Back

Dev Flores

Politics

LTO revokes, suspends over 1000 licenses since October 2025

August 8, 2026 10:41 AM
PST

The LTO has intensified its operations against traffic violators, particularly over the past few months.

Reckless driving, carrying passengers in cargo beds or truck beds, counterflowing on expressways, road obstruction, hit-and-run incidents, and road rage — these are among the top violations of motorists, based on the record of the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

According to LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Marcus Lacanilao, a total of 1,170 driver’s licenses were revoked and suspended from October 2025 to July 31, 2026.

From this total, 679 were revoked, while 491 were suspended.

From May 1 to July 31, 2026, the LTO recorded 169 suspended licenses and 228 were revoked.

Additionally, Asec. Lacanilao emphasized that blinkers are allowed strictly for authorized vehicles, such as emergency response units and law enforcement vehicles.

The advisory was made following the Show Cause Order (SCO) issued against 19 motorists for illegal use.

Hence, the LTO reminded the public to refrain from using unauthorized blinkers.

The LTO also emphasized that video reports from netizens played a vital role, as it enables law enforcement to identify violators faster and take immediate action.

Crime & Investigation

CIDG nabs faith healer for owning unlicensed guns

August 6, 2026 9:25 AM
PST

The Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested a faith healer in Cavite, following a complaint from a patient regarding its alleged fraudulent scheme.

According to Cavite CIDG Chief Lt. Col. Mark Jason Gatdula, aside from offering healing services, the faith healer was also selling amulets, locally known as anting-anting, as protection against bullets.

Gatdula added that the faith healer also possesses unlicensed guns.

“Pinagyabang po ng ating albularyo ang kanyang mga di-lisensiyadong baril kagaya ng caliber 357, 45, at ng 22,” he said

[“Our faith healer boasted his unlicensed firearms, including a 357, 45, and 22 caliber revolver.”]

Hence, the authorities arrested him. The faith healer is currently in CIDG custody and will face charges for violating Republic Act 10591 o Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Law.

Crime & Investigation

CICL in Las Piñas stabbing incident was allegedly a victim of bullying – NCRPO

September 30, 2026 5:53 PM
PST

The 14-year-old student from Las Piñas National High School who stabbed a 13-year-old student was allegedly a victim of bullying, according to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).

In an interview with NCRPO Spokesperson PMaj. Hazel Asilo, the alleged bullying prompted the suspect to buy a knife online, which was later used in the crime.

“Ayon sa kaniyang kwento sa pagtatanong ng ating taga-women’s desk, parang umiiwas siya o may prior incident siya ng bullying although hindi niya nasabi kung sino ‘yong mga nangbu-bully sa kaniya,” she said

[“Based on his story to our women’s desk, he was trying to avoid or he has a prior incident of bullying although he didn’t specify who was bullying him.”]

According to  PMaj. Asilo, the child in conflict with the law (CICL) has already undergone inquest proceedings for the complaint. The minor is currently in the custody of Bahay Pag-asa.

The investigation revealed that the CICL concealed the knife inside a tumble; that’s why the material was not detected during the baggage check.

The incident allegedly stemmed from a conflict, where the CICL instructed the victim to buy water at the school canteen. Unfortunately, the victim forgot to return the P10 change to the CICL.

Currently, the local government unit (LGU) and the police are implementing stricter security measures at the school.

‍

Politics

TUCP calls on 3 gov’t agencies to defend ₱85 wage hike

August 6, 2026 1:16 PM
PST

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) calls on the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Department of Economic Planning and Development (DepDev) to protect and defend workers with minimum wage.

Under House Resolution No. 1291 filed by the group, the three agencies were urged to uphold the legality of NCR Wage Order No. 27, which grants the P85 wage increase for minimum wage earners in Metro Manila, and to ensure that all Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards continue conducting regular reviews and adjustments of minimum wages nationwide.

According to TUCP Spokesperson Carlos Oñate, protecting workers is crucial amid reports that other employers are allegedly planning to report to the court.

“Meron na kaming mga balita na may iba't ibang mga employers na nagpa-file na ngayon sa RTC, sa iba't ibang RTC ng temporary restraining order, declaratory relief  sa iba ating mga regional trial courts,” he said

[“We have received reports that various employers are currently filing for temporary restraining orders in the RTC, declaratory relief in different regional trial courts.”]

Meanwhile, six pro-worker legislative measures were also filed in the House of Representatives:

  • Job Posting Niyo, Ayusin Niyo Act
  • Benepisyo Ko, Hulugan Mo Act
  • Kontrata Ko, Ibigay Mo Act
  • Batas Manggagawa Act
  • Labor Case Prescription Extension Act
  • Wage Transparency and Payslip Act

According to Kamanggagawa Party-list Rep. Eli San Fernando, the proposed bills were formed based on the complaints raised by workers.

“Ito ay bunga ng napakaraming sumbong ng mga manggagawa na hindi pinapatupad sa kanilang mga companies o kung saan sila nagtatrabaho. So with the aim na ma-correct itong mga seemingly small pero malaki ang impact sa buhay ng mga kamanggagawa natin,” he said

[“These measures stem from numerous complaints from workers regarding policies or rights not being implemented in their workplaces. The goal is to address these seemingly small issues that actually carry a huge impact on the lives of our fellow workers.”]

The lawmaker expressed hope that despite their simple proposal, Congress will prioritize these bills for the benefit of the nation’s labor force.

Crime & Investigation

NBI identifies person of interest behind death threats vs Marcos, Hontiveros

August 5, 2026 1:10 PM
PST

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is currently tracking individuals who have ill intentions against high-ranking officials.

According to NBI Director Melvin Matibag, the investigation is linked to the recent death threat received by Senator Risa Hontiveros.

Last month, the senator’s camp approached the NBI after she received online death threats.

Following an initial investigation, the NBI detected the group chat allegedly containing threats where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is included in the discussion.

Matibag also added that they have already identified the person of interest behind the threats.

“Meron. Marami. Actually na-penetrate na namin, though I cannot give so much details because we are investigating it,” he said

The investigation is ongoing to determine their next legal and operational steps in the case.

‍