During a recent hearing on the 2025 budget of the Department of Transportation, Guintu lamented challenges facing the Roxas Airport, such as lack of toilets and outdated airport facilities.

He also raised the need for a passenger tube so that travelers would no longer have to walk on the tarmac to the aircraft.

“Kapansin-pansin na ang ating paliparan ay nangangailangan ng rehabilitasyon at improvement ng mga pasilidad na ginagamit ng mga pasahero. Makikita natin na malayo ang kapasidad at quality ng ating paliparan kapag ikumpara sa Iloilo International Airport,” the Capiznon solon said.

“Maliit ang kapasidad ng paliparan, luma na ang mga pasilidad, at konti lang ang banyo na magagamit ng mga pasahero. Bukod pa rito, mahirap kapag umuulan, lalo na para sa ating mga persons with disabilities, dahil kailangan pang maglakad sa tarmac paakyat o’kaya palabas ng eroplano,” he added.

For its part, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said that funds under its 2025 budget have been allocated for the rehabilitation and improvement of the Roxas Airport.

“We are giving priority on the control tower. The control tower will have to be abandoned, so we already have a mobile tower in position that will take over before we start renovating or demolishing the existing,” said CAAP Director General Manuel Antonio Tamayo.

“Yun ang priority, kasi it’s for operations. The rest of the facilities we are aware of the deficiencies including the toilets,” he also said.IMT

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Guo arrived at Royal Star Aviation hangar in Pasay City at 1:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 6, aboard a special government flight. 

The ex-mayor was arrested in an apartment in Jakarta, Indonesia on Tuesday, Sept. 3. She is facing complaints for human trafficking, tax evasion and money laundering before the Department of Justice.

The Office of the Solicitor General also filed a quo warranto petition against her before the Manila Regional Trial Court.

Upon her arrival, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) immediately executed the mission order against Guo. 

She faces charges of undesirability and misrepresentation under Philippine immigration laws, according to BI chief Norman Tansingco.

“The return of Alice Guo is a significant achievement for the Philippine justice system and highlights the effective collaboration between international counterparts and law enforcement agencies,” said Tansingco. 

“This operation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to ensuring that justice prevails, no matter the boundaries,” he added.

Guo remains under legal custody of the BI, while physical custody shall remain with the Philippine National Police.IMT

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From January 1 to August 24 this year, the region’s health department logged a total of 18,056 dengue cases with 42 deaths.

The number was higher by 229 percent compared to the 5,491 cases with 25 deaths recorded in the same period a year ago.

The province of Iloilo accounted for the highest dengue cases in the region at 7,020, followed by Negros Occidental with 2,864 cases; Aklan, 1,919; Guimaras, 1,446; Iloilo City, 1,118; Antique, 1,022; and Bacolod City, 849.

The dengue fatalities came from Iloilo province (20), Negros Occidental (8), Capiz (5), Iloilo City (4), Aklan (2), Antique (1), Guimaras (1) and Bacolod City (1).

Most or 34.4 percent of cases in the region belonged to the 11-20-year-old age group, while 31.7 percent came from the 1 –10 age group.

All age groups, according to DOH-6, have recorded dengue cases.

Dr. Bea Camille Natalaray of DOH-6 urged the public to seek immediate consultation once they manifest signs and symptoms of mosquito-borne disease.

“Let us not hesitate to seek early consultation because in our health facilities, we have distributed thousands of NS1 kits, and these are given free in our health facilities,” she said.IMT

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“It has nothing to do with politics. It has to do with the budget,” Marcos Jr. told reporters on Wednesday, Sept. 4.

The budget hearing, according to the President, is a well-established process conducted annually by Congress for “every single government agency.”

“So, I don’t know she can characterize these things, which is essentially an information gathering exercise for the House and for the Senate so that they know what the budget will look like,” he furthered.

Earlier, Duterte-Carpio, the daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte refused to defend her office’s proposed budget for 2025 after being questioned about the confidential funds allocated to the OVP in previous years.IMT

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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had this to say when asked to comment on Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s regrets for asking Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) members to vote for him in the 2022 elections.

