BICOL NET TV

Albay Targets Swift Sabo Dam Rehab to End Masarawag Flood Woes   Guinobatan, Albay – The Albay Provincial Government is moving quickly to address the persistent flooding in Barangay Masarawag, Guinobatan, with Governor Noel Rosal issuing a marching order to resolve the issue. Provincial Engineer Dante Baclao, in a recent interview with Bicol Net TV, confirmed that the cause of the flooding has been identified as a 30- to 40-year-old Sabo Dam in need of urgent repair.   Engineer Baclao assured the public that the provincial government is committed to accelerating the rehabilitation project. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "Gigibuhon ta an pinakamadaling paagi.. kung kinakaipuhan ngunyan na taon mas maray.." ("We will do it in the easiest way possible... if it's needed this year, all the better.")   The aging Sabo Dam, designed to control sediment and water flow, has deteriorated over time, compromising its ability to protect the c...

Guinobatan Prepares for Typhoon "Ramil," Mayor Orders Pre-emptive Evacuation   Guinobatan, Albay – The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Guinobatan is on high alert and has initiated pre-emptive evacuation measures in anticipation of the approaching Typhoon "Ramil," according to Mayor Ann Gemma Onjoco.   In an interview with Bicol Net TV, Mayor Onjoco stated that a meeting was held with barangay captains, and pre-emptive evacuations are scheduled to begin as early as 7:00 AM tomorrow. The primary goal is to relocate residents from flood-prone areas to ensure their safety.   The affected barangays include Maninila, Tandarora, Masarawag, and a portion of Muladbucad Grande, specifically the Sabasyaw area. Mayor Onjoco emphasized that some areas are experiencing localized flooding, and barangay captains have been instructed on the necessary actions to take.   The LGU expects to evacuate approximately 3,000 families. Mayor Onjoco assured residents that Guinobata...

Land Registry Finds No Records for Sunwest Lot; Governor Orders Fence Investigation Legazpi City, Albay – The Land Registration Authority (LRA) has confirmed that it has no available records for Lot No. 7745, situated in Tumpa, Camalig, the subject of a query from Albay Governor Noel E. Rosal regarding a potential land title issued to Sunwest Corporation.   In a letter dated October 16, 2025, Atty. Denbie S. Talan, Acting Register of Deeds II for the Province of Albay, informed Governor Rosal that upon checking, the registry does not have any entries whatsoever for Lot No. 7745. The letter was in response to Governor Rosal's query dated October 13, 2025, which was received by the LRA on October 15, 2025.   The LRA's response included a Certified True Copy of the Index Book for the Municipality of Camalig and a certification issued by the record section of the registry.   Following the LRA's findings, Governor Rosal has announced that an investigation will be l...

Albay Lifts Quarry Suspension After Audit, Sets Strict Compliance Rules Albay, Philippines – Quarry operations in Albay are set to resume immediately following the issuance of Executive Order No. 43 by Governor Noel E. Rosal on October 16, 2025. The order lifts the temporary suspension that had been in place since September 1, 2025, under Executive Order No. 21.   The suspension was initially implemented to allow for a comprehensive audit and review of all active and pending quarry permits. The audit team submitted their findings and recommendations on October 14, 2025, paving the way for the resumption of operations.   According to the new executive order, permittees and operators found compliant during the audit process are now authorized to resume quarry operations, provided they continue to adhere to environmental safety and regulatory requirements.   However, the order also includes strict measures for those found in violation. Permittees and operators wh...

