Dr. Ma. Odeta Villaruel, STI/HIV/AIDS (sexually-transmitted infections/HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome) coordinator for the city, said the figure is based on hospital and laboratory records.

Of the cases, majority or 771 were males and 39 were females.

Nearly half or 361 belonged the 25-34 age group. The second highest was the 15-24 age group with 267 cases, followed by the 35 to 49 age group (148), 50 and older (32) and below 15 years old (2).

A total of 791 acquired HIV through sexual contact and 19 through unknown modes. Male-to-male sex had the most number at 434, followed males having sex with males, and females (218) male-to-female sex (139).

To prevent the further spread of HIV, Villaruel said they have recommended several measures to Mayor Jerry Treñas.

The measures include the conduct of advocacy and education lectures in barangays and schools, and the intensified HIV testing by deploying mobile voluntary counseling and testing.

They are also pushing for the reopening of the sundown clinic, promotion of pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV, and the establishment a primary HIV care clinic.IMT

The post Iloilo City records over 800 HIV cases; male-to-male sex top cause of spread first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

The return of the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte is “illegal and unconstitutional,” according to Defensor.

“The Senate made a dangerous precedent. This is a clear dereliction of duty and a breach of public trust,” he said .

“To remand the case is not an option under our Constitution. The Senate’s role is to either acquit or convict after trial. This move is a blatant violation of our Constitution and a serious blow to our democracy,” Defensor added.

The Ilonggo lawmaker is one of the members of the House prosecution team.

Of the 23 senator-judges,  majority or 18 voted to return the impeachment complaint to the House to clarify its constitutionality.IMT

The post Defensor slams Senate’s move to return impeachment case vs VP Sara to House first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

The declaration was recommended by PJ Arañador, a consultant for the Iloilo UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy on Culture and Design.

The recommendation stemmed from Castro’s “insulting” review of the food and drinks she ordered at Coffeebreak, Iloilo’s homegrown coffee chain.

According to Arañador, the persona declaration will set a precedent that content creators “have to be sensitive to the livelihood sectors and enterprises whose long years of toil a blogger can only  disregard for his or her own self-promotions,  whimps and caprices.”

“If we can’t declare her persona non grata she can do it again and in other cities,” he said.

Arañador’s proposal was deferred by the City Council on Tuesday, June 10, due to the absence of an endorsement slip.

In her latest YouTube video, Castro explained her remarks, which earned the ire of many Ilonggos.

“Honestly, hindi po talaga ako nasarapan. Opinyon ko naman po yon. Hindi ko sinabing huwag puntahan. Hindi ko sinabing magsara kayo. Hindi ko po minura yung pagkain, yung staff, yung cafe wala akong minura expression ko lang talaga ‘yon,” she said.

“Gets ko po sa mga hindi nakaka-gets ng humor ko. Naiintindihan ko po yung frustations na naramdaman niyo. Tama na po, okay na po. Natuto na po ako,” Castro added.IMT

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Is there no other solution to this pressing environmental crisis?

Perhaps the only way to truly put an end to the pollution caused by one-way plastic bottles is to totally ban their use.

But if we are to eliminate them, what is the best alternative? Is there a new and innovative idea we could come up with?

If we cannot create something new, why not revive an old idea — one that has already been proven effective?

In fact, that is exactly what some foreign countries have done. Instead of continuing to use single-use plastic, they have reintroduced reusable and returnable glass bottles. These bottles are, in a sense, “multi-use” and “multi-way”, making them a far superior alternative to plastic waste.

Technically, these reusable and returnable glass bottles cannot even be called “recyclable” in the traditional sense because there is no need to reprocess them beyond washing and cleaning. In many countries, bottle deposit systems are still in place, allowing consumers to return used bottles for a refund, ensuring that they are properly collected, cleaned, and reused.

I remember a time when the Philippines used this system effectively. I was part of the advertising team for Coca-Cola when it was still owned by San Miguel Corporation. At that time, Coca-Cola was sold in glass bottles, and the system worked perfectly well. There was nothing wrong with it.

Similarly, when I was part of the advertising team for Magnolia Milk, we also used returnable glass bottles, and again, it was an efficient and sustainable system. Back then, Coca-Cola and Magnolia Milk used proprietary glass bottle designs with their logos permanently imprinted on them.

However, the trend in many countries today is different. Instead of each company using its own bottle design, many beverage manufacturers now use standard, generic glass bottles. This means that any manufacturer can use the same bottle simply by changing the paper label, making the system even more efficient.

