Duterte expresses gratitude to Congress for extending martial law in Mindanao

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City (13 Dec 2017) - President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Wednesday, December 13, thanked the House of Representatives for heeding his request to extend martial law for another year in Mindanao.


In his speech at the ceremonial demilitarization of seized weapons during the Marawi conflict at the Philippine Army headquarters here, the President sent his gratitude to Congress "for understanding the plight of the Filipino."

The President admitted that without martial law, it would be impossible for the government to curb rebellion and terrorism in Mindanao.

"Alam mo mahirapan talaga ako 'pag walang martial law sa Mindanao.  I will make it public and maybe telegraph also to the other side," Duterte said.

"You know because there are processes to follow, procedures to honor.  Kaya itong martial law, without the martial powers, the ancillary powers attached to the implementors, the implementing agency, mahihirapan tayo," he said.

The Congress earlier today voted in favor of the extension of martial law in Mindanao with a resounding 240-27 decision with no abstention vote.

Meanwhile, President Duterte said the demilitarized firearms shall symbolize the government's resolve to defend its people against individuals who sow fear through violence and destruction.

The demilitarized firearms were recovered by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at the height of the five-month-long firefight against ISIS-inspired Maute group.

"It is through this that we will honor our heroes and those who lost their lives defending our way of life," he added.

According to the AFP, the firearms will be burned and its metal residues and scrap will be kept for final disposal following the AFP policies and directives.

During the event, the Chief Executive also conferred Order of Lapu-lapu medals to soldiers who were wounded in various actions all over the country.  Of this number, 75 were awarded with the Kampilan Medal and 30 others with the Kamagi Medal.

Duterte then said that he already ordered the National Housing Authority (NHA) to provide and build houses for soldiers who are still undergoing therapy.

The Chief Executive also assured good future for the soldiers' children, saying that if any of them want to study in the country's top schools, then he will finance it.

"As a matter of fact, now, kung sinong gustong mag-aral ng UP, La Salle, Ateneo, San Beda, tell me.  Ako na ang magbayad sa tuition ninyo," Duterte promised.

By virtue of Executive Order No. 17, the Order of Lapu-Lapu is given to government officials and personnel and private individuals who have shown invaluable service to the President's campaign or advocacy.

"To those who were wounded in action and are here with us today, we confer upon you the Order of Lapu-Lapu as a recognition of your extraordinary and exceptional service to the nation," Duterte said.

"May our soldiers continue to inspire our people, especially those from Marawi, to rise above all challenges as we rebuild from the ruins of war and look forward to brighter future," he added. 

* * * * * * *

PLEASE SHARE

Do you enjoy reading our stories?

Please help keep the City of Waterfalls-Iligan City

up and running, by donating any amount.

Your support will go a long way in keeping us going.

Thank you very much.

CLICK

Congressman Siao votes to extend Martial Law in Mindanao

ILIGAN CITY (13 Dec 2017) - Iligan City Lone Congressional District representative Frederick W. Siao votes for the extension, to another one-year, of the state of Martial Law and the Suspension of the Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus in Mindanao, Wednesday, during the Joint Session of Congress of the Philippines.  He explains his vote, thus:

"As a Mindanaoan and as the Representative of Iligan City, security and political stability are among my top concerns. 

"Recovery and rehabilitation efforts for Marawi will not prosper if the people's safety is not assured, and the remaining pockets of terrorism are not quashed." 

"I am with consonance with the citizenry of Iligan in extending martial law in Mindanao by one year.  However, any kind of abuse made by the military should and will not be tolerated." 

"Mindanao is ready to forge ahead as the new economic powerhouse of the Philippines, not just in agriculture, but also in manufacturing, services, and tourism." 

"The security and safety of our citizens, investors, tourists will be assured in the short term by the extension of martial law and political solutions such as progressive charter change, the BBL and more economic legislation empowering local governments and creating jobs for the long term."

***********

PLEASE SHARE

Do you enjoy reading our stories?

Please help keep the City of Waterfalls-Iligan City

up and running, by donating any amount.

Your support will go a long way in keeping us going.

Thank you very much.

