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Balibago News May-2016

31 May 2016 - PDEA seizes P1.1B liquid shabu

ANGELES CITY--Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region III (PDEA3) and PNP Anti-Illegal Drug Group (AIDG) dismantled a mega-industrial clandestine laboratory here yesterday and seized 45 gallons of liquid shabu estimated to be worth P1.1 billion.

Armed with a search warrant, joint elements of PDEA and AIDG stormed No 2-7 Don Vicente Street, Villa Dolores in Barangay Sto. Domingo here yesterday.

31 May 2016 - DepEd regional employees to share time, skills with home schools

PAMPANGA -- Employees of the Department of Education (Deped) Regional Office III are scheduled to visit their old schools to offer their skills and share their time as part of the Brigada Eskwela 2016 also known as the National Schools Maintenance from May 30 to June 4.

With the theme "Tayo Para sa Paaralang Ligtas, Maayos at Handa Mula Kindergarten Hanggang Senior High School," this annual activity encourages all education stakeholders to participate and contribute their time, effort and resources to this school maintenance effort in ensuring that all public school facilities are ready for the school opening in June.

31 May 2016 - PRO3 ready for opening of classes

PAMPANGA -- The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) is all set to provide assistance to students on the opening of classes this coming June 13.

PRO3 Officer-In-Charge (OIC) Chief Superintendent Aaron Aquino said that guidelines were already established in accordance with "IMPLAN 07/2016 Ligtas Balik- Eskwela 2016" for the opening of classes.

31 May 2016 - Apalit Mayor-elect to address concern on smelly fishpond

PAMPANGA -- Mayor-elect Peter Nucom assured residents that he will address their concern on a smelly fishpond in Barangay Sampaloc.

Reports said that residents recently complained to the authorities about the foul smell. Nucom said that the foods being given to the fishes might be the possible culprit.

31 May 2016 - Lacadin wants Aquino to focus on anti-illegal drug operations

PAMPANGA -- Outgoing Police Regional Office 3 (PRO-3) Director Chief Superintendent Rudy Lacadin on Monday advised newly-installed director Chief Superintendent Aaron Aquino to focus on anti-illegal drug operations in the region.

Lacadin, who officially tendered his resignation effective yesterday, May 31, was replaced by Aquino who was former Deputy Regional Director for Administrations of PRO-10.

31 May 2016 - Pogi: Lechon festival now a tourist attraction

ANGELES CITY--Councilor Carmelo "Pogi" Lazatin hailed leaders of Barangay Salapungan as he said that the successful staging of their 3rd Lechon Festival is now becoming a tourist attraction.

Lazatin said officials led by Barangay Captain Rey Maling and residents should rejoice due to the "colorful and meaningful event" which attracts tourists.

30 May 2016 - Group to oppose Tugade's appointment as DOTC head

CLARK FREEPORT --An advocacy group calling for the development of Clark airport has vowed to oppose the impending appointment of former Clark Development Corporation (CDC) president Arthur Tugade as secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

The development of Clark International Airport will no longer be realized if Tugade will head the DOTC, said businessman Ruperto Cruz, head of the Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement (PGKM).

30 May 2016 - Amid opposition on Cabinet appointment, Angeles execs commend former CDC President Tugade

ANGELES CITY--The local government headed by Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan lauded the accomplishments of former president of Clark Development Corporation (CDC) Atty. Arthur Tugade during the flag raising ceremony held Monday.

This came while while the Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement (PGKM) expressed opposition for the impending appointment of Tugade saying that the development of Clark International Airport will no longer be realized if Tugade will head the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

30 May 2016 - Robinsons Starmills now hosts world's largest solar rooftop installation

PAMPANGA -- Robinsons Starmills Pampanga now holds the title of the world's largest solar rooftop installation on a mall as it inaugurated yesterday its solar-powered facility that will bring clean and environment-friendly energy to the mall as well help it save on energy cost.

Local officials led by Gov. Lilia Pineda, Department of Energy Secretary Zenaida Monsada and City of San Fernando Mayor Edwin Santiago led the ceremonial switching witnessed by Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) president Frederick Go.

30 May 2016 - Angeles City observes National Flag Day

ANGELES CITY-- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan led local officials and government employees here in paying homage to the nation's revered National Flag during the city's observance of the National Flag Day held Monday at the city hall grounds.

Spearheaded by the Angeles City Tourism Office (ACTO), the said observance is a kick off activity to the celebration of the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.

30 May 2016 - Aquino replaces retiring Lacadin

PAMPANGA -- Chief Superintendent Aaron N. Aquino replaced outgoing Police Regional Office-3 (PRO3) director Chief Superintendent Rudy Lacadin yesterday.

Lacadin said that no less than Chief PNP Director General Ricardo Marquez led the turn-over ceremony at 4:00 p.m. yesterday.

30 May 2016 - Seniors get P3.8 from Capitol

PAMPANGA -- Some 38 senior citizens aged 95 years old and up received P100, 000 each from the Provincial Government of Pampanga recently.

The distribution was led by Gov. Lilia "Nanay" Pineda in a short program held at Benigno Aquino Hall, Capitol compound yesterday.

30 May 2016 - Senior citizens to receive free pneumonia vaccine

PAMPANGA -- Senior citizens aged 60 and 65 years old in the region can now avail of free pneumonia vaccines in their respective health centers this year under the Expanded Pneumococcal Immunization Program for Senior Citizens of the Department of Health (DOH).

According to the records of DOH, pneumococcal disease, caused by a common type of bacteria, the pneumococcus, is one of the leading causes of death of elderly in the country. It can attack different parts of the body which can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, middle ear and sinus infections, and a condition called sepsis, which is an infection of the bloodstream.

29 May 2016 - Mayor: P1.9M Pelco-3 debt settled

PAMPANGA -- Outgoing SAnto Tomas Mayor Joselito Naguit yesterday denied allegations that he still has standing debts of P1.9 million in electric bills with Pampanga III Electronic Cooperative (Pelco-3) adding that he and the power utility had agreed on a settlement almost two months ago.

Naguit said that he is wondering why his personal bill is also being dragged in the issue. He said that he and Pelco-3 agreed for the standard post-dated check payments amounting to P1.4-million to be paid every month.

29 May 2016 - Governor pushes investment, disaster preparedness

PAMPANGA -- The mother of Pampanga, on her last term as local chief executive, is bent on leaving investment and disaster preparedness as the legacies of her unparalleled administration and governance.

This was disclosed by Governor Lilia "Nanay Baby" Pineda over the weekend, after talks with private and business sector representatives led by Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. Chairman Emeritus Levy Laus centered on developing the rich human resource of the province which they aptly branded as "investment preparedness," going hand-in-hand with disaster preparedness.

29 May 2016 - Lazatin thanks supporters, says he will continue father's legacy

ANGELES CITY--First District Representative-elect Carmelo Lazatin II yesterday thanked his supporters for their help in the recent congressional elections here as he promised to continue the governance legacy of his father former 1st District Rep. Carmelo "Tarzan" Lazatin.

Lazatin II is the winner of the congressional race in the first district with 124,276, taking an obvious victory against veteran politician incumbent First District Representative Joseller Guiao of the Liberal Party who got 101,726.

28 May 2016 - Mayor owes Pelco-3 P1.9M in debt

PAMPANGA -- Authorities from the Pampanga III Electronic Cooperative (Pelco-3) said that outgoing Santo Tomas Mayor Lito Naguit also has a debt of P1.9 million in electric bills for his residence here.

Pelco-3 Sto. Tomas Director Eddie Raquiz said in a phone interview that personnel from Pelco-3 have included the P1.9 million electric bill of Naguit from residence to the P27-million electric bill arrears of the Local Government Unit (LGU) here.

28 May 2016 - Legarda: Coal-fired power plants threat to lives, environment

CLARK FREEPORT --- Senator Loren Legarda has renewed her call on government to tap cleaner and less wasteful sources of energy, expressing alarm over the adverse environmental impacts of coal-fired power plants in the country.

Legarda, chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, lauded the Aquino administration's order to agencies of government to review the country’s energy policy, which may see the Philippines moving away from carbon-intensive coal power generation.

28 May 2016 - San Fernando celebrates National Flag Day

PAMPANGA -- The City Government here led the celebration of the National Flag Day the other day as Mayor Edwin Santiago urged people of the city to display the Philippine flag in all offices, government agencies, business establishments, schools and private homes.

Santiago underscored that this is in accordance with Executive Order 179, issued by former President Fidel Ramos, stretching National Flag Day from May 28 to June 12.

28 May 2016 - MDRRMO gets ready for La Niña

PAMPANGA -- The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) said that some 47 rescuers in Masantol are now already preparing for La Niña.

MDRRMO officer Jess Manansala said that they might conduct another training for their rescuers this June.

28 May 2016 - CEB, Visa tie up for exclusive seat sale

CLARK FREEPORT -- Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) has tied up with Visa to offer all-inclusive seat sale fares to some of the most popular destinations in CEB's extensive flight network.

The seat sale is available starting today to June 9, 2016, or until seats last, for travel from July 1 to December 15, 2016, and is exclusive to Visa cardholders.

28 May 2016 - PRO3 joins commemoration of National Flag day

PAMPANGA -- The entire Central Luzon Police force carried out a ceremonial flag raising ceremony at the Police Regional Office 3 as they joined the country in commemorating the National Flag Day with this year's theme, "Watawat Ko, Iwawagayway Ko!."

