Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening pro-poor programs that address the country’s economic challenges, including job creation, social welfare, wage increases, and agricultural support. As part of his legislative priorities, Go continues to advocate for policies that uplift underprivileged sectors, ensuring that essential services such as healthcare, food security, and livelihood opportunities remain accessible to all. His renewed push for pro-poor policies comes in light of recent economic data that reflects the mixed sentiments of Filipinos regarding their quality of life. A survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS), commissioned by Stratbase Group, revealed that while 32% of respondents said their quality of life had improved in the past year, this was a decline from the 36% recorded in December 2024. Meanwhile, those who felt their situation had worsened increased to 25% from 23%, while 43% reported no change. “Alam natin na marami pa ring Pilipino ang nahihirapan sa araw-araw. Kaya’t patuloy nating ipaglalaban ang mga programang direktang makakatulong sa kanila—mula sa pagkain sa hapag hanggang sa pagkakaroon ng disenteng hanapbuhay,” Mr. Malasakit emphasized. “Huwag nating pahirapan ang naghihirap na. Ilapit natin ang serbisyo ng gobyerno na kailangan nila upang makaahon sa hirap. Sikapin nating walang maiwan sa ating pag-unlad,” he added. Go has long been a advocate of programs that provide direct support to marginalized communities. One of his key proposals is the institutionalization of the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP), a bill he has filed in the Senate. If enacted into law, REAP seeks to provide temporary employment to economically disadvantaged, displaced, or seasonal workers in rural areas, ensuring that those in need have opportunities to earn a living while contributing to local infrastructure and community projects. Additionally, Go has been pushing for wage increases and the enactment of Salary Standardization Law 6 (SSL 6) to provide better compensation for government workers. Recognizing the growing number of freelancers in the digital economy, he is also advocating for his filed Freelance Workers Protection Bill, which aims to safeguard their rights and ensure fair compensation. His proposed Food, Grocery, and Pharmacy Delivery Services Protection Act that he filed further expands his pro-labor agenda by ensuring that delivery riders and drivers are protected from unfair business practices, recognizing their critical role in modern commerce. “Marami sa ating mga kababayan ang umaasa sa kanilang arawang kita. Dapat siguraduhin natin na patas ang kanilang sahod at protektado ang kanilang mga karapatan sa trabaho. Patuloy lang ako sa pagseserbisyo sa abot ng aking makakaya,” Go said. Go also continues to push for expanded government investment in farm-to-market roads, irrigation systems, and post-harvest facilities, ensuring that small farmers and fisherfolk receive the necessary support to thrive. “Kapag malakas ang sektor ng agrikultura, masisigurado nating walang Pilipinong magugutom, at may mas maraming trabaho para sa ating kababayan,” he added. As Go seeks a fresh mandate in the 2025 senatorial elections, he remains focused on expanding social services, ensuring wage and employment security, and strengthening government support for vulnerable sectors. His track record includes significant contributions to healthcare access, livelihood programs, and housing assistance—all of which directly impact the daily lives of millions of Filipinos. “Ang malasakit sa tao ang dapat palaging inuuna. Hindi tayo titigil sa pagsusulong ng mga programang magbibigay ng ginhawa sa pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay ng ating mga kababayan,” Go assured. He also called on national agencies, local government units, and private sector stakeholders to work together in implementing long-term solutions for economic stability. With many Filipinos still struggling with the rising cost of living, Go vowed to continue advocating for policies that prioritize the welfare of ordinary citizens, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Baguio court denies another injunction vs. CJH recovery