Of course, some local manufacturers may not welcome this change, as they might feel they are losing their unique branding. However, they must also recognize the environmental crisis we are facing and make some sacrifices for the greater good. Besides, they can still maintain a distinctive brand identity through their labels and marketing strategies.

If such a system were backed by a national law and supported by local ordinances, manufacturers would have no choice but to comply. This shift is not just about corporate responsibility — it is about survival. If we do not take drastic action now, most marine life in our oceans will die, leading to severe consequences for food security and ecological balance.

On the brighter side, transitioning to reusable glass bottles could create new job opportunities. The process of collecting, sorting, and cleaning bottles would provide livelihoods for many unemployed individuals, further benefiting society.

Germany has successfully implemented a bottle reuse system known as the “Mehrwegsystem” (multi-way system). Consumers purchase beverages in glass bottles and pay a small deposit, which they get back upon returning the bottles to retailers. The bottles are then cleaned, refilled, and put back into circulation, significantly reducing waste.

This system has been adopted in other countries, including Denmark, the Netherlands, Mexico, and even parts of Canada and the United States.

If other nations can successfully revive the use of reusable glass bottles, why can’t we?

The Philippines already has a history of using returnable glass bottles, so reintroducing this system should not be difficult. All we need is the political will to implement and enforce it.

Recycling plastic is difficult and inefficient. If we truly care about our environment, we must take bold steps now. The time has come to say no to single-use plastics and return to a tried-and-tested solution: reusable glass bottles. Let us act before it is too late.

The post Let us go back to reusing glass bottles instead of one-way plastic bottles first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

The debt relief was granted under Republic Act No. 11953 or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act. Ceremonies were held across DAR provincial and municipal offices, attended by ARBs, local government officials, and DAR personnel.

Provincial breakdown:

Iloilo: 2,064 certificates
Capiz: 897
Antique: 497
Guimaras: 58
Aklan: 49

DAR Regional Director Leomides Villareal said the condonation erases years of unpaid land amortizations, interest, and penalties—granting farmers full ownership of their awarded lands.

“By freeing more than 3,500 ARBs from land debt, we are putting an end to years of struggle and giving farmers a fresh start filled with hope and opportunity,” said Villareal.

Farmers expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III, and the DAR Western Visayas team, calling the move a turning point toward economic stability and peace of mind.
 
DAR reaffirmed its commitment to building an equitable and empowered agricultural sector where farmers thrive on land they truly own.IMT

The post Land debt relief brings fresh start to 3,500 WV farmers first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

At first glance, this might seem harmless. After all, what is a public plaza without background music to accompany its charm? But upon deeper reflection, this practice raises serious concerns about intellectual property rights, respect for creative labor, and cultural ethics in public governance.

To put it plainly, the use of copyrighted music in public spaces without the proper licenses or permissions is a violation of Philippine copyright law. It infringes on the rights of artists, including composers, performers, and producers, whose work is protected under Republic Act No. 8293, also known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines. Among the rights granted to creators under this law is the exclusive right to public performance. This means that any use of their music in venues like parks, plazas, restaurants, or public events requires explicit permission, often facilitated through licensing organizations such as the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Inc. (FILSCAP).

Sadly, awareness and enforcement of these laws remain inconsistent, especially at the local level. In Iloilo, violations are widespread, and many of our restaurants, businesses, and public venues continue to use copyrighted music freely and illegally. The case of Jaro Plaza is just one visible example of a much larger, systemic disregard for creative rights.

Just a few nights ago, around 6:00 or 7:00 in the evening, while finishing my daily 10,000-step walk, I once again overheard popular OPM (Original Pilipino Music) songs echoing through the plaza. Aside from not personally enjoying the song selection, what truly jarred me was the memory of past discussions I had with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), especially about copyright, ethical consumption, and how we, as a society, can better support the lifeblood of culture: our artists.

It is both ironic and tragic that this infringement is happening in a plaza named after Graciano López Jaena, a national hero and fiery orator known for his sharp critiques of colonial injustice and moral complacency. One can only imagine how he would respond to this quiet but persistent offense against Filipino creatives. Were he alive today, perhaps he would not hesitate to publicly call out, if not confront, the individuals responsible.

This is not a question of personal taste in music. It is a cultural, legal, and ethical issue. The unauthorized public performance of music is not a minor oversight. It is a form of exploitation. It undermines the value of artistic labor and sends a damaging message: that creative work, particularly that of Filipino musicians, is disposable, free for the taking, and undeserving of legal protection.

