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Contractors Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya and Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” Discaya have backed out of cooperating with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) in its ongoing investigation into anomalous flood control projects, ICI Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka said last week. “Basically, they (the Discayas) explained that they thought their cooperation with the ICI would earn them a favorable recommendation as state …

With millions of Filipinos still facing food insecurity, Abra Rep. Joseph Sto. Niño Bernos urged Congress last week to pass a measure that would guarantee every Filipino’s right to adequate food and aim for zero hunger within the next decade. House Bill No. 3125, or the Right to Adequate Food Bill, seeks to establish a national legal framework to ensure …

In support of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s campaign for digital transformation in government, technology expert Jonathan Bocaling of Integra Negra proposed the use of blockchain to combat corruption, following the recent exposure of irregularities in infrastructure projects such as flood control initiatives that have eroded public trust. Bocaling acknowledged the Marcos administration’s progress in promoting digitalization but noted that …

In the wake of the recent series of earthquakes that have shaken the country, the provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya, in partnership with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), plans to install a Strong Motion Station (SMS) at the provincial capitol in Bayombong to strengthen earthquake monitoring and disaster preparedness efforts. The initiative follows recent quakes and aftershocks …

Government’s recent measures to crack down on corruption—the mandatory lifestyle checks for all officials and the call for public access to their Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs)—are steps that, while commendable in theory, reek of superficiality in practice. They are being touted as tools of transparency and accountability. Yet, without the proper manpower, will, and systems to follow …

By Tracy Cabrera  In an unprecedented proposal, the Department of Education (DepEd) plans to include lessons on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in the basic education curriculum in public schools, earning praise from several civic groups who called the move “a wise and patriotic step toward building national awareness.” Civic leader Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia, chairman emeritus of the Alyansa …

By Tracy Cabrera  MALATE, Manila — Cause-oriented groups led by civic leader Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia have spoken out strongly against what has been tagged as a “dangerous lie” in reference to the viral claim that ₱1.7 trillion vanished from the Philippine stock market due to widespread corruption. According to Goitia, chairman emeritus of Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at …

By Tracy Cabrera  BATASAN HILLS, Quezon City — Stressing the importance of recognizing the valuable contributions of the elderly to society and the country as a whole, Bulacan 6th District representative Salvador ‘Ador’ Aquino Pleyto Sr. has raised concerns over what he described as the digital and social exclusion of senior citizens in today’s policies in governance and is causing …

By Jesse C. Ong The recent wave of strong earthquakes that rocked different parts of the country has reignited fears of the dreaded “Big One” and brought renewed scrutiny to the durability of public infrastructure built under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). On Friday morning, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Davao Oriental, shaking large portions of Mindanao …

The European Union (EU) has announced 750,000 euros (about ₱50 million) in humanitarian aid for victims of the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu province on September 30, even as it assesses possible assistance for communities hit by Friday’s powerful tremors in Davao Oriental. In a statement, the EU Delegation in Manila said the fresh funding will provide emergency shelter, …