TACLOBAN CITY — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the immediate rehabilitation of the Maharlika Highway, tapping into billions of pesos in projected savings from sweeping cost-cutting reforms at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The directive was disclosed by House Minority Leader and 4Ps party-list Representative Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan, a native of Eastern Visayas, whose home region has long struggled with the highway’s deteriorated sections.

Libanan said DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon relayed the President’s instruction during a brief discussion on the sidelines of the December 9 Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting.

“Secretary Dizon told me that the DPWH will use the savings from sweeping cost reforms to fund the highway’s long-overdue restoration,” Libanan said, adding that the move is a welcome development for lawmakers from the Samar provinces who have been pressing for repairs.

DPWH officials expect the cost reforms—such as aligning the prices of construction materials like steel, gravel, and cement with prevailing market rates—to generate up to P60 billion in savings for 2026. The reforms aim to curb inflation, eliminate inefficiencies, and free up funds for critical infrastructure projects nationwide.

The Maharlika Highway, also known as the Pan-Philippine Highway, is the country’s longest transport corridor, stretching more than 3,300 kilometers from Laoag City in Luzon to Zamboanga City in Mindanao, linking Samar and Leyte islands through a network of roads, bridges, expressways, and RORO routes. Its deteriorated sections—particularly in Samar—have long frustrated local communities, disrupting trade, travel, and emergency response.
Libanan noted that he had repeatedly raised the need for rehabilitation in past budget hearings and privileged speeches. He called the President’s directive a long-awaited breakthrough that promises safer and more reliable inter-island connectivity for Eastern Visayas and the rest of the country.

LEDAC, chaired by the President, serves as the government’s highest policy-coordination body, aligning executive and legislative priorities to ensure timely implementation of national development programs.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) has pledged full support for the filing of administrative charges against a police officer from the Palompon Municipal Police Station (MPS) in Leyte after the officer tested positive for illegal drugs.

The case stems from a targeted anti-drug test conducted on December 5, 2025, in which the police corporal yielded a positive result for shabu. Following the result, the Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership directed that appropriate administrative proceedings be initiated against the officer.

PNP Acting Chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stressed that the move is part of the organization’s ongoing efforts to maintain discipline, integrity, and professionalism within the police force.

PRO-8 said the case underscores its commitment to the PNP’s internal cleansing program, emphasizing that there is no place for personnel involved in illegal drugs. Erring officers, the regional office said, will face the full force of the law and relevant PNP regulations.

The administrative process will follow due process, ensuring that the officer’s rights are observed while reinforcing the police force’s zero-tolerance stance against illegal drugs.

PRO-8 reiterated that strengthening the campaign against narcotics begins within its own ranks, as the agency continues to safeguard public trust and internal accountability.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — In a gesture highlighting rehabilitation and second chances, the provincial government of Northern Samar lit a 30-foot Christmas tree at the Northern Samar Provincial Jail (NSPJ) in Dancalan, Bobon, bringing the spirit of the season behind bars.

The tree lighting served as the centerpiece of the Karibhungan sa NSPJ celebration, themed “Pasko san Pagbag-o — Paglaum, Paghigugma, ngan Pagbinuligay” (Christmas of Renewal — Hope, Love, and Unity).

The ceremony was led by Rep. Edwin Ongchuan, together with his wife, Bles Ongchuan, and was witnessed by provincial officials, jail personnel, and Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs).

What set the display apart was its message of transformation. Conceptualized, crafted, and assembled by the PDLs themselves, the towering Christmas tree was made entirely from recyclable materials. It was adorned with handwritten Christmas wishes from inmates, symbolizing aspirations for change, forgiveness, and a brighter future.

The initiative highlighted the NSPJ’s commitment to rehabilitation through creativity, responsibility, and environmental awareness, offering inmates an avenue for self-expression and personal growth.

Adding to the visual impact of the celebration was a giant illuminated star and the word “PAGLAUM” (Hope) installed above the jail facility. Clearly visible from the National Road, the display served as a powerful reminder that hope and transformation can take root even within correctional institutions.

In his message, Congressman Ongchuan praised the PDLs for their craftsmanship and dedication, describing the Christmas tree as a reflection of their talents and willingness to embrace positive change. He also commended Provincial Warden EnP Jay Keenson Acebuche for spearheading programs that promote discipline, values formation, and rehabilitation among inmates.

The ceremony was attended by Vice Governor Clarence Dato, Board Members Victorio Singzon II and Lope Dorado, provincial department heads, and representatives of national government agencies, underscoring strong institutional support for correctional reform initiatives in Northern Samar.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

ORMOC CITY— A sedan veered off the national highway and landed in a muddy rice field in Barangay Burabod, Biliran, Biliran on Sunday afternoon, December 14, after the driver allegedly fell asleep while driving, police said.

The accident occurred at around 1:40 p.m. along the national highway of the barangay. The vehicle involved was a bronze Hyundai Reina bearing plate number DAM-697, driven by a 38-year-old self-employed woman, identified by police only as “Ais,” a resident of the same barangay. She was accompanied by an unidentified passenger at the time of the incident.

According to the report submitted by the Biliran Municipal Police Station to the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8), responding officers found the vehicle overturned in a muddy rice field upon arrival at the scene. The driver was no longer inside the car at that time.

Initial investigation showed that the vehicle was traveling from Naval toward the Biliran town proper when, upon reaching the accident site, the driver allegedly dozed off, causing her to lose control of the sedan. The vehicle then swerved off the road and overturned into the rice field.

Police said both the driver and her passenger were unharmed. The vehicle was left at the scene for proper disposition as authorities conducted further documentation of the incident.

(ROBERT DEJON)