Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

In partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), the Department of Health (DoH) has announced recent development in their landmark program launched to help save the lives of children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM).
Nutrition supplies such as ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) are finally being delivered to priority provinces to treat up to 50,000 children who are severely malnourished.
These supplies were procured through Unicef’s global supply and logistics network, ensuring high quality and good value through fair and open procurement.
“It is very important that these RUTF and other nutrition-related commodities reach infants and young children who have severe acute malnutrition. We cannot afford to lose the lives of these children. We need everybody’s cooperation and support especially from our local chief executives to achieve our Philippine Health Agenda and Zero SAM,” said DoH Secretary Paulyn Ubial in a statement.
Continuing further, she urged all concerned to “make it happen for our children.”
Malnutrition remains a significant public health concern in the Philippines with a staggering 3.4 million children who are stunted (short for their age) and more than 300,000 children under five years who are severely wasted (thin for their height) concentrated in Regions IVB, ARMM, Eastern Visayas and Bicol Regions.
Children who have severe wasting — also known as severe acute malnutrition or SAM — are nine to 12 times at risk of dying.
Wasting continues to be a serious child health problem with the Philippines being highly disaster-prone.
In the 2016 Global Nutrition Report, the Philippines was identified as one of the top 40 countries in the world with the highest prevalence of wasting at 7.9 percent.
In the Unicef Global Nutrition Database, the Philippines ranks 10th in the world with the highest number of children under five who are moderately or severely wasted. The risk of wasting increases in the aftermath of emergencies.
As per Julia Rees, deputy representative of Unicef to the Philippines, we should be aware that good nutrition is the foundation of a child’s survival, health and development.
“Identifying severely malnourished children early, feeding them therapeutic food and giving them routine medications before any complications develop are key to saving their lives,” she stressed.
With technical support from Unicef, the DoH has began scaling up SAM management services in 17 initial provinces in 2016.
This includes the development of standard training modules on the management of SAM and a series of capacity building sessions for early detection.
DoH, for the first time, was also able to procure ready-to-use therapeutic food, therapeutic milk and other essential commodities.
The supplies are enough for an estimated 50,000 children with SAM with additional stocks prepositioned for emergency situations.

Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III expressed his full support to Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) Executive Director Jose Antonio Goitia after he personally instructed Chief of Political Division Ronwald Munsayac to endorse all the programs and projects of the commission.

Goitia presented the vision and mission of the PRRC with the help of Design Division’s Architect Raymart Santos who showed the Multimodal Transport System that will connect Pasig River to Laguna de Bay through the inter-linked transport services like ferry boats, light rail transits and road networks.
Goitia formally sworn in Deputy Executive Director for Operations Gregorio Garcia which Munsayac witnessed and the member of PRRC-Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) Technical Working Group promised to do everything he can for the success of the project that will solve the heavy traffic problems of Metro Manila.
For his part, Munsayac commended the plans of Goitia for the PRRC with the cooperation of other departments and agencies of the government.
“He has very ambitious plans for the commission (PRRC) and he’s very hardworking. He has achieved a lot in less than a month as Executive Director of the PRRC,” said Munsayac while also praising the president of PDP-Laban San Juan City Council. “His integrity is unquestionable and I firmly believe that he will implement the changes and improvements that comes with this administration. He truly is a partner of change. True to the ideals of PDP-Laban.”
Meanwhile, Goitia showed his gratitude to partymates Pimentel and Munsayac and also to President Duterte with a promise to eradicate whatever corruption may be left at the PRRC during the past administration in achieving the true change that the government is seeking.

A few days before passengers troop to the bus stations to queue for a bus ride to their provinces, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) released a memorandum circular that limits the driving hours of public utility drivers to just six hours a day, in order to avoid road mishaps.

But the LTFRB explained that this will not mean in shortages in drivers or buses that will ply the streets for the expected exodus, but will only require bus companies to make sure that there will be at least two drivers for each long road trip.
“Nire-require lang po namin ang maximum six hours na pwedeng mag-biyahe ang isang bus driver, lagpas ng six hours kailangan mayroon ng alternate driver on board,” LTFRB spokesman and board member Aileen Lizada said in an interview aired over radio station dzBB.
“Tsaka ang conductor hindi pwedeng maging alternate driver. If mayroong accident (at) kung dahil dito sa violation na ito, let’s say walang alternate driver at magkakaroon ng vehicular accident resulting in loss of lives, physical injuries or damage to property, magiging aggravating circumstance po ‘yan, lalala ang penalties to the bus operator,” she clarified.
Under Memorandum Circular 2017-012, PUB (public utility bus) operators are directed to require their drivers to drive for a maximum of six hours starting today, April 9.
“The conductor cannot be an alternate driver in order for him to provide continuous assistance to the passengers,” it added.
Non-compliance with the memo, the LTFRB said, would have the following penalties: First offense — P5,000; second offense — P10,000 and suspension of 30 days; third offense - suspension of 60 days.
Meanwhile, the LTFRB earlier approved a total of 1,153 special permits to augment the 8,000 franchised buses going in and out of Metro Manila during Holy Week, from April 9 to 17.
Lizada, meanwhile, said that they are expecting an estimated 232,000 passengers who will board buses to and from provinces during the Holy Week.  
She also said that they reminded UV Express operators to make sure that their passengers are comfortable during their trip.
“Yung mga UV express na legitimate, sinasabihan namin sila na ‘wag ninyong i-full pack ang inyong mga sasakyan, kasi minsan parang mga sardinas na ang mga pasahero, hindi na sila komportable.”
Lizada also said that they have an intensified “anti-colorum” program, especially this Holy Week. She also reminded the public not to patronize colorum vehicles to ensure their safety.
“Ang problema niyan, hindi kayo covered ng insurance, hindi namin nache-check ang mga papeles na yan, nagiging personal liability nung operator o driver yung sa inyo,” she said.

