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19/09/2025

𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐘𝐀 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐌 𝐁𝐄𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐃 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐁𝐋𝐄𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐂 𝐏𝟏𝟏𝟎𝐌 𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐎 𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐍𝐈𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐓 𝐑𝐄𝐇𝐀𝐁, 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐁𝐋𝐃𝐆

The problematic P110 million tennis court and parking building project beside the Baguio Athletic Bowl was built by the Discaya-owned St. Gerrard Construction.

St. Gerrard won the project three years ago even “under the nose” of vocal anti-corruption crusader Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who is also the recently appointed special adviser and investigator for the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).

The tennis court, which was part of the city’s sports development push, has been widely criticized for uneven surfaces, poor drainage, and safety concerns.

Local tennis players and residents have voiced their frustrations, with Baguio Tennis Club member Michael Alonzo stating, “It’s unsafe to play on, and it doesn’t reflect what was promised.”

Magalong, who had expressed his anger at the project’s rushed 'completion' last May despite its subpar quality, had earlier raised the lack of oversight.

But residents are questioning how such a project could have passed inspection, especially given St. Gerrard’s history of delays and quality issues in various government projects nationwide.

In 2022, St. Gerrard has also been black-listed to do public works projects.

Despite Magalong’s strong rhetorics against corruption and good governance, no serious actions have yet been taken to hold officials accountable and those involved answer for the mess.

Though he had maintained “procurement (procedure) was above board and bidding properly done.”

Substandard work, especially with taxpayer money, will not be tolerated,” he said.

Councilor Jose Molintas said they are calling on city building officials and the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) for an investigation into the lingering quality issues even as the project was tagged completed last May.

Such subpar infrastructure however seemed is undermining public trust, including Magalong’s good governance crusade. "There must be accountability for quality," said civil engineer, Dr. Rosa Villanueva.

Though an investigation is promised, residents and the tennis club are demanding swift action, with calls for repairs or a complete overhaul of the court to meet expected standards.

This situation is presently testing Magalong’s commitment to his much-lauded good governance agenda, especially as he has yet to issue a clear statement on the matter.

19/09/2025

𝐂𝐒𝐑 𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐅𝐈𝐓 𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐎 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘

An ordinance seeking to institutionalize Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs in Baguio City was proposed this week by Baguio City Councilor Jose Molintas, wanting to require businesses to implement initiatives that directly benefit local communities.

The goal is to foster partnerships between the private sector and local government while promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainable development, Molintas added.

When approved, the ordinance would mandate all corporations in Baguio to adopt CSR programs that go beyond routine operations, focusing on social and environmental well-being.

These initiatives would address six key areas: environmental protection, education and youth development, health and wellness, livelihood and economic empowerment, community development, and cultural preservation.

A CSR Coordinating Desk would be established under the City Mayor’s Office to manage and oversee these initiatives, maintain a registry of CSR programs, and organize annual forums.

The Desk would also help facilitate partnerships with local stakeholders and recommend incentives for businesses with exemplary CSR performance.

Corporations would be required to publish their CSR objectives, provide updates on their projects, and engage with the community throughout the process. They must submit an annual report detailing the impact, expenditures, and challenges of their CSR efforts.

To encourage compliance, businesses with outstanding CSR contributions could receive public recognition, awards, or preferential treatment in permit processing.

However, penalties would be imposed on repeat offenders, including administrative fines or other sanctions.

Alreadly hurdles its first reading, the proposal is now being reviewed by the City Council’s Committee on Tourism, Special Events, Parks, and Playgrounds.

Molintas believed that when passed, the proposal could significantly enhance Baguio City’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive development.

18/09/2025

𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐃, 𝐍𝐎𝐍-𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐄𝐃, 𝐍𝐎𝐍-𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐈-𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐑𝐔𝐏𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐂𝐎𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐀

Youth, civic groups, and fraternities in Pampanga are joining forces for the "Kilusan Kontra Kurakot" (K*K) protest march on September 21, 2025, in Angeles City, to mark the anniversary of Martial Law’s declaration and unite against corruption.

The march will begin at 3:00 PM at Nepo Quad Complex, followed by a procession to Heritage Street. The protest aims to rally for good governance and raise awareness about corruption at local and national levels.

Pi Sigma Fraternity is leading the initiative, supported by various fraternities, sororities, and student organizations, including Alpha Kappa Rho, Phi Beta Rho, and others. They are joined by community-based groups like Eagles Pampanga and the Balibago Business Club.

