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Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
National
October 27, 2025
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Updated SALN Rules Out: New Omnibus Guidelines Set for 2026 Filing

by Miriam G.Desacada Tacloban City–The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has released updated guidelines for the Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) form, aiming to promote integrity and transparency in government through CSC MC No. 2, s. 2013 and other SALN issuances. The new Omnibus Rules on SALN consolidate and simplify existing policies, replacing previous guidelines and amendments, to ensure a more efficient and uniform process across agencies. Key updates include the incorporation of CSC Resolution No. 2400263, enabling digital SALN filing and submission, featuring online oath-taking and filing, and digital repository submission. This shift to digital modernizes the process, making it faster and more convenient for government employees. The updated Omnibus Rules outline clear procedures for SALN filing upon assumption of office, annual submissions, and separation from service, addressing gaps in previous guidelines. Key changes include guidance for new employees, those leaving government service, and individuals in multiple marriages, as well as removing the spouse’s signature requirement. These…

Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
National
October 26, 2025
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Eastern Samar’s Growth Set to Surge: New Coconut Oil Mill and Fish Ports to Boost Economy and Employment

by Miriam Garcia Desacada Tacloban City–Eastern Samar Lone District Representative Christopher Sheen Gonzales is optimistic that the province will experience accelerated economic growth and job creation upon approval of plans to construct a coconut oil mill and two state-of-the-art fish ports with cold storage facilities. “There’s no question that the proposed coconut oil refinery and fishing terminals will significantly boost Eastern Samar’s agricultural and fisheries production. These projects will uplift the lives of our people by creating new gainful employment and livelihood opportunities,” Gonzales said. Gonzales made the statement following a report from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showing that Eastern Samar recorded the fastest economic growth among the six provinces of Eastern Visayas (Region VIII). Eastern Samar’s economy expanded by 10.2 percent in 2024, outpacing even regional capital Tacloban City’s 8.2 percent growth rate, according to the PSA report released earlier this month. “Economic growth is not just about higher numbers—it’s about creating jobs, opening opportunities, and raising household…

Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
National
October 26, 2025
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Lawmaker Appeals for Support in Boosting 4Ps Cash Grants to Alleviate Burden of Rising Living Costs

by Miriam G.Desacada Tacloban City–House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan is urging his fellow lawmakers to expedite the passage of a bill increasing the cash grants for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to support low-income families struggling with soaring living costs. “We need to strengthen the 4Ps so that it can truly help families break free from poverty. With inflation steadily driving up the cost of food and other essentials, the current cash grants have become too small to make a meaningful difference in the daily lives of poor households,” Libanan said. “The existing amounts are no longer sufficient for beneficiaries to meet basic education, health, and nutrition needs,” Libanan added. The Minority Leader, along with fellow 4Ps Party-list Rep. JC Abalos, has been advocating the passage of House Bill No. 120, which seeks to adjust the cash grants to more realistic levels amid the rising cost of food and other basic necessities. Under the bill: The grant per…

Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
National
October 24, 2025
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Ombudsman junks 2 graft, grave misconduct raps vs Oñate, et al.

by Miriam G. Desacada Ormoc City–The Office of the Ombudsman, in joint resolutions issued on 11 September 2025, dismissed two similar but separately filed cases of graft and corruption, and grave misconduct against former Palompon mayor Ramon C. Oñate and other municipal officials.One of the two dismissed cases was filed by Francisco Y. Dysam Jr., with docket numbers OMB-C-C-OCT-24-0081, a criminal case for violation of Section 3(a) and (e) of Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), and OMB-C-A-OCT-24-0094, an administrative case for grave misconduct. Respondents to the Dysam complaints were Oñate, and other former municipal officials: legal officer Phoebe Charis A. Albaño, municipal engineer John Erwin G. Aquino, vice mayor Ferdinand T. dela Calzada, and Sangguniang Bayan (SB) members—Burt Marie M. Bregaudit, Esperanza L. Sumalinog, Edgar P. Pacaldo, Jonathan T. Yap, Emmanuel M. Laurente, Margarito C. Bensig Jr., Ranulfo O. Gaspan Sr., Consuelo J. Bonghanoy, Rene A. Camposano, and Yvanna Kirstie H. Misagal. The other dismissed case was…

Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
National
October 21, 2025
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Ex-congressman Veloso slams Soho’s docu on FMR project, land grab claims

by Miriam G. Desacada TACLOBAN CITY — Former Leyte 3rd District Representative Ching Veloso has written a letter-complaint to broadcast journalist Jessica Soho, accusing her recent television documentary of airing misleading and erroneous claims imputing him to violations of law. Veloso said the documentary tackled two issues: 1) An alleged overpriced farm-to-market road (FMR) project in Barangay San Roque, Tacloban City; and 2) he and his family grabbed lands surrounding the FMR site. Both issues, in Soho’s documentary, portrayed him and his family of breaching the law—completely without taking his side—prompting him to air his complaint to the TV program host. In his letter, a copy of which was furnished to the local media, Veloso denied any involvement in the questioned overpriced FMR. He clarified that the subject FMR project, which is in Tacloban City, falls under the First District of Leyte, far from his jurisdiction as Congress representative of the Third District of Leyte (2016-2022). Veloso told Soho that…

Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
National
October 13, 2025
62 views

50,096 successfully pass 10 August 2025 Career Service Exam

Tacloban City–Thousands of individuals are now civil service eligibles after passing the 10 August 2025 Career Service Examination – Pen and Paper Test (CSE-PPT) conducted by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) nationwide. Of the 302,028 examinees who took the Professional Level, 45,730 passed, representing a 15.14% passing rate. Meanwhile 4,366 or 14.73% of the 29,647 examinees successfully passed the Subprofessional Level. “We congratulate all passers of the August 2025 examinations. Passing the CSE is a significant step toward a career in public service, and we hope that this achievement inspires more Filipinos to join the civil service,” said CSC Chairperson Marilyn B. Yap. The CSC announced that the List of Passers may be viewed through the Examination Results widget on the CSC website at csc.gov.ph. Examinees—whether passed or failed—can generate their individual test results using the Online Civil Service Examination Result Generation System by 25 October 2025. In addition, examinees are reminded to prepare their Examinee Number to access their…

Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
National
October 12, 2025
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A 28-km undersea tunnel across San Bernardino Strait to link Luzon and Visayas proposed

By Miriam G.Desacada Tacloban City– Some Eighteen members of Congress from Eastern Visayas—led by House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan—are calling for the construction of an undersea tunnel or long-span bridge across the San Bernardino Strait to finally establish a permanent land connection between Luzon and the Visayas. Libanan said that they have filed House Bill No. 4589, which seeks to establish a fixed 28-kilometer crossing between the provinces of Sorsogon and Northern Samar. “This is an investment in national economic integration and long-term growth,” Libanan said. “A fixed link—whether a tunnel or a bridge—will cut travel time, guarantee year-round mobility even during storms, and unlock new opportunities for trade, tourism, and employment.” “Imagine being able to drive seamlessly from Metro Manila to Samar and Leyte without having to queue for a ferry. This will completely change the way people travel, move goods, and connect across our islands,” Libanan added. He identified other Congressmen authors of the bill are Representatives:…

Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
National
October 12, 2025
127 views

REP. COCO: I will never betray the trust of my people

by Miriam G.Desacada Maasin City—Representative Christopherson “Coco” Yap of the 2nd District of Southern Leyte is a man whose leadership style involves understanding, listening, and adapting the feelings of his constituents by connecting with them and engaging with them on a personal level.This is what we call empathetic leadership, which focuses on understanding people’s views and needs. This is achieved by taking a genuine interest in them and providing the service they deserve. His legislative efforts, community interactions, and support for the people are rooted in his holistic understanding of their personas. There may be downsides to his type of leadership, one of which is his vulnerability to personal attacks and mistreatment. However, his upbringing shaped his character, fostering a deep empathy for his people and a sincere desire to help them grow independently. This connection drove them to question how he was linked to the alleged anomalies. They believed that Coco could not afford to betray their trust.COCO’S UPBRINGINGCoco…

Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
National
October 10, 2025
132 views

Northern Samar Wind Farm Project Gets ERC Nod

By Miriam G Desacada Tacloban City-Congressman Edwin C. Ongchuan of Northern Samar’s 2nd District has welcomed the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) approval for the grid connection of the Lihangin Wind Energy Corporation’s (LWEC) San Isidro Wind Power Project. The 206-megawatt wind power project, located in San Isidro, Northern Samar, is a joint venture between Aboitiz Renewables Inc., Vivantc Energy Corp., and Singapore-based Vena Energy. The ERC approval authorizes the project to connect to the Visayas grid through the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) substations in Calbayog and San Isidro. This milestone supports the government’s goal of achieving a 35% renewable energy share in the national power mix by 2030. The project is expected to commence commercial operations by February 2026 and will contribute to reducing dependence on imported fuels, promoting affordable and sustainable electricity, and strengthening the overall stability of the Visayas. The San Isidro Wind Power Project is one of several renewable energy initiatives in Northern Samar,…

Samar Police Identify Suspect in Lifeless Newborn Case

By Miriam G Desacada Tacloban City–The Northern Samar Police Provincial Office (NSPPO) has made significant progress in the investigation of the lifeless newborn baby girl found in a drainage canal in Barangay UEP Zone II, Catarman, Northern Samar, on October 6, 2025. Under the leadership of Provincial Director PCOL Sonnie B. Omengan, the NSPPO identified the suspect as a 19-year-old college student from Palapag, Northern Samar. Initialninvestigation revealed that the suspect’s landlady received a text message from her at around 8:45 PM on October 5, asking for medicine for dysmenorrhea. Another tenant reported hearing unusual noises coming from the comfort room early morning, which sounded like someone was in pain or distress, accompanied by splashing sounds. CCTV Footage Plays Crucial Role: Based on the breakthrough in the case came when investigators reviewed CCTV footage from the boarding house. The footage showed the suspect leaving the comfort room at 3:15 AM on October 6, carrying a white pail labeled “Davies Megacryl.”…

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