Maniolas

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology on Sunday night allayed fears of a tsunami from a magnitude-6.6 quake that occurred in the Molucca Sea in Indonesia. In an advisory, Phivolcs said the quake was recorded at 7:44 p.m. Philippine time, but did not cause any destructive Pacific-wide threat. “However, earthquakes of this size sometimes generate local tsunamis that can be destructive along coast located within a hundred kilometers of the epicenter,” it said. “(T)here is no tsunami threat to the Philippines from this earthquake,” it added. — Joel Locsin/JDS, GMA News

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 …