Rappler's latest stories on government
How to fight the pandemic: Women mayors don’t sugarcoat how deadly the virus is
In the face of an unseen enemy, communication down to the grassroots is key, according to the mayors of Odiongan, Romblon; Tabaco, Albay; Barugo, Leyte; Oras, Eastern Samar
Pasig City offers loans to help unemployed residents
Residents seeking jobs or planning to start small businesses may avail of loans from the city government at no interest if they pay within two years, says Mayor Vico Sotto
In Pasig, fighting corruption yields COVID-19 cash aid for the people
Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto began his term by cleaning up the local government’s procurement process and auditing its assets. When the coronavirus pandemic hit, the city had money to help every household, and then some.
‘Common sense’ and speed shield Marikina City from the coronavirus
Marikina, a city of 450,000 residents, has one of the fastest reduction rates in cases. Mayor Marcy Teodoro says the city government simply did what public health experts advised: test, contain, and treat with speed.
Mandaue City COVID-19 frontliners to get P200 daily hazard pay
Mandaue City has 717 active coronavirus cases, 319 recoveries, and 25 deaths
[OPINION] The myth of the 'pa-seminar' in the Philippines
'Seminars are great morale boosters but fail to create lasting change. Participants are likely to remember how lackluster the speaker was, how many punchlines he delivered, or how picturesque the venue was, but not the goals of the program.'
DILG on one-week lockdown after exec gets coronavirus
DILG employees work from home until July 12
DILG issues guidelines on handling children who violate quarantine rules
Authorities are ordered to avoid unnecessary force towards children who violate quarantine rules and ensure their immediate return to their parents or guardians
Virus hands Japan pension fund worst loss since 2008 crisis
Japan's Government Pension Investment Fund records losses amounting to 8.28 trillion yen ($77 billion) for the fiscal year that ended in March 2020
[OPINION] Harry’s rapture and the pandemic in our political leadership
'Here, dear Brutus, is where the fault lies – the quality of politicians we elect to office'
[OPINION] Biting the hand that feeds you: Thoughts of a gov't worker under Duterte
'Duterte is the Lord Voldemort (he-who-must-not-be-named) of our institution. Nobody dares to discuss him, unless it is about something positive.'
How Iloilo City became ‘Wakanda’ of the Philippines
Iloilo City’s successful coronavirus response was not devised in a day. Neither can it be credited to only one person.
People vs Pandemic: How these mayors’ priorities protected their communities
Rappler features local governments that have been ahead in responding to the coronavirus pandemic
Legazpi City prepares a table for the quarantined
‘The local government should be felt. ’Pag nag-lockdown ka, ’tapos pinabayaan mo ang mga tao, ’wag ka na,’ says Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal
In the fight vs COVID-19, these women mayors didn't take chances
Mayors Trina Firmalo-Fabic of Odiongan, Romblon, and Krisel Lagman-Luistro of Tabaco, Albay, consult their constituents and get creative in their response to the health crisis
U.S. sent coronavirus stimulus checks to 1 million dead people
The Government Accountability Office says economic impact payments totaling $1.4 billion were sent to dead people in the United States
Mass shortage: Philippines still lacks 83,000 contact tracers
The Philippines currently has around 52,000 contact tracers in its fight against the coronavirus. Ideally, it should have 135,000.
[OPINION] The perils of government procurement in the pandemic
'Without having to go through the process of competitive public bidding, the dangers of corruption, overpricing, and counterfeit goods will just be a door knock away'
Año hands Malacañang list of LGU chiefs supporting anti-terror bill
Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque says the document shows there is an 'overwhelming majority' of local government chiefs who support the controversial measure
[OPINION] Citizen-blaming: The discipline rhetoric is a trick
'How the Duterte regime has managed to sell this deceitful rhetoric of discipline – this belief that our plight as Filipinos is primarily caused by our disobedience to authority – is worth mulling over'
Japan's debt mountain: How is it sustainable?
Japan's debt stands at 1,328,000,000,000,000 yen or around $12.2 trillion as of end-2019
FALSE: DSWD 'gives P5,500 to every Facebook user'
Cash aid for every Facebook user? No such thing, says the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
DILG to require bike lanes, warns of charges if not followed
(UPDATED) The DILG is set to require local government units to prioritize cyclists and pedestrians as the fight against the coronavirus impedes the availability of public transportation options
NBI arrests ex-PCGG chief Camilo Sabio
Former Presidential Commission on Good Government chairman Camilo Sabio will be brought to the Sandiganbayan on Monday, June 8
[EXPLAINER] Can government employees post criticism of the anti-terror bill?
