TACLOBAN CITY – Tingog party-list has welcomed the rise in public trust in the House of Representatives, attributing the positive shift to the consistent and responsive leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

The latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) national survey reflects growing confidence in the lower chamber of Congress, capping the 19th Congress on a strong note despite a politically charged atmosphere.

“These results affirm the people’s trust in a House that has remained focused on passing legislation that uplifts lives and safeguards the nation’s future,” said TINGOG Representative Jude Acidre. “We are proud to serve under Speaker Martin Romualdez, whose steady leadership has guided the chamber through challenging times while pushing for meaningful reforms.”

Under Speaker Romualdez’s watch, the House has passed key measures spanning labor, education, healthcare, national security, and economic development. Acidre stressed that the chamber’s legislative work has remained rooted in the needs of ordinary Filipinos.
“Despite political headwinds, the House stayed true to its constitutional mandate. We did the work—and the public responded,” he added. “This growing trust is not just a commendation—it’s a call to continue serving with discipline, consistency, and greater commitment.”

Tingog party-list Representative Andrew Romualdez and Rep. Acidre also underscored the importance of unity and delivery of results, especially as the 20th Congress prepares to open.

“This is a clear signal that the people value unity, competence, and real progress,” said Rep. Romualdez. “Under the leadership of Speaker Romualdez, the House has stayed on course toward these goals, and Tingog remains fully committed to continue that work.”
“As we open a new chapter in legislation, TINGOG will continue to champion a House that listens, acts, and delivers,” Acidre affirmed.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte Second District Engineering Office (L2DEO) has completed a preventive maintenance project on its primary road along a stretch of the Palo-Carigara-Ormoc road, particularly in Tunga town.
The project has a total allocation of P44.43 million which includes the removal of the existing asphalt overlay and its replacement with new asphalt layer to restore and the strengthen roadway spanning a total length of 0.94 kilometers. It also involves the intermittent reblocking of damaged sections of the Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP),particularly along the road and bridge approaches in Naliwatan and Tunga.
In addition, thermoplastic pavement markings are installed to enhance traffic safety, especially during night time travel.

District Engineer Leo Edward L. Oppura said that the project enhancement along Palo-Carigara-Ormoc Road serves as a vital access route linking several municipalities and supporting daily transport of people, products, and services, as it is considered one of the busiest roads in the region.

He added that preventing the road structure from developing hazardous conditions such as potholes, cracks, and uneven surfaces will lessen accidents and injuries.

The completed road works will provide long-term benefits to road users by improving driving comfort and reducing travel time and vehicle maintenance costs, and they can expect safe and smooth travel along the road network in Tunga.

Funded under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), through the Asset Preservation Program under Preventive Maintenance of Primary Roads, the project was commenced on March 21, 2025, with 100% reported work accomplishment.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY– Three committees of the Leyte Sangguniang Panlalawigan will jointly investigate the reported disposal of hazardous medical waste transported from Mandaue City, Cebu to a treatment facility in Isabel town, Leyte citing environmental and health concerns.

The committees on environment and natural resources, health, and disaster risk reduction will lead the inquiry following concerns raised by Leyte 5th district Board Member Atty. Carlo Loreto during the inaugural session of the provincial board.

“We need to protect our province. Leyte is where we live—where our children go to school, where we eat and sleep. That is why we must ensure our environment and communities are safe,” he said.

Loreto emphasized that medical waste generated outside the province should not be dumped or treated within Leyte, and called for accountability among those involved.
The investigation will include summoning officials from Cleanaway Philippines Inc., the company operating the treatment facility inside the Leyte Industrial Development Estate (LIDE) in Isabel, as well as representatives from the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“We are demanding full cooperation from all agencies, including the EMB. If they refuse to cooperate, we will be constrained to file the necessary civil, criminal, and administrative cases,” Loreto warned.

In addition to the joint hearing, Loreto also filed a resolution urging that any medical waste already transported from Mandaue to Isabel be returned to its point of origin.

Initial reports received by the provincial board indicated that several drums of medical waste from Mandaue have already arrived at Cleanaway’s facility. The shipments are said to be part of more than 300 drums containing potentially hazardous materials such as used syringes, blood-soaked bandages, broken fluorescent lamps, chemical containers, and other infectious waste.

Cleanaway Philippines Inc. explained that the waste undergoes autoclaving—a sterilization process using high-pressure steam to kill pathogens—before final disposal in its secured landfill within LIDE. The company added that its Isabel facility serves multiple clients across the Visayas region.

The issue has sparked concern among local officials and environmental advocates, who are calling for stricter oversight and clearer policies on the cross-border transport of hazardous waste.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)