By Rhaydz B. Barcia LEGAZPI CITY --- “Enough of farm-to-pocket roads. Enough of the normalization of plunder of our nation’s wealth by officials who have betrayed the public trust and enriched themselves in office,” declared Bishop Joel “Bong” Z. Baylon of the Diocese of Legazpi, as he urged President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to hold accountable all those involved in corruption, particularly in connection to multibillion-peso ghost and substandard flood control projects. The b

By Manuel T. Ugalde LEGAZPI CITY --- The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), currently investigating a nationwide public works scandal, has reportedly begun validating suspected ghost and substandard infrastructure projects in all six provinces of the Bicol Region. The Bicol regional office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has long been tagged as a hotbed of corruption, as previously cited by the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission during

By Rhaydz B. Barcia Legazpi City — Albay 1st District Representative Cielo Krisel B. Lagman has refused to sign the proposed 2026 national budget, citing its heavy reliance on unprogrammed appropriations despite the implementation of some budgetary reforms. “I remain conscionably disturbed by the continuing presence of unprogrammed appropriations. To prevent a repeat of the grave abuses linked to these funds, I would personally opt for their complete removal,” Lagman said in

By Paulo DS Papa The City Legal Office of Naga has confirmed that it is conducting a preliminary investigation into a 13-storey high-rise building located in Barangay Sta. Cruz, owned by the Millete family. It can be recalled that retired city engineer Alexander Caning issued a building permit allowing the Milletes to construct a six-storey structure. However, residents and even the barangay council raised concerns after observing that the building had reached 13 storeys, cit

By Paulo DS Papa The Department of Education (DepEd) Regional Office in Bicol has denied the circulation of a false advisory claiming that face-to-face classes will be suspended from October to December due to a flu outbreak. DepEd Bicol Public Affairs Officer Mayflore Jumamil clarified in an interview that while there has been a noticeable rise in flu cases among students, faculty, and non-teaching staff, this is typical during the seasonal transition from warm to cooler wea

By Benilda Recebido SORSOGON CITY, Sorsogon --- Men who notice a lump, chest skin changes, or nipple discharge should get tested for breast cancer early for better treatment outcomes. A government doctor shared this advice during the ‘Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices, Be Your Own Breast Friend’ forum organized by the Department of Health and the Provincial Health Office of Sorsogon on October 2, marking the observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the province. Dr. Diane

By Keren Anne Bernadas LEGAZPI CITY, Albay --- Three weeks after Severe Tropical Storm Opong battered Masbate on its second landfall, the spirit of bayanihan remains alive as national and local government teams work hand in hand to bring aid and hope amid the devastation. Earlier this week, Governor Ricardo T. Kho reported that around 600,000 individuals, representing 152,840 families, were affected by Opong. A total of 80,251 houses were partially damaged, while 20,556 were

By Sally Atento-Altea LEGAZPI CITY, Albay --- Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Bicol region now have access to more than 200 franchise brands in food, retail, and services. They also receive expert advice to help them find the right fit. Around 30 exhibitors offered franchise opportunities at the “Franchise Negosyo Para sa Region V,” which was organized by the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) in cooperation with partners, including the Department of T

SORSOGON CITY, Sorsogon --- All roads to revelry lead to Sorsogon from October 15 to 18, as the province celebrates this year’s Kasanggayahan Festival. Sorsogon is marking the 51st anniversary of the Kasanggayahan Festival, which coincides with the 131st founding anniversary of the province. ‘Kasanggayahan’ is an old Bikol word that means a life of prosperity. The festival features events that emphasize community participation, cultural pride, and shared heritage. “This celeb

By Connie Calipay LEGAZPI CITY --- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) honored outstanding government workers and agencies during the regional awards rites of the 125th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary celebration Tuesday. CSC Regional Director Daisy Punzalan Bragais lauded the awardees for their dedication, integrity and commitment to public service. “They embody the true spirit of public service competence anchored on compassion. Their efforts strengthen public trust and

By Manuel T. Ugalde LEGAZPI CITY – At least five government infrastructure projects in the Bicol region remain unfinished, reportedly due to abandonment by a construction firm linked to the controversial Discaya Construction group. Four of the incomplete projects are located in the island province of Catanduanes, while a P700-million flyover project intended to connect to the Bicol International Airport remains idle in the town of Camalig, Albay. The Discaya Construction firm

By Connie Calipay LEGAZPI CITY –-- The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) 5 (Bicol) ordered local government units (LGUs) in the region to update their contingency and disaster response plans amid the series of strong earthquakes and weather disturbances. Claudio Yucot, Office of Civil Defense 5 and RDRRMC-5 chairperson, said the reports to be submitted by the LGUs would be reviewed to identify gaps; corrective actions would be recommended; and a

By Connie Calipay LEGAZPI CITY --- The provincial government of Albay ordered the conduct of scenario-based drills simulating various disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, structural failures and fire evacuations, within seven days. In a memorandum issued Tuesday, Governor Noel Rosal, who also chairs the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), said the drills are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness and enha

By Connie Calipay LEGAZPI CITY --- The Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) arrested a Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) most wanted person facing murder charges in a manhunt operation in Rapu-Rapu, Albay over the weekend. PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Nestor Babagay Jr. identified the suspect as “Batista,” 38, a fisher, native of Malolos City in Bulacan, and a resident of Bacon District, Sorsogon City. The suspect’s capture carries a monetary reward of PH

By Keren Anne Bernadas LEGAZPI CITY, Albay --- The Philippine National Police attributes the peace and order situation in the Bicol region to its 5-minute response time, says Police Regional Office 5 Public Information Officer Malu Calubaquib on Thursday. “The stronger and more efficient implementation of the 5-minute response time leads to the resolution of crimes becoming faster, and it becomes easier to track down and apprehend the suspect. Through this, justice can be pro