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Osun poll: Ogunbiyi cautions against violence

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Osun West Senatorial District, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, has cautioned against violence before, during, and after the August 15 governorship election.

Ogunbiyi assured residents that the election would be free, fair, and credible.

He gave the assurance during the inauguration of a 100-member Election Monitoring and Mobilization Committee at his hometown in Ile-Ogbo. He emphasized the importance of the committee in ensuring that the electoral process remains transparent.

Addressing the gathering, Ogunbiyi said:

‘In Nigeria generally, when election results are declared, you will find that people resort to litigation. There is usually a need for clear documentary evidence when you have to go to court.’

He revealed that the committee members-who are all well-educated and understand the dynamics of electioneering-were drawn from all local governments in the district, with 10 representatives from each.

He added that the committee would supervise election processes starting from the distribution of materials at the local government level down to polling units. Additionally, they will establish a situation room for the West Senatorial District managed by party leaders, promptly report any issues that could disrupt the election, and document the entire electoral process from local government secretariats to polling units and collation centers.

Also speaking at the event, Hon. Akintola Omolaoye, the Chairman of Osun West Senatorial District, expressed confidence in the committee’s ability to secure victory for the APC, noting that the district’s mobilization efforts had already achieved 80 percent success.

‘We believe that by the time we mobilize and work conscientiously towards winning this forthcoming election, other elections are already 80 percent won. We don’t want to leave any stone unturned, and that is why we set up this committee today,’ Omolaoye said.

He further advised committee members to maintain peace during the electoral process, protect party members from intimidation, and ensure that victory is secured through grassroots voting while refraining from any form of violence.

PNP tracing crime links of guns sold by 2 Caloocan cops

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is tracing the origin of the firearms allegedly sold illegally by two Caloocan City police officers to determine whether they are linked to a larger criminal network.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered a ballistics examination of firearms seized from the suspects – identified as a 32-year-old staff sergeant and a 39-year-old master sergeant – to determine whether the weapons had been used in previous shootings, according to a press release issued Friday.

The probe comes as investigators look into the motive behind the alleged illegal gun trade, with Nartatez citing separate reports of violent crimes in different areas.

The PNP chief also ordered background checks on the suspects to determine whether they had accomplices within the police force.

‘There is no place in the PNP for personnel who abuse their authority or violate the law. If you choose to engage in criminal acts, you will be investigated, arrested and prosecuted,’ Nartatez said.

The investigation is part of the government’s efforts to ‘strengthen internal discipline in the police organization, dismantle criminal groups and ensure that erring personnel are held fully accountable under the law,’ according to the press release.

The suspects, who were arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay 5 on Thursday, face criminal charges for violating Republic Act No. 10591, or the Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, in addition to administrative complaints.

How Olamide Michael Falolu Is Building Community Through Performance Arts

In an era where the creative industry continues to redefine culture and strengthen communities, few performance artists have demonstrated the consistency, influence, and cultural relevance of Olamide Michael Falolu, popularly known as Faloh JAGABAN. Since beginning his creative journey in 2020, the diaspora storyteller has evolved into a respected performance artist whose work extends beyond entertainment to fostering connection, cultural identity, and social engagement, particularly among diaspora communities.

Driven by an unwavering passion for acting and comedy, Faloh JAGABAN entered the creative space with a vision that was both artistic and purposeful. While many entertainers focus solely on performance, he has intentionally built a platform that celebrates shared experiences, promotes cultural expression, and brings people together through relatable storytelling and humour.

His performances have earned recognition for their authenticity, emotional depth, and ability to resonate with audiences from diverse backgrounds. As a cultural commentator, he blends comedy with everyday realities, creating performances that spark conversations while preserving cultural identity. This distinctive approach has cultivated a creative voice that appeals to audiences seeking both entertainment and meaningful connection.

Beyond the stage and screen, Faloh has emerged as a respected community builder. His work reflects a commitment to strengthening relationships within the African diaspora, using performance as a bridge between cultures, generations, and communities. Through engaging content and public appearances, he has helped create spaces where people can celebrate their heritage while embracing contemporary creative expression.