CLICK

Pope Francis appoints Bishop Caermare to oversee Iligan diocese

ILIGAN CITY (8 December 2017) - Pope Francis appoints Dipolog Bishop Severo C. Caermare, on Wednesday, as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Iligan, the CBCPNews announced today.

The forty-eight-year-old bishop-caretaker was appointed a day after Bishop Elenito Galido, who served the diocese for 11 years, passed away at 10:11 in the evening of Tuesday at the Mercy Community Hospital Inc., this city.

Bishop Caermare will oversee the concerns of the diocese until Pope Francis appoints a new bishop.

Galido passed away on December 5, years after battling with cirrhosis of the liver.  He was 64.

Bishop Caermare, who hails from Sibutad town in Zamboanga del Norte, was ordained priest, at 26 years old, in 1996.  

At the age of forty-five, he was appointed bishop of Dipolog in 2014.



Bishop Severo Caermare delivers his valedictory address during his installation as Bishop of Dipolog.


Bishop Caermare holds a Master's degree in Theology and Pastoral Ministry.

*************

Do you enjoy reading our stories?

Please help keep the City of Waterfalls-Iligan City

up and running, by donating any amount.

Your support will go a long way in keeping us going.

Thank you very much.

CLICK

Iligan diocese's Bishop Galido passes away at 64

Bishop Elenito Galido officiating mass for Sendong victims on 

25 January 2012 [PHOTO by BOBBY TIMONERA]

ILIGAN CITY (6 December 2017) - Bishop Elenito Galido of the Diocese of Iligan in Lanao del Norte passed away at 10:11 p.m. Tuesday, December 5, 2017.  He was 64.

The bishop has been undergoing medication after he was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver few years ago.  He was also diabetic.

Duterte to order mass arrest of communists out on bail

MANILA (7 December 2017) - President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said Wednesday he will soon order the mass arrest of communists who are temporarily out on bail.

LTO to start issuing license plates in March 2018

Edgar Galvante

MANILA (7 December 2017) - The Land Transportation Office (LTO) will start issuing license plates by March next year, assuring motorists it will proceed with the procurement in accordance with the law.

In a statement Thursday, the LTO said it has issued a notice of award to the winning bidder in the procurement of license plates worth Php978.8-million last December 1.

The winning bidder Trojan Computer Forms Manufacturing Corporation and J.H. Tonnjes E.A.S.T. GmbH & Co. KG Joint Venture will provide the performance security with the initial delivery license plates scheduled sometime in March 2018.

"The LTO assures the public that the agency is doing the best it can, in compliance with existing laws and regulations, to deliver the license plates," LTO chief and Department of Transportation Assistant Edgar Galvante said in a statement.

The delay in the issuance of license plates was caused by the temporary restraining order of the Supreme Court (SC) on June 2016 preventing the LTO and then Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) from distributing 700,000 license plates turned over by the Bureau of Customs after the plates' supplier-importer failed to pay the required customs duties.

The 2013 procurement of motor vehicle (MV)/ motorcycle (MC) plates, which covers the supply of license plates from 2014-2018, was questioned before the courts and the Commission on Audit which remains pending to date.

"Thus, when the present administration came in July 2016, there was no budget allocation for procurement of license plates for 2016, 2017 and 2018.  Unconvinced that the procurement of license plates is dependent on the resolution of the cases involving the previous procurement, Asec. Galvante then requested for additional funds to be included in the LTO's 2017 budget in the amount of Php 400-million in order to proceed with the procurement of license plates," the LTO said.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade approved the request and allocated Php 1-billion from the department's budget for LTO's procurement of license plates in November last year.


House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez on Wednesday urged Galvante to resign over the agency's failure to release new license plates with an estimated backlog reaching 6-million. [Aerol John Patena, PNA]

Iligan gov't, creditors battle to control NSC

ILIGAN City (2 Dec 2017) - The Iligan City government and a liquidator acting on behalf of creditors of what was formerly the National Steel Corp. (NSC) are fighting for possession of the company after the former insisted that it acquired the firm's assets after it failed to pay more than PhP 4-billion in real property taxes, which the latter disputes.

