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Bong Go asks for accomplishment report of DPWH’s flood control projects
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go stressed on August 9, Wednesday, the need for accountability, strategic prioritization, and long-term solutions to address recurring problems in flood-prone areas during a Committee on Public Works hearing on the country's flood control master plan and outstanding projects. “Yun lang po sir ang tatlong hiningi ko: (1) accomplishment report, (2) copy of master plan at (3) prioritization dito sa mga flood control projects ninyo po na dapat po’y makinabang yung mga lugar na dapat makinabang – yung mga flood prone areas,” he asked during the hearing. Go asked DPWH for an accomplishment report detailing the flood control initiatives undertaken during former president Rodrigo Duterte's term. He also requested a copy of the master plan outlining both current and upcoming projects. The senator said the budget allocated for flood control continues to increase from P82 billion in 2019, 80.7 billion in 2020, 90.9 billion in 2021, 127.4 billion in 2022, 182 billion in 2023, and now with a proposed budget of P215.6 billion for 2024, not including foreign assisted projects and those funded by the private sector. “Ibig sabihin, tumataas po ‘yung budget ninyo for flood control. Pero ‘di pa rin po nabibigyan ng solusyon ang problema sa pagbaha,” he stated, indicating a broader concern about the strategy and effectiveness of flood control projects in the country. The senator also expressed confusion and concern over the prioritization of some flood control projects, questioning why some areas with little or no population receive flood control measures while highly populated areas still suffer from recurring floods. “Despite having flood control projects initiated or requested by legislators and local officials, ang expertise ay nasa DPWH. Kayo dapat ang magsabi kung ano ang tama at mali, kung saan ba dapat ilagay ang flood control, slope protection at iba pang proyekto, at kayo ang dapat nakakaalam paano masolusyunan ang paulit-ulit na pagbaha sa bansa,” Go stressed. In response, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said there is a need to protect the environment and production areas but agreed that populated areas should be prioritized. Go said “yung nakikita ko minsan, maraming mga flood control, eh, may bundok namang nagpo-protection sa kanila.” “Eh, dito sa mga patag na lugar — halimbawa itong Bulacan — halos walang bundok ito. Walang nagpo-protect sa kanila sa mga umaagos na malalakas na tubig mula sa taas ng bundok. Eh, ‘yun pa ang kulang-kulang sa flood control. Maybe just check your prioritization plans,” added Go. The senator's call for action originated not only from a practical perspective but also from a compassionate stance. He acknowledged the difficulties faced by the citizens affected by flooding and said "ang hirap mabahaan, parang back to zero na naman po sila," underscoring the challenges of recovery. “Para po silang nasunugan, kaya lang pinagkaiba, makalabas pa rin sila, pero mahirap, sira yung gamit, basa dito, sasakyan, basa yung mga telebisyon nila, parang nag-umpisa po muli sila,” added Go. Go recalled how, during the time of former president Duterte, the administration had insisted on an equitable distribution of the budget for all regions, whether for flood control or any infrastructure. “Talagang gusto niya, hinayaan niya po ang departamentong mag-determine kung saan ‘yung priority niya talaga at nangangailangan,” said Go. “Pakiusap ko lang po sa inyo, full support naman po ako sa inyong opisina, ever since noon pa. Ayusin lang po ‘yung prioritization at ‘wag pong mapabayaan itong mga lugar na flood prone po talaga,” he added. Meanwhile, Go also highlighted the need to address compensation for right-of-way claims, especially for those who are less wealthy and struggle to have their claims recognized. “In relation to DPWH projects… gusto ko lang po malaman, itong prioritization ng pagbabayad ng right-of-way… kase ‘yung mayayaman, balewala sa kanila ‘yun. May mga may hawak ng titulo, halos namamatay na lang na hindi na-claim. Mga isang kahig, isang tuka, nasa bundok, natatamaan ‘yung kalye nila, ‘yung hindi binabayaran,” said Go. “Ano po ba ang prioritization rito sa right-of-way? Lalo na ‘yung mga maliliit. ‘Yun ang napansin ko. Pabalik-balik na, years hindi pa nababayaran,” he added. Bonoan acknowledged the importance of prioritizing all acquired properties and explained the challenges in budgeting for right-of-way compensations. He revealed that the allocated budget for these compensations has been very minimal over the past three years, with only a fraction of the requested amount being granted. Go’s demands for transparency and prioritization in flood control projects were made considering recent flooding incidents across Luzon due to heavy rains brought by tropical cyclones Egay and Falcon as well as the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat. His teams have been going around these areas to provide relief to affected communities particularly in Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, La Union, Zambales, Pampanga, and Bulacan. “Ang suliraning ito ay nagpapakita lamang ng kahalagahan ng masusing pag-aaral at aksyon upang maisaayos ang flood control strategies sa ating bansa. Sa likod ng mga hamong ito, patuloy tayo sa paghahanap ng mga karampatang solusyon para sa matagal nang problemang ito,” he said. #### The post Bong Go asks for accomplishment report of DPWH’s flood control projects appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Aid will continue to flow, workers assured
Workers affected by disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to receive assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) next year as a result of the interventions made by Congress in the 2021 national budget, Senator Juan Edgardo Angara said......»»
