International -

Special Emergency Leave Available for Government Employees During Calamities

evmwb Tacloban City–Government employees affected by Tropical Storms Dante, Emong, Crising, and the southwest monsoon are encouraged to avail of the Special Emergency Leave (SEL), in accordance with guidelines from the Civil Service Commission (CSC). Those residing or working in areas officially declared under a state of calamity may use up to five days of SEL within 30 days from the onset of the disaster. This special leave is not deducted from their earned leave credits and may be taken either consecutively or on separate days. The SEL is granted under CSC Memorandum Circular Nos. 2, s. 2012 and 16, s. 2012, which allow the use of emergency leave in the event of natural disasters, provided a state of calamity is declared by the President or relevant local government units. For areas that have not been officially placed under a state of calamity but are evidently impacted, agency heads have the discretion to grant SEL, provided they establish clear internal guidelines…

4ps lawmaker chains mobile online gambling as a ‘hidden scourge’ devastating Filipino families

By Miriam G.Desacada Borongan City ( Eastern Samar)–4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan on Tuesday has sounded the alarm over the explosive spread of online gambling via mobile phones in the Philippines, describing it as a “hidden scourge” that is draining family resources, ensnaring the youth, and corroding the moral foundations of Filipino society. “Mobile gambling has quietly turned smartphones into digital betting machines. This is no longer just a tech issue—it’s a moral emergency. Our laws must evolve swiftly before this invisible threat tears more Filipino households apart,” 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. “We 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,” Libanan said. On the otherhand ,he cited growing…