FACTS OVER FICTION: THE REAL STORY BEHIND THE BUDGET
Tainted Testimony
Tacloban warmly welcomes Coco Martin at the Toyota Tamaraw Roadshow!
Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
- National
- September 6, 2025
- 173 views
Gonzales vows urgent actionvs mining in Homonhon Is.
By Miriam G. Desacada TACLOBAN CITY—Eastern Samar Representative Christopher Sheen Gonzales, in his first privilege speech at the House of Representatives this week, called for urgent action against what he described as “irresponsible and destructive” mining operations of foreign companies that have subjugated almost the entire historical Homonhon Island in Guiuan, Eastern Samar. Gonzales revealed disturbing information that 6,489 of Homonhon’s 7,400 hectares, or approximately 88 percent, are already covered by mineral production sharing agreements (MPSAs) granted to five mining companies, which extract nickel and chromite and deliver them to foreign consumers. The young legislator warned that such large-scale extraction threatens not only the island’s fragile environment but also the survival and livelihood of its people. Gonzales said these mining companies have been allowed to devour the natural resources of Homonhon, while ignoring their social responsibilities and failing to improve the lives of the island residents. He pushed for the rehabilitation of mined-out areas, and the establishment of alternative livelihood…
- National
- September 3, 2025
- 162 views
Record-Breaking 8,032 Government Job Openings at 2025 Job Fair
Tacloban City–Over 8,000 vacancies in 254 government agencies are up for grabs at the 2025 Government Job Fair happening on 2–5 September across 15 regional venues nationwide, and on 9 September, specifically in the Cordillera Administrative Region. Organized by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) in celebration of the 125th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA), the job fair offers plantilla and non-plantilla positions in national agencies, local governments, government-owned and -controlled corporations, and state colleges and universities. CSC Chairperson Marilyn B. Yap highlighted that this year’s 8,032 openings surpass the target of 6,300, marking the highest number of vacancies in the history of CSC-led job fairs. Chairperson Yap encourages fresh graduates, jobseekers, and career shifters—regardless of background, ability, or identity—to seize the opportunity to join the government workforce and serve with Puso, Dangal, at Galing para sa Bayan. In the National Capital Region (NCR), 25 government agencies will participate, including the Pasig City Government, Department of Justice, National Bureau of Investigation,…
- Local
- September 1, 2025
- 145 views
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…
- Local
- August 30, 2025
- 87 views
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. “The 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…
- National
- August 30, 2025
- 130 views
Town mayor, Cong. Gomez trade barbs over a collapsed flood control structure
by Miriam G.Desacada Matag-Ob Leyte–The sudden collapse of a flood control structure in Matag-ob, Leyte on Monday, drove the town’s Mayor Bernie G. Tacoy to demand an explanation on how a multi-million-peso project easily crumbled soon after its reported completion. Tacoy demanded accountability for a failed project he linked to its “sponsor,” 4th District Representative Richard “Goma” Gomez, whose strong denial now contrasts with his pride during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the project launch. Tacoy publicly criticized Goma, questioning the quality and integrity of a collapsed structure that reportedly came from the congressman’s allocations for the district. He alleged possible irregularities in both the implementation and monitoring processes, which he claimed put the lives and safety of Matag-ob residents at risk. Because of this project structure gone wrong, and Tacoy’s fiery call for accountability, Goma immediately reacted, prompting a word war between the two government officials. While Tacoy insisted of answers on the collapsed structure, Goma quickly fired back at…
- National
- August 27, 2025
- 176 views
Beyond the Catch: Panaon Communities Embracing Sustainable Livelihoods
by Miriam G Desacada Maasin City– The communitieof Panaon Island have relied almost entirely on the sea for their food, income, and identity. With the impendingdeclaration of Panaon Island as a protected seascape, its biodiverse fisheries and marine resources will be able to sustain the present and future generations living in the island. “We are optimistic about the benefits that protecting Panaon Island will bring to its local communities. As fish stocks continue to dwindle and the effects of climate change and overfishing become harder to ignore, the island’s residents are being offered a new path towards sustainability: science-backed livelihood alternatives that reduce pressure on the ocean while creating new economic opportunities for communities,” said Von Hernandez, Oceana’s Vice President. While awaiting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signature to enact the Panaon Island Protected Seascape (PIPS) bill, Oceana has been helping the national and local governments consult with local communities. This process of developing the PIPS Management Plan is highlighting important…
