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CAB hints at bleak future for aviation
By Fernan Angeles and John Clifford Lintao THE global pandemic continues an onslaught on major industries, including aviation. In a press briefing, the Civil Aeronautics Board admits the outlook for the country’s aviation industry remains negative. It added that global air travel will take time to recover from the adverse effects of COVID-19. “The outlook…
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49 barangay officials facing charges due to SAP
By Fernan Angeles The Department of Interior and Local Government said that 49 barangay officials have been slapped with complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman surrounding the national government’s Social Amelioration Program. Also charged were officials who have violated the community quarantine protocols. Some 20,000 complaints were filed to the DILG but only 49…
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Youth project offers free printing in exchange for plastic bottles
By Fernan J. Angeles YOUNG blood from the lakeshore town of Binangonan, Rizal did what the Department of Education should have done for the opening of classes. Taking cue from the youth leaders belonging to the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) council of Barangay Calumpang, who offered free printing of school materials, documents, and assignments of students…
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Cash-strapped Masbate town pleas for help after quake
By John Clifford Lintao CATAINGAN local government unit in Masbate province could not possibly help local folks over the sad plight they had after being hit by a strong earthquake – even if they wanted to. According to Cataingan Mayor Felipe Cabataña, the town has no funds to aid the victims of Tuesday’s magnitude-6.6 earthquake…
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NCRPO chief goes on leave, cites medical reasons
By Fernan Angeles A PUBLIC outrage over “mañanita” failed to compel National Capital Police chief Debold Sinas to step down but recent developments over his health condition seemed to have forced the controversial general to take a leave. With Sinas at the sideline “for a medical check-up,” his deputy Nolasco Bathan takes over the post…
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Motorcycle barrier rules eased under stricter GCQ
By Fernan Angeles Motorcycle barriers will no longer be required under the general community quarantine (GCQ) provided that the driver and the back rider can prove that they live under the same roof. Joint Task Force COVID shield chief Guillermo Eleazar said that back-rider must also be an authorized person outside of residence (APOR) while…
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Except for Morales, 13 PhilHealth officials suspended
By Fernan Angeles EXCEPT for Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) President Ricardo Morales, all 13 executives of the embattled state insurer were slapped with a six-month suspension by the Office of the Ombudsman. In issuing the six-month suspension, Ombudsman Samuel Martires cited the need to keep the PhilHealth officials away from the agency to ensure…
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COA, NBI lament difficulties auditing PhilHealth
By Fernan Angeles FAILURE of the embattled Philippine Health Insurance Corporation to submit documents on time has prevented the Commission on Audit (COA) to check the records of the state health insurer. During a Senate hearing, Majority Floor Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri likewise hinted at a concern raised by the National Bureau of Investigation, which…
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‘Stricter’ GCQ for NCR begins
By Fernan Angeles A DOWNGRADE in the quarantine protocol for the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining provinces is not what many thought it is. After the announcement downgrading NCR and the provinces of Laguna, Cavite, Bulacan and Rizal to general community quarantine (GCQ) effective today, Aug. 19, the government hinted at a much strict…
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Jolo cops say they mistook soldiers for ASG or drug lords
By Fernan Angeles POLICEMEN involved in the Jolo carnage last June said on Wednesday that they mistook the four army intelligence officers for members of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf group. Appearing before the Senate panel investigating what many referred to as cold-blooded carnage, one of the nine cops facing murder charges over the death of…