US senators seek $500 million aid for AFP
Two American senators have filed a measure seeking to boost the alliance of the Philippines and the US through a significant increase in military financing as concerns grow over China’s aggressive acts in the South China Sea......»»
House expedites release of P35M aid for Davao disaster victims
The House of Representatives, in collaboration with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., is expediting the release of P35 million in financial aid and 17,500 food packs to assist the seven congressional districts affected by recent flooding and landslides in the Davao Region. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez emphasized the urgency of their efforts, aiming to provide substantial assistance to the nearly 45,000 affected families and over 187,000 individuals in the region. Coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development is underway to swiftly release PHP5 million to each district through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program. The financial aid will support various relief efforts, including infrastructure reconstruction and medical assistance. Tingog Party-list representatives also expressed their commitment to ensuring the assistance reaches those most in need......»»
1,500 Reds, 11 weakened guerrilla fronts left – AFP
Only “a little over” 1,500 New People’s Army rebels remain nationwide, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines......»»
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......»»
IFC investing $500 million to address Philippines development challenges
The private sector arm of the World Bank Group is aiming to invest up to $500 million in the current fiscal year in the Philippines to support efforts to address climate change, financial inclusion and infrastructure development......»»
DND lauds AFP operations vs Maute, NPA
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro yesterday lauded the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for its recent successful operations against members of the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute group and the New People’s Army in separate encounters in Lanao del Norte, Negros Occidental and Bohol last week......»»
DSWD tackles peace initiatives with AFP
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) revealed that they have discussed cooperation and peace initiatives with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). DSWD Assistant Secretary Arnel Garcia said the meeting on Monday was to discuss the program that will cover members of non-state armed groups and victims of terrorism. “We have.....»»
Gibo, AFP officials visit security facilities in Aurora
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and top officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) visited key security facilities in Aurora province on Thursday in an effort to ensure the country’s control over resources in the Philippine Rise......»»
Resupply missions in West Philippine Sea to continue – AFP
Amid continuing harassment by China, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the military will continue to carry out rotation and reprovisioning (RORE) missions to the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal......»»
Young lawyer, 4 NPA comrades massacred by AFP—CPP
“Contrary to international laws of war, the victims were tortured and killed." The post Young lawyer, 4 NPA comrades massacred by AFP—CPP appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
FACT CHECK | Roque’s claim that Task Force Davao will be disbanded is false
MindaNews fact-checked the claims of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque that Task Force (TF) Davao will be disbanded as Dabawenyos expressed concern that the city’s security will be weakened if such will happen. His claim is false, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The AFP has refuted the claims of former presidential […].....»»
Senior citizens in Cebu City to receive cash aid starting March 21
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Around 90,500 Cebu City senior citizens are eligible to receive their cash aid for the first quarter of 2024 starting March 21, according to the head of the agency overseeing the affairs of the city’s elders. OSCA Head, Lawyer Homer Cabaral, told CDN Digital in an interview on Thursday, March 14,.....»»
Senators praise Comelec for suspending people’s initiative proceedings
MANILA, Philippines — Senators rejoiced at the decision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to suspend all proceedings related to a people’s initiative aimed at amending the 1987 Constitution, saying that it is nothing but a victory for the Filipino people. Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, in a statement, said the Philippine government has finally.....»»
Duterte, PDP-Laban senators to visit Cebu City on April 19
CEBU CITY, Philippines — As the 2025 midterm elections draw near, candidates are now gearing up for strategic moves, especially considering that the filing of Certificates of Candidacy is in October this year. Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, alongside senators from Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP Laban), is set to visit Cebu City this.....»»
PNP, senators clash on rifle ownership
The Philippine National Police and some senators yesterday aired opposing views on civilians owning semi-automatic rifles......»»
Senators defend P100 wage hike
Senators yesterday defended their legislated salary increase recently passed on second reading, following a comment from an Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) official who called the P100 wage hike a “catastrophe.”.....»»
Senators question P26.7 billion ‘ayuda’ fund
About P26.7 billion worth of financial assistance under the Department of Social Welfare and Development was questioned by senators yesterday during the continuation of a public hearing on the people’s initiative or PI......»»
Speaker hits senators’ ‘very toxic rhetoric’ vs House
Speaker Martin Romualdez yesterday hit back at senators, asking them to “just focus on their jobs instead of attacking the lower chamber.”.....»»
No LEDAC; Marcos Jr. meets separately with senators, congressmen
Amid feuding over the people’s initiative to amend the Constitution, President Marcos met separately yesterday with congressmen and senators instead of convening the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council......»»
3,500 students affected in Masara landslide
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / February 21) – More than two weeks after the landslide in Masara in the municipality of Maco in Davao de Oro, 3,558 students have still not returned to the classroom, according to the Department of Education in the Davao Region (DepEd-Davao). Jenielito Atillo, DepEd-Davao spokesperson, said during the AFP-PNP Press Corps […].....»»
Sara reveals she will run in next polls
Summary: Sara Duterte, the Vice President and Education Secretary, announced her intention to run in the next election during a visit to flood victims in Barangay Bago Gallera. In a Facebook Live video, she mentioned that her brothers, Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte and First District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, may not run in the next election, prompting her decision to campaign. However, she did not specify the position she would be running for. The upcoming election will be the 2025 midterm senatorial elections for senators, congressmen, and local officials, with the presidential national elections scheduled for 2028. Duterte also emphasized the importance of barangay development councils in times of calamity and stressed the need for disaster resilience and awareness among barangay officials and children. Additionally, she highlighted the significance of safety and security, urging trust in security personnel and caution against scammers and swindlers. Duterte also emphasized the importance of education for the younger generation and the equal opportunities it provides. This announcement comes amidst her visits to various areas in the Philippines, where she has been extending aid and addressing pertinent issues such as disaster resilience and community safety......»»