LAOAG CITY, Philippines — A century-old balete tree continues to attract local and foreign visitors as they put some money on its trunks and branches for good luck. Located along the national highway in sitio Dirique in the coastal village of Davila, Pasuquin town, about 27 kilometers from Laoag, hundreds of curious tourists drop by […]
Archives for January 2018
Ati-Atihan fest pays tribute to Mindanao
KALIBO, Aklan- The 2018 Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival version pays tribute to Mindanao and its people, its organizers here said on Friday. Albert Menez, chairman of the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Foundation Incorporated (KASAFI), said in a press conference that colorful flags similar to the colors of Mindanao are being installed in the major thoroughfares […]
PDEA probes Taiwanese vessel over P125-M cocaine
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency is investigating the circumstances involving a Taiwanese vessel discovered carrying 24 kilograms of cocaine in Sorsogon worth an estimated P125 million on January 3. Authorities suspect the illegal drugs came from a foreign cargo vessel marked Jin Ming, which made an emergency docking last Tuesday, January 2, […]
Fire hits Metro Ayala Center Cebu
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — First hit Metro Ayala Center Friday night, all customers were safety evacuated and no one was hurt. In a statement, the Metro Gaisano management said smoke was detected at around 9:30 in the evening Friday, January 5, 2018 at the third floor toy stockroom. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has […]
PDEA Academy needs 5,000 applicants
SILANG, Cavite, Philippines — Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Academy formally opens on Friday 5,000 slots for applicants to the Drug Enforcement Officer Basic Course (DEOBC) Qualifying Examinations. To apply, interested individuals must be 21-35 years of age with a minimum of 5’2’ height for males and 5’ for females. Applicants must also be a […]
Full restoration of oldest Ilocos church starts this year
LAOAG CITY, Philippines — The Diocese of Laoag and residents of Piddig town look forward to the full restoration of the 207-year-old St. Anne parish church in the Ilocos Norte town about 30 kilometers from this city. Fr. Carlito “Joey” Ranjo Jr., spokesperson of the Diocese of Laoag, said Friday it took about two years […]
DTI assures minimal price effects of tax reform
DAVAO CITY, Philippines— Consumers are wondering about the drastic increase of almost all goods as the government implements the TRAIN (Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act). But Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez assured the public that the tax reform’s effects on prices were minimal. “(W)alang dahilan para mangamba dahil napakaliit […]
Teachers’ take home pay increase takes effect
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Public school teachers will enjoy the increase of their take home pay as the government implements the TRAIN (Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion) Act, plus increases in their allowances, the Department of Education (DepEd) said. In a statement, the DepEd stated it is supporting the administration’s tax reform initiative as this […]
Sandiganbayan sanctions NLRC official
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — For teaching without the authority of the Court, the Sandiganbayan found National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) Labor Arbiter Alberto Dolosa guilty of violating the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. The Sandiganbayan ordered Dolosa to pay a find of P1,000 as he engaged in the unauthorized […]
Cargo ship hits Bohol-bound vessel
CEBU CITY, Phillippines — The 54 passengers and 24 crew members and officers of M/V Lite Ferry 20 of Lite Shipping were all declared safe after they were accidentally hit by a cargo ship off Lawis Ledge, Talisay, around 12:30 p.m. Friday. M/V Lite Ferry 20 was bound for Tubigon, Bohol when it was accidentally […]
Duterte accepts son’s resignation
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has accepted the resignation of his eldest son, Paolo Duterte who resigned as Davao City vice mayor. “It has been transmitted to the Office of the Executive Secretary, nandoon na,” a highly placed source said. Asked about the effectivity of the resignation, the source said “Parang effective immediately.” […]
Dan Isleta is new Army chief of staff
MANILA, Philippines — Brig. Gen. Danilo “Chad” D. Isleta was appointed as Philippine Army (PA) chief of staff during change of command ceremonies in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Thursday morning. He replaced Major Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay, who was appointed head of the Tarlac-based Mechanized Infantry Division. Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Ray Tiongson said the ceremony […]
Duterte appoints OIC DILG Cuy to DDB , Año as OIC DILG
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — It’s a switch! President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) officer-in-charge Catalino Cuy as the new chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board to repleace terminated chairman Dionesio Santiago . While DILG Undersecretary Eduardo Año replaces Cuy at the DILG. Asked about his new assignment, Cuy […]