According to Iligan City Administrator Dexter Sumaoy, liquidator Danilo L. Concepcion's move to take back NSC was based on the October 7, 2011, decision of Branch 57 of the Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) in a civil case that favored the company.

In that case, Concepcion argued that the NSC paid its taxes on real properties - which included land, building, equipment and support facilities - from the fourth quarter of 1999 to October 15, 2004.

Iligan Mayor Celso Regencia filed an appeal to overturn the Makati RTC's decision with the Court of Appeals (CA), and later with the Supreme Court (SC), which dismissed it on June 21, 2016.

The accumulated taxes on the NSC properties reached P4.698 billion by October 2016.  These consisted of the basic tax (38.99 percent), special education fund (44.44 percent) and share of the villages (15.44 percent).

The Iligan city council held an auction of the NSC's assets on October 19 that year in compliance with the Local Government Code.  City Treasurer Louela Maybituin bought all the assets on the city government's behalf after no one bid for them and declared them forfeited in accordance with Section 263 of the Local Government Code.

 The accumulated taxes on the properties reached about P5.843 billion in 2017.  Maybituin declared the assets free from any hindrance or third-party claim after the NSC failed to redeem them and no injunctive order was issued.  The city government acquired the properties on October 19 this year with the approval of the mayor and the city council.

The NSC was first established as state-owned National Shipyards and Steel Corp. (NASSCO) in 1951.  Jacinto and Sons took over NASSCO in 1962 and renamed it as Iligan Integrated Steel Mills (IISM).  In 1974, the National Development Corp. (NDC) reorganized the IISM as NSC, which was later sold to Wing Tiek/Westmont in 1994.

Renong/Hottick Investments Ltd. took control of the company from 1996 to 1999, when the creditors assigned a liquidator to it.  NSC became known as Global Steel Philippines from December 2004 to August 2005. [Ted Khan Juanite, The Manila Times]

DPWH to deploy two teams to oversee Marawi infra works

ILIGAN CITY, 28 November 2017 - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is looking to send two teams that will oversee infrastructure works in Marawi City.

DPWH Lanao del Norte-First District Engineer Khalil Sultan revealed a plan to create separate teams that will handle repair works on government structure in "war zone" and "safe zone" areas.

Based on his recommendation to DPWH Region 10 regional director Virgilio Eduarte, the local DPWH official would like to be in charge of the war zone area since he is familiar with the place.

On the other hand, Sultan said District Engineer Rey Peter Gille, DPWH Second District Engineer will be handling the safe zone or the places outside the main battle ground and only have minimal damages.

"In the safe zone area, there is only a small amount of damage on the road, and there are only few government buildings in the area.  While in the war zone, even if there are still houses that are left standing, some of their walls have already been destroyed," he said.

Sultan added, "The war zone also includes the three bridges (Baloi, Bayabao, and Masiu) that has been critical during the fighting of government troops against the Maute terrorist group since the start of the siege."



The DPWH-Lanao del Norte-First Engineering District official noted that the 47 sets of heavy equipment donated by the People's Republic of China are already positioned near the Marawi provincial capital.

But, he said that they have not yet finalized plans on how to start the rehabilitation works on roads and bridges that were damaged in the war, as the military is still conducting clearing operations in the war-torn City. [PNA]

President Duterte wants more teeth to law against graft and corruption

DASMARINAS City (29 November 2017) - President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Tuesday, 28 November 2017, called on Congress to add more teeth to the law to free Filipinos from corruption that has been plaguing the country.

In his message during the birthday celebration of lawyer Alfredo Lim, the Chief Executive noted that the presence of graft and corruption in government is destroying the country.

"May suggestion is we add more teeth to the law," the President said.

The President reiterated his call to the legislators to craft a Constitution that would mandate more accountability to government officials.  

"Let us amend the Constitution.  Shorten or restrict the powers of everybody, including the presidency, but make a Constitution that would mandate more accountability and responsibility of officials," Duterte said.

"If you can craft a law wherein I would also put my own inputs there and it would guarantee everybody or stop corruption.  Do not be afraid to amend the law," he added.

In addition, Duterte assured that he has no intentions of clinging to power.

