AIC, CAAP, DoTR ink pact for BPIA concession
The Aboitiz Infra Capital (AIC) and national government signed a concession agreement involving the Bohol Panglao International Airport (BPIA) at Malacañang on Dec. 18, 2024.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), and AIC signed a landmark agreement to manage, operate, and extend the BPIA
The concession agreement marks a significant advancement in the government’s push for public-private partnerships (PPP) in infrastructure development.
The agreement grants AIC a 30-year concession period to upgrade, expand, operate, and maintain the BPIA starting from the turnover of its operations and maintenance (O&M).
The project aims to drive regional economic development, help decongest Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport, immediately address the airport’s O&M requirements, and establish the airport as a model for efficient and excellent regional airport operations.
The event held was attended by President Marcos, Jr., key government officials, local leaders, and private sector representatives. PPP Center Executive Director Ma. Cynthia Hernandez delivered an inspiring message, emphasizing the project’s long-term vision, indicating that the benefits of the improved airport will be felt by generations of Filipinos, contributing to the country’s development and connectivity.
“Through this landmark airport PPP project, the public can expect a marked improvement in overall passenger experience through modernized terminals, optimized airport capacity, and reliable operations that will serve the Filipinos for generations to come,” Hernandez said.
“This is a testament to our commitment to delivering an airport that will serve as a gateway to opportunities, a hub for connectivity, and a catalyst for sustainable development,” she added.
The BPIA is the third airport PPP project to be awarded and signed following the enactment of Republic Act No. 11966 or the PPP Code of the Philippines in December 2023.
Catigbian mayoralty aspirant lashes out to bashers over 3rd bridge Catigbian mayoralty aspir
Benjie Oliva lashed out on bashers who kept on flogging Cong. Edgar Chatto with words chiding the solon about the delays in the construction of the 3rd bridge connecting Bohol mainland to Panglao Island.
Oliva guested in the highly-rated afternoon radio show Newsmakers ug Uban Pa on Dec. 18, 2024 and spoke to Ardy Araneta-Batoy about the recent development in the so-called third bridge.
He explained that the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) board has approved the overseas development assistance coming from France to finance the third bridge.
The government had to find alternate sources of funding after Chinese assistance halted amid the row between Chine and the Philippines over the West Philippine Sea.
He said Chatto’s bashers would criticise the solon about the delay regarding the construction as there is one who kept on insinuating the congressman and others might have pocketed the funds thus delaying the construction of the bridge.
Oliva explained that the delay was due to uncertainties in the funding sources as the approaches have been already constructed, and they are funded by the national government.
He then lashed out at bashers saying the future of the third bridge became brighter following the approval of the French assistance.
The approval of the financial aid will ultimately prove the bashers wrong and the Boholano people will benefit with having the bridge.
He added that as time goes by the bashers have become liars. He also lashed out on the bashers who are making fun of the solon’s physical incapacity and even spoke ill about the congressman’s health.
He said the truth will come out even if there are people who kept on spreading untruth.
Oliva went on to lash out to his own bashers who spoke ill of the mayoralty aspirant and his quest to win in next year’s elections.
Journalist urges public not to accept friend request coming from fake account
Journalist and broadcaster who is also the managing editor of the Bohol Tribune, Ardy Araneta-Batoy urged the public not to approve/accept any friend request coming from a fake account that has spoofed her.
The broadcaster revealed during the Dec. 16, 2024 episode of Open Forum with Gloria Leodivica Araneta that the former has become a victim of spoofing.
Spoofing is a ploy used mainly on social media where trolls commit identity theft to create another account bearing the name of a real person wherein the fake account would pretend as the real person behind the new and fake account.
She said someone created an account named ARDY LINES ARANETA BATOY and added she is not the one behind the new account.
She even said the poser who created the spoofed account used her photos from her recent Bacolod trip.
She even took a potshot on the possible mastermind behind the scheme as someone who may be losing some hair.
She warned people not to accept friend requests from a supposed account coming from her as she would never send out a friend request and often she is the one at the receiving end of the requests.
Bullen reveals vision for Dauis in his 2nd term
Incumbent Dauis mayor Roman “Amoi” Bullen has revealed his vision for the town now that he is up for reelection and wishes to gain a second term.
Bullen went on a live guesting at the Newsmakers ug Uban Pa radio show and spoke about his vision with Ardy Araneta-Batoy on Dec. 16, 2024.
Bullen said he is looking at helping the unemployed and underemployed in his town.