By Julius Leonen

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II yesterday said he was standing in solidarity with Bureau of Immigration (BI) officers and staffers amid the reported mass leave protests at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) against the suspension of their overtime pay.
In a statement released yesterday, Aguirre said he had a dialog with immigration personnel at NAIA Terminal 3 last Friday together with BI Commissioner Jaime Morente and Justice Undersecretary Erickson Balmes.
Aguirre said he inspected the immigration counters and the looming surge of passenger traffic at NAIA for the observance of the Holy Week and an upcoming Southeast Asian summit to be held in the country this year.
“I wanted to personally see how our NAIA BI personnel are doing and to see their preparations in the light of the expected heavy passenger traffic at our airports during the coming Holy Week,” Aguirre said.
“Based on what I have seen, I believe that the BI has all bases covered with their contingent plans. We wish to assure the departing public that we will do our job,” Aguirre said.
The Justice secretary also assured the public immigration personnel at NAIA are ready amid the ongoing preparations for the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit to be held this month.
“To the best of our abilities, our BI personnel will serve the public not only during the Holy Week but also during our upcoming hosting of the Asean 2017,” Aguirre said.
To recall, President Duterte had vetoed the provision to use express lane funds to pay for the immigration personnel’s overtime salaries and allowances in the 2017 General Appropriations Act.
The veto has apparently led immigration officers and personnel receiving meager monthly salaries of only P14,000 a month, with reports saying many had already filed notices of six months of leave to apply for another job.
The Justice secretary even recalled that Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade told him the mass leave protests had caused longer lines of passengers at immigration counters at NAIA.
Aguirre said he would back the passage of a new immigration law that would serve as a remedy for the BI’s overtime pay dilemma, where the use of express lane funds to pay overtime salaries will be halted.
During the 29th Annual National Convention of the Prosecutors League of the Philippines, the Justice chief told reporters that under the new law, the BI will hire more immigration personnel and the employees’ salaries will be augmented.
Aguirre said due to the lack of immigration personnel, the BI had resorted to using express lane funds as overtime pay. Express lanes at airports are used by foreign visitors to expedite the processing of permits.
The Justice secretary said while 4,000 immigration personnel are needed to be filled for the BI to efficiently function, the bureau only as a workforce of 1,700, with 2,300 vacancies still waiting to be filled.
“There’s a vacancy of 2,300 which they remedied with an express lane fund for overtime work. But if the vacancies are filled, there’ll be no need for the express lane,” Aguirre said.
Meanwhile, Aguirre reminded immigration personnel at NAIA of their oath of office and their duties and responsibilities, saying he, together with the BI employees, is tasked to “serve everyone professionally and with integrity.”
“The BI is part of the DoJ family. As the father of the DoJ family, I am very much aware of their current circumstances and we are working to address their concerns at the soonest possible time,” Aguirre told reporters.
“We talked. They talked and we listened. We are in this together,” Aguirre said.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) activated a joint committee to strengthen the uniformed servicers’ civil military operations (CMO).

Maj. Gen. Melquiades Feliciano, AFP deputy chief of staff for CMO (J7), and Chief Supt. Noel Constantino, acting director of the PNP-Directorate for Police Community Relations, signed the letter directive with key officials from the AFP and PNP in attendance.
AFP chief of staff Gen. Eduardo Año cited the need for the AFP and the PNP to have coordinated efforts to ensure the government’s victory in addressing any threat to national peace and security.
“It is imperative that the AFP and PNP work closely and support each other in addressing all threats to national peace and security and, at the same time, it is necessary for both organizations to maintain their legitimacy among the people they serve,” Año said.
The closer CMO ties between the AFP and the PNP were formalized last Friday with the signing of a Joint Letter Directive creating the Joint AFP-PNP Civil Relations Committee (JAPCRC) at Camp Aguinaldo.
“Through the creation of the JAPCRC, we hope to further establish a stronger and more active relationship with our people and stakeholders in building a better and peaceful nation,” Año said.
Under JAPRC, Col. Edgard Arevalo, AFP-Public Affairs Office chief, said the AFP and PNP shall coordinate and synchronize their respective CMOs to better implement our peace and development programs, particularly in conflict-affected communities.
The JAPCRC was patterned after the existing Joint AFP-PNP Intelligence Committee and will support the proposed Revised National Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center Organization.
“This serves as a venue for us to strengthen mechanisms for the integration and collaboration of our efforts for joint civil relations operations; with the end in view of realizing the Filipino’s aspirations for peace, security, stability and progress,” Constantino said.
The JAPCRC aims to ensure efficient, responsive, and coordinated civil relations efforts in support of national security and development objectives. It will also recommend areas where the AFP or the PNP shall take the lead or support role in the conduct of joint civil relations activities.
Another function of the JAPCRC is to coordinate civil relations aspect of all AFP-PNP law-enforcement, internal security and counter-terrorism efforts. The functions will be replicated in the area, regional, and provincial levels.
Among the activities to be conducted under the joint effort are strategic crisis communications; creation of joint quick response teams during emergencies; conduct of joint training activities, medical, dental, veterinary and engineering civic action projects, and joint humanitarian civic assistance.
Arevalo urged the public to support the committee to ensure its success.
“Public support and good community relations are crucial to the successful performance of military and police functions,” Arevalo said.
“Both the AFP and the PNP acknowledge this and have long sought the support and assistance of the civilian populace in the performance of their different but interrelated mandates,” he added.
 