Industry observers note that this blend of artistic excellence and community impact distinguishes Faloh from many of his contemporaries. His growing influence demonstrates how performance art can become a powerful tool for social cohesion, cultural preservation, and positive representation.

His contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 2025, Faloh JAGABAN was named UK Creator Award Winner after receiving the Creator Award of the Year at the LEMFI Awards, recognising his creativity, consistency, and impact within the digital and entertainment ecosystem. Building on that achievement, he was honoured with the Media and Community Platform Award of the Year at the 2026 LWB Awards, further affirming his growing role as a creative leader whose work extends beyond entertainment into community development.

These recognitions underscore a career marked by innovation, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. They also reflect the increasing appreciation for creatives who leverage their platforms to inspire, unite, and create lasting value for society.

As the creative economy continues to expand globally, Faloh JAGABAN represents a new generation of African performance artists redefining what success looks like. His journey illustrates that influence is measured not only by audience size but also by the ability to create meaningful impact through authentic storytelling and cultural engagement.

With a steadily growing reputation, multiple industry accolades, and a mission rooted in bringing people together, Olamide Michael Falolu is establishing himself as one of the notable voices in contemporary performance art. As a diaspora storyteller, cultural commentator, community builder, and UK Creator Award winner, his trajectory suggests that his greatest contributions to the arts and creative industry are still ahead, positioning him as an influential figure whose work continues to shape conversations around culture, community, and creative excellence.

Ex-N/Assembly commission chair Adamu Fika dies at 84

A former Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) Dr. Adamu Mohammed Fika, is dead.

He was 84.

Fika, who held the traditional title of Zarma Kura of Fika, died at a hospital in Abuja, according to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media to the Emir of Fika, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar (Chokalin Fika).

The statement said funeral prayers for the deceased would be held on Friday, August 7, at the National Mosque, Abuja.

The late Fika was the pioneer Director-General and Clerk Designate to the National Assembly, where he played a key role in laying the administrative foundation of Nigeria’s legislature at the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1999.

He later served as Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), where he contributed to strengthening the administration and management of the National Assembly.

Until his death, he was the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Council of Retired Clerks and Secretaries of the National Assembly.

Born in Fika, present-day Yobe State, in 1942, Dr Fika attended Primary School in Fika before proceeding to Provincial Senior Primary School.

He later studied at Barewa College, Zaria, and Government College, Keffi, where he obtained his Higher School Certificate.

He earned a Bachelor’s degree in History from Makerere University Uganda in 1966 before pursuing postgraduate studies in History at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, where he obtained his doctorate.

He began his career as a lecturer in History at the Abdullahi Bayero College, then a campus of the Ahmadu Bello University, before joining the Civil Service in the former North-Eastern State in 1974.

During his public service career, he served in several strategic positions, including Permanent Secretary in different ministries in the former Borno State, where he was involved in public administration and policy implementation.

Dr Fika also served at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State, where he contributed to leadership development and public policy research.

Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s foremost legislative administrators, he was respected for his contributions to institution-building, public sector reforms and legislative administration.

Beyond public service, he was a prominent traditional title holder in the Fika Emirate, serving as the Zarma Kura of Fika, and remained an influential voice on governance and national development.

His death has been described by associates as a huge loss to the Fika Emirate, Yobe State and the country.

Mourning his death, the Emir of Fika and Chairman of the Yobe State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Dr Muhammad Ibn Abali Muhammadu Idrisa, described Fika’s passing as a great loss to Yobe State and Nigeria.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Mohammed Abubakar (Chokalin Fika), the emir described the late Fika as a complete gentleman, humble and approachable, who related freely with people from all walks of life.

He said the deceased’s passing had created a huge vacuum in the Fika Emirate and Yobe State, noting that his contributions to public service and national development would be greatly missed.

The emir prayed for Allah to forgive the late elder statesman, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and reward him abundantly for his good deeds.

2026/27 season: NPFL to conduct fixture draw today at Ibadan AGM

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) will conduct the official fixture draw for the 2026/27 season during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) taking place in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday, August 7.

The AGM serves as the league’s primary decision-making assembly, bringing together the NPFL board and club leadership to review the concluded campaign and ratify operational policies for the incoming season. The event is scheduled to hold at the Professor Theophilus Ogunlesi Events Hall, located opposite the University College Hospital in Ibadan.

