MANILA, Dec. 23 — President Benigno S. Aquino III is scheduled to sign on Tuesday the P2.606-trillion General Appropriations Act (GAA) for 2015, Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said. On Tuesday “….. the President will sign the General Appropriations Act for 2015, which stands as a testament to the lengthy reviews […]
LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 22 – This continuing story shows how in the vicinities of Albay province lurks the discombobulated goings on in the local power retail delivery and services. On December 4, 2014, Albay Power and Energy Corporation disconnected the electric service to Mariners Polytechnic Colleges Foundation due to outstanding […]
The advocacy organization Social Watch Philippines alleges that the 2015 General Appropriations Act (GAA), which President Benigno S. Aquino III will sign before the end of the year, is very much loaded with pork barrel funds. The budget watchdog said in a report that vulnerabilities in the 2015 national budget […]
Sorsogon first district Rep. Evelyn Escudero in a special committee hearing of the House Special Committee on Bicol Recovery and Economic Development, quizzed Director Renato Solidum, of the Philippine Volcanology and Seismology, on the actual situation of Mayon. She was following the argument of Legazpi Mayor Noel Rosal that the […]
Mayon may have yet to explode, but we are sensing a brewing controversy on how the disaster and relief operations are being stage-managed. For the many times that Mt. Mayon threatened the livelihood and well-being of the people in its environs, there is always that factor of receipts from donors […]
The resignation of embattled Department of Health Secretary Enrique Ona has been accepted by the president. Malacanang announced yesterday that President Benigno S. Aquinoo III has finally accepted the resignation tendered by the health secretary. “Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. informed Health Secretary Ona that the President has accepted his […]
QUEZON CITY, Dec 19 — Philippine soldiers, police officers and other uniformed men will be getting an increase in their subsistence allowance. This was announced by President Benigno S. Aquino III on Thursday during the celebration of the 79th Armed Forces of the Philippines Day held in Camp General Emilio […]
There is no question about it. The fast approaching Papal visit in 2015 is catching up by leaps and bounds among Pinoys. Now add another topping to that. Organizers of the visit launched on Friday a mobile and tablet app for the general public’s consumption. Chairman of the committee on […]
The Philippines is spending P11.2 million for the 2-day visit of President Benigno S. Aquino III to South Korea. The amount will cover transportation, accommodation, food, and equipment expenses. The president is attending the 25th Association of South East Asian Nations and Republic of Korea commemorative summit in the city […]
MANILA, Dec. 11 — Whoever thought that the president will miss the opportunity of going out of the country for that tempting ASEAN-SK commemorative summit? Many got it wrong, thinking that President Benigno S. Aquino III would rather be in the country and look after the pressing needs or issues […]
MANILA, Dec. 10 — President Benigno S. Aquino III will be no-show in the 25th ASEAN-ROK commemorative summit in Busan, South Korea. Earlier, reported here that the president will be off to South Korea on December 11-12, 2014 for the symbolic commemorative meet. Palace assistant spokesperson Abigail Valte told reporters […]
Daet, Camarines Norte — Fire burns Jose Panganiban public market at the height of Typhoon Ruby. An estimated P10-million worth of goods and materials at the grocery section of the public market of the Jose Panganiban town of Camarines Norte went up in smoke early Monday morning while the town […]
MANILA, Dec. 8 – Power back to “normal” in many areas after typhoon Ruby. The National Grid Corporation has completed power restoration works in Quezon and Sorsogon provinces after Tropical Storm “Ruby” affected transmission lines last Saturday. The NGCP said on its 7:00 p.m. update, it has restored power in […]
MANILA, Dec. 7 — The Catholic Church, through its social action arm NASSA/Caritas Philippines, launched Saturday a Solidarity Appeal to 85 dioceses nationwide aimed at raising funds for the families affected by Typhoon “Ruby” (international name: Hagupit). In the letter sent to all 85 bishops nationwide, NASSA/Caritas Philippine National Director […]
MANILA, Dec. 3 — The Supreme Court during an en banc session Tuesday decided not to pursue with the scheduled deliberations and voting on the DAP case. This was after Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P. Aranal-Sereno went to Malacanang as guest speaker for the United Nations Convention Against Corruption program. […]