Unidentified armed men have struck anew, killing at least three suspected drug personalities during separate shooting incidents over the weekend in the cities of Caloocan, Navotas and Malabon, reports from the Northern Police District said.
According to Caloocan police chief Senior Supt. Chito Bersaluna, the still unidentified victim, clad in black t-shirt and brown short pants, was shot dead past 4 a.m. yesterday along Phase 8, Barangay 176, Bagong Silang.
Police said a witness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he was awakened by a burst of gunfire and when he went outside to check, he saw the bloodied victim slumped on the pavement with a cloth wrapped around his head.
In Navotas, the body of one Raul Rarugal Jr., 25, of Barangay North Bay Boulevard South, was discovered by roving barangay watchmen lying in a pool of blood around 7:35 p.m. Saturday along R-10.
Local police homicide investigator PO3 Joey Ogatia said five empty shells and a deformed bullet for an unknown caliber of firearm were recovered from the crime scene.
Earlier around 1 p.m. one Samboy Versoza, 23, of Barangay Longos, Malabon, was shot dead by riding-in tandem criminals along Pampano Street, case officer PO3 Roger Gonzales said.
He added the victim and his live-in partner Adeline Joy Torbanada were walking on their way home when two men, on board a motorcycle, stopped in front of them.
The back rider, wearing jacket and bonnet, alighted and armed with a unknown type of handgun shot Versoza once but missed.
The victim managed to run inside a water refilling station but he was chased by the gunman and when cornered, shot him repeatedly, reports said.
After the killing, the gunman fled on board a motorcycle driven by his cohort and sped away towards an unspecified direction while Torbanada rushed her partner to the Tondo Medical Center but was declared dead on arrival.
NPD director Chief Supt. Roberto Fajardo told the Tribune he had instructed the top four police station chiefs under his turf to relentlessly carry out the government’s war against all forms of illegal drug activity by arresting suspected drug traffickers and pushers and confiscating illegal substance.                 

Immigration authorities have arrested a Chinese fugitive indicted by the Chinese government for perpetrating economic crimes following an operation in San Juan City earlier this week.
Zhang Cailin, 35, a Chinese national, was arrested by Bureau of Immigration (BI) Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) operatives, according to a spot report sent to the Department of Justice last April 8.
The arrest was made following an enforcement operation by immigration authorities in coordination with the Chinese Embassy in Manila at Greenhills West 2, San Juan City over the weekend.
“FSU agents, in coordination with Police Senior Supt. Fu Yun Fei, police attache of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Manila, conducted law enforcement operations in San Juan City which resulted in the arrest of Zhang Cailin,” read the BI FSU report.
Justice Undersecretary Erickson Balmes said Zhang was wanted by Chinese authorities for economic crimes, but he did not delve into the specifics of his acts.
BI FSU operatives added  Zhan was found to be an undocumented alien, noting the Chinese government has canceled his passport for being a fugitive.
“Zhang’s passport has been canceled by the Chinese government for being a fugitive due to his involvement in economic crimes,” BI FSU operatives reported, citing a report from the Chinese Embassy in August 2013.
“Zhang was arrested for being an undocumented alien and posing a risk to public safety and security for being a fugitive from justice as per official communication from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Manila,” the report said.
The BI FSU added Zhang was escorted to the BI Detention Facility for commitment.         

Julius Leonen

IN PREPARATION FOR THE COMING OF ‘THE BIG ONE’

The government should intensify earthquake drills and heighten preparedness following several temblors that had hit the country, particularly in Southern Luzon, in the past days, Sen. Loren Legarda said yesterday.

