Without a radio and tv franchise, what will save ABS CBN?

By pinoynews4

Assuming ABS CBN is not able to secure a franchise renewal to continue operating radio and TV stations, will new media distribution systems enable ABS CBN to remain in the black? Without the powerful Channel 2 on TV and DZMM on radio, can ABS CBN still make a profit on the basis of Facebook (with its live streaming), YouTube, cable TV, foreign distribution and TVplus? It will be a totally different ballgame with the tried and tested business model undergoing drastic change. Mind you, the viewership may migrate with the advent of new technologies, but will the advertisers follow suit. Lessons from the print media show the inability of major international newspapers to adapt to the digital world thus losing profitability with many closing shop.

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ABS CBN can survive without a franchise

Balitangbalita.com

JUNE 25, 2019 

With the possibility of ABS CBN not getting a franchise renewal from the House of Representatives, the giant radio and TV company may need to seek other sources of revenue for the corporation to survive. No one in his right mind can state that in the short term, without a franchise, ABS CBN can still command the same level of net profits but there are a lot of positives that ABS CBN can utilize to still remain as a giant media corporation.

The number one advantage of ABS CBN is its seemingly endless pool of talents. Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis, Koko Martin, Sarah Geronimo, Nadine Lustre, Angel Locsin, Kim Chiu, Kathryn Bernando, Daniel Padilla and many others are just the big names in the entertainment department. In the news category, Ted Failon, Noli De Castro, Julius Babao and Anthony Taberna are household names. Maalalala Mo Kaya is a top rated radio program.

With all that talent, ABS CBN must somehow find a venue or platform to reach their Kapamilya fans. Leasing or taking over (in whole or in part) a number of dormant, idle or marginal radio and tv stations may somehow comply with the amount of airtime that the current ABS CBN is consuming everyday. Obviously not all of the current programs can be accommodated from day one but from the management point of view, that situation could actually be a blessing as ABS CBN would be forced to let go of unproductive shows to concentrate on their blockbusters.

The internet is another area where ABS CBN already has a significant presence in Facebook (including FB live streaming), YouTube, Twitter and Instagram. The international market is a huge potential for ABS CBN to explore what with its library of programs that can achieve global distribution.

Realistically, the transition from having a franchise and losing it would be a difficult path to thread but it CAN be done.

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ABS-CBN logs 1 M TVplus sales as of May

Richmong Mercurio (The Philippine Star)

July 14, 2019

MANILA, Philippines — More Filipinos continue to shift to digital terrestrial television as media and entertainment giant ABS-CBN Corp. was able to sell another million TVplus units in just a span of nearly five months.

ABS-CBN said one million more Filipinos have embraced digital television as ABS-CBN TVplus, the country’s pioneering digital terrestrial television device, hit the eight million mark in sales this month, four years since launch and a few months after the product pushed past the seven million mark in February.

“ABS-CBN TVplus’ accelerated sales is indicative of how far the country has moved on from analog television and how closer we are to fully transitioning into digital broadcast ahead of the government-mandated deadline of 2023,” ABS-CBN Access head Charles Lim said.ADVERTISING

Kantar Media’s establishment survey results in August last year showed a marked increase in digital television ownership in non-cabled homes across the country, with the number rising to 72 percent from 55 percent in the same month in 2017 in Metro Manila.

Digital television ownership in Mega Manila in non-cabled homes in Mega Manila also rose to 65 percent from 44 percent year on year, while also soaring to 57 percent from 33 percent in the suburbs.

DILG commends young LGU execs (Moreno, Sotto, Binay) political will

By pinoynews4

Belmonte of Quezon City not mentioned

Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo, Sunstar

7 July 2019

INTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said on Sunday, July 7, he has “high hopes” with the “young and dynamic” newly elected local government officials who are facing challenges in their leadership, but were also the face of change in the political landscape.

Ano in particular commended Manila Mayor Francisco Moreno for hitting the ground running and for showing strong political will in addressing the various problems of the country’s capital city such as the street vendors particularly in Divisoria and other major streets which causes heavy traffic, waste-management and clearing of water-ways which causes flood and illegal-gambling.

“Manila is the showcase of the Philippines. It is the first place foreigners see when they come to our country, so I’m pleased that in the first weeks of his administration, Mayor Isko has already shown that the challenges of the city are not insurmountable and can be addressed with political will and commitment,” he said.

Ano said he challenged Moreno to sustain the said programs throughout his leadership especially the clearing of informal settlers in the esteros and other danger zones of the city.