The protest calls for transparency and accountability in government, especially amidst recent corruption scandals and budget misuse. It also serves as a tribute to the victims of Martial Law and a reminder of the dangers of unchecked power.

Organizers hope the movement will mobilize both students and citizens in demanding justice and integrity from public officials.

The march is expected to draw a large crowd, with local authorities coordinating to ensure a peaceful and orderly demonstration.

18/09/2025

𝐅𝐈𝐗𝐄𝐃 𝐏𝐀𝐘, 𝐁𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐅𝐈𝐓𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐕𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐄𝐗𝐄𝐂𝐒 𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐒𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄

Benguet lawmaker Eric G. Yap and ACT-CIS party-list lawmaker Edvic G. Yap are seeking the legislature to enact a law granting barangay officials the same compensation and benefits as regular government employees via House Bill No. 4319, or the Salary Standardization of Barangay Officials Act.

The measure seeks to professionalize barangay service by recognizing the vital role barangay officials play in delivering basic services, responding to emergencies, and maintaining grassroots governance.

Currently, these officials receive only honoraria, limiting their access to stable income and government benefits. If passed, the measure would classify the Punong Barangay, Sangguniang Barangay members, Barangay Secretary, and Barangay Treasurer as regular employees. They would then be entitled to fixed salaries, allowances, insurance, medical and dental care, retirement benefits, and other incentives under civil service laws.

The proposed legislation seeks to ensure fair compensation and job security for barangay officials, strengthening their capacity to serve communities more effectively.

18/09/2025

𝐃𝐀 𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐋-𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐃 𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐎 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐘𝐎𝐓𝐄 (𝐒𝐀𝐘𝐎𝐓𝐄) 𝐈𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐍-𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐄𝐃

The agriculture department here denied claims in a viral social media video suggesting the Baguio sayote (chayote) is treated with formalin to keep it fresh longer.

The video, which started on YouTube and spread on Facebook, raised concerns among consumers.

DA-Cordillera however clarified that no harmful chemicals are used on Baguio sayote.

The cool climate and high altitude of the Cordillera region naturally help the vegetable stay fresh for up to a month without any preservatives.

“The environment in Benguet and the Cordilleras keeps sayote fresh longer,” said the DA, pointing out that the highland region’s fertile soil and steady rainfall are key factors.

Sayote is traditionally grown on trellises in the cool weather, eliminating the need for artificial preservatives.

The Cordillera region is one of the country’s top producers of the vegetable.

The DA also urged people to be careful about believing unverified online content and to get information from reliable sources. It warned that misinformation could harm both consumers and local farmers.

Local farmers are becoming worried these false claims could hurt their reputation and sales.

The DA profusely assured that Baguio sayote is fresh, safe, and grown without chemicals, and encouraged consumers to continue supporting local agriculture.

18/09/2025

𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇, 𝐂𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐂 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐏𝐒, 𝐅𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐀 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐕𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐑𝐔𝐏𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

In a powerful show of unity and civic action, various fraternities, organizations, and advocacy groups are set to stage the "Kilusan Kontra Korapsyon" (K*K) protest march on Sunday, September 21, 2025, in Angeles City, marking the anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law.

The mobilization will begin with a 3:00 PM assembly at Nepo Quad Complex, followed by a protest march to Heritage Street, Sto. Entierro (corner Landbank).

The demonstration aims to amplify public outcry against corruption and promote good governance at both local and national levels.

Pi Sigma Fraternity is leading the initiative as the main convenor, supported by several co-convening fraternities and sororities, including Alpha Kappa Rho, Alpha Phi Omega, Phi Beta Rho, Pi Sigma Delta, Sigma Kappa Pi, Sigma Delta Pi, Tau Gamma Phi, and Tau Gamma Sigma.

Together, these groups dream to mobilize students and citizens in a unified call for transparency and accountability in government.

A diverse mix of participating organizations has also committed to the movement. These include academic groups such as City College of Angeles and The ANGELITE (the official student publication of Holy Angel University), alongside civic and community-based organizations such as Eagles Pampanga, Guardians Pampanga, Balibago Business Club, AC Big Bike Riders Club, and AC Solo Parents Association.

Fraternity Alpha Beta Epsilon and Scouts Royale Brotherhood are also among the listed participants.

Organizers say the demonstration seeks to remind public officials that citizens are watching and demanding justice, especially in light of recent corruption controversies and budget misuse. The protest also serves as a symbolic act of remembrance for the victims of Martial Law, highlighting the dangers of unchecked power and lack of government transparency.

