BY ALEX ALAGON
QUEZON CITY (26 March 2026) – The Social Security System (SSS) assured its members in the Middle East that they can access benefits and services via digital platforms despite escalating regional conflicts.
SSS president Robert Joseph M. de Claro highlighted the My.SSS Portalâs reliability, enabling Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to file benefit claims and loan applications without interruption, provided they meet qualifying conditions.
For example, OFWs who were involuntarily separated can avail of unemployment benefit provided they meet the qualifying conditions and certified by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
“Even in these challenging times, our digital infrastructure ensures seamless service delivery,” de Claro said. “Members in the Middle East need not worry; they can manage their accounts safely from anywhere with internet access.”
He noted that SSS pensioners in the region can comply with the Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP) using the recently launched Facial Authentication feature on the SSS website, www.sss.gov.ph.
“A standout innovation is the ACOP Facial Authentication with Liveness Check, enabling secure identity verification from smartphones anywhere,” de Claro explained. “It reduces fraud risks and eliminates the need for travel amid the current security situation in the Middle East. These tools were purpose-built to empower OFWs, allowing transactions ‘whenever, wherever’ even in crisis zones.”
As of December 2025, there are 1,476,645 OFWs covered with the SSS with 540,018 as active paying members.
“We remain committed to supporting our OFWs through innovation and resilience, no matter the circumstances,” de Claro concluded.
COTABATO CITY â Key officials in the Bangsamoro region expressed support and optimism following the signing of Republic Act No. 12317 by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which resets the historic parliamentary elections here to September 2026.
The new law amends provisions of the Bangsamoro Organic Law and sets the first regular Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao elections on the second Monday of September 2026, with subsequent elections to be synchronized with national and local polls starting in May 2031.
Maguindanao congressman Esmael âTotoâ Mangudadatu described the recent development as timely, emphasizing the need for both candidates and voters to prepare for the historic exercise.
âThere is still time for candidates to prepare and for people, especially the youth who have just become eligible, to register before the September deadline,â Mangudadatu said.
He also called the law a significant opportunity for the Bangsamoro people to choose capable leaders.
âFor us Muslims, this is like a blessing from the President. This election will allow us to select leaders who can uplift our region and deliver the right services to our constituents,â he added.
Mangudadatu further expressed hope that the elections would remain peaceful and focused on public welfare.
âWe hope the elections will be peaceful and that all elected officials will remain committed to serving the people.â
Meanwhile, Acting Senior Minister Abdullah M. Cusain assured that preparations are already underway to ensure credible and orderly polls.
âThe Office of the Chief Minister will ensure that the process will be credible, peaceful, transparent, and with integrity,â Cusain said.
He noted that groundwork has continued despite previous postponements.
âOur preparations have been continuous. Even when the election was rescheduled, we maintained coordination with the Commission on Elections, especially at the regional level,â he explained.
For his part, Mohajirin Ali, MNSA spokesperson of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party and MILF information officer, said the move aligns with long-standing calls for the conduct of BARMM elections.
âThis is something we have been pushing for since last year. We were ready when elections were initially set, even when they were moved to October,â Ali said.
Despite multiple postponements, he said the latest schedule provides renewed momentum.
âNow that it is set for September, this is a positive development. The momentum in preparations will resume,â he added.
Ali stressed that the elections are crucial in strengthening governance in the region.
âElections will provide answers and solutions to the challenges we face in BARMM because a mandate coming directly from the people gives authority to lead the government,â he said. Officials across BARMM underscored that the rescheduled elections mark a critical step in the regionâs democratic transition, expressing hope that the process will pave the way for stronger governance, inclusive leadership, and lasting peace.
QUEZON CITY —Â Amid ongoing safety reviews of Roblox and other online gaming platforms, the EcoWaste Coalition called on the government to also look into the proliferation of knock-off Roblox plastic figures in the market.Â
âAs the authorities tighten their watch on Roblox and other online games amid child exploitation concerns, we also urge the authorities to block the entry of imitation Roblox figure toys with lead-containing parts, which may pose lead-poisoning risks,â said Aileen Lucero, national coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition, noting âchildhood lead exposure can irreparably damage the brain and nervous system, and is linked to aggressive and violent behavior later in life.â
âBecause lead causes permanent, irreversible damage to a childâs developing brain and body, exposure prevention is the only solution. Since no amount of lead exposure is safe, we must strictly eliminate all sources, like contaminated toys, to protect children before harm occurs,â said   Dr. Geminn Louis Apostol, Environmental Health and Global Health Security Flagship Program head, Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health – Center for Research and Innovation (ACRI).
The toxics watchdog group sounded the alarm after conducting chemical screenings on imitation Roblox figures being sold in Binondo, Manila, particularly at toy stores in popular budget shopping malls.
As part of its advocacy to expose lead-containing products, inform consumers and regulators, and control, if not eliminate, the risks that such products pose, the EcoWaste Coalition bought 14 sets of Roblox figures, all made in China, which are sold for P100 to P250 per set. All in all, 60 assorted Roblox figures were collected.