Red Flag: Sunwest Quarry Operating Without Fencing Permit and ECC Camalig, Albay – Controversy surrounds the Sunwest, Inc. quarry project located on Lot No. 7745 in Barangay Tumpa, Camalig, Albay, as official documents reveal the absence of necessary permits.   In a letter dated October 14, 2025, Hon. Carlos Irwin G. Baldo, Jr., Municipal Mayor of Camalig, informed Albay Governor Hon. Noel E. Rosal that a review of records with the Municipal Engineering Office (MEO) showed that Sunwest, Inc. has neither filed a Fencing Permit application nor been issued such a permit for the mentioned property.   Adding to the concerns, a separate letter dated October 16, 2025, from the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) V, signed by OIC Regional Director Geri-Geronimo R. Sañez, also informed Governor Rosal that after verifying their online system and official records, no Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) has been issued to Sunwest, Inc. for the fence constr...

Echoes of Warning: Constitutional Concerns Over 2024 Budget Resurface Amid Flood Control Controversy, Just as Lagman Predicted Tabaco City, Philippines – Amid ongoing concerns about the effectiveness and potential corruption in flood control projects, a constitutional issue has resurfaced regarding the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA). This issue, flagged by then Congressman Edcel Lagman in a press statement on January 2, 2024, predicted potential problems arising from the ballooning of unprogrammed appropriations within the budget.   Lagman, in his statement, argued that the 2024 GAA suffers from a "constitutional infirmity" due to the bicameral conference committee's insertion of P449.5 billion in excess of the P281.9 billion in unprogrammed appropriations recommended by the President in the National Expenditure Program (NEP). He asserted that the President's failure to veto these excess items exacerbated the constitutional defect.   Lagman ...

Santo Domingo Mayor Vows Transparency, Improved Services After First 100 Days   Santo Domingo, Albay – In a recent interview with Bicol Net TV, Mayor Bong Banda of Santo Domingo, Albay, discussed his accomplishments during his first 100 days in office and outlined his plans for the future.   Key Initiatives and Future Plans   Mayor Banda emphasized his commitment to continuing ongoing programs, maintaining cleanliness throughout Santo Domingo, and ensuring that all projects are completed according to plan. A major focus will be improving the town's water system to provide better service to residents.   "We will enhance our water system to ensure everyone benefits," Mayor Banda stated. "Transparency is a priority. Santo Domingo will be open about all programs aimed at improving our town."   Citizen Feedback and Accountability   To enhance accountability, Mayor Banda announced the upcoming launch of a mobile application that will allow residents t...

Defective Weighing Scales Destroyed in Daraga to Protect Consumers   Daraga, Albay – The Local Government of Daraga, through the Daraga Public Market in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Albay, conducted a ceremonial destruction of defective weighing scales on October 13, 2025, at the LGU grounds in Daraga, Albay.   The event was part of the Consumer Welfare Month celebration and involved the destruction of confiscated defective weighing scales.   According to Market Administrator Themis Lobete, 187 weighing scales were confiscated during "Operation Timbangan." Scales confirmed to be defective were destroyed, while others that could be recalibrated were returned to vendors after proper adjustment.   Lobete added that routine inspections of weighing scales in the public market and night market are regularly conducted to ensure accurate calibration of all scales.   The activity aims to combat fraud in the market,...

Lagman Opposes House Bill 4058, Citing Concerns Over Unprogrammed Appropriations and Debt Tabaco City, Philippines – In a statement released today, Representative Cielo Krisel B. Lagman of the 1st District of Albay voiced her opposition to House Bill 4058, also known as the General Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2026. Despite acknowledging some budgetary reforms within the bill, Lagman expressed deep reservations regarding unprogrammed appropriations and the nation’s growing debt. Lagman stated, "I vote 'No' to House Bill 4058 despite some budgetary reforms, both procedural and substantive, that we have adopted which I hope will be sustained and improved in succeeding Congresses." Her primary concern revolves around the "continuing presence of unprogrammed appropriations." Lagman fears the potential for abuse and indicated a preference for scrapping such appropriations altogether. She stipulated that she would only consider endorsi...

