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Medical marijuana bill reaches Senate plenary
The bill seeking to legalize medical marijuana in the Philippines has reached the Senate plenary, the first time in the history of the upper chamber, according to a cannabis lawyer......»»
CARD Inc. Medical Services opens in Tanauan, Leyte
CARD, Inc. - CARD MRI’s Microfinance and Health Protection (MaHP) opens a clinic and laboratory facility that offers medical services in Tanauan, Leyte on October 5, 2023......»»
Magna carta for seafarers certified as urgent welcomed
Senators welcomed the move of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to certify as urgent a proposed measure crafting a Magna Carta for seafarers. Senator Raffy Tulfo, the sponsor of Senate Bill 2221 otherwise known as the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, said the passage of the proposed measure will promote the welfare and continuous employment of seafarers on board foreign-owned vessels. "I am very happy that we have passed the first phase of the period of amendments for the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers bill yesterday (25 Sept), which coincides with the celebration of the National Maritime Week,” he said. In a letter to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri dated 25 September, Marcos emphasized the need for the immediate enactment of SB 2221 to address "recurring deficiencies in our domestic laws pertaining to the training and accreditation of thousands of Filipino seafarers.” Tulfo expressed confidence that the bill will soon be passed into law. "Matapos ang unang stage ng period of amendment at ang suportang ito mula mismo kay Pangulong BBM, mas tiwala ako na mapapabilis ang pagsasabatas ng Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers bill," he said, as he rallied for the need to address shortcomings in the education and certification of Filipino mariners. Among other lawmakers who filed their versions of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers include Senators Joel Villanueva, Risa Hontiveros, Bato dela Rosa, Jinggoy Estrada, Robinhood Padilla, Cynthia Villar, Sonny Angara, Grace Poe, Win Gatchalian, Bong Revilla, Christopher Bong Go, Mark Villar, Loren Legarda, and Zubiri. Go, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers earlier cited the significant role of Filipino seafarers in global trade and marine transportation. He noted the industry’s huge contribution of all overseas Filipino workers to the country's economy. Go said the Philippines has been the primary source of maritime labor and considered the manning capital of seafarers globally since 1987. Of the 1.5 million mariners worldwide, 25 percent are Filipino sea-based workers, making them the single biggest nationality bloc in the maritime industry, he added. Hence, the passage of a proposed Magna Carta for the Seafarer must be crucial “for protecting the rights and welfare of seafarers in situations where they are vulnerable or exploited, such as during emergencies, accidents, or conflicts,” said Go. The post Magna carta for seafarers certified as urgent welcomed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go eyes higher health budget for 2024
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, during an ambush interview on 22 August, after aiding poor residents and fire victims in Navotas City, expressed his commitment to push for an increased budget for health in 2024. In the interview, Go emphasized the importance of the DOH budget, stating, "Of course, napaka-importante po ng budget para sa ating Department of Health. As your chairman po ng Committee on Health sa Senado, siguraduhin po natin na marestore po ang budget at madagdagan pa.” Go cited that the proposed P10-billion reduction in the Department of Health’s 2024 budget has alarmed many, especially considering ongoing efforts toward pandemic recovery and the need for a more resilient healthcare system. “The more we should invest sa ating healthcare system. Hindi natin akalain na tamaan tayo ng pandemya. Mas mabuti nang handa tayo sa anumang pandemyang darating sa buhay natin,” said Go. Go also highlighted the government's obligations, especially towards healthcare workers, and recalled the efforts made last year to increase the DOH budget from P296 billion to P316 billion. He mentioned various initiatives, including the additional budget for Cancer Assistance Fund for cancer treatment assistance, regulation of health facilities and services, budget for Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP), medical assistance for indigent patients, and health emergency allowance. The senator's foresight was evident when he recalled the near reduction of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine budget in 2019, a crucial office that conducts tests for COVID-19. "Kutob ko lang po noon, muntik na nilang bawasan sa proposal ng Department of Health budget, binawasan ang RITM. Sino bang mag-aakala na ang RITM ang pinaka-importanteng opisina noong pandemya?,” he