CITY OF MALOLOS—Fireworks-related injuries in Central Luzon increased to at least thirty one percent, based on the latest report released by the Department of Health (DOH) region 3 office. 

As of Tuesday, there were 350 injuries reported in the seven provinces and two cities compared to 268 last year, or 31 percent increase. 

From Dec. 21, 2023-Jan. 2, compared with the same period last year, only Angeles City with 5 incidents and 11 incidents respectively and the province of Zambales with 15 incidents this year compared with 16 incidents last year recorded a drop in cases. 

Bulacan, the considered fireworks capital of the country wherein firecrackers and pyrotechnics are manufactured, sold and distributed particularly in Bocaue and Sta. Maria towns, recorded the highest number of incidents for both years. From 91 cases last year, it increased to 139 cases this year. 

Olongapo City and Aurora province, from 3 incidents last year have recorded 4 this year. Bataan from 11 last year recorded 12 this year. Nieva Ecija increased from 42 cases last to 59 this year while Pampanga and Tarlac also both recorded an increase from 72 to 79 and 19 to 33 cases respectively. 

Tarlac recorded the highest increase in incidents at 74 percent compared with last year. 

Based on the data, 279 out of the 350 cases or 79 percent are male from 1-79 years old while 96 cases or 27 percent are 1-10 years old. 

Most from the recorded injuries are burns in the hands, head, eyes, legs, arm and forearm, foot, thigh, chest and other parts of the body. 

Officials attributed the increase in incidents to this year’s more lively celebration of the new year compared with the still up post pandemic health restrictions in 2022 until the early part of 2023. 

CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan—Police arrested the Top Most Wanted Person (MWP) in San Miguel town including eighteen other wanted persons in a series of anti-criminality operations in different towns and cities on Wednesday.

Bulacan police director Col. Relly Arnedo identified the arrested as Gilbert Victoria, listed as the Top One MWP – Municipal Level in San Miguel town. 

Victorio was snatched by the police in Barangay Biclat based on a warrant of arrest issued by the Presiding Judge of Branch 83 of the Bulacan Regional Trial Court (RTC,),Third Judicial Region in City of Malolos for Violation of R.A 10591 (Illegal Possesion of Firearm and Ammunition).

In City of San Jose del Monte, Norzagaray, Calumpit and Marilao, the police also arrested eighteen wanted persons with standing warrants of arrests for various crimes issued by different courts in and outside Bulacan.

Arnedo said the arrested individuals are currently held in custody by the respective arresting police units and stations. 

According to Arnedo, Bulacan police relentless pursuit of wanted criminals reflects the commitment of Police Region 3 Director PBGen Jose Hidalgo Jr. on the police mandate in maintaining peace and order in the region under the “Pulis ng PRO 3, Partner ng Pamayanan” thrust. 

Embracing the true essence of Christmas, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) gives back to over 2,000 beneficiaries in nearby communities of NLEX, SCTEX, NLEX Connector, CAVITEX, CALAX, and CCLEX.

“Christmas is a season of giving and sharing. At MPTC, we believe in giving back to the communities we serve to share the true warmth of the season. Our commitment extends beyond tollways, through social responsibility initiatives like this, we aspire to contribute to the overall well-being of the people in areas where we operate,” said MPTC President and CEO Rogelio L. Singson.

MPTC, through its different business units and employees, conducted a series of gift giving activities to spread the holiday cheers.

NLEX employees and NLEX Road Warriors led the distribution of grocery items, hygiene kits, cleaning materials and maintenance medicines to the residents of Bahay Pag-ibig in San Fernando, Pampanga, Bahay Puso in Balanga, Bataan and senior citizens of Brgy. 203 in Tondo Manila. The team also provided entertainment to the delight of the beneficiaries. Thirty (30) wheelchairs each we also donated to the Provincial Government of Tarlac and the City of Manila.

To bring smiles to the children, NLEX donated toys, goods, and hygiene kits to Duyan ni Maria in Mabalacat, Pampanga. Through its NLEX Toys for Tots donation drive, an annual gift giving of NLEX employees, the Children of Tahanang Mapagpala in Caloocan City received 12 boxes of toys.

