Day: September 4, 2025

Manila: The Sandiganbayan has found a former Nueva Ecija town mayor guilty of malversation of PHP3.5 million in public funds, representing unliquidated cash advances dating back to 2006. In a 31-page decision promulgated on September 2, the anti-graft court sentenced former Laur, Nueva Ecija mayor Blas Canlas to up to 16 years imprisonment. According to Philippines News Agency, the court highlighted that Canlas, as the accountable officer and recipient of the cash advances, failed to adhere to the Commission on Audit (COA) rules regarding their liquidation. As the head of the agency and local chief executive of the municipality, Canlas

Bukidnon: The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) 10 (Northern Mindanao) recognized Bukidnon province as the most compliant with Republic Act (RA) 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, in the region. According to Philippines News Agency, EMB-10 Director Reynaldo Digamo Jr. noted in an interview that compared to other provinces, Bukidnon only has one local government unit (LGU) that does not have a sanitary landfill of its own. He stated that out of the 93 municipalities in Northern Mindanao, only 40 have sanitary landfills either operational or under construction. Digamo highlighted the lack of basic infrastructure in many barangays, particularly

Misamis oriental: The Misamis Oriental provincial government on Thursday approved the celebration of its Tourism Week from Sept. 15 to 19. In an interview, Tourism Officer Cindy Faye Obe±ita said that the smaller events planned for the upcoming celebration will serve as a preview for the 2026 Kuyamis Festival. “Preparations are in full swing for this year’s celebration, which Governor Juliette Uy has approved,” she said. According to Philippines News Agency, the event is centered on ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation’ and will gather all 23 towns and two cities of the province for the celebration. As part of the celebration,

Dinagat islands: The Dinagat Islands Tourism and Culture Office (DITCO) reported a significant increase in tourist arrivals in the province during the first half of 2025. According to Philippines News Agency, data provided by DITCO on Thursday indicated that 38,396 arrivals were recorded in the province from January to June this year, marking a 30.92 percent increase from the 29,420 logged in the same period in 2024. Domestic arrivals climbed to 37,396 from 28,611 in 2024, reflecting a 30.70 percent increase, while foreign arrivals rose to 1,122 from 809, a 38.69 percent increase. Benlen Navas, the Provincial Tourism Officer, mentioned

Cagayan de oro: The City Council here on Thursday moved to approve the plan to allocate an initial PHP5 million to fight child trafficking. In a statement, Vice Mayor Jocelyn Rodriguez said the move supports the proposed ordinance by 1st City District Councilor Desiree Ann Dahino, which will be called the “Children’s Comprehensive Code.” According to Philippines News Agency, Rodriguez mentioned that the proposed code complements the “Golden Justice Zone” ordinance, which includes measures against online sexual exploitation of children. Dahino expressed concern over the rising child trafficking cases in the city, referencing data from law enforcement that reported nine