“The City Government’s cooperation in the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program is crucial because some of the most heavily polluted waterways are in the City of Manila so we look forward to working with him closely in order to return Manila Bay to its pristine beauty as directed by President Duterte,” he said.

“We hope that the actions of Mayor Isko will inspire other Local Chief Executives in other parts of the country to follow his example and to similarly show decisive leadership in bringing about change in their communities because that is what the people expect,” he added.

Ano also cited Mayor Vico Sotto of Pasig, Mayor Abby Binay of Makati, and other young local chief executives who are also doing well in their first 100 days in the job.

He however ensured them that the DILG will support and guide the local government officials in every step of the way.

Ano again reminded newly elected government officials to attend the 2019 Newly Elected Officials program for LGUs (NEO) which starts on Monday for Provincial Governors with separate schedules for mayors and councilors.

“We will help them craft their first 100 days agenda or refine their executive agenda and align these with national programs,” he said.

“All our Local Chief Executives nationwide can count on our support in improving your communities especially in peace and order, the war against illegal drugs, and in stamping out illegal activities in your respective jurisdictions,” he added. (SunStar Philippines)

Cayetano now a virtual punching bag

By pinoynews4

Lacson, Pulong, Pimentel (2 times) and Mike Defensor take turns in undermining Cayetano

One week before Senator Manny Pacquiao enters a real boxing ring, there is a lot of pre-fight sparring that Congressman Alan Pater Cayetano is getting into. It all started with an endorsement by President Duterte of his 2016 vice presidential running mate (who lost), former Senator and Foreign Affairs Secretary and now Taguig Representative to become the next Speaker of the House in a term sharing agreement with Cong Lord Alan Velasco of Marinduque. The Duterte announcement sent shock waves in the House Administration super majority since Velasco and Leyte Congressman Martin Romualdez are reputed to have more votes committed to them already. The situation was further muddled when Presidential son and Davao Congressman Paolo Duterte threw his hat in the House Speaker ring. To avoid a possible backlash brought about by a Duterte President and House Speaker, Presidential daughter Davao City Mayor Inday Sara floated the name of Cong Ungab of Davao to be the Hugpong Ng Pagbabago standard bearer.

There was temporary calm and acceptance of the Presidential anointment of Cayetano until party list Congressman Mike Defensor displayed a vote for your choice text message allegedly from Sara Duterte (which she denied). Mike identified the sender only as a neophyte Congressman from Davao. Pulong, as Paolo Duterte is called, revealed that there could be a surprise move or coup in the forthcoming election for House Speaker  meaning pro Administration representatives may vote against the candidate of the President (Cayetano). Senator Panfilo Lacson put in his two cents worth against the proposal of Congressman Cayetano to extend the terms and/or term limits of Representatives and Senators. Senator Koko Pimentel confirmed the possibility of sudden changes in leadership both in the Lower House and in the Senate at any time, meaning Cayetano could win as House Speaker but still lose the position even before his fifteen months of term sharing are over.

ANALYSIS: Considering that Cong Alan Cayetano is a presumed contender to run for President or Vice President in 2022 and the position of House Speaker should enhance his chances for electoral victory to possibly succeed President Duterte, Cong Alan is being given a rough time (by his possible future opponents?). Political parties, groups and blocs all have their eyes on 2022 and the 2019 House Speaker race is a good indicator of strength and testing ground for horse trading, credit grabbing, back stabbing and alliance building. The road to Malacanang starts in the Lower House which is the reason why senators (Lacson, Pimentel) are weighing in on the chance to make a President, to break an aspiring President, or to become President (or Vice President). Outside Congress (Senate and House of Representatives), far away from Imperial Manila, Mayor Inday Sara of the now powerful Hugpong Ng Pagbabago (with nine elected senators in 2019) has shown her political prowess first with the removal of House Speaker Alvarez in 2018, and then with her orchestration of the 2019 senatorial contest. As long as the current Administration continues with its high popularity and acceptance ratings, the Duterte brand would still hold the position of the country’s Chief Executive after the term of Tatay Digong ends.

Rep. Paolo Duterte hints of ‘coup’ when House members pick new Speaker

By pinoynews4

President Duterte on son Paolo revelation – WISHFUL THINKING

By ERWIN COLCOL, GMA News

Despite President Rodrigo Duterte’s endorsement of Taguig Representative Alan Peter Cayetano, Davao City Representative Paolo Duterte believes the fight for the House speakership is far from over, and even hinted of a House coup on July 22.