Using an Olympus Vanta M Series X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyzer, the EcoWaste Coalition screened the 60 Roblox figures for heavy metals, particularly lead, a toxic chemical associated with stunted growth, learning disabilities, lowered IQ, and behavioral problems, as well as juvenile delinquency and violent crime in later years.
While lead was not detected on the hard plastic parts, 28 out of the 60 Roblox figures analyzed had lead contamination in their PVC head accessories. These accessories, which can be easily detached, handled, or chewed by children, contain lead levels up to 1,602 parts per million (ppm), with 11 items exceeding 1,000 ppm.
US regulations, particularly the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, prohibit lead in childrenâs toys, limiting total lead content in accessible parts to 100 ppm and lead in paint to 90 ppm. The DENR-issued Chemical Control Order (CCO) for lead and its compounds also prohibits the use of lead in the manufacture of toys.Â
All samples provided small-parts choking warnings, but lacked any mention of lead hazards on the labels. The samples were all inadequately labeled, the EcoWaste Coalition observed.
While the labels identify China as the country of manufacture and provide for age grading and choking hazard alert, the other mandatory labeling requirements, as per RA 10620 or the Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act, are missing such as the manufacturerâs markings,  the License to Operate (LTO) number issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), instructional literature, and the item, model, stock keeping unit (SKU) number.
The EcoWaste Coalition will duly notify the FDA about its findings and reiterate the necessity of removing lead-contaminated Roblox toys from the market to protect children.
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) has declared a state of “full readiness” as the city prepares for the massive 89th Araw ng Dabaw culmination events, including the Parada Dabawenyo and the Konsyerto Dabawenyo.
Acting city director Col Mannan C. Muarip spearheaded a final security and deployment conference on March 26 to ensure a seamless “zero-incident” outcome for the festivities scheduled for March 28.
Thousands of Davaoeños and tourists are expected to flood the streets for the grand parade and evening concert, demanding heightened security protocols, strategic force deployment, and strict traffic rerouting plans across main thoroughfares.
Muarip said the DCPO will also oversee the Solidarity Walk held in honor of the birthday of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The police chief noted that the deployment aims to reinforce Davao’s “culture of discipline” while ensuring the safety of all participants in the civic march.
“Our personnel are strategically positioned and mission-oriented,” Muarip stated during the briefing with station commanders.
To manage the expected influx of spectators, the DCPO has finalized inter-agency coordination for increased foot and mobile patrols in high-traffic festival zones, implementation of road closures and detours to prevent gridlock, and coordinated response mechanisms with medical and rescue units.
“Through intensified visibility patrols and close coordination with our partner agencies, we are committed to safeguarding every Davaoeño and visitor during this milestone celebration.”
TROOPS of the 36th Infantry Battalion, under the operational control of the 401st Infantry Brigade, unearthed an arms cache containing multiple firearms and war materiel in the vicinity of Sitio Bato, Barangay Bitaugan, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, on March 24, 2026.
A Czech VZ rifle, a 5.56mm Bushmaster Carbine, and a 5.56mm Rock Island Carbine were found concealed in the area. These items are now in the custody of the 36IB for documentation and proper disposition.
Colonel Glenn Joy U. Aynera, commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, commended the 36IB under the leadership of Lt. Col. Joselito Ante Jr. for the accomplishment.
“These developments reflect the effectiveness of our focused security operations and underscore the crucial role of community support in addressing insurgency. The active participation of the populace remains vital in achieving lasting peace,” Aynera said.
The discovery follows a recent encounter where 36IB troops neutralized two Communist Terrorist Group members and seized four high-powered firearms in the hinterlands of Barangay Nurcia, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, on March 22, 2026.
Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division, emphasized that these operational gains indicate the weakening capabilities of the remaining CTG members in the region.Â
He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining momentum in peace and security efforts across the Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions.
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) joined forces with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) XI and private stakeholders to launch the PASADA Project, a comprehensive road safety initiative aimed at protecting drivers and pedestrians across the city.
The project, which stands for Promoting Accessible and Sustainable Assistance for Drivers’ Advancement, was formalized through a memorandum of agreement signing on March 25, 2026, at the Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines (CCEAP) distribution center in Bago Aplaya.
The DCPO was represented by Lt Col Nolan R. Raquid, deputy city director for administration, representing acting city director Col Mannan C. Muarip.
A key feature of the partnership is identifying “accident-prone areas” throughout Davao City.
Through the initiative, standardized road safety signage will be fabricated and installed by CCEAP in coordination with the city government and the Department of Public Works and Highways XI.
LTO XI regional director Atty. Ernesto Raphael V. Robillo emphasized that the project will install signage in strategic areas and empower drivers through enhanced education and sustainable assistance.
Councilor Jose Bernardo R. Baluran, chair of the SP committee on transportation, DPWH XI regional director Juby B. Cordon, and Atty. Juan Lorenzo Tañada, CCEAP VP for corporate & regulatory affairs.
