Iloilo Metropolitan Times

19/09/2025

JUST IN | In observance of the 33rd National Family Week, Malacañang has announced that Executive branch government offices will suspend work starting at 1:00 PM on September 22, 2025.

The move aims to encourage government employees to spend quality time with their families and participate in activities promoting family welfare.

19/09/2025

OVER 100 CHINESE NATIONALS DEPORTED

More than 100 Chinese nationals involved in online offshore activities and other scams have been deported back to China, authorities confirmed.

The individuals were arrested during raids conducted by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) across various locations in the country.

The action follows President Bongbong Marcos’ directive for a total ban on POGOs in the Philippines, citing threats to national security.

19/09/2025

BIRON: DON’T SCRAP FLOOD CONTROL FUNDS

Iloilo 4th District Rep. Ferjenel Biron opposed the wholesale removal of flood control funds, warning that it would be “unfair” to provinces most vulnerable to flooding.

During the House Committee on Appropriations hearing on September 18, Biron questioned the ₱255-billion budget cut from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strike out locally funded flood control projects amid corruption allegations.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed the adjustment, saying it was consistent with the President’s push to curb irregularities in infrastructure projects.

But Biron stressed that removing all flood control allocations would cripple disaster preparedness in flood-prone areas such as Pampanga.

19/09/2025

EX-DPWH OFFICIALS TO INCLUDE IN WPP

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking the evaluation of a Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) witness for possible coverage under the Witness Protection Program (WPP), Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced Friday.

Remulla declined to reveal the identity of the DPWH insider but confirmed that aside from the Discayas, at least two to three other individuals have also expressed interest in entering the program.

The WPP screening process, Remulla said, will determine whether these applicants can provide substantial and credible testimony in the ongoing investigation into anomalous flood control projects.

19/09/2025

INFANT KILLED IN DOG MAULING

A 13-day-old baby died after being mauled on the head by a dog inside their home in one of the Bacolod city’s barangays.

According to police reports, the 30-year-old mother was outside their house when she suddenly heard her infant crying in distress from inside the room.

When she rushed in, she was horrified to see a dog attacking her child. The animal immediately fled after the incident.

The baby sustained severe head injuries and was declared dead shortly after.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the mauling, while the family and community have been left in shock and grief.

19/09/2025

PAL said it is also upgrading five of its weekly frequencies between Manila and by utilizing Airbus A330 aircraft, from Dec. 8, 2025 to March 28, 2026.

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced additional flights to key domestic routes starting October, in anticipation of peak travel season. Service between Manila and Butuan will rise from 14 to 21 flights weekly, while Manila–Cagayan de Oro will grow from 35 to 42 flights weekly. Flights ...

19/09/2025

: Tropical Storm "NANDO" is being monitored INSIDE the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm "MITAG" (formerly "MIRASOL") is still being monitored OUTSIDE the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

19/09/2025

: The Guelos’ Fish Farm from Dumangas, Iloilo, and the Barangay Igbon Kasagan Association (BIGKAS) from Concepcion, Iloilo, were honored with the Gawad Parangal sa Kabalikat ng Pangisdaan at Yamang Tubig – Gawad Pagkilala at Pasasalamat during the closing program of the 62nd Fish Conservation Week in Quezon City.

Together with DA-BFAR 6 Regional Director Remia A. Aparri and Ms. Jessica C. Esmao, Chief of the Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division, the awardees received a plaque of recognition and an appreciation token.

📷BFAR-6

19/09/2025

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA-6), the sharp decline was mainly driven by the slower increase in the prices of Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas, and Other Fuels (-0.5 percent from 7.8 percent).

Inflation, or the rate of increase in prices of goods and services, in Iloilo City decelerated to 1.7 percent in August this year from the preceding month's 3.7 percent. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA-6), the sharp decline was mainly driven by the slower increase in the prices...

19/09/2025

: To strengthen the country's Universal Health Care, Department of Health Secretary Ted Herbosa and U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson announced a $250 million health assistance grant to the Philippines from the US government.

📷 DOH

19/09/2025

SIGN OF GOOD FAITH

Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Bulacan engineer Brice Hernandez has formally appeared before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), signaling his intent to cooperate with ongoing investigations into anomalous flood control projects.

ICI Chairperson Retired Justice Andres Reyes Jr. confirmed that Hernandez voluntarily surrendered one of his luxury cars to the commission, describing it as a “sign of good faith and his willingness to further cooperate.”

Hernandez is currently under scrutiny for his alleged role in irregularities tied to ghost and overpriced projects in Bulacan. His gesture, the commission said, will be considered in assessing his level of cooperation moving forward.

19/09/2025

THE COMMISSION IS DISAPPOINTED

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) expressed frustration during its first inspection of flood control projects on Thursday, September 18, uncovering what it described as glaring irregularities and failures in implementation.

The commission inspected a portion of the San Juan River in District 4, where a project labeled as “Capacity Enhancement” allegedly narrowed the river instead of widening it. To make matters worse, the project was divided into 92 phases, raising questions about intent and accountability.

The ICI team, led by Retired Justice Andy Reyes and Mayor Joy Belmonte, also checked on the PHP95.99 million Matalahib Creek Pumping Station by St. Timothy Construction. The project, originally scheduled for completion in May 2025, remains unfinished and has reportedly worsened flooding in the area.

Adding to the commission’s alarm, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, acting as ICI special adviser and investigator, inspected the PHP48 million drainage system in Barangay Tatalon. Instead of a functioning system, the project was found to have been merely painted over, with no actual drainage work completed.