NPFL Chairman Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye highlighted the board’s achievements over the past four seasons, pointing to the establishment of a consistent August-to-May league calendar as a major milestone for Nigerian domestic football. He noted that maintaining a stable schedule has eliminated the historical uncertainty surrounding season completion dates.

Elegbeleye also referenced ongoing efforts to expand television access across the country, stating that while the league has made significant strides toward securing regular live broadcast coverage, further work remains to be done.

Key reports are slated for presentation during the business session. Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi will present the technical and operational report, while GTI Asset Management is scheduled to deliver the financial report to stakeholders.

The fixture draw will take place immediately following the business proceedings, officially setting the match schedule for the upcoming 2026/27 campaign.

Osun account freeze: Accord Party asks EFCC chair to resign

The Accord Party has called for the immediate resignation of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the freezing of the Osun State Government’s bank account, saying the action undermined democracy and brought the anti-graft agency into disrepute.

The party said if the EFCC chairman failed to resign, President Bola Tinubu should remove him from office to restore public confidence in the commission.

Addressing a world press conference in Abuja on Friday, the party’s National Chairman, Chief Maxwell Mgbudem, commended President Tinubu for directing the anti-graft agency to immediately unfreeze the state’s account.

He alleged that the EFCC acted outside its constitutional powers by freezing the account ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.

‘The EFCC chairman should toe the path of honour and tender his resignation. If he fails to resign, President Tinubu should sack him immediately to restore the integrity of the anti-graft agency,’ Mgbudem said.

The EFCC had on Wednesday directed banks to freeze the Osun State Government’s accounts over an ongoing investigation, a move that sparked widespread criticism from the state government and opposition parties, who described it as politically motivated and capable of crippling governance just days before the governorship election.

The Osun State Government condemned the action, insisting it was unlawful and aimed at destabilising Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration.

It subsequently appealed to President Tinubu to intervene.

The Presidency later announced that Tinubu had ordered the immediate reversal of the directive, describing the development as embarrassing and stressing that the state’s accounts should be unfrozen to ensure uninterrupted governance.

Reacting to the President’s intervention, the Accord Party said Tinubu’s decision helped prevent a constitutional crisis and urged security agencies, anti-graft bodies and other democratic institutions to remain neutral during the election.

The party also alleged harassment, intimidation and arrest of its members in Osun State and appealed to the President and the Inspector-General of Police to secure the release of about 60 of its supporters reportedly detained in Abuja, Osun and Nasarawa states.

Accord further urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure a free, fair and peaceful governorship election on August 15.

Fed Govt to fix 82km Osogbo/Iwo/Ibadan, 88km Osogbo/Gbongan roads

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday launched the concrete building of 82-kilometre Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan Road and reconstruction of 88-kilometre Osogbo-Gbongan Road.

He described the projects as strategic investments aimed at improving connectivity, boosting economic activities and restoring confidence in public infrastructure.

The President, represented by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, performed the ceremony at Aje International Market, Osogbo.

He said the projects were part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration.

Tinubu said the commencement of the projects signified more than the start of road construction, stressing that it represented a renewed commitment by the Federal Government to connect communities, unlock economic opportunities and improve the quality of life of Nigerians.

‘Today, we are not just turning soil, we are turning a page. Flagging off these road projects marks a clear commitment to connect our people, unlock opportunities and restore confidence in public infrastructure,’ he said.

According to him, the roads are critical components of the Federal Government’s infrastructure development programme designed to enhance connectivity, improve road safety and stimulate socio-economic activities across Osun and Oyo states.

He noted that the roads would enable farmers to transport produce faster, improve access to schools and facilitate movement of people and goods along the corridor.

President Tinubu said the 82-kilometre Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan Road, which begins at the Dele Yes Sir Roundabout in Osogbo and passes through Ara, Awo, Ede, Telemu, Iwo, Laagun before terminating in Ibadan, has deteriorated over the years.

He said the project, awarded to Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited at a cost of N114.85 billion, would be executed using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology and completed within 24 months.