The flag raising was held at the PRO3 Parade Ground here at about 7 a.m. on Saturday.

28 May 2016 - Tarlac mayor-elect congratulates Leni Robredo

CLARK FREEPORT -- The former vice president of Clark International Airport Corporation who won in the mayoralty race in Capas town has congratulated Vice President-elect Leni Robredo.

Reynaldo Catacutan, a former CIAC official who defeated Mayor TJ Rodriguez in the recent polls, told SunStar Pampanga that "Robredo's victory will retain democracy and avoid dictatorship."

27 May 2016 - Power firm to file raps vs LGU, mayor

PAMPANGA -- The Pampanga III Electric Cooperative (Pelco-3) is set to file a case against the local government unit (LGU) of Santo Tomas and outgoing Mayor Lito Naguit for failure to pay arrears amounting to P27-million for the past eight years.

On Wednesday, the local government unit here went "powerless" after Pelco-3 personnel conducted apprehension operations in the Santo Tomas municipal hall sub-office and public market in Barangay San Matias, its covered court, barangay health center, and the senior citizens office in Northville relocation center.

27 May 2016 - Soldiers donate blood

CLARK FREEPORT --- Hundreds of soldiers assigned at the Air Force City here participated in the bloodletting activity which is in line with the 69th founding anniversary celebration of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) on July 5.

Lieutenant Julimar Romero, public information officer of the PAF 600th Air Base Wing said that 83 out of the 140 prospective donors successfully donated about 37,350 cubic centimeters of blood.

27 May 2016 - DepEd to lead 'Brigada' in Pampanga on Monday

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Education Region III (DepEd-3) will lead the Brigada Eskwela kick-off activities on Monday in three key areas in the province as schools here are set to conduct their week-long clean-up and maintenance drives.

The DepEd will conduct the Brigada Eskwela 2016, also known as the National Schools Maintenance from May 30 to June 4, 2016 with the theme "Tayo Para sa Paaralang Ligtas, Maayos at Handa Mula Kindergarten Hanggang Senior High School."

27 May 2016 - apanese firm opens ¥2-B expansion project

CLARK FREEPORT -- A Japanese manufacturer of Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panels recently opened its ¥2-billion expansion project inside this Freeport.

The expansion project of Nanox Philippines Inc. (NPI) Site-2 is located at the Industrial Estate 5 area near the Global Gateway Logistics City (GGLC).

26 May 2016 - LGU goes ‘powerless’ due to P27-M arrears

PAMPANGA -- The local government unit (LGU) of Sto. Tomas headed by outgoing Mayor Lito Naguit went “powerless” after it failed to settle some P27-million in electric bill arrears to Pampanga III Electric Cooperative or Pelco-3 for the past eight years.

Pelco-3 personnel conducted on Wednesday an apprehension operation in the Santo Tomas LGU sub-office and public market in Barangay San Matias, covered court, barangay health center and the senior citizens office in Northville relocation center.

26 May 2016 - Deadline for SHS enrollment on June 3

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Education Regional Office III (DepEd-3) is now encouraging incoming Grade 11 students to enroll in their chosen Senior High School (SHS) before June 3 this year.

This is to give school heads of public senior high schools ample time to prepare and adjust their respective SHS program in line with the opening of classes on June 13, 2016.

26 May 2016 - Village chief: Don’t throw waste into creek

ANGELES CITY --- A village chief has reminded residents along the Balibago creek not to throw any kind of waste into the waterway.

Balibago Chairman Rodelio “Tony” Mamac issued the statement after a recent clearing operation where a big volume of used tires, plastic, styrofoam, and other hazardous debris were recovered from the creek.

26 May 2016 - PAF unit to celebrate 69th anniversary

CLARK FREEPORT --- The 600th Air Base Wing (600th ABW) of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) has lined up several activities, including tree planting and bloodletting, in line with the Air Force’s 69th anniversary celebration on July 5.

Lieutenant Julimar Romero, public information officer of the 600th ABW, said they have also scheduled an orphanage and school outreach programs as part of the pre-anniversary celebration

26 May 2016 - 200 Simonian scholars receive grants

PAMPANGA -- Some 1,200 Simonian scholars received their grants for the first semester of school year 2016-2017 yesterday at the municipal covered court.

Authorities said that each student received P5,000 and around P6 million was the total budget allocated for the scholars.

25 May 2016 - Labung is senior board member anew

PAMPANGA -- For the second time, re-elected Third District Board Member Ferdinand "Dinan" P. Labung is senior board member.

This, after Labung got the overall highest votes in all four districts of Pampanga and was ranked number one by the provincial Commission on Elections and the Department of Interior and Local Government here.

25 May 2016 - Quest Hotel set to open in Clark

CLARK FREEPORT --- Chroma Hospitality, the hotel management company of Filinvest Development Corporation, is set to open in August this year its second Quest Hotel and Conference Center in Clark Freeport.

This is in relation to Filinvest Mimosa Incorporated’s right to lease, develop, operate and manage the former Mimosa Leisure Estate owned by Clark Development Corporation (CDC).

24 May 2016 - Arroyo rejects Duterte's pardon offer

MABALACAT CITY -- Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has reportedly rejected the pardon offer of incoming President Rodrigo Duterte who recently said that it is high time for the reelected Pampanga representative to be free.

In a press conference in Davao last Monday, Duterte said that revealed that he offered the presidential pardon to Arroyo who already spent four years in detention in connection with the charges she is facing for the alleged misuse of the state lottery funds.

24 May 2016 - MNTC assures safety of motorists amid NLEX-SCTEX roadworks

PAMPANGA -- The Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC) assured the public that traffic management plans and safety measures are all in place as the company has embarked on several enhancement works at North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx).

MNTC president and chief executive officer Rodrigo Franco said that simultaneous enhancement works including pavement maintenance, road widening, and toll plaza expansion are being done as part of the recently completed integration of the two expressways.

24 May 2016 - Police exec lauds Pamintuan’s support

ANGELES CITY -- A top police official in Central Luzon has lauded Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan for supporting the regional and city police in the anti-crime campaign.

After sending his gratitude to Pamintuan through text messaging, Chief Superintendent Rudy Lacadin, Central Luzon police director, informed the mayor that he will be retiring from police service this coming May 30.

23 May 2016 - Pampanga all set for La Niña

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Government of Pampanga assured Monday that it is ready for the possible onset of the rainy season, adding that it has and will continue additional preparatory measures.

Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) head Angie Blanco said that the provincial government has been desilting major waterways in the province since 2014.

23 May 2016 - Tugade gets support from Clark locator

CLARK FREEPORT -- Former Clark Development Corporation (CDC) head Arthur Tugade is being supported by another businessman based in this Freeport.

Ireneo Alvaro, president of the BB International Development Corporation, said that Tugade's qualities and principles are appropriate in handling the big tasks at the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

23 May 2016 - DepEd's Operation Balik-Eskwela prep schools for June opening

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Education (DepEd) and its regional and division offices nationwide are all set for the opening of classes in June 13 setting into motion the nationwide Oplan Balik Eskwela (OBE) 2016.

Under the OBE, DepEd activates quick response teams, emergency hotlines and helpdesks to respond to needs and queries pertaining to school opening. Moreover, DepEd has already prepared and disseminated the guidelines and standard procedures in all schools on the conduct the school opening.

23 May 2016 - 2 arrested in Pampanga drug sting

PAMPANGA -- Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region (PDEA)-Central Luzon over the weekend arrested two suspected drug dealers in a drug sting at the Eastgate Commercial Complex, Barangay San Jose, City of San Fernando.

PDEA-3 Director Gladys Rosales, in a report submitted to PDEA Director General Arturo Cacdac Jr., identified the suspects as Avelina Apilado, 51; and Brix Mariano, 43; both residents of Baesa, Quezon City.

23 May 2016 - SoKor firm to invest $1-M on tourism project in Clark

CLARK FREEPORT -- Another tourist destination would soon be established inside this Freeport as another Korean business group is set to infuse $1 million for its tourism-related project here, the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) said.

CDC Chairman and concurrent president Eliseo Santiago has recently signed with Punta LWA Properties Corporation, led by its president Seejoo Kim, a new tourism project that will be highlighted by a construction of an iconic hotel design by next year.

22 May 2016 - Biz group bullish on Philippine economic growth

PAMPANGA -- The Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (Pamcham) expressed optimism on the country’s impressive performance, after the economy expanded by 6.9 percent in the first quarter of 2016.

In an exclusive interview Pamcham Chairman Emeritus Levy Laus said that he was optimistic about the recent gross domestic product (GDP) boost, which exceeded market expectations and forecasts.

22 May 2016 - Tollway company earmarks P2-B expressway integration

MABALACAT CITY -- The Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC) has earmarked P2 billion to harmonize the infrastructure of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX)and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).

MNTC president and chief executive officer Rodrigo Franco said that after the turnover last year, they started implementing modernization works aimed at making the SCTEX at par with the NLEX.

22 May 2016 - Gonzales joins PDP-Laban

PAMPANGA -- Third District Representative-elect Aurelio Gonzales Jr. has formally joined the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) of presumptive president Rodrigo Duterte over the weekend.

Gonzales previously ran under the Nationalist People's Coalition and won by 137,786 against rival Liberal Party incumbent Representative Oscar Rodriguez.

