After the successful opening of the NLEX Connector Caloocan to Magsaysay Section, a game changer infrastructure that shortened travel time from C3 Caloocan to Magsaysay Blvd in Manila to just eight minutes, NLEX Corporation pledges to continue implementing infrastructure development and enhancement projects this year that will expand the capacity of its roads..

“This 2024, we intend to embark on three major infrastructure projects and a series of enhancement programs on our assets, which are our roads and our systems, all for the improved travel experience of our motorists at NLEX, SCTEX and NLEX Connector,” said NLEX Corporation President and General Manager, J. Luigi Bautista.

These major infrastructure projects include the completion of the Candaba 3^rd Viaduct which is scheduled to be finished by November 2024. Now 40% complete, this five kilometer viaduct is being built in the middle of the two existing bridges that connects the towns of Pulilan, Bulacan and Apalit, Pampanga. Once completed, the Candaba Viaduct will be widened to three lanes with inner and outer shoulders in each direction, therefore enhancing motorists’ safety and mobility.

Another vital project of the tollway company is the NLEX C5-Link. The first two kilometers of the project between the Mindanao Avenue toll plaza to Quirino Highway in Novaliches is set to begin construction by the second quarter of 2024.

“The construction of this new expressway section will be welcome news for NLEX commuters who currently face daily traffic gridlock in the congested portions of Mindanao Avenue. Eventually, this section will be integrated into the future NLEX expansion to C5/C.P. Garcia near Katipunan Avenue. We foresee an interconnected tollway network that will be accessible to the west, east, north, and south sides of Metro Manila,” said NLEX Corporation President and GM J. Luigi L. Bautista.

The third major project would be the much-needed expansion of NLEX San Fernando to SCTEX Spur in Mabalacat, Pampanga is targeted to start in the second quarter of this year. When finished, expressway road capacity of the stretch from San Fernando to SCTEX Spur in Pampanga will be expanded from the existing 2×2 lanes to 3×3 lanes in each direction giving motorists a faster, more seamless travel. The project also includes the installation of roadway lighting from NLEX San Fernando all the way to Sta. Ines, Mabalacat in Pampanga for added safety and the expansion of the Angeles Interchange to accommodate the increase in volume of vehicles in the area.

Recently, NLEX also signed a Memorandum of Agreement with DPWH and the TRB to build the Sto. Tomas Interchange between San Simon and San Fernando in Pampanga, which will provide direct access to Santo Tomas and nearby towns. This interchange will also ease congestion leading to San Fernando, by providing an additional entry point to the province.

As part of the company’s traffic decongestion program, the new F. Raymundo Exit in Brgy, Pandayan, Meycauayan Northbound and the additional lane at the Meycauayan Northbound Exit ramp were recently opened to ease the recurrent traffic in the area especially during peak hours and holidays. The new exit provides an additional and alternative route going to the eastern portion of the City of Meycauayan and Marilao while the additional lane in Meycauayan Northbound Exit ramp serves as the new dedicated lane for Malhacan-bound vehicles while the leftmost and middle lanes are assigned for those going to Iba/Camalig, providing additional space for the high volume of trucks going to the industrial areas.

The tollway company will also continue its heavy maintenance program, a comprehensive pavement maintenance and repair works done annually to preserve the quality of road assets and ensure its safe condition.

NLEX Corporation will likewise invest in various system enhancement programs and major upgrades in traffic management systems. The NLEX traffic control center, which houses a central traffic management system, will undergo renovation this year. The center integrates technologies for traffic monitoring and communication to ensure prompt action for the safety and convenience of motorists. It is run 24/7 by trained personnel who monitor traffic flow, and deploy patrol crews and emergency response teams during incidents.

Through the years, NLEX Corporation has been committed to the safety and convenience of its motorists, and continuously explores ways to elevate every travel experience on its expressways. In fact, aside from the NLEX Connector, several projects were fast-tracked last year for the motorists to enjoy unhampered movement on its expressways. These include the road raising of the 200-meter portion of San Simon area under the Tulaoc Bridge, and substructure strengthening works at the SCTEX Pasig Potrero Bridge.

A substantial toll and traffic systems upgrade was also implemented last year. Servers were upgraded and new radio frequency identification (RFID) antennas were installed to enhance the processing of lane transactions. Additional speed cameras were installed for a more effective enforcement of traffic regulations.

“We find ways to meet the demands of our motorists regardless of how challenging things are. More than proactiveness, it is important that expressway operators are also willing to go the extra mile to anticipate and deliver the needs of expressway users,” Bautista said.

NLEX Corporation is a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the toll road arm of the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC).

By Jason de Asis

BALER, Aurora-The Aurora Police Provincial Office (APPO) on Thursday commemorates the bravery and heroism of the 44 Special Action Forces (SAF) troopers who were killed in an anti-terrorist operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao as the country marked the ninth year anniversary of the incident that happened in 2015.

Police Colonel Myles Angel S. Pascual, Aurora police director together with Retired Police Colonel Raul C. Siriban and the families of the fallen PO3 Nicky DC. Nacino and PO3 Martial Ronald B. Ruidera, both from San Luis, Aurora led the wreath laying ceremony, 21-gun salute and followed by the military honors during the Day of National Remembrance for the SAF 44 held at Camp Victor Ravina, Barangay Sabang, here.

Pascual said the Mamasapano incident stands as a stark reminder of the challenges and risks the law enforcement faces in pursuit of safeguarding the country and the citizenry.

