes major damage to a bridge linking Crimea to the Russian mainland -- a symbol of Moscow's annexation of the peninsula. Putin blames Ukrainian secret services for the attack. Russian forces retaliate with a barrage of strikes on energy infrastructure in Kyiv and other cities, leaving millions without power in what becomes its new modus operandi throughout the winter. November: retreat from Kherson On 9 November, Moscow orders its troops to retreat from Kherson in the face of advancing Ukrainian forces, marking a stunning defeat in one of the regions it annexed. Jubilant residents hail Ukrainian forces as liberators. December: Zelensky goes to Washington On 22 December, Zelensky visits Washington on his first overseas trip since the war began. He meets President Joe Biden and addresses Congress. January 2023: tanks on the way Russia suffers its biggest single loss of life since the invasion in a Ukrainian attack on a temporary base in the eastern town of Makiivka on 1 January. Moscow says 89 soldiers were killed in the hit. On 25 January, Germany finally agrees to send Ukraine some of its powerful Leopard tanks. The United States follows, announcing that it will provide 31 Abrams tanks. On 19 May, Biden authorises the delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Kyiv. In April, Ukraine also receives anti-missile Patriot defence systems from Washington. 6 June: dam destroyed A blast at the Kakhovka dam in Russian-annexed Crimea inundates vast areas of the Kherson region, forcing thousands to flee and sparking fears of an environmental disaster. Kyiv accuses Moscow of blowing up the dam on the Dnipro River, while Russia blames Ukraine. June: Ukraine counter-offensive A long-awaited Ukrainian counter-offensive begins, aided by the supply of Western arms, according to analysts. Russia brands it a failure but Kyiv says it has retaken several areas. 24 June: Wagner rebellion Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, leading a mutiny to bring down Moscow's top brass, says his fighters have captured the army HQ in Russia's Rostov-on-Don "without firing a single shot" and claims to have the support of locals. Putin warns that treason against his rule threatens Russia with civil war and accuses the Wagner boss of a "stab in the back". The post Key events in the war in Ukraine appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pakistani troops, Khan supporters face off
Supporters angry of former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan’s arrest and trial for alleged corruption are facing troops deployed by the government to quell their violent protests. The cabinet Wednesday approved deployment of the army in two provinces and the capital to restore peace, a statement from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office said. The decision follows clashes in Pakistan’s largest city Karachi, where security forces fired tear gas to disperse supporters of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party. Similar clashes and mass arrest of protesters occured in Islamabad and other cities. Khan was arrested Tuesday during a routine hearing in the capital Islamabad and whisked away to an unknown location overnight before appearing behind closed doors in a specially convened anti-graft court at police headquarters. Ali Bukhari, a lawyer for Khan, told Agence France-Presse by phone that the court had approved eight days of physical remand of the former cricket star demanded by the country’s top graft agency. Some protesters took out their wrath on the military, torching the residence of the corps commander in Lahore and pelting the army’s general headquarters in Rawalpindi with stones. Hundreds of police officers have been injured across Pakistan, while in the populous province of Punjab nearly 1,000 people have been arrested. The post Pakistani troops, Khan supporters face off appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Myanmar junta freeing 3,000 prisoners
YANGON, Myanmar (AFP) — Myanmar’s junta said on Monday it would release more than 3,000 prisoners to mark the Buddhist New Year, without specifying whether those jailed in its bloody crackdown on dissent would be freed. The military has arrested thousands since its coup more than two years ago that plunged the country into turmoil and sparked widespread clashes with anti-coup fighters. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing “pardoned 3,015 prisoners... to mark Myanmar New Year, for the peaceful mind of the people and on humanitarian grounds,” the junta’s information team said in a statement. It did not say whether anti-junta protesters or journalists jailed covering the coup will be among those freed. Shortly after its coup, the junta released around 23,000 prisoners, with some rights groups at the time fearing the move was to free up space for opponents of the military as well as to cause chaos in communities. The country typically grants an amnesty to thousands of prisoners to mark its traditional Buddhist New Year holiday — which in previous years have been joyous affairs with city-wide water fights. But this year streets in many major cities were silent in boycott after a military airstrike on a village in a resistance hotspot that media and locals said killed more than 170 people. More than 21,000 people have been arrested since the military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s government in February 2021, according to a local monitoring group. Suu Kyi has been detained since the early hours of the coup. The post Myanmar junta freeing 3,000 prisoners appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Germany ends nuclear era as last reactors power down