Business

Business / Street Journal

A Baguio court has junked another injunction application filed by several CJH Development Corp. (CJHDevCo) sub-lessees for failing to prove that they are indeed “non-parties” to the arbitration that should be excluded from the government’s efforts to fully recover the 247-hectare Property in Camp John Hay, Baguio City. Branch 3 of the Baguio Regional Trial Court (RTC) denied the application for temporary restraining order and writ of preliminary injunction filed by CJHDevCo sub-lessees to block the implementation of the arbitral award mandating the return of the 247-hectare Camp John Hay property, together with all the improvements and permanent structures, to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), without exceptions. This comes after the denial by Baguio RTC Branch 79 of an earlier application filed by a separate group of foreign nationals in Camp John Hay for the same relief. According to the court order issued on 06 February 2025, petitioners were found to have acquired their rights from CJHDevCo, being its sublessees. Hence, even if they were not made parties to the arbitration, they are bound by the Arbitral Award considering that they derive their rights from CJHDevCo, who is a party to the arbitration. The court said the petitioners therefore failed to prove that they have a clear legal right to be excluded from the implementation of the reinstated Writ of Execution and Notice to Vacate. “The BCDA lauds the Baguio RTC and other law enforcement entities for continuously upholding the rule of law and protecting the government’s rights over Camp John Hay. This development proves what we have been saying all along—that the blame on the government, which is simply following the final ruling of the Supreme Court, is misdirected. We hope this gives way to productive dialogue with the claimants so we can discuss possible solutions regarding their claims,” said BCDA Chairperson Atty. Hilario B. Paredes. On 03 April 2024, the Supreme Court invalidated a 2015 Court of Appeals ruling that nullified the Writ of Execution issued by Branch 6 of Baguio RTC and the Notice to Vacate issued by the court’s Ex-Officio Sheriff insofar as persons claiming rights over improvements in Camp John Hay are concerned. In its 22 October 2024 Resolution, the Supreme Court denied with finality the motions for reconsideration filed by CJHDevCo and intervenors who attempted to delay the implementation of the Supreme Court decision. All those who are affected by the ruling are encouraged to reach out to the BCDA to discuss reasonable concerns within the bounds of the law. They may contact the BCDA Help Desk via email at cjhhelpdesk@bcda.gov.ph or phone via (+63) 962 534 9397 or (+63) 954 976 8295.

Biga and Basao Sub-Tribes push for ‘Singlit’ to resolve dispute

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

By Jesse Maguiya TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Mayor Darwin Estrañero convened another meeting with officers and members of the Matagoan Bodong Consultative Council (MBCC), Bodong holders of the Kalinga sub-tribe Biga, and several Bodong holders from different tribes. The discussion focused on a circulating piece of fake news claiming that the Biga sub-tribe intended to return the sipat given to them by the Basao sub-tribe. During the meeting, Bodong holders and elders from the Biga sub-tribe assured Mayor Estrañero and Engineer Andres Ngao-I of the MBCC that they had taken swift action upon learning of the misinformation. They immediately convened their own meeting and unanimously decided that Mr. Ignacio Baglinit would serve as their primary representative. Having accepted this responsibility, he will now hold the sipat and serve as the Bodong holder for the Biga sub-tribe. In his message, Ignacio Baglinit, the Bodong holder of Biga, confirmed that they had already agreed to pursue a singlit with the Basao sub-tribe. (Singlit refers to a formal grievance or complaint raised by one tribe or party against another within the framework of the bodong (peace pact) system. It is a means of addressing concerns or perceived violations of the peace pact, such as an offense, wrongdoing, or breach of agreement.) He informed the mayor that they are fully prepared to face the Bodong holders and elders of the Basao sub-tribe through singlit. “Kayat mi koma nga ipanawagan iti kakailyan nga awan kina-agpaysu na dayta fake news a mapan mi isubli wenu ibabawi didiay sipat mi kadagiti kailyan a taga Basao ta dayta a banag ket saan a basta-basta karkaru ta uray dakami ket kayat min a malpas koma iti kasapaan a panawen daytoy problema ta awan met nasayaat nga ipaay na iti ili tayu a Tabuk City ken intiro a Probinsya ti Kalinga,” Mr. Baglinit explained. Engineer Andres Ngao-I, speaking on behalf of the Matagoan Bodong Consultative Council, stated that they had also received the misinformation and immediately called the attention of both tribes to prevent unnecessary actions that could escalate tensions. He reminded the Bodong holders from the Biga tribe not to spread unverified information. Mayor Estrañero supported this, emphasizing the importance of caution, especially when dealing with sensitive matters. He warned that relaying information inaccurately often leads to distortions and misunderstandings. “Masapul koma ag-verify tayu a nasayaat nu ada mangngeg tayu nga istorya tapnu maliklikan ti makunkuna a dagdag-bawas kasi kangrunaan a mapaspasamak ket manayun wenu makurangan ti maipasa nga impormasyon,” the mayor said. With this development, the mayor expressed his satisfaction, informing the Biga elders and pangats that their confirmation to proceed with singlit was the only remaining step. The Basao tribe had already expressed their willingness to engage in singlit earlier, and this confirmation now paves the way for the resolution process. As a follow-up, Engineer Andres Ngao-I, Chairman of the MBCC, held a separate meeting on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, with several Bodong holders and elders from the Basao sub-tribe. He informed them about what transpired during Monday’s meeting with the Biga Bodong holders. In response, the Basao elders stated that they would immediately schedule a tribe-wide meeting to discuss a possible date for the singlit.