MANILA, Dec 2 — The National Government registered a P2.5 billion fiscal deficit in October, even as expenditures continued in a slower pace than revenues. But instead of delving into the details of the deficit, the National Economic Development Authority, in a statement, was more into highlighting the positive notes […]
MANILA,Dec. 1– Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) offers the cheapest rate for domestic money transfer this holiday season as it launches Pamaskong Handog “Piso Padala” promo on electronic postal money order. The public can send electronic money order at any participating post offices, for a flat rate of one (Php 1.00) […]
OFWs, netizens and those watching popular television shows and programs for free using their personal computers or laptops, has to read this. TV-movie conglomerate ABS-CBN Corporation, ABS-CBNfilm Productions, Inc. and ABS-CBN International has filed suit in US Federal District Court in Florida against 18 pirate sites for damages of over […]
QUEZON CITY, Dec. 1.– Some 1,709 armchairs, made from wood confiscated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), were turned over Tuesday, last week, to three public schools in the cities of Quezon and Parañaque under the government’s logs-to-chair project. The three schools are Pasong Tamo Elementary School […]
PH holds kick-off ceremony on APEC 2015 hosting On Monday, the kick-off ceremony will be held in Makati City with President Benigno S. Aquino III leading the event. It will be hosted by the government’s partners at the Department of Trade and Industry which will be held at 5 p.m.The […]
PASAY CITY, Nov 29 — The Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is getting a bigger spending package envisioned to respond to the needs of the community and push the much-needed development in the region, according to Senator Francis Escudero. An increase of 24-percent to P24 billion has been allotted […]
Quezon City, Nov. 28 — Good news for the 1.9 million pensioners of the Social Security System who are bound to receive their 13th month pay this December as part of the tradition which began in 1998. The total amount of SSS fund for release will amount to P6 billion. […]
It’s not yet over, ’til its over. So, ALECO wants to oust APEC thru court action. Now, member-consumers of the Albay Electric Cooperative have asked the court to stop the San Miguel Corp.’s Global Power Holdings Corp. (SMC Global) from exercising control and jurisdiction over the cooperative. In a 68-page […]
About PhilRice at 29, its rice production thrust and GMO. The Philippines is yet to catch up with other Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia whose technology was learned from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Laguna. PhilRice, it seems, is an active proponent of genetically modified […]
This is a short post about PhilRice at 29, its rice production thrust and GMO. The country’s premier government agency on research and improvement of rice varieties had its 29th year anniversary recently. The Philippine Rice Research Institute commonly known as PhilRice for short is an attached agency of the […]
MANILA, Nov. 23 — The wheel of justice is turning slow, and encountering more bumps, as Maguindanao massacre marks five year anniversary without justice for victims. But Malacanang made an assurance on Saturday it will continue to do everything in its power to serve justice to the families of the […]
While the visit of Pope Francis in the Philippines spans Jan 15-19, 2015, or five days, yet there are only two select occasions when the public can take a live glimpse of the Holy Father. Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle said that two events of Pope Francis’ apostolic visit […]
MANILA, Nov 20 — The Department of Budget and Management wants more money for its disposal. The agency is pushing for a P23-billion supplemental budget. Its main reason: to ensure sufficient funding support for crucial development initiatives, including various infrastructure projects for post-Yolanda rehabilitation and government preparations for the 2015 […]
Internal Revenue collection for October 2014 hits P101.8 billion. The Bureau of Internal Revenue has collected P101.8 billion for the month of October 2014. The tax revenue collected is 6.5% or P6.2 billion more than in October of 2013. Government spends P11.6-M for P-Noy’s Singapore trip. The government is set […]