22 May 2016 - Angeles City lauds Keepers of Heritage

ANGELES CITY -- The local government here, through the Angeles City Tourism Office (Acto), held its first Deng Talasinup king Singsing Awards Night, a tribute to the keepers of heritage to the artists who have contributed their work and passion to the kapampangan culture.

“We are one in this endeavor because we believe that we will never fully appreciate and learn our identity without looking back to our past,” said Richard Daenos, Acto head.

22 May 2016 - Media, ICT significant in youth sex initiation

PAMPANGA -- A regional study conducted among youth of Central Luzon (CL) is saying that mass media and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) use, as well as non-sexual risk behavior have been positively associated with the youth’s early sexual initiation.

Commission on Population (Popcom)-Central Luzon Director Eleanor Cura said the study, “Mass Media and ICT Exposure, Non-Sexual Risk Behavior and Early Sexual Initiation among the Youth in Central Luzon,” revealed that while traditional mass media ultimately lose their links to the youth’s early sexual initiation, ICT use and non-sexual risk behavior variables on the other hand displayed statistically significant pattern.

22 May 2016 - San Fernando opens 'Pagmaragul ku, Kapampangan ku!' exhibit

PAMPANGA -- In line with the celebration of the National Heritage Month, the City Government here organized a photo exhibit showcasing this capital city’s rich culture.

The exhibit, which was launched on Friday afternoon, featured some of the remarkable places in the city including the century-old heritage structures, landmarks and the Metropolitan Cathedral, among others, displayed at the historic San Fernando old train station.

22 May 2016 - Energy department to hold Euro 4 fuel economy run

CLARK FREEPORT -- Around 100 vehicles are set to take part in the Euro 4 Fuel Economy Run of the Energy Utilization Management Bureau of the Department of Energy on May 27.

Sponsored by Petron Corporation, it would cover a distance of 280 kilometers from the Petron Service Station inside Clark Freeport to Urdaneta, Pangasinan via the Subic-Clark-Tarlac and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union expressways.

21 May 2016 - Candaba Bomba Bridge collapses

PAMPANGA -- The approach of the Bomba Bridge in Barangay San Agustin connecting this town to Baliwag, Bulacan collapsed on Friday due to alleged poor engineering design, according to residents here.

Bomba Bridge is part of the Sta. Ana–Candaba-Baliuag road that crosses the swamp on the southeast portion of the town.

21 May 2016 - Businessman nervous, excited over Duterte presidency

PAMPANGA -- Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (PamCham) Vice-Chairman Rene Romero, a known supporter of presumptive President Rodrigo Duterte, said that he is nervous of the incoming administration but is excited and confident that the incoming president would hurdle challenges ahead.

Romero said that it is crucial now for Duterte to assemble a young and energetic economic team that will be populated by bright technocrats.

21 May 2016 - BFAR records no fish kill in Central Luzon

PAMPANGA -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region (BFAR) in Central Luzon disclosed Saturday that there were no recorded incidents of fish kill in the region despite the onslaught of El Niño.

During the Fish Farmers' Forum held at the Government Center in Barangay Maimpis, BFAR Officer-in-Charge Lilian Garcia said that with the partnership of the local government units, the agency was successful in averting fish kill in the region.

21 May 2016 - DOT promotes Clark as bicycle-friendly place

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) is promoting Clark Freeport as a bicycle-friendly community.

DOT Central Luzon Director Ronnie Tiotuico said that the tourism agency, in cooperation with the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), will hold the Clark Bike Expo on July 30 and 31 at SM City Clark in line with promotion program for the Freeport.

21 May 2016 - Pelco-3 assures consumers of ‘lesser’ brownouts

PAMPANGA -- The Pampanga III Electric Cooperative (Pelco-3) assures its consumers of “lesser” power interruptions this coming rainy season.

Pelco-3 serves the towns of Minalin, Santo Tomas, San Simon, Apalit, Macabebe and Masantol. These areas usually experience power interruptions during the rainy season.

21 May 2016 - DA, PAA conduct international conference

PAMPANGA -- The Philippine Association of Agriculturists Central Luzon Chapter (PAA-CL) in partnership with the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office III conducted the First PAA-CL International Agricultural Technology Conference on May 18 to 20 at Xenia Hotel, Clark Freeport, Pampanga.

Themed "Agriculturist's Accountability Towards Agriculture Sustainability and Resiliency", the conference aims to further enhance commitment of stakeholders in putting-up their respective plans and programs for climate-smart agriculture.

21 May 2016 - Cayetano lauded for PTK program

ANGELES CITY -- A village leader has lauded Senator Alan Peter Cayetano for extending to Balibago residents the Presyo Trabaho Kita (PTK) or anti 5-6 program which benefitted transportation groups and other sectors in the country.

Balibago chairman Tony Mamac thanked Cayetano for choosing the tricycle drivers and senior citizens in said barangay as beneficiaries of the program which provides cash grants to market vendors, drivers, farmers, fishermen, and others.

20 May 2016 - Group wants Alvaro as next Clark prexy

PAMPANGA -- A group of traders, investors and local officials from Pampanga are set to lobby before presumptive president Rodrigo Duterte to consider the appointment of top Kapampangan businessman and Angeles City son Dr. Irineo “Bong” Alvaro as the next president of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), replacing former CDC chief Art Tugade.

The group, which requested not to be named yet prior to its coming out in the open soon, disclosed that Alvaro, president of BB International Leisure and Resort Development Corporation which operates giant Midori Clark Hotel and Casino at Clark Freeport, “is the best man to lead CDC and propel it to further, much needed and awaited development.”

20 May 2016 - Trader: Bright future for Clark

CLARK FREEPORT -- Businessman Rene Romero said he welcomes the impending appointment of Arthur Tugade, former president of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), as the next secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

Romero said that he sees a bright future for Clark with Tugade’s leadership in the DOTC.

20 May 2016 - Santiago wants historic PSD chimneys preserved

PAMPANGA -- Mayor Edwin Santiago on Wednesday supported the preservation of the historical chimneys belonging to the iconic Pampanga Sugar Development Company (Pasudeco).

The sugar mill, including its three chimneys, has become a landmark property, which gave lasting identity to the province since it was incorporated in 1918.

19 May 2016 - CHR to keep eye on Duterte gov’t

PAMPANGA -- The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) vowed to watch over the administration and plans of presumptive President Rodrigo Duterte.

CHR Chairperson Jose Luis Martin Gascon said Wednesday that the commission, being an independent office, will continue to perform its mandate to protect the human rights of Filipinos regardless of whose administration.

19 May 2016 - PDEA lauds guv for anti-drugs drive

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda was recognized for her anti-drug advocacy by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) headed by Undersecretary Arturo Cacdac, Jr., during the PDEA Partners Appreciation Night held in Sulu Hotel, Quezon City last Wednesday.

It can be recalled that the Provincial Government of Pampanga headed by Governor Pineda donated a two-storey building worth P7-million to the PDEA Regional Office III last December 2015 to boost its anti-narcotics fight in Central Luzon.

19 May 2016 - une 15 a non-working day in Pampanga, Angeles City

ANGELES CITY -- President Benigno Aquino III, through Proclamation No. 1259, s. 2016, declared June 15 this year as a special non-working day in Angeles City and Pampanga.

This is to give ample recognition and commemoration to the second-largest volcanic eruption in the twentieth century that caused massive destruction in the Provinces of Zambales, Pampanga, Bataan, Tarlac and Nueva Ecija that occurred at Mount Pinatubo in Zambales on June 15, 1991.

19 May 2016 - CIAC renews support to LCD manufacturer

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) has renewed its support to Nanox Philippines Incorporated, a locator of Clark, which manufactures liquid crystal display (LCD) panels and other electronic products.

CIAC president Emigdio "Dino" Tanjuatco III reiterated the agency's commitment during the opening the firm’s additional site at the Civil Aviation Complex.

19 May 2016 - Angeles joins international candlelight memorial

ANGELES CITY -- In a simple yet solemn ceremony, the local government and private stakeholders here lit “candles of hope” to commemorate the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, May 19 at the city hall.

Spearheaded by the Reproductive Health and Wellness Center (RHWC), the theme for this year’s observance is “Engage, Educate, Empower,” with the aim to remember the people who have died of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

19 May 2016 - Unopposed VM vows to continue programs

MABALACAT CITY -- Vice Mayor Christian Halili, who ran unopposed for his second term during the recent elections, has vowed to continue serving his constituents by reviving programs that he and other city officials started.

Halili said that this is the meaning of his what is written on his posters “Hindi kayo mabibigo (you won't fail) though hinting about his mayoralty bid in 2019.

19 May 2016 - AUF appoints new engineering and architecture dean

ANGELES CITY---Angeles University Foundation has appointed Dr. Cirilo C. Calibjo as new dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture, announced AUF President Dr. Joseph E.L. Angeles.

Dr. Calibjo obtained his Ph.D. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and MS in Electrical Engineering from the University of the Philippines-Diliman in 2011 and 1996, respectively. He completed postgraduate fellowships in Computer Information Systems and Engineering at the Milwaukee School of Engineering in the United States in 2002, and at the University of South Wales in Australia in 1997.

19 May 2016 - Folks benefit from Hotel Sogo’s medical mission

PAMPANGA -- Some residents in San Luis benefited from a medical mission recently conducted by Hotel Sogo through the initiative of an organization of San Isidro High School Batch 1991, with the help of the local government unit.