“The death of our fallen heroes leaves an enduring imprint in our history, their sacrifice will forever be etched in our hearts…a strong manifestation that police officers are always ready to carry out their mission despite the odds and difficulties along the way” Pascual said.

Pascual who also delivered the message of Philippine National Police Chief, Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr. said they can never bring the lives they have given, may the SAF 44 sacrifice serve as a challenge to continue their heroism, to embody greatness, and to act with honor and love for the country, and inspiration to continue advocating for justice and peace in the country.

“As we pay tribute to the SAF44, let us honor their legacy by rededicating ourselves to the cause of upholding the rule of law, protecting our nation against terrorism and promoting peace and stability in our communities. We must remain worthy of the great sacrifices of our fallen heroes, forever loyal to the country they loved and served, and the freedom they fought and died for,” he said.

Addressing the families of SAF 44, Pascual also expressed his deepest sorrow and said that the APPO will continually pray for the souls of their kin and be thankful for their noble deeds of Nacino and Ruidera and the whole of the SAF 44.

On the other hand, Siriban remembered the ultimate sacrifices of the fallen SAF44. He said that Nacino and Ruidera and other members of the SAF44 are true heroes and will never be forgotten.

APPO Deputy Provincial Director for Administration Police Lt. Col. Abraham B. Hambon said that the SAF44 had proven that heroism doesn’t occur from taking orders, but rather from people who through their own willpower and strength are willing to sacrifice their lives. “Let us all remember the SAF44 with love and sincerity while moving forward with pride and honor for the heroism and patriotism they portrayed for the country and the community they are serving,” Hambon said.

 The father of Nacino Jr., Nicky Nacino Sr., expressed his sincerest thanks to the PNP for the yearly commemoration of his son’s death who was killed in action (KIA) together with the other fallen SAF44 in the government’s war against terrorist.

He said that it has been nine years since that fateful day where his son died in Mamasapano saying that the memories of the gallant 44 serve as a constant inspiration to strengthen the sworn duty of the PNP to protect the public from lawless elements, criminal acts, terrorism among others.

LUNGSOD NG MALOLOS– Sinalubong ni Gobernador Daniel R. Fernando si Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. at lahat ng nasyunal at lokal na delegado sa komemorasyon ng Ika-125 Anibersaryo ng Unang Republika ng Pilipinas na ginanap sa makasaysayang bakuran ng Simbahan ng Barasoain sa lungsod na ito kaninang umaga.

Ani Fernando, nag-ugat ang mga simulain sa pamamahala ng bansa sa dakilang Lalawigan ng Bulacan.

“Ang Kongreso ng Malolos ang nagtakda ng Unang Republika ng Pilipinas, ang kauna-unahang malayang republika sa buong Asya; dito binalangkas ang unang Saligang Batas ng Pilipinas; at dito unang itinatag ang mga pamantayan para sa isang matapat na pamahalaan at mataas na uri ng pulitika,” anang gobernador.

Samantala, sinabi ng Pangulo na patuloy na nagbibigay-inspirasyon ang kasaysayan na nabuo sa Simbahan ng Barasoain sa mga Pilipino upang malampasan ang mga pagsubok na humaharang sa martsa ng bansa tungo sa pag-unlad.

“To a world skeptical of a former colony’s capacity for self-rule, the Malolos Republic erased all doubts. To the Filipinos who liberated their own selves by blood but were doubtful that the promises of the revolution could be redeemed, the Malolos Republic raised their hopes once again for a brighter tomorrow,” ani PBBM.

Idinagdag pa niya na bilang tagapangalaga ng legasiyang ito, inaasahan ang mga Pilipino na gawing maayos ang ekonomiya, matatag ang demokrasya, ligtas ang hinaharap, at matibay ang bansa.

“As beneficiaries of their heroism, we pledge to continue to pay those dues. For that is the only way that we can honor those who founded this Republic, those who fought for its ideals, and those who fell in the war,” dagdag ni Marcos.

Dumalo rin sa okasyon sina Pangulo ng Senado Juan Miguel F. Zubiri, Ispiker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Kalihim Tagapagpaganap Lucas P. Bersamin, Tagapangulo ng Komisyong Pangkasaysayan ng Pilipinas Emmanuel Franco Calairo, Puno ng Kalupunan ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas Hen. Romeo S. Brawner, at iba pang lehislador, opisyal ng sangay ng ehekutibo, at mga opisyal ng lokal na pamahalaan.

Eksaktong 125 taon na ang nakalilipas, inihalal si Heneral Emilio Aguinaldo bilang Pangulo ng Republika, at itinakda ang kanyang termino na apat na taon.

Ang Unang Republika ng Pilipinas ay kumpleto sa mga katangian ng estado na may tatlong sangay ng pamahalaan, isang konstitusyon, at teritoryong napapasailalim ng gobyernong may hukbong sandatahan.

Bahagi ang milyahe sa Ika-125 Anibersaryo ng Kalayaan ng Pilipinas at Pagkabansa 2023-2026 na gumugunita sa mga pangyayari na naghatid sa Kalayaan ng Pilipinas at sa pagsulong ng bansa mula 1898 hanggang 1901.

Thank you, Mr. President, Majority Leader.

I rise today on a matter of personal and collective privilege.