The Bureau of Internal Revenue has collected P101.8 billion for the month of October 2014. The tax revenue collected is 6.5% or P6.2 billion more than in October of 2013. For October this year,2014, collections from operations amounted to P99.64 Billion, which is P6.42 billion or 6.88% more than in […]
MANILA, Nov. 18 — Result of the latest survey on the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III conducted by the Social Weather Stations revealed an increase in approval rating. It is by far a rebound in the last quarter after a very noticeable record low in June. The third-quarter […]
MANILA, 17 November – Pope Francis to say masses in Latin, speeches in English during visit. According to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, Pope Francis will celebrate masses in Latin during his papal visit from January 15 to 19 next year. Chairman of the CBCP Commission on Social […]
MANILA, 17 November – This is the Itinerary of Pope Francis’ visit in PH. Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle formally announced the itinerary of much-awaited apostolic visit on January 15-19, 2015 byPope Francis. According to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Pope Francis will arrive Manila in the […]
Safety of Pope Francis’ visit in the hands of PNP. This early, the PNP is making early preparations to ensure the safety of Pope Francis during his much-awaited apostolic visit on January 15-19, 2015. PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima said they will apply the principle of “Whole of Government […]
QUEZON CITY, 16 November (PIA) – Safety of Pope Francis’ visit in the hands of PNP. The forthcoming visit to the country of Pope Francis next year will receive the “whole of government approach” security from the Philippine National Police. This early, the PNP is making early preparations to ensure […]
MANILA, Nov 16 — The government extended on Saturday its condolences to the families of soldiers killed in a series of encounters in Sulu against the Abu Sayyaf Group. “Nakikiramay tayo sa kanilang mga pamilya, at nagpapasalamat po tayo sa kanilang pagbibigay ng talagang the ultimate sacrifice para po sa […]
Photo update on St. Peregrine Laziosi parish and church. This a photo update about the parish of St. Peregrine de Laziosi located at barangay Sto. Domingo in the town of Calabanga. The parish is the “newest” and one among the six Catholic parishes in the town. Its pious Catholic community […]
DOLE urge employers to pay workers 13th month pay The Department of Labor and Employment is urging all the country’s private employers to pay workers the 13th month pay, following the Labor Code of the Philippines, saying that the 13th month pay is a general labor standard that it (DOLE) […]
MANILA, Nov 12 — The Philippine government is issuing additional allotment of P50 million to the Department of Foreign Affairs for its overseas Filipino repatriation program. Fund being released by the Department of Budget and Management to the Department of Foreign Affairs will augment DFA’s P100-million emergency fund to help […]
Amnesty International, in a report Monday, said that Philippine authorities have not convicted any perpetrators of torture since passing the country’s Anti-Torture Act on November 10, 2009, and have thus failed to address the problem of torture in detention facilities throughout the country. “Philippine authorities are failing to tackle torture […]
Canada launches call for proposals for P825-million livelihood, reconstruction assistance for ‘Yolanda’-affected communities. MANILA, Nov. 11 — The Government of Canada launched the Typhoon Haiyan Reconstruction Assistance Call for Proposals in Ottawa in commemoration of the first anniversary of typhoon ‘Yolanda’ (Haiyan) and as part of its ongoing assistance to […]
QUEZON CITY, Nov. 10 — The Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board (HRVCB) has clarified all possible claimants application has until 12:00 midnight of November 10, 2014 to file their paperworks in its main office at ISSI, UP Diliman, and including all regional desks. The assurance of Akbayan Rep. Barry Gutierrez […]
LEGAZPI CITY, Nov. 6 — Albay governor Jose Salceda finally gave the green light for 9,841 families or 34,151 people within seven to eight-kilometer-radius danger zone to decamp. The directive was issued Tuesday afternoon during the cluster meeting of disaster officials presided by regional officer Raffy Alejandro for disaster risk […]
The long wait continues for that dreaded explosion of the beautiful, majestic Mayon volcano for 50 days or so now since Phivolcs raised Alert Level 3. The evacuees are holed in less comfortable camping situation of their lives, on dole outs from the government and private sectors of relief food, […]