Mohan Pangan, municipal medical technologist, said that the medical mission conducted at Barangay San Isidro benefited around 150 children and adults in which they were also given free medicines.

18 May 2016 - San Fernando to align programs with new government

PAMPANGA -- The City Government here led by Mayor Edwin Santiago vowed to coordinate and align their programs and projects with the agenda of incoming administration of presumptive president Rodrigo Duterte.

Despite being affiliated with the administration Liberal Party, Santiago said that he will support the National Government, citing its importance to effectively cascade programs to the grassroots.

18 May 2016 - Pyestang Fernandino trade fair opens

PAMPANGA -- Various products are featured in this city as the annual Pyestang Fernandino Trade Fair opened Wednesday.

Fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, root crops, flowers, suman, and different products and delicacies made by Fernandinos from the 35 villages comprising this city are displayed and available for sale.

18 May 2016 - New mayor says he respects opponent's 'speculations'

PAMPANGA -- Newly elected Apalit Mayor Peter Nucom of this town said Wednesday that he respects the speculations of political rival outgoing Board Member Nestor “Bay” Tolentino regarding the results of the recent polls.

Earlier, Tolentino told reporters that he “doubts” the results of the elections here, particularly the mayoral race where he lost to Nucom.

18 May 2016 - Peacekeeping volunteers to undergo drug test, training

ANGELES CITY -- Volunteers who will join the anti-crime organization in the city's entertainment district of Balibago will undergo drug test, training and education.

This was learned from Balibago Chairman Tony Mamac who recently asked interested residents to join the Balibago Anti Crime Task Force to eradicate criminalities and illegal drugs in the prime village.

18 May 2016 - Legarda: Development without conscience destroys the world

MABALACAT CITY -- Senator Loren Legarda has stressed that people have been focused on development which destroys the world.

“Our extractive and consumptive lifestyle, and misplaced notion of development have brought our world in a state of utter disrepair. We have been so focused on development without realizing that development without conscience destroys the world,” Legarda said.

18 May 2016 - Motorcycle thief gunned down

PAMPANGA -- Policemen shot and killed a suspected motorcycle thief during a shootout in Barangay Maimpis, City of San Fernando recently.

Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Recomono, Jr., Pampanga Police provincial director, identified the slain suspect as Michael Tolentino, aka Balat, a resident of Barangay San Jose, City of San Fernando.

18 May 2016 - BCDA CEO among panelists in MIT World Real Estate Forum

CLARK FREEPORT -- The president and chief executive officer of the state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) lawyer Arnel Paciano D. Casanova is among the panelists of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) World Real Estate Forum to discuss Clark Green City and BCDA’s role in transforming idle military lands into premier centers of economic growth.

“It is an honor to be part of this prestigious conference and we look forward to sharing our experiences and learning from others in building Bonifacio Global City and Clark Green City. This just shows how the Philippine government has come a long way in developing cities and is now being seriously noticed by the global real estate community,” Casanova said.

18 May 2016 - jobStart San Fernando produces grads

PAMPANGA -- Some 99 Fernandino youth are now job-ready after having completed their Life Skills Training under the JobStart program of the City Government of San Fernando through its Public Employment Services Office (Peso).

The second batch of graduates were awarded their certificates recently at Heroes Hall by Mayor Edwin Santiago, Vice-Mayor Jimmy Lazatin, Peso Manager Donny Sayre, BLE-Dole Chief Ruth Rodriguez, Labor Employment Officer Camille Galura and Embassy of Canada Representative Stephen Weaver.

18 May 2016 - 6 cops relieved, 4 others under probe

PAMPANGA -- Six policemen were relieved from their posts, while four others are under investigation for their alleged involvement in extortion activity.

Chief Superintendent Rudy Lacadin, Police Regional Office-3 (PRO3) director, said those ordered relieved were Inspector Michael Rey Bernardo, Police Office (PO) 3 Joseph Garcia, PO1 Jonathan Labao, PO1 Rafael Tagle, Senior Police Officer (SPO) 2 Dionisio Roque Jr., and SPO2 Gerry Fabia.

17 May 2016 - CHR vows to monitor establishments

PAMPANGA -- The Commission on Human Rights (CHR)-Central Luzon said they will be closely monitoring establishments, which violate human rights in the course of their operations.

During the blessing and inauguration of their new regional office at the Diosdado Macapagal Government Center, Regional Director Jasmin Regino disclosed that cases of human rights among businesses are more significant in the region, among other kinds of human rights violations.

17 May 2016 - Pamintuan: 'I will finish what we started'

ANGELES CITY -- The re-elected local chief executive of this city vowed to fulfill the promises he made during his campaign.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said in front of the employees of the city government during their Monday flag raising ceremony that he would “finish what he started and fulfill all the promises he made.”

17 May 2016 - Fernandinos join movement to end HIV, AIDS

PAMPANGA -- Fernandinos have actively showed support in the movement to end HIV and AIDS through a commemoration of the Philippine International AIDS candlelight memorial last Saturday.

A candle lighting ceremony was held in front of the city hall as a sign of remembering those who lost their lives to HIV and AIDS.

17 May 2016 - Village chief wards off sexual harassment raps

PAMPANGA -- Barangay Tabuyuc Village Chief Emilio Manlapaz of Apalit warded off Tuesday the sexual harassment case filed by his former barangay secretary, Michelle Angela Lagman, which she before the Office of the Ombudsman December last year.

Lagman earlier alleged that Manlapaz hugged her tight and tried to kiss her during their three-day seminar in a hotel in Baguio City last September 2015.

17 May 2016 - Exec: Clark now Central Luzon’s gaming capital

MABALACAT CITY -- Clark Freeport has become the gaming capital of Central Luzon.

This was stated by Casino Filipino Mimosa Satellite casino manager Jethro Chancoco during the recent launching of their new tagline "We Treasure You".

17 May 2016 - Ex-barangay tanod shot dead

PAMPANGA -- A former tanod in a barangay in Arayat was shot dead by still unidentified suspects Tuesday morning at a tricycle terminal.

The victim identified as Joel Galang, 52, from Barangay Cacutud here was shot by two unidentified gunmen onboard a motorcycle while waiting for passengers in the said terminal.

17 May 2016 - Legarda: PH Must Brace for La Niña

MABALACAT CITY -- Senator Loren Legarda has urged the government to brace for the La Niña phenomenon, which is expected to bring heavy rains in the succeeding months, through effective climate-resilient and disaster risk reduction (DRR) programs.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has already issued a La Niña watch after new predictions suggest further weakening of El Niño and the probable arrival of La Niña by the second half of 2016.

16 May 2016 - Oca to remain in politics despite defeat

PAMPANGA -- Outgoing Pampanga third District Representative Oscar Rodriguez will not say goodbye to politics yet, even if he was outraced by Congressman-elect Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales, Jr. in the recent polls.

The 70-year-old Rodriguez, who has been a public servant since 1967, disclosed during an exclusive interview over the weekend that he will still actively participate in issues affecting people in the district and Pampanga, but will take a breather after he steps down in June 30 to write his memoir, go back to farming and enjoy being a private citizen with his family.

16 May 2016 - Bondoc thankful support of constituents

PAMPANGA -- Fourth District Representative Juan Pablo 'Rimpy' Bondoc said he was grateful for the support of his constituents in the fourth district of Pampanga.

According to the website of Commission on Elections (Comelec), Bondoc received a total of 148,641 while his political opponent Apalit Mayor Oscar Tetangco Jr. got a total of 85,643.

16 May 2016 - Clark investors group to host 20th Golf Tournament

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Investors and Locators Association (Cila) will be holding its 20th Annual Golf Tournament on May 18 at the Mimosa Golf and Country Club.

In a statement sent to this paper, Danilo Abad, Cila Corporate Secretary and Tournament Committee Head said the activity aims to shell out funds for the benefit of the less privileged children in Clark Special Economic Zone (CSEZ) and neighboring communities.

16 May 2016 - New Pampanga town mayor to address traffic woes

PAMPANGA -- Santa Ana’s new leader, Mayor-elect Ross Gamboa, yesterday vowed to address traffic woes haunting the daily lives of motorists and commuters.

Gamboa, who amassed 9,320 votes, won over his three contenders, Tek Concepcion (9,259), Jerome Gaddi (3,503) and Restituto Montoya (1,000) during May 9 polls.

15 May 2016 - Kapampangan artist is new wood carving ‘maestro’

PAMPANGA -- Another Guagua-born artist, who now resides in Pulilan town in Bulacan, is making the waves in the local and religious art scenes with his surrealistic wood sculptures.

Edwin Layug is now one of the most popular names in the local wood sculpture industry.

15 May 2016 - Maglanque's supporters sad over defeat

PAMPANGA -- Some supporters of Candaba Mayor Rene Maglanque are sad over his defeat in the recent local elections.

Maglanque was defeated by Mayor-elect Danilo Baylon in their second face-off with a slim 700 margin over his 23,025 votes.

14 May 2016 - Team Bondoc vows to solve flood woes

PAMPANGA -- Re-elected Pampanga Fourth District Representative Juan Pablo "Rimpy" Bondoc, together with his political team said yesterday that they will work together to fight flooding in the Fourth District of Pampanga.