Tinubu also announced that the reconstruction of the 44-kilometre dual carriageway between Osogbo and Gbongan, covering a total of 88 kilometres, had been awarded to Trucrete Solutions Limited for N101.81 billion with a completion period of 24 months.

He said the project would involve upgrading the failed single carriageway sections to dual carriageways on rigid concrete pavement, reconstructing already dualised but deteriorated sections, and providing modern road infrastructure.

According to him, the projects will have drainage systems, reinforced concrete pavement, solar-powered street lights, CCTV surveillance cameras, tree planting, lay-bys and other safety features.

Tinubu said the projects were approved by the Federal Executive Council to ease the burden on motorists and improve the economic fortunes of communities along the corridors.

He directed the contractors to mobilise fully to their project sites, warning that delays would not be tolerated.

The President said his administration was simultaneously executing major highway projects across the country, including the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa Road, the Ilesa-Akure-Owo-Benin Road, sections of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway and the Trans-Sahara Trade Route.

He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would enforce quality standards, transparency and value for money in the execution of all infrastructure projects.

‘Every naira must count, every milestone must be met and every community must feel the benefit,’ he said.

Tinubu urged the contractors to see themselves as development partners by delivering quality jobs on schedule and engaging youths in their operations to build local capacity.

He expressed confidence that the projects would be completed successfully and contribute significantly to the nation’s economic transformation.

Earlier, the Minister of Works, Prof David Umahi, in his address, said the Federal Government was making significant progress on road infrastructure projects across the country, citing ongoing rehabilitation of the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa Highway by CBC Global and the dualisation of the Ilesa-Akure-Owo-Benin Road by Hitech Construction Company.

He noted that both projects were being executed with rigid concrete pavement technology and had reached various stages of completion, reflecting the administration’s commitment to delivering durable road infrastructure.

Umahi also highlighted steady progress on other flagship highway projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, where the Lagos section has been substantially completed, while work on the Ogun, Akwa Ibom and Cross River sections is advancing at different levels.

He said construction on the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway was progressing across several sections, with additional segments being accelerated, while work had also commenced on the Trans-Sahara Trade Route linking Calabar to Abuja through Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa states, with engineering designs underway for other portions.

The minister assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would maintain strict standards of quality, transparency and accountability in the execution of all road projects, stressing that contractors must deliver value for money and complete projects within schedule.

He urged contractors, engineers and government partners at all levels to work collaboratively and involve young Nigerians in project execution, expressing confidence that the ongoing investments would strengthen public trust, improve connectivity and stimulate economic growth across the country.

7 things to avoid during UK application process

Applying for a UK visa can seem overwhelming, but the online application system is designed to guide applicants through each stage of the process. Whether you are travelling to the UK for work, study, or a short visit, it is important to get every detail right.

The UK visa process is highly regulated, and even minor mistakes can delay the processing of your application or lead to a refusal. Errors such as submitting incomplete documents, paying the wrong application fee, failing to provide certified translations, or overlooking important emails from the immigration authorities can all affect the outcome of your application.

To improve your chances of a successful application, here are seven mistakes to avoid during the UK visa application process.

Avoid using uncertified or informal translations

A very common mistake is sending in documents that are not in English or Welsh without a proper translation. You cannot translate these yourself, and using online tools like Google Translate is not allowed. Documents like birth certificates or bank letters must be handled by a professional.

The Home Office requires that any translation is done by a verifiable professional translator and includes a Certificate of Translation.

Essentially, a simple text file or a machine translation is not enough. You must provide the original foreign language document along with a version signed by an accredited translator that includes their credentials and contact information.

Mandatory requirements for compliant translations includes:

A formal declaration from the translator confirming that the text is an accurate and complete translation of the original source document.

The translator or translation company’s full name, registration number, and contact details.

The official date of the translation.

The translator’s physical signature or authenticated digital stamp.

If you upload a translation that isn’t certified, the caseworker will ignore the document, which could mean your visa gets rejected because you didn’t prove your finances or relationships properly.

Avoid rushing Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) payment

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a mandatory payment for most UK visa applicants, and even small errors during payment can affect your application.

One of the most common mistakes is entering incorrect visa start or end dates, which can result in paying less or more than the required amount.

