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]
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 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 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.