In a statement, Muarip said that active collaboration with stakeholders is essential to fostering a “culture of responsibility” on the road.
THE PROVINCIAL Government of Bukidnon distributed a total of â±1,725,000 in livelihood assistance to 115 former rebels, now referred to as “friends rescued,” during a ceremony held in Barangay Poblacion on March 18.
The initiative, held in partnership with the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), provided each beneficiary with â±15,000 in cash to serve as startup or additional capital for their respective small businesses and livelihood projects.
The beneficiaries, all monitored by the 89th Infantry Battalion, also received essential food packs from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) to assist with their immediate needs as they transition back to civilian life.
The distribution was witnessed by key military and local government leaders, highlighting the “whole-of-nation” approach to insurgency. Colonel Franklin M. Garcia, executive officer of the 1003rd Infantry (Raptor) Brigade, and Lt. Col. Antonio G. Bulao I, commander of the 89th IB, joined Quezon Mayor Hon. Pablo Lorenzo III in overseeing the release.
Atty. Gean Yvish R. Ladesma, representing the provincial government, emphasized that the grant is more than just financial aidâit is an investment in the province’s stability.
“This initiative forms part of our sustained efforts to provide meaningful second chances and uplift the quality of life for those who have chosen the path of reform,” the provincial office stated.
By equipping former combatants with the means to support their families, the provincial government aims to prevent recruitment back into armed struggle. The presence of officials from the DILG and PSWDO underscored the administrative support system available to the “friends rescued” as they reintegrate into their communities.
THE DAVAO City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) is gearing up for the expected rising number in commuters for the upcoming Holy Week.
âWe are expecting an influx in our bus terminal this upcoming week for the observance of the Holy Week for the Catholics, and the upcoming summer vacation of schools,â DCOTT manager Aisa Usop said during the iSpeak media forum on Thursday.
Usop said part of the preparations is the special permits for buses wishing to service destinations outside their usual routes, as an influx is expected to start from March 27. The Holy Week is observed from March 29 to April 5.
The LTFRB is also asked to establish a station in DCOTT to cater to special permits for buses.
While the management observed a reduced bus trip, according to recent monitoring, the terminal is bracing for one of the busiest months of the year when travelers go home to their provinces.
Average bus trips daily range from 700 to 800 on regular days, but since the surge in fuel prices, the trips have decreased to 500.
Usop said this was the measure of some bus operators to address the financial strain from the rising fuel prices.
To note, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced on Saturday, March 14, that it approved the implementation of a P0.35-P1 fare increase for provincial buses, it was cut short as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the suspension of the fare hike on March 18.
Usop said bus drivers prefer to load passengers before they enter the terminal bays to maximize their trip.
The DCOTT charges P75 to P200 for every bus trip, depending on the passenger capacity, and mandates a 30-minute interval for every bus.
At present, the terminal management has yet to receive a petition from bus operators in terms of extending the interval time to maximize every bus trip.
Ceres Transport Incorporated, a sister company of Mindanao Star, Rural Transit, and Bachelor Express, joins the group and will start operating at DCOTT after securing approval from the LTFRB.
This is on top of the bus companies operating for northbound and southbound trips, such as Metro Shuttle, LCI, ECF, among others.
Usop said that apart from the usual measures, they are strengthening the CCTV monitoring force along with the X-ray baggage machine at the passenger entrance.
The baggage machine is placed beside the two existing walk-through machines, which will help manage the long queue during peak periods.
THE LAW resetting the first regular elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) into the second Monday of September 2026 was signed into law on Wednesday.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed into law Republic Act No. 12317, which resets the first regular elections in the BARMM and amends Section 13, Article XVI of Republic Act No. 11054, or the âOrganic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.â
The law provides a transition process from the current Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to a democratically elected Parliament.
RA 12317 provides that the first regular election for the Bangsamoro Government under the Organic Law shall be held on the second Monday of September 2026.
The regular elections for the Bangsamoro Government will be held on the second Monday of May 2031 and every three years thereafter, to synchronize the BARMM Parliamentary Elections with the national and local elections.
The law provided that the transition period has been extended to allow the interim Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to continue governing unless replaced by the President, elected to a different office, or replaced by elected officials.
The first parliamentary election will employ the automated election system used in the May 2025 national and local elections.
Officials elected in the parliamentary elections will start their term of office at noon on October 30, 2026, and end on June 30, 2031.
Meanwhile, in 2031, the elected officials will assume office at noon on June 30 following their election.
Atty. Naquib Sinarimbo, Bangsamoro Transition Authority floor leader, welcomed the law, reaffirming that the law ensures elections in the BARMM will proceed as planned.
âAng paglagda sa batas na ito ay nagsisiguro na tuloy na tuloy na ang halalan sa BARMM at magbibigay ng kapangyarihan sa mamamayan na pumili ng kanilang mga kinatawan sa Parliament,â Sinarimbo said in a statement
Photo: BARMM PARLIAMENT
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