Latest news with #DepartmentoftheInteriorandLocalGovernment
GMA Network
2 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
DILG: Baste Duterte is acting Davao City mayor
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) instructed Davao City Vice Mayor Sebastian 'Baste' Duterte to assume the role of acting mayor as his father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, is still detained in the Netherlands. In a statement, the DILG said Baste will take over as mayor in the city due to the 'temporary legal incapacity' of his father, who was proclaimed mayor-elect in absentia. 'You are hereby enjoined to perform the duties and functions of Mayor of Davao City to prevent paralysis of government operations,' Secretary Jonvic Remulla said in a letter to Baste dated June 30. Citing Section 46(a) of the Local Government Code, the DILG said that in cases of temporary incapacity, whether physical or legal, the vice mayor shall automatically perform the duties and exercise the powers of the mayor. Earlier, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) confirmed the proclamation of the former president as mayor of Davao City despite his absence. The DILG, meanwhile, also designated first-ranked Sangguniang Panlungsod Member Rodrigo Duterte II as acting vice mayor, pursuant to Administrative Order No. 15, series of 2018. According to the DILG, its action is both legal and necessary to ensure continuity of leadership in Davao City amid ongoing legal proceedings involving the former president before the International Criminal Court (ICC). Philippine authorities on March 11 assisted Interpol in serving a warrant of arrest from the ICC against Duterte for crimes against humanity in connection with his drug war. After his arrest, Duterte was transported to The Hague in the Netherlands. Duterte, on March 13 (Philippine time), entered the Hague Penitentiary Institution, or the Scheveningen Prison. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
14-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
DILG to buy patrol vehicles for PNP's '5-minute response' policy
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will shoulder the purchase of patrol vehicles to improve police mobility and visibility, as it expressed its full support of the Five-Minute Response Time Strategy. This was announced by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla during the PNP Command Conference held Friday at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center, the PNP said in a statement. Police Regional Offices also presented their operational plans in response to the directive of PNP Chief Police General Nicolas Torre III to execute reforms leading to reshaping frontline policing. Meanwhile, Police Major General Anthony Aberin, National Capital Region Police Office Regional Director, bared a comprehensive plan which includes the full implementation of the 5-minute response strategy, the increase of logistical readiness, regular training for personnel, and the conduct of simulation (SIMEX), communication (COMEX), and capability (CAPEX) exercises. As part of the transition to a fully mobile police force, Aberin also underscored the eight hours duty per shift to ensure constant operational presence, the intensification of Red Team operations, and the deactivation of Police Community Precincts (PCPs), substations, and police boxes. According to the PNP, the 5-Minute Response Time Strategy serves as a major departure from traditional precinct-based policing, making the police presence a more mobile, proactive, and people-centered approach. The program shall also ensure that calls for help are answered swiftly, professionally, and at any hour. 'This transformation goes beyond patrol deployment. It's about rebuilding trust through swift action, professionalism, and accountability—while remaining firmly anchored on the rule of law, human rights, and due process,' Torre said. Torre also called for the agency to enhance its internal communication, particularly among station commanders, underscoring that seamless coordination saves people's lives. The Kalasag 911—the PNP's integrated support system for the national 911 emergency response program — was also highlighted during the event. The state-of-the-art facility integrates real-time data, geolocation tracking, and inter-agency coordination to ensure that the 5-minute response goal becomes a reality across the country. —Jamil Santos/ VAL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
08-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Unified 911 national emergency hotline to be launched in July
The government is set to launch the national emergency hotline in July in line with its efforts to boost security across the country, President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. said over the weekend. According to Marcos, the Unified 911 Emergency System is expected to go live next month, initially in the National Capital Region (NCR), the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the Ilocos Region, and Central Visayas. 'Sinisimulan natin ang pagde-deploy ng mas maraming pulis o 'yung tinatawag nating 'Cops on the Beat',' he said in his vlog uploaded on Sunday. 'Ginagawa na rin itong emergency hotline natin at sigurado ako in just a few weeks, baka sa Hulyo pwede na, ay ma-launch na namin ito,' he added. (We have started deploying more cops under what we call 'Cops on the Beat.' We are also doing the emergency hotline which I am sure in just a few weeks, maybe in July, we could already launch this.) The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), in a separate statement, said the emergency hotline uses 'cutting-edge technology' to ensure quick response from frontline units such as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) while screening nuisance calls. Newly installed PNP chief Nicolas Torre III last week said the police force is coordinating with local government units (LGUs) to implement its 'five-minute emergency response' policy goal. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
30-05-2025
- GMA Network
Detained Russian vlogger asks DILG chief Remulla to drop charges
Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, currently detained for harassing Filipinos in public for content, has asked Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla to drop the charges against him, citing mental health concerns. According to Jun Veneracion's report in '24 Oras' on Friday, Remulla said he received a letter from the Russian detainee. 'Sumulat sa akin na he is suffering from mental health issues daw,' Remulla said. 'Kung puwede i-drop na 'yung mga kaso, humihingi siya ng patawad.' (He wrote to me that he is allegedly suffering from mental health issues…asking if the charges filed against him could be dropped, and he also asked for forgiveness.) But Remulla maintained that Zdorovetskiy's actions should never go unpunished. He further stated that charges of unjust vexation against Zdorovetskiy for harassing three security guards will be filed in court next week. Earlier, the Taguig Prosecutor's Office had dismissed the theft charges but found 'sufficient evidence on record to establish a reasonable certainty of conviction for the crime of unjust vexation.' Remulla also said that Zdorovetskiy's legal team attempted to reach a settlement with the security guards. 'Mabuti na lang, 'yung mga security guards ay matibay ang loob. Hindi bumigay at itutuloy natin ang kaso,' he said. (Good thing our security guards stood firm. They did not fall for it and will continue with the case.) GMA Integrated News is trying to reach out to the legal team of the Russian vlogger. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/VBL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
17-05-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
DILG tells LGUs to adopt cashless transactions for government payments
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Saturday asked local government units to use the electronic payment and collection systems (EPCS) as an alternative to cash transactions. The department said this is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s push for digital transformation in government. The DILG, in a memorandum circular, said LGUs may implement EPCS in collecting local taxes, fees, and other charges, in accordance with Executive Order No. 170, s. 2022 regarding the use of digital payments for government transactions. Digital payments improve transparency, efficiency, and public convenience, the DILG said in a press release. "LGUs are encouraged to offer secure, accessible digital options, ensure payment channels are user-friendly, and partner with authorized providers, including government servicing banks," it added. The DILG said efforts must be made to align with the National Retail Payment System Framework and the Data Privacy Act. The department also tasked LGUs to set clear procedures for the issuance of electronic invoices and billing notices in accordance with guidelines from the Commission on Audit and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. The DILG however clarified that LGUs must still accept cash and other traditional modes of payment in addition to electronic payments. It also encouraged LGUs to pass ordinances and local policies to support the full implementation of the acceptance of electronic payments. —KG, GMA Integrated News