ONLY VM’S OFFICE AFFECTED | Moises Padilla s 2024 annual budget operational, Guv says
ONLY VM’S OFFICE AFFECTED | Moises Padilla s 2024 annual budget operational, Guv says.....»»
DepEd-7 not affected by halt of SHS programs
CEBU CITY, Philippines- The Department of Education in Central Visayas (DepEd-7) is not affected by the decision of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to stop senior high school programs in state universities and colleges (SUCs) and local universities and colleges (LUCs) nationwide. “There’s no cause for alarm,” DepEd-7 Regional Director Dr. Salustiano Jimenez said,.....»»
Angara defends P450 billion hike in 2024 budget standby funds
Sen. Sonny Angara has defended the P450-billion hike in unprogrammed funds in the ratified 2024 national budget, saying it has been a longtime practice to appropriate a standby fund in the budget law......»»
Zubiri, Angara cite OP for comprehensive CIF report
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senate finance committee chair Sonny Angara both defended the Office of the President (OP)’s P10.7-billion budget next year following the OP’s comprehensive report on its use of confidential and intelligence funds......»»
Solon lambasts ‘conflict of interest’ as private firms leading ASF vaccine trials
A lawmaker on Wednesday grilled the Bureau of Animal Industry for allowing private suppliers to lead vaccine trials on African Swine Fever. In a Senate hearing on Wednesday, BAI Director Paul Limson admitted that they are just “monitoring” the field trials. Limson's remarks came after Senator Cynthia Villar mentioned that the BAI should be leading the trials to make more independent assessments of the vaccines. “Justify niyo nga sa akin bakit ninyo ginagawa, kasi ako nasho-shock (Can you justify it to me why are you not doing it because its shcoking me). You don't think there is a conflict of interest?" Villar, who chairs the Senate panel on agriculture, asked Limson. Limson cited the Food and Drug Administration guidelines stating that "the initiation, management, and or financing of clinical trials" is the responsibility of sponsors—these could be individuals, companies, institutions, or organizations. the FDA guidelines also allow sponsors to tap Contract Research Organizations to conduct the trials. Meanwhile, Villar also criticized the private suppliers of vaccines for apparently hastening the process even if there are no approved vaccines for ASF yet. She then suggested that the budget should be realigned first in the indemnification of hog raisers affected by the disease while waiting for the approval of ASF vaccines. The Department of Agriculture-BAI has earlier asked the Food and Drug Administration to certify a Vietnam-made ASF vaccine for its immediate distribution in the country. It was followed by the bureau’s endorsement to the FDA for the issuance of a Certificate of Product Registration—which will allow the commercial release of the vaccine in the country. On June 2, BAI Assistant Director Arlyn Vytiaco said they have recommended the AVAC doses—which have been proven "effective" - following the completion of safety and efficacy trials in at least six areas in Luzon. Vytiaco noted that 100 percent of the hogs who were vaccinated during the trials produced antibodies, and showed "no ill or side effects.” However, the BAI was still requesting the FDA for the CPR of the vaccine. The first ASF case was detected in the Philippines in 2019. Villar lamented that “lack of vaccine or effective treatment has made the control of the disease very challenging.” The post Solon lambasts ‘conflict of interest’ as private firms leading ASF vaccine trials appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fuel subsidy easing eyed
An immediate release of government assistance to public utility vehicles will be achieved by shortening the trigger period from three months to one and simplifying the requirements, the Department of Energy said yesterday. The proposal, nonetheless, may need the amendment of the law for releasing fuel subsidies to the transport sector. In a press briefing, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said this was one of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s proposed solutions to the oil price shock that is expected to worsen amid the spreading Middle East conflict. $80 per barrel long breached Under the current law, fuel subsidies are released to the transport sector whenever the Dubai crude oil price exceeds $80 per barrel for three consecutive months. Lotilla said shortening the trigger period will allow the government to release the subsidies faster to the transport sector, one of the sectors most affected by rising fuel prices. “With this simplification or shortening of the period, we will be able to release the subsidies in a shorter period,” Lotilla said. “Since Congress is now considering the General Appropriations Act, it will be included in that process. The amendment will take effect in 2024 immediately upon Congress’s approval of the GAA,” he added. The DoE chief also said the government will simplify the requirements for the release of the fuel subsidies. The release of the subsidies requires the approval of the DoE, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Budget and Management. Lotilla said that under the new proposal, the release of the subsidies will only require the approval of the DBM, DoTr and the DoE. He said the DoTr will finalize the list of beneficiaries for those with franchises, the Department of the Interior and Local Government for tricycle drivers, and the Department of Trade and Industry for