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PTFoMS: NO NEED FOR ADD’L MECHANISM FOR MEDIA’S PROTECTION
THE Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) reminded the public and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) that there are already existing and functioning mechanisms to protect the members of the press from any violation of their right to life, liberty, and security. “May I remind our good partners at the CHR that even…

PBBM admin continuously aiding farmers affected by El Niño
The Marcos administration is continuously providing assistance to farmers affected by the El Niño phenomenon in Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and other regions. Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Joey Villarama, the spokesman for the Task Force El Nino, said there are almost 4,000 farmers affected by the dry spell in the two regions. “Mas qualitative po,…

GenSan hits 100% in jeepney consolidation rush
OLD AND NEW. A traditional jeepney and its modern, airconditioned counterpart await passengers at a transport terminal in Novaliches in Quezon City on Jan. 23, 2024. Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista on Monday (Feb. 5, 2024) lauded the 100 percent consolidation rate in General Santos City, the first to do so in the country. (PNA photo by Jess…

DOJ thumbs down Duterte’s call for Mindanao secession
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has thumbed down the call by former president Rodrigo Duterte for Mindanao to break away from the Philippines. In a recent statement, the DOJ said it “vehemently opposes calls for the secession of Mindanao or other parts of the country, and stands firmly against any attempts to undermine the unity and territorial integrity of the Philippines, as enshrined in the…

Salceda pushes for another 25-year MERALCO franchise
House Ways and Means Committee chairman Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda is pushing for the renewal of the legislative franchise of the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) for another 25 years, to ensure the continuous and uninterrupted distribution of quality and reliable power supply and “in consideration of the nature of the vital service it provides.”

AF Payments warns against fake “12-month free ride card”
Makati City (26 January 2024) – AF Payments Inc (AFPI), the owner of the beep™ card brand used on Metro Manila’s Light Rail Transit, has raised concerns about an online promotion that guarantees “12-month free subway rides using beep™ cards,” which can be seen on the “Manila Metro” Facebook page. AFPI categorically denies involvement in…

PDEA: PBBM is not, and was never in our drug watchlist
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) vehemently denied that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is in its watchlist for persons linked to illegal drug use contrary to the accusations of former president Rodrigo Duterte. “Based on all the foregoing facts, the PDEA asserts that President Marcos Jr. is not and was never in its watchlist,”…

MTRCB junks SMNI’s appeals
MANILA – The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) on Friday reaffirmed its decision to suspend the television programs “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” and “Laban Kasama ang Bayan”, and dismissed the motions for reconsideration (MR) filed by SMNI. The MTRCB’s initial decision to suspend the two programs stemmed from multiple complaints regarding the…

UNSR Khan cites PH’s ‘vibrant, mature’ freedom of expression
MEETING WITH DFA. United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression Irene Khan (center) meets with officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs on Thursday (Jan. 25, 2024). Khan acknowledged the Philippines’ “vibrancy and mature media landscape,” according to the Department of Foreign Affairs. (Photo courtesy of…

PBBM urges key energy players to ensure reliable power at all times
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has urged the country’s key energy players to make sure there will be “reliable power at all times,” during the recent historic switch-on of the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project (MVIP). Marcos expressed hope there would be no repeat of the massive blackout that hit Western Visayas earlier this month. “We cannot afford to have another round…