At least two strong earthquakes with magnitude 5.6 and 6.0 jolted Batangas and were felt in nearby areas, including Metro Manila on Saturday, only four days after a 5.5 earthquake also hit the province. These tremors caused damage to structures.
“We never know when an earthquake will occur. But we should know what to do before, during and after the occurrence of such events. Regular safety drills should be done to familiarize citizens with safety and disaster preparedness measures,” said Legarda, a United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction Global Champion for Resilience.
She also reminded that disaster management agencies, local government units, community leaders and even citizens should prepare for the Big One, or the projected 7.2-magnitude earthquake in Metro Manila.
“The key to effective disaster prevention is planning. It is important to know if our location is near an active fault and prone to liquefaction or landslide which may cause damage to houses or buildings. We have to ensure that buildings are not standing on active faults. Evaluation and retrofitting of public and private infrastructure is crucial in ensuring that buildings, bridges and other similar structures can withstand strong quakes,” she stressed.
Legarda explained earthquakes turn into major disasters due to unsafe structures — poorly built structures, buildings in inappropriate places, inadequate design and materials specification and shortcuts in construction.
“The additional expense required for making structures safe from earthquakes is worth it, especially if it would save thousands of lives,” she said.
“LGUs and barangay leaders must prepare their communities, especially by determining open spaces for safe refuge when earthquakes occur and crafting evacuation plans that would help citizens find out the fastest and safest way to reach open spaces and other safe areas,” she added.
Legarda also emphasized the importance of an effective early warning system and massive information and education campaign to equip citizens with knowledge on what to do before, during and after such disasters.
She cited the “5 p.m. chime” or the “Municipal Disaster Management Radio Communication Network” of Minato City in Japan wherein every 5 in the afternoon the instrumental version of the Japanese folk song “Yuyaku Koyake” is heard in speakers all around the city.
The daily “5 p.m. chime” is a way to ensure that the broadcast system and speakers are working correctly because the speaker network is used to warn people of emergency situations, especially disaster warnings.
“We also need to have this kind of early warning system in the country, so that wherever people are they are informed of important announcements, especially in emergency situations such as before, during and after disasters, thereby reducing risks, casualties and damage,” Legarda said.
Legarda reminded that ensuring the structural integrity of buildings and preparedness measures for earthquakes can significantly reduce the impacts projected in the 2004 Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study which revealed that without the necessary interventions, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake in Metro Manila could destroy 40 percent of residential buildings, damage 35 percent of all public buildings, kill 34,000 people, injure 114,000 individuals and the ensuing fires will also result in 18,000 additional fatalities.

The city government of Makati yesterday announced the lifting of the number coding scheme on April 13 (Maundy Thursday) and April 14 (Good Friday) in observance of the Lenten Season.
City spokesman Michael Camiña said number coding will remain in effect until Wednesday, April 12, and resume on Monday, April 17.
“Since Monday to Wednesday are still regular work days, we will only lift the number coding scheme for vehicles in Makati this Thursday and Friday,” Camiña said.
With a daytime population of around four million, Makati has taken a strict policy against suspending number coding on regular work days to avoid aggravating traffic congestion in the city.
Camiña also advised motorists to take note of road closures during the Holy Week, particularly in Barangays Poblacion and Guadalupe Viejo where “kubols” or “kalbaryos” are put up as part of Makati’s Lenten tradition.
A traffic advisory from the Makati Public Safety Department has announced that effective April 9 until April 16, the stretch of J.P. Rizal Avenue from Makati Avenue to Nicanor Garcia Street will be open to two-way traffic.
During the same period, the entire stretch of Makati Avenue, from Mandaluyong to Makati Central Business District and vice versa, will also be open on both directions. Kalayaan Avenue from east to west will also be open to two-way traffic.
Meanwhile, the following are streets closed due to the installation of “kubols” in Poblacion: Enriquez Street (from Don Pedro to Fermina); Burgos Street (from Makati Avenue to J. P. Rizal); Pagulayan Street (from Burgos to Gabaldon); D.M. Rivera Street (from Gabaldon to A. Mabini); Doña Epifania Street (from Agno to A. Mabini); Ilaya Street (from A. Mabini to J.P. Rizal); Don Pedro Street (from Gabaldon to Mañalac).

Four policemen, one of them an off-duty cop who neutralized three bus robbers, were honored by Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald de la Rosa yesterday during simple ceremonies in Camp Crame.

Honored were PO3 Joselito Lantano, of the Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG); PO2 Carolina del Rosario; PO1 Randy del Rosario, PO1 Arce James Saique — all of Malate Police Station.
Lantano was aboard a Diamond Star bus, with licensed plate number UYB 132, in the early morning of April 4 when three armed robbers announced a holdup.
Despite being off duty, Lantano introduced himself as a policeman to stop heist but one of the suspects engaged him — resulting in the killing of the robber. The two others attempted to escape but were arrested by other responding Quezon City policemen.
The robbers yielded two caliber .38 revolvers and a fan knife.
PO2 del Rosario, on the other hand, led her fellow Malate cops in responding to a call about a mother trying to drown her own baby at the Manila Bay last April 6.
De la Rosa stressed that the PNP leadership will always recognize good deeds of its personnel amid the ongoing internal cleansing program in the 165,000-strong organization.
“We want to discipline our men, we want to make them toe the line but at the same time we want them to achieve the highest form of police service that they can offer to their fellow men,” de la Rosa said.
“The PNP will always be here to recognize whatever good deeds you have done and I am very happy to award you whatever accomplishments that you have achieved, and we will not let you down,” he added.
The chief PNP awarded Lantano with a brand new Glock 30 pistol. Lantano was also promoted from PO2 to PO3.
On the other hand, the Malate cops were given additional pay and other benefits.