Ginoong Pangulo, simula po noong nakamit natin ang ating kalayaan, walong bersyon ng konstitusyon ang umiral sa ating bansa: The 1989 Malolos Constitution, The Philippine Organic Act of 1902, The Jones Law of 1916, The 1935 Constitution, The 1943 Constitution, The 1973 Constitution, The 1986 Freedom Constitution, and our present Constitution, The 1987 Constitution.

Sa walong Philippine Constitution na aking nabanggit, tanging sa 1987 Constitution lamang po natin matatagpuan ang People’s Initiative bilang pamamaraan para amyendahan ang Konstitusyon. Isa po ang People’s Initiative sa mga probisyon na nagbibigay ng kapangyarihan sa mamamayan na magpasimuno ng reporma sa pamahalaan. In the words of Justice Panganiban in his separate opinion in the case of Miriam Defensor Santiago vs. COMELEC, and I quote “Initiative, like referendum and recall, is a new and treasured feature of the Filipino constitutional system. All three are institutionalized legacies of the world-admired EDSA people power. Like elections and plebiscites, they are hallowed expressions of popular sovereignty. They are sacred democratic rights of our people to be used as their final weapons against political excesses, opportunism, inaction, oppression and misgovernance, as well as their [reserved] instruments to exact transparency, accountability and faithfulness from their chosen leaders,” end of quote.

I repeat, Mr. President, “it is a sacred democratic right of our people to be used as their final weapons against political excesses, opportunism, inaction, oppression and misgovernance” — ito po ang isa sa purposes ng people’s initiative as envisioned by the framers of the 1987 Constitution. 

Pinahahalagahan po ng Saligang Batas ang gampanin ng mamamayan na siguruhin na patuloy na lalamanin ng mga pahina nito ang kanilang mga interes at kapakanan. After all, all government authority emanates from the people. However, if the people are being misled, deceived and coerced to sign a piece of document proposing to amend the Constitution for a certain amount of money, then the initiative is invalidated. Worse, its intentions are tarnished, the sacredness of initiative stained by selfish motives. 

Ang ipinagtataka po natin ngayon, bakit tila ang umiikot na so-called “People’s Initiative” ay isang “Politician’s Initiative”? Pareho pa rin silang PI, Mr. President. This is an insult and outright affront to the space, duly afforded to us by the Constitution, a space intended to accommodate our people’s capacity to introduce reforms.

Ginoong Pangulo, mga kababayan, mayroon pong tatlong pamamaraan upang baguhin ang mga titik ng ating konstitusyon. Ang dalawa sa tatlong proseso na ito ay nangangailangan ng direktang partisipasyon ng mga halal na mga mambabatas: mga kongresista at tayong mga senador. Nag-iisa po ang pamamaaran na nakareserba para sa taumbayan para amyendahan ang Saligang Batas. Ito po ang tinatawag natin na “People’s Initiative”.

Bakit po kaya hindi gamitin ng mga politician na nagsusulong ng “Politician’s Initiative” ang dalawang pamamaraan na nasa Konstitusyon kung gusto nilang baguhin ang ating Saligang Batas? Bakit hindi pa sapat sa ilang mga mambabatas na mapagkalooban ng dalawang pagpipilian para baguhin ang Konstitusyon? Kailangan ba na pati ang direktang inilaan para sa ating mga mamamayan ay kukunin at gagamitin ng mga gahamang politiko? 

Tila po Ginoong Pangulo, sa pagdaan ng mga araw, mas maraming katanungan pa ang nadadagdag kaysa mga kasagutan sa “Politician’s Initiative”. Pero isa po ang nabigyang linaw, mayroong mga kumikilos upang manlinlang ng ating mamamayan. Mga indibidwal at mga grupo na tila ang tingin lamang sa pamahalaan ay isang negosyo na pwedeng pagkakitaan. Handa silang mamuhunan sa pagbili ng mga pirma o lagda. Napakadali lamang, lalo na kung hindi naman kinabukasan ng bayan ang kanilang turing dito, kundi isang tseke na maaari nilang ipalit sa salapi pagdating ng panahon.

Nakalulungkot na ang pinagsasamantalahan ay siyang mga kababayan nating mga walang-wala sa buhay. Sila na mga nagdarahop at naghihikahos. Silang mga nagugutom at walang hanapbuhay. May mga pagkakataon na ilan sa ating mga kababayan na pumirma sa kaduda-dudang “People’s Initiative” ay wala nang ibang makapitan kundi patalim. Kapalit ng munting halaga, ay pagsangla ng kaluluwa. 

Nakagagalit na silang mga bulnerable ang palaging target ng panlilinlang ng mga pulitikong may mga pansariling motibo. Nakakapanlumong isipin kung paano sinamantala ang kahirapan sa buhay ng mga mamamayan, para lamang sa pansariling kapakanan ng mga nasa kapangyarihan. 

Minsan naiisip ko, Mr. President, kung nangyari ito noong bata pa ako, malamang, kasama ang aking mga magulang sa mga hihikayatin nilang pumirma. At dahil mahirap lang kami, baka nga pumirma sila. Kaya ganoon na lamang ang aking galit, Mr. President, sa pananamantalang ito. Pumirma ka na lang, bahala na kung hindi mo naiintindihan. Hindi bale, may P100 ka o kaya P3,000. May pang hapunan na kayo ng pamilya mo.

I feel it is my obligation to stand up for the poor, because I know what it is like to believe that you do not have a choice. It is my obligation to tell every single one who is listening to me right now, be it inside these halls or on some video being aired: you always have a choice. And this Senate is ready to support you in making a real, informed, dignified choice.