“I still don’t understand why, but … that is her…it is her wish. Wala tayong magagawa,” Marcos Jr. said in a recent interview.

The President also admitted that he no longer has communication with Duterte-Carpio.

The KOJC church was founded by Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who is a subject of the manhunt operations by the police.

Quiboloy is facing charges of abuse and human trafficking.IMT

The post Marcos on Sara apology to KOJC: ‘Wala tayong magagawa’ first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

“Parang hindi niya (Quiboloy) yata masyadong naintindihan ang proseso. Pagka nag-issue ang korte ng bench warrant or warrant for arrest, it is out of our hands already. It is in the courts’ hands,” Marcos Jr. said in a media interview.

Earlier, Quiboloy imposed conditions for his surrender, including a commitment from Malacañang that he would not be extradited to the United States, where he is charged with sex trafficking of children.

“Kailangan ang kausap niya ang korte. Dahil ang executive, ang papel lang namin ngayon ay arestuhin siya. So, all of these conditions that he’s putting in are immaterial,” the President said.

The Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder was indicted in the US for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, as well as the sex trafficking of children.

Last April, a Pasig City court ordered his arrest for qualified human trafficking. He also has an arrest warrant for child and sexual abuse complaints issued by the Davao City Regional Trial Court.

The police are still searching for Quiboloy.IMT

The post Talk to the courts, Marcos to Quiboloy first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Proclamation 668 designated the 2,000 square meter land as the Grid IT Center in Barangay San Rafael, Mandurriao district.

Signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, President Bongbong Marcos issued the proclamation last Aug. 27.

“The new ecozone already expects three companies engaged in the IT-business process management sector to locate, with an estimated P10 million to be invested and 250 workers to be employed,” PEZA said in a statement.

The IT center at Donato Pison was completed in 2019.

“In collaboration with other government agencies and industry partners, PEZA furthers its commitment in eco-zoning the Philippines towards inclusive and sustainable development,” said PEZA director general Tereso O. Panga.IMT

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“At present, connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity. In order to push for holistic national growth, it is vital to invest in the further development of data transmission services, narrowing the digital divide in the country,” said Legarda, one of the authors of Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2699.

The proposed legislation aims to simplify the process for telecom companies to get approval by removing the need for a legislative franchise. 

It also requires telecom companies to share infrastructure, which reduces operational costs and makes it easier for new companies to enter the market, particularly in areas with limited or no service.

“It is our goal to also democratize the digital marketplace by eliminating regulatory barriers and promoting a technology-neutral policy framework to create a fair and open environment for all service providers,” the senator from Antique said.

Legarda was the principal author of Republic Act No. 10844, which established the Department of Information and Communications Technology.IMT

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“Ako po ay nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng gumawa ng paraan para siya maaresto. Terima Kasih to our friends in Indonesia,” Hontiveros said in a Facebook post.

The Department of Justice earlier confirmed that Guo was apprehended Tuesday evening, Sept. 3, in Tangerang, a city in the province of Banten.

The senator said that she expects Guo to appear before the Senate very soon.

“We appreciate the commitment of the NBI to turn her over to the senate after she is processed. At kung sino man ang tumulong sa kanyang pag takas, di namin kayo tatantanan,” added Hontiveros.IMT

The post Hontiveros hails arrest of Alice Guo, thanks Indonesia first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Guo, who is facing human trafficking, tax evasion and money laundering charges, was apprehended at 11:58 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, the DOJ said citing Senior Superintendent Audie Latuheru of the Indonesian Police.

“This development has been verified by our counterparts in Immigration, who have confirmed that Ms. Guo is currently in the custody of the Indonesian Police at Jatanras Mabes Polri,” the DOJ said in a press statement.

Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Boying Remulla welcomed Guo’s arrest, calling it “a testament to the tireless efforts of our law enforcement agencies and the strength of international cooperation in bringing fugitives to justice.”

“We will ensure that all legal processes are followed to hold her accountable for any crimes committed,” he said.IMT

The post Alice Guo arrested in Indonesia, DOJ confirms first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.