He wants to help these people improve their economic standing and to boost their quality of life including the lives of their respective families.
He said he has empathy for the people who earn very little and could barely make both ends meet.
DAUIS IN GOOD SHAPE
Bullen said Dauis is in good shape even though most of the council members are in the opposition.
He said that the people of Dauis are able to survive despite the challenges.
For this reason, he wants to help people who are struggling to earn a living.
Despite having little support coming from the town council, he is relying on the people who will ultimately decide their fate by electing their leaders.
DOH issues alert as holidays approach
The spokesman of the City Health Primary Care Facility revealed that the Department of Health (DOH) has issued alerts as the holidays approach.
Robin Culpa confirmed to Open Forum hosts Ardy Araneta-Batoy and Gloria Leodivica Araneta on Dec, 16, 2024 that the DOH issued white alerts as a response to health challenges that may be posed by the holiday celebrations.
Culpa said the DOH is concerned about the use of firecrackers as untrained people may end up getting injured resulting to a possible loss of limb or any body part.
It has become a routine for the DOH to remind people to stay away from firecrackers and use alternative and safer means to create noises especially during the meeting of the New Year.
Moreover, he said the DOH also issued another alert related to the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon in Negros island where the ash coming from the volcano might lead to respiratory issues among people in our province..
It has been observed that the volcano has spewed ash that might cause health problems. While Canlaon is a bit far from Bohol, it is possible the ash from the volcano might affect the air quality in the rest of the Visayas areas.
Canlaon is an active volcano and its eruption has displaced several people living near the volcano in two provinces where the volcano’s influence could be felt.
SP okays ordinance on legislative awards
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) has approved on third and final reading on Dec. 17, 2024 the ordinance institutionalizing the Provincial Legislative Awards.
The update was shared during the guest appearance of Board Member Aldner Damalerio on the Dec. 19, 2024 episode of Newsmakers ug Uban Pa with Ardy Araneta-Batoy.
The award is meant to incentivize the acts of the various Sangguniang Bayans across the province, Damalerio said.
The awards will be based on a set of criteria, which was formed in consultation with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DIlG).
The ordinance will help recognize the sterling pieces of legislation among the various town councils all over Bohol, he added.
The awards will also ensure that local town ordinances will be aligned with the direction of the provincial government and also the vision and mission of their respective towns, he explained.
The awards are meant to inspire local legislators to create meaningful pieces of legislation that would benefit the people, he quipped.
Meanwhile, Damalerio said the SP has already approved an appropriation ordinance for the Collective Negotiation Agreement between Provincial Government and the provincial government employees.
The said ordinance provided for benefits and incentives for workers as he is hoping that there would be gratuity for job order employees.
Bigcas shares simple dreams for Dauis
Maj. Librado Bigcas, the new chief of police of Dauis shared his dreams for the town and that is to keep it peaceful and orderly.
Bigcas with Senior Master Sgt. Remegio Acedo were guests over Open Forum on Dec. 19, 2024 with Ardy Araneta-Batoy.
Bigcas replaced Lt. Thomas Cheung as the latter has been assigned to Balilihan police station.
He said people would be free to do what they want as long as they follow the law and would not fear that criminal elements would victimize them.
DRUG ISSUE
Bigcas also discussed the drug problem in Dauis following big-time heists that happened recently.
He said the police are working hard to stamp out the drug problem in the town.
He assured the public that the police have what it takes to solve the drug problem.
He said the Dauis police station has moral support coming from the provincial police office to help in the fight against drugs.
He also said that it tickles the interest of the community when a person who used to be financially challenged, all of a sudden, becomes rich.
There have been rumors of people becoming rich all of a sudden and have been alleged to be involved in criminal activities.
Dengue fast lane at GCGMMC stays, says new chief
The dengue fast lane, allowing prompt attention to dengue patients, will remain according to the newly-minted Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center chief Miguelito Jayoma.
Jayoma was installed as new chief on Dec. 18, 2024 in an event at the hospital premises. Jayoma replaced Dr. Mutya Kismet Macuno who recently retired.
Bohol has suffered surging dengue cases with at least. 18 deaths recorded and more than 5,000
cases logged from January to the present.
At the forefront is the GCGMMC where most of the patients from various towns in Bohol would seek treatment for dengue infection.
Jayoma said the Department of Health mandated the creation of the fast lane to ensure the effective treatment of dengue patients.
Jayoma reported that the number of dengue cases reported has declined and this proves the preventive measures and the campaign to clean surroundings of mosquitoes have become effective.