Ginoong Pangulo, nais ko pong susugan ang pananawagan ng ating Majority Leader, Senator Joel Villanueva. Hinihikayat po natin ang ating mga kababayan na niloko, pinilit, maging iyong mga nakatanggap ng panunuhol kapalit ng kanilang pagpirma sa isang dokumento, kung saan hindi malinaw sa paglahad kung anong reporma [ang] gustong i-amyenda sa Kontitusyon. Lumantad kayo at huwag matakot. Tulungan niyo po ang inyong Senado na [papanagutin] ang mga nagsamantala sa [inyong] mga kahinaan.

Laging bukas ang bulwagan ng Senado at handang pangalagaan ang sino mang nais magsiwalat ng katotohanan at nagmamahal sa ating bayan.

May kasabihan po tayo: Walang manloloko kung walang magpapaloko. But you know, Mr. President, I think this saying is a case of victim-blaming, lalung-lalo na sa sitwasyong ito. Sa kasalukuyang panahon, tingnan natin ito mula sa ibang perspektiba. Patawan ng parusa ang mga nanloloko at huwag ipataw ang sisi sa mga inosenteng naloko. If the ill-intentioned have done their part in attempting to distort and destroy the very spirit of initiative, I implore this Senate: let us not allow such distortion to succeed. Let us take the initiative, so to speak, to protect our people from sinister motives. Protect, most, especially, the ones who are unable to do it for themselves.

The Senate does not, and will never, infringe on the right of the people to exercise their right guaranteed by the Constitution. Justice Panganiban declares that, and I quote, “The right to propose amendments to the Constitution is really a species of the right of free speech and free assembly. And certainly, it would be tyrannical and despotic to stop anyone from speaking freely and persuading others to conform to his/her beliefs. As the eminent Voltaire once said, “I may disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” After all, freedom is not really for the thought we agree with, but as Justice Holmes wrote, “freedom for the thought that we hate,” end of quote. 

I would like to assure our Filipino people that the Senate, as the last bastion of democracy, does, and always will support the people’s clamor to institute reforms. Whether these would be crafting laws or amending the Constitution itself. The Senate exists because of the people, and we will continue to push for the uplifting of the life of every Filipino. 

In the event that our people would come to truly believe that it is only through their own efforts that they can rewrite the letters of the Constitution, to a form and content that they think embodies their ideals, I am sure that the Senate will be the first to support.

However, the Senate will also be the first to condemn if the right to people’s initiative is being bastardized by enterprising politicians. The Senate will not allow and will therefore condemn any form of threat, coercion or bribery that compromises the future of our country and our people.

I call on the persons behind this deceptive and fraudulent people’s initiative: Make amends. Not to our Constitution, but to the people, our people, whom you have maliciously enticed to unknowingly sell their future.

Maraming salamat, Mr. President.

Mr. President, please allow me to give a short manifestation in commemoration of the 125th Anniversary of the First Philippine Republic, which is being celebrated today, January 23.

Noon pong ika-1 ng Enero taong 1897, dalawang taon bago pasinayaan ang Unang Republika sa Simbahan ng Barasoain sa Malolos noong 1899, naganap ang pinakamadugong digmaan sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas, ang Labanan sa Kakarong De Sili sa Pandi, Bulacan.

Mahigit 1,200 na mga Katipunerong Bulakenyo ang minasaker ng mga Kastila. Sa dami ng dugong dumanak sa digmaang iyon sa Kakarong de Sili, bumaha ng dugo at umabot daw po ang taas nito hanggang sa bukong-bukong.

Bilang Bulakenyo, naniniwala po ako na ito ang dugong nagpaalab at nagpatindi sa adhikain hindi lamang ng mga Rebolusyonaryo kundi ng lahat ng mga Pilipino para isulong ang independensya at itatag ang Unang Republika — ang unang malayang pamahalaan sa buong Asya.

Ang isa po sa halos 6,000 mga Rebolusyonaryong Bulakenyong nakipaglaban sa Kakarong de Sili ay ang aming ninuno na si Canuto Villanueva bilang Supremo, katuwang si Maestrong Sebio bilang Kapitan Heneral.

Ginoong Pangulo, ngayong araw na ito ng pagpapasinaya sa Unang Republika, hinahamon tayong muling lumingon at magbalik-tanaw sa kasaysayan. At lubos ang paghanga ko sa inyo, Mr. President, dahil matapang mong ibinahagi ang ilan sa mga aral na ito ng ating kasaysayan  kaninang umaga sa Barasoain Church:

KAPAKANAN NG BAYAN BAGO ANG SARILI. Tulad ng inyong sinabi, Mr. President, hindi inisip ng mga nagsulat ng Malolos Constitution ang pansarili nilang kapakanan. Hindi nila sinamantala ang kanilang posisyon bilang tagapagbalangkas ng ating unang Konstitusyon.

I couldn’t agree with you more, Mr. President, when you said, “If the members of the Malolos Congress had wanted, they could have constitutionalized themselves into limitless power without regard for the voice of the people. As framers of the First Constitution, no one could have stopped them… Instead, they chose for the Malolos Republic to be an uncompromising stand for freedom and independence.”

Malinaw at alam kong narinig ng lahat ang panawagan mo, Mr. President: “Anumang pagbabago sa ating Saligang Batas, ay dapat dumaan sa malalim na pag-aaral at konsiderasyon at hindi dapat mag-ugat ng mga maka-sariling mga motibo.”