recalled. Go’s intuition then as sponsor of the health budget led to the restoration and augmentation of the budget for RITM during the deliberations for the 2020 national budget just in time before the pandemic hit the country. "Dagdagan natin ang budget sa health. Unahin natin ang kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino. Ang kalusugan ay katumbas ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” he stressed. Other senators also expressed the need for adequate funding for the healthcare system, especially in treating non-communicable chronic diseases and implementing the Universal Healthcare Law. Senator Sonny Angara, chairperson of the Senate Finance Committee, expressed confidence that the health department’s budget would be increased, highlighting that legislators historically augment medical assistance for indigents. Senators Francis Tolentino, JV Ejercito, Bong Revilla, Aquilino Pimentel III, and Grace Poe also called for careful scrutiny of the DOH budget, emphasizing the need to address the sector's needs better, with no wastage and leakages, especially in the purchase of vaccines and other medical supplies. Go’s advocacy of bringing public health services closer to poor Filipinos align with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s priority of bringing specialized medical services closer to other parts of the country. Go has successfully sponsored and is one of the authors of the Regional Specialty Centers bill in the Senate, taking a step towards a healthier and more resilient Philippines. The post Bong Go eyes higher health budget for 2024 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go backs FOI bill; bats for gov’t transparency, accountability
In an interview on Tuesday, 11 July, after aiding poor residents in Trece Martires City, Cavite, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go expressed his strong support for the pending Freedom of Information (FOI) bill, affirming that it is high time the Philippine government fortified its commitment to transparency and accountability across the bureaucracy. "Alam n'yo, it's about time na magkaroon tayo ng Freedom of Information law mismo. Mayroon tayo ngayong Executive Order (EO) issued by former president Rodrigo Duterte, pero ang sakop po nito ay taga-Executive Branch lamang," Go said, referring to EO No. 2 issued by Duterte in 2016 but was limited to the executive branch only. Go further emphasized that the implementation of an FOI law would institutionalize transparency within all branches of the government. "Kung maisabatas po ito, mai-institutionalize natin ang transparency sa gobyerno. Mag-allocate din tayo ng pondo. Tatlong dekada na pong pending ito sa (lehislatibo)," he added. The senator underscored the crucial role of such a bill in curbing corruption and irregularities in government functions. "Kung mayroong transparency, mas maiiwasan natin ang korapsyon at katiwalian sa gobyerno," he said. "Wala naman tayong dapat ikatakot kung wala tayong itinatago,” Go stressed. Despite being a longstanding proposal, the FOI bill has faced opposition, particularly concerning potential infringements on personal privacy. Go acknowledged this concern and stressed the importance of striking a balance between government transparency and the right to privacy. "At I'm sure pinag-aaralan din po ito ng ating gobyerno, ang Executive Department, paano nila ito ipinapatupad dahil binabalanse nga po nila 'yung right to privacy," the senator said. Earlier, the Presidential Communications Office expressed unwavering support for the FOI bill's enactment into law. Senators Ramon Revilla Jr., Sonny Angara, Grace Poe, and Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva filed their own versions of the proposed legislation. While defending his stance on the FOI bill, Go also emphasized his belief that being in government necessitates the upholding of transparency. "At para sa akin, kapag nasa gobyerno tayo, dapat po ay mayroong transparency," he stated. However, he also highlighted the importance of ensuring that the bill does not infringe upon any right, particularly to privacy. The post Bong Go backs FOI bill; bats for gov’t transparency, accountability appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Go: RSC passage signifies commitment to strong healthcare
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go emphasized the significance of Senate Bill No. 2212, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, in improving the healthcare system and providing specialized healthcare to every Filipino following its approval in the Senate on its third and final reading on Monday, 29 May. Go, chair of the Senate Committee on Health and sponsor of the measure, said that its passage signifies a strong commitment and a collective vision toward enhancing the healthcare landscape in the country. The senator believes that this legislation reflects the dedication of the government to deliver compassionate and accessible healthcare services that cater to the specific needs of every Filipino. “