In a message to reporters, Paolo said no one has formally won the speakership yet and an election would still be held on July 22, the day President Duterte will deliver his fourth State of the Nation Address and the opening of the First Regular Session of the 18th Congress.

“May election pa sa July 22 at doon ako mas interesado, kung sino ang mananalo. Kasi may bali-balita, may isa sa tatlo na balak mag-coup d’etat on the day,” Paolo said.

“Mukhang hindi pa tapos ang laban para sa kanilang tatlo at sa mga backers.”

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said it is still up to House members to make their choice for Speaker.

“In the ultimate analysis, the vote on the Speaker would lie on the members of Congress. The only reason why the President gave that suggestion is because those who are vying for it went to him and sought his wise suggestion to settle the row between and among them,” Panelo told reporters.

Should the House members decide not to elect Cayetano as Speaker, Panelo said it would not reflect on President Duterte’s political clout.

“It’s not a reflection of the clout of the President. Because the President didn’t want to interfere in the first, didn’t wanna intrude. It’s them who somehow persuaded him to come in,” he said.

President Duterte has endorsed Cayetano, his running-mate in the 2016 elections, for Speaker, a position he is expected to share with Marinduque Representative Lord Allan Velasco.

Under the scheme, Cayetano would be the first to take the position for 15 months, and Velasco would succeed him to complete the remaining 21 months of the speakership.

Meanwhile, President Duterte said Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez, who had also expressed intention to run for Speaker, would be the House majority leader, a position that he has already accepted, according to his supporter Albay Representative Joey Salceda.

Paolo and his fellow congressmen belonging to the Duterte Coalition, on the other hand, had nominated Davao City Representative Isidro Ungab for Speaker. —with Virgil Lopez/KBK, GMA News

Cayetano House Speakership – not yet assured?

By pinoynews4

Koko Pimentel: Cayetano has to work for House speakership, to meet PDP-Laban Thursday night

Amita Legaspi, GMA News

July 11, 2019

Taguig Representative Alan Peter Cayetano may have been named by President Rodrigo Duterte his bet for House Speaker but there is still not assurance that he will get the post, Senator Aquilino Pimentel III said Thursday.

“Advantage siya ngayon with the statement of the President. Suwerte nga niya e. He has the advantage (but) not an assurance, he still has to work for it,” Pimentel said during the Kapihan sa Senado.

He said Cayetano, a member of the Nacionalista Party, still has to convince members of the House of Representatives to vote for him.

“He still has to convince the members para hindi siya magulat.  He has to make sure na lahat will vote for him. Put in writing everything para klaro, sa July 22 ang formal vote,” he said, referring to the opening of the 18th Congress.

“He (Cayetano) cannot sit as House Speaker without the support of PDP-Laban,” he added.

Pimentel said Representatives Johnny Pimentel and Aurelio ‘Dong’ Gonzales Jr of Partido Demoktratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) are set to meet Cayetano and his representatives Thursday night for a negotiation.

“Details will have to be threshed out,  may meeting ngayong gabi between PDP-Laban representatives and Rep. Cayetano and his representatives for the details, ‘wag nating pangunahan baka deal breaker pa ‘yung iba,” he said.

He said the meeting is important because PDP-Laban, which he heads, has 85 members in the House.

“We have 85 members, part of the negotiation is the proportional representation na sundin,  even sa number of committees. ‘Yung senior members bigyan ng senior positions, the committees should allow us to pursue our agenda,” he said.

He said there should be give and take.

“Ang gusto kong sabihin, in the true spirit of negotiation dapat give and take. Anlaki ng take niya  (Cayetano) House speakership. You can never sit as House Speaker kung wala kang plurality of vote,” he said.

Duterte earlier endorsed Cayetano to be Speaker in a term sharing arrangement with Marinduque Representative Lord Allan Velasco. Under the proposed setup, Cayetano would serve as Speaker during the first 15 months and Velasco, the remaining 21 months. 

GMA News Online has reached out to the camp of Cayetano, but has yet to receive a reply as of posting time. — RSJ, GMA News

Isko Moreno – Phenomenal first few days in office

By pinoynews4

Newly installed Manila Mayor Isko Moreno is taking his city by storm and has the whole Philippines watching in awe. A massive clean up drive cleared streets formerly occupied by vendors and peddlers was just the first salvo. His every speech now contains pearls of wisdom that would transform Manila to its old glory. There are also bits and pieces of his vision to feed school children, install solar panels in city buildings, convert trash to energy and strengthen disaster preparedness.

