PHIVOLCS SAYS 'MORE VIGOROUS' MAYON ERUPTION POSSIBLE; EVACUEES TOP 15,000

MANILA — Mayon volcano in Albay could unleash a "more vigorous" type of eruption, a volcanologist warned on Wednesday, as the number of evacuees topped 15,000.

"There is a possibility that it will turn violent or what we call a more vigorous type of eruption," said Paul Alanis, resident volcanologist of the Mayon Volcano Observatory.

In the last 24 hours, Alanis said Phivolcs recorded 309 rockfall events and 7 volcanic earthquakes at Mayon, which continued to ooze lava "very quietly."

The Albay volcano also emitted 149 tons of sulfur dioxide, which is "quite lower than the average of 500 tons per day."

Eruptions are energized by gas pressure mixed with magma or underground molten rocks, Alanis noted.

"Currently, the sulfur dioxide is quite low, which could mean 2 possibilities. One is that there's really not much gas in the magma, which is the reason why we have a very quiet type of eruption occurring. The second scenario, possibility is that the volcano is blocked right now and that pressure is building up," he told ANC's "Headstart."

"We have to check if the energy of the earthquake is high enough to signify an impending eruption. At the moment, the energy of the earthquake, not just the number, is quite low."

A de-escalation could take longer compared to an escalation because volcanologists need "to make sure that the parameters are really downgrading," Alanis noted.

"What we want to avoid when we de-escalate is what they call 'lull before the storm scenario,' where the volcano is just gearing for a bigger eruption, for example," he said.

State volcanologists have said that the Mayon Volcano could continue rumbling for months.

A total of 4,286 families or 15,241 people have so far been evacuated from the volcano's 6-kilometer danger zone, Eugene Escobar, research chief of the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office.

BUILD LARGE WATER FACILITIES OUTSIDE NCR—MARCOS

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday bared his administration’s plan to build “large” water impounding facilities in areas outside of Metro Manila in an effort to control flooding in the country’s metropolis.

Mr. Marcos made the pronouncement in a video message after his sectoral meeting with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) at Malacañan Palace in Manila to discuss the flood control programs.

He said the proposal will not just focus on flood mitigation as the impounded water could also be used for agricultural purposes.

“Let us not waste the water because we will need that. That’s why we are also looking for a way to impound the water. We are now looking for areas outside Metro Manila where we can build large impounding areas,” Mr. Marcos said.

“We will control the flow of water and stop that from submerging Metro Manila. We would also be able to collect the water and use that for other purposes such as agricultural purposes,” he added.

During the sectoral meeting, Mr. Marcos also directed the Water Resources Management Office (WRMO) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to come up with a “comprehensive” plan to protect coastal communities and Metro Manila from flooding, Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said in a statement.

MARCOS EXPANDS FOOD STAMP AID

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is including single parents, pregnant women, and lactating mothers among the beneficiaries of the government’s food stamp program to address the problem of malnourished and stunted children born in the country.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rexlon “Rex” Gatchalian said this on Tuesday during a Palace press briefing as the President approved the pilot run and the implementation of the food stamp program.

“The President also wants to bring in pregnant, lactating mothers because we have to start looking at stunting in this country and the first 1,000 days program (for infants) is very important,” Gatchalian said.

“The marching order of the President is to fight stunting and hunger, joint efforts of other programs of the government,” he added, referring to the order to effectively implement the First 1,000 Days Law or Republic Act 11148.

The government also wants to avoid wasteful spending and ensure that when the program is expanded for its regular run, the government is doing it correctly, according to the DSWD chief.

“The President approved the run of the pilot, which is fully funded through grants… from the ADB (Asian Development Bank), JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency), and the French Development Agency. So that will be $3 million (about P168 million) all in all,” Gatchalian said.

“There is a provision to expand it. ADB is still working on other trust funds so that we could expand the pilot. But other than that, it’s all green lights go for the pilot, which will take place shortly,” he added.

