Maniolas

A lawmaker has proposed granting additional allowances and financial incentives to barangay officials in recognition of their vital function in the enforcement of laws and implementation of government programs. House Bill 5245 filed by Valenzuela City Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian seeks to provide barangay captains honoraria, allowances and such other emoluments not less than P5,000 monthly or as may be authorized by law or barangay, municipal or city ordinance in accordance with the provisions of the proposed legislation. The bill also provides that members of the sangguniang barangay, the Sangguniang Kabataan chairman, the barangay treasurer and the barangay secretary shall receive not less than P3,000 per month in honoraria and allowances, while the barangay tanod and the lupong tagapamayapa shall receive not less than P2,000 per month in benefits. The measure likewise entitles the members of the punong barangay, as well as the barangay treasurer, the barangay secretary, and the lupong tagapamayapa, to a Christmas bonus of at least P2,000 each, the funds for which shall be taken from the general fund of the barangays or from other such other funds appropriated by the national government for the purpose. The barangay officials shall also be entitled to hazard duty pay of P1,000 each during their incumbency; representation and transportation allowances of P1,000; productivity incentive bonus of P1,000 and clothing allowance of P1,000 once a year. Gatchalian said it is high time barangay officials receive additional perks since the benefits they have under the present law are not commensurate with their duties Read More …

Less than a month before Pope Francis is scheduled to visit the Philippines, Malacañang said preparations for the five-day papal visit in January next year are in full swing. “Lahat po ng nararapat ay ginagawa para maihanda ang mga pasilidad, kabilang na ang imprastruktura, para sa pagdating ng Kanyang Kabanalan, Santo Papa, Pope Francis,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said on Sunday in an interview aired at dzRB. Coloma said that infrastructure that will be used during Pope Francis’ visit in Tacloban City and Palo, Leyte are the “highest priority.” This includes the Tacloban airport, and the national highway from Tacloban to Palo.  Coloma assured that electricity during the Pope’s visit will be stable. The pope will be at 11 venues in Manila and Leyte during his visit to the Philippines from January 15 to January 19.  Click here for the details of the Pope’s itinerary  The Presidential Communications Operations Office chief reminded the public to be disciplined during the papal visit. In particular, Coloma called on motorists to help ease traffic in the metro while the pope is in Manila. “Hinggil diyan sa pagdalaw ng Santo Papa, ‘yon pong kanyang pananaw na kinakailangang magpakita po tayo ng disiplina sa pagsalubong sa mahal na Santo Papa. Ito ay maaari nating maipakita sa pamamagitan ng pagsunod sa ating mga road traffic enforcers na nagpapatupad ng mga patakaran para sa public safety and order,” he explained. Meanwhile, the Palace kept mum on the proposed five-day holiday during the papal visit. “Kinakailangan din kasi ‘yung Read More …

Avoid taking colorum vessels and make sure your vehicles are roadworthy. These were among the pieces of advice transport officials offered to Filipinos joining the exodus to the provinces for the Christmas and New Year holidays. On Sunday, the Philippine Coast Guard reminded people going to the provinces by boat to steer clear of colorum bancas. Such vessels are likely not registered and have no guarantee of safety, radio dzBB’s Mao dela Cruz reported. For its part, the Land Transportation Office reminded motorists to keep their vehicles in top shape. This is to avoid accidents on the road as many people flock out of town, radio dzBB’s Manny Vargas reported. More Filipinos are expected to head for the provinces in the coming days as the holidays draw closer. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News

Philippine authorities have given privileged inmates in the country’s main prison until Christmas Eve to turn over their hidden guns, drugs and other contraband or the notorious facility will face a major shakedown. Justice Secretary Leila de Lima issued the ultimatum after two surprise searches of the Bilibid prison this week uncovered a horde of prohibited items including firearms, drugs, stashes of US dollars — and even a Jacuzzi and a stripper bar. Revelations that drug lords have been “living like kings” in luxury cells have shocked the Philippines, a nation used to tales of official corruption. “Before Christmas, they should produce the contraband because we believe there are still illegal drugs and items kept hidden,” de Lima said after leading the second search on Friday. “I told  them to produce that, otherwise I will really… turn the facility upside down,” she told reporters. Flanked by heavily-armed troops, de Lima led the searches of the luxurious special apartments of convicted drug lords in a sprawling suburban Manila complex built for 8,900 inmates but currently housing 23,000. “I am disgusted, even beyond disgusted,” she said after the raids, which uncovered secret panels leading to hidden rooms. Three officials connected with Bilibid were relieved of their posts in preparation for an investigation over the apparent complicity of jail officials in allowing the items to be smuggled in, she said. Philippine President Benigno Aquino has ordered de Lima to reform the prison system, which has long been known for corruption with wealthy inmates Read More …

The Office of the Ombudsman has created a panel to investigate the alleged special treatment of some rich inmates at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City. A highly-placed source told GMA News Online on Saturday that the Ombudsman ordered the investigation after a series of surprise inspections yielded contraband in the national penitentiary’s maximum security area. Justice Secretary Leila de Lima had led the surprise inspections at the NBP this week. On Friday, at least three officials were relieved from their posts after the inspections. Among those relieved were NBP superintendent Roberto Rabo, assistant director for operations Celso Bravo, and Davao Penal Farm superintendent Venancio Tesoro, who was former NBP head. Named OIC NBP superintendent was Richard Schwarzkopf; while Superintendent Rachel Ruelo, head of the Women’s Correctional, was tapped to replace Rabo. Meanwhile, Superintendent Geraldo Padilla will replace Tesoro as head of the Davao Penal Farm. — Amanda Fernandez/LBG, GMA News