COVID-19 POSITIVE. Governor Francisco Matugas of Surigao del Norte has tested positive for Covid-19 on Sunday (Jan. 16, 2021) and will undergo isolation for seven to 10 days. The governor has been active in relief operations in the different towns in the province to aid residents affected by the devastations caused by Typhoon Odette in December last year. (Photo grabbed from SDN PIO FB page) BUTUAN CITY - Surigao del Norte Governor Francisco Matugas has tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). "Despite following strict health protocols, I am informing the people of Surigao del Norte that I tested positive for Covid-19)," Matugas said in his Facebook account on Sunday afternoon. The governor has been active in relief operations in the different towns in the province after the onslaught of Typhoon Odette on December 16 last year. Matugas said he will undergo isolation for a period of seven to 10 days, as advised by his doctor. His wife, former governor Sol Matug
MANILA, Philippines Political dynasties are “not bad” and are here to stay unless the Consitution and culture are changed, President Rodrigo Duterte said in his speech on Saturday at the inauguration of the Siargao Island Sports and Tourism and the Catangnan-Cabitoonan Bridge in Surigao del Norte.
POLITICAL RIVALRY. Surigao del Norte Gov. Francisco Matugas (2nd from right, front row) is seeking his second term as governor in the 2022 elections as he filed his certificate of candidacy, together with his slate Thursday (Oct. 7, 2021). Matugas will again go up against former Gov. Lyndon Barbers, his political archrival, whom he defeated in the 2019 polls. (Photo courtesy of Gov. Matugas Facebook page) BUTUAN CITY - Voters in the province of Surigao del Norte will again see the continuing political rivalry between the families of Matugas and Barbers as the 2022 national and local elections near. Both camps have earlier proclaimed their respective candidates at the municipal, district, and provincial levels. Some of the camps' bets have filed their certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the different elective posts in the province. Incumbent Gov. Francisco Matugas, who will run under the Padajon Surigao Party that is affiliated to the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino - Lakas ng Bayan (