Meanwhile, MPT South organized a “Paskong Saya Handog ng MPT South” gift giving activity, spreading holiday cheers to over 150 children in Silang, Cavite. Its dedicated volunteer employees also joined hands to create a memorable experience for the young hearts in Barangay Munting Ilog, in partnership with Barangay Munting Ilog Elementary School. The event includes gift giving activities, exciting games, a magic show, and a feeding program.

The Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC), on the other hand, spread the joy and warmth of Christmas to the Children’s Haven of Albert Schweitzer Familienwerk Foundation Philippines, Inc. in the Municipality of Cordova. Its volunteer employees handed out bags of goodies and hygiene kits to 100 kids and personnel who call the Children’s Haven their home.

MPT Mobility, the innovations arm of MPTC, provided financial assistance in purchasing equipment for the livelihood projects of Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina (KALIPI) Women’s Federation of Baguio City, Inc., and donated funds to the Sports for Media Development in Baguio City.

To spread Christmas joy to the youth, a new basketball structure was also donated to Brgy. Canumay West in Valenzuela City as part of their NLEX Drive & Dine ‘Shoot that Bottle Campaign.’

Noche Buena packs were also given to the Aeta community in Porac, Pampanga, volunteers of the NLEX Tullahan river clean up and several charitable organizations in the south: Mama Hope of Haven of Norway in General Trias, Samaritan’s Place, Angel’s Hope Foundation, and Life Asia Foundation, all in Silang Cavite, as well as Bahay Aruga and House of Somang in Parañaque City.

Instead of sending out gifts to various stakeholders, MPTC used its Christmas gifts budget to give back and bring cheer to the host communities of its expressways.

“These holiday gift giving initiatives demonstrate MPTC’s commitment in being a responsible corporate citizen, extending its efforts beyond making roads and other infrastructures to make a difference in the lives of its stakeholders” said Singson.

On top of these gift giving initiatives, NLEX Corporation also turned over several projects for the benefit of its host communities. Last month, NLEX completed the renovation of the female barracks of the transient facility of the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Tarlac City. The transient facility serves as lodging for military and civilian guests who are on official or personal travel near the vicinity of the command.

Last December 13, the 500sqm NLEX-SCTEX Community farm in Porac, a project made possible by the collaborative efforts of NLEX employees and volunteers from Ilug Kamalig Agriculture Cooperative, was opened. The farm aims to assist residents of Barangay Pio in Porac achieve food security and provide additional livelihood opportunity.

Recently, the tollway company also opened a new steel pedestrian walkway in Apalit. It is located at the outer parapet of Candaba Viaduct Northbound which connects Brgy. Tabuyuc and Brgy. San Juan. The walkway serves as the most convenient access to the local roads of the two barangays.

Over the years, MPTC has been actively working with different organizations in proposing and implementing programs that would uplift the lives of people and promote progress in its host communities. MPTC holds the concession for the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), its C5 Link Segment, Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), NLEX Connector, Subic-Clark Expressway (SCTEX), and the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX).

Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa has expressed full confidence in President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s “solid as rock” assurance that probers from the International Criminal Court (ICC) will not enter the Philippines to investigate former President Rodrigo Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs.

Dela Rosa disclosed that President Marcos has given him this affirmation during a dinner hosted by the First Couple in Malacañang in November last year.

“Solid as a rock ‘yung assurance na binigay sa akin ng Pangulo noong kami ay nag-dinner doon sa Malacanang. Solid as a rock. Naniniwala ako sa Pangulo. Buo ang tiwala ko sa kanya sa sinabi niya sa akin about the ICC until now. Buong buo pa rin ang aking paniniwala sa kanya na hindi niya papapasukin ang ICC,” Dela Rosa said.

The Mindanaoan Senator expressed confidence in Marcos as he stressed that any unauthorized investigation by foreign entities in the Philippines is an encroachment of the country’s sovereignty.

With this, the lawmaker urged the authorities to verify and confirm the alleged entry of ICC investigators in the country and ensure that the government’s position on the matter is upheld.  

“The government’s position should be maintained and it should be felt on the ground. Kung ang official position of the government is hindi talaga sila i-entertain at nanghihimasok sila dito, nagka-conduct ng investigation, ang sabi nga ni former Senator [Juan Ponce] Enrile, they can be arrested,” he said.

If the ICC probers are conducting unauthorized investigations in the Philippines, Dela Rosa said the Department of Justice must do the right thing by declaring them as undesirable aliens and order their immediate deportation.

