Former President Fidel V. Ramos(Photo courtesy of Official Gazette) MANILA - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is mourning the passing of former president Fidel V. Ramos and hailed his "patriotism" and "selflessness" during his time in office. In a statement on Monday, PCG chief, Admiral Artemio Abu, said it was in 1998 when Ramos transferred the PCG to the then Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC). "We express our sincere condolences to the bereaved family of former president Ramos. He was a leader who exemplified patriotism and served fellow Filipinos with utmost selflessness," Abu said. Under Ramos, he said the PCG learned how to become a "symbol of hope and pride" as a uniformed service. "Mr. President, Sir, rest in peace. We will continue to pursue the path of public service you trailblazed," he said. On Sunday, Ramos passed away at the age of 94. He served as the president of the Philippines from 1992 to 1998. Und
(PNA file photo) MANILA - Vice President and incoming Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio's call to reinstate the mandatory Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) is gaining more support from lawmakers and education officials. In an ambush interview, incoming Quezon City Rep. Arjo Atayde said Monday the proposal is interesting but must be thoroughly reviewed to ensure the best for the learners. "To be honest, noh, there [are] interesting pros and cons to it. We have to look into it, we just started. If departments slowly were actually meeting committees as a team, [in] Congress, hopefully, we would come up with the right decision where the majority, or whatever it is that people want and more than what they want, is what they need," he said. On Sunday, Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa vowed to refile the bill seeking mandatory ROTC which he filed during the 18th Congress. Dela Rosa said he was "willing to author a bill" in line with the vice pr
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Senator Christopher "Bong" Go (File photo) MANILA - Acting presidential spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on Tuesday said he "would not be surprised" if outgoing President Rodrigo Roa Duterte agrees to be the legal adviser of Senator Christopher "Bong" Go after he steps down from office on June 30. In an interview with Palace reporters, Andanar said Duterte has no problem working with Go, who has been his longtime aide since 1998. He, however, said he cannot confirm or deny whether Duterte has accepted Go's offer. "Right now, wala pa akong natanggap na pahayag mula kay Presidente na willing siyang maging (I have not received a pronouncement from the President that he is willing to be) legal adviser ni (of) Sen. Bong Go.But again, as one of the closest friends ni (of the) President si Sen. Bong Go, siyempre mentor siya ni (of course he is the mentor of) Sen. Bong Go, I wouldn't be surpris
President Rodrigo Duterte (Presidential Photo) MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte remains firm with his commitment to eradicating illegal drugs until his last days in office, considering there are several politicians linked to the narcotics trade, Malacanang said Friday. This, after Duterte earlier took a swipe anew at former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog for being one of the local officials who have allegedly benefited from the drug war. "The President's remarks on Iloilo City Mayor Jed Mabilog reflect his resolute stance against narcopolitics," acting Presidential Spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in a press statement. Duterte, Andanar said, is giving emphasis to Mabilog's case to encourage the incoming administration to continue his anti-narcotics campaign. "President Duterte expects his Administration's very successful anti-drug campaign, where millions have voluntarily surrendered to authorities, will be continued by t
(File photo) MANILA - The government is now gearing up for the donation of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines to Myanmar, Malacanang said on Tuesday. "As of this moment, legal documentation processes are ongoing," Acting Presidential Spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in a press statement, as he gave an updated on the status of Covid-19 vaccines that will be donated to Myanmar. Andanar said Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. had already received the letter for the proper documentation of the Philippines' planned donation of the coronavirus vaccines. The letter, Andanar said, was inked by Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. "As per the Department of Health (DOH), a letter signed by Secretary Francisco Duque III and Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr was sent to Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. who then seeks approval