The 17 Metro Manila mayors have expressed their support to the administration of President Duterte’s thrust and campaign to shift from the presidential to a federal form of government.
At a recent Metro Manila Council (MMC) meeting, the 17 local chief executives issued a resolution, expressing the council’s advocacy toward a shift from a centralized and unitary system to a federal form of government.
Tesda Secretary-General Guiling Mamondiong and the representative of Senate President Koko Pimentel also attended the recent MMC meeting.
“…the council recognizes the immediate need to further enhance the national and local governments’ efforts in improving the country’s peace and order situation, economic activities, business and trade relations, employment opportunities, health care, and disaster preparedness, among others,” the MMC resolution read.
It added that “the present system of Philippine government is such that the three great powers of the Executive, the Legislative and the Judiciary are centralized in the National Capital Region (NCR) thereby effectively alienating the other regions of the archipelago from much-needed government support.”
The MMC is the policy-making body of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
The local chief executives are supportive of the key agenda of the Duterte administration, and just merely waiting for guidelines on the transition of power and mandates.
“After a judicious evaluation of the existing systems of government around the world vis-à-vis the unique and diverse circumstances, needs, and requirements of the country and the Filipino people, it is imperative that a new and more responsive form of government be adopted the soonest,” the Metro Manila mayors said.
Meanwhile, MMDA General Manager Tim Orbos said he is thankful to the metro mayors for being supportive of federalism.
“They just want to know and be clear of how to operationalize the system,” Orbos said.
MMDA has also initiated the NCR for Mindanaoans campaign to help mobilize Metro Manila for, and in support of the national government’s key agenda, including the shift toward a federal form of government.
In a concept note, the movement argued that once the country successfully shifted to federalism, “even NCR’s long pestering problems such as lack of shelter, massive influx of informal settlers, traffic congestion, peace and order and the cutthroat competition amongst traders and manufacturers… would likely be alleviated, if not completely addressed...”
It said that that government’s “balik probinsya” program would have a greater chance of success that would in turn curb the congestion in Metro Manila.
Even before being elected to the presidency, Duterte has been advocating for Federalism in governance to address the problems and concerns that plagued other regions of the country, specifically Mindanao.
Being an archipelago, Duterte believes that a federal form of government is the answer to solve the unique concerns of every region and province in the Philippines.

Love your neighbors.

A less combative President Duterte yesterday urged Filipino Christians to have a heart for the poor ahead of the Lenten season.
In his Holy Week message, the Chief Executive said that those who are commemorating the passion and death of Jesus Christ should see Christ’s person in those who are less fortunate in society and that it should inspire others to work for the common good.
“May the virtue of kindness and benevolence that Christ exemplified serve as our inspiration to aid in the plight of our less fortunate fellowmen,” Duterte said.
“Let the story of crucifixion challenge us to remain persevering in our struggle for a better life and a stronger society,” he added.
The President also noted that Christians should also embody the example that Christ preached and did regardless of religious affiliations.
“This moment of renewal of our faith sends a message of solidarity to everyone regardless of our denomination. Despite our differences as individuals, may we always choose to embody compassion as Christ has personified,” he said.
“Christ’s life is a testament to the power of selfless service and humility in the face of various trials. Amid uncertainties and difficulties, the way of the cross is our firm assurance that goodness and truth will always prevail,” Mr. Duterte added.
Duterte, despite the Holy Week break, will continue to be on a working mode as he left the country yesterday for his three consecutive official visits in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar.
Malacañang, moreover, said that the Chief Executive wants government services to remain efficient and yield positive feedbacks from the public knowing that most Filipinos will flock in airports, bus terminals and sea ports for their week-long vacations.
“The President wants results. Setting things in place, and ensuring proper and efficient functioning and coordination of the agencies are but the initial steps of the entire process,” presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said in a statement.
“Ultimately, his satisfaction can only be measured by the extent that the public’s safety and convenience are facilitated and guaranteed by the government,” he added.

Do not post your travel itinerary and photos on Facebook and other social networking sites this Holy Week. 

This was the reminder of the Manila Police District (MPD) to thousands of Manileños who will be going on Holy Week vacation.
MPD director Chief Supt. Joel Coronel warned that posting of travel photos may encourage burglars to rob houses that they would think are unoccupied or unattended.
“Just a reminder, please avoid posting on Facebook, on social media, where and when you are going this Holy Week break,” Coronel said after meeting with Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada about the MPD’s “Oplan Sumvac” (summer vacation) security plan for Holy Week and summer vacation.
“As much as possible, don’t let others know — especially those who are not supposed to know — your travel plans and schedule, kasi tumataas po ang insidente ng ‘akyat bahay’ ‘pag may mga bahay na naiiwang walang tao,” the MPD chief stressed.
To those who cannot avoid leaving their houses unattended, Coronel said they should ask a trusted neighbor or friend to watch over it while they are away.
Also, keep the doors locked and if possible, use burglar alarms, he added.
As ordered by Estrada, the MPD has activated its Oplan Sumvac operational plan starting with the deployment of 760 policemen to different churches in the city from April 9 (Palm Sunday) to April 16 (Easter Sunday).
All in all, the city police force will be fielding 1,680 policemen throughout the Holy Week and summer holiday, especially in bus terminals, seaports such as Manila North and Manila South harbors, and other areas of public convergence.
Meanwhile, in observance of the Holy Week, Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada declared Wednesday, April 12, a non-working holiday for city government employees.
Estrada said this will give the city personnel ample time to prepare for the holidays.

Sen. JV Ejercito sought the dismissal of the technical malversation raps against him over the alleged anomalous purchase of high-powered firearms worth P2.1 million during Ejercito’s term as San Juan City mayor.