LEGAZPI CITY — In the quest for a final disclosure on the fate of the missing P300 million electric cooperative fund, member-consumers are knocking at the turf of former ALECO board chairman and Albay Catholic Bishop Joel Baylon. Concerned member-consumers of Albay Electric Cooperative (Aleco) are seeking an explanation from […]
Valerie Weigmann, a commercial model and TV host, who claims her roots from Albay province, was crowned Miss World Philippines 2014 Sunday night in Manila. Also winneres are runners up Lorraine Kendrickson, First Princess; Nelda Ibe, Second Princess; Nicole Donesa, Third Princess; and Rachel Peters, Fourth Princess. Aside from winning […]
MANILA, Oct. 10 — The Philippine government is spending around P7.1 million for President Benigno S. Aquino III’s presence in the 7th Bali Democracy Forum from October 9 to 10 in Indonesia, according to Malacanang. The amount covers expenses for transportation, accommodation, food, equipment and other requirements of the president […]
Official Theme Song for the 2015 Apostolic Visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines “We Are All God’s Children” is the official theme song during the upcoming Apostolic visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines in 2015. The engaging action and gestures interpretation was performed by the Ligaya ng Panginoon […]
The Ombudsman has found probable cause to criminally charge a former member of the House of Representatives representing a district of Masbate province before the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan, in connection with the alleged misuse of the pork barrel funds. Current Masbate governor and former congressional district representative Rizalina L. Seachon-Lañete […]
Even with the impending eruption of Mayon volcano, there are tell tale signs that disaster tourism has positive economic benefits to the province of Albay and Legazpi city. The national government thru its various national agencies are pouring millions of pesos as ready funds to finance expenditures and purchases of […]
We have covered the Traslacion and the street and Fluvial procession of the venerated images of the Virgin of Penafrancia and the Dvino Rostro for so many times, either live blogging, video live stream courtesy of local TV channels, photos and images thru our Tony Abalayan’s lenses, if you would […]
As the Peñafrancia regional feast and festivities ushers in, watch here the regional competition of school bands, majorettes and military units fancy drill as they vie for ranking, honor and prestige of being on the top. Starts September 13, 2014, at 7:00 AM Bicol standard time. Peñafrancia regional competition of […]
NAGA CITY, Sept 11 — As the anticipated observance of the Penafrancia festivities that centers in the city of Naga reach fever-peak, the closure of some major roads while at the same time providing detours to ensure the smooth flow will be implemented in the city. This is seen to […]
Over the week, 75,000 board feet of alleged illegal logs from Partido area of the province of Camarines Sur were reported to be intercepted by the task force of the Bicol office of the environment and natural resources department. It was the second apprehension this year in the areas around […]
The Philippines will receive a hefty financial package from the World Bank amounting to US$508 million (P22.4 billion) earmarked for infrastructure, business and livelihood assistance, which can help over two million farmers and fishermen secure a higher income in the next six years. More than 70 percent of the fund […]
VIRAC, Catanduanes – The Catholic pious of the island joins the Diocese of Virac on a celebratory mood during the occasion of its Ruby anniversary with the theme “Bagong Ebanghelisasyon: Pagpabunga kan Pagtubod.” According to steering committee secretary Rev. Fr. Eric John Rojas, they expect thousands of devotees on Aug. […]
LEGAZPI CITY — In an attempt to curb blatant misuse of government ambulance vehicles, which should be solely devoted to transport seriously sick and injured patients for medical treatment, the Albay provincial legislative council on Monday passed an ordinance with accompanying penalty and fine. The move was prompted with the […]
Indeed, with the alarming upheaval in the belly of beguiling Mayon Volcano, another one is letting out a steam of its own. It would seem to confirm that Albay is home to two volcanoes that both pose threat to health and normal economic life of the province. We are referring […]
Mention disaster preparedness and the province of Albay always comes to mind. But not all LGUs and government offices in the province “walk the walk” and “talk the talk” of the indefatigable governor Joey Sarte Salceda. In Tabaco, at least 21 sacks of rice and cartons of relief goods (noodles) […]