Despite the decline in cases, the hospital has maintained its vigilance to treat the people suffering from dengue.
The hospital will continue to function as a critical health facility for patients needing special attention, Jayoma said.
He emphasized the need for the hospital, local government and the community to collaborate for the fight against dengue.
BFAR, agencies conduct probe on whale’s death
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Central Visayas inspected the carcass of the dead whale found floating off the waters of Banacon Island in Getafe on Dec. 17, 2024.
The carcass of the whale was discovered on Dec. 16, 2024 and was subjected to an investigation.
Aside from BFAR, key provincial government agencies, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Getafe, the local government unit also joined in the inspection and investigation surrounding the death of the whale.
It was seen that the animal had a wound but there might have been other reasons contributing to the whale’s death,
The public is being warned to stay away from the carcass for their protection as it may pose danger to health, reports say.
Authorities are looking to intensify their investigation to determine the real reason behind the death of the whale, reports add.
Meanwhile, a dolphin was discovered dead in the waters off Pandanon Island, Getafe on Dec. 17, 2024.
Authorities are now investigating the possible cause behind the said creature’s death.
There are allegations that the dolphin may have been a victim of dynamite fishing as such illegal fishing has been reportedly prevalent in the area where the huge sea creature was found dead.
GCGMMC says it is ready to treat snake bites
The Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center (GCGMMC) said that it is ready to treat persons who may be victims of poisonous snake bites.
According to Dr. Miguelito Jayoma, the hospital has ample supply of anti-venom to treat those bitten by poisonous snakes.
There have been three known cases of snake bites in Bohol this year and all of them resulted in deaths.
Aside from the GCGMMC, the Don Emilio del Valle Memorial Medical Center also has ample supply of anti-venom to help treat snake bite victims.
Jayoma said the hospital has the capacity to help save the life of a snake bite victim as it has ample supply of anti-venom.
Jayoma said that it is best to promptly bring the snake bite victim to hospitals with anti-venom to increase the chances of survival
Chatto slams act of damaging his tarps
Rep. Edgar Chatro
Rep. Edgar Chatro slammed the act of some who caused damage on his tarpaulins or taros featuring his likeness.
Chatto aired his sentiment during an episode of Newmakers ug Uban Pa with Ardy Aranta-Batoy on Dec. 20, 2024.
It has been observed that among those who installed tarps only his were damaged while other tarpaulins remain undamaged.
He appealed for respect on his effort to put up materials in anticipation for next year’s elections.
The solon has installed tarps where he greeted everyone a merry Christmas as he has not violated any law with everybody having the liberty to install tarps, he explained,
He admitted that he has yet to personally see the damaged taros but his wife Balilihan mayor Pureza Chatto already expressed disgust over the disrespectful moves to cause damage on the congressman’s tarps.
He said that if damage will be inflicted on other tarps, they surely feel bad about it.
He added that the damage inflicted on his tarps might be a sign of insecurity. He urged the candidates to stick to their platforms and what they can do for Boholanos.
He also discourage his supporters from doing the same and cause damage to the other candidates’ collaterals as this is not a good reflection of the candidate.
He clarified that it is not his style to cause damage on his materials in order to gain sympathy.
NBI CV warns of possible cybercrime surge in Christmas
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Central Visayas warns of hike in cybercrime cases this holiday season.
According to NBI-Central Visayas Supervising Agent Francis Señora, the surge in purchasing power makes individuals as prime targets for scammers.
“This season is one of the most exploited seasons by online criminal scammers because of the reason that everyone is giving,” Señora said.
NBi operatives reportedly noted 10 of the most notable cybercrimes.
The top scam is where victims receive messages claiming they have a package to receive. Scammers then ask the victims to pay taxes or fees, but no delivery ever arrives.
Number two in the list of scams is fake shopping websites, where scammers create fake accounts to sell goods or services. After receiving payment, they fail to deliver the promised items.
The third is fake redemption websites, which lure victims with promotional offers and when users click to redeem points, scammers collect their personal information, instead.
“When you try to click that link, they will ask for information… so instead of you getting a free price, you’re giving them free information,” Señora added.
Similar to fake redemption websites are gift redemption websites, which trick victims into sharing personal information by pretending to give gifts or prizes.
Another widespread cybercrime is task scams, where victims are hired to complete simple tasks, such as liking a page or following a website. As the task progresses, scammers ask victims to pay a fee to receive higher compensation, which ultimately is not true.
