Amid report of threat to the senators

CATBALOGAN CITY – Senator Francis Tolentino dismissed concerns that the investigation into Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) has compromised the security of some senators.

As the majority floor leader at the Senate, Tolentino emphasized that the ongoing probe, which has also implicated suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, will not deter the Senate from continuing its investigation.

“No, no, this will not stop us from conducting our investigation,” Tolentino said during an interview in Catbalogan City on Thursday, August 8, where he was a guest for the Samar Day celebration.

However, Tolentino acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and noted that steps have been taken to address security concerns.

“We have revised the Senate rules to allow the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms to provide protection to senators,” he said.

“And of course, we must also be cautious.”

He explained that dealing with risks is an inherent part of being a senator.

Tolentino proposed the changes to the security protocol through Senate Resolution Number 1114 on Tuesday, following Senator Sherwin Gatchalian’s revelation of receiving death threats, which may be linked to the POGO investigation and Guo’s involvement.

Meantime, Tolentino expressed his gratitude for being part of the Samar Day celebrations and conveyed his appreciation to Governor Sharee Ann Tan and Congressman Reynold Tan for the invitation.

“I am thankful to Governor Sharee Ann Tan and Congressman Reynold Tan for inviting me,” he said.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

CAPOOCAN, Leyte – The Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office (L2DEO) of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has successfully completed preventive maintenance on the Lemon (Sitio Ansubas) segment in Capoocan, improving travel conditions along the Palo-Carigara-Ormoc road.

District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura reported that P 8.77 million was allocated for this project.

The funds were used for reblocking 211.05 square meters of existing Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP), applying 0.355 kilometers of asphalt overlay, and installing thermoplastic pavement markers for enhanced road safety.

The completion of this maintenance work has significantly improved traffic flow on the road, leading to a noticeable reduction in average travel time.

This improvement benefits both commuters and visitors traveling to Ormoc and Biliran province.

Implemented by DPWH L2DEO, this project was funded by the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA) and was completed in the second quarter of the year.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Senator Lito Lapid, recently appointed as the new chairman of the Senate committee on tourism, has pledged to support funding for an airport lighting project in Calbayog City.

Senator Lapid made this commitment during his visit to Calbayog City on Thursday, August 8, where he distributed Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) and attended the ‘Adlaw han Barangay’ in Catbalogan City as part of the Samar Day celebrations.
The promise was made in the presence of Calbayog City Mayor Raymund Uy.

Sen. Lapid assured that he would help secure the P150 million needed for the airport lighting program, which will enable nighttime operations for the city’s airport.

“Makakatulong ito para magkaroon ng flight kahit na gabi,” he stated.

Currently, Calbayog City Airport operates only during the day, with Philippine Airlines providing flights from Manila three times a week and Cebu Pacific offering flights from Cebu four times a week.

Mayor Uy welcomed Senator Lapid’s promise, noting that it would significantly enhance the airport’s operations.

The airport is one of the four operational airports in Eastern Visayas, serving as a crucial link for passengers traveling from Samar and Northern Samar provinces.

Sen. Lapid was accompanied by his son, Mark Lapid, the Chief Operating Officer of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority.

Additionally, during the AICS distribution, approximately 1,000 beneficiaries in the Tinambacan District received payouts totaling P3,000. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Leyte Governor Jericho Petilla has praised Aira Villegas as a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and perseverance.

Villegas, a product of the Leyte Sports Academy (LSA) and is from Tacloban City, has journeyed from her early aspirations to the Olympic stage.

Gov. Petilla highlighted Villegas’ impressive achievements, including winning the gold medal at the Smart PLDT ABAP 2012 National Competition and another gold medal at the Philippine National Games 2014.

Her performance caught the attention of coach Violeta Payla, who recruited her to join the Philippine Women’s Boxing Team.

“Fast forward to today, not only did she realize her dream of competing in the Olympics, but she also brought home a bronze medal in Women’s 50kg Boxing at the Paris 2024 Olympics,” Petilla said.

The governor expressed his pride in the Leyte Sports Academy for continually producing Olympic-caliber athletes who bring honor to the nation.

“Congratulations, Aira, for making Leyte and the entire country proud,” Petilla added.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)