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Sotto Details ₱77.4-Million Road, Drainage Improvement Project in Pasig

Mayor Vico Sotto highlighted the completion of a ₱77.4-million infrastructure project along Elisco Road and Axis Road, combining four major public works initiatives into a single contract to improve road conditions, drainage, and pedestrian facilities.

According to Sotto, the project includes the reblocking of 910 linear meters of roadway using one-day ready-mix concrete with a compressive strength of 3,500 psi and reinforced with two layers of steel bars.

The project also involved the construction of 476 linear meters of new reinforced concrete box culvert drainage, consisting of 270 linear meters along Elisco Road and 216 linear meters along Axis Road.

In addition, the city upgraded 2,640 linear meters of existing drainage lines and constructed 3,730 linear meters of concrete sidewalks, including the installation of bollards to improve pedestrian safety and walkability.

Sotto said the drainage and sidewalk improvements cover a longer stretch than the road reblocking because the city avoids reconstructing roads that remain in good condition.

“Hindi kasi tayo nagpa-project kapag hindi kailangan; hindi natin babakbakin kapag maayos pa ang daan,” the mayor said.

He also expressed confidence that the road works are of higher quality than those completed about a decade ago, noting that part of the area previously lacked drainage infrastructure.

While describing the sidewalks as a significant improvement for pedestrians, Sotto acknowledged that challenges remain, including the presence of utility poles that affect walkability.

📷: Vico Sotto

Diokno Seeks Review of Firearms Law, Calls for Stronger School Safety Measures

Akbayan Party-list Representative Chel Diokno is calling for a review of the country's firearms law to strengthen accountability for gun owners whose negligence may allow unauthorized individuals, particularly children, to gain access to firearms.

In a statement, Diokno said current firearms legislation does not clearly impose stringent liability on licensed gun owners who fail to properly secure their weapons.

“Sa kasalukuyang firearms law, walang malinaw at mabigat na pananagutan ang mga may-ari na nagpabaya sa pag-secure ng kanilang armas,” he said.

To address the issue, Diokno cited House Resolution No. 1153, which seeks a congressional inquiry into the recent shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City and a review of existing laws and policies related to firearm safety.

According to the lawmaker, the proposed investigation also aims to identify measures to strengthen school safety protocols and anti-bullying mechanisms to help prevent similar incidents in the future.

“We must prevent unauthorized access to firearms, especially by children,” Diokno said.

📷: Chel Diokno

Diokno Files Bill Criminalizing Subornation of Perjury

Akbayan Party-list Representative Chel Diokno has filed a measure seeking to criminalize subornation of perjury, or the act of inducing another person to give false testimony or execute a false affidavit.

Under House Bill No. 9851, individuals who coerce, instruct, persuade, or pay another person to knowingly lie under oath in court or in a legal document would face criminal liability.

The proposed measure also provides that those who orchestrate or direct the commission of perjury would be penalized as if they had personally committed the offense.

In addition, the bill prescribes stiffer penalties when the offender is a public official or government employee. Aside from criminal sanctions, violators may face perpetual disqualification from holding any appointive or elective public office.

“Hindi dapat magamit ang pera, posisyon, o kapangyarihan para ilihis ang hustisya,” Diokno said in explaining the rationale behind the proposal.

According to the lawmaker, the bill aims to strengthen the integrity of judicial proceedings by holding accountable not only those who commit perjury but also those who induce or organize the false testimony.

📷: Chel Diokno

Angat Buhay Celebrates First Graduates of CBSUA-Calabanga Women's Dormitory

Angat Buhay has celebrated the first batch of graduates from its CBSUA-Calabanga Women's Dormitory, marking a milestone for a program aimed at helping financially challenged students complete their college education.

The six graduates recently visited the Office of Mayor Leni Robredo with their families to commemorate their achievement.

According to Angat Buhay, four of the graduates earned Latin honors, while two received service awards. Many of the students came from the coastal municipalities of Siruma, Tinambac, and Minalabac, where the distance to school and the cost of boarding had posed significant barriers to completing higher education.

Robredo, who serves as Angat Buhay's Chairperson Emeritus, recalled that before the dormitory was built, many of the students relied on daily commuting because they could not afford accommodation near the campus.

The Angat Buhay Women's Dormitory provides rent-free housing within the campus, allowing students to focus on their studies without the burden of boarding expenses.

The organization said the initiative aims to give students from underserved communities a safe place to live while pursuing their education, helping improve their chances of graduating.

Angat Buhay also expressed gratitude to its donors, including Cecille Mallari Tan, Peach Buencamino, Cynthia Almario, Ivy Almario, Ronnie Traballo, and Shirley Sanders, as well as supporters of its bayanihan programs, for helping make the dormitory project possible.

📷: Angat Buhay