Day: January 23, 2025

Manila: The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on third and final reading a measure seeking to establish a socialized and low-cost housing loan restructuring and condonation program. According to Philippines News Agency, with 178 affirmative votes, three negative votes, and zero abstentions, the chamber approved House Bill No. 11202. The bill aims to provide financial relief to beneficiaries of the National Housing Authority (NHA) and Social Housing Finance Corporation by condoning interests and unpaid penalties related to unpaid housing amortizations. San Jose Del Monte City Rep. Florida Robes, author of the bill, noted the low occupancy rate in government

Basilan: The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) on Thursday strongly condemned the attack against government troops in Basilan province that killed two soldiers and wounded 12 others Wednesday afternoon. “This cowardly act was perpetrated by lawless armed men who intend to derail the peace process that Basilan is now starting to enjoy,” OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said in a statement. According to Philippines News Agency, initial reports indicated that the attack occurred as troops from the Philippine Army’s 32nd Infantry Battalion were providing security to United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) personnel engaged in

Basilan: Four people, including two soldiers, were killed while 12 others were wounded in a clash with lawless elements backed by peace spoiler members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Sumisip, Basilan. In a statement released Thursday, Brig. Gen. Alvin Luzon, Army’s 101st Infantry Brigade commander, said the clash happened shortly after 4 p.m. Wednesday in Barangay Lower Cabengbeng. According to Philippines News Agency, the slain and wounded soldiers were personnel of the Army’s 32nd Infantry Battalion. The wounded were taken to Lamitan City District Hospital and later to Camp Navarro General Hospital in this city. Luzon stated

Cebu City: Only seven out of 136 local government units (LGUs) in Central Visayas have yet to secure approval for their 10-year Solid Waste Management Plan, an official said Wednesday. John Roy Quiamco, head of the solid waste management division of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB)-Central Visayas, stated that the region is nearing full compliance with Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, which marks its 24th year on January 26. According to Philippines News Agency, as of July 2024, 118 LGUs had secured approval for their solid waste management plans. Quiamco noted that the

Canlaon City: Canlaon City Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas has assured the public of transparency and accountability in handling operations in response to the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon. The mayor welcomed independent investigations and emphasized that the Incident Management System meticulously records all transactions and financial activities related to disaster response efforts. According to Philippines News Agency, the mayor stated, ‘We understand the concerns raised regarding the expenses and assistance provided in response to the Mt. Kanlaon incident. Transparency and accountability remain at the forefront of our operations.’ Cardenas highlighted that a dedicated Finance Section tracks all funding sources, donations, and