OpinYon Quezonin

03/04/2025

Scammers in the Philippines are now shifting from text scams to phone calls, and it's getting worse.

According to a report from the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) and anti-scam app Whoscall, scam calls have skyrocketed by 225% this year. 😱

🎯 Scam Trends reported in Whoscall (2025):
Text scams: 648,239 cases (down 43.3% from last year)
Call scams: 351,699 cases (up 225% from last year)

🎯 So Why Are Scammers Calling Instead?
Experts say phone scams are more convincing because:
🔸 The caller sounds professional and trustworthy
🔸 They already know some of your personal info
🔸 They create a sense of urgency to pressure victims

🛑 Red Flags to Watch Out For:
❌ Calls that sound "too good to be true"
❌ Callers asking for too much personal info
❌ Urgent requests that make you feel pressured

🔍 How to Stay Safe?
Download the anti-scam app Whoscall and make use of its "Content Checker" to verify if a phone number, website link, or chat screenshot is linked to a scam.

OpinYonistas, remember: Pause before you answer. Don’t let scammers win.

03/04/2025

𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐒𝐞𝐱𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐞

𝐌𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬

For Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), worrying for their children who are often left in the care of relatives is an added burden.

Especially so, as reports often crop up of cases of physical or sexual abuse allegedly committed by the very persons whom OFWs often entrust their children to while they work abroad.

In San Pablo City, Laguna, for instance, a man was arrested last Monday, March 31, following a complaint of his stepdaughters for sexual assault.

According to a report by the National Bureau of Investigation's Cavite North District Office (NBI-CAVIDO North), the arrest stemmed from complaints made by a non-government organization about the suspect's alleged abuse of three minors, all females.

According to two stepdaughters who are 19 and 14 respectively, the suspect started molesting them in 2023, while they were staying at his house in San Pablo City, while their mother worked abroad as an OFW.

Not even the suspect's biological daughter, who was four years old, was spared from the abuse, the complainants added.

The two stepdaughters were reportedly able to free themselves from the suspect's control and sought assistance from the NBI.

The suspect also allegedly used illegal drugs, according to the complainants.

The suspect is now facing charges of violation of R.A. No. 8353 (Anti-Rape Law), R.A. No. 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act), and R.A. No. 9208 as amended by R.A. 10364 (Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012).

(OpinYon News Team/Photo courtesy of the National Bureau of Investigation)

31/03/2025

House Ways and Means Chair Joey Sarte Salceda (Albay, 2nd district) praised the Toll Regulatory Board's (TRB) announcement that the final engineering design for the first section of the South Luzon Expressway Toll Road 5 (TR5) is set to be approved, signaling the start of construction of the expressway.

Read more
https://opinyon.net/national/slex-tr5-economic-boost-for-quezonins-bicolanos

31/03/2025

28/03/2025

PRRD Quezonin supporters holds b-day motorcade

Quezonin supporters of former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte are scheduled to conduct a motorcade parade on Friday afternoon, March 28, in honor of his 80th birthday and to reiterate their demand for his return home.

Duterte is currently being prosecuted for offenses against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.

Duterte, affectionately known as "Tatay Digong," continues to garner an abundance of devotion.

Numerous volunteers and shop owners have provided free T-shirt manufacturing services to attendees of the event. Numerous supporters of Duterte have utilized their services and brought T-shirts.

The Unity ride will commence at the Quezon National High School Grandstand at 1 p.m. and conclude at the Sports Alcala Complex.

Furthermore, the organizers promoted the wearing of green t-shirts.

The group will not campaign for any politician, and the organizers have clarified that this initiative is not affiliated with anyone.

(Anna Gob/Photos from Lilet)

28/03/2025

4 pulis, sugatan sa engkwentro

Apat na pulis ang napaulat na nasugatan sa isang engkwentro sa Guinayangan, Quezon nitong nakaraang Biyernes, March 28.

Nagpapagaling na sa Quezon Medical Center sa Lucena City ang mga sugatang pulis na kinilalang sina PCMS. Crisologo Castillo, PEMS. Alex Maigue, PSSg. John James Red at PCMS. Domingo Jalmasco Enraca.

Batay sa ulat ngf Guinayangan Municipal Police Station, parte ang nasabing mga pulis ng isang operasyon para magsilbi ng search warrant sa tatlong suspek na kinilalang ina Richard Oderece Rabe, Roy Armillo at Magno Revera na pawang mga wanted sa Bicol region, sa bahagi ng Barangay Manggagawa ng nasabing bayan.

Natunugan umano ng mga suspek na dadakpin na sila kaya't kaagad nilang pinaputukan ng baril ang mga aarestong pulis.

Isang hot pursuit operation na ang isinagawa upang madakip ang mga suspek na tumakas papunta sa bulubunduking bahagi ng Guinayangan matapos ang insidente.

Ayon sa Guinayangan police, nagdagdag na rin ng mga pulis sa nasabing lugar upang maproteksyunan ang mga residente.