With strong involvement from youth leaders, fraternities, and civil society, the Kilusan Kontra Korapsyon is expected to draw hundreds of participants and send a clear message: Filipinos deserve a government that serves with integrity.

Security preparations and route advisories are being coordinated with local authorities to ensure a peaceful and orderly march.

18/09/2025

𝐁𝐂𝐃𝐀 𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝟔𝐓𝐇 𝐀𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐎𝐏-𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐆𝐎𝐂𝐂𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐃-𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇 𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄

State-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) claims it has reached a historic milestone by ranking as the sixth top-performing government owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) in the country.

The recognition follows BCDA’s record-breaking remittance of Php5.33 billion to the national government, its highest-ever contribution to date, it added.

BCDA was feted during the GOCC Day rites on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Malacañang Palace, led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

BCDA was honored for its substantial contribution to the national treasury, having remitted Php5.33 billion in dividends as of September12, 2025.

These funds are instrumental in funding various government initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive economic growth.

BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang expressed pride in the organization’s achievement, calling it a reflection of BCDA’s commitment to public service and economic development. “This milestone reflects our commitment to ensuring that every peso we generate contributes to initiatives that uplift communities and strengthen our economy,” he stressed.

BCDA’s strong performance, it said, is part of a broader positive trend among GOCCs, which collectively remitted Php116.84 billion in dividends to the national treasury as of mid-September 2025. This funding supports critical government programs and services across the country, from infrastructure to social development.

Other major contributors this year include the Land Bank of the Philippines (Php33.5 billion), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Php18.9 billion), and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) (Php12.7 billion).

Also making key contributions were the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM), and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

BCDA’s subsidiaries also made significant remittances, further solidifying the agency’s overall impact. Clark International Airport Corporation contributed Php282.72 million, while John Hay Management Corporation and Poro Point Management Corporation remitted Php14.33 million and Php11.06 million, respectively.

President Marcos emphasized the vital role GOCCs play in driving sustainable national development, particularly in empowering historically underserved communities. Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto echoed this sentiment, urging GOCCs to remain dedicated stewards of public trust and to continue delivering excellence in service to the Filipino people.

18/09/2025

𝐅𝐈𝐗𝐄𝐃 𝐏𝐀𝐘, 𝐁𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐅𝐈𝐓𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐕𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐄𝐗𝐄𝐂𝐒 𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐒𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄

Benguet lawmaker Eric G. Yap and ACT-CIS party-list lawmaker Edvic G. Yap are seeking the legislature to enact a law granting
grant barangay officials the same compensation and benefits as regular government employees via House Bill No. 4319, or the Salary Standardization of Barangay Officials Act.

The measure seeks to professionalize barangay service by recognizing the vital role barangay officials play in delivering basic services, responding to emergencies, and maintaining grassroots governance.
Currently, these officials receive only honoraria, limiting their access to stable income and government benefits.

If passed, the measure would classify the Punong Barangay, Sangguniang Barangay members, Barangay Secretary, and Barangay Treasurer as regular employees. They would then be entitled to fixed salaries, allowances, insurance, medical and dental care, retirement benefits, and other incentives under civil service laws.

The proposed legislation seeks to ensure fair compensation and job security for barangay officials, strengthening their capacity to serve communities more effectively.

18/09/2025

𝐔𝐏 𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐎 𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐖𝐀𝐋𝐊-𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐑𝐔𝐏𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

Over a thousand students from the University of the Philippines-Baguio (UPB) walked-out from their classrooms Wednesday afternoon, September 17, protesting rampant corruption in government and education budget cuts.

The protest, part of a national movement, condemned systemic corruption in government projects.

Wendell Ortega, chairperson of the Alliance of Concerned Students (ACS) UPB, criticized the underfunding of education and the misuse of funds by politicians, questioning the potential benefits if resources were properly allocated.

A manifesto signed by 50 student groups highlighted a P21 billion deficit in the UP system’s 2026 budget proposal, which threatens student services and infrastructure.

The students also announced plans to participate in a larger protest on September 21, 2025, the anniversary of martial law.

UPB Chancellor Joel M. Addawe expressed support for the protest, condemning "rampant plunder and corruption.

16/09/2025

“𝐒𝐔𝐁𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐃” 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐉𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐋𝐀 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐎𝐖𝐍𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐃𝐈𝐙𝐎𝐍, 𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐆

Newly-designated public works chief Vivencio “Vince” Dizon and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin “Benjie” Magalong discovered “alarming” issues in flood control projects in Bauang and Naguilian towns in La Union during a surprise inspection Tuesday morning.