In his motion, Ejercito asked the Sandiganbayan’s Sixth Division to allow a demurrer to evidence, which seeks to dismiss the case on the grounds of insufficiency of evidence.
In his motion, Ejercito argued that the prosecution was not able to establish sufficient evidence to show their guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
The Ombudsman accused Ejercito of conspiring with San Juan City officials for the purchase of high-powered firearms from February to August 2008 during his term as mayor of the city.
The Ombudsman said the money used for the purchase of the firearms came from the city government’s calamity fund, which was not allowed under the law.
It further alleged that the purchase was done in haste without competitive bidding and examination of the supplier’s qualifications.
Ejercito, in his motion, said there was no “diversion, misapplication or misuse” of public funds, adding that the use of calamity fund for the transaction was authorized by “valid and subsisting” appropriation ordinances.
The ordinances and resolutions of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of San Juan City are also valid, Ejercito said, unless nullified by a competent court.
Even if the ordinances were nullified, Ejercito said the prosecution was still not able to prove the calamity fund was used for the purchase of the firearms, as their exhibits showed that the firearms were paid using San Juan City’s general fund, not the calamity fund.
Ejercito added there was also no proof to show the conspiracy between him and the San Juan City officials.
“The prosecution presented no proof of any overt act done by accused that will indicate a common intention, plan or design to commit technical malversation,” the motion read.
Sen. Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian, on the other hand, has asked the Sandiganbayan to allow him to travel to Germany late this month to attend a study information program on energy.
In his motion for leave to travel abroad, Gatchalian said he was invited by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, a German political-educational foundation, to attend a study information program for politicians, experts, academics and advocates from Southeast Asia.
The program, which will tackle transformation of energy supply, will be held in Germany from April 22 to 30.
“Accused being the chairman on the Senate committee on energy, the program will be a valuable opportunity for him to study and explore other potential sources of energy for the country, including nuclear energy and renewable energy,” his motion read.
“It will also allow him to learn and scrutinize the laws and policies governing the identification, production, distribution, and usage of various sources of energy with a view of adopting the same or similar models in the Philippines,” it added.
Gatchalian said that in attending the program, he will also be given the opportunity to meet with his counterparts from the German government in the areas of economic development and energy.
He added he would be able to meet with Gabi Weber, deputy chair of the German Bundestag, committee on economic cooperation and development, as well as Ursula Boral, Johan Saathoff and Nina Scheer, all of the committee on economic affairs and energy of the German Parliament.
The senator insisted that he is not a flight risk, and that he will not “flee from jurisdiction of the honorable court in order to evade prosecution.”
Gatchalian said the program would also provide him insights on how nuclear and renewable energy are used, being the chairperson of the Senate committee on energy.
“His participation in the program will enable him to observe and learn the application of technologies to safely harness nuclear energy, as well as the methods of identifying and utilizing renewable energy sources,” Gatchalian’s motion added.
He maintained that he had always been respectful of the anti-graft court and its processes.
The senator appealed that the P270,000 travel bond he posted in October last year and had not yet withdrawn be used for his latest travel motion.

Top local officials in Quezon City and in Camanava (Caloocan-Malabon-Navotas-Valenzuela) area and the Northern Police District (NPD) have vowed to make this year’s observance of the Holy Week more solemn and safer in their respective localities.
Hence, they told the Tribune in separate interviews that there will surely be no Lenten break for their respective traffic and rescue personnel to ensure maximum protection to the public.
QC Mayor Herbert Bautista said he already directed the city’s department of public order and safety to make sure that the concerned personnel should be on alert mode to ensure public safety during the observance of the Holy Week.
In partnership with the mayor, QC Police District director Chief Supt. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar said QCPD is on a heightened police visibility at all bus terminals and other passenger holding areas in the city, including terminals of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT), to deter criminal activities and other lawless acts.
To secure bus terminals and MRT stations, the QCPD has set up police assistance centers and conduct 24/7 foot, mobile and motorcycle patrols, Eleazar said.
Quezon City is host to several provincial buses terminals plying Southern Luzon — Quezon City routes and vice versa such as Tritran, JAC and JAM Liners along Kamuning Road and those plying Northern Luzon — QC routes and vice versa such as Baliwag, Victory, Partas, Dagupan, Five Star and the Dominion Bus Lines in the Cubao area.
In Camanava area, NPD director Chief Supt. Roberto Fajardo called on motorists who will be traveling to their respective provincial destinations to observe safety measures to ensure a peaceful and safe Semana Santa.
“I have ordered the top four police station chiefs as well as their Police Community Relations Branch heads to flood public transport terminals and other similar places of convergence in their respective areas with advisories on security tips to prevent burglary and road safety tips to avoid accidents during travel,” Fajardo said.
Also, the NPD chief urged public to remain vigilant against the continuing threat posed by terrorist groups and report any untoward incident or suspicious persons to the nearest police stations.
“The NPD shall undertake maximum security coverage and hardening of potential targets like the LRT Station, telecommunication relay stations; vital installations, churches and other areas vulnerable to terrorist activities,” Fajardo said.
Caloocan Mayor Oscar  Malapitan said he already directed the city’s Department of Public Safety and Traffic Management chief Larry Castro for the mobilization of its personnel which should complement the police and traffic management force that will be deployed by the NPD, city police and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority during this period.          
“At the same time, Caloocan’s rescue team has been mobilized to respond to any emergency situation that may arise during the observance of the Lenten season,” Malapitan said.
For his part, Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco said he met with the local peace and order council executives and they formulated safety measures in anticipation of the influx of people coming from all walks of live during this period.
“The city’s concerned personnel will provide traffic assistance to pilgrims and churchgoers during processions and Visita Iglesia, among other things,” said Tiangco as he enlisted the support of the city’s barangay public safety officers for maintaining peace and order during the Lenten break.
In Valenzuela, Mayor Rex Gatchalian also confirmed  he also presided over the peace and order council as local authorities have been directed to focus on ensuring adequate transportation and medical emergency services to the public and keeping criminals away.
“It’s (Holy Week) a time of reflection but this is also the time that lawless elements take advantage of the situation to carry out their illegal activities, that is why it’s very important that the concerned authorities are doubly alerted,” Gatchalian said.
The local chief executives, including Malabon Mayor Lenlen Oreta III cited the importance of establishing close coordination with the local authorities, especially in this particular event of the year “to ensure full protection of the people as well as cleanliness and orderliness, especially during the period.”
They all reiterated their reminders to their constituents about the safety tips, especially those who travel to their provinces by making sure that the doors and windows of their houses are locked to prevent burglary and to see to it that all electrical appliances are plugged out to prevent the occurrence of fires while they are out of town during the Lenten vacation.                                                                 

