LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines  – Governor Ramon V. Guico III received the awards on behalf of the province for being ranked 7 in Locally Sourced Revenues (LSR) for the year 2024 and 10th in Year-on-Year Growth in Local Sourced Revenues from 2023 to 2024, nationwide. Given by the Department of Finance-Bureau of Local Governance Finance (BLGF) at the SMX Convention Center in Taguig City on November 5, the award recognizes the province’s good fiscal management. Joining Governor Guico were Provincial Treasurer Cristy C. Ubando, Provincial Assessor Atty. Geronimo M. Abad. LSR comprises two main components such as Tax Revenues and Non-Tax Revenues. Tax revenues include Real Property Tax, Business Tax, and other taxes. Non-Tax Revenues, on the other hand, are Regulatory Fees, Service/User Charges, Receipts from Economic Enterprise, and other Receipts. According to the BLGF, an additional parameter of LSR to National Tax Allotment ratio of at least 20% for the provinces and municipalities, and 50% for the cities, was applied. In 2024, Pangasinan’s revenue collection reached an unprecedented P6.6 billion, a testament to the province’s commitment to sound financial leadership and efficient revenue generation. Under Governor Guico’s leadership, key initiatives were implemented, including the amendment of revenue code and the launch of automated digital apps that boosted revenue collection from mining and quarry operators. The Provincial Treasurer’s Office likewise achieved efficient tax collection, with over collection in various local taxes, including professional tax, amusement tax, and real property transfer tax. Some of the province’s notable achievements in the past year were as follows: 1) Gross tax collection on sand, gravel, and other quarry products reached P235,575,494.26; 2) Provincial government-run hospitals generated a record P546.14 million in hospital fees, surpassing the P400 million target; 3) permanent and non-permanent employees received P20,000 Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) as additional incentives due to increased revenue collection. The governor attributed the province’s success to the collective efforts of the provincial government officials, local officials, and employees working towards the financial stability and growth. (Ruby F. Rayat, photos by Ervin Alvantara | PIMRO)

ORIENTAL MINDORO, Philippines – Three drug personalities identified as High-Value Targets (HVTs) were arrested and dismantled a drug den in Barangay Matungao, Socorro, Oriental Mindoro, on November 5, 2025. The operation was carried out through the combined efforts of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Oriental Mindoro Provincial Office, PDEA MIMAROPA Regional Special Enforcement Team (RSET), PDEA Calapan Seaport Interdiction Unit (SUI), Socorro Municipal Police Station (MPS), Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU), and Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU). Arrested during the operation were identified as alias Jerrel, 32 years old, male, jobless; alias Marlon, 33 years old, male, jobless; and alias Joy, 33 years old, female, jobless, all are residents of Barangay Matungao, Socorro. Confiscated from the suspects were more or less eight grams of suspected shabu with an estimated standard value of ₱54,400.00, along with other drug paraphernalia. The arrested individuals are facing charges for violation of Sections 5, 6, 7, 11, and 12, Article II of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. PDEA MIMAROPA, in close coordination with other law enforcement agencies and counterparts, remains steadfast in its intensified campaign against illegal drugs in line with the government’s goal of achieving a drug-cleared MIMAROPA Region.