delivery service drivers. Even though there’s an effort to expedite assistance, Lotilla said the fuel subsidy in the 2024 national budget was decreased to P2.5 billion from P3 billion this year. The energy chief, however, believes that even with the reduced budget, the required funding will be met. “That’s based on the experience of the previous year. We don’t know what will be the final amount,” the official said. Other measures on table Lotilla added the government will implement a voluntary 20-percent ethanol blend for gasoline, which is targeted for approval by the end of 2023. He said the ethanol blend will help mitigate the rising fuel prices, as ethanol is cheaper than gasoline. Lotilla said the President also instructed him to continue the transport sector’s electrification, particularly for mass transport and light cargo vehicles. He said the government will put in place charging stations and ensure that the benefits to the transport sector, particularly the drivers, will be there. Lotilla said the President also emphasized the need to prepare the economy for the eventual manufacture of electric vehicles and to link this with the local mining sector that will produce the minerals needed to manufacture batteries and other components of electric vehicles. Rules out soon The DoE is also releasing the guidelines for the implementation of the long-delayed higher biofuels blend before the year ends. Lotilla said the current 10-percent ethanol blend, also known as E10, in gasoline would be increased to 20 percent or E20, although it would be a voluntary option for motorists. Lotilla added that the current two percent or B2 coco methyl ester or CME blend on diesel will be adjusted to three percent or B3. Based on the DoE calculation, implementing the E20 blend could slash gasoline prices by around P1.28 to P1.50 per liter. While ethanol is generally cheaper than gasoline, Lotilla noted that local ethanol at P79.49 a liter is still more expensive than the imported supply at P41.84 per liter. Lotilla said DoE will bank on the coconut industry, whose production reaches up to 15 billion nuts annually, to complement the B3 shift. “An additional 1 percent blend only needs 2.6 billion nuts. The increase in the blend can also drive down the cost of CME because there will be a bigger market for it. Right now, we expect pure diesel to be at parity with the per liter price of CME,” Lotilla explained. With Maria Romero The post Fuel subsidy easing eyed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Govt to shorten trigger period for fuel subsidies
The government will shorten the trigger period for releasing fuel subsidies to the transport sector from three months to one month, and simplify the requirements for its release, the Department of Energy said on Tuesday. In a Malacañang Press Briefing, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said this was one of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s decisions during the latest sectoral meeting. Under the current law, fuel subsidies are released to the transport sector whenever the Dubai crude oil price exceeds $80 per barrel for three consecutive months. Lotilla said the shortening of the trigger period will allow the government to release the subsidies faster to the transport sector, which is one of the sectors most affected by the rising fuel prices. "With this simplification or shortening of the period, we will be able to release the subsidies in a shorter period of time," Lotilla said. "Since Congress is right now considering the General Appropriations Act, it will be included in that process. The amendment will take effect in 2024 immediately upon Congress's approval of the GAA," he added. The DOE chief also said the government will simplify the requirements for the release of the fuel subsidies. The release of the subsidies requires the approval of the DOE, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Budget and Management. Lotilla said that under the new proposal, the release of the subsidies will only require the approval of the DBM, the DOTr, and the DOE. He said the DOTr will finalize the list of beneficiaries of the fuel subsidies for those with franchises, the Department of Interior and Local Government for tricycle drivers, and the Department of Trade and Industry for delivery service drivers. Even though there's an effort to expedite assistance distribution, Lotilla mentioned that the fuel subsidy allocation in the 2024 national budget was decreased from P3 billion this year to P2.5 billion. However, he believes that the reduced budget will still be adequate to meet the required funding. "That’s based on the experience on the previous year. We don't know what will be the final amount,” the official said. Other measures Lotilla also said that the government will implement a voluntary 20 percent ethanol blend for gasoline, which is targeted for approval by the end of 2023. He said the ethanol blend will help mitigate the rising fuel prices, as ethanol is cheaper than gasoline. Lotilla said the President also instructed to continue the transport sector's electrification, particularly mass transport and light cargo vehicles. He said the government will put in place charging stations and ensure that the benefits to the transport sector, particularly the drivers, will be there. Lotilla said the President also emphasized the need to prepare the economy for the eventual manufacture of electric vehicles in the country, and linking this up with the local mining sector that will produce the minerals needed to produce batteries and other components of electric vehicles......»»