Daraga, Albay – The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Daraga, led by Mayor Victor U. Perete, conducted its flag raising ceremony today, October 13, 2025.   The ceremony was attended by Mayor Victor U. Perete, heads of various departments, personnel from the Daraga Municipal Police Station (DMPS), and LGU employees.   In his message, Mayor Perete assured that LGU employees would undergo training as part of the preparations for natural calamities such as earthquakes. He emphasized the importance of readiness and preparedness for all LGU personnel.   During the ceremony, Jhon Arvy M. Mallapre was recognized for representing the province of Albay in the Mister Earth Philippines 2025 competition held at the Jagna Cultural Center, Bohol. Mallapre won the title of Mister Earth Philippines Charity 2025.   Mayor Perete and the LGU of Daraga extended their congratulations to Mallapre for his achievement and for bringing pride to the province. |...

Manila, Philippines – In response to the recent typhoons, volcanic eruptions, fires, and earthquakes, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) headed by Cardinal Pablo Virgelio S. David has issued Circular No. 25-14, urging the faithful to turn to God with humble and contrite hearts.   The CBCP is reiterating its National Call to Prayer and Public Repentance, encouraging Filipinos to observe this call every Sunday, and if possible, every day, until the Solemnity of Christ the King. As part of this call, the CBCP is asking the faithful to toll bells as a sign of prayer and solidarity.   In a special appeal, inspired by Bishop Jimmy Afable, the CBCP is encouraging all Catholics to wear white clothes every Sunday of October and November. This act is meant to symbolize purity and a desire for national renewal.   Additionally, the CBCP is calling on the faithful to display white ribbons in homes, churches, and public places. These ribbons serve as...

Guinobatan, Albay – The Albay Provincial Safety and Emergency Office (APSEMO), led by OIC Roderick Mendoza, has identified a damaged lahar control structure as a potential cause of the recent flooding in Barangay Masarawag, Guinobatan. The discovery offers a promising lead for the Provincial Government of Albay in addressing the persistent flooding issues in the area.   According to APSEMO's findings, the damaged structure is part of a series of older structures built in the 1980s under the Comprehensive Disaster Preparedness Around Mayon Volcano Program. These structures were designed to hold debris during lahar flows, providing a crucial layer of protection for Barangay Masarawag. OIC Mendoza emphasized that the breached area, now believed to be the source of the current flooding, is located several kilometers away from the main Maninila-Masarawag channel.   Governor Noel Rosal expressed his optimism following the APSEMO report. In a recen...

Legazpi City, Albay – Congressman Caloy Andes Loria of the 2nd District of Albay has filed House Bill No. 2998, the "Legazpi Special Economic Zone Act," seeking to establish the Legazpi Special Economic Zone (LEZ) and the Legazpi Special Economic Zone Authority (LEZ Authority). The bill aims to accelerate development and genuine transformation in Legazpi City, capitalizing on its strategic location and potential.   Loria emphasized Legazpi City's significance as a major urban center in the Bicol Region and its role as a gateway for commerce, tourism, and education in South Luzon. He highlighted the city's population of over 250,000, its domestic airport, ports, various national government offices, the iconic Mayon Volcano, and the region's culinary delights.   Despite these advantages, Loria acknowledged the challenges of poverty, lack of livelihood opportunities, and vulnerability to natural disasters. He believes the LEZ will address these issues by ...

Legazpi City, Albay – Board Member Wilfredo Das Maronilla is spearheading efforts to rehabilitate the Albay Parks and Wildlife, a vital ecotourism and conservation site in the province. Maronilla recently sponsored a resolution urging the provincial government to prioritize the rehabilitation of the facility, which has been a popular destination for both locals and tourists.   The resolution has yielded positive results, with Governor Rosal allocating an initial P50 million from the Local Development Fund for the first phase of the rehabilitation project in the coming year. This funding will address critical infrastructure improvements and enhance the animal habitats within the park.   While the requested budget for the complete rehabilitation was P100 million, Maronilla expressed optimism that the remaining P50 million for the second phase will be allocated in 2027. This phased approach will allow for a comprehensive upgrade of the Albay Parks and Wildlife, ensuri...