National

Additional authority, not emergency powers

Malacañang clears that they are asking for additional authority for President Aquino, not emergency powers. According to Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte, they will distance themselves from the term “emergency powers”, which is under the Constitution, while “additional authority” is under the EPIRA law. The Palace said that they are ready to coordinate with the Congress to solve the looming energy crisis.

MARINA suspends sea travel

The Maritime Industry Authority suspended the travel of all vessels belonging to the Philippine Harbor Ferries and Ports Services Inc., in connection with the sinking of MV Maharlika II. According to MARINA Administrator Maximo Mejia Jr., the suspension includes the five other vessels of the Philippine Harbor while investigation on the tragedy is ongoing.

DTI warns OFWS sending packages

The Department of Trade and Industry warns overseas Filipino workers in choosing trade forwarders that will deliver their packages to their relatives, in light of complaints received by the DTI against forwarders who delay in delivery.

Power supply in damaged areas

Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla said that it will not take one week for the power supply to return to normal in damaged areas. He added that such damage in power supply only occurred in isolated areas. Areas experiencing loss of power supply include Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, La Union and Pangasinan. He also said that all transmission lines are back to normal as well as the distribution utilities of the cooperatives.

Rehabilitation after “Mario”

President Aquino wants areas damaged by tropical storm “Mario” to be back to normal immediately. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that the President designated power supply restoration and road repairs as priorities. She added the President wants the local government units to guarantee that help is being given to the victims of the said storm. Valte further said that the Malacañang is satisfied with PAGASA’s actions during the storm.

Mayon Volcano may explode anytime

PHIVOLCS warns that Mayon Volcano may explode anytime. The report came after the absence of rockfall incidents and volcanic earthquakes, which means that the volcano is now gathering pressure, thus raising the possibility of explosion. The lava may flow in the southeast side of the volcano, near the towns of Sto. Domingo, Daraga, Legaspi and Camarig.

“Habagat” affects Northern Luzon

The “habagat” continues to affect the northern part of Luzon. Said part of Luzon will experience cloudy skies with scattered rain showers in Batanes, Ilocos Norte, Calayan and Babuyan group of islands. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience partly cloudy skies.