TACLOBAN CITY — The city government of Ormoc City has launched a new video series highlighting its culture, people, and laid-back way of life as part of efforts to promote tourism.

Titled “Homemade, Handmade Ormoc,” the series premiered on March 16, 2026, at SM Center Ormoc, featuring short videos that capture local stories—from food and crafts to nature and traditions.

Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez said the project showcases the city’s “simplicity and authenticity,” offering visitors a place to relax and reconnect.

Each episode highlights different aspects of Ormoc, including scenic destinations, handmade products, and daily routines that reflect the community’s identity.

The initiative also supports the city’s vision of becoming a “Blue Zone,” promoting healthier lifestyles through environment and community.

Officials said the series aims to attract visitors seeking meaningful and sustainable travel experiences, while encouraging residents to take pride in their heritage.

(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone has ordered urgent steps to ensure stable fuel supply for essential services in Eastern Samar amid ongoing logistical challenges.

During a joint meeting of the Provincial Development Council and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on March 16, Evardone directed local government units and national agencies to submit reports on their fuel stocks and projected needs to prevent shortages.

He stressed that fuel availability for frontline services must be prioritized, especially during emergencies and transport disruptions.

Gov. Evardone added that coordination with lawmakers, including Reps. Sheen Gonzales and Marcelino Libanan of the 4Ps party-list group and Minority Floor Leader, will be pursued to secure national government support.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — A lawmaker from Northern Samar is pushing for a congressional review of certain power charges blamed for increasing electricity bills across the country.
Northern Samar 2nd District Rep. Edwin Ongchuan filed House Resolution No. 889, urging the House Committee on Energy to investigate line rental charges imposed under the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).

The proposed inquiry aims to determine how these charges affect electric cooperatives and consumers, and whether they remain consistent with the consumer protection goals of Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001.

Line rental charges are fees for the use of transmission lines in delivering electricity. These are influenced by differences in power prices between locations and may result from transmission losses or congestion in the grid. The costs are typically passed on to consumers.

Several electric cooperatives, particularly in Eastern Visayas, have reported high line rental charges contributing to rising electricity bills. In some areas, these have reached up to P4.02 per kilowatt-hour, adding to the burden of households and small businesses.

The resolution also noted that the dry season and fluctuations in global oil prices could further increase power generation costs, worsening the situation for consumers, especially in rural communities.

“During these difficult times, we must ensure that every charge reflected in electricity bills is justified, transparent, and fair,” Ongchuan said, stressing the need to protect consumers.
Lawmakers are expected to review existing regulations, billing systems, and transmission plans to identify measures that could help reduce electricity costs nationwide.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre has dismissed allegations that lawmakers were bribed to support the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, calling the claims baseless and urging critics to present evidence.

In a press statement issued March 18, Acidre rejected accusations made by Toby Tiangco that members of the House of Representatives received funding allocations in exchange for backing the impeachment move.

“There was no bribe. There was no deal. There was no exchange,” Acidre said, stressing that his decision to support the complaint was based solely on evidence presented during congressional hearings.

The lawmaker said he personally attended hearings, reviewed documents, and listened to testimonies before signing the complaint, emphasizing that his position was guided by “conviction” rather than political considerations.

Acidre also revealed that he had supported Duterte during the 2022 elections, making his decision more difficult but, he said, necessary in light of the evidence.

“Leadership is not about loyalty to personalities—it is about fidelity to the truth,” he added.
He further described Tiangco’s allegations as “reckless and baseless,” warning that such claims undermine both the integrity of Congress and public trust.

Acidre also defended House leadership, including former Speaker Martin Romualdez, saying there was no instruction, inducement, or pressure to secure support for the impeachment through funding or favors.

He challenged those making the allegations to file proper cases and present evidence instead of issuing public accusations.

“If such a claim were true, the proper course is obvious: file the appropriate cases, present the evidence, and prove it in the proper forum,” he said.

Acidre also cautioned against attempts to divert attention from the issues surrounding the impeachment complaint, stressing the need to focus on accountability and due process.
According to him, committee hearings were conducted transparently, with witnesses and documents presented in accordance with established rules.

“To dismiss all of that as manipulated simply because one disagrees with the outcome is not a defense—it is an evasion,” he said.

He concluded by reiterating that the impeachment process must be decided based on evidence and the rule of law, not political rhetoric.

“The Filipino people deserve the truth. And the truth demands more than accusations—it demands proof,” Acidre said.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)