Ilang beses na po akong naglabas-masok sa Simbahan ng Barasoain at aaminin ko po na walang isang beses na ako’y hindi kinilabutan lalo na po kapag nababasa ko ang historical marker kung saan nakasulat: “Dito pinagtibay ang Constitucion de Malolos”.

Mr. President, the Barasoain Church remains not only a place of worship but the cradle of freedom and the shrine of democracy.

After 125 years, we have not only preserved our Republic, but we have also nurtured the flourishing of democracy within our institutions, particularly here at the People’s Senate. In April 2018, Republic Act No. 11014 was enacted, declaring January 23 of every year a special working holiday in the entire country to commemorate the declaration of the First Philippine Republic, a simple, but very meaningful measure co-authored by the Representation.

Bilang Bulakenyo, bilang isang Pilipino, bilang Empleyado sa Senado, hindi po ako magsasawang balik-balikan ang Barasoain; alalahanin ang mga ninuno nating nagbuwis ng buhay, ang tagumpay ng Malolos Congress; at ipaglalaban ang pamana nito sa lahing Pilipino — 

Ang Unang Republika, ang ating demokrasya, at lagi’t lagi — unahin, higit sa lahat, ang interes ng mamamayang Pilipino.

Mabuhay ang Unang Republika. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas. God bless us all.

OFFICE OF SENATOR RONALD “BATO” DELA ROSA

Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa on Tuesday challenged the individuals behind what he called “politicians’ initiative” to make amends to the Filipino people who were deceived to sign the petition seeking to amend the 1987 Constitution. 

“I call on the persons behind this deceptive and fraudulent people’s initiative: Make amends. Not to our Constitution, but to the people, our people, whom you have maliciously enticed to unknowingly sell their future,” Dela Rosa said in a privilege speech during Tuesday’s plenary session. 

“The Senate will not allow and will therefore condemn any form of threat, coercion or bribery that compromises the future of our country and our people,” he added. 

The Mindanaoan lawmaker reiterated that he acknowledges the true voice of the people in amending the 1987 Constitution, but he will not support any people’s initiative that is “being bastardized by enterprising politicians.”

“If the ill-intentioned have done their part in attempting to distort and destroy the very spirit of initiative, I implore this Senate: let us not allow such distortion to succeed. Let us take the initiative, so to speak, to protect our people from sinister motives. Protect, most, especially, the ones who are unable to do it for themselves,” he said. 

The former top cop also questioned the move of some lawmakers to push for the People’s Initiative when two of the three methods for Constitutional Reforms need concurrence from the Congress, namely, the Constituent Assembly and the Constitutional Convention.

“Bakit po kaya hindi gamitin ng mga politician na nagsusulong ng “Politician’s Initiative” ang dalawang pamamaraan na nasa Konstitusyon kung gusto nilang baguhin ang ating Saligang Batas? Bakit hindi pa sapat sa ilang mga mambabatas na mapagkalooban ng dalawang pagpipilian para baguhin ang Konstitusyon? Kailangan ba na pati ang direktang inilaan para sa ating mga mamamayan ay kukunin at gagamitin ng mga gahamang politico,” the lawmaker said.

He likewise called on the Filipinos who were forced to sign the petition in exchange of money to come forward and vowed that the Senate will help them in seeking accountability against those who took advantage of the vulnerable ones. 

“Nakagagalit na silang mga bulnerable ang palaging target ng panlilinlang ng mga pulitikong may mga pansariling motibo. Nakakapanlumong isipin kung paano sinamantala ang kahirapan sa buhay ng mga mamamayan, para lamang sa pansariling kapakanan ng mga nasa kapangyarihan,” Dela Rosa said. 

“This is an insult and outright affront to the space, duly afforded to us by the Constitution, a space intended to accommodate our people’s capacity to introduce reforms,” he pointed out. 

Dela Rosa delivered a privilege speech the same day the Senate issued a manifesto condemning the ongoing people’s initiative that seeks to amend Article 17, Section 1 of the 1987 Constitution and allow members of the House of Representatives and the Senate to vote jointly in a constituent assembly.

The lawmaker earlier pointed out that this people’s initiative will erode the checks and balances in the bicameral system of the Legislative Department.

By Harvey Sapigao

In 2023, about 1 in 20 studies produced by the Philippines came from the UP Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS). With a total of 368 studies across all scientific disciplines, UPD-CS studies accounted for more than half of the total publications produced by UP Diliman. This number comes as no surprise since the College is home to 211 Ph.D faculty members. But beyond the numbers, UPD-CS has published groundbreaking research in many prestigious research journals.

Here are the Top 10 studies published by UPD-CS scientists in journals with high Impact Factors (IF)*:

1. Shedding Light on Mysterious Superconductors (IF: 41.2)

Superconductors allow electricity to pass through with no resistance. Previously, it was believed that when excessive electrons are removed from a superconductor, known as “overdoping,” the material would behave in accordance with the Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer (BCS) theory. However, Dr. Miguel Sulangi of the National Institute of Physics and collaborators from the Netherlands, Japan, China, and the USA showed that this is not the case for a mysterious type of superconductor called cuprate superconductors, challenging the long-held belief that BCS theory governs overdoped superconductors. Cuprate superconductors were discovered in 1986 but physicists have yet to uncover all its secrets.