50 COPS, INCLUDING 2 GENERALS FACE RAPS IN 'BIGGEST DRUG HAUL'

MANILA — Fifty policemen, including two generals, are facing criminal complaints for their alleged involvement in a large drug seizure case in the Philippines. The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced that the policemen are accused of violating several laws, including the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, perjury, malversation of public property, and obstruction of justice.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and National Police Commission (Napolcom) filed the complaints in connection with the seizure of 990 kilograms of shabu (methamphetamine) in Manila on October 8 of the previous year. Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos referred to the drug haul as one of the largest in the country's history.

Of the 50 respondents, 48 were identified from CCTV footage, while an additional two officers were charged based on their alleged conspiracy with the 48. Abalos previously presented a video in April that portrayed a different scenario from what was initially reported by the PNP, raising questions about the accuracy of the facts provided in court documents and congressional testimonies.

The shabu was seized from an establishment owned by PMSg. Rodolfo Mayo Jr. It was discovered that some police officers had stolen 42 kilograms of the drugs, but they were later recovered. This prompted an investigation by the PNP.

Apart from the criminal complaints, Napolcom is also pursuing administrative charges against the police officers involved. The agency has completed its pre-charge investigation on the 48 policemen seen in the CCTV footage, and a resolution on the probe is expected to be released within 15 days. Four PNP officials who had previously submitted courtesy resignations are also included in the case.

Napolcom Vice Chairperson Alberto Bernardo stated that additional charges could be filed against the policemen, and more personnel may face charges related to the shabu seizure scandal.

DOH CHIEF OPEN TO ALLOWING FOREIGN DOCTORS IN PH

Foreign doctors may soon be allowed to practice locally for a limited period amid a push for the Department of Health to give the greenlight as it would benefit the country not only with the exchange of ideas, but also on the transfer of technology.

In response, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa told Sen. Francis Tolentino he will talk to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) to possibly relax the current licensing rules to allow foreign doctors to temporarily practice their profession in the country.

The PRC, under Republic Act No. 8981, has the power to supervise foreign nationals who are authorized by existing laws to practice their professions, either as holders of a certificate of registration and a professional identification card or a temporary special permit in the Philippines.

In a statement, Tolentino said there are plenty of doctors abroad signifying to conduct medical practice in the country, but the current protective Philippine policy prevents them from doing so.

“There are doctors and specialists registered in other countries who want to practice here in our country for a brief period, not to compete. This will result in the transfer of technology,” he said.

There are also specialists, especially fellow Filipinos practicing abroad, in the United States who Tolentino said want to serve in the Philippines, not only in medical missions but for a longer term since they have an affinity for the country.

Tolentino also made the suggestion during his regular radio program on DZRH where the DOH Secretary was present as a guest.

BIR AXES 26 EMPLOYEES

MANILA  — The Bureau of Internal Revenue has dismissed 26 employees and suspended two others for various offenses since last year, BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said yesterday.

“As we transform the BIR into an institution of integrity and excellence, we have removed 26 and suspended two erring employees. Keep in mind that you have no business working for the BIR if you fail to meet our standards for Integrity and Professionalism,” Lumagui said in a statement sent to The STAR.

The offenses range from grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, frequent unauthorized absences, falsification of official documents, gross neglect of duty, insubordination and absence without official leave.

Lumagui said he intends to have a regular investigation of BIR officials. If there are grounds for dismissal, the BIR will dismiss the official. If there are grounds for suspension, that official will be suspended.

“We are committed to provide a new BIR to the public. One that has integrity and professionalism,” Lumagui emphasized.

COA: PCGG BUILDING 'DISPOSED' LAST YEAR FOR P800 MILLION

MANILA — The Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) "disposed" its building in Mandaluyong City last year for P800 million, according to the 2022 report of the Commission on Audit.

State auditors said in the annual audit report on the commission tasked to recover properties from the ill-gotten wealth of the Marcoses that the "land, land improvements and buildings" located at No. 82 EDSA, Mandaluyong City were recorded in the list of "abandoned, surrendered property assets" in 2021.