The fourth district of the province composed of Candaba, San Luis, Minalin, Santo Tomas, San Simon, Apalit, Macabebe and Masantol are the towns, which are most vulnerable and affected by floods during the rainy season.

14 May 2016 - Balibago residents asked to join crime prevention

ANGELES CITY -- Residents of an entertainment district here were asked to join the anti-crime organization set to be formed to address criminality and illegal drugs in the area.

Tony Mamac, chairman of Barangay Balibago, made the appeal to his constituents a few days after the national and local polls where he lost in the vice mayoralty race.

14 May 2016 - Tolentino 'doubts' results of Apalit polls

PAMPANGA -- Outgoing Board Member Nestor Tolentino said Saturday that he "doubts" the results of the recent Apalit polls, particularly the contest for the mayoral post where he is a candidate.

Tolentino said that although the results were computerized, he said that there are some "doubts" on the results from other barangays, which he hopes to raise soon before the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

14 May 2016 - Legarda welcomes Duterte's gender-sensitive governance

MABALACAT CITY -- Senator Loren Legarda welcomed Saturday the move of presumptive President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to ensure a gender-sensitive approach to governance.

Legarda made the statement following reports that outgoing Senator Pia Cayetano has joined Duterte’s transition team to ensure that women are well represented in the new administration and men who will hold government positions are gender-sensitive.

14 May 2016 - Mexico holds training for SPES beneficiaries

PAMPANGA -- The Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of the Municipal Government of Mexico, in cooperation with the Department of Labor and Employment, conducted a two-day training seminar for the beneficiaries of the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) on May 12 to 13 at San Lorenzo Elementary School here.

Mexico PESO Head Romeo Tiglao said that SPES is a program, which intends to provide employment for poor but deserving students who have hopes of pursuing their studies on their tertiary level.

13 May 2016 - Candaba village execs face raps

PAMPANGA -- A village chief and a bantay bayan from Barangay Bahay Pare in this municipality were charged with assault by an official here for allegedly disturbing a public meeting.

Incumbent Vice Mayor Normita Evangelista filed the complaint against Barangay Chairman Albino Carpio and Bantay Bayan Carlito Cunanan after they reportedly threw stones and bottles at Evangeslista who was then having her final salvo on May 7.

13 May 2016 - DTI issues SRP for school supplies

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has issued the list of suggested retail prices (SRP) for school supplies as students and parents are looking ahead at the opening of classes this June.

DTI Regional Director Judith Angeles said, "The SRP list will serve as a guide to consumers for them to look at the different brands of school materials."

13 May 2016 - Angeles village chief airs support to Robredo

CLARK FREEPORT -- A barangay chairman here has expressed support to presumptive Vice President Leni Robredo.

Tony Mamac, chairman of Barangay Balibago who lost in the vice mayoralty race, issued the statement amid the allegations of irregularities in the canvassing of votes in the vice presidential race by Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

13 May 2016 - Legarda urges use of IRRI programs to improve agri

MABALACAT CITY -- Senator Loren Legarda said that the government must utilize the research programs of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to improve agricultural systems in the country and to adapt to the changing climate.

Legarda issued the statement of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) warned of an impending La Nina phenomenon.

12 May 2016 - Bondoc: ‘Gubernatorial race far from my mind’

PAMPANGA -- Incumbent Fourth District Representative and recently declared congressman-elect Juan Pablo Bondoc said Thursday that the prospects of running in the 2019 gubernatorial race is far from his mind.

Bondoc said that he is still concentrating on his mandate, which is to serve the constituents of the fourth district composed of the towns of Candaba, San Luis, Apalit, Masantol, Macabebe, Minalin, Sto.Tomas and San Simon.

12 May 2016 - Gonzales: ‘It was a hard fight’

PAMPANGA -- A grateful Third District Representative-elect Aurelio Gonzales Jr. thanked Wednesday supporters and allies for helping him win in the recent May 9 elections saying that he managed to survive of the most difficult battles in his political career.

“I am thankful to my supporters and family who never stopped believing in me. I offer this victory to God and the people,” Gonzales said.

12 May 2016 - Guv grateful for Kapampangan votes

PAMPANGA -- Governor Lilia Pineda expressed her gratitude to every Kapampangan who cast their votes for her and Vice Governor Dennis Pineda as the provincial canvassing of votes concluded at the Benigno Aquino Hall, Capitol Compound here Wednesday afternoon.

"We are very grateful to the Kapampangans who continue to trust us. We will not let you down. Our administration will continue to bring much needed services to every kabalen most especially in health, agriculture, employment and education," the governor said.

12 May 2016 - Pamintuan, Duterte get protest votes vs 'old politics'

ANGELES CITY -- Incumbent mayor and mayor-elect Edgardo Pamintuan said Thursday that the votes of Angelenos for him and presumptive President Rodrigo Duterte are in fact protest votes against old politics.

"People have had enough of the old politics, of ghost projects or corruption what they want now is real change," Pamintuan said.

12 May 2016 - Comelec proclaims Pampanga winners

PAMPANGA -- The Provincial Board of Canvassers of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday finally proclaimed the winning candidates in the provincial level after two days delay after vote-counting machines hampered voting procedures in Angeles City, City of San Fernando and Bacolor town.

Pampanga was able to transmit its election returns after two days delay in the submission of election returns from Bacolor and San Fernando.

12 May 2016 - Exec: Unite for Mabalacat

MABALACAT CITY --- A city councillor here has called on loosing and winning candidates in the recently concluded polls to move on and unite towards the further development of the city and service to its people.

Dr. Oscar Aurelio, chairman of Barangay Dau and an ex-officio member of the city council representing the Liga ng mga Barangay, stressed this a few days after the May 9 national and local elections.

12 May 2016 - Comelec proclaims San Fernando local officials

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday proclaimed the winners for the elective positions in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

For the mayoral and vice-mayoral race, Liberal Party bets Mayor Edwin Santiago and Vice Mayor Jaime Lazatin, both unopposed, garnered 92,682 and 92,488 votes respectively.

12 May 2016 - Mayor-elect airs support to presumptive VP Robredo

CLARK FREEPORT -- A former vice president of Clark International Airport Corporation who won in the mayoralty race in Capas town, Tarlac has expressed support to vice presidential candidate Leni Robredo.

Reynaldo Catacutan, a former CIAC official who defeated Mayor TJ Rodriguez in the recent polls, recently aired his support to Robredo who is leading the vice presidential race.

11 May 2016 - Hizon celebrates 'sweetest victory'

PAMPANGA -- After hours of delayed counting of votes in a barangay in Bacolor, incumbent mayor Jose Mari “Jomar” Hizon successfully secured his third term in a tight race against former mayor Romeo “Buddy” Dungca Jr.

Unlike in other municipalities where proclamation of winners went just hours after 5 p.m., the Commission on Elections here took it more than a day due to delayed canvassing of votes brought about by a malfunctioned vote-counting machine (VCM) in Barangay Calibutbut.

11 May 2016 - David extends hand of reconciliation

PAMPANGA -- Porac Vice Mayor Dexter David expressed Wednesday his willingness and the whole Team CD team to extend a hand of friendship and reconciliation to their former rivals in the last elections.

David said that it is now time to go back to work and heal the town.

11 May 2016 - Magalang mayor-elect asks support of constituents

PAMPANGA -- A winning mayoral candidate here asked this agricultural town's constituents to support her administration.

Councilor Malou Lacson, who defeated incumbent Mayor Romulo Pecson in the recently concluded polls, said Magalang is facing huge challenges and the local government needs the people's cooperation.

11 May 2016 - Sangil thanks AbeKa, supporters

ANGELES CITY --- Veteran city councillor and newsman Max Sangil expressed gratitude to the Partido Abe Kapampangan (AbeKa) and his running mates for supporting his reelection bid.

Sangil, who lost in the recently concluded elections, at the same time, thanked his supporters and other people "who believed in his cause and vision for the city."

11 May 2016 - Angeleños elect Pamintuan as mayor for 5th time

ANGELES CITY -- Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan is now the first and only five-term mayor in the history of this city.

Pamintuan was proclaimed winner in the mayoral race on Tuesday after he received 76,540 votes, while his opponents Senator Lito Lapid and Vicky Vega-Cabigting got 45,710 votes and 12,864 votes, respectively.

10 May 2016 - Pamintuan breaks Lapid magic in Angeles

ANGELES CITY -- Incumbent Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has managed to maintain his mandate as city mayor against rival Senator Lito Lapid dismissing any possibility of a Lapid foothold in the city.

According to partial and unofficial results as of 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Pamintuan, who ran under Partido Abe Kapampangan (PAK), managed to garner 76,272 votes while Lapid received 45,564 votes.

10 May 2016 - Candaba has new mayor

PAMPANGA -- This municipality will have new leaders after mayor-elect Danilo Baylon and vice-mayor-elect Michael Sagum were voted by a majority during Monday’s polls.

Baylon, an independent candidate, beat incumbent Mayor Rene Maglanque of the Liberal Party with a slim 700 difference over his 23,725 votes.

10 May 2016 - BFAR urges fishermen to register boats

PAMPANGA -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-Central Luzon urged fishermen to register their boats yesterday during their visit in the town at the public market.

BFAR Representative Faith Joy Bonifacio said that the fishermen and fishpond operators were also informed about the prohibitions in fishing.