Read the press release here: https://science.upd.edu.ph/upd-cs-nip-physicist-co-authors-groundbreaking-research-on-mysterious-superconductors/ 

Title: Puddle formation and persistent gaps across the non-mean-field breakdown of superconductivity in overdoped (Pb,Bi)2Sr2CuO6+δ

Journal: Nature Materials

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41563-023-01497-1

2. Applying Einstein’s Concepts of Relativity to Exotic Particles (IF: 16.6)

Einstein’s Theory of Relativity claims that two events can only influence one another if they are inside each other’s spacetime area called the light cone. Borrowing this concept, Dr. Gennevieve Macam of the National Institute of Physics worked with an international team of researchers to explain how two exotic particles called Weyl fermions interact. Their study is the first to describe Weyl fermions in terms of spacetime concepts, demonstrating how two physics disciplines – condensed matter physics and high-energy physics – are fundamentally connected.

Read the press release here: https://science.upd.edu.ph/beyond-einstein-pinay-physicist-investigates-exotic-subtonic-particles/ 

Title: Causal Structure Of Interacting Weyl Fermions In Condensed Matter Systems

Journal: Nature Communications

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-37931-w

3. History of Single-celled Predators (IF: 15.9)

Single-celled organisms, like the protists Acanthamoeba and Dictyostelium, use metals to kill bacterial prey. Exactly how these organisms evolved is the focus of the study by Dr. Windell Rivera and collaborators from China. They provided a timeline for the evolution of metal-poisoning protists, from the moment protists were created to the time they adapted to the environment and acquired the ability to use metals in killing their prey.

Title: A Brief History Of Metal Recruitment In Protozoan Predation

Journal: Trends in Microbiology

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tim.2023.11.008 

4. Identifying First Bacteria Colonizers on Plastics (IF: 13.6)

Many types of bacteria live on plastics left in the environment. But for diverse colonies to thrive, a group of bacteria, called primo-colonizers, must first prime the plastics to make them habitable for other types of bacteria. Justine Marey Bitalac, Norchel Corcia Gomez, and Dr. Deo Florence Onda of the Marine Science Institute, together with Dr. Nacita Lantican of UP Los Baños, identified these primo-colonizers and described how they change the structure of plastics. Their study helps elucidate how plastics degrade in the environment and opens possibilities on how to solve the growing plastic pollution problem.

Title: Attachment Of Potential Cultivable Primo-Colonizing Bacteria And Its Implications On The Fate Of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Plastics In The Marine Environment

Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131124

5. Simulating the Spread of Monkeypox (IF: 12.7)

Drs. Victoria May Mendoza and Renier Mendoza of the Institute of Mathematics proved the importance of self-reporting and contract tracing in preventing epidemics. Together with South Korean scientists, they simulated how self-reporting and contract tracing affect the spread of monkeypox in non-endemic regions. They found out that an unreported case can infect about five to ten times more people than a self-reported case, while a delayed contract tracing can increase the infected people by up to 40%.

Title: Estimation Of Monkeypox Spread In A Non-Endemic Country Considering Contact Tracing And Self-Reporting: A Stochastic Modeling Study

Journal: Journal of Medical Virology

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jmv.28232

6. Classifying Seaweeds in the Philippines (IF: 11.5)

Seaweeds such as the milyon-milyon, tambalang, and kab-kab are abundant in the Philippines, making the country one of the leading seaweed farming industries in the world. Despite this, Philippine seaweeds are undocumented. Bea Crisostomo, Zae-Zae Aguinaldo, Lourie Ann Hinaloc, and Dr. Michael Roleda of the Marine Science Institute established the taxonomy and distribution of different seaweeds in the Philippines using knowledge from local farmers. Their study provides a database of seaweeds that can be used for conservation efforts.

Title: The Diversity Of Eucheumatoid Seaweed Cultivars In The Philippines

Journal: Reviews in Fisheries Science & Aquaculture

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/23308249.2022.2060038

7. Tropical Cyclones and its Threat to Food Security, Health, and Biodiversity (IF: 11.1)

Damages brought by tropical cyclones produce a cascading effect on food security, health, and biodiversity. In a perspective paper by Dr. Rene Abesamis of the Marine Science Institute and collaborators from Chile, Japan, Switzerland, and Norway, they explained that tropical cyclones can damage roads, agricultural infrastructure, and grazing lands, which affects food production. The destruction of tropical ecosystems also affects food security, which in turn produces health problems such as micronutrient deficiency. The authors urge researchers to develop tools that can aid in policy-making and governments to coordinate closely in a collaborative effort to curb the effects of tropical cyclones.

Title: Impacts Of Tropical Cyclones On Food Security, Health And Biodiversity

Journal: Bulletin of the World Health Organization

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2471/BLT.22.288838

8. Tracking Human Settlers in the Holocene Period Using Genetics (IF: 11.1)

By analyzing almost two decades’ worth of genomic data, Jae Joseph Russell Rodriguez of the Natural Sciences Research Institute and international researchers traced how humans migrated around the world and how they facilitated the spread of language and agriculture about ten thousand years ago. In Southeast Asia, their study suggests that human settlers in the region, referred to as Austronesians, first migrated from China to Taiwan, then moved southward to the Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. Using sophisticated boating technology, Austronesians were then able to reach islands as far as Madagascar and Hawaii.