Germany switched off its last three nuclear reactors on Saturday, exiting atomic power even as it seeks to wean itself off fossil fuels and manage an energy crisis caused by the war in Ukraine. While many Western countries are upping their investments in atomic energy to reduce their emissions, Germany brought an early end to its nuclear age. It's "the end of an era," the RWE energy firm said in a statement shortly after midnight confirming the three reactors had been disconnected from the electricity grid. Europe's largest economy has been looking to leave behind nuclear power since 2002, but the phase-out was accelerated by former chancellor Angela Merkel in 2011 after the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan. The exit decision was popular in a country with a powerful anti-nuclear movement, stoked by lingering fears of a Cold War conflict and atomic disasters such as Chernobyl in Ukraine. "The risks of nuclear power are ultimately unmanageable," said Environment Minister Steffi Lemke, who this week made a pilgrimage to the ill-fated Japanese plant ahead of a G7 meeting in the country. Anti-nuclear demonstrators took to the streets in several German cities to mark the closures. Greenpeace, at the heart of the anti-nuclear movement, organized a celebratory party at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. "We are putting an end to a dangerous, unsustainable and costly technology," said Green MP Juergen Trittin. In front of the Brandenburg Gate, activists symbolically slayed a model dinosaur. Initially planned for the end of 2022, Germany's nuclear exit was delayed as Russian gas supplies dwindled. Germany, the largest emitter in the European Union, also powered up some of its mothballed coal-fuelled plants to cover the potential gap left by gas. The challenging energy situation had increased calls domestically for the exit from nuclear to be delayed. Germany had to "expand the supply of energy and not restrict it any further" in light of potential shortages and high prices, the president of the German chamber of commerce Peter Adrian told the Rheinische Post daily. Friedrich Merz, leader of the opposition CDU party, said the abandonment of nuclear power was the result of an "almost fanatical bias". Meanwhile the conservative daily FAZ headlined its Saturday edition "Thanks, nuclear energy," as it listed benefits it said nuclear had brought the country over the years. Outside observers have been similarly irked by Germany's insistence on exiting nuclear while ramping up its coal usage, with climate activist Greta Thunberg in October slamming the move as "a mistake". As expected, the Isar 2 reactor in the southeast of the country, the Neckarwestheim facility in the southwest and Emsland in the northwest were disconnected from the electricity network before midnight. Earlier, Guido Knott, CEO of PreussenElektra, which operates Isar 2, said it would be "a very moving moment" to power down the reactor. The three final plants provided just six percent of Germany's energy last year, compared with 30.8 percent from all nuclear plants in 1997. "Sooner or later" the reactors will start being dismantled, Economy Minister Robert Habeck told the Funke group ahead of the scheduled decommissioning, brushing aside the idea of an extension. The government has the energy situation "under control", Habeck assured, having filled gas stores and built new infrastructure for the import of liquefied natural gas to bridge the gap left by Russian supplies. Instead, the minister is focused on getting Germany to produce 80 percent of its energy from renewables by 2030. To this end, Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for the installation of "four to five wind turbines a day" over the next few years -- a tall order given that just 551 were installed last year. But the current rate of progress on renewables could well be too slow for Germany to meet its climate protection goals. Despite planning to exit nuclear, Germany has not "pushed ahead enough with the expansion of renewables in the last 10 years", Simon Mueller from the Agora Energiewende think tank told AFP. To build enough onshore wind capacity, according to Mueller, Germany now has to "pull out all the stops". The post Germany ends nuclear era as last reactors power down appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
P27 million shabu seized in Taguig, Las Piñas
Anti-narcotics agents confiscated around four kilos of shabu valued at P27.2 million in the cities of Taguig and Las Piñas on Tuesday night......»»
Ilocos Norte offers free anti-rabies jab, pet castration in Sept.
LAOAG CITY - In time for the celebration of World Rabies Day on September 28, the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) is calling on pet owners to have their pets registered at the nearest city veterinary office should they wish to avail of free veterinary services from Sept. 27 to 28, 2022.Pr.....»»