"Do not be afraid of dictatorship.  I am not aiming for it.  I do not ask it and I do not like it," he said.

"Make a Constitution that would do away with a long suffering corruption-ridden country and I would be willing to just step out para hindi kayo matakot 'Ah, si duterte, gusto diktador lang yun," the President added.

At the same time, Duterte also made an appeal to the high court to dispense with the issuance of temporary restraining order (TRO).

"I am asking the Supreme Court publicly now to convince the lower courts not to be wasteful in their TRO because there is money in it," the President said.
   

President Rodrigo Duterte attends 1st Bangsamoro Assembly

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte attends the gathering of Moro communities and other stakeholders supporting the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, during the Bangsamoro Assembly at the Old Provincial Capitol, in Barangay Crossing Simuay in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Monday, November 27, 2017.

US President Trump addresses delegates to 5th ASEAN-U.S. Summit to Commemorate the 40th ASEAN-U.S. Dialogue Relations

US President Donald Trump addresses the delegates to the 5th ASEAN-U.S. Summit to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the ASEAN-U.S. Dialogue Relations in Manila, Monday, November 13, 2017.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte formally opens the 31st ASEAN Summit at the Cultural Center of the Philippines

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, together with his counterparts from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states and dialogue partners, formally opens the 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Summits at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) in Pasay City, Monday, November 13, 2017.

President Duterte leads the 31st Association of the Southeast Asian Nations Summit Plenary

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte leads the 31st Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit Plenary as this year's ASEAN Chair at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City on November 13, 2017.

The Summit, attended by the ASEAN 10 Member States and ASEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minh, is set to tackle the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and The Way Forward, and the appointment of the new Secretary-General of ASEAN.  The ASEAN Leaders will also exchange views on regional and international issues.

In concluding the Summit, the leaders will also adopt/note outcome documents on relevant issues under the three community pillars of ASEAN: ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC), the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC).

Opening of the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS) 2017 at Solaire Resort in Paranaque City, Philippines

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and his fellow Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders, Saturday, 11 November 2017, pose for the traditional APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting (AELM) Family Photo at the Intercontinental Da Nang Resort in Da Nang City, Vietnam.

President Rodrigo Duterte holds bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte holds a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Vinpearl Da Nang Resort and Villas in Da Nang City, Vietnam on November 10, 2017.

This is the second meeting of the two leaders since President Duterte cut short his visit to Russia last May 2016 to attend to the Marawi crisis. 

President Rodrigo Duterte addresses Filipinos at Pulchra Resort in Da Nang City

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte graces the Filipino community meeting at the Pulchra Resort in Da Nang City, Vietnam on Thursday, 9 November 2017.

Pulchra Resort, Da Nang City, Vietnam

Around a hundred Filipinos from Da Nang, Vietnam's third largest city, as well as from nearby areas, took a day off from work to attend this special gathering.

Da Nang is the third largest city in Vietnam after Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Noi in terms of urbanization and economy and one of the major port cities, in addition to Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Noi and Hai Phong.

Situated on the coast of the South China Sea, at the opening end of the Han River, it is the biggest city in Central Vietnam.  It is governed as one of the five direct-controlled municipalities of the SRV and is thus under direct administration of the central government.

Da Nang is the commercial and educational center of Central Vietnam, with a well-sheltered, easily accessible port.  Its location on the part of National Route 1A and the North-South Railway makes it a hub for transportation.  It is located within 100 km of several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Imperial City of Hue, the Old Town of Hoi An, and the My Son ruins.

President Rodrigo Duterte delivers keynote address in APEC CEO Summit Session 7 at Da Nang City

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers a keynote address in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit Session 7 at the Ariyana Da Nang Exhibition and Convention Centre in Da Nang City, Vietnam Thursday, November 9, 2017. 

President Duterte delivers his pre-departure speech before his trip to the APEC Leaders' Meeting in Vietnam

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his departure speech at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2, as he is about to attend the 25th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting (AELM) in Da Nang City, Vietnam on November 8-11, 2017.

President Duterte graces the 67th Birthday of the Philippine Marine Corps

President Duterte graces the 67th birthday of Philippine Marine Corps at PMC Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Tuesday, 7 November 2017.