The properties were appraised in January 2022, with appraised total market values of P856.99 million and P721.5 million from Asian Appraisal and Cal-Fil, respectively.

"The property was disposed through public bidding in May 2022," the auditors said in the Notes to Financial Statements part of the audit report.

Broken down, the Asia Appraisal valued the PCGG land at P836.94 million, the buildings at P18.977 million, and other land improvements were worth P1.073 million.

The audit report also noted that the properties "are being used by the Commission in its operation."

"In 2022, the said property was disposed thru public bidding and the proceeds amounting to P800,000,000.00 was remitted to the BTR (Bureau of Treasury) Trust account under Fund 184," the auditors said.

The report however did not provide other details as to how the properties were disposed.

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DNA MATCHED FOUR DEGAMO SLAY SUSPECTS

DNA testing has confirmed that four of the suspects in the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and nine others last March 4 were at the crime scene, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed Tuesday.

The DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) testing conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) confirmed the involvement of some of the suspects, Remulla said.

Lawyer Levito Baligod, the counsel of the Degamo family, also revealed that the DNA analysis confirmed the participation of four of the detained suspects: Rogelio C. Antipolo Jr., Winrich B. Isturis, John Louie L. Gonyon, and Jhudiel R. Rivero.

DNA samples were among the evidence submitted by the NBI to the panel of prosecutors conducting the preliminary investigation on the criminal charges it filed against alleged mastermind Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo “Arnie” A. Teves Jr. and several others.

The DNA testing was conducted based on the blood samples taken from the crime scenes, according to Remulla.

“The DNA analysis showed that there are other pieces of evidence apart from statements. Even if they said they were not in the crime scene, their blood was there,” he said.

Since Teves is still abroad, he was not present during the preliminary investigation of the charges for multiple murder, multiple frustrated murder, and multiple attempted murder filed against him in connection with the Degamo killing.

SENATORS SEEK SUSPENSION OF ‘UNFAIR, UNJUSTIFIABLE’ HIKE IN NLEX TOLL RATES

Senators on Tuesday called on government regulators to suspend the provisional increase in toll rates at the North Luzon Expressway due to worsening traffic conditions and the burden of inflation borne by Filipinos.

“In behalf of the hundreds of thousands of motorists plying the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), I appeal for some consideration and reprieve on the proposed increased toll rates,” said Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III.

Given that people were grappling with the effects of inflation, he said a toll increase would exacerbate their economic hardships.

Senator Grace Poe, chairperson of the Senate committee on public services, said the TRB must explain in detail the reason for the drastic hike in toll rates.

She also questioned the reasonableness of the increase.

“Is the expressway really providing express service? Is the convenience provided equal to what is being charged?” she asked.

The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) recently approved a provisional increase at NLEX in which Class 1 vehicles (car, jeepney, van or pickup) will have to pay an additional P7, Class 2 (bus and light truck), P17, and Class 3 (heavy and trailer truck) P19 on the expressway’s open system which covers Balintawak in Caloocan, Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City and Marilao in Bulacan.

In the NLEX closed system, starting in Marilao to Sta. Ines in Mabalacat City, motorists will pay an additional P26 for Class 1, P65 for Class 2, and P11 for Class 3. The new rates take effect on June 15.

DE LIMA CAMP FILES MOTION TO RECONSIDER BAIL DENIAL

MANILA -- The camp of former senator Leila de Lima has filed a motion for reconsideration at the Muntinlupa RTC Branch 256, after the court denied her bail petition last June 7.

In the 22-page motion, the senator's camp said the court made "grave but reversible errors" in its use of the "probable cause as the standard of proof in denying bail, instead of proof that the evidence of guilt is strong."

It also said that the court made a mistake in saying De Lima was involved in using New Bilibid Prison inmates and the "Oplan Galugad" in the illegal drug trade in the prison.

The motion also stated that the court committed "jurisdictional errors amounting to grave abuse of discretion" in its order and also "erred in not granting bail on humanitarian grounds."