With Moreno doing all of the talking, one now wonders why few Metro Manila top city executives are visible to the public with the possible exception of newbie Mayor Vico Sotto of Pasig. Obviously Moreno comes as a breath of fresh air because in spite of the fact that on the national level President Duterte cleaned up Boracay and me-too projects like the Manila Bay and Pasig River clean ups had local government contributions, NCR mayors were, and still are, mum on massive projects with huge environmental impact.

Less than two weeks in office, Moreno is proving that change for the better can be achieved.

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National – Duterte 80%, Local – QC Belmonte 65%, Manila Moreno 90%

 BY PINOYNEWS4

sws du30 80%

RECORD-HIGH. Halfway through his term, President Duterte gets a record-high satisfaction rating with 80% of Filipinos satisfied with his performance, based on the latest SWS survey.

New Mayors – Belmonte (65, worst), Moreno (90, best) and Sotto (80, good)

One week into office as mayors, Isko Moreno of Manila has shown tremendous political will and the ability to clear the streets of vendors and peddlers while Joy Belmonte of Quezon City is hounded by issues of being a turncoat (from YELLOW to a Duterte supporter), perpetuating a DYNASTY (at least 4 Belmontes currently elected in QC), NEPOTISM (appointing an in law and a cousin as top city officials) and lack of compassion (removing contract workers taken in during the past administration).

Quantitatively, Belmonte is given a 65 (with 75 as the passing grade) while Moreno gets a 90 (very good). Special mention goes to Vico Sotto of Pasig with a grade of 80 (good).

 

Tolentino seeks ’emergency powers’ for Duterte against traffic scourge

By pinoynews4

Dharel Placido, ABS-CBN News

Jul 10 2019

MANILA – An ally of President Rodrigo Duterte in the Senate filed a bill seeking to grant him emergency powers to address traffic congestion in the country.

Sen. Francis Tolentino described traffic jams as a “national emergency requiring urgent, immediate and sweeping solutions, for the general welfare of the Filipino people.”

Tolentino was head of the agency in charge of Metro Manila traffic for 6 years before serving as Duterte’s political adviser. He won a 6-year Senate term last May.

Under Tolentino’s measure, the transportation secretary will serve as the country’s traffic crisis czar, who will be under the direct control of the President.

The traffic czar will implement and complete projects under the government’s massive infrastructure program and deal with site and right-of-way acquisitions and procurement.

The czar will also be tasked to reform the transportation system and ensure that the the use of the country’s roads, bridges and infrastructure are maximized.

Under the proposal, the czar may also enter into direct contracting and alternative modes of procurement for priority infrastructure projects. It also suspends the protest mechanism provided under the procurement law.

The bill also seeks the creation of a Traffic Crisis Action and Mobilization Plan, which will lay down the duties of various agencies on traffic management, list priority projects, produce an integrated traffic management plan, rationalize the route of land, sea and air public transport, and clear sidewalks, among others.

Private roads, including those within villages and subdivisions, may also be opened for public use, according to the bill.

The bill also states that only the Supreme Court can issue halt orders on the acquisition of sites for infrastructure projects, execution of transportation projects, opening of private village gates, and termination of any transportation project.

The emergency powers granted to the President shall only last for two years from the effectivity of the measure. The bill also creates a congressional oversight committee on the implementation of the measure.

A 2017 study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency said the Philippines loses P3.5 billion a day due to traffic and congestion in Metro Manila.

Grumblings in a Cayetano Speakership

By pinoynews4

Even before former Senator and now Congressman Alan Peter Cayetano has officially been elected as the next Speaker of the House, there are rumblings and grumblings against his endorsement by President Duterte for a term sharing mechanism with Representative Lord Velasco. The Presidential recommendation took many by surprise considering that the President had been shifting from a non-interference stand to a compromise term sharing position.

Party list Representative Mike Defensor apologized to Davao City Mayor Inday Sara for dragging her name in a text message encouraging congressmen to vote for the candidate of choice and not just be swayed by the Presidential endorsement.

Representative Mikee Romero is now in a dilemma as he has gathered about fifty party list representatives that are supportive of the Duterte Administration at the same time that they had already previously endorsed Representative Velasco. With the announcement of the Presidential choice for Speaker, Romero has only given a QUALIFIED SUPPORT for Cayetano.