Bulacan eyes mobile water treatment plant
Botolan, Zambales — The Department of Science and Technology is set to provide a Mobile Water Treatment Plant to the Bulacan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. According to DoST provincial director Angelita Parungao, the project has an allotted budget of P3 million under the Programang Community Empowerment through Science and Technology. She added that the MWTP can treat water sourced from flood, from underground, and rain to make it into potable drinking water. She said that it can treat 500 liters of water in an hour. The MWTP sits atop a fabricated four-wheeler trailer designed to be hauled by a four-wheel light vehicle. The DoST showed the detailed features and components of the MWTP at the Science Centrum and Product Bazaar during the Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Week here in Botolan. Some of the major components of the MWTP are the media filtration system, water softening system, ultrafiltration system, reverse osmosis system, and post disinfection and filtration system. The media filtration system removes all hard objects mixed in with the water such as rocks, iron, chlorine and other organic materials while the water softening system removes the hardness-causing calcium and magnesium materials from the water via an ion exchange process. The system softens the water for drinking. Meantime, the ultrafiltration uses pressure on the water to destroy semi-permeable membrane of dirty water mixed in with the water while the reverse osmosis system purifies the quality of water while the post disinfection and filtration system stop the entry of dirt on the purified water and remove any materials foreign to the water. The MWTP has its own supply of electricity coming from a generator set if it gets taken to a remote area where the electricity lines are not available during a calamity. It can also be connected to a local power provider or power distribution utility if there is electricity in the area. PDRRMO head Manuel Lukban said that having an MWTP is a big help by the national government through the efforts of the DoST. He added that the MWTP will help ensure that potable drinking water will be available to those affected by calamities. The post Bulacan eyes mobile water treatment plant appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marawi Port rehab almost complete — PPA
The Philippine Ports Authority on Friday said the rehabilitation of the PPA-regulated Marawi Port in Lanao Del Sur is almost complete, in time for the Marawi Liberation Anniversary next year. According to PPA spokesperson Eunice Samonte, the reconstruction of Marawi Port to date is at 70 percent. The port was totally devastated during the Marawi siege in September 2017. “Regarding the improvements and developments in Marawi port, Phase I of the project is expected to be completed by February 2024, hence, it will be fully operational by October 2024,” Samonted said. On the other hand, she said the ongoing MRRP-Port Facilities (civil works) Project at Port of Marawi (MAA-Sector 8), Marawi City, Lanao del Sur is a new port construction developed through the Task Force Bangon Marawi initiative by the Office of the President for the recovery, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of the city of Marawi affected by the fighting between government forces and the Islamic State. “The project covers the construction of facilities such as a backup area of about 8,000 square meters, a one-story Passenger Terminal Building (with 132 seating capacity) of about 265 sq.m., a one-story fish port, and a berthing facility for Fastcraft and a RoRo ramp,” she said. In addition, prior to the implementation of the project, the only existing facility in the Port of Marawi is a causeway that is being used by the fish folks, Samonte said. In 2021, the PPA, through the General Appropriations Act for 2021, received P242,750,191.04 approved budget for the contract payments under the contract for the civil works (of) the Port of Marawi (Most Affected Area — Sector 8), Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. The post Marawi Port rehab almost complete — PPA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Major airlines cancel dozens of flights to Tel Aviv
Major airlines have canceled dozens of flights to Tel Aviv this weekend after the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a surprise large-scale attack against Israel. American Airlines, Air France, Lufthansa, Emirates and Ryanair are among those pulling flights to Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport. However, airport authorities did not stop commercial air links with Israel's second international airport at Eilat, a tourist destination on the Red Sea. And Israeli flag carrier El Al said Sunday that it was maintaining its Tel Aviv flights for now, though some flights operated by foreign partners had been cancelled. "We might cancel flights to places where we don't have a lot of Israelis to help other Israelis in other places," a spokeswoman told AFP. In a statement, El Al added that it was operating "in accordance with the instructions of the Israeli security forces", with all flights now departing only from Terminal Three at Ben Gurion airport. Like most other airlines, it said clients could change their tickets without charge. After Saturday saw a list of major carriers cancelling flights Spain's AENA airports operator told AFP four of nine flights scheduled to Tel Aviv on Sunday had been cancelled, two from Madrid and two from Barcelona. Another nine flights, from Tel Aviv to airports in Spain, have so far been unaffected, the operator said. Spain's Air Europa said it had cancelled its two flights scheduled between Madrid and Tel Aviv, while Iberia Express, the low-cost arm of national carrier Iberia, went ahead with a Madrid-Tel Aviv flight after suspending two on Saturday. Vueling, the Barcelona-based low-cost airline, said given the situation in Israel, "flights to/from Tel Aviv are affected and experiencing delays". A spokesman for Germany's Lufthansa on Saturday cited "the current security situation" to say it was cancelling all flights to and from Tel Aviv "up until and including Monday", adding it was monitoring the situation. Brussels Airlines, part of the Lufthansa group, also cancelled its Tel Aviv flights. Air France said it had halted Tel Aviv flights "until further notice", and the Air France-KLM group's low-cost carrier Transavia said it was cancelling all flights from Paris and Lyon to Tel Aviv up to and including Monday. Spanish airline Iberia announced that its budget subsidiary Iberia Express was cancelling its Tel Aviv flights. Italy's flag-carrier ITA airways cancelled its flight until Sunday morning at the earliest "to protect the safety of passengers and crew", while Polish carrier LOT also cancelled its flights from the Polish capital on Saturday. Other airlines suspending flights included Aegean, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Wizz Air and Air Canada. The post Major airlines cancel dozens of flights to Tel Aviv appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go to DTI: More livelihood opportunities for poor