De Lima's camp is hoping that the court would reconsider its decision and grant their motion for bail after the senator's recent acquittal.

BI BAGS CHINESE FUGITIVE AT NAIA

Immigration agents have arrested a Chinese woman wanted by the authorities in Beijing for alleged involvement in human trafficking.

BI intelligence chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. identified the suspect as 39-year-old Zheng Yuyu, who was intercepted as she was about to leave for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia through the NAIA Terminal 2.

Manahan said members of the BI’s border control and intelligence unit (BCIU) arrested Zheng before she could board a Philippine Airlines flight to Kuala Lumpur..

BI chief Norman Tansingco ordered the woman’s commitment to the BI warden facility at Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City where she would remain while undergoing deportation proceedings.

The BI board of commissioners, which Tansingco chairs, is expected to issue an order for Zheng’s summary deportation and her inclusion in the bureau’s blacklist of undesirable aliens.

According to BI-BCIU overall deputy chief Joseph Cueto, Zheng has been on the BI’s wanted list since April 9 this year when she, along with another Chinese named Chen Dongxin, was charged with deportation by the bureau’s prosecutors for being undesirable aliens.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

ANDREA BRILLANTES OPENS UP: 'NAGMAHAL AKO NG TOTOO'

MANILA -- Actress Andrea Brillantes opened up about the state of her heart on "Magandang Buhay" on Wednesday after her rumored breakup with basketball player Ricci Rivero.

Directly asked about the state of her heart, she replied: "Tingin ko ay okay naman siya. I mean it could be worse sa mga nagaganap ngayon. Puwedeng wala rin ako rito today kasi hindi ko kayang humarap sa mga tao. Pero tingin ko naman po sa lahat nang nagaganap ay okay siya ngayon."

Asked if is she is now free, Brillantes admitted: "Parang hindi pa po ako malaya, fully."

"Tingin ko po kasi kapag sinabing freedom, may part doon ng acceptance. Kasi naa-accept mo na na kailangan mo ng i-let go ang mga bagay-bagay. Ako po kasi, aminado ako na since ang bago-bago pa lang po talaga ng lahat, at alam mo 'yon naging totoo kasi sa akin lahat. Ako nagmahal ako ng totoo, hindi ko 'yon male-let go agad-agad," she explained.

"So hindi ko masababing malaya ako ng 100% kasi may mga bagay pang ayaw ko pang pakawalan and may mga bagay pang na pino-process ko pa. Kasi ganun naman talaga. Normal lang naman na dapat ay namnamin ko ang mga feeling na ito para makapag-heal ako ng maayos. Ayaw ko naman maging pretentious na maki-trend lang na I'm unbothered, para lang masabi na unbotheredly. Aminado ako na nakakaramdam ako kasi tao pa rin po ako," she added.

Brillantes, who said she is still in the stage of mourning, added that she is now at the point where she chooses to be happy.

"Kahit gusto kong magsalita ay pinipili kong huwag na lang, para walang gulo. Kahit ang dami kong gustong gawin ay pinipili kong piliin na lang ang sarili ko at mag-focus sa kung ano ang mayroon ako at sa mga taong nagmamahal sa akin,' she said.

Last Friday, after weeks of speculation, basketball player Rivero finally broke his silence on his rumored breakup with Brillantes.

Without mentioning the name of Brillantes, Rivero suggested that his relationship with the actress has ended, as he appealed not to drag "other characters" into " false accusations."

"I own up to the mistake of not making my relationship status public because I felt there’s no need to add up to what were going through. Please respect our decision to keep it to ourselves so that we can preserve what's left of our friendship," Rivero wrote.

Brillantes and Rivero celebrated their first anniversary last April.

It was in April 2022 when Rivero asked Brillantes to be his girlfriend after a basketball game.

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

A failure is not always a mistake. It may simply be the best one can do under the circumstances. The real mistake is to stop trying. - B.F. Skinner