10 May 2016 - Pingol’s death considered election related incident

PAMPANGA -- The death of one of the leaders of Pampanga Fourth District Representative Juan Pablo “Rimpy” Bondoc is considered an Election Related Incident or ERI, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and Philippine National Police (PNP).

Vicente Pingol, 73, popular to his friends and kin as “Tatang Vic,” was shot dead on the night of April 16 by unknown gunmen at Sitio Sampaga, Barangay San Vicente, Apalit town.

10 May 2016 - Comelec eyes sanction on Smartmatic

PAMPANGA -- The Commission on Election – Central Luzon is looking into possibilities sanctioning Smartmatic-Total Information Management Corp. (Smartmatic-TIM) for failure to meet the requirements specified in their signed contract.

Smartmatic-TIM is the official leasing partner of Comelec for the 2016 general elections. The poll body signed a P6.3-billion deal on September 4 last year for the use of 70,977 vote-counting machines (VCMs) and associated materials and assistance needed during Monday’s polls.

10 May 2016 - Balgan beats bro in Macabebe

PAMPANGA -- Mayor Annette Flores Balgan handily defeated her brother, former Mayor Leonardo “Bobong” Flores, in her quest for a third term.

Balgan, who prioritized education and livelihood, was proclaimed winner at 2:45 a.m. on May 10. She got more than 17,124 votes, beating Flores by some 7,000 votes.

10 May 2016 - Longtime Mabalacat City mayor reelected

MABALACAT CITY -- Longtime mayor Marino Morales was reelected for his last term defeating his three opponents in this city’s mayoralty race.

Morales, the longest seating mayor in Pampanga with 21 years, defeated outgoing first district Board Member Crisostomo Garbo, former vice mayor Noel Castro and businesswoman Pyra Lucas.

10 May 2016 - Guintu retains Masantol mayoral post

PAMPANGA -- Incumbent Masantol Mayor Danilo Guintu won against his political opponent former Mayor Peter Flores in the May polls, retaining his post.

Based on unofficial results on Tuesday, Guintu garnered 17,598 votes versus Flores' 12,474 as of 1:00 a.m.

10 May 2016 - Tumang makes successful comeback; vows to work with former ally

PAMPANGA -- Former Mexico Mayor Teddy Tumang successfully reclaimed the local top position in this municipality after getting majority of the votes during Monday’s polls.

Tumang, who first served this town in 2004 to 2013, bested incumbent Mayor Roy Manalastas with 31,541 votes or 50.8 percent of the 62,094 total votes. Manalastas got 28,879 votes.

9 May 2016 - Gunmen fire at house of mayoral bet's ally

PAMPANGA -- Despite the Commission on Elections memorandum on the gun ban, three unidentified men fired at the house of an ally of incumbent mayoral re-electionist Jose Mari "Jomar" Hizon in Barangay San Antonio in Bacolor on election day.

This city's Chief of Police Superintendent Jean Fajardo said that the house of victim Eugene Yumul, 27, in Bulaon Resettlement in the said barangay was fired at by suspects on board a silver Toyota Vios with no plate at 4:30 a.m. on Monday.

9 May 2016 - Arroyo casts vote in Lubao town

PAMPANGA -- Former President and re-electionist Pampanga Second District Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo arrived here Monday to cast her vote at her hometown in Lubao, Pampanga.

Arroyo left her hospital detention room at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in Quezon City around 8 a.m. and was in Lubao town past 9 a.m.

9 May 2016 - Ex-first gentleman: Arroyo family chose Duterte

PAMPANGA -- Former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo disclosed Monday that the Arroyo family voted for a Rodrigo Duterte presidency.

Mr. Arroyo accompanied former President and re-electionist Pampanga Second District Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at precinct 0001A, No. 67 in Lubao Central Elementary School. The unopposed solon seeking her third and final term was also accompanied by former Congressman Mikey Arroyo, her son and Angela, her daughter-in-law.

9 May 2016 - Voters troop early to polls; encounter ‘usual’ problems

MABALACAT CITY -- Voters here trooped as early as 6 a.m. to polling precincts on Monday to cast their votes but were met with the "usual" problems during elections.

People said that queues were long due to apparent large voter turnout amid the early morning heat as many were browsing through lists posted in precincts to look for their names.

9 May 2016 - Comelec replaces faulty vote counting machines

ANGELES CITY -- At least four faulty vote counting machines (VCMs) were reported to this city’s Commission on Elections (Comelec) office a few hours after the election started yesterday morning.

Lawyer Imelda Panis, election officer of Angeles City, said that she immediately ordered the replacement of the VCMs in Barangay Balibago and Pulungbulu after receiving the report.

9 May 2016 - Election generally peaceful in Mabalacat

MABALACAT CITY -- Election in this component city was generally peaceful, police said.

Superintendent Gil Domingo, Mabalacat City chief of police, said that there were no reported election-related violence or major untoward incidents.

9 May 2016 - Aquino votes in Tarlac with sisters, relatives

PAMPANGA -- President Benigno Aquino III was joined by his sisters Maria Elena "Ballsy" Aquino-Cruz and Aurora Corazon "Pinky" Aquino-Abellada as they cast their votes Monday at the Central Azucarera de Tarlac Elementary School.

Aquino arrived at his precinct at around 9:25 a.m. with brothers-in-law and nephews. He was seen in jeans and shirt as he waited in line before casting his vote.

8 May 2016 - DENR: Vibro Clark has no clearance

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Central Luzon said that the Vibro project in Clark has no Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) on its present location along the Sacobia River.

With this, the DENR, through its Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), issued a ‘notice of violation’ against the controversial Vibro sand screening project.

8 May 2016 - Robredo: Vote based on candidate’s character

MABALACAT CITY -- Liberal Party (LP) vice presidential candidate Leni Robredo calls on voters to think about their family’s future in selecting the next set of leaders who will chart the country's direction in the next six years as they cast their votes today.

Robredo said voters should base their choices on character and not rely on promises.

8 May 2016 - President Aquino to vote in Tarlac

PAMPANGA -- President Benigno S. Aquino III is expected to go home to Tarlac today to cast his vote

in the General Elections that would pick his eventual successor.

8 May 2016 - Pangilinan to implement aid programs for farmers

ANGELES CITY -- Senatorial candidate Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has vowed to implement programs to support farmers in Pampanga and other parts of Central Luzon.

Panglinan, who resigned from his post as Food Security Secretary in September 2015 to run again for senator under the Liberal Party, issued the statement during a recent visit in Angeles City where local officials expressed support to his reelection bid.

8 May 2016 - Central Luzon farmers reap first harvest in 2016

PAMPANGA -- Rice farmers in Central Luzon are seeing a glimmer of hope after successive natural disasters swept their crop fields in 2015.

About 18,900 of them who were able to re-plant their damaged farms with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) are now reaping their first harvest for 2016.

8 May 2016 - LP campaign leader belies alleged poll discrepancy

PAMPANGA -- A campaign leader of Liberal Party standard bearer Mar Roxas and Leni Robredo in Saudi Arabia belied on Sunday the statements of oppositions’ supporters on the alleged altered results on their election returns.

Earlier, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who participated in absentee voting abroad complained the alleged “pattern of cheating” after discrepancies between the vote receipts and actual votes cast heavily favored administration candidates.

7 May 2016 - Angeles City vice mayoral bet suspected of vote buying

ANGELES CITY -- A vice-mayoralty candidate here is being accused of vote buying at a posh subdivision in Barangay Pampang Friday night.

Lawyer Willie Rivera, runningmate of Senator Lito Lapid under the local Lingap Lugud party, was quick to deny the allegation describing the vote-buying issue as “pure fabrication and desperate move by his opponents.”

7 May 2016 - Quarry revenues hit P1.9-B

PAMPANGA -- Revenues from the quarry industry of the Provincial Government of Pampanga has reached P1.9 billion, records from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) showed.

The revenues were collected for the past 70 months since Governor Lilia Pineda assumed her post in July 2010.

7 May 2016 - Central Luzon police force on full alert

PAMPANGA -- The entire Central Luzon police force has been placed on full alert status to maximize all its personnel and resources for the May 9 elections.

The full alert status was raised following the send-off ceremony of augmentation troops to be deployed for election duties last Monday.

7 May 2016 - Kapampangan artist completes marble sculpture training in Italy

PAMPANGA -- Presidential Merit Awardee for Ecclesiastical Art Willy Layug has completed almost two-weeks of training in marble sculpture in Carrara in Italy.

Layug has embarked on acquiring skills in marble sculpting in Carrara, a city known for its fine marble.

7 May 2016 - Central Luzon police sets up Remac for polls

PAMPANGA -- Four days before the May 9 national and local elections, the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) has set up the Regional Election Monitoring and Action Center (Remac) situation monitoring room at the conference room, here.

Chief Superintendent Rudy Lacadin, PRO3 director, said Remac will be acting as the eyes and ears of the PRO3 Regional Special Operations Task Group for SAFE 2016.

6 May 2016 - Alejandrino hits Duterte on rebs 'commendation'

PAMPANGA -- Arayat Mayor Emmanuel Alejandrino of this town assailed Friday presidentiable Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for allegedly "commending" members of the National People’s Army (NPA).

Duterte reportedly made the "commendation" during the release of two government soldiers, Private First Class (Pfc) Niño Alavaro and Pfc. Marjon Añover in the mountains of Laak, Compostela Valley late last year. They surrendered the captives to Duterte.

