Kanlaon Volcano erupts; alert level 3 up | INQToday

Summary

The transcript covers several significant events in the Philippines from December 9th, 2024. It includes the eruption of Canlon Volcano, raising alert levels, and the ongoing investigation into the misuse of confidential funds by government officials, leading to potential plunder charges. Other notable topics include the enactment of laws promoting mental health in schools, tax refunds for tourists, and the investigation of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, who is implicated in a trafficking case. The issues span natural disasters, corruption, and legislative developments that shape the country’s social and political landscape.

Takeaways

• 🌋 Takeaway 1: Alert level three has been raised over Canlon volcano on Negros Island following an explosive eruption on December 9, 2024.
• 🌋 Takeaway 2: The eruption produced a 3,000-meter-high plume, with pyroclastic density currents descending the slopes of the volcano.
• 🚨 Takeaway 3: Local governments are advised to evacuate residents within a 6 km radius of the volcano summit and be prepared for further evacuations if needed.
• 💰 Takeaway 4: The misuse of confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education is being probed, with possible plunder charges against officials.
• 💼 Takeaway 5: The Office of the Vice President allegedly released millions of pesos in confidential funds to security officers without proper documentation or accountability.
• ⚖️ Takeaway 6: Misuse of confidential funds may involve offenses such as graft, corruption, perjury, and bribery, as raised by various lawmakers.
• 📜 Takeaway 7: Numerous discrepancies were found in the acknowledgment receipts for confidential funds, with multiple individuals signing under the same name across different locations.
• 📝 Takeaway 8: Some individuals listed in the acknowledgment receipts, including Mary Grace Patos and Koko Vamin, had no records in the Philippine Statistics Authority database.
• 🏥 Takeaway 9: President Bongbong Marcos signed the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-being Promotion Act, which mandates mental health programs in schools to promote student well-being.
• 🌾 Takeaway 10: The Agricultural Tarification Act has been amended to extend the competitiveness enhancement fund for six years and increase its budget allocation from 10 billion pesos to 30 billion pesos.

Q & A

What was the impact of the eruption of Canlon Volcano on December 9th, 2023?

The eruption of Canlon Volcano on December 9th produced a 3,000-meter high plume, which drifted west-southwest. Pyroclastic density currents were observed descending the slopes, posing a significant hazard. As a result, alert level 3 was raised, indicating magmatic unrest and the potential for further explosive eruptions.

What measures were taken following the eruption of Canlon Volcano?

Authorities raised the alert level to 3, ordered evacuations within a 6 km radius of the summit, and prepared for possible further evacuations depending on the volcano's activity. Local government units were advised to remain vigilant and ready to act swiftly.

What is the significance of the investigation into the misuse of confidential funds?

The investigation into the misuse of confidential funds focuses on alleged illegal dispersal and mismanagement by officials from the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education under Vice President Sara Duterte. The misuse of public funds could lead to charges of graft, corruption, and even plunder.

How were the confidential funds reportedly mishandled?

The funds were reportedly misused by being dispersed without proper documentation, violating government regulations that mandate clear accountability. Some funds were also allegedly diverted for personal benefit, and there were discrepancies in acknowledgment receipts with invalid signatures and addresses.

What is the status of President Duterte's impeachment complaints?

President Duterte is facing two impeachment complaints filed by civil society groups, primarily concerning the alleged misuse of funds. The House committee hearings have revealed suspicious patterns in the acknowledgment receipts for these funds, suggesting potential misconduct.

What new law did President Marcos sign regarding mental health in schools?

President Marcos signed Republic Act No. 12080, which mandates the establishment of mental health programs in all public and private schools. The law aims to enhance mental health support for students and staff by providing counseling, stress management workshops, and resources to reduce stigma surrounding mental health.

What changes does the amendment to the Agricultural Tarification Act bring?

The amendment to the Agricultural Tarification Act, through Republic Act No. 12078, extends the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund for six years, increasing its annual budget from 10 billion pesos to 30 billion pesos to help improve the competitiveness of the rice industry in the Philippines.

How does Republic Act No. 12079 benefit foreign tourists in the Philippines?

Republic Act No. 12079 allows foreign tourists to claim VAT refunds for purchases exceeding 3,000 pesos from accredited stores in the Philippines. This measure is designed to encourage tourism by providing financial incentives for foreign visitors.

What actions are being taken regarding Harry Roque's legal situation?

Harry Roque, former presidential spokesperson, is under investigation for his involvement in a qualified human trafficking case. The Philippine Embassy in the UAE is waiting for instructions from Manila on whether they can use an arrest order against him to gather more information about his stay in the UAE.

What are the concerns surrounding the acknowledgment receipts for the confidential funds?

During the investigation, it was revealed that many acknowledgment receipts for the confidential funds, specifically from the Department of Education, contained signatures and addresses that were inconsistent or fabricated. Some individuals listed in the receipts had no records with the Philippine Statistics Authority, raising concerns about potential fraud and misappropriation of funds.