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed his support for the proposed budget for the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and its attached agencies during the Senate Finance sub-committee hearing on Tuesday, 3 October. He however appealed to the concerned agencies of government, particularly DTI, to address rising prices of commodities, mitigate the impact of inflation, and provide more livelihood opportunities for the poor to help them recover from the pandemic and other recent crises. “Bigyan po ninyo ng mas maraming oportunidad na makabangon ang mga mahihirap. Ang maayos na kabuhayan ang isa sa mga magiging susi sa pagginhawa ng pamumuhay ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” he explained. “Trabaho po ng DTI na bantayan rin ang mga presyo ng bilihin lalo na ngayon na lumalala ang inflation. Bagamat hindi natin kontrolado ang global factors na nagdudulot nito, sikapin dapat ng gobyerno na pagaanin ang hirap na dinadala ng ating mga kababayang pinakanangangailangan,” he appealed. Go’s stance comes in the wake of the recent Pulse Asia survey, conducted from 10 to 14 September, which showed that poverty and inflation were identified as two of the most pressing concerns. It is for this reason that the senator has urged the government to prioritize the creation of better job opportunities as a crucial step towards alleviating the suffering of the people and stabilizing the country's economy. “Nais kong iparating ang aking suporta para sa proposed budget at mga programa ng DTI. Ang DTI ay may malaking papel sa pagpapalago ng ating ekonomiya at pagpapabuti ng kalagayan ng ating mga negosyante at manggagawa,” said Go. Through Senator Mark Villar who presided over the budget hearing, Go manifested his support for DTI as it plays a pivotal role in shaping the economic landscape of the country, considering that it is responsible for crafting and implementing policies, programs, and projects that promote a competitive and innovative business environment. “Sa pagtugon sa mga hamon ng kasalukuyang panahon, napakahalaga na maglaan tayo ng sapat na pondo para sa DTI upang maipagpatuloy nila ang kanilang mahalagang mga proyekto at programa. Sa tulong ng mga programa ng DTI, mas mapapaunlad natin ang sektor ng negosyo sa bansa at mas magkakaroon tayo ng mas maraming pagkakataon para sa trabaho at kabuhayan,” he added. Moreover, Go said that the department is entrusted with the vital task of supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that constitute the backbone of the Philippine economy. These businesses are crucial in generating employment and driving economic growth. Go highlighted Republic Act No. 11960, or the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Act. Authored and co-sponsored by Go, the OTOP Philippines Program is a government-led initiative that allows each town or city in the country to capitalize on a unique product or service that embodies its identity, culture, and traditions. “Sa tulong ng batas na ito, ating pinapalakas ang mga lokal na negosyo sa bawat bayan at siyudad sa bansa. Ipinapaabot natin sa kanila ang suporta na kinakailangan nila upang mapanatili ang kanilang operasyon at maabot ang mas malawak na merkado,” Go said, adding that by leveraging local resources, the program not only invigorates economic activities but also fosters cultural preservation. Meanwhile, Go also co-sponsored Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2021, which aims to institutionalize the Shared Service Facilities (SSF) project under DTI. The proposed measure seeks to amend RA 6977 or the Magna Carta for Small Enterprises as amended by RA 9501, also known as the Magna Carta for MSMEs. If enacted, the SSF program would offer more cost-effective solutions to MSMEs by providing access to shared facilities and services that will help them improve the quality and productivity of their products, including equipment, tools, and machinery that they can use to upgrade their production processes that are typically expensive for individual MSMEs. During the previous administration, Go advocated for the Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) program which seeks to aid micro, small, and medium enterprises in crises and provide livelihood opportunities to more Filipinos. “Sa programang ito, tuturuan ang mga benepisyaryo na magnegosyo at bibigyan ng suporta para palaguin ito. Masarap sa pakiramdam kapag pinaghirapan at pinagpawisan ang iyong negosyo, napalago ito, at naiuwi sa pamilya ang kinita mula dito,” he said. He continues to support the implementation of the program to help more Filipinos in need of government support amid trying times. Last year, Go successfully appealed for the budget allocation for the PPG program during the deliberations on the 2023 budget of the DTI. “Marami pong nawalan ng trabaho, maraming nagsara na negosyo dahil po sa pandemya kaya naman napakahalagang maipagpatuloy ang programang ito,” he said. “Isa itong paraan upang maipakita natin ang ating malasakit sa mga Pilipinong apektado ng iba't ibang krisis, mula sa nakaraang pandemya hanggang sa mga kasalukuyang kalamidad, at mabigyan sila ng bagong pag-asa na magkaroon ng maayos na kabuhayan,” he added. Furthermore, Senator Go filed SBN 420, which aims to establish the Rural Employment Assistance Program (REAP) that will be operated under the purview of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The primary objective of this proposed program is to offer temporary employment opportunities to individuals experiencing economic hardships, poverty, displacement, or seasonal unemployment. By creating such opportunities, REAP can assist those affected in achieving financial stability during challenging periods. The post Bong Go to DTI: More livelihood opportunities for poor appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hands-on
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. is living proof of US President Abraham Lincoln’s adage: “You can please some of the people all of the time; you can please all of the people some of the time; but you can’t please all of the people all of the time.” In the previous regimes, the usual question was, “Where is the President?” during critical periods such as when calamities struck and the elected leader was slow to react. Thus, there was a frequent demand for medical bulletins on previous presidents when they were not in public view for consecutive days. Both President Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte are taking flak from critics who allege that they are monopolizing authority for holding Cabinet positions aside from their elected posts. Bugged endlessly about relinquishing his Department of Agriculture post, Marcos said he would maintain the current arrangement since many officials in the graft-ridden agency do not easily take orders except from him. Amid the rising prices, some sectors whose only interest is to have an