TACLOBAN CITY — House Committee on Higher and Technical Education Chairperson and Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre on Monday, Jan.12, stressed that any impeachment move against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. must be based on the Constitution and supported by credible evidence.

Acidre warned against speculation, saying impeachment is an extraordinary process that should not be driven by political pressure or rumors.

“Any move to impeach a sitting President must be firmly grounded on the Constitution and supported by clear, credible, and compelling evidence,” he said, urging lawmakers to act with fairness and institutional integrity.

He also noted that, at present, no formal impeachment complaint has been filed or circulated in the House, and called on colleagues to rely only on verified documents and established procedures.

“Until there is an actual document to examine, it is more responsible to withhold comment rather than speculate on hearsay,” Acidre added, emphasizing that impeachment should remain a serious constitutional mechanism, not a political tool.

(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — In an effort to improve public service delivery and attract more investments, the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (PEDIPO) of Northern Samar conducted a seminar on the “Ease of Doing Business” for local government officials involved in business regulation and economic promotion.

The activity gathered Business Permit and Licensing Officers (BPLOs) and Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Officers (LEDIPOs) from various local government units across the province. It aimed to equip participants with practical tools and strategies to streamline business permit and licensing processes and foster a more business-friendly environment.

One of the resource speakers was lawyer August Lizer Malate, executive vice president of the National Association of Business Permit and Licensing Officers of the Philippines (NABPLO) and department head of the Business Permit and Licensing Office of Mandaue City, Cebu.

He shared the city’s best practices, including the simplification of permit procedures, the institutionalization of the BPLO as a full-fledged department, the digitalization of application processes, and the adoption of innovative policies to improve efficiency and transparency.

Malate also discussed the requirements and step-by-step process for digitalizing BPLO systems, along with updates on business permit requirements and processing guidelines. He stressed the need for reliable and measurable data systems, noting that accurate data plays a crucial role in crafting effective development plans and evidence-based policies.
The seminar ended with an open forum where participants raised concerns and sought clarification on issues related to business permitting and licensing, which were addressed by the resource speaker.

PEDIPO said the activity underscores the provincial government’s commitment to strengthening local economies by continuously improving policies, systems, and services that support entrepreneurship and investment. These initiatives are seen as vital in promoting economic growth, enhancing competitiveness, generating employment, and advancing inclusive development in Northern Samar.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — As part of ongoing peace and reconciliation efforts in Northern Samar, former rebels were formally assisted in their transition back to civilian life through the issuance of safe conduct passes and an orientation on the government’s Amnesty Program in the town of Mapanas.

The activity was spearheaded by the 78th Infantry Battalion in coordination with the Local Amnesty Board (LAB)–Catbalogan City.

During the ceremony, 20 former rebels were issued safe conduct passes, while 15 others took part in the amnesty orientation and application process.

The event aimed to inform and guide beneficiaries on the procedures and requirements of the government’s Amnesty Program, which offers former rebels the opportunity to seek amnesty in exchange for surrender and cooperation with authorities.

Present during the activity were Colonel Ericson Rosana, deputy brigade commander of the 803rd Infantry Brigade; Jazmine Odyssa Lutao, peace program officer III and LAB secretariat head; Mapanas Sangguniang Bayan member and peace and order committee chair Councilor Luckie Longcop, representing Mayor Ronn Michael Tejano; Captain Marco Estillero, acting chief of the Mapanas Municipal Police Station; Public Attorney’s Office–Gamay District lawyer Marc Aleh Morallos; and LAB-Catbalogan City legal officer Gelyn P. Diaz-Omanito.

Officials expressed their support for the former rebels and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to peace-building, unity, and inclusive development in local communities.
Lieutenant Colonel Francis Rosales, commanding officer of the 78th IB, thanked the participating agencies for their continued cooperation and commended the former rebels, also known as Friends Rescued, for their decision to return to the fold of the law.

The activity highlighted the sustained collaboration among the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, the National Amnesty Commission, local government units, and other partner agencies under the Whole-of-Nation Approach to achieving lasting peace and development in Northern Samar.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)