News Roundup 19 November 2023
Nov 19, 2023 • 3 min Read
House exec tells ex-President Duterte: Spare AFP, PNP from ‘intrigues’ | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe on Sunday called for former President Rodrigo Duterte to spare the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) from “partisan intrigues” that may raise questions about the professionalism and neutrality of the uniformed service.
In a statement, Dalipe said that Duterte’s accusations that the AFP and PNP are participating in political activities are unfair.
He emphasized the hard work of officers and enlisted troops to restore the uniformed service’s credibility and professionalism.
“I respectfully appeal to former President Rodrigo Duterte to recognize the paramount importance of keeping our Armed Forces and National Police free from partisan politics. These institutions serve as the bedrock of our nation’s security, and their effectiveness relies on unity and impartiality,” said Dalipe.
“We have already achieved so much in our quest to professionalize our military and police service. Let us not squander what we have accomplished by putting the AFP and the PNP in a bad light because of these baseless statements,” he added.
Dalipe stressed that the ex-president should instead focus on prioritizing the country’s well-being over political interests.
Full Story at: House exec to Duterte: Spare AFP, PNP from ‘intrigues’ (inquirer.net)
82 aftershocks recorded days after magnitude 6.8 quake shook Sarangani | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — Eighty-two aftershocks have been recorded almost three days after the magnitude 6.8 earthquake off Sarangani, Davao Occidental, last November 17, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
Based on its 8 a.m. situational report, the aftershocks of 1.4 to 3.9 magnitude were recorded after the quake until early morning on Sunday.
“As of November 19, 2023, 4 a.m., a total of 82 aftershocks were recorded. Of which, 48 were plotted, and four were felt,” NDRRMC said.
The agency likewise reported that the quake affected 167 people or 34 families residing in 12 barangays in Davao Occidental, reportedly killing at least five individuals and injuring six.
Full Story at: 82 aftershocks recorded days after magnitude 6.8 quakea (inquirer.net)
Walang Pasok: Class suspensions for November 20 to 22 due to transport strike, earthquake | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — Some educational institutions and local government units have suspended in-person classes due to a transport strike starting on Monday, November 20.
On November 15, transport group PISTON announced a three-day transport strike a month ahead of the December 31 deadline for PUV consolidation deadline.
General Santos City, meanwhile, declared the suspension of classes in public and private schools in all levels from November 18 to 21 due following the magnitude 6.8 felt in General Santos.
Several schools have also declared their transition to online learning due to the strike starting Monday.
Full Story at: Walang Pasok: Class suspensions for November 20 to 22 due to transport strike, earthquake | Philstar.com
Number coding scheme lifted on November 20 due to transport strike | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) suspended the number coding scheme for Monday, the traffic authority announced on Sunday.
The number coding has been lifted due to the transport strike which will start on Monday, November 20, and might last until November 23, according to the transport group PISTON.
“Paalala: planuhin ang biyahe. Kung hindi ito gaanong importante, mas mainam na ipagpaliban muna ito. Inaasahan ang mas mabigat na daloy ng trapiko dahil sa pansamantalang suspensiyon ng number coding scheme bukas,” the MMDA said in their advisory.
(Reminder: Plan your trip. If it’s not too important, it’s better to postpone it for now. Heavier traffic flow is expected due to the temporary suspension of the number coding scheme tomorrow.)
The transport group will stage a strike to express opposition against the looming Public Utility Vehicle consolidation. Under the consolidation, jeepneys and UV express need to consolidate into cooperatives or corporations before December 31.
PISTON said this will take the livelihood of operators and drivers.
Full Story at: Number coding scheme lifted on November 20 due to transport strike | Philstar.com