BCC celebrates 120th Super Centennial Anniversary

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

The Baguio Country Club (BCC) commemorated its 120th founding anniversary with a grand celebration that brought together club members, distinguished guests, and community leaders to honor its rich legacy, on February 18, 2025. The event’s highlight was a symbolic dove-releasing ceremony, where 120 white doves were released to represent peace, unity, and prosperity. Baguio Tourism Council (BTC) Chairman Gladys Vergara participated in the ceremony alongside BCC Chairman Federico Agcaoili and BCC General Manager Anthony De Leon. Club members, guests, and employees also took part in the meaningful tradition. Vergara, who attended the celebration with Glenn Gaerlan and Eric Kelly, congratulated the Baguio Country Club on its remarkable milestone. “ For 120 years, Baguio Country Club has been a pillar of hospitality, tradition, and community in Baguio City. Its legacy of warm service and timeless experiences has enriched countless lives. On behalf of the Baguio Tourism Council, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and look forward to many more years of excellence and tradition,” Vergara said. The festivities concluded with a 120th Anniversary Cocktail Party and a Grand Raffle, capping off an unforgettable celebration. The Baguio Country Club continues to be a cornerstone of timeless traditions and a vital part of Baguio’s rich heritage as it embarks on another century of excellence and community-building.

Gov.Tan, nag-donate ng kagamitan para sa Cyber Response Team

Region 4

Region 4 / Street Journal

Kasabay ang paggagawad kay Governor Doktotra Helen Tan bilang Lieutenant Colonel ng AFP Reserved Force, ginanap rin ang activation ng Quezon Provincial Cyber Response Team (QPCRT) and Signing of Deed of Donation, na ginanap sa Camp BGen Guillermo P Nakar, Lucena City, noong Pebrero 18. Sa kasalukuyang panahon ang cyberscam ay lumalaganap na krimen, gumagamit ito ng teknolohiya upang makakuha ng pera o impormasyon mula sa mga tao. Madalas na ginagamit ng mga scammer ang email, social media, at mga pekeng websites upang magmukhang lehitimo at magpanggap bilang isang kumpanya o tao na may magandang layunin. Sa patuloy na pagdami ng mga online na scammer, naalarma ang mga kapulisan sa dumaraming kirmen sa Lalawigan ng Quezon, dahil dito minabuti ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan sa pangunguna ni Governor Tan na pagkalooban ang mga kapulisan ng mga laptop, printer at computer na makakatulong para sa mas mabilis na pagtuklas ang mga kriminal online. Kasabay nito pormal na ring binasbasan ang bagong rehabilitasyon ng Detective Office sa pangunguna ni Command Chaplain, SOLCOM Rev Fr (MAR) Joseph Jim M Camargo, hangad ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan na magkaroon ng kamalayan ang mga Quezonian sa cyberscam upang hindi malinlang ng ibang tao. Samantala, tuloy-tuloy ang pakikipagbalikatan ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan sa pagtupad ng tungkulin sa pangkapayapaan at seguridad ng buong Lalawigan ng Quezon.

Don’t be fooled by deepfake videos – RSA

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

STATEMENT OF RAMON S. ANG I have been receiving messages about a fake sponsored post using an old interview of mine with Mr. Anthony Taberna. Scammers have used deepfake technology to alter our conversation, making it appear that I am endorsing an investment opportunity. Let me be absolutely clear— this is a scam. I have never endorsed, and will never endorse, any investment opportunity online. It’s frustrating how easily these fake videos spread, deceiving people and taking their hard-earned money. But how is this still happening? Why are these fake ads being allowed to circulate? I hope to see real action to stop deepfake scams before more people fall victim. In the meantime, let’s look out for one another. Do not engage, do not invest, and report these scams when you see them. Stay vigilant, protect yourselves, and share this post to warn others.