6 May 2016 - Candaba all-out for Roxas, Robredo

PAMPANGA -- This municipality is backing up fully administration bets presidentiable Manuel Roxas II and running mate Leni Robredo.

Led by incumbent Mayor and Liberal Party bet Rene Maglanque, majority of Candabeños voluntarily campaign to secure votes for the "anointed ones" and ensure the continuity of "Daang Matuwid".

6 May 2016 - Execs ask Pangilinan to work on Clark airport

ANGELES CITY -- City officials led by Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan on Thursday asked Senator Francis Pangilinan to support an advocacy for the full development and utilization of Clark International Airport (CRK).

Alex Cauguiran, head of the newly formed Advocacy for Dual Airport Priority (Adapt), presented the group's manifesto to Pangilinan during a meeting and press conference at Fortune Seafood Restaurant here the other day.

6 May 2016 - Marang: Celebrate Mothers’ Day every day

ANGELES CITY -- City Councilor Maricel “Marang” Morales said that Mothers Day should be celebrated everyday to give importance to the sacrifices and love of our mothers.

Morales stated this during the 9th Gawad Sa Marangal at Ulirang Ina at the SM City Clark on Wednesday.

6 May 2016 - Bar topnotcher, historian bat for Robredo

MABALACAT CITY -- This year’s Bar topnotcher Rachel Miranda and noted historian Ambeth Ocampo lead a fresh batch of personalities who have expressed support for Liberal Party (LP) vice presidential candidate Leni Robredo.

Miranda said she “stands behind a vice-president committed to the protection and promotion of the rights of every Filipino, and whose passion for public service is matched by a track record of tireless advocacy”.

6 May 2016 - So to Speak garners 3rd Golden Dove award

PAMPANGA -- CLTV 36 premier public affairs program, 'So To Speak' bagged top honors for Best Public Affairs Program (Provincial) in the 24th Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas Golden Dove Awards night.

The Golden Dove was awarded during KBP's annual awards recognition event held last April 29, 2016 at the Star Theater, in Pasay City. 'So to Speak', now on its eight year, received its third trophy in this highly competitive category.

6 May 2016 - Black propaganda affects board member aspirant

PAMPANGA -- Board member wannabe Alvin Ignacio said Friday that the alleged black propaganda aimed against him saying he died in an ambush has directly affected his campaign and aspirations.

Ignacio furthered that he fears that the people will no longer vote for him thinking that the black propaganda is true.

6 May 2016 - Pelco I assures continuous power supply on election day

PAMPANGA -- The Pampanga I Electric Cooperative Inc. (Pelco I) has assured its member-consumers of continuous electric power supply on Monday's election day, May 9.

According to Engr. Loliano Allas, Pelco I general manager, they are always doing their best to avoid any electric power interruption before, during and after every elections.

6 May 2016 - San Simon Comelec holds final testing, sealing of VCMs

PAMPANGA -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in San Simon conducted yesterday the final testing and sealing of the Vote Counting Machines (VCMs).

The Comelec-San Simon failed to finalize the testing and sealing of VCMs early on after one of the machines malfunctioned recently at Barangay San Pedro.

5 May 2016 - Korina: Mar’s ratings will continue to surge

PAMPANGA -- Journalist Korina Sanchez-Roxas yesterday said that she believes the pre-election survey ratings of her husband Liberal Party standard bearer Mar Roxas will continue to surge in the next few days before elections day on May 9.

Roxas now nears the number one spot in the latest Pulse Asia survey commissioned by the ABS-CBN Network after switching places with Senator Grace Poe.

5 May 2016 - BuB projects benefit thousands in Central Luzon

PAMPANGA -- Thousands of people in Central Luzon are now benefiting from 103 completed projects amounting to P142,461,740.48 under the government’s Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB) program since the program started in Central Luzon in 2014 until 2015.

Department of Interior and Local Government Regional Director Florida Dijan said that of the 103 completed BuB projects, a total of 55 or 92 percent of the 60 projects were completed for 2014 and 48 or 40 percent of the 119 projects were completed for 2015.

5 May 2016 - Robredo: Uplift people’s lives from poverty

MABALACAT CITY -- While other candidates can only promise a better life, lifting Filipinos living in the fringes of society out of poverty and turning their lives for the better is nothing new to Liberal Party (LP) vice presidential candidate Leni Robredo.

During her time as a lawyer for the poor, Robredo has implemented crucial plans and programs that helped improve the living condition of many impoverished Filipinos.

5 May 2016 - Ex-congresswoman: ‘I still believe in legal powers’

PAMPANGA -- Former Pampanga Fourth District Congresswoman Anna York Bondoc-Sagum disclosed on Wednesday that she still believes in legal and police powers.

Bondoc-Sagum, who helped his brother Congressman Juan Pablo “Rimpy” Bondoc in asking Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Andres Bautista address the issues and alleged election related violence in the town of Apalit.

5 May 2016 - CDC remits P700-M to national coffers

CLARK FREEPORT — The Clark Development Corporation last week remitted a total of P700 million cash dividends to the national government, another record figure posted by the state-run firm.

Noel F. Manankil, CDC vice-president for Admin and Finance announced that CDC has remitted the amount to the Bureau of Treasury last April 28, 2016.

5 May 2016 - Hontiveros: More 4Ps slots for Aetas

CLARK FREEPORT -- Senatorial candidate Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday vowed to file a bill that will institutionalize the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) or 4Ps and ensure adequate slots for Aetas and indigenous people (IP).

Hontiveros, who is also a health advocate, said this during a visit inside the Freeport and other parts of Pampanga the other day.

5 May 2016 - Seniors citizens laud Lazatin for free physical examinations

ANGELES CITY -- A group of senior citizens has lauded Councilor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. for filing an ordinance seeking to provide free annual physical examination for the elderly.

Speaking before the residents of Barangay Virgen Delos Remedios, Molina, a senior citizen and a resident of Brangay Sta. Trinidad, thanked Lazatin for filing the ordinance that seeks medical benefits for senior citizens of Angeles City.

5 May 2016 - 37,000 teachers to ensure orderly elections

PAMPANGA -- As one of the agencies deputized by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to ensure harmonious, credible and free elections, the Department of Education (DepEd) will deploy some 37,899 volunteer teachers to render service in the coming May 9 national and local elections in Central Luzon.

A total of 27,354 public school teachers who will serve as Board of Election Inspectors and Special Board of Election Inspectors, 2,785 DepEd Supervisor Officials and 7,769 support staff will be tasked to supervise the casting of votes in clustered precincts.

5 May 2016 - Mayoral bet wants additional poll security

PAMPANGA -- Apalit Mayoralty candidate Board Member Nestor "Bay" Tolentino is urging authorities to provide additional army troops and police officers for the 2016 national and local elections here on Monday.

"We are happy that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) acted on the request of former Congresswoman Anna York Bondoc-Sagum and Congressman Juan Pablo ‘Rimpy’ Bondoc," said Tolentino.

4 May 2016 - SC allows Arroyo 4-day leave for dental procedure

PAMPANGA -- ASIDE from granting Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's appeal to vote on May 9, the Supreme Court has also granted the former President's request for a four-day leave to undergo dental procedure.

The court in its special en banc session on Tuesday voted unanimously to grant Arroyo's appeal to leave Veterans Memorial Medical Center to undergo dental procedure at a clinic in Makati City.

4 May 2016 - Roxas nears No. 1

PAMPANGA -- Liberal Party (LP) standard bearer Mar Roxas is now nearing the top slot in the presidential race and is fast gaining on contender Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, according to the latest Pulse Asia survey commissioned by the ABS-CBN Network.

The survey, with a sample size of 4,000 registered voter-respondents culled nationwide, was conducted on April 26 to 29, a week after the final presidential debate in Dagupan City.

4 May 2016 - Smuggled mammals now with DENR

PAMPANGA -- The seven endangered and vulnerable mammals which were attempted smuggled out of the country via the Clark Freeport were turned over recently to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here after a successful operation by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Central Luzon.

Earlier, the NBI identified the suspect as Peimin Zhang, was caught in possession of four Pangolins and three Palawan Cobras, which are both under the “Red List” of animals threatened with extinction by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

4 May 2016 - Robredo leads Pulse Asia survey

ANGELES CITY -- Liberal Party (LP) vice presidential candidate Leni Robredo has taken the lead in the ABS-CBN Pulse Asia survey with the campaign now in the homestretch and the elections just five days away.

In the survey conducted from April 26 to 29 with 4,000 respondents, Robredo garnered 30 percent or four percent higher than her previous rating in the survey taken last April 19-24.

4 May 2016 - Kin of missing old man laud Pampanga gov’t for support

PAMPANGA -- The kin of the late 73-year-old missing senior citizen from Concepcion, Tarlac thanked the Provincial Government of Pampanga for giving support and free hospitalization to their loved one.

The said senior died of cardiac arrest at Dr. Luciano District Hospital.

4 May 2016 - DA employees get GAD training

PAMPANGA -- The Gender and Development Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Central Luzon conducted a training on "Gender and Development (GAD) Guidelines and Gender Analysis Tools For Agriculture Programs, Projects and Activities".

The event was held at Lohas Hotel and Resort, Clark Freeport Zone, Angeles City Pampanga, last April 27 to 29.