Other common cybercrimes include crypto scams, online paluwagan scams, fake relative/friend scams, romance scams, and loan scams.
Señora stressed the essence of protecting personal information and practicing good cyber etiquette to safeguard one’s identity online.
He also advised the public to avoid connecting to free or untrusted Wi-Fi networks.
“The moment you have connected to a WiFi, you are exposing the device for unauthorized access,” said Senora.
Señora also encouraged the public to purchase only those online shops that are on verified accounts and avoid installing suspicious applications.
“There have been increasing reports wherein there are money electronic funds being diverted to unknown payments or unknown websites like session hijacking,” Senora explained.
Session hijacking happens when the money application is conducting a communication to unscrupulous websites and during that process, the application is sharing the credential site and it will be collected by the scammers
Senora also warned the public about scammers posing as bank representatives, asking for sensitive information like bank account details.
He emphasized that legitimate bank employees will never make such calls, as banks already have this information on file.
Señora admitted that catching criminals doing cybercrime activities are more tedious and hard to unmask.
He explained that cybercrimes are transnational in nature, meaning they can span across borders. This often makes it difficult for authorities to apprehend criminals, especially when they are located in distant regions.
SC says schools cannot suspend unmarried teachers for becoming pregnant
The Supreme Court (SC) reiterated on Dec. 16, 2024 that premarital sexual relations leading to pregnancy are not immoral and do not justify suspending an employee.
A press release from the High Court said that in a Decision written by Associate Justice Ricardo R. Rosario, the SC’s First Division ruled that a Bohol school’s suspension of a teacher for becoming pregnant outside of marriage was illegal.
The teacher was assigned in the grade school of the said institution. When she was two months pregnant, the school principal verbally suspended her. The principal informed the teacher that the latter would remain suspended until she married the father of the child she was carrying.
Five days later, the teacher received a written notice stating that she was suspended indefinitely without pay due to immorality – until she married her boyfriend.
The teacher filed a complaint for illegal suspension. The Labor Arbiter held that she was constructively dismissed, but the National Labor Relations Commission reversed this decision.
While the Court of Appeals (CA) ruled that there was no constructive dismissal, it found the teacher’s suspension, illegal.
The SC affirmed the CA’s finding of illegal suspension. It held that sexual relations between two unmarried, consenting adults are not immoral. No law prohibits this, nor does it go against any fundamental state policy found in the Constitution.
The SC clarified that under the law, the standard of morality applicable to all is public and secular, not religious.
Public and secular morality refers to conduct that is prohibited due to its harmful effects on human society rather than being based on religious beliefs.
The SC held that if the government were to otherwise base public policies and morals on religious beliefs, this would require everyone to conform to a religious program or agenda.
As the teacher’s pregnancy cannot be considered immoral, it was not a valid ground for her suspension.
The SC ordered the school to pay the teacher backwages and benefits due her during the period she was suspended.
Public clamor stems from inconvenience due to DPWH proj.
Public clamor has mounted as inconvenience brews with monster traffic woes affect motorists as a result of the continuing construction by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) at the area near the City Hall of Tagbilaran.
DPWH First Engineering District Engineer John Paul Gascon, reporterly, said that the road project along JA Clarin street near City Hall was supposed to be completed back in September 2024.
There have been allegations that there was no negative slippage and the project has been delayed and was supposed to be completed in September.
To detail the issue, Mayor Jane Yap has asked the DPWH to temporarily halt the construction works at the road project starting on Dec. 16, 2024 to ease the traffic flow.
The work on the road project will be resuming after the holidays, reports say.
Gascon, in a report, said the project, based on the original contract, was supposed to be completed by September.
However, certain weather issues hampered the completion of the project on time, Gascon said.
He added that certain water lines were not immediately aligned or relocated and these also contributed to the delay.
He said temporary stoppage in the road project work is allowed and they are resuming work by next year.
Mayor Yap managed to request the DPWH to halt works at the road project and to resume by the first working day in January.
It was said the project would have been completed by later this month but the mayor was afraid the continued work on the project would create monster traffic flow now that people are rushing their Christmas shopping.
Yap with the contractor and the DPWH held an emergency meeting on Dec. 15, 2024 to discuss the issues, reports say.
BFAR to probe death of whale off Banacon Island
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will be conducting an investigation surrounding the death of a whale that was found lifeless as it was found off the waters of Banacon Island, Getafe town.
