News Roundup 12 June 2023
Jun 12, 2023 • 3 min Read
Biazon gets final salute as soldier & statesman who answered call of duty | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — Rodolfo Biazon wore two hats in his lifetime, and those mourning his death, which fell on Independence Day, remembered him as a “true patriot” who served the country as both soldier and statesman.
Government officials and ranking lawmakers have expressed their condolences to the family of Biazon, who passed away after a bout of pneumonia Monday morning, as confirmed by his son, Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon. He was 88.
The Department of National Defense hailed Biazon’s illustrious career as both military man and public servant, saying his life was a “legacy worth emulating.”
“Throughout his decades-long service to the Filipino nation, Sen. Biazon embodied patriotism, integrity, and commitment to the protection of the country’s freedom and its democratic institutions,” the DND said.
The late Biazon climbed the ranks within the military establishment until he was appointed AFP chief in January 1991 and served for three months.
Biazon also served in the Senate from 1992 to 1995 and again from 1998 until 2010. He last served as Muntilupa representative from 2010 to 2016.
Full Story at: Biazon gets final salute as soldier & statesman who answered call of duty | Philstar.com
Danger zone around Mayon expanded to 7 km | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — The provincial government of Albay has expanded the danger zone surrounding the Mayon volcano to a radius of seven kilometers as it prepares to evacuate residents following increased activity from the volcano.
In an advisory signed by Albay Governor Edcel Greco Lagman, residents inside the seven-kilometer extended danger zone have been placed under “preparedness status” — which means evacuation will be “executed anytime,” with affected individuals being advised to bring with them necessities to the evacuation center.
Around 10,578 people living within the six-kilometer PDZ were evacuated starting last Friday morning.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said that Mayon had an “effusive eruption” late Sunday night, wherein lava flow is seen gently spilling out from the volcano crater.
Mayon has been on Alert 3 since June 8, indicating a high level of unrest and an increased possibility of a hazardous eruption within weeks or days.
The provincial government’s expansion of the danger zone is meant to help avoid casualties and ensure public safety as Mayon continues to show volcanic activity and rockfall events, according to the advisory.
Full Story at: Danger zone around Mayon expanded to 7 km | Philstar.com
Romualdez, lawmakers hail Biazon: ‘Brave soul, model citizen’ | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — House of Representatives members led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez paid tribute to late former senator Rodolfo ‘Pong’ Biazon, saying that the former Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff was a model citizen.
Romualdez, in a statement on Monday, said it is a fitting tribute to Biazon — a respected military leader — that God recalled him while the Philippines was commemorating its 125th Independence Day.
Biazon’s family, including Muntinlupa city mayor Ruffy Biazon, confirmed earlier that the former senator died after battling pneumonia.
He was also diagnosed with lung cancer.
Biazon was 88.
“A brave soul has been summoned back to God’s army on a day that we Filipinos associate with bravery. That is a fitting tribute to Pong Biazon by the Almighty, telling us to emulate the great Filipino that he was,” Romualdez said of Biazon, who was also a two-time member of the House.
Full Story at: Romualdez, lawmakers hail Biazon: ‘Brave soul, model citizen’ | Inquirer News
Oil firms announce price hike starting Tuesday | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — Local gasoline companies on Monday announced an upcoming hike in the prices of gasoline, diesel, and kerosene starting Tuesday, June 13.
In separate advisories, Caltex Philippines, Seaoil Philippines Inc, and Cleanfuel all announced an increase in the prices of gasoline — P1.20 per liter, diesel — P1.40 per liter, and kerosene — P1.30.
According to Caltex, the hike will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday.
On the other hand, Seaoil will implement the hike at 6:01 a.m. and Cleanfuel at 4:01 p.m.The said hike comes just a week after a recent rollback in fuel prices.