3 May 2016 - Rodriguez calls Gonzales' 'Napolist' bogus

PAMPANGA -- Incumbent Third District Representative Oscar Rodriguez said Tuesday that his opponent former Third District Congressman Aurelio "Dong" Gonzales Jr. is using fake Janet Napoles documents to discredit him.

He added that he could not have allocated any Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) to bogus non-government organizations as he was not even in Congress when Napoles was allegedly carrying out the scam.

3 May 2016 - Former allies hit Gonzales for ‘overpriced’, ‘ghost’ projects

PAMPANGA -- Disgruntled supporters and contractors of comebacking former Third District Representative Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales, Jr. have joined incumbent Third District Representative Oscar Rodriguez in denouncing the former for alleged overpriced covered courts and ghost projects during his term as congressman.

Contractor Buboy Carreon, Barangay Alasas Captain Alvin Mendoza and Barangay Maimpis Captain Romy Dizon, in a press conference, joined Rodriguez in revealing details of Gonzales’ projects.

3 May 2016 - RW 95.1 bags another Golden Dove

PAMPANGA -- RW 95.1 FM has been adjudged as best provincial FM radio station all over the country in the recently concluded 24th Golden Dove Awards initiated by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP).

The award, given on April 29 at the Star Theatre in Pasay City, is the third of its kind for RW 95.1, operated by the Radio World Broadcasting Corporation, a subsidiary of the Laus Group of Companies. It received the same distinctions in the years 2007 and 2011.

3 May 2016 - Pangilinan brings final family caravan to kabalens

PAMPANGA -- Former Food Security and Agricultural Modernization chairman and senatoriable Francis Pangilinan on Monday brought their “Barangay Pangilinan Family Caravan” in Pampanga to win the votes of his fellow kabalens in the coming May 9 national and local elections.

Wife Sharon and their children Miel and Miguel joined Pangilinan on the campaign trail, together with nephew Gab Valenciano and niece Julia Arenas for the final leg of the campaign caravan at Heroes Hall in this city.

3 May 2016 - Nonagenarian expresses support to Mamac's vice mayoralty bid

ANGELES CITY --- A 96-year-old woman has expressed support to the candidacy of Balibago Chairman Rodelio Mamac who is seeking the vice mayoralty post here.

Adela “Apung Delia” Padilla, 96, of Epza resettlement center, Pulung Cacutud in this city was accompanied by her son and other relatives when he visited Mamac at the barangay hall on Tuesday.

3 May 2016 - DA hosts meeting of Japan-Philippines association

PAMPANGA -- The Department of Agriculture Central Luzon hosted the 29th Annual Meeting and Convention of the Japan Overseas Volunteers Cooperation-Philippines Animal Science Association at Royce Hotel and Casino inside Clark Freeport.

The event ran from April 26 to 28.

2 May 2016 - Mayoralty bet wants town in hotspots list

PAMPANGA -- Mayoralty aspirant John Sambo said he wants Sto. Tomas town included in the list of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) hotspots and watchlist.

In a letter to Philippine National Police Regional Director Rudy Lacadin dated April 30, 2016, Sambo said that the death threat against Canlas was clearly election-related.

2 May 2016 - Kapampangan artist meets Pope Francis at Vatican

PAMPANGA -- Presidential Merit Awardee for Ecclesiastical Art Willy Layug, the sculptor of many of the images and icons used in the recent visit of Pope Francis in the country, met the Roman Pontiff during the public audience at the Saint Peter’s Square in the Vatican over the weekend.

It was a reunion of sorts as Pope Francis had recently honored Layug with the “Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice” (For the Church and the Pope) or “Cross of Honor” medal--the highest medal that can be awarded by the Papacy -- for his contributions in making last year’s Papal visit a success.

2 May 2016 - Team Unity starts great push for Roxas

PAMPANGA -- The City of San Fernando's Team Unity headed by unopposed Mayor Edwin Santiago and re-electionist Third District Representative Oscar Rodriguez on Monday started what would be a week-long “great push” for Liberal Party standard Mar Roxas, vice-presidential bet Leni Robredo and the continuity of the Daang Matuwid vision.

Speaking before a multi-sectoral crowd gathered in front of city hall, Santiago said that it is now time to make the final decision for the sake of the country and the next generation.

2 May 2016 - Pyestang Fernandino gears for threefold celebration

PAMPANGA -- This year's Pyestang Fernandino celebration will be a thanksgiving and celebration of both the 25th anniversary of the Mt. Pinatubo eruption and the commemoration of the 118th Philippine Independence Day.

This, as Mayor Edwin Santiago yesterday said that the event is a thanksgiving of the city to its patron saint and a celebration of the many accomplishments and blessings for the year. He added that the celebrations are also aimed at highlighting the traditions of the city through promotion of its culture and material heritage.

2 May 2016 - More than 1,300 jobseekers hired on the spot in Central Luzon job fairs

PAMPANGA -- Some 1,371 jobseekers were reportedly hired on the spot (Hots) in eight job fairs in Central Luzon, the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) said Sunday.

Preliminary reports from the Technical Support and Service Division (TSSD) and Dole Field Offices show that some 4,000 jobseekers have flocked in all eight job fairs in the region.

2 May 2016 - Porac Team CD councilor bet vows more funds for RHUs, old folk

PAMPANGA -- A member of the Porac Team CD vowed to help improve the health care services here once elected town councilor.

Liga ng mga Barangays president and Babo Sacan village chief Ronie Mercado said he will ask for more funds for rural health centers (RHUs) in the 29 barangays of the town.

2 May 2016 - PRO3 deploys 8,329 personnel

PAMPANGA -- The Police Regional Office-3 (PRO3) deployed Monday a total of 8,329 Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel to seven provinces and two cities in Central Luzon for election duties in different polling precincts regionwide.

A send-off ceremony was held on Monday at the PRO3 parade ground at 3 p.m.

2 May 2016 - Guintu supporter to file case vs Flores

PAMPANGA -- A supporter and close ally of Masantol Mayor Danilo Guintu is set to file a case of grave threat against former Mayor Peter Flores after the latter allegedly insulted and threatened him.

According to the police, Elizardo Macalino, 66, pointman-leader of Guintu was reportedly insulted and threatened by the former mayor when he arrived at his home in Barangay Bebe Anac in this municipality.

2 May 2016 - San Fernando job fair opens 700 job opportunities

PAMPANGA -- More than 700 local job opportunities were offered to hundreds of job seekers during the Labor Day Job Fair organized by the Local Government of San Fernando in cooperation with the Department of Labor and Employment-Pampanga.

Some 350 applicants from in and out of the city flocked to the job fair held May 1 at the SM City San Fernando Downtown.

2 May 2016 - Sangil: LGUs should prepare for Metro Manila decongestion

ANGELES CITY -- Local government units should be ready to meet the challenges as the national government will implement the decongestion of Metro Manila.

This was stressed by reelectionist councillor Max Sangil, who cited in particular the migration of Metro Manila businessmen and residents to the countryside including Angeles City and other parts of Central Luzon, which is eyed as the country’s next capital.

1 May 2016 - Roxas to bring NAIA to Clark

CLARK FREEPORT -- Liberal Party standard bearer Mar Roxas vowed over the weekend to bring and transfer the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to Clark and spur development in North and Central Luzon if he gets elected to the country’s top post.

“Ililipat ko ang NAIA dito sa Clark. Magiging sentro ng komersyo at turismo ang Central Luzon, partikular ang mga probinsya ng Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bataan, Tarlac, Zambales at Aurora dahil dito (I will transfer NAIA to Clark. Central Luzon -- particularly the provinces of Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bataan, Tarlac, Zambales and Aurora -- will thus become the center of commerce and tourism),” he said in an interview over Metro Central Luzon CLTV36.

1 May 2016 - Pampanga chamber seeks support on Clark airport dev't

PAMPANGA -- Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (PamCham) is seeking the support of the Regional Development Council (RDC)-Central Luzon on the full development of Clark International Airport (CRK).

In a letter to RDC-Central Luzon Chairman and Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado, PamCham vice chairman Rene Romero said that the full development of CRK and its declaration as a premier gateway to the Philippines has been a long standing advocacy of PamCham.

1 May 2016 - Robredo pushes for Security of Tenure Bill

ANGELES CITY -- Liberal Party (LP) vice presidential candidate Leni Robredo is pushing for the passage of the Security of Tenure Bill in what she described as a first step to fill in gaps in the country’s labor laws.

The bill, once passed, will stop erring employers from exploiting the labor laws.

1 May 2016 - CNN awardee backs Robredo’s VP bid

MABALACAT CITY -- Aside from movie and television personalities, big names from other fields have also declared support for Liberal Party (LP) vice presidential candidate Leni Robredo.

Efren Penaflorida, former “CNN Hero of the Year” awardee, expressed his support to Leni Robredo through an acronym L.E.N.I.

1 May 2016 - Lazatin to push for environment programs

ANGELES CITY -- Re-electionist Councilor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. has vowed to file an ordinance requiring all business establishments here to implement programs related to environmental protection.

Lazatin said green program will become requirement for the issuance of business permit.

1 May 2016 - Safety, heath officers participate in World Day for Safety event

PAMPANGA -- Some 135 safety and health officers took part in the regional observance of World Day for Safety and Health at Work over the weekend.

The said individuals represented 50 large companies in Central Luzon.