official that favors them have been harping on the need for a full-time secretary, floating names in a subtle endorsement to PBBM. Marcos has held the agriculture post since he assumed office in July 2022. Since then, and especially in January 2023, amid the rise in the cost of food, critics have been calling on Marcos to finally appoint someone who can hold the post full-time. The President knows what he is doing and has competent advisers to help him make fast decisions in the critical agriculture sector. Making difficult but critical decisions, even with political will, would take more time from an alter ego. He explained the situation: “Generally speaking, if the President asks them to do something, they’ll do it. If someone else asks them to do it, they’ll probably do it, or they may not.” The need for swift action was particularly evident in the recent rice price shock when the cost of a kilo of rice rocketed to more than P60. The intervention was tricky because of the complex network in the industry that needs to balance the welfare of consumers, farmers, and retailers. Add to that the external situation in which supply has been affected by the limits that India, a major producer, imposed on its exports. President Marcos, the other day, lifted Executive Order 39, which imposed a price ceiling of P41 per kilo on regular milled and P45 per kilo on well-milled rice. The EO effectively brought down the market price of the grain, but it affected retailers who complained of losses since they were selling below the price they were buying from middlemen, while farmers said traders demanded that the farmgate price be lowered. The National Food Authority then had to set the buying price of palay at P19 to P20 per kilo from P16 to P19 to maintain farmers’ income amid the price cap. Retailers were also provided with subsidies to offset their losses due to the government-imposed ceiling. Economic officials knew the measures were temporary since they would drain the government coffers if imposed for too long. The aim was to stabilize the market until the harvest season, and the influx of grains from imports under the tariffication law brought the situation back to normal. Had the steps taken been delayed by just days, it may have caused a crisis where consumers would have had to eat alternatives to the grains such as kamote (sweet potato) and corn. Then, the public would have been outraged, and the heated situation would have been stoked by the opportunists who waited like vultures for public support for Marcos to weaken. Rice remains a political commodity, which spelled the 15-point difference in Marcos’ rating in the recent survey. The post Hands-on appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DTI pushes for AI research hub; P300-M for consumer protection programs
The Department of Trade and Industry is pushing for the establishment of the Center for Artificial Intelligence Research, however, it remains "unfunded” under the proposed 2024 National Expenditures Program. During the hearing of Senate Committee on Finance’s Subcommittee “M” on DTI’s proposed P7.909 billion budget for the fiscal year 2024 on Tuesday, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual emphasized the idea would help the country's Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises to effectively adopt “artificial intelligence in their business operations. “This is a research [and development] center. The model is the AStar of Singapore…It’s industry-oriented, it's not academic research. It’s a way to help MSMEs to adopt AI in their operations,” Pascual said, citing that large companies in the country “can take of themselves” to implement AI solutions in their businesses. “But this SMES would need assistance and this is the center that could do that plus the continuing research in the impact of AI on employment which jobs will be affected,” he said. The issue of AI ethics will also be addressed through CAIR, he added. “We are working this out, actually with some business groups that can donate…In fact, we have been offered already a place,” the DTI chief said. Pascual explained that the CAIR has been included in the DTI’s plan for revitalizing Philippine industries under the Philippine Development Plan. Meanwhile, DTI’s Competitiveness and Innovation Group, Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba said the agency has been requesting funds, amounting to P200 million, for the CAIR since two years ago. Aldana did not give further details as to why the Department of Budget and Management disapproved their requests. Stressing the importance of the AI program, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda lamented there must be a reason why the CAIR did not get a budget. Legarda asked Aldaba to further provide details on CAIR as the latter noted the DTI doesn’t have enough space in their existing building, “It’s a physical center and its goal is for us to become an AI center of excellence in the region in the near future. It’s going to house our data scientists, researchers, engineers who will be conducting AI [research and development] to support the needs of the industries, including MSMEs, start-ups, large companies, and multi-nationals,” Aldaba said. The CAIR is also eyed to provide capacity building and training and workshops on AI, she added “so that new products and services could come out from the idea. However, Legarda said DTI should not wait for the physical CAIR to be set up before it starts building the capacity of Filipinos concerning AI, adding that developing a physical infrastructure may take at least two years. “And knowing government, that’s so slow. That means all the resources on AI will not ensue until the structure is done,” Legarda lamented. “What I’m saying is that while the infrastructure is not yet set up, we should continue with AI capacity buildings and research.” Senator Mark Villar, who presided over the budget hearing, backed Legarda’s position, noting that DTI should ensure that AI benefits the country. “Other countries are very concerned also about what AI might mean for the labor industry and what the implications are. I think it’s important that we learn how we can leverage it to help our industries,” he said. On the other hand, Pascual appealed to the Senate for an additional P300 million in funding to strengthen the DTI’s consumer protection programs. “We want to reorganize our consumer protection activity by centralizing it because you cannot expect a junior person running after hoarders or profiteers in an area where there are a lot of people of influence that are operating in the region,” he said. “So the plan that we have done, this planning, after the budget submission, is to centralize the consumer protection activity in the head office and have a quick response task force,” said Pascual. “That would require a funding of P300 million to strengthen our consumer protection activities," he added. Villar supported the DTI’s plan citing its significance amid the ongoing inflation being experienced in the country “It is very relevant that the DTI takes a stronger role in monitoring these hoarders and manipulators,” he said. DTI Assistant Secretary Jean Pacheco said the P300 million would fund an inter-DTI strike team to increase their enforcement activities, consumer education and advocacy, complaints handling, and procurement of equipment for the certification and testing of vapes, among others. At least P130 million of the total request will be utilized for the procurement of equipment for DTI’s certification and testing of vape products, which is in line with their implementation of the law regulating e-cigarettes. The post DTI pushes for AI research hub; P300-M for consumer protection programs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go aids fire victims in General Santos City
