New DPWH Chief Urged to Revolutionize Flood Control Strategy says Libanan
By Miriam Desacada Tacloban City–House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan has called on newly appointed Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon to revolutionize the government’s flood control program. The 4ps Rep. believes that Dizon’s appointment presents an opportunity for the Marcos administration to implement a bold and lasting solution to the country’s worsening flood crisis. “A sweeping audit of ongoing and proposed flood control projects is necessary to ensure that public funds are invested in works that genuinely protect communities,” Libanan said. He emphasized that every peso should go towards infrastructure that saves lives and livelihoods, rather than questionable projects that only appear impressive on paper. Libanan also renewed his call for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to convene a National Public-Private Flood Control Summit. This summit would bring together government agencies, local governments, business leaders, and experts to address flooding nationwide. He noted that the private sector is willing to contribute, citing businessman Ramon Ang’s offer…
Marcos Signs Panaon Seascape Protection Law: A Victory for the Environment
by Miriam G.Desacada Tacloban City– In a landmark move for marine conservation, food and livelihood security, and climate resilience, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed into law the bill declaring the waters around Panaon Island in Southern Leyte a Protected Seascape. This significant development aims to [briefly mention the benefits, e.g., protect marine biodiversity, promote sustainable fishing practices, and support local communities]. The signing of this law underscores the government’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. International marine conservation group, Oceana welcomes the enactment of Panaon Island Protected Seascape (PIPS) law, signed on August 29, 2025 that brings national focus to this island. It was identified as part of the 50 priority reefs in the world highly likely to withstand the devastating impacts of climate change. โThe PIPS Law was forged by years of scientific research, persistent advocacy, local organizing, and community participation. This policy milestone defends marine biodiversity, enhances food security, and fights poverty. In essence, this law is a declaration…
Data turnover of 24 Community Based Monitoring System ( CBMS) in Southern Leyte
Maasin City–The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) โ Regional Statistical Services Office VIII, in collaboration with the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Anahawan, Bontoc, Hinunangan, Hinundayan, Libagon, Liloan, City of Maasin, Macrohon, Malitbog, Padre Burgos, Pintuyan, Saint Bernard, San Francisco, San Juan, San Ricardo, Silago, Tomas Oppus, and Limasawa, as well as the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Southern Leyte, successfully conducted the 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) Data Turnover Ceremony (DTC) held at Southern Leyte Provincial Coliseum, Barangay Asuncion, Maasin City.The formal turn-over of the 2024 CBMS datasets to all LGUs in the province is a historic achievement for Southern Leyte. Chief Statistical Specialist (CSS) Eutemio A. Llevado, Jr. and Supervising Statistical Specialist (SuSS) Elissa P. Carbonilla led the ceremonial turnover with the support of CSS Mae R. Almonte of the Statistical Operations and Coordination Division, PSA โ RSSO 8. The well-attended ceremony was graced by Vice Governor Rosa Hon. Emilia G. Mercado, DICT Provincial Head Ms. Marian C.…
CSC Revises Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service
The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has issued the 2025 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service (2025 RACCS) to reflect significant legal and procedural developments since the last revision in 2017. The RACCS has served as the primary framework for handling disciplinary and non-disciplinary cases involving government officials and employees nationwide. However, changes in legislation, evolving jurisprudence, and updated CSC policies prompted a comprehensive review and overhaul. The revised 2025 RACCS comprises 159 sections across 23 Rules. Key updates include the integration of laws such as:๏ปฟ The 2025 RACCS also reflects recent Supreme Court rulings that have shaped administrative law, including: In addition, the revised rules incorporate key CSC initiatives and draft policies aimed at modernizing administrative procedures, such as: The CSC emphasized that the 2025 RACCS aims to streamline procedures and ensure administrative processes remain efficient, transparent, and aligned with current laws and best practices.