To avoid this, ensure the dates you provide match those on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) or Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

Applicants should also monitor their email after submitting the application. If the Home Office determines that you have underpaid the IHS, it will usually send a request asking you to pay the outstanding balance within a specified period.

Failing to respond before the deadline could lead to your visa application being cancelled.

Don’t book biometrics until you’ve checked your documents

After paying your visa fees, you will be asked to book an appointment to submit your biometrics and upload your supporting documents. While it may be tempting to choose the first available appointment, it is advisable to review all your documents carefully before confirming your booking.

Make sure every file you upload is clear, complete and easy to read. Financial documents, such as bank statements, should be submitted as high-resolution, full-page PDF files that clearly display the bank’s logo, account details and page numbers.

Giving your files descriptive names, such as BankStatement_28Days.pdf or EmploymentLetter.pdf, can also make it easier for the caseworker to identify and assess your documents.

Before uploading, ensure your files are not password-protected and comply with the required file size limits. Once you attend your biometrics appointment, the document upload portal is locked, meaning you will no longer be able to add, replace or edit your documents unless the Home Office specifically requests additional information.

Don’t ignore the financial timing rules

Providing proof that you have enough money to support your stay is one of the most important parts of a UK visa application.

However, having the required funds is not enough on its own. Many applications are refused because applicants fail to meet the Home Office’s financial evidence requirements.

Your bank account must show that the required funds have been maintained continuously for at least 28 consecutive days. During this period, the balance must not fall below the minimum amount required, even for a single day.

It is equally important to ensure that your bank statement is up to date. The closing date on the statement must be no more than 31 days before you submit your online visa application. If the statement is older than the permitted period, the Home Office may reject it, which could result in your visa application being refused despite having sufficient funds.

Don’t forget to check your email every day

Once your biometrics are done, the Home Office starts looking at your case. They might email you to ask for more information or a quick interview. It is vital that you check the email you used for your application every single day.

A critical operational error is failing to monitor the email address registered on your application form daily.

Official emails often come from addresses ending in @homeoffice.gov.uk. These can sometimes go straight to your spam or junk folder, so make sure to check there too.

You usually only have about a week or two to reply. If you miss the email because it was in your spam folder, they will make a decision based on what they already have, which often leads to a refusal.

Don’t travel abroad while your visa is being processed

Usually, you have to leave your passport at the application centre. Even if you pay for the ‘Keep My Passport’ service, you should avoid international travel while you wait for a decision.

Traveling to other countries or trying to enter the UK as a tourist while your long-term visa is pending can cause serious confusion and might even get your application cancelled automatically.

Once your visa is approved, you’ll have a short window (often 21 days) to hand in your passport for the visa sticker. If you’re stuck in another country, you might miss this deadline.

When UKVI approves your visa, you will receive an email instructing you to submit your physical passport to the VAC within a short window (typically 21 days) to stamp the entry vignette. Being stuck abroad without access to the submission centre can lead to missed deadlines and logistical delays.

Don’t hide your past immigration or legal history

Be honest when completing your UK visa application. The Home Office may verify your immigration and legal records, including information shared by other countries.

Declare any previous visa refusals, instances of overstaying a visa, or relevant criminal convictions and cautions. Failing to disclose this information may be treated as deception, leading to a visa refusal and, in some cases, a long-term ban from entering the UK.

What’s next after swiping right? Green and red flags of online dating

Online dating has broken barriers and is the new norm for forming relationships, be it romantic or purely social.

From pioneers like Tinder, Bumble and Grindr to social apps that have dating features, such as Facebook and Viber, the possibilities of meeting new people have never been wider.

As exciting as it may appear, online dating can still get overwhelming given the number of profiles to sift through.

Keeping an eye out for green flags or positive traits will help the search for a potential significant other feel easier and safer, even from a virtual standpoint.

Green flags

The first telling sign a person is real is when their profile is verified and has several photos – and not just pictures, but recent and filter-free images that really show the kind of person they are.

Having a bio helps give a better look at the person, especially if a few words reflect their personality or showcase their interests, humor and values that matter most to them.