Presidential spokesperson Roque believes the incumbent Chief Justice Sereno should resign

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque believes the incumbent Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Sereno needs to resign.  

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque holds first press briefing with Malacanang Press Corps

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) Executive Director Mary Mitzi Cajayon-Uy hold a press briefing for the Malacanang Press Corps at the New Executive Building (NEB) in Malacanang Thursday, 2 November 2017.

Joey Manalang: His struggles to coping up life in Japan

Joey Manalang is a filmmaker, who also works as an Information Technology (IT) technician at the Cyber Security Operation Center of Japan in Tokyo.  He has bagged multiple awards in various music and film festivals worldwide with his short film "El Diablo" and music video "Sabay sa Ihip ng Hangin" (As the Wind Blows), of which he was both the music composer and film director of the music video.


He also worked in several Hollywood film productions, such as "The Last Samurai" (2003), "Lost in Translation" (2003), "The Grudge" (2004), and his latest, "Equals" (2015).

Duterte holds audience with Japanese Emperor Akihito & Empress Michiko

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and his common-law wife, Madame Cielito 'Honeylet' Avancena, made a courtesy visit with His Majesty Emperor Akihito and Her Majesty Empress Michiko at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan, as his final itinerary during the President's 2-day Official Visit to Japan.


Duterte expressed his gratitude to the Japanese Imperial couple for their visit to the Philippines last year.  The Imperial couple also conveyed their warm gratitude for the help the Philippine government extended during the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan.  The visit lasted for about twenty five minutes.

President Duterte and Prime Minister Abe locks $9-billion deal to rehab Marawi among others

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe locked hands on a new deal, which included a pledge of nearly $9-billion in aid to the Philippines to rebuild the war-torn City of Marawi, in a Joint Press Statement held at the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo on the President's official visit to Japan.


According to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a total of Y1 trillion will be coursed through in the next five years to fund infrastructure projects in the Philippines.

Duterte witnesses signing of 18 letters of intent at Imperial Hotel in Tokyo

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte witness Monday (30 October 2017) the signing of 18 letters of intent (LOI) between Philippine officials and Japanese businessmen at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan, during his official 3-day visit on October 30-31, 2017.

Duterte arrives Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Japan

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, together with the members of his delegation, arrives early morning in Haneda Airport onboard a chartered flight in Tokyo, Japan on October 30, 2017.

FILCOM prefers to come home and reside at Pinas as first class citizen

Alden Estolas, a 33-year old Filipino Community (Filcom) leader in Tokyo, Japan, shares his insights on how it is being a young overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Japan for over 10 years, whilst securing a life back in the Philippines.

Sikyop Coop Farm Tour 2017 entice Iliganons, calls for a rerun

The month of October is declared throughout the country as the Cooperative Month.  Various activities are lined up by the participating coops in Iligan City which are members of the Iligan City Cooperative Development Council headed by Edwin Quisido.

One of these activities is the SIKYOP COOP FARM TOUR scheduled on the 24th of the month.

Chinese-made sniper rifle felled Hapilon and Maute to death, Duterte reveals

President Rodrigo Duterte revealed Thursday that it was the donated Chinese-made sniper rifle that felled the lives of terrorists Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute to their untimely death.  And for this, Duterte acknowledged his appreciation for the support China has unconditionally extended to the Philippine government.

Steel Asia abandons plan to acquire National Steel Corp (NSC)

MANILA (18 Oct 2017) - Steel Asia Manufacturing Corp. is set to invest some USD1.0-billion for three new mini steel mills in the country, its Vice President Roberto Cola said Tuesday.

Cola told reporters that the new facilities would produce billets, bloom, beam blanks, slabs, rebars, wire rod, sections, and plates.

The three mini-mills will have a total capacity of two million metric tons annually.

Cola mentioned that Steel Asia is partnering with two investors - from Italy and Japan - for the plates and sections plants, while the facility producing rebars would be its own venture.

He said Steel Asia is now finalizing the memoranda of agreement with two partner investors.

The company is eyeing Batangas and Subic for the location of its mini-steel mills.