(Jane Hernandez)

28/03/2025

Tragedy in Paranaque.

A 14-year-old Grade 8 student from Moonwalk National High School in Parańaque lost her life after being stabbed by a male classmate—all because she refused to lend her makeup kit, reports say. 😢

The victim, who had reportedly received death threats before, suffered four stab wounds and was rushed to a hospital, where she was later declared dead. 💔

According to police, the 14-year-old suspect took a 10-inch kitchen knife from his bag and attacked her. He later told authorities that he had been bullied by classmates, including the victim.

The school has described the incident as an "isolated case". But this heartbreaking incident raises concerns about school safety and bullying.

Here’s a guide to help prevent and handle bullying before it escalates:

1️⃣ Recognize the Signs
🔸 For students: If you feel scared, pressured, or repeatedly harassed by someone, that’s bullying. Speak up.
🔸 For parents & teachers: Look out for changes in behavior—withdrawal, fear of going to school, or unexplained injuries.

2️⃣ Speak Up & Report It
🔸 Tell a trusted teacher, school counselor, or administrator right away. Schools must act fast to protect students.
🔸 Talk to parents or guardians—they can support you and help take action.

3️⃣ Keep Evidence
🔸 If bullying happens online or through messages, take screenshots and save proof.

4️⃣ Schools Must Take Action
🔸 Investigate complaints immediately
🔸 Schools should implement stronger safety measures—bag checks, security personnel, and strict policies against bringing weapons.
🔸 Protect the victim and discipline the bully
🔸 Educate students about the effects of bullying

27/03/2025

Pinay tennis star Alexandra Eala just pulled off a major upset at the Miami Open. The 19-year-old sensation defeated world No. 2 Iga Swiatek in straight sets, 6-2, 7-5, during their quarterfinal match on Thursday morning (Manila time).

This victory adds to Eala’s incredible run in the tournament—she had already taken down big names like former French Open champ Jelena Ostapenko (world No. 25) and reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys (world No. 5). 💪🔥

📌 History in the making:
✅ Eala is now tied for the best finish ever by a wild card at the Miami Open since the event started in 1985.
✅ She’s only the second wild card player to score 3+ wins over Grand Slam champions in a single WTA-level event.

Next stop: Semifinals. Let’s go, Alex!🎾

📽️ Watch her winning moment here. 👇

26/03/2025

Cong. Tan's 'Ulat sa Distrito’ highlights Quezon programs, projects

Quezon 4th District Representative Mike Tan trumpeted his “Ulat ng Distrito” last Saturday, March 22, where he shared legislative accomplishments and local projects for his first term.

"Matapos ang ilang panahon ng ating panunungkulan, paggawa ng mga batas o 'di naman kaya'y constituency concerns o pagpapatupad ng mga programa at proyekto -- nagawa nating panatilihin, ipagpatuloy, at pagbutihin pa ang mga serbisyo para sa ating mamamayan," the representative, who is also House Assistant Majority Leader, said in his speech.

The young congressman presented the 27 Republic Acts he authored along with the 27 new laws he promoted as a co-author.

Chief among these include Republic Act (RA) 11981, or the “Tatak Pinoy” (Proudly Pinoy) Act; RA 11997, or the “Kabalikat sa Pagtuturyo Act”; RA 12022, or the “Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act”; RA 12076, or the “Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act”; RA 12026, which will add four new courts in the town of Calauag, Quezon; and RA 11971, which establishes the College of Medicine at the Southern Luzon State University in Lucban, Quezon, and is now known as the SLSU College of Medicine.

Cong. Mike also happily reported on the long list of his HEALING Plus and Sariling Sikap programs, projects, and services for the 4th District of Quezon.

HEALING Plus is a sustainable, coherent, and comprehensive development agenda that stands for Health, Education, Agriculture, Livelihood, Infrastructure, Nature/Environment/Tourism/Disaster Response, and Good Governance, or HEALING, along with the promotion of Youth Empowerment and Legal Assistance.

The solon added that his office spent almost P19 billion on Healing Plus programs, projects, and services in the district for the maintenance, continuation, and improvement of “Tunay at Serbisyong Natural” for all Quezonin.

(Anna Gob/Photo courtesy of Atorni Mike Tan FB Page)

25/03/2025

25/03/2025

TINGNAN: Cleanup drive sa Alitao River sa Tayabas City

Aabot sa 108 na kawani ng Pamahalaang Lokal ng Lungsod ng Tayabas, Quezon kasama ang miyembro ng Sangguniang Barangay ng Lita, Provincial Environmental Monitoring Unit, Provincial Government ENRO, DENR-Water Quality Management Unit, National Agencies, New Tayabas Oil Mill and WQMA Governing Board ang nakiisa sa isinagawang 1st Quarter River Clean-up kaugnay ng World Water Day kamakailan.