In celebration of the Lenten Season, the city government of Makati encourages everyone to find quiet time to reflect, meditate and strengthen their relationship with God.  
For the duration of the Holy Week, traditional religious practices and activities will be held in various parts of Makati. Some 71 kubols or kalbaryos are now in place in Barangays Poblacion (49) and Guadalupe Viejo (22), for the faithful to relive the passion and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Kubols or kalbaryos are tableaus with religious themes traditionally assembled in Poblacion communities by families and associations where antique statues of the Holy Family and saints owned by prominent families are placed. Residents gather here for the traditional Pabasa, the singing of the Passion of Christ Jesus. The faithful also spend time in the kubol to reflect and meditate.
The Makati Museum and Cultural Affairs Office has also prepared several activities for the Lenten Season. On Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, there will be a film showing of “Soul of Makati” documentary at Poblacion Park from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
There will also be a viewing of the Santo Intierro at Museo ng Makati on Good Friday, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
From April 10 to 17, life-size religious statues are on display at Poblacion Park.
The kubols in Poblacion are located on P. Guanzon St., P. Burgos St. (two), Gen. Luna St., Kalayaan Avenue, Enriquez St., San Marcos St., San Juan St., Ilaya Heights, San Mateo St., Agno St., Doña Epifania St., Ilaya Ibaba, Mabini St. (seven), Don Pedro St., Osias St., Albert St., JD Villena St., A. Bonifacio St. (six), San Pablo St., P. Gomez St. (two), Santiago Extension, Pertierra St., Ma. Aurora St., Bagong Diwa St., S. Osmeña St. (two), F.Zobel St., Buencamino St., Zenaida St., Quintos St. (two), Molina St., Singian St., San Agustin St., and Valdez St.
On the other hand, kubols in Guadalupe Viejo are located at the following streets: Gonzales corner Bernardino Sts., Coronado St., Coronado St. near Cloverleaf, J.P. Rizal (three), Bernardino corner Trinidad Sts., Carballo St., Azucena St., Amapola corner Camia Sts., Adalla Place corner Adalla St., in front of barangay health center, Rosal corner Adalla Sts., Rosal corner Jasmin Sts., Jasmin corner Ilang-Ilang Sts., Champaca corner Jasmin Sts., Progreso St. (two), Bernardino St., Bernardino corner Progreso 2 Sts., and Progreso corner Bernadino Sts.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) yesterday warned the public, especially Filipinos opting for overseas employment, against bogus job offers circulating online to prevent undocumented migration and travails abroad.
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said Filipinos who are planning to work abroad should always be more careful of the too-good-to-be-true job offers being posted online. Avoid applying with unlicensed recruitment agencies.
Bello was with President  Duterte in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from April 10-12 to check the condition of the OFWs and oversee the repatriation of 5,000 stranded OFWs following the 90-day amnesty given by Saudi Arabia.
“Some of the undocumented and stranded OFW in Saudi were victims of illegal recruitment scams and never experienced the job they were offered,” Bello said.
The DoLE, together with Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and other concerned agencies, continues to intensify its campaign against illegal recruitment to ensure the welfare and security of OFW, he said.
“Some of the distressed OFW are victims of illegal recruiters and they were tricked with promises which only caused their exploitation. DoLE together with POEA and concerned agencies will continue to intensify its campaign to curb illegal recruitment,” Bello added.
POEA has provided legal assistance to 79 victims of illegal recruitment and endorsed hundreds of reported cases to the Department of Justice for the preliminary investigation.
Meanwhile, the POEA encouraged the public to report to their office any recruitment activity of this nature and warned the public against applying at unlicensed recruitment agencies, including dealing with any person who is not an authorized representative of a licensed agency.            

