News Briefs: June 12, 2019

Rainy season near, says Pagasa

MANILA, Philippines — Rainy season may be just around the corner to bring relief from the dizzying heat, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

Weather specialist Benison Estareja, said on Tuesday that winds from the southwest-west area of the country and rainfall for at least three consecutive days within a five-day period heralded the rainy season.

“Out of 13 monitoring stations, at least seven should log 25 millimeters of rain,” Estareja said. —Jhesset O. Enano

National ID system up for pilot testing

MANILA, Philippines — The government will conduct a pilot test to register Filipinos under the Philippine Identification System from September to December this year, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said on Tuesday.

Socioeconomic Secretary Ernesto Pernia and national statistician Dennis Mapa gave an update on the implementation of the ID system during a Cabinet meeting Monday night, Panelo said.

The President signed the national ID system into law last year to integrate government IDs. —Julie M. Aurelio

Lawmakers press PCSO on P4.6B in losses

MANILA, Philippines — Officials of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) got a dressing down from the House of Representatives on Tuesday for P4.5 billion in uncollected revenue from Small Town Lottery (STL) operations, and for its “inconsistent” application of rules on erring STL operators.

This reportedly allowed many authorized STL agents to continue operations despite failing to remit their committed revenue to the government.

The problem arose after past PCSO officials reportedly awarded STL franchises to retired military generals “who did not know anything about how the game works,” Minority Leader Danilo Suarez said during the joint hearing of the House committees on public accounts and on games and amusements. —Melvin Gascon

Sandiganbayan acquits ex-Surigao mayor

MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan has acquitted a former mayor and her coaccused of graft in connection with the allegedly irregular purchase of a parcel of land.

Cleared were Rosalinda Penera, former mayor of Sta. Monica, Surigao del Norte; Dianette Evangelista, accountant; Aurea Menil, treasurer; Gilbert Dagcuta, and Lei Amor Laplana, budget officers; and Rodulfo Arlan Sr.

They were accused of conspiring to give unwarranted benefit to Arlan when they purchased a parcel of land to be used for a shelter assistance project. —Patricia Denise M. Chiu