INQToday: Marcos orders ERC to reset NGCP鈥檚 rates 鈥榳ithout further delay鈥�
Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday ordered the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to reset the rates of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).
“I have also directed the ERC to complete the reset of NGCP’s rates without further delay, to ensure NGCP’s compliance with its statutory and regulatory obligations, and to defend in no uncertain terms against any attempt to defer, delay, or prevent the implementation of regulatory measures,” Marcos said in a video message on Facebook.
Police arrested a 42-year-old man for allegedly making a bomb joke inside Quiapo Church on Friday morning.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) identified the man as Dennis Garcia Espejo and said he made the joke at 5:30 a.m. inside the iconic church in Manila. Authorities said a 38-year-old man identified as Michael Tamayo Culibang witnessed the incident.
Article continues after this advertisementCertain acts should be avoided during the Traslacion procession on the Feast of the Black Nazarene, said the Quiapo Church on Thursday.
Article continues after this advertisementIn a media conference, the Quiapo Church announced the following do’s and don’ts:
- Climbing onto the Black Nazarene’s “andas” is prohibited
- Avoid pushing to prevent any injuries
- Refrain from carrying numerous items or large bags. Use transparent bags for easier inspection
- For individuals with illnesses and children, stay on the side of the road for safety
- Don’t forget to eat for sufficient strength during the procession
- Use of handkerchief to wipe the beloved Lord Jesus Nazarene is still allowed
- Carrying the crossbeam and pulling the rope is still allowed, but do it carefully and with utmost caution
- Maintain the use of face masks and practice social distancing for those attending the Holy Mass
- Wearing hats, umbrellas, and hoodies is strictly prohibited
- Setting up camping tents, especially for those staying overnight, is not allowed
- Bringing tumblers is discouraged, instead use transparent water bottles
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said Friday that the decision on where to buy modern public utility vehicles (PUVs) is left with operators and drivers.
In a press conference, LTFRB Technical Division chief Joel Bolano said the agency has no say where PUV corporations and cooperatives must purchase their modernized units under the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP).
Rice is still being sold for more than P50 per kilo since November last year, and the Department of Agriculture (DA) is not expecting retail prices of the staple to go down anytime soon.
In an interview on Thursday, DA spokesperson Arnel de Mesa said that since prices in the global market remained high at about $600 per metric ton, “We cannot expect that the price will significantly decrease.”
Vatican says no heresy in allowing blessings for same-sex couples after pushback by some bishops
After pushback by some bishops in Africa, Poland and elsewhere, the Vatican on Thursday defended the recent move by Pope Francis to allow blessings for same-sex couples, insisting there is nothing “heretical” involved.
In a five-page statement, the Holy See’s office to safeguard doctrinal orthodoxy expressed understanding that some bishops’ conferences need more time for “pastoral reflection” on the pontiff’s formal approval for such blessings.