Even those working in the private sector cannot be terminated, disciplined, or punished for posting something on Facebook or Twitter or showing up at rallies
Why installing tracking devices on commercial fishing boats is a big help for LGUs
With some commercial fishing boats taking advantage of the coronavirus as a diversion from policing, making tracking devices on fishing vessels mandatory should help police municipal waters better
Año says families of some erring barangay officials got cash aid
DILG files criminal complaints to some 155 barangay officials over alleged cash aid distribution irregularities
Libya unity gov't claims full control of Tripoli, suburbs
The announcement comes after GNA forces retook the capital's civilian airport on Wednesday, June 3, more than a year after losing it in Khalifa Haftar's initial drive on the capital
No need for quarantine pass under GCQ, except in critical areas, buffer zones – DILG
Passes are still needed when traveling between provinces and regions
Minding the gaps: Why coronavirus counts by DOH, LGUs differ
Experts urge better coordination among reporting agencies at the national and local levels as accurate data builds public trust and aids in decision-making
Oxfam to shut offices, axe staff in coronavirus fallout
The belt-tightening comes on the back of already reduced donations following revelations of sexual abuse by some staff in Haiti in 2010
House panel chair to DILG: 'Cha-Cha can wait'
Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Representative Rufus Rodriguez says lawmakers would rather focus on measures 'that will save lives and the livelihood of our people' during the pandemic
19 more barangay officials face criminal cases over cash aid distribution
'Nalalapit na ang paghuhukom para sa mga tiwaling opisyales ng mga barangay,' says Interior Secretary Eduardo Año
[ANALYSIS] The right to call the government crazy
Voicing your exasperation over the government and its officials – even in impolite language – is constitutionally protected
Libya unity gov't seizes airbase in new blow for rival Haftar
The reported capture of Al-Watiya comes after a weeks-long siege by pro-Government of National Accord forces of the base, where Khalifa Haftar had stationed aircraft for bombing runs against his rivals
Duterte federalism campaign goes online during pandemic
The Duterte government gives a quota of at least 100,000 signatures per region
23 barangay officials face criminal charges over cash aid distribution
Barangay officials are accused of falsifying the list of beneficiaries and getting a cut or 'tara' from the emergency subsidy program
How local governments observed physical distancing in evacuation centers
To help LGUs prepare better as the country gears up for the typhoon season during a pandemic, MovePH collates a number of response practices observed when Ambo hit the country
Israel delays swearing in of unity government
Benjamin Netanyahu asks his ally-turned-rival Benny Gantz to postpone the swearing in until Sunday, May 17, so he can finalize cabinet assignments among members of his right-wing Likud party
43 mayors face show cause orders over cash aid distribution
The DILG says 4 of the mayors are in Metro Manila
Pompeo in Israel for West Bank annexation talks amid new bloodshed
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also voice fresh condemnation of their common foe Iran, accusing the country of promoting terrorism during the coronavirus pandemic
Israel gov't swearing-in delayed a day by Pompeo visit
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will meet both Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz for talks on 'regional security issues related to Iran's malign influence'
Israel lawmakers back Netanyahu-Gantz government
The two men have said they will swear in their new administration on May 13, with Benjamin Netanyahu remaining leader for 18 months, before handing over to Benny Gantz
ABS-CBN shutdown a 'betrayal of 11,000 workers,' labor groups say
'To shut down a major media outfit and render the more than 11,000 workers jobless at a time when the country is reeling from a pandemic is the height of callousness!' says labor group Sentro
Israel court hears challenges to coalition deal
A ruling against the pact could leave the country facing a fourth poll
Año: Jinggoy Estrada violated lockdown rules
While former senator Jinggoy Estrada wanted to help, relief operations should be done according to the law, says Interior Secretary Eduardo Año
Año: LGUs may declare ECQs in towns, barangays with reg'l task force approval
Without RIATF concurrence, the LGU declaration is invalid. 'National IATF may supercede anytime should circumstances call for it,' Año says
Gov't task force rejects ECQ requests of several provinces
DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya says regional task forces may instead extend the enhanced community quarantine in smaller areas such as towns and barangays
DILG, DSWD extending deadline for LGUs to complete April cash aid
DILG chief Eduardo Año says they understand that it is difficult to distribute cash aid while observing physical distancing in areas that are densely populated, like in Metro Manila
Libya's Haftar claims mandate to rule as rivals denounce 'coup' attempt
Accused by critics of wanting to install a new military dictatorship, Khalifa Haftar announces his self-styled 'army' is 'proud to be mandated with the historic task' of leading Libya