LEGAZPI CITY -– Commuters traversing the Yawa bridge here better find an alternative route to avoid inconvenience. Starting Monday, August 6, a traffic rerouting affecting buses, trucks and delivery vans take effect as works on the bridge widening project starts. While the project has an allotment of P140 million approved […]
Albay governor Joey Salceda expressed irritation on the announcement of the Albay Power Energy Corp. (APEC) that the electricity supply in the entire province will be restored in October this year yet. The announcement crossed the eyebrows of consumers in the province. Salceda said Saturday he has asked the assistance […]
Maraming Salamat at Pagpalain Kayo ng Diyos – Nora Aunor After the brouhaha on P-Noy’s failure to recognize how to measure an artist’s overwhelming contribution to the national identity and withheld the National Artist Award to Bicolana Superstar Nora Aunor (Nora Villamayor in real life), the diminutive actor broke her […]
Nora Aunor could be 2nd national artist from Bicol The Philippine’s only cinema, theatrical actor and recording superstar of all time Nora Aunor is in the shortlist among the prospective candidates for National Artists that may find confirmation from Malacanang. This surfaced as President Benigno Aquino III has been asked […]
LEGAZPI CITY – This Bicol city hosted last year more than half a million tourists, an increase of 32.27 percent from the previous year’s number of arrivals. As recorded by the Bicol regional office of the Department of Tourism, the total arrivals of both domestic and foreign tourists here for […]
LEGAZPI CITY -– The regional office for Bicol of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) based here is discouraging the development of resorts in Camarines Norte’s Calaguas Islands to preserve its serenity, natural beauty and exotic ecosystem. Gilbert Gonzales, DENR regional executive director, on Thursday warned resort developers […]
It is not over until it is totally, finally over. But it would seem not yet, for the moment, when it comes to the disqualification case of front runner presidential candidate Senator Grace Poe. For again, the Supreme Court of the Philippines (SCOTP) on Friday received a petition to reverse […]
These candidates who trace their roots to Bicol have spent a total of P.979 billion already from February 9 to April 27, 2016 for television advertisement alone according to the Nielsen Media data. The list is topped by Liberal Party vice presidential candidate and Camarines Sur 1st district freshman representative […]
A new grouping of Bicol provinces into a local tourism industry development alliance is finally taking shape. The new group, which will be referred to as “Triple C,” include the provinces of Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte and Catanduanes. It will comprise a tourism development area. The two sub-tourism areas under […]
More indigent senior citizens of the country are getting P6,000 yearly pension from the Philippine government as one of its poverty alleviation program is poised to add into coverage 443,332 new beneficiaries. Qualified to receive the P500 monthly dole out under the law are senior citizens who are frail, sickly, […]
Regrettably, the conversation between President-elect Rodrigo Duterte and the news media has turned sharp and shrill. All but lost in the noise is the two parties’ common duty in law and tradition to serve and to inform the Filipino people on issues, events and policies that affect their interest and […]
After posting the article covering the much vaunted Pantao regional port located in Libon town of Albay province we dig a foot deeper and decided to go ahead with an update and rejoinder about the project. Envisioned to boost a “robust economic corridor in southern Luzon, specifically for Daet, Naga […]
Next year, Filipino expats in Europe will get to taste Philippine’s ‘home grown hamburger’ and related to go food stuff. This is because industry leader Jollibee Foods Corporation is set to make a European debut with the strong possibility in Italy. Italy is home and host to many expat Filipinos, […]
MANILA — The “laglag-bala” dented Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) will implement a heightened alert status until June 20 as passengers using public transportation are expected to increase in time for the opening of classes. MIAA General Manager Jose Angel Honrado said that the airport is ready to accommodate students […]
The volume of recorded crimes committed in the province of CamSur rose to 256 per cent or 294 cases in the first six months of the past year against 1,047 for the same half-year period, this year. Meanwhile, Naga city’s crime index seemed to follow the provincial trend.
