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The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has filed formal administrative charges against 12 officials from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) linked to a slot-for-sale scheme and fire safety inspection irregularities.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla expressed his determination to end the alleged long-standing corruption in the bureau.
“For the last 20 years, ganito ang sistema sa BFP, wala lang pumapansin. Enough is enough. We have to break the culture of corruption inside the BFP,” he said via online issued statement of DILG
Slot-for-sale scheme
The department reported that eleven officers were liable for their involvement in the slot-for-scale scheme.
Among them, four former officials from Region VIII were charged due to alleged involvement in recruitment for Fire Officer 1 in 2025. The department revealed that applicants reported that they had to pay between ₱400,000 and ₱800,000 to secure the position.
“Ginawa nilang negosyo ang serbisyo publiko. Para lang sa isang slot, makapasok lang sa BFP, ₱400,000 hanggang ₱800,000 ang bawat aplikante.” SILG Remulla revealed
In Region X, six officials were reported to be involved in recruitment irregularities, where applicants were approved but failed to present Medical, Physical, and Dental clearances and results.
One officer from Region I is allegedly demanding ₱90,000 to facilitate a recruitment slot.
Inspection irregularities
SILG Remulla also revealed that anomaly is not only limited to recruitment but also happens in fire safety inspections.
Two personnel from Region IV-A were allegedly involved in irregularities in fire safety inspection.
“Two personnel were charged for alleged irregularities in fire safety inspection practices, involving violations of established inspection protocols,” according to DILG
Sec. Remulla also revealed that business owners are also affected by the misconduct.
“Ang BFP, sa ginagawa nila, targets the middle class, the small and medium scale industries. Pinipilit nilang bumili ng fire extinguisher. Pinipilit nilang magpalagay ng sprinkler. Sa bawat condominium na nakikita niyo, sila nangongontrata,” he said
The agency also revealed that they received 40 complaints; 21 of them have already been referred to PNP - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), while the remaining 19 are currently under verification.
With reports from Joan Nano
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The agency also stated that during the maximum eclipse, the moon is obscured by the umbral shadow of the Earth and appears red, a phenomenon also known as a Blood Moon.
The total lunar eclipse will also be visible in Eastern Asia, Australia, the Central Pacific, and other areas in America.
DOST-PAGASA mentioned that observing a lunar eclipse is completely safe compared to a solar eclipse.
“Contrary to solar eclipses, observing a lunar eclipse is completely safe and does not require any protective eyewear,” they said
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The Department of Tourism (DOT) expressed pride as Boracay’s White Beach secured the 6th spot among Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best Beaches in Asia.
This award is under the umbrella of Travelers' Choice Awards Best of the Best 2026 of Tripadvisor, which is based on the outstanding feedback from travelers over 12 months.
DOT Secretary Christina Frasco acknowledges the world-class recognition that paves the way to sustain the local livelihood of the Filipinos in the island.
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The Climate Change Commission (CCC) has partnered with Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to strengthen the implementation of climate resilience and low-carbon development programs in Metro Manila through an exploratory meeting.
“Held at the MMDA Central Office, the meeting brought together the agencies’ leaders to strengthen institutional coordination on climate resilience and low-carbon urban development,” based on the issued statement of CCC
The agency identifies Metro Manila as highly exposed to “flooding, sea level rise, and urban heat.”
In line with this, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje acknowledges the role of MMDA in disaster management and response in Metro Manila.
“We recognize MMDA’s central role in managing drainage systems, flood control facilities, transport networks, solid waste operations, and disaster response mechanisms that are increasingly affected by climate change,” he said through the issued-statement of CCC
Hence, the CCC advocates adopting a “systemic and climate risk-informed approach to planning and governance”.
To reinforce the protection of vulnerable communities and infrastructures, the CCC noted the importance of establishing the climate-smart metro framework, which includes:
It is also important to be aligned with two foundational climate policies - the Nationally Determined Contribution and National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2023 - 2050, which is known as the “country’s long-term blueprint for climate resilience.”
The joint efforts of CCC and MMDA aim to bolster regional protection against natural disasters and make it more climate resilient.
“Through strengthened coordination, the CCC and MMDA aim to advance a whole-of-metro approach that safeguards communities, protects critical infrastructure, and positions Metro Manila toward a more resilient and climate-smart future,” the CCC said
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) advises motorists to expect heavy traffic nightly from 11:00 PM to 4:00 AM, February 23 to 27, along routes affected by the transport of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) for the Metro Manila Subway.
The TBM will be transported from Manila Harbor Center to Tandang Sora Station.
Affected routes and schedule:
February 23, 26, and 27
February 24 to 25
The DOTr advises motorists to plan ahead and take alternate routes during the TBM transport schedule to avoid delays.