Senator Bong Go provided assistance to 13 fire-hit households in General Santos City on Friday, September 29. The affected families received financial assistance, grocery packs, snacks, shirts, and balls for basketball from the senator’s office. “Huwag po kayong mawalan ng pag-asa, ang importante ay buhay kayo. Ang gamit po ay napapalitan, ang pera ay kikitain pero ang pera ay hindi nabibili ang buhay. A lost life is a lost life forever. Kaya pangalagaan natin ang buhay na binigay sa atin ng Panginoon,” Go said in a video message. Go then highlighted Republic Act No. 11589, also known as the Bureau of Fire Protection Modernization Act of 2021. The said law, which was authored and co-sponsored by Go, mandates the BFP to undergo a ten-year modernization program that will improve the capabilities of the agency by implementing a ten-year modernization program, which includes recruiting more firefighters, acquiring new fire equipment, and developing specialized training, among others. The senator, who heads the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also offered to help those in need of medical care. He encouraged them to visit the Malasakit Centers at Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital in the city or South Cotabato Provincial Hospital in nearby Koronadal City. Under the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which was principally authored and sponsored by Go, a Malasakit Center shall provide convenient access to medical programs offered by concerned agencies, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. To date, there are 159 Malasakit Centers that have already assisted seven million Filipinos nationwide, according to DOH. The senator also shared that he continues to push for the establishment of more Super Health Centers nationwide. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, the budget was allocated for the construction of some 307 Super Health Centers across the country in 2022 and another 322 in 2023. DOH, as the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic locations where such centers shall be established. In General Santos City, two Super Health Centers have been funded to be established. To help create more opportunities for the province amid difficult situations, Go, who also serves as vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, has supported the construction of roads in Banga, Lake Sebu, Norala, Tantangan, and Surallah; acquisition of a dump truck for the local government of Norala; construction of riverbank protection in Koronadal City and T’boli; installation of street lights in Koronadal City, Norala and Tupi; and the construction of a slaughterhouse in T’boli. “Basta, ‘wag kayong mag-atubiling lumapit sa amin. Huwag din kayong magpasalamat sa amin dahil trabaho naman namin ito sa gobyerno. Kami ang nagpapasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan niyo kami ng pagkakataon para makapagserbisyo sa taumbayan. Ibabalik namin sa inyo ang serbisyong dapat sa inyo,” pledged Go. The post Bong Go aids fire victims in General Santos City appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go extends assistance to indigents in Lupao, Nueva Ecija
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, an adopted son of Nueva Ecija, sent his team to provide assistance to indigent families in Lupao, Nueva Ecija, on Friday, 29 September. Go’s team assisted residents who gathered at the Brgy. Gymnasium of San Antonio Este. The team distributed masks and shirts to the identified beneficiaries, as well as shoes, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select recipients. The beneficiaries also qualified for financial assistance from the national government through the initiative of GP Partylist Rep. Jose Padiernos. “Huwag ho kayong magpasalamat sa amin. Sa totoo lang po kami po ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan n’yo po kami ng pagkakataon na magserbisyo sa inyo. Magta-trabaho po ako para sa Pilipino. Iyan po ang pwede kong i-alay sa inyo, ang kasipagan ko sa trabaho,” Go said in a video message. “Utusan n’yo lang po ako, parang kapitbahay lang tayo bilang isang adopted son ng inyong probinsya. Ayaw kong ituring nyo ako na ibang tao,” he added. Go stressed the significance of extending aid to impoverished individuals, and said government should prioritize the needs of the poor who were most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises. As principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, Go vowed to monitor the continuous operations of the Malasakit Centers, which has helped more than seven million Filipinos, according to the Department of Health (DOH). There are 159 Malasakit Centers nationwide so far. Indigent patients in Nueva Ecija can seek the services of the Malasakit Centers located at Eduardo L. Joson Memorial Hospital and Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center (PJGMRMC), both in Cabanatuan City; and in Talavera General Hospital in Talavera town. “Ang Malasakit Center po ay batas na. Isinulong ko noon, nu’ng naging senador po ako nung 2019. Pinirmahan ni dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte. It’s a one stop shop. Nasa loob na po ng ospital ang apat na ahensya ng gobyerno – PhilHealth, PCSO, DOH, DSWD na handang tumulong po sa ating mga kababayan. Para po ‘yan sa mga poor and indigent patients. Lapitan n’yo lang po ang pinakamalapit na Malasakit Center sa inyong lugar,” Go said. The senator also highlighted that Super Health Centers will be established in Cabanatuan City, San Leonardo, Aliga, Bongabon, Llanera, Science City of Muñoz, Zaragoza, Sto. Domingo and Rizal — the last two of which he personally inspected in February. The Super Health Centers are improved versions of polyclinics that offer basic health services, including database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray and ultrasound), pharmacy and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation center and telemedicine. Through the concerted efforts of DOH and fellow lawmakers, adequate funding has been allocated in the national budget for the establishment of 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 more in 2023. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, has supported several infrastructure projects in the province to help boost the local economy. Among these are the construction of the Talavera National High School Amphitheater; the rehabilitation of roads in Cabiao, General Tinio, Pantabangan, Zaragoza and Cabanatuan City; the construction of flood mitigation structures in General Tinio, Quezon, San Antonio and Zaragoza; the construction of multipurpose buildings in Gabaldon, Sta. Rosa and Cabanatuan City; the completion of the Dr. PJGMRMC in Cabanatuan City; the reconstruction of the Llanera public market; the rehabilitation of the Baloc public market; and the installation of streetlights in Zaragoza. The post Bong Go extends assistance to indigents in Lupao, Nueva Ecija appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Intel fund requests being abused’