This is after Steel Asia has abandoned its plan to acquire the National Steel Corp. (NSC) in Iligan City, as the company and the local government failed to reach to an agreement.

Cola said that the company was asked to pay NSC's liabilities on taxes and power, and the local government would also like to be a part-owner of the facility.

According to Cola, Steel Asia's offer was to lease the land, pay for the infrastructure, and shoulder "reasonable taxes," but the company would no longer pay for the old mill since the company initially plans to put up a new facility. [Kris Crismundo, Philippine News Agency]

President Duterte vows to provide a TV set for each prison cell

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte lauded the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) for providing comfortable cells for the internees during his talk to troops at the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Multi-purpose Center of the Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

Steel Asia withdraws bid to purchase NSC

METRO Manila (17 Oct 2017) - STEEL Asia manufacturing Corporation will no longer be acquiring National Steel Corp. (NSC) due to bureaucratic issues in the negotiation of the shuttered steel-making facility, opting instead to build their own facilities.

Roberto M. Cola

In an interview with reporters, Steel Asia Vice President Roberto M. Cola affirmed it is letting go of previous plans to buy National Development Corp.'s (NDC) National Steel for its infrastructure.

"We won't be pursuing NSC anymore," Cola said.  "We wanted that for the infrastructure already there because it was going to be easier to build a new steel mill there, what with the port and the industrial provisions."

The company executive cited a breakdown in negotiations especially with the local government officials in Iligan, who wanted to become part owners of the company after it is acquired by Steel Asia.

According to Cola, Steel Asia offered acquisition terms that included payment of the National Steel's real-property back taxes amounting to some Php 4-billion, a settlement with the National Power Corp. for payment on past power consumption and rent payment for the land (based on a compromise on valuation).

Talks on the purchase of NSC included a number of parties, including banks, NDC under the Department of Trade and Industry, Global Steel and other NSC claimants.

NSC has had a checkered history, going through several privatization efforts through almost six decades since its creation in the 1950s.


With the discussion seen to be too difficult for an industry supplying the main construction material for the country's infrastructure drive, we decided to look elsewhere to build a $1-billion steel-making facility, according to Cola.

"We're looking at another site, possibly Batangas or Subic," he added.

Cola said that facility will include a scrap-based electric-arc furnace with a capacity of 0.5 million metric tons to produce beam blacks, slabs, and billets.  A rolling mill will also be installed to produce sections, rebars, and plates.

He added that Steel Asia is in talks with Italian and Japanese investors for joint ventures in the mini-mills for the production of sections and plates.  Steel Asia will produce the rebars themselves.

The firm will be conducting an ocular visit next week on possible sites, as well as finalizing a memorandum of understanding with a yet-unnamed foreign investor. [Catherine Pillas, Business Mirror]

Duterte graces Buglasan Festival in Dumaguete City

President Rodrigo Duterte graced the opening ceremonies of the Buglasan Festival 2017 at the Lamberto Macias Sports and Cultural Centre, Negros Oriental Provincial Capitol Grounds in Dumaguete City.

Duterte lashes at EU representatives anew

President Rodrigo Duterte lashes anew Thursday against some European Union (EU) representatives for criticizing his war on drugs.

Chief Justice PUNO: Federalism promises a more efficient, effective judiciary

Former Chief Justice Reynato Puno said a shift to federalism poses a number of legal challenges.  Speaking on ANC's "Talkback," Reynato Puno said these would make it difficult to determine the timeline for such a shift, the segment emphatically focusing on the negative bias of the network against federalism.

Speaking, however, at UNTV News and Rescue, with Daniel Razon, the former Chief Justice Reynato Puno succinctly expounds on the essence of federalism, emphasizing this time towards its advantages from the centralized form of government which is deeply rooted from a system imposed on us by our colonial masters.

Iligan's Diyandi Festival 2017 features the 26th Silent Drill Competition

Iligan City National High School team show their amazing skill [Video: Michael Lagcao] 



Compare this performance (Iligan City National High School) to that of last year's (2016) competition.