“I will ask the DOJ, ‘You do the right thing.’ Sobrang encroachment ‘yan sa ating sovereignty. Hindi sila in-authorize ng gobyerno natin, then nandito sila nag-conduct ng investigation. Para na tayong ginagago ng mga tao na ‘yan. They should be declared as undesirable aliens by the Bureau of Immigration at once,” Dela Rosa said.

In 2022, Marcos had already given Dela Rosa a personal promise that he will defend the sovereignty of the Philippines and he will not let the ICC bully his government.

The former top cop also reiterated the questions on ICC’s jurisdiction in investigating the Duterte administration’s anti-illegal drug campaign and cited the dissenting opinion of the two ICC Appeals Chamber judges who voted against the resumption of the probe.

Dela Rosa echoed the opinion of the two ICC Appeals Chamber judges that the request for authorization of an investigation was filed when the Philippines was no longer a party to the Rome Statute—a treaty which created the ICC.

“Para sa akin talaga wala silang jurisdiction. ‘Yung kanilang dissenting opinion ay very clear na nagsasabi na wala silang jurisdiction because the request for the pre-trial investigation and the approval from the pre-trial chamber was beyond the reglementary period,” Dela Rosa said. 

In November last year, President Marcos had already mentioned that the ICC investigation into his predecessor’s anti-illegal drug campaign has “problems” with jurisdiction and sovereignty.

There’s no greater joy than to see kids have fun and socialize with other kids. Much more, parents having the time of their lives while playing with their little ones is beyond priceless. The good news is, Bulakenyos need not go far to experience all of these thrills, as SM malls in Marilao, Baliwag, and Pulilan are home to Kidzoona and Ambika Kid’z Fun Box, the best playhouses there are in the province.

Known as a “unique edutainment center for children,” Kidzoona in SM City Baliwag and SM City Marilao is more than just a playground. Here, children may naturally develop their communication skills while honing their creativity, development, and learning through different areas of the playhouse. There’s “Role Play Town,” where kids may explore with their dream careers at role play stations including hospital, pet world, beauty parlor, among others. While building blocks and toy corner improve motor skills, problem solving and hand-eye coordination. Moreover, kids develop strength, balance, coordination, agility and speed on the various at the various playground equipment such as the air track, cyber wheel, giant ball pit with slides, and a lot more. 

Kidzoona not only provides play for kids but also caters birthday parties and other kiddie events. To avail, simply inquire to the nearest Kidzoona branch at the ground level of SM City Baliwag and the 2nd level of SM City Marilao.

There’s a lot of options when it comes to fun, as Ambika Kid’z Fun Box offers the same level of learning through play at the second level of SM Center Pulilan and at the ground level of SM City Baliwag.

Go spend time with your kids and plan your next family day only at the best playhouses there are at SM Bulacan malls. Follow the social media pages of SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan for updates.

MANILA—The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) issued a statement on Wednesday regarding the unprogrammed appropriations saying it is meant only as standby funds.

We write to shed light on concerns regarding the unprogrammed appropriations of the fiscal year (FY) 2024 national budget.

Allow us to emphasize that unprogrammed appropriations are standby appropriations, outside the approved government fiscal program, which serve as an important tool for the government to address unforeseen expenditures and prioritize essential programs and projects.

It is not included in the P5.7676 trillion FY 2024 National Budget by Appropriation Source, given that it refers to standby appropriations that are also proposed for legislation and to be authorized by Congress.

The DBM likewise notes that unprogrammed appropriations of the FY 2024 budget are not automatically allocated, and can only be released if several funding conditions are met, such as when the government, through the Bureau of Treasury, is able to collect excess revenue in the total tax revenues or any of the identified non-tax revenue sources from its revenue target, or new revenue from new tax or non-tax sources, or should foreign or approved financial loans/grants proceeds are realized.

Should there be new or excess revenues that may trigger the availability of the unprogrammed funds, government agencies are required to submit the necessary documentary requirements before access to the standby funds is given. Such conditions ensure that spending stays within allowable limits.

Further, please note that pursuant to the constitutional provision under Section 29 (1), Article VI, it is prescribed that, “No money shall be paid out of the Treasury except in pursuance of an appropriation made by law.”

It is therefore clear that the deliberation and approval of the limits of any appropriations is within the purview of the legislature. Rest assured that regardless of any petition or challenge, the DBM shall work within our approved fiscal program.

CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan—Police arrested a 53 years old armed motorcycle driver in a checkpoint in City of Meycauayan and fifteen illegal drug suspects in different anti-criminality operations on Thursday. 

Bulacan Police Director Col. Relly Arnedo said the 53-years-old was arrested after he was found to have an unlicensed .38 caliber revolver inside his bag. He was stopped in a checkpoint operation along Mac Arthur Highway for not wearing a helmet while riding his motorcycle. 

When asked for his license and vehicle papers, his bag yielded a firearm. The firearm has no serial number, police said. 

Three live bullets were confiscated from the suspect. Appropriate complaints relative to the violation of RA 10591 (Illegal Possession of Firearm) have been filed against him. 

In a series of anti-illegal drug operations conducted by Bulacan Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) and Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) operatives in City of Malolos, Marilao, Bocaue, and Obando police stations, fifteen illegal drug suspects were arrested.

The arrested yielded 27 sachets of shabu worth P85,000. 

MANILA—Department of Budget and Management Secretary Mina F. Pangandaman has approved the release of the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) amounting to P55.65 million to cover the construction of a 3-storey Student Center Building, which will improve the education facilities at Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi.

“Tulad po ng lagi kong sinasabi, our youth are the torchbearers of our future. That is why it’s important that we support them by providing the necessary equipment and facilities. ‘Yan din po ang marching order ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. dahil alam niya ang kahalagahan ng edukasyon. So, on our part po, we will continue to help gear up the youth,” Sec. Mina emphasized.

The 3-storey Student Center Building, which has an allocated area of 1,850 square meters, will serve as a venue for the promotion, development, and implementation of various student-related programs and activities of the University. 

“Improving education facilities is essential for creating a conducive learning environment for all learners, including those in remote and hard-to-reach areas,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said in his Budget Message. 

The implementation of this Locally-Funded Project (LFP) will be chargeable against MSU-Marawi’s built-in appropriations under the Fiscal Year 2023 General Appropriations Act. 

Aside from this, DBM has allotted P154.192 million in the 2024 national budget to the Free Higher Education (FHE) program in MSU-Marawi. 

MANILA—The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) issued a statement on Wednesday regarding the unprogrammed appropriations saying it is meant only as standby funds.

We write to shed light on concerns regarding the unprogrammed appropriations of the fiscal year (FY) 2024 national budget.

Allow us to emphasize that unprogrammed appropriations are standby appropriations, outside the approved government fiscal program, which serve as an important tool for the government to address unforeseen expenditures and prioritize essential programs and projects.

It is not included in the P5.7676 trillion FY 2024 National Budget by Appropriation Source, given that it refers to standby appropriations that are also proposed for legislation and to be authorized by Congress.

The DBM likewise notes that unprogrammed appropriations of the FY 2024 budget are not automatically allocated, and can only be released if several funding conditions are met, such as when the government, through the Bureau of Treasury, is able to collect excess revenue in the total tax revenues or any of the identified non-tax revenue sources from its revenue target, or new revenue from new tax or non-tax sources, or should foreign or approved financial loans/grants proceeds are realized.

Should there be new or excess revenues that may trigger the availability of the unprogrammed funds, government agencies are required to submit the necessary documentary requirements before access to the standby funds is given. Such conditions ensure that spending stays within allowable limits.

Further, please note that pursuant to the constitutional provision under Section 29 (1), Article VI, it is prescribed that, “No money shall be paid out of the Treasury except in pursuance of an appropriation made by law.”

It is therefore clear that the deliberation and approval of the limits of any appropriations is within the purview of the legislature. Rest assured that regardless of any petition or challenge, the DBM shall work within our approved fiscal program.

The two drive-thru lanes of the newly opened McDonald’s branch along the southbound lane in Guiguinto area of Plaridel Bypass have surprised and amazed motorists.

The volume of travellers along Plaridel Bypass, one of the catalysts of today’s growth and development in the eastern part of Bulacan would not create long queues in the drive thru because of the two lanes available to accommodate them.

Maricris de Leon, 32, from Barangay Maysantol, Bulakan town expressed excitement when she took one of the lanes on Wednesday while going to Manila.

“It is the first time I ever encountered a two-drive thru lane among all the burger chains in the country,” she said.