BTC sa 2025:Sinimulan ang makabagong inisyatiba sa pamumuno ni Gladys Vergara

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

Ang Baguio Tourism Council (BTC), na binubuo ng iba’t ibang sektor ng business community ng Baguio City—kabilang ang mga restaurant, hotel, inns, tour and travel agency, transport, arts, culture, media, sports and wellness, at education—ay nagdaos ng unang board meeting noong Pebrero 13, 2025 sa Function Hall, Shakey’s Baguio Restaurant, Kisad Road, Kisad Road, Baguio City. Sa pangunguna ni Gladys A. Vergara at dinaluhan ng mga honorary board members at sectoral heads, ang pulong ay sumaklaw sa mga pivotal updates, reports, at resolutions na humuhubog sa turismo ng Baguio sa darating na taon. Binuksan ni Vergara ang pagpupulong gamit ang Ulat ng kanyang Tagapangulo, na nag-highlight sa maraming tagumpay ng BTC noong 2024. Mula sa muling pagpapasigla sa turismo pagkatapos ng pandemya hanggang sa matagumpay na paglulunsad ng mga kaganapan, ang ulat ay nakatanggap ng nagkakaisang pag-apruba. Sinabi ni Secretary Engr. Aloysius Mapalo ang paglaki ng membership ng BTC, mahahalagang pagpupulong, resolusyon, at aktibidad, na nakakuha din ng pag-apruba ng board. Ipinagmamalaki ng Treasurer na si Mark Jefferson Ng na ang BTC ay nagkaroon ng pinakamahusay na season nito sa ngayon sa mga tuntunin ng pananalapi para sa 2025. Ang tagumpay na ito ay isang patunay ng lumalagong suporta sa publiko at pribadong suporta. VISITA at ATOP 2025 Project Update Sinabi ni Engr. Mapalo ang update sa VIS.I.T.A. (Visitor Information and Tourist Assistance) na proyekto, na may mahalagang papel sa World Ikat Textiles Symposium (WITS). Mga pagsisikap na pagsamahin ang VIS.I.T.A. sa opisyal na proseso ng pagpaparehistro ng ATOP 2025 ay isinasagawa, na may karagdagang pondo mula sa Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Ang Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines National Convention at Tourism National Pearl Awards ay iho-host ng Baguio City sa darating na Oktubre 2025. Ang mga delegado mula sa lahat ng rehiyon ay inaasahang magsasama-sama sa Baguio City para sa ATOP 2025. Itatampok ng kaganapang ito ang papel ng Baguio bilang isang nangungunang sentro ng turismo at ipapakita ang natatanging kultura at mga atraksyon nito sa pambansang madla. Sectoral Highlights • G.2 Sector (Accomodations, Ms. Aurora Alambra): Expressed gratitude for support on scam accommodation infomercials and their involvement in An Enchanted Baguio Christmas 2024. • G.3 Sector (Restaurants, Mr. Rocky Cating): Reported on active participation in the zero-waste economy initiative. • G.5 Sector (Hotels, Mr. Mark Jefferson Ng): Discussed ongoing work with an advertising agency for a political roadshow. • G.6 Sector (Mr. Lacambra): Proposed a city-central gallery for artists with an e-commerce platform linked to VIS.I.T.A. to boost local vendor sales. • G.7 Sector (Heritage, Culture, Arts and Media, Mr. Ferdinand Balanag): Announced the Montañosa Film Festival’s plans to go international by 2026, celebrating its 1st Runner Up award for Best Institutionalized Program for Arts and Culture and the #BreatheBaguio Tourism Video, Grand Winner award for Best Tourism Promotions Video at the 2024 ATP National Pearl Awards. • G.8 Sector (Tour Operators, Ms. Jennefer Baltazar): Introduced the “Breathe Baguio Package” and advocated for ordinances to regulate unauthorized tour guides. • G.9 Sector (Transportation, Mr. William Bumay-et): Proposed inviting civic groups to learn about BTC’s role, which was approved. Resolution and Initiatives The board approved several vital resolutions, including: • A request for the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to prioritize hiring Baguio or Cordillera residents. • Plans for an annual Driver’s Federation training event with LTFRB and the Baguio Police Traffic Division. • A resolution addressing the proliferation of fake PWD IDs, requesting city council intervention. New Projects and Upcoming Events The board endorsed several initiatives: • Support for the Push/Pull Bike Event on March, securing venue approval from the City Mayor’s Office. • Fund support allocations for the Montañosa Film Festival and for the Happy Paws Pet Park Opening Program. The board also acknowledged upcoming major events: • The accreditation of An Enchanted Baguio Christmas by the European Union. • The ongoing 50 Shades of Bloom photography exhibit. • A Medical Mission on February 18, 2025. Public Safety and MPOX Preparedness Hinimok ng BTC ang lahat ng sektor na manatiling mapagbantay tungkol sa MPOX at manatiling may kaalaman sa mga hakbang sa pag-iingat. Ang pagpupulong ay nagmarka ng isa pang produktibong sesyon sa patuloy na pagsisikap ng BTC na itaas ang industriya ng turismo ng Baguio at mapahusay ang pakikipag-ugnayan sa komunidad. Ang mga partikular na follow-up na aksyon ay binalangkas, kabilang ang pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga lokal na awtoridad sa mga hakbang sa kaligtasan ng publiko, karagdagang pagsasama ng VIS.I.T.A. sa mga pangunahing kaganapan, at patuloy na suporta para sa mga paparating na hakbangin.