Title: Genomic Perspectives On Human Dispersals During The Holocene

Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2209475119

9. Water-purifying Nanoparticles (IF: 9.9)

As water pollution becomes an ever-more pressing issue, we are in dire need of technologies that can purify water. Dr. Michelle Regulacio of the Institute of Chemistry collaborated with scientists from China to create a nanocomposite that can get rid of water contaminants with the help of light. The nanocomposites, made up of zinc oxide and carbon, can easily cling to organic dyes and bacteria and, using energy from light, decompose or kill them. The nanocomposites are cheap and simple to manufacture, offering a cost-effective wastewater treatment system.

Title: Hydrophilic ZnO/C Nanocomposites With Superior Adsorption, Photocatalytic, And Photo-Enhanced Antibacterial Properties For Synergistic Water Purification

Journal: Journal of Colloid and Interface Science

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2023.06.019

10. Marine Pollution and Its Effects on Southeast Asian Biodiversity (IF: 9.8)

Southeast Asia is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world while also contributing significantly to marine pollution. Yet the region is underrepresented in studies that focus on the effects of marine pollution on biodiversity. In their review paper, Dr. Lemnuel Aragones of the Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology and partners in Southeast Asia investigated why this is the case. They found out that these sorts of studies are complicated by language barriers, sociocultural limitations, and difficulties in examining species.

Title: Interactions Between Marine Megafauna And Plastic Pollution In Southeast Asia

Journal: Science of The Total Environment

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162502

In addition, here are the top studies published by UPD-CS-affiliated authors in high IF journals:

Using Algorithms to Model Social Behaviors (IF: 11.25)

Algorithms such as machine learning (ML) are better at classifying social responses than conventional statistical tools. That’s what Dr. Armando Apan of the Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology (IESM) and collaborators from Nepal concluded in their research that looked upon the perspective of Nepalese people on energy consumption. ML models of public perceptions can aid in policy-making, planning, and implementation.

Title: Application Of Machine Learning To Assess People’s Perception Of Household Energy In The Developing World: A Case Of Nepal

Journal: Energy and AI

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyai.2023.100303

Examining Ecosystem Services in the Himalayas (IF: 11.1)

Services from nature like water supply, crop production, and habitat quality are called ecosystem services. Ecosystem services have unique relationships with one another. For example, when farmers convert forests into farms to increase crop production, the habitat quality will decrease. These unique relationships are the research focus of Dr. Armando Apan of the IESM and his partners in Nepal. They looked into how each ecosystem service changes with respect to one another and examined how this affects the ways of living in the Himalayas.

Title: Understanding Production Possibility Frontiers And Utility Values Of Ecosystem Services In The Himalayas: An Analysis Of The Supply-Demand Divide

Journal: Journal of Cleaner Production

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.138725

Why Renewable Energy Sources are Failing in Nepal (IF: 9)

The threat of climate change urges countries to transition to renewable energy sources, but developing countries such as Nepal struggle to do so. Dr. Armando Apan of the IESM and collaborators from Nepal examined the reasons and learned that solar and wind technologies shut down because of poor planning and fund discontinuation. Dr. Apan and collaborators emphasized the need to tackle the issue using “bottom-up” approaches that consider local contexts rather than “top-down” approaches that only look at the issue as mere technological transfers.

Title: Rationalizing donations and subsidies: Energy ecosystem development for sustainable renewable energy transition in Nepal

Journal: Energy Policy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2023.113570

* The metric Impact Factor (IF) measures the average number of times research papers are cited. For example, a journal with an IF of 9 means that, on average, research papers published in that journal are cited 9 times.

SM City Marilao raised the bar by bringing bigger brands and bigger experiences this year, as the mall recently welcomed four specialty brands. New stores such as Kumori Japanese Bakery & Café, EBC (Everything But Cheese), BLK 513, and YoWell have opened their first Bulacan branches and are ready to serve the expanding consumer class in the province.

Kicking off 2024, SM City Marilao introduces Kumori Japanese Bakery & Café. From the word kumori, a Japanese word for cloudy, this crowd-favorite store serves an authentic variety of Japanese breads and pastries that are served fresh daily. Furthermore, Kumori also offers signature coffees that are top-tier for their sweet treats. Bite into the clouds and visit Kumori, located at ground level, near the SM City Marilao Foodcourt.

From one treat to another, EBC (Everything But Cheese), also known as the “cheesiest place on earth,” is now serving at the ground level of SM City Marilao. Finally, Bulakenyos may indulge in the trending cheesy challenge and dive into their exciting menu, including cheese fondue, cheesy fried chicken, cheesy rice bowl, cheesy baked rice, grilled cheese, cheesy burger, and mac and cheese. Likewise, there are options for bigger groups, like cheesekada bundles and party pans.

Bulakenyos need not go far to experience the Philippines’ first activated charcoal-enhanced frozen Greek yogurt, as BLK 513 is now serving dark side goodness at the ground level of the mall. It’s no secret that yogurt fans are definitely craving BLK 513’s hauntingly unique taste, but it’s worth knowing that a cup of BLK may be enjoyed while cutting down on fat as it is gluten-free, along with lots of other health benefits.

Completing the froyo fever, YoWell offers a luxurious yogurt experience at an affordable price at the second level of SM City Marilao. Uniquely crafted for anyone who loves frozen yogurt, YoWell serves Yogurt Frost, available in different flavors, and Yogurt Parfait, a healthier ice cream alternative. If you opt to get creative and more personalized with your yogurt, you might as well try their Yogurt-All-You-Can. Here, you may dispense and decorate yogurt all you want and simply pay according to its weight.