Dizon slammed the quality of work as “super substandard,” citing visibly poor materials and fake weep holes—drainage features that appeared functional but were non-operational. “Wala namang pipe... peke lang ‘yan,” he said.

The project in Barangay Acao, Bauang was officially marked completed last March 16, but Dizon found it still under construction. “This isn’t delay — this is deception,” he said, pointing to ongoing work and exposed flaws very visible even without technical tools.

These flood control projects are part of a larger ₱623 million package in Bauang and a ₱967 million program in Naguilian under the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA). Both were awarded to Silverwolves Construction Corp.

Neither these set of projects are in the original National Expenditure Program (NEP) — raising concerns of last-minute budget insertions, lack of proper planning, and questionable bidding processes.

Magalong echoed Dizon’s outrage, warning that poor infrastructure in flood-prone areas puts entire communities at risk. “This isn't just bad work — it's dangerous,” he said. He called for full audits and potential legal action against those responsible.

Dizon also pointed to a bigger pattern of possible irregularities in La Union’s 2nd District.

Another contractor, MG Samidan Construction, secured roughly ₱1 billion worth of projects with nearly identical contract amounts and timelines — a supposed “red flag” for bid rigging and collusion.

The DPWH chief ordered the suspension of work on the Bauang project pending a full investigation. He vowed accountability across all levels: “We’re not just fixing bad construction. We’re cleaning up the system that allows this to happen.”

Further inspections and audits are expected in the coming weeks as pressure is mounting on the DPWH and local officials.

16/09/2025

𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐏𝟏𝟖𝟗.𝟕𝟑𝐌 𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐋 𝐃𝐑𝐔𝐆𝐒 𝐒𝐄𝐈𝐙𝐄𝐃, 𝟗𝟖 𝐒𝐔𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐒 𝐂𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐈𝐍 𝟕-𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐖𝐈𝐃𝐄 𝐎𝐏𝐒

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), together with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement units, seized ₱189.73 million worth of illegal drugs and arrested 98 suspects in a week-long nationwide operation from September 5 to 12, 2025.

A total of 52 anti-drug operations were conducted across the country—from Luzon to Mindanao—showing the government’s continued efforts to fight illegal drugs in all areas.

Among the biggest seizures were over 1 kilogram of co***ne in Cagayan, almost 10 kilograms of dried ma*****na leaves in Laguna, and more than 2 kilograms of shabu in separate buy-busts in Zamboanga City, General Santos City, Lanao del Sur, and Negros Oriental.

Of the 98 people arrested, 50 were suspected pushers, while others included drug den owners, employees, clients, couriers, and drug possessors. Authorities say these arrests are a big step in stopping illegal drug activities in local communities.

PDEA Director General, Undersecretary Isagani R. Nerez said the results show the strong teamwork between PDEA, the PNP, and other agencies. “We’re not just catching small-time pushers—we’re going after whole drug networks,” he said.

PDEA promised to continue its efforts in creating a safer and drug-free “Bagong Pilipinas.” The agency said it remains firm in protecting communities, especially the youth, from the dangers of illegal drugs.

16/09/2025

𝐊𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐀 𝐄𝐋𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐒𝐄𝐄𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐏 𝐓𝐎 𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐓 𝐇𝐘𝐃𝐑𝐎 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐉 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒

A group of elders and Indigenous leaders in Kalinga is asking the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) to stop the consultation process for two planned hydropower projects.

The process was unfair and did not properly include the community, they claim.

The two projects are:

The Upper Tabuk Hydroelectric Power Project by DPJ Engineers
The Saltan Hydroelectric Projects by JBD Water Power Inc.
Most villagers fear environmental harm and the possible loss of their cultural heritage when these projects are pursued.

The elders told NCIP-Cordillera Director Roland Calde that the consultation process violated the rules. They referred to a rule (Section 29 of NCIP Administrative Order No. 3, 2012) that allows stopping the process if there is evidence of cheating, pressure, or lack of real community involvement.

“The process was rushed, and many of us were left out,” one elder said. “We just want our rights to be respected.”

The Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) process is a legal requirement. It ensures Indigenous Peoples (IPs) agree to any project on their ancestral land before it begins.

The petition highlights the need for fairness, honesty, and respect for Indigenous rights in big development projects.

Director Calde said he received the petition and promised to review it carefully. He added that any decision to stop the process will follow the proper legal steps.

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