Social media posts on Dec. 17, 2024 said that a whale was washed ashore and discovered dead by residents of the island.
Reports said the body of the dead whale was discovered on Dec. 16, 2024 by a local fisherman floating on the waters off Banacon Island.
Sources said that the dead animal sustained a wound on its torso but this could not be completely confirmed if this was the reason for the whale’s death.
The carcass will be examined by experts and probably will be buried after, reports add.
Sources said the whale’s size is similar to a van. Whale sightings are uncommon in the area, sources quip,
Meanwhile, natizens lament the death of the animal which may have been injured as evidenced with a wound.
Some said there should be a better way to help protect the sea creatures from possible poaching or abuse.
Nearly P1M worth of alleged drugs seized in Dauis buy bust
Nearly P1 million worth of alleged drugs were seized in a buy bust operation in Dauis town on Dec. 17, 2024.
Reports say the suspect was considered a high-value target.
A sting operation was launched after the authorities detected the suspect to be allegedly engaging in illegal drug trade.
The suspect was identified as a certain Petronilo Perez, 46, of barangay Tinago, Dauis.
The elements of the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit were the ones who conducted the said sting operation that led to the arrest of the suspect.
Seized from the suspect were packets of alleged shabu with a total estimated weight of 110 grams and valued at P748,000.
The suspect is now in police custody and may face charges of violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
NEDA okays third bridge funding
The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) has approved the French overseas development assistance funding for the third Panglao-Tagbilaran bridge according to reports on Dec.18, 2024.
The NEDA Board, led by President Marcos Jr. approved the proposed funding source as an alternative when the original Chinese funding has gone south.
Cong. Edgar Chatto revealed the development to local media after he was informed by NEDA Sec. Arsenio Balicasan regarding the update on the French funding.
Chatto is the main proponent of the third bridge as he pushed for the project when he was Bohol governor.
The project earlier hurdled technical evaluation and garnered favorable endorsement from the Investment Coordination Committee of the NEDA.
The funds will help complete the bridge that was conceptualized during the later part of Chatto’s incumbency ss governor,
The aim of the bridge is to ease traffic flow going to Panglao from Tagbilaran City and vice versa.
Panglao hosts the international airport where tourists land and tour places in the city and other areas in Bohol,
Chatto foresaw the need of a third bridge as a way to future proof Bohol anticipating the possibility of monster traffic due to
influx of tourists into the province
PPDO clarifies Capitol will not spend much on bulk water project
The Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) has set the record straight by saying the Bohol provincial government will not spend an arm and a leg to implement the World Bank (WB)-funded bulk water and sanitation project worth P5.1 billion.
This comes as there have been insinuations that Capitol will soon foot a huge bill as the funding comes as a loan from the WB.
PPDO chief John Titus Vistal clarified that the Capitol has no obligation in the soft loan extended by the WB. He added that the national government will be the one who will be transacting with the WB and if the loan is approved, the funds will be downloaded to Bohol in the form of a grant to finance the project. Thus, he said, it is not a loan as far as the Capitol is concerned.
He said Bohol will benefit through the efforts of the national government where there may be improvements in the water supply here in the province. He added that the Capitol has to allocate a small amount as its funding counterpart.
“Once approved by the World Bank, it will be granted as a loan to the national government but from the national government to the Province of Bohol it is going to be a grant with a counterpart,” he said.
The Provincial Development Council (PDC) on Dec. 17, 2024 approved the said project that aims to solve water shortage in Bohol. The said project will be transmitted to the Regional Development Council (RDC) for possible further scrutiny and approval, reports say.
The project includes the building ot water treatment facilities and distribution pipelines with the aim of delivering potable water to various localities in the province.
Capitol officials say the said project is a huge boost to help improve the quality of life among Boholanos.
Vistal said that before the project will be presented to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board,the project should first be approved by the PDC and RDC, Vistal noted.
Another child killed by snake bite in Dagohoy
Another child was killed by a snake bite and this time it happened in Dagohoy town.
Reports say the victim was inside his home and asleep when the poisonous snake bit the child on Dec. 17, 2024.
Reports add the poisonous snake, probably a banacon or cobra, entered the victim’s home and bit the victim who was at the time resting.
The serpent also died after it bit the child as rescuers tried to save the victim’s life by bringing the child to a nearby hospital.
However, the child did not make it and died, reports add.
This is the third known case of a snake bite-related death in Bohol this year. To recall a child died in Loon and another child was killed in Alicia town on Dec. 10, 2024.