Are there exceptions to this rule? Yes, but they are narrow. Uses for educational or religious purposes may qualify under “fair use,” but casual broadcasting of copyrighted music in a plaza for general ambiance or entertainment does not fall within these exceptions. Only royalty-free music, music whose copyright has expired, or music properly licensed for public use is legally permissible.

This issue also opens a broader conversation about cultural responsibility and the role of local government units (LGUs) in modeling respect for intellectual property. Iloilo, after all, is not only a city of history but also a city of the arts, vibrant in music, literature, and visual expression. If we are serious about nurturing our local cultural ecosystem, then our city governments, starting with the custodians of spaces like Jaro Plaza, must take the lead in ensuring that public institutions uphold the rights of our artists.

In fact, this presents a unique opportunity. Instead of broadcasting mainstream Tagalog or international English songs, often detached from the cultural identity of Iloilo, why not use public spaces to amplify local voices? Promote and license komposo songs, original Hiligaynon and Kinaray-a music, and other homegrown compositions that reflect our region’s spirit. Pay local artists. Celebrate their work. Make Jaro Plaza a space of cultural pride and artistic respect.

By doing so, we do not just comply with the law. We empower our cultural workers, support the local music industry, and set a meaningful precedent for the rest of the country. This small but concrete shift can have wide-reaching effects. A song properly licensed and played in public is more than sound. It becomes a statement, declaring that Iloilo honors and protects its artists.

If we allow the continued use of unlicensed, copyrighted music in Jaro Plaza, we are not only breaking the law. We are failing our artists, and by extension, failing ourselves. It becomes a subtle form of cultural neglect, a betrayal of the very values Graciano López Jaena stood for: justice, dignity, and national integrity.

So next time I walk or jog around Jaro Plaza, I hope to hear something different. Not the familiar echoes of songs piped in illegally, but the rich, vibrant melodies of Hiligaynon or Kinaray-a music, played legally, respectfully, and with pride. Music that is not just heard, but honored.

Noel Galon de Leon is a writer and educator at University of the Philippines Visayas, where he teaches in both the Division of Professional Education and U.P. High School in Iloilo. He serves as an Executive Council Member of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts-National Committee on Literary Arts.

The post Rethinking Jaro Plaza’s Playlist first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Wesley Angelo Barayuga, head of the Crisis Intervention Section of DSWD-6, said those applying for the aid are no longer required to submit a certificate of indigency.

He stressed that the agency give medical, funeral, transportation educational and food assistance not just to indigents but to people from all walks of life.

Applicants need to bring valid government-issued identification cards and other documents required for specific assistance.

The amounts of assistance beneficiaries can receive, under DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) Program, range from P1,000 to P10,000.IMT

The post Certificate of indigency not needed to avail of DSWD’s financial assistance first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

As a Filipino citizen, not a legal expert, I write not to dissect jurisprudence, but to air questions—many of them—the kind that keep returning like unfinished homework. Why send the articles back when the Constitution clearly says the Senate “shall forthwith proceed” with the trial? What is so unclear about the word “forthwith”? And if the Senate can remand such a case under the pretext of giving the House a second look, what prevents it from doing so repeatedly? Are we now setting a precedent where impeachments can be looped endlessly until they quietly die of exhaustion?

The timing is suspicious. The articles of impeachment were transmitted in February 2024. Nothing happened for months. Suddenly, on the last day of the 19th Congress, a decision to send them back is made. The delay, to a keen observer, feels less like caution and more like choreography. It sends a signal not just to the House, but to the public: that rules can be bent, paused, and even reversed if political winds demand it.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano’s motion to remand, supported by allies of the Vice President, is couched in legal rationalization. Yet, legal scholars from UP College of Law, like Atty. Paolo Tamase and Prof. Dante Gatmaytan, have argued this move disrupts the constitutional balance between the House and the Senate. The Senate’s role, once impeachment articles are received, is not to supervise the House, but to conduct a trial. To send them back is to step outside its lane.

Former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay pointed out that remanding gives the House the chance to kill the case quietly. If the House simply does not return the articles, the Senate can say, “we did not dismiss it—the House did.” This is what Senator Risa Hontiveros called “functional dismissal.” It is political finesse at its most polished. But finesse does not mean fairness.

Some argue that this action respects constitutional due process. Others claim it spares the Senate from having to try a case marred by procedural questions. But the deeper question remains: if the trial were allowed to begin, would the arguments truly hold? And if they would not, then is the delay a tactic to avoid a result that may be politically costly? As Senator Sherwin Gatchalian asked, why not go through the trial and let the process clarify the uncertainties?