- National
- August 24, 2025
- 173 views
Modernize coconut industry; oil mill eyed in Eastern Samar
Tacloban City-House Assistant Minority Leader and Eastern Samar Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales has filed a bill seeking the creation of a state-of-the-art coconut oil milling and refinery plant in Quinapondan, Eastern Samar. Gonzales said the measure complements President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s campaign to modernize the coconut industry, as outlined in his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA). “The President has made it clear: millions of Filipinos depend on the coconut tree for their livelihood, and government will plant 15 million high-quality coconut seedlings every year until we reach 100 million trees. Our bill ensures that Eastern Samar is ready to translate this vision into real benefits for our farmers,” Gonzales said. House Bill No. 121, co-authored by House Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan, identifies the Municipality of Quinapondan as project site due to its strategic location and existing port facilities, which will speed up and lower the cost of moving coconuts and finished products. With…
- National
- August 24, 2025
- 280 views
DENR, two Samar firms launch up reforestation project in Samar
By Miriam G. Desacada Tacloban City-‘The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Samar BioSPV (a company established by French-firm aDryada and Samar Bamboo Corporation) signed a partnership agreement for the implementation of the Green Samar Project (GSP) in the 3 provinces of Samar. This will be the country’s biggest reforestation project. The GSP is set to restore 90,000 hectares of denuded forest in the northwestern portion of the Samar Island Natural Park. The historic signing of the most ambitious environmental initiative ever set in the Philippines was done in Manila on May 29, 2024. The project was born out of the need by Taff Hydroenergy Corporation which has two operating hydro plants and building more in Samar, to preserve its watershed. Taff Hydro’s president Benjie Picardo says “water is our power plants’ fuel. We need a healthy forest cover to ensure consistent flow of water through our turbines”. Signatories for the memorandum of understanding (MoU) for GSP implementation…
- National
- August 21, 2025
- 103 views
Gonzales, Libanan seek full Eastern Samar State University campuses in Balangiga, Arteche
By MGD Tacloban City–House Assistant Minority Leader and Eastern Samar Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales has filed two priority bills seeking to expand access to higher education by establishing regular campuses of the Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) in the municipalities of Balangiga and Arteche. The neophyte Congressman said that House Bill No. 3135 calls the creation of the ESSU–Balangiga Campus, while House Bill No. 3136 seeks to convert the existing ESSU–Arteche extension unit into a full-fledged campus. Both bills are co-authored by House Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan. “These measures are anchored on our constitutional duty to make quality education accessible to every Filipino. By upgrading the ESSU units in Balangiga and Arteche, we open more doors for our youth to pursue higher learning without leaving their hometowns,” Gonzales said. “Education is the most sustainable form of development. By bringing ESSU closer to our people, we are investing in human capital that will drive Eastern Samar’s…
- National
- August 19, 2025
- 327 views
Libanan: Stop drug test theater
Tacloban City–House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan on Tuesday urged lawmakers to uphold the dignity of the Office of the President, rejecting proposals to compel the country’s highest leader to undergo mandatory drug testing. Libanan made the appeal after Senator Robin Padilla filed a bill seeking annual drug tests for the President and other government officials—a proposal lodged just days after one of Padilla’s own staff members was embroiled in a marijuana controversy inside the Senate. “The timing speaks volumes. Instead of cleaning up his own backyard, somebody is trying to deflect attention by dragging the Office of the President into a spectacle. The presidency is not a stage for gimmicks or stunts,” Libanan said. Libanan stressed that his opposition is not about shielding any individual, but about safeguarding the institution itself. “Whoever sits as President—past, present, or future—must be spared from the indignity of being forced to undergo a drug test. To subject the presidency to such procedures diminishes…
E. Visayas’ inflation slightly rises to 0.5% in October
- November 12, 2025
- 7 views
2 Dead, Found in Fire During Typhoon Uwan’s Onslaught in Borongan City
- November 10, 2025
- 20 views
E. Samar cop nabbed, faced robbery complaint
- November 7, 2025
- 18 views
Ombudsman clears On̈ate from Graft Charges
- November 7, 2025
- 36 views