Over Two Million Pesos Worth of Shabu Seized in Ormoc City, Two Arrested
by JED Tacloban City–Operatives seized more than two million pesos worth of suspected shabu from two suspects during a drug buy-bust operation yesterday (July 15, 2025) at a pension house located in Sitio Kalipay, Barangay Cogon, Ormoc City. The arrested individuals were identified as Francis Dagoy, listed as a regional priority target, and Geralene Escala, considered a high-value individual. Both are residents of Merida, Leyte. In an interview with Police Captain Ramil Caldona, Officer-in-Charge of Ormoc City Police Station 1, said that authorities confiscated from the suspects a total of 323.14 grams of shabu valued at approximately โฑ2.197 million, along with a pistol and drug paraphernalia. PCpt. Caldona further revealed that Dagoy is believed to be the supplier of illegal drugs in Ormoc City, and that the seized drugs reportedly came from Abuyog, Leyte. Currently, authorities are conducting further investigation to verify if the confiscated shabu did indeed originate from Abuyog, Leyte. Meanwhile, the two suspects will face charges for…
4ps lawmaker chains mobile online gambling as a โhidden scourgeโ devastating Filipino families
By Miriam G.Desacada Borongan City ( Eastern Samar)–4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino โNonoyโ Libanan on Tuesday has sounded the alarm over the explosive spread of online gambling via mobile phones in the Philippines, describing it as a โhidden scourgeโ that is draining family resources, ensnaring the youth, and corroding the moral foundations of Filipino society. โMobile gambling has quietly turned smartphones into digital betting machines. This is no longer just a tech issueโitโs a moral emergency. Our laws must evolve swiftly before this invisible threat tears more Filipino households apart,โ Libanan said in a statement. Rep .Libanan is poised to be elected House Minority Leader of the 20th Congress, which will convene its first regular session on July 28. He previously held the same post in the 19th Congress. โWe are preparing urgent proposals to clamp down on mobile-based gambling platforms, especially those targeting Filipinos through social media, paid influencers, and algorithm-drive advertising,โ Libanan said. On the otherhand ,he cited growing…
CSC seeks public feedback onย Gawad Dangal ng Bayanย semi-finalists
Tacloban City–The Civil Service Commission (CSC) is inviting the public to provide feedbackโwhether positive or negativeโon the 13 semi-finalists for this yearโsย Gawad Dangal ng Bayan.ย Your input will help determine whether these individuals deserve to be among this yearโs awardees. The deadline for submitting feedback is on 21 July 2025. The Gawad Dangal ng Bayan is one of the major categories under the Gawad Lingkod Bayani. It is awarded to public servants who have performed an extraordinary act of public service and have consistently demonstrated exemplary ethical behavior, as defined under Republic Act (RA) No. 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. RA 6713 outlines eight norms of conduct for public servants: commitment to public interest, professionalism, justness and sincerity, political neutrality, responsiveness to the public, nationalism and patriotism, commitment to democracy, and simple living. The 2025 semi-finalists are: To share your feedback, please visit: bit.ly/HAPNationalSemi-finalistsFeedback For inquiries or concerns, you may contact the National Honor Awards…
PROTEST VS LUCYโs WIN Comelec hints ballot recount,re-tabulation of returns order
by Miriam G. Desacada Tacloban City–The Comelec 2nd division stated that, if re-elected Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez could not prove that she did not receive any summons or election protests filed against her by her opponent Violeta Codilla, the petition for a recount of ballots and re-tabulation of returns will be granted. On May 26 the Comelec clerk of court issued a summons with copy of Codillaโs election protest, informing Mayor Lucy that an election protest was filed against her and that, she is required to file a verified answer within five days from the date she received the summon. Upon checking with the LBC Track and Trace website by the Comelec division clerk, the summon was delivered on May 30 and received by a certain Jess Bughaw, an office staff of Mayor Lucy. If the prescribed period of five days from receipt of the documents is to be followed then Mayor Lucy could have submitted to the Comelec her verified…