ANALYSIS: It is clear that Cayetano does not have the numbers to win an honest to goodness election in the House of Representatives. If the pressure from the Palace is taken away and the representatives are given the free hand to choose among themselves on who their leader would be, it will not be Cayetano. Of course, it is not the 2019 election for House Speaker that is being examined here but rather how this race for House Speaker in 2019 will impact the 2022 Presidential elections. Alan Cayetano and Sara Duterte (technically not a representative but rather a city mayor with a regional political party and a lot of national clout) could gain influence or lose points depending on how they handle the situation that can propel either or both to the Presidency or Vice Presidency.

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Defensor apologizes to Sara for ‘text’ urging rejection of Cayetano

Pathricia Ann V. Roxa, inquirer dot net

July 10, 2019

Defensor apologizes to Sara for ‘text’ urging rejection of Cayetano

PHOTO: Anakalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor shows a text message from a neophyte House member from Davao, whom Defensor refused to name, to reporters on Tuesday, July 10, 2019. The text message claims Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has given him the go signal to inform lawmakers to reject Alan Peter Cayetano’s bid to become Speaker of the House of Representatives. (Photo by PATHRICIA ANN V. ROXAS / INQUIRER.net0

MANILA, Philippines — Anakalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor has apologized to Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio for showing a text message supposedly stating that she was urging House members to reject President Rodrigo Duterte’s pronouncement on the speakership.

On Tuesday night, Defensor showed reporters the text message which he said was sent by a neophyte congressman from Davao who was “very close” to the presidential daughter. But the Mayor later disowned the text message, branding it as “disinformation.”

The message reads: “Hi sir! I have the go signal of Mayor Inday to publish. ‘Kaya nanawagan siya ngayon sa lahat ng mga Congressmen na bumoto ayon sa kanilang kagustuhan dahil ang kanya ama ay na set-up lamang ng mga gahaman na gabinete na kaalyado ni Cayetano.’ – Mayor Inday.”

On Wednesday, Defensor denied saying that the text came from a congressman close to Sara. He said the mention of the congressman was referring to the meeting with the party-list coalition where two party-list congressmen discussed the Duterte Coalition’s continued fight despite Duterte’s endorsement of Taguig Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano as Speaker. 

The lawmaker refused to name the congressman citing confidentiality of their discussion.

“I apologized to Mayor Inday Sara if I have in anyway offended her with my statement. I did not say it came from her or a congressman. In fact, I should not have shown it because reading it again it had Inday Sara’s name,” Defensor said in a statement.

“It was wrong of me to drag her name unfairly on this matter,” the party-list lawmaker added.

The Davao City Mayor also said it was Defensor who reached out to her through Atty. Charo Munsayac to “make last-minute requests for (Leyte) Rep. (Martin) Romualdez.” Defensor confirmed this. 

“I didn’t want to bother Atty. Charo, my lawyer and a good friend of the Mayor, as regards political concerns but the turn of events on the speakership fight has left me and many of my colleagues confused and nonplussed on the matter,” the congressman explained.ADVERTISEMENT

Defensor, who had been supporting Romualdez, on Tuesday, said the speakership issue was already decided, but “the reality is there are still movements.” (Editor: Katherine G. Adraneda)

LP – PAGBALIMBING FORMALIZED, sumama na sa mayorya ng Kamara

By pinoynews4

Matapos ang mabigat na PAGKATALO ng Otso Diretso sa Inidoro sa nakalipas na halalan nitong 2019 na pinangunahan ni dating senador Mar Roxas at re-electionist senator Bam Aquino, tila nagbabago na ang ihip ng hangin sa hanay ng Partido Liberal. Maaalala na sa pagkapanalo ni Pangulong Duterte nuong 2016, nagumpisa na ang BALIMBINGAN ng mga kasapi at mga kakampi ng LP sa Senado, Kamara at sa mga lokal na pamahalaan. Yan ang dahilan kung bakit ang mga DILAWAN ay nagwagi nitong 2019 habang nakasakay sa hanay ng pamahalaan (Hugpong ng Pagbabago, PDP-Laban).

Tila nalagay sa alangnin o nakakatawa o sadyang pagkaipokrito lang na habang ang mga DILAWAN ay BUMALIMBING o sumanib sa mga koalisyon ng mga taga suporta ni Pangulong Duterte sa antas ng LGU at Kamara, ang mga kasapi at kaalyado naman nila sa Senado (Drilon, Pangilinan, De Lima at Hontiveros) ay patuloy sa pagtuligsa at pagbanat sa kasalukuyang administrasyon.