The Office of the Ombudsman ordered the dismissal from the service of top officials of the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) after they were found guilty of grave misconduct.
The dismissal was ordered by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales against medical chief Rolando Cortez, finance management officer Marietta Cruz and chief administrative officer Jose Calixtro after they were found liable for the anomalous procurement of medical supplies and equipment undertaken in 2006.
Investigation conducted by the Ombudsman showed that in 2006, EAMC procured medical supplies in the total amount of P10,353,276.75 without public bidding.
The procurement was broken down and split into 47 small purchases with an amount not exceeding P250,000 each and awarded only to two suppliers.
Also, EAMC procured 20 air-conditioners, 13 exhaust fans totaling P450,950 in January 2006 and the procurement was split into two small purchases in an amount not exceeding P250,000 each and awarded to only one supplier.
The Ombudsman stated that “respondents Cortez, Calixtro and Ramos’ actions reflect grave misconduct. Their acts were blatantly irregular and outside the bounds of established rules and principles as they opted to split the contracts even though the same should have been subject of a single transaction; there was lack of compelling or justifiable reason for them to split the contract, and that respondents failed to show that they obtained three price quotations from bona fide suppliers.”
Morales said the transactions would not have been consummated had it not been for the concerted action of the respondents, as Cortez approved all the purchase requests, purchase orders, disbursement vouchers and checks; Cruz certified the availability of funds and completeness of supporting documents, and Calixtro signed the purchase requests and counter-signed the checks.
In 2006, the prevailing threshold amount for procurement projects undertaken through the alternative method of Shopping was pegged at P250,000. In excess of this amount, a procuring entity must conduct public bidding.
“Splitting of contracts” is defined as the act of breaking up contracts into smaller quantities and amounts, or dividing contract implementation into artificial phases or subcontracts, for the purpose of making it fall below the threshold for Shopping or Small Value Procurement, or evading or circumventing the requirement of public bidding.
The law states that grave misconduct is a transgression of some established and definite rule of action, more particularly unlawful behavior or gross negligence by a public officer, attended with the elements of corruption, clear intent to violate the law or flagrant disregard of established rule.
                                      

In anticipation of the expected exodus of devotees doing the traditional Visita Iglesia on Maundy Thursday, Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada as part of yearly preparation, ordered the Manila Police District (MPD) to tighten security in and around the major churches in the city.
Estrada also put on alert the city’s rescue units and other emergency services so they would be able to respond to any eventuality in a moment’s notice.
“Thousands of devotees visit our churches here in the city during Holy Week and it is our responsibility not only to protect them but also to provide them with whatever assistance they need,” the Manila mayor said yesterday, two days after the Palm Sunday bombings at two Christian churches in Egypt that killed at least 47 people and wounded 100 more.
ISIS has claimed responsibility for the twin attacks, according to news reports.
Estrada reiterated the 4,600-strong city police force, along with other support units, is “100 percent ready” to maintain peace and order as he played down fears that similar bombings might took place in the capital city during the Holy Week.
On Palm Sunday, MPD activated its “Oplan Sumvac” (summer vacation) operational plan starting with the deployment of 760 policemen and K-9 units in
92 churches in the city, particularly in the 21 major cathedrals and churches.
The 760-strong security contingent is part of the 1,680 MPD lawmen that have been assigned to security and counter-terrorism mission in the capital city under the Oplan Sumvac, MPD director Chief Supt. Joel Coronel said.
Manila is home to dozens of centuries-old, Spanish-era churches that attract hundreds of thousands of tourists and devotees, particularly during the Lent’s Visita Iglesia, a Holy Week practice where devotees visit and pray in at least seven churches.
Some of these are the 16th century-built St. Lorenzo Ruiz (Binondo) Church, Malate Church, San Sebastian Church, Quiapo Church, Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, Ermita Church, San Miguel Church and the Sto. Nino de Tondo Parish Church, among other churches.
Manila tourism chief Atty. Solfia  Arboladura assured the people these historic churches which, she said, have become tourist attractions and draw thousands of devotees during Holy Week “are relatively peaceful and relatively secured.”
“Our police are more visible during these days,” she said in an interview, adding “and I still believe na kung mayroon mang mga petty incidents, petty na lang talaga ‘yun.”

As he celebrates his 80th birthday tomorrow, April 19, Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada yesterday announced a new round of salary increase for city hall employees.
Estrada broke the good news during yesterday morning’s flag ceremony at the city hall, earning applause from the thousands of rank-and-file workers and career officials.
“I’ve seen your hard work and dedication,” Estrada told the employees, “so as my gift to you, you will receive another increase in your monthly pay.”
Since becoming mayor in 2013, he said it had been one of his “birthday wishes” to uplift the lives of the city hall employees especially with the steady increase of the daily costs of living and the school expenses of their children and dependents.
The across-the-board increase in the regular employees’ monthly pay would be retroactive to January 1, 2017, according to city personnel office chief Miguelita Alonzo; each employee’s monthly pay will be increased by about 10 percent.
The city government has allocated P250 million for the salary adjustments of 8,830 regular employees based on the regulations set by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
On January 5, DBM Secretary Benjamin Diokno issued National Budget Circular No. 568 and Local Budget Circular No. 113 that allow agencies and local government units to adjust compensation retroactively effective January 1 under Executive Order No. 201 issued in 2016.
The EO mandated compensation adjustments in four annual tranches starting last year until 2019.
Inheriting a bankrupt city with an unpaid debt of P5 billion when he assumed office in 2013, Estrada has worked hard to regain the financial stability of the city.
In November 2014, he released the employees’ long-delayed benefits and implemented the fourth tranche of their salary increase that had been denied to them by the previous mayor.
Back then, all government employees were scheduled to receive the fourth tranche of wage hikes in 2012 under the Salary Standardization Law but the previous city administration reportedly claimed that there were no funds available.