Liberal Party standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II vowed on Sunday that he will take concrete steps to modernize the country’s fisheries system if he is elected in the May 9 national polls. Roxas shared his plans during the first Presidential Debate organized by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in […]
Kidnapped former Italian priest and pizza restaurant operator Rolando del Torchio was released by his abductors on Friday evening, the Armed Forces of the Philippines has confirmed. This was disclosed by AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, citing reports coming from Police Regional Office-ARMM. Del Torchio was recovered by the […]
Miss Grand International 2013 was the first edition of the beauty pageant. It was held in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 19, 2013. At the end of the event Miss Puerto Rico, Janelee Chaparro was crowned as Miss Grand International 2013. Miss Philippines beauty Annalie Forbes finished 3rd runner-up. Full Show […]
MANILA — Ex-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo had been praying and waiting for this to happen. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court of the Philippines (SCOTP) ordered the immediate release from detention of Pampanga 2nd district congresswoman and former President of the Philippines (POTP) Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Arroyo who has a debilitating bone […]
Baluko is a meaty shellfish that can be cooked in many ways like fried, adobo or seasoned in coconut milk with lots of chili to taste like the super hot Bicol express. Ii is now a popular wet market commodity in Sorsogon province as exotic delicacy for seafood lovers. Baluko […]
Naga City, Bicol’s financial, business, educational and religious capital now has a total net worth of over P4.675 billion, making it the richest local government unit (LGU) in the region, according to the Commission on Audit (COA). The City of Ligao, in Albay province, followed far second, with a total […]
Watch here the live stream feed of the 118th Philippine Independence Day Celebration direct from the Rizal Monument at the Rizal Park, near Roxas Boulevard, Manila. MANILA – President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed hope on Sunday that the Filipino people would continue to protect and defend democracy even beyond […]
It’s final. Malacañan okays burial of former President Marcos in Libingan Despite many who are against the move, including civil organizations, victims, relatives of victims and survivors, the move to finally intern the body of former President Ferdinand Marcos to the Libingan ng mga Bayani at Fort Bonifacio is almost […]
The Philippine peso finished its weakest under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday at P48.25 much noticeably lower than the P48.33 in September 15, 2009 but still far from the P47.16 of Nov. 10, 2015. Trying to explain the cause or identify the source as possible culprit, a […]
Do you love fruit salads? Are you fond of experimenting by adding colors on the mix to make it more fancy and attractive? Now that wait is almost over. Very soon, the food stalls and supermarkets in the US of A will get a fill of pineapple, not the yellow […]
The Malacanang palace on Saturday made known an official denial it has got no hand in the subpoenas issued by the National Bureau of Investigation to online xocial news network publisher Rappler chief executive officer (CEO) Maria Ressa and two others over cybercrime raps, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said on […]
During his elementary days, one would see him at their home front sari-sari store sketching komiks (yes, komiks was so popular that time) characters like the famous “Palos” and many more, honing his skills. At an early age he has shown the propensity and inclination for the visual arts, just […]
The Philippine Shippers’ Bureau (PSB) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Friday (October 12, 2012), released a complete list of blacklisted Philippine agents and freight forwarders doing business in the country and elsewhere. The agency was effectively warning Overseas Foreign Workers and their consignees in the country […]
NAY PYI TAW, Dec. 22 – The Philippines formally closed its dismal campaign in the 27th Southeast Asian Games at seventh place, its worst finish since it started competing in 1977. With only 29 gold, 34 silver and 38 bronze medals to show, the Philippines bowed to powerhouse Thailand, Vietnam, […]
MANILA, Nov 12 — The Philippine government is issuing additional allotment of P50 million to the Department of Foreign Affairs for its overseas Filipino repatriation program. Fund being released by the Department of Budget and Management to the Department of Foreign Affairs will augment DFA’s P100-million emergency fund to help […]