Ormoc City – Due to extreme and adverse weather conditions since the start of the new year, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Leyte 4th District Engineering Office (DEO) deploys engineers to conduct ocular inspections of national roads and bridges as well as other public infrastructures.
Leyte 4th DEO field engineers conducted these inspections in order to assess and validate on-going infrastructure projects along national roads to ensure safety and passable roads amidst the intermittent rains. (PR)

Former Social Security System (SSS) President and CEO Michael G. Regino (right) turned over the leadership of the SSS to newly appointed Acting President and CEO Rolando L. Macasaet (left) in a ceremony held today, January 10, 2023, at the SSS Main Office in Quezon City.

In his message, Regino expressed his support to Acting President and CEO Macasaet and the SSS, encouraging them to set a higher standard of excellence for the benefit of Filipino workers.

In response, Macasaet acknowledged Regino’s efforts that steered the SSS to new heights. He vowed to continuously build on the institution’s path of growth, look for new ways to holistically improve the institution, including its workforce, and work doubly hard to provide current and future SSS members and their beneficiaries with meaningful social security protection.

Macasaet is the 20th President and CEO of the SSS. He will now be responsible for the general conduct of the operations and management functions of the SSS, carrying out of its programs, and implementation of the policies of the Social Security Commission (SSC), the highest governing board and policy-making body of the SSS. Also, he will take on the role of Vice-Chairperson of the SSC. (PR)

Submits courtesy resignations along with other top execs

TACLOBAN CITY– Police Regional Director B/Gen.Rommel Francisco Marbil signed publicly an affidavit attesting that he is not involved in any illegal drug activities and other forms of criminal activities on Tuesday (Jan.10).

Marbil made the act amid the appeal of Interior Sec. Benhur Abalos for all high-ranking police officers from full colonels to generals to tender their courtesy resignations amid continued fight of the government of illegal drugs activities, in particular.

The Eastern Visayas police regional director and 20 other concerned officials have already submitted their courtesy resignations beginning on Jan. 5.

Among those who submitted their courtesy resignations were the six provincial directors and Marbil’s two deputies, Col. Salvador Alacyang, who is the chief for operations, and Col. Michael David, regional staff chief.

Marbil said that he decided to sign an affidavit witnessed by the region’s top police officers and the 400 newly-promoted police officials to attest that he is not involved to any illegal activities, particularly on the prohibited drugs.

“I categorically state under pain of perjury that I am not involved in any form of illegal drug activity or in any form of illegal or criminal activity,” the police regional director said in his affidavit as he read during a press conference called by the Philippine Regional Police(PRO-8).

He also claimed that he has never received any bribe money from those engaging in illegal activities and neither condone such acts.

Marbil, who’s been in his post since August 8 of last year, stressed that when he learned that all high-ranking police officers were requested to submit their courtesy resignations by Sec. Abalos, he followed it without questions.

“There was no ifs and buts. I submitted by courtesy resignation as (appealed by) SILG Abalos,” he said.

He also stressed that he is giving his full to Sec. Abalos and to his Commander-in-Chief, Pres. Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr.

“I assure the public that no police personnel from PRO-8 is involved to any illegal drug activity or any illegal activities. If there is one, I will tender my resignation. The buck stops with me,” Marbil said.

He is also confident that all police officers from the region who have tendered their courtesy resignations will be exonerated from any possible links of illegal activities.
Meantime, Leyte police provincial director Col. Edwin Balles admitted that he was hesitant in submitting his own courtesy resignation.

“Honestly, it was a mixed emotion. The people are looking on us. Whatever I have achieved in my 25 years in service is a product of sacrifice,” he said.

“But I understand the rationale behind this move. I am accepting the full process to once and for all, to cleanse the organization and purge the misfits and scalawags,” he said.
Balles, who has been in police organization for 25 years, have submitted his own courtesy resignation on Jan.6.

The region has more than 10,500 active police personnel.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA /JOEY A. GABIETA)