The Visayas and several parts of Mindanao will experience rains on Thursday due to the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), a weather forecaster said. “Those in the Visayas should bring their umbrellas because it will be rainy. Some areas in Mindanao, like Soccsksargen and Davao Region, will also experience rains and thunderstorms. Floods and landslides are possible,” said Benison Estareja of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). The weather bureau also forecast scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over the Bicol region due to the ITCZ. Estareja said a low pressure area (LPA) is embedded along the ITCZ. It

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Thursday said it has no role to play in the investigation launched by the International Criminal Court (ICC) into possible crimes against humanity committed under President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-narcotics crackdown. During the budget deliberations at the House of Representatives, CHR chairman Jose Luis Gascon said the commission’s mandate originates from the 1987 Constitution, and not from the Rome Statute–or the international treaty that instituted the ICC–which means that the rights body does not have any formal ties with the tribunal’s investigation regarding international crimes. “That is a matter entirely within the control and

A total of 62 public service institutions here and in Benguet’s capital town La Trinidad are benefitting from the free internet service provided by the government through the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). The free internet has been installed in public schools like Happy Hollow National High School, Happy Hollow Elementary School, Philippine Military Academy, Benguet State University, Roxas Elementary School, Quezon Elementary School, Baguio City School of Arts and Trade, Special Education Center, Mabini Elementary School, University of the Philippines-Baguio and Baguio City National High School. Benguet General Hospital in La Trinidad and Baguio General Hospital and

The Philippines has remained under “heightened alert” and stricter security to suppress lawless violence and rebellion in the country, Malacañang said on Thursday. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this remark after the Japan Foreign Ministry on Monday warned its citizens of possible attacks on some Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines. Roque said the Philippines had stepped up security measures since clashes between the terrorist Maute Group and government troops in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur took place in 2017. “Talaga naman pong tayo po ay nasa heightened alert matapos po yung nangyari sa Marawi. At nagpapasalamat po tayo sa

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo slammed the “blatant and brazen” attempt of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to meddle in the Philippines’ domestic affairs, particularly its handling of the rampant illegal drug trade in the country. This, after the ICC has formally authorized an official investigation into the alleged commission of crime against humanity associated with President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-narcotics crackdown. In a press statement on Thursday, Panelo maintained that the ICC has no and never had jurisdiction over the Philippines and its citizens. “Our position concerning the proceedings before the International Criminal Court (ICC) remains. The foreign institution

Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda on Thursday said cultural mapping, especially by local government units, is necessary to enrich, conserve, and protect the country’s cultural heritage in the most effective way. Legarda said House Bill 10057, or the cultural mapping bill, seeks to mandate LGUs to conduct a comprehensive cultural mapping of their areas of jurisdiction The bill would amend Republic Act No. 10066, also known as the “National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009”. The measure hurdled the House of Representatives plenary with 200 affirmative votes, zero negative votes, and no abstention this week. “Our culture and heritage are vital components