Umabot naman sa 410 kilo ng iba't ibang uri ng basura ang nakuha sa lugar ng Alitao River sakop ng Barangay Lita.

Ang naturang River Clean-up ay inorganisa ng Tayabas City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO).

Patuloy ang panawagan ng pamahalaang lungsod ng Tayabas sa mga mamamayan na makiisa sa pangangalaga ng mga daluyang-tubig upang patuloy itong mapakinabangan at makaiwas sa sakunang maaaring idulot ng pagpapabaya.

(Jane Hernandez)

24/03/2025

Nineteen-year-old Pinay Alex Eala shocked the tennis world by defeating world No. 5 Madison Keys in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2, at the Miami Open.

This win is HISTORIC as Eala is now the first Filipina to ever beat a top-10 player in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings. 👏

After the match, an emotional Eala hugged her team and shared how she hopes this victory will inspire more Filipinos in tennis.

“Growing up, it was tough. You didn’t have someone from where you’re from to pave the way… I hope this takes Filipino tennis to the next level,” she said.

Next up, she faces Spain’s Paula Badosa for a spot in the quarterfinals. 💪🏽

OpinYonistas, send her all your good vibes.

21/03/2025

A Bloomberg investigation found out that a hospital in the Philippines—along with private hospitals in Kenya, Uganda, India, and more — received $100-M from the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC).

This money was originally meant to fight poverty, but instead, it has fueled questionable hospital practices, including:
❌ Detaining patients and even corpses over unpaid bills
❌ Denying emergency care due to financial constraints

Although the report did not specifically mention which private hospital/s in the country is/are involved, the motive behind this is allegedly to make a profit, rather than patient welfare.

One Pinay patient even described the experience as feeling like being inside the Bilibid Prison, waiting for food while drowning in debt. 😢

The IFC admits it did not investigate whether hospitals engaged in patient detention, but has promised to tighten its monitoring processes.

Philippine health officials, meanwhile, deny any illegal patient detention, saying they follow the law.

OpinYonistas, have you or someone you know struggled with skyrocketing hospital bills?

21/03/2025

Bumaba sa 2.6 porsiyento ang inflation rate sa Lucena City noong Pebrero 2025 mula sa 4.4 porsiyento noong Enero.

Read more
https://opinyon.net/national/inflation-rate-sa-quezon-bahagyang-bumaba

21/03/2025

Quezon Governor Angelina “Helen” Tan slammed a Supreme Court (SC) ruling allowing commercial fishing vessels within 15-kilometer municipal waters, citing its detrimental impact on the livelihood of small-scale fishers and the environment.

Read more
https://opinyon.net/national/quezon-gov-joins-call-vs-commercial-fishing

Quezon Governor Angelina “Helen” Tan slammed a Supreme Court (SC) ruling allowing commercial fishing vessels within 15-kilometer municipal waters, citing its detrimental impact on the livelihood of small-scale fishers and the environment.

21/03/2025

The arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte sparked intense debate in the Senate yesterday, with
Presidential sister Senator Imee Marcos grilling government officials
about their roles in handing him over to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

🔸Did the Gov’t Cooperate with ICC?
Justice Secretary Boying Remulla insisted that the government did not coordinate with the ICC.

“We never, up to now, had any communication with the ICC, officially or unofficially." - Remulla

But Senator Marcos challenged this, citing Interpol's Wanted Person Diffusion Notice that suggested prior consultation with the Philippine government before Duterte’s arrest.

"This diffusion is transmitted after prior consultations with the government of the Philippines, who have agreed to comply with this request for arrest." - Imee

Remulla, however, said the wording of the notice was that of "a form letter" and not an explicit reference to the Duterte arrest.

During the hearing, it was revealed that government officials became aware of the arrest warrant only at 3AM on March 11.

🔸VP Sara swipes back
Joining the hearing from The Hague, VP Sara Duterte slammed her father’s arrest as politically motivated, claiming the government is using state resources and the ICC to silence opposition.

“This is not just about one man. I pray we don’t lose the country next." - Sara

An hour later, the VP conducted an online briefing where she urged voters to support her party’s Senate candidates in the upcoming May elections.

She also revealed that their family may apply for financial help from the ICC’s legal aid fund to cover the former president’s legal expenses.

21/03/2025

MAUBAN, Quezon -- Isang makasaysayang hakbang tungo sa mas maunlad na pamumuhay ang isinakatuparan dito sa bayan ng Mauban matapos pormal na ilunsad ang Ninong Vista.

Read more
https://opinyon.net/national/ninong-vista-sa-mauban

MAUBAN, Quezon -- Isang makasaysayang hakbang tungo sa mas maunlad na pamumuhay ang isinakatuparan dito sa bayan ng Mauban matapos pormal na ilunsad ang Ninong Vista.

20/03/2025

The arrest and subsequent detention of former President Rodrigo Duterte is not merely a legal maneuver; it is a calculated political act aimed at reshaping the Philippine political landscape.