Sa politics, ang tawag dito ay DUAL TACTICS kung saan ang isang kamay ay inaabot para makipagkaibigan habang ang kabila naman ay gustong manampal o manuntok.

Maliwanag na OPORTUNISMO ang pakay ng mga 2019 LP sa Kamara sa PAGBALIMBING (gaya rin ng maraming 2016 LP sa Senado, Kamara at mga LGU). Gusto nila na makakuha pa ng boto sa mga mamamayan na lagpas 80% ay pro administration batay sa pinakahuling SWS survey. Bilang kasali sa mayorya sa House, umaasa sila na makakuha sila ng mga pwesto sa mga komite ng Kamara (higit na maraming kasapi ng majority coalition ang nabibigyan ng pwesto sa mga komite ng Kamara kaysa sa mapupunta sa minorya).

Hindi ba dapat na ang Liberal Party ay sumama sa oposisyon sa Kamara kung saan sila babagay. Malamang nakakakita na ang marami sa mga natitira pang mga kasapi ng Partido Liberal na kung hindi nila kaya umalis sa LP bilang mga indibidwal, mas mabuti pang sumama nalang ang House LP sa mayorya na nakahanay sa Pamahalaang Duterte upang makaakit pa ng mga boto mula sa mga botanteng kakampi sa kasalukuyang administrasyon. Isip ng mga LP sa Kamara na tuluyan na silang malalagas at mauubos gaya ng nangyayari sa Senado kung saan ang mga BUMALIMBING na sina Angara, Villar, Pimentel, at Poe na lahat ay kasama sa LP ticket o LP Senate Coalition ni dating Pangulong Aquino at nagwagi nuon ay lumipat sa Duterte Coalition at mga nagsipagpanalo (muli) habang sina Bam Aquino at Mar Roxas na nanatili sa LP ay natalo.

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LP congressmen to join House majority: Erice

ABS-CBN News

July 8, 2019

MANILA – Liberal Party (LP) members in the House of Representatives will join the House majority, Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice said Monday.

“Ang mayorya ng Liberal Party congressmen ay nag-usap na at ang desisyon ay maging kasapi kami ng mayorya, the majority. So we’ll be joining the majority. We’ll be in coalition with the other,” Erice told DZMM Teleradyo.

According to Erice, President Rodrigo Duterte made the right decision to formally endorse Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano as House Speaker.

“Palagay ko tamang panahon na para wakasan ang paglalaban-laban ng mga aspirants,” Erice said.

The Liberal Party earlier said it will decide between Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez and Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco for the House speakership in the incoming 18th Congress.

Erice said they chose both aspirants because of Velasco’s “new ideas” and ability to communicate with young legislators and Romualdez’s leadership and experience.

The LP stalwart also said Cayetano and former House Speaker Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, who are also vying for the speakership, are “unpopular” in the ranks of the House.

Following the President’s endorsement, Erice said Duterte made the right choice since Cayetano is a “veteran” congressman.

“Beterano naman po si Speaker Alan. Beterano na, congressman for three terms, naging senador, so alam na alam niya ‘yung gagawin niya doon sa Kongreso,” Erice said.

Isko open to waste to energy tech in solving garbage woes

By pinoynews4

ABS-CBN News

July 09, 2019

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno is considering tapping waste to energy technology to help rid the city of garbage.

“I like the idea. It’s clean and gives power to the community,” he told ANC’s Headstart, saying he already talked to two proponents.

“But first things first, ayoko ng basura sa kalsada because this would generate more problems, sanitation…so ‘yun muna kasi this can be planned,” he added.

On his first day of office, 20 truckloads of garbages were removed from what he called the new Smokey Mountain located in Liwasang Bonifacio.

He also warned two garbage contractors in Manila that he is watching them.

“Pag igihan ninyo. Never ever sabotage this administration. I will recognize and respect a valid contract but violation of provisions of it that affects the general welfare of our citizens, hahabulin ko kayo,” he said.

Meanwhile, the new city mayor thanked the Department of Public Works and Highways for helping improve pipes around the city to reduce flooding especially during the rainy season.

“But Manila geographically speaking, is below sea level so maaring magkaroon pa rin ng baha. Ang pangarap ko, pag tigil ng ulan, dapat humupa na,” he said.

— ANC Headstart 9 July 2019