Motorcycle Racers show best talents to Iligan's Diyandi Festival

The DIYANDI MOTO CIRCUIT RACING COMPETITION brings added enjoyment to Iliganons as they celebrate the Feast of Patron Saint Senor San Miguel which is slated on 27 September 2018. 

The competition features the best motorcycle racers from all over Mindanao, not only from Region 10.

The event is made possible by the initiative of the MONC Mio Touring Club-Iligan City Chapter.

Sponsors include the following:  City Sports Office of Iligan, Diyandi Festival-Executive Management Board, City Government of Iligan, H2O Lights and Sounds, BillyworX, Shell Advance Engine Oil, Firestorm Legit PH, Mayor Celso Gomera Regencia, Congressman Frederick Siao, Councilor Sorilie "Sol" Bacsarpa, Mineski Infinity Iligan, MSU-IIT National Multipurpose Cooperative, Radz Grill Haus, The Subejano & Ditucalan Law Office, and Jasper Cuizon Wedding and Lifestyle Photography.

CAYETANO to UN: "Our President has zero tolerance for abusive cops"

Metro Manila (24 Sept 2017) - "While drug addiction calls for rehabilitation, drug trafficking surely calls for stern measures.  Though always consistent with the rule of law, the President has, and will always have zero tolerance for abusive cops, as time will show."

Duterte condoles the bereaved family of slain SAF commando

PANACAN, Davao City (23 Sept 2017) - President Rodrigo Roa Duterte pays his last respects to the late PO3 Alexis Laurente during his wake at St. Peter Funeral Home in Panacan, Davao City on September 23, 2017.

"PAGPAKANAUG" commences Diyandi Festival 2017

ILIGAN CITY (20 Sept 2017) - The celebration of the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel, officially commences on the 20th day of September with the ritual transfer of the image of the patron saint, dubbed "Pagpakanaug" right after the celebration of the Eucharist at 7:00 o'clock in the morning.

From its niche at the side altar, the image is transferred towards a pedestal in front of the church, accompanied with the rousing chant of devotees: "Viva Senor San Miguel."

The San Miguel image is bathed the night before in preparation for this ritual transfer.  The bathing is handled by the members of Mother Butler Mission Guild, and his clothes are meticulously prepared by the Labao Family, which is their vow ("panaad") to the Patron Saint.  

Thousands of devotees flock to the cathedral on this day, to witness the ceremonies, and for a chance to don the helmet of St. Michael, believed to impart powers of the warrior-arch angel to the wearer.  

The "Pagpakanaug" signals the start of the nine-day novena (devotional prayer) for the patron saint.

Inside the cathedral, sweet incense envelopes the air from the altar throughout the cathedral, while a sea of undulating, swaying warm bodies move towards the pedestal where the image of St. Michael the Archangel stands. 

The ritual reaches fever pitch when the ceremonial helmet of the patron saint is placed on its head, and the spear, cape and shield are alternately don on the image.

Duterte graces National Convention of Public Attorneys

Metro Manila (18 Sept 2017) - President Rodrigo Roa Duterte graces the Opening Ceremony of the 6th Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) Accredited National Convention of Public Attorneys at the Tent City in Manila Hotel, Manila on September 18, 2017.

Mayor Regencia probes 'Sendong' survivors who sold GK houses

ILIGAN City (28 Feb 2017) - Mayor Celso Gomera Regencia has summoned all beneficiaries of Gawad Kalinga (GK) houses in Bayanihan Village, Barangay Santa Elena on Tuesday morning to investigate why some 'Sendong' survivors sold the units that were awarded to them.

According to Housing and Resettlement Office head Rey Roque, over 300 units were sold by beneficiaries to non-Sendong survivors.

Buyers were mostly locals of Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur.

The memorandum of agreement signed by the beneficiaries before they occupied the units states that they are not allowed to sell or let non-beneficiaries occupy the units.

Some beneficiaries reasoned they sold their units because some parts of the village do not have power and water service.

The local government is eyeing the possible filing of charges against beneficiaries who sold their units but also vowed to go after officials and department heads who were amiss in their duty to provide the services promised.


A number of 'Sendong' survivors in Iligan still have not been relocated, five years after the tragedy. [Roxanne Arevalo, ABS-CBN News]