Sen. Pia Cayetano, together with Health Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo, leads the forum on World No Tobacco Day at the Fabella Hospital in Manila on May 31, 2024. The forum aims to spread awareness against the false belief that vaping is safer than traditional tobacco smoking. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

Health Experts Raise Alarms Over Vaping Risks

Learn more about the rising concerns over vaping and its associated health risks, particularly among young people. Health experts are issuing warnings and calling for stricter regulations following the first reported fatality linked to electronic cigarette use. Discover the alarming statistics from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey and the increasing number of EVALI cases reported by health professionals in the Philippines.

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House of Representatives

The Push for Anti-Road Rage Legislation

Discover the details of the proposed Anti-Road Rage Act, advocated by Rep. Florida Robes, in response to a tragic shooting incident in Makati City. This legislation aims to curb aggressive driving by imposing strict penalties, including prison terms, fines, and license suspensions. Learn how this bill seeks to enhance public safety by addressing the alarming frequency of road rage incidents in the Philippines.

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LIKE BEES TO HONEY This photo shows Chinese fishing vessels swarming off the Iroquois Reef and Sabina Shoal, south of the oil- and gas-rich Recto Bank in the West Philippine Sea. This was taken from an air patrol by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on June 30, 2023. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WESTERN COMMAND OF THE AFP

Philippines to Sue China Over Environmental Damage in Disputed Waters

The Philippine government is preparing an environmental lawsuit against China for alleged destructive activities in the West Philippine Sea. The case will be presented to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, aiming to address severe environmental damage confirmed by the Philippine Coast Guard, including lifeless marine ecosystems and potential deliberate modifications to underwater terrain. This lawsuit emphasizes the global significance of protecting marine environments.

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Comelec Plans Reforms to Prevent Party-List Abuses

Learn more about the proposed reforms by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to prevent abuses in the party-list substitution rule. Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia suggests increasing the number of official nominees from five to ten to curb exploitation and enhance the integrity of the party-list system. Pending legal issues before the Supreme Court also play a crucial role in the future of party-list nominations. These changes aim to ensure a cleaner and fairer election process in the Philippines.

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UNDER ARREST Gerard Raymond Talusan Yu (middle), the prime suspect in the Edsa- Ayala shooting incident on May 28, 2024 was presented to the media at Camp Crame on May 29. PHOTOS BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

Suspension of License in Makati City Road Rage Incident

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has initiated the 90-day preventive suspension of Gerrard Raymund Yu, the driver involved in the fatal road rage incident in Makati City. Yu faces charges of reckless driving and being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle. If found guilty, his driver’s license could be canceled. The incident at the EDSA-Ayala tunnel resulted in the death of 65-year-old Aniceto Mateo. The LTO is also investigating discrepancies in the vehicle’s license plates, adding another layer to the ongoing legal proceedings.

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Philippine Health Insurance Corp. Photo from Philhealth

Investigation Sought for PhilHealth’s COVID-19 Reimbursement Program

Several lawmakers are calling for an investigation into the advanced payments made by PhilHealth to hospitals and private clinics under the IRM program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Allegations of fund misappropriation by top officials have surfaced, leading to resignations and ongoing investigations. Questions about the legality and transparency of the IRM program have been raised, with concerns about the selection process for fund allocation. Read more about the controversy surrounding PhilHealth’s COVID-19 reimbursement program.

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