Pay attention to how matches converse with you, particularly the kind of questions they ask, ideally engaging ones.

Online dating is built on conversations and interactions, which are two-way efforts. The other party should be curious to know who you are and ask the right questions to know you better.

Discussions shouldn’t have to be monologues or one person bearing all the weight; they should feel like a rhythmic to-and-fro with increasing interest and effort.

At the same time, matches should be considerate – including onself – and understand there is a life outside of online dating. Messages don’t have be instant.

Green flags will also be respectful and not force others for personal information or quickly move to a different platform.

Red flags

If there are positive traits, then there are negative ones, or red flags, as well, which may be familiar to far too many individuals.

Right from the beginning, profiles with no photos or bio should be a warning sign. Louder alarms will ring if photos are stock images, heavily altered, or worse, pictures of someone else.

People say falling in love should be easy, but not so easy that matches quickly get carried away with pet names and professions of love within a few days.

Be wary of the other party bringing up emergencies meant to entice one to send money or investment opportunities that require wire transfers or using a different application. All these scream extortion and fraud.

If such things happen, don’t just disengage from the conversation, report them as well so that the apps can take proper action.

Beyond scams, some profiles just have vibes that can turn people off. Examples are those who write in their bios a list of specific demands and ultimatums rather than preferences.

Words come off as threatening like “either match my energy or just unmatch” or cynical like “sorry if you can’t handle,” as well as specific standards such as “should own a car or their own place.”

Merely having expletives or curse words in bios is a sign of potential toxic behavior and no emotional control.

Oftentimes, the vibes are there but just don’t click because of differing interests. There are profiles with few photos and really short bios, indications that online dating isn’t a priority.

Conversations with such people have really short replies and hardly any questions – better off unmatching rather than dealing with the bare minimum.

DPWH projects: House bill seeks mandatory regular inspections

As the country remains among the world’s most disaster-prone areas, a lawmaker has proposed requiring regular inspections of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects after completion to ensure public safety.

Parañaque Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan said he filed House Bill (HB) No. 9780, or the proposed National Infrastructure Inspection and Maintenance Act, to keep infrastructure projects safe and ensure they remain sound public investments.

Under HB No. 9780, DPWH projects would undergo inspections every five to 10 years after completion.

‘We need to ensure that each project remains safe and of high quality so that government funds are not wasted. The true value of an infrastructure project is not in the construction itself, but in its longevity, safety and usability,’ Yamsuan said.

‘While these digital portals help monitor the implementation of national government infrastructure projects, periodic physical inspections remain necessary to determine whether these projects still meet engineering safety standards after years of exposure to severe weather, overloading, and other factors affecting their structural integrity,’ he added.

HB No. 9780 tasks the DPWH with inspecting projects and preparing reports for public release.

‘Based on the inspection findings, the DPWH shall undertake the necessary maintenance, repair, or rehabilitation measures for these projects,’ Section 3 of the bill states.

The proposed measure also requires the ‘owner or lawful possessor of the site or location of the national government infrastructure projects’ to allow inspectors and maintenance teams access to conduct inspections, maintenance, repairs, and rehabilitation.

Refusing access or obstructing inspections and maintenance would be punishable by a fine of up to P50,000.

Yamsuan said the measure would complement the Transparency Portal and Integrity Chain established by the current administration to track DPWH projects and fund releases.

‘Ultimately, what we want is to safeguard billions in public investments so that taxpayers get their full money’s worth out of these projects for years to come,’ he said.

‘This problem is usually seen in older public works implemented years ago. Over time, properties may have changed hands or authority over these sites may have become muddled by the involvement of private developers, homeowners’ associations or other private entities,’ he added.

In his fifth State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government would begin constructing disaster-resilient Ligtas Pinoy Centers while pushing for stronger building standards to withstand increasingly severe natural disasters.

The president’s statement prompted lawmakers to call for prioritizing infrastructure-related measures, including the proposed New Philippine Building Act.

Several lawmakers, including Surigao del Sur Rep. Romeo Momo, thanked Marcos for mentioning the bill in his Sona. Similarly, Bulacan Rep. Salvador Pleyto said the president’s remarks should spur Congress to ensure structures are resilient to calamities.