By Jason B. Neola   NAGA CITY, Philippines — All offices of the city government will soon be displaying “No Gift Policy” posters in their entrances and public areas, following Mayor Leni Robredo’s issuance of Executive Order No. 58, which institutionalizes a comprehensive prohibition on the giving and receiving of gifts in any form. The directive mandates that the “No Gift Policy” be prominently displayed in all city offices and integrated into contracts, bid documents, and official correspondence. This move reinforces the city government’s ongoing commitment to ethical public service and good governance. Mayor Robredo said the measure aims to instill among Nagueños—especially city employees—the value of serving the public with “utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency,” emphasizing that gifts are unnecessary in obtaining government services. One of the key provisions cited in the order is Presidential Decree No. 46, which criminalizes both the giving and receiving of gifts by reason of official position, regardless of the occasion, including Christmas. The directive also reiterates provisions under Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), Republic Act No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees), and the Administrative Code of 1987, all of which prohibit the solicitation or acceptance of gifts, favors, or anything of monetary value in connection with official duties. Robredo underscored that the policy does not only prohibit acts of corruption but also those that may create even the appearance of impropriety, recognizing that public servants must always remain above suspicion and reproach. The new order builds upon the city government’s earlier Executive Order No. 1, which reaffirmed Naga’s commitment to good governance through a framework anchored on accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership. “The institutionalization of a comprehensive ‘No Gift Policy’ is a safeguard against conflicts of interest, corruption, and even the appearance of partiality or undue influence. Public office is a public trust, and we must always uphold that trust,” Robredo said.      

By Ruben A. Veloria   ZAMBALES, Philippines — A senior official here denied reports that a Chinese company is involved in dredging operations in this province and caused severe damage to private properties and the environment. Provincial Consultant on Engineering and Infrastructure Development Engineer Domingo Mariano assured the public that no Chinese company is involved in River Restoration Program, or dredging operations, in the major rivers of Zambales. “We have not given permit to any Chinese company. We only have legitimate Filipino workers operating the dredging machines,” Mariano said. The official also clarified that companies involved in dredging operations acquired their vessels from China and converted into Philippine flag. The vessels, including the crews, passed through the scrutiny and approval of Maritime Industry Authority or MARINA. The statement came after a member of the House of Representatives recommended an investigation to an alleged Chinese firm over its reported dredging operations in Zambales which triggered widespread environmental damage, and loss of livelihood of the residents. According to the report, the solon alleged that dredging operations destroyed maritime habitats, drastically reduced their fishing income, and subjected the coastal communities to severe danger. Engr. Mariano explained that the dredging operation brought significant benefits for Zambales residents. “There is no more houses damaged. There is no one needs to be rescued. And more importantly, the province got revenue income,” he said. By virtue of the provincial resolution, all extracted minerals, such as sand, in any part of the province are subject to taxes. According to the provincial resolution, all minerals extracted, such as sand, from any part of the province are subject to tax. As a result, the revenue is allocated with 50% going to the province of Zambales, 30% to the LGU, and 20% to the Barangays covering the area. Fifty percent (50%) of the share allocated to the province is utilized as student assistance for scholars across the entire province of Zambales. This includes support for those who wish to take Board Examinations, pursue Master’s or Doctorate degrees, as well as those who have earned Latin Honors. The remaining portion is used for the construction of infrastructure projects and free medical services in four (4) hospitals. Additionally, assistance is provided to fishermen, who have a total membership of 27,000. This includes the provision of fishing payaos (fish aggregating devices) and fishing gear, as well as the purchase by the Provincial Capitol of an ₱87-million fishing harvester vessel for their use. This enables them to compete effectively with larger-scale fishermen. According to the official, the extracted sand were transported to Pasay Reclamation Project, and to airport project in Bulacan. There are other smaller projects that are being supplied with sands. Regarding the alleged mounting complaints from local communities over the dredging operations, Engr. Mariano countered that if the report should be true, there must be only one or two who have personal interest. “They built permanent structures over accretion areas, which was considered danger zone by the DENR, but illegal settlers and businesses popped in the area like mushrooms,” the official said. Engr. Mariano also clarified reports about the fishermen who lost their income due to dredging operation in their area. “The so called environmentalist who claimed that fishermen lost their income due to dredging, that was purely lies. Because the fisherman are very happy now because they can ow catch fish by the tubs,” Mariano said. Engr. Mariano appealed for the cooperation of all residents in affected areas of erosion in San Narciso and San Rafael. “We have to help each other and to co-exist. It can’t be that those only at the shore line should live. Because there are others in the plains, and those in the mountains,” he said. He also noted that DENR is always ready to help them to comply with the requirements. And There is nothing that can’t be resolve through dialogue,” Mariano added.