A lawmaker said Monday the grant of confidential and intelligence funds under the national budget has become a trend that several government agencies have abused. Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin on Monday said there has been a noticeable increase in the allocation of confidential and intelligence funds in recent years granted to various agencies unrelated to national security or surveillance. “There are many who have joined the trend and abused it,” Garin said. “If you look at the historical data, the jump started in 2017, when the total confidential fund in 2016 was P720 million. In 2017, it jumped to P2.07 billion and by 2020, it more than doubled to P4.57 billion,” she said. The marathon deliberations on the proposed P5.768-trillion national budget for 2024 had led to intense debates in the House, particularly on the grant of multi-million-peso confidential funds to numerous civilian agencies, including the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education. Last week, Marikina Rep. Stella Quimbo, the senior vice chair of the House appropriations panel, said that about 10 government agencies, including the OVP and DepEd, which Vice President Sara Duterte both heads, are expected to be affected by the House’s plan to realign the confidential funds to national security agencies. The realignment is being mulled amid China’s persistent assertiveness inside Philippine territory in the West Philippine Sea. Duterte sought P2.395 billion and P758.6 billion for the OVP and DepEd, respectively, in the proposed 2024 budget, including P500 million and P150 million, respectively, in confidential funds. The post ‘Intel fund requests being abused’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PhilHealth announces resumption of website, member portal
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation announces the resumption of its Corporate Website and Member Portal effective 12 noon of 29 September 2023. These public-facing application systems are already up and running and now accessible to the general public through the internet. The e-Claims system will be available within the day. The shutting down of its application systems was done immediately upon the advice of the Department of Information and Communication Technology to isolate these key services and to ensure that the ransomware infection will not spread to critical computers. PhilHealth has been working round the clock since Friday to clean up the affected workstations and restore normalcy the soonest. Meanwhile, it has yet to verify the alleged leaked members’ data that was reportedly found in the dark web. Non-payment of ransom On the alleged demand for ransom, PhilHealth reiterates the government’s policy of not paying such to criminals. PhilHealth also guarantees the public that its databases are intact, safe and secure. Members are also assured that their benefit entitlement will not be hampered due to this incident. Interim arrangements while systems are offline have been instituted to ensure that members continually avail of their PhilHealth benefits anytime and anywhere in the country. PhilHealth continues to work closely with the DICT and National Privacy Commission to address the situation. It also coordinated with the National Bureau of Investigation and Philippine National Police toward this end. PhilHealth also welcomes calls for inquiry to get to the bottom of this incident. Disciplinary action PhilHealth shall rightfully impose disciplinary actions to people who have been remiss in the performance of their duties if they are found liable. PhilHealth sincerely asks for the public’s understanding and support during this time and implores certain groups and sectors to refrain from concocting false and misleading information to avoid creating panic and distrust among our members and stakeholders. The post PhilHealth announces resumption of website, member portal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Increased subsidy sought for jeepney drivers affected by PUV modernization
Senator Win Gatchalian urged the government to increase the subsidy provided under the modernization program for public utility vehicles. During the recent Senate deliberation on the 2024 proposed budget of the Department of Transportation, Gatchalian said the program is pushing jeepney drivers to save a portion of income to pay for the modern vehicle. The senator also lamented program was introduced at a time when fuel costs ranged from $20 to $30 per barrel. Fuel prices have since increased to a range of $80 to $90 per barrel due to the Russian-Ukraine conflict, he stressed. Meanwhile, Gatchalian said the DoTR should make sure all jeepney engines are at least Euro-4 and Philippine National Standards-compliant under the PUV modernization program. "From the briefers that I read, the compliance rate right now is only at 60 percent and the allocation for the modernization for 2024 is zero. In other words, we compel them to modernize but we don't have any support to give them in the next few years," he said. Gatchalian said increasing the subsidy should form part of the DOTr's strategy to achieve at least 100 percent modernization of the country's PUVs. The DoTr earlier said one unit of modernized PUV costs P2.4 million to 2.8 million. At the hearing, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista told the committee panel that the DoTr will continue giving equity subsidies to all PUV drivers and operators to help them replace the old units that they currently operate. Bautista said they have already requested at least P1.6 billion fund for the program for next year. Gatchalian cited the deadline for the modernization program was earlier suspended to allow individual jeepney operators to consolidate themselves into a cooperative. The deadline for consolidation has been set for December 31 this year. "It's a step towards the right direction that we are modernizing through the cooperatives," Gatchalian said. DoTr earlier said that certain private sector groups are interested in venturing into manufacturing modernized PUVs “which could keep the cost in the lower end of the range.” The post Increased subsidy sought for jeepney drivers affected by PUV modernization appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»