The defense that the case is flawed echoes Duterte’s camp’s claim that the House violated procedure by sitting on prior impeachment complaints. But even if that were true, it is not for the Senate to rule on. That job, as constitutional law experts have stated, lies with the Supreme Court. And until the Court decides otherwise, the Senate is bound by the Constitution’s command to proceed.

In this spectacle, logic is twisted. Some pro-Duterte senators are quick to insist on due process, yet rush to dismiss without even a single hearing. Others cry political harassment, while enjoying the comfort of majoritarian support. It is almost as if we are watching a play where the actors have memorized the wrong script but insist the audience is confused.

This brings to mind the concept of reflection that many of us teach in classrooms, in the church, and at home. Reflection, in its deepest sense, is not just about looking back, but about looking within. What motivated this move? Was it fear of public opinion? Was it allegiance to power? Or was it simply an unwillingness to bear the burden of history?

Public opinion is not indifferent. A May 2025 SWS survey found that 88% of Filipinos wanted the Vice President to face her impeachment charges. That is not a number easily brushed aside. It reflects a citizenry that still believes in accountability. And while numbers alone do not constitute justice, they do represent a moral pulse that public servants should not ignore.

This is not an attack on the Senate. Institutions matter. They must be protected, even from the people within them. But protecting the institution of the Senate does not mean shielding it from criticism. It means holding it to its promise. It means demanding that it act with dignity, transparency, and courage. Senators are not stage actors. They are public stewards. Their oaths are not decorative. They are binding.

In schools or at work, when students or employees delay a report, dodge a deadline, or make excuses, we urge them to own up. We call that integrity. We expect the same from those in power. This trial—or rather, the refusal to begin one—has left many of us with a question: If the Constitution no longer holds sway in moments like these, what does?

The Senate still has a chance to redeem itself. Should the House return the articles, the Senate must proceed—without theatrics, without delay. Let the truth speak, whatever it may be. Let justice play out in full view of the nation. Because the real trial is not just of Sara Duterte. It is of the Senate, of our institutions, and of whether we, as a people, still believe that public office is a public trust.

Doc H calls himself a ”student of and for life” and, like many others, wants a life-giving, why-driven world dedicated to social justice and happiness. His views may not reflect those of his employers or associates.

The post Trial by delay?! first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Mayor Jerry Treñas formalized the creation of the task force through Executive Order 047, series of 2025, which was signed on Tuesday and released on Wednesday, June 11.

The order emphasizes the need for proactive public health measures to mitigate mpox transmission and protect the community.

“In consideration of the public health risks associated with the mpox virus, it is incumbent upon the local government unit to implement and enforce proactive measures,” Treñas said in his order.

The task force will be led by the city mayor and vice-chaired by City Health Officer, Dr. Mary Ann Diaz, and Councilor Alan Zaldivar, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s Committee on Health. Heads of relevant city government offices will serve as members.

The group is tasked to oversee the city’s response to mpox, from city-wide coordination to barangay-level implementation; formulate and implement guidelines for containment; mobilize resources, ensure peace and order, and maintain public safety; monitor and assess areas affected by mpox; lead information dissemination; and coordinate with national agencies for a unified response.

As of June 9, the City Health Office reported 12 mpox cases in Iloilo City – six laboratory-confirmed and six pending confirmatory results. Awareness campaigns are ongoing and residents are encouraged to follow health protocols.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern. The virus is primarily transmitted through close physical contact, including sexual contact, or contact with infectious lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets, or contaminated materials.

Health authorities continue to advise the public to wash hands regularly, wear face masks and long sleeves in public, avoid crowded or poorly ventilated areas, and practice safe and responsible sexual health.Perla Lena/PNA

The post Task force formed to coordinate efforts vs mpox first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

At a Palace press briefing, Press Officer Claire Castro said the move follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to protect the safety and welfare of overseas Filipinos.

“Sa ngayon po ang administrasyong Marcos sa pamamagitan po ng DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) at ng Philippine Consulate sa LA, patuloy pong mino-monitor ang mga recent immigration enforcement and protest,” said Castro.

She added that the President has ordered immediate assistance for all Filipinos abroad, especially those affected by crisis situations.

The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles provides help to Filipinos who are victims of crime, arrested, detained, reported missing, or deceased. Amid unrest in downtown LA, Filipinos are urged to stay alert and cautious.

The Consulate remains on standby 24/7 and can be reached at (323) 528-1528 for emergencies and assistance.IMT

The post Gov’t ready to assist Filipinos in LA – Palace first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.