Tourism Rest Area itatayo sa Pangasinan

Region 1

Region 1 / Street Journal

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — Pinangunahan nina Gov. Ramon V. Guico III, DoT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, at TIEZA Assistant Chief Operations Officer Gregory A. Oller, ang groundbreaking ceremony ng itatayong Tourism Rest Area (TRA) sa may Capitol grounds, noong Pebrero 13. Nilagdaan din ng mga nabanggit na opisyal ang Memorandum of Agreement, bilang hudyat na maitayo ang tourism facility na magsisilbing convergence point kung saan ang mga dayuhan at lokal na bisita ay makakakuha ng impormasyon sa mga tourism sites, atraksyon, kung paano makarating sa mga lugar at accommodation sa Pangasinan. Si Gov. Guico, sa pasasalamat sa DOT at sa TIEZA para sa proyekto, ay nagsabi na ang lalawigan ay nakahanay na ng ilang game-changing tourism projects para sa Pangasinan. Sinabi ni Guico na ang mga proyekto sa turismo ay nasa deck, kabilang ang patuloy na pagpapaunlad ng Capitol Complex, na kinabibilangan ng higit sa 200-meter reflective pool at interactive fountain na matatagpuan sa likod ng gusali ng Kapitolyo. “Makakadagdag din ito sa mga proyekto ng ating kagalang-galang na kongresista na si Mark Cojuangco, na inuuna niya ang pagbaha, accessibility, at mga isyu sa lugar na ito. At ang Kapitolyo ay gumagawa ng mga plano na magpapalakas sa turismo at gawing mas maginhawa para sa ating mga bisita na bumisita sa Capitol Complex,” sabi ni Guico. Sinabi pa ni Guico na ang iba pang proyekto sa Kapitolyo ay ang pagtatayo ng 11-palapag na provincial capitol plaza na maglalaman ng mga opisina ng lokal at pambansang pamahalaan, isang 300-room hotel, at isang convention center na nagsimula na (Phase 1); ang pagtatayo ng mga ferry boat ride mula sa Limahong Channel dito hanggang sa Hundred Islands sa Alaminos City; at pinahusay na paradahan sa paligid ng Minor Basilica ng Manaoag, na binibisita ng humigit-kumulang lima hanggang walong milyong pilgrims taun-taon, bukod sa iba pa. Nakasaad sa MOA na ang TIEZA ang magpopondo sa konstruksyon, ang DOT ang magmomonitor at magsusuri sa proyekto, at ito ay ibabalik din sa probinsya kapag natapos na ang konstruksyon

Globe intensifies fight against online child exploitation with NPI content blocking

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

Globe continues to reinforce its commitment to online safety by blocking non-photographic imagery (NPI) depicting child sexual abuse, including content generated through artificial intelligence (AI), computer-generated imagery (CGI), animation, and other non-live methods. From August 27, 2024, when Globe initiated NPI blocking, until December 31, Globe has restricted access to 374 URLs and 13 domains showing AI, CGI and other non-live child sexual abuse imagery flagged by its partner, the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF). The IWF has been leading the fight against child sexual abuse material, warning that exposure to such content—even in CGI or cartoon form—can cause significant harm to viewers and is illegal in many jurisdictions. The organization stresses that even accidental viewing of this material can have lasting psychological effects. “Our dedication to online safety drives us to proactively detect and block harmful content, ensuring children are protected from sexual exploitation and other digital threats. Through advanced filtering technologies, we strive to maintain a safer and more secure online space for all,” said Atty. Irish Krystle Salandanan-Almeida, Globe’s Chief Privacy Officer. Globe has invested over USD 2.7 million in advanced content filtering technologies to detect and prevent access to illegal content. This is aligned with the Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009 (Republic Act 9775), which requires internet service providers (ISPs) to implement technologies that prevent access to and transmission of child sexual abuse and exploitation materials. Globe’s initiative to block NPI is part of its long-standing sustainability campaign, #MakeITSafePH, which actively raises awareness and educates users on online safety while equipping them with essential tools to navigate the digital world securely. Other than NPI, Globe blocked 3,096 domains containing child sexual abuse and exploitation materials from January to December 2024.

Author name: Street Journal

Bong Go pushes for stronger pro-poor programs amid mixed economic sentiments in SWS survey