Ghio Ong

1 week ago | philstar.com | Ghio Ong

MANILA, Philippines — Amid an expected surge of passengers traveling this Holy Week, four vessels were suspended for not following safety standards, the Maritime Industry Authority reported.

2 weeks ago | philstar.com | Ghio Ong

MANILA, Philippines — Up to 3,056 illegal campaign materials were removed on Wednesday in Manila, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). Unauthorized tarpaulins and stickers were found on center islands, utility poles and lamp posts along Quirino Avenue, Zobel Roxas, Onyx and Pedro Gil streets in Manila, the MMDA said. Based on the Commission on Election (Comelec)’s “Oplan Baklas” program, the MMDA said public areas should be cleared of illegal campaign materials.

2 weeks ago | philstar.com | Ghio Ong

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is vying for seven nominations in this year’s World Tourism Awards (WTA). Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco rallied public support to help the country retain its standing among Asia’s best at the WTA. The Philippines is defending its titles with nominations as Asia’s leading beach destination, dive destination and island destination.

2 weeks ago | philstar.com | Ghio Ong

MANILA, Philippines — A patrol ship of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has avoided a head-on hit by a vessel of the China Coast Guard (CCG). In what the PCG described as “an alarming incident,” CCG vessel with bow number 3302 “attempted head-on collision with the smaller PCG vessel,” the 44-meter BRP Cabra, around 11:30 a.m. on April 6, Commodore Jay Tarriela, the PCG’s spokesman on West Philippine Sea issues, reported.

2 weeks ago | philstar.com | Ghio Ong

MANILA, Philippines — No sanctions will be imposed on Gabriel Go, who will stay as head of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)’s Special Operations Group Strike Force despite facing charges for publicly berating a Quezon City police officer. Go will instead finish a “five-day training mentorship coaching on traffic management,” as ordered by MMDA Chairman Romando Artes.