Watch out as SM City Marilao goes full circle in bringing top and trending brands to Bulacan in 2024. Follow https://www.facebook.com/SMCityMarilao for updates.

Embark on a wonderful adventure with Mack, Pam, Daw, and Gwen as they soar and explore on the movie Migration, and get a chance to win and experience the magic of Universal Studios Singapore with SM Cinema and AirAsia’s exclusive promo.

Dive into the World of the Millard Duck Family

Plan your schedule and be the first to see the newest Migration Movie, created from the brilliant minds behind blockbuster animations The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Minions, Despicable Me, and The Secret Life of Pets. The movie invites audiences to soar into theunknown and be captivated with its heartwarming tale of family, dream, and courage.

Watch Migration at SM Cinema Marilao, SM Cinema Baliwag, and SM Cinema Pulilan and have an extraordinary cinematic experience with its cutting-edge laser projector in huge and vivid display, supreme audio experience in Dolby digital surround sound, and comfortable seats as you munch on freshly prepared snacks from Snack Time.

Win Your Dream Getaway with Migration Movie

For every purchase of four Migration movie tickets at SM Cinema, patrons automatically stand a chance to win an exclusive trip to Universal Studios Singapore.

The grand prize includes:

• Four (4) one-day passes to Universal Studios Singapore, promising an enchanting day filled with thrilling attractions and magical experiences,
• Round-trip flights to Singapore for four (4) via AirAsia, ensuring a convenient and comfortable journey to the destination,
• Pocket money for your family adventure,
• And 3 days + 2 nights stay at Resorts World Sentosa for a world-class accommodation and a perfect setting of a memorable family retreat.

Act Fast: Book Your Tickets Now!Don’t miss your chance to make this January extraordinary. Secure your Migration movie tickets at SM Cinema Marilao, SM Cinema Baliwag, and SM Cinema Pulilan and increase your odds of winning the ultimate family vacation. The promo period runs until January 28, 2024 only, so act fast and be part of this cinematic and travel adventure. It’s time to turn your movie night into a journey of a lifetime!

CITY OF MEYCAUAYAN–The North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corporation has just opened its new exit and completed an additional lane on its existing northbound exit, both to help address the daily heavy volume of vehicles going into the city particularly during peak hours and holidays.

NLEX Corporation President and General Manager, J. Luigi Bautista said the opening of the F. Raymundo Exit in Barangay Pandayan and a new lane in the Meycauayan Northbound Exit Ramp will now help ease the travel time of the Meycauayan-bound motorists.

“We are very happy to announce the opening of these two projects that will help decongest the Meycauayan Northbound. We are positive that these will improve our motorists’ travel experience now that they have an additional and alternative route going to the eastern portions of the City of Meycauayan and Marilao,” Bautista said.

According to the NLEX head, their works and efforts to address the long queues and the traffic volume in the area are carried out through strong support and partnership of the city government of Meycauayan.

Temporarily, the new F. Raymundo Exit is only accessible for class 1 vehicles but will also allow passage of class 2 and 3 vehicles once the city government completed its ongoing widening and upgrading at F. Raymundo and Antonio streets.

The new exit however, which will serve as an alternate route for Iba/Camalig, Metrogate, Lias, Lambakin, and Pantoc-bound vehciles, F. Raymundo and Antonio Streets will only be a “one-way” street serving east-bound traffic. But this will reduce volume at the Meycauayan interchange and make traffic flow more organized, Bautista added.

The additional lane in Meycauayan Northbound Exit ramp will serve as the new dedicated lane for Malhacan-bound vehicles while the leftmost and middle lanes will be assigned for those bound to Iba/Camalig, providing additional space for the high volume of trucks going to the industrial areas.

For more than a year, the Meycauayan northbound exit has become a choke point in the northbound lanes of the NLEX and has caused traffic and discomfort to travelers. Long queues of cargo trucks, container vans and private vehicles start at the Valenzuela City area northbound coming from Balintawak. The heavy congestion happens particularly during peak hours and holidays.

This caused the NLEX Corporation to commission in July 2023 a traffic mobility and decongestion study which showed that the rapid economic growth in Meycauayan brings high demand trucks, cargo and other mobility. This led the company to expand the northbound exit ramp and to construct the new F. Raymundo exit.

The City of Meycauayan houses several manufacturing industries and warehouses that demand a high daily volume of transport of goods, particularly going into the city.

“The road to progress is a two-way street. Even as we build up on our credibility as public service providers and undertake sustained growth to improve the quality of life in Meycauayan, our success hinges on all our sectors and stakeholders joining us in active partnership. I am glad that in the literal sense, NLEX is already a partner in our road to progress as they keep up with industry demands as the artery for our city’s access to the wider trade and markets,” said City of Meycauayan Mayor Henry Villarica who heads the city government partnership with the NLEX.

Under a traffic management cooperation agreement, NLEX and the City of Meycauayan will implement a joint traffic manning system for their respective personnel and marshals to further ease the congestion in the NLEX exits, entries and interchange.  

The tollway has earlier opened additional exits in Barangay Libtong Northbound and Barangay Pandayan Southbound and had expanded the southbound toll plaza.

In 2021, a portion of NLEX right-of-way was used to open the two-lane Meycauayan East Service Road connecting Libtong in Meycauayan City and Lawang Bato in Valenzuela City which was then extended to Marilao in 2022, providing alternative routes going in and out of Valenzuela, Meycauayan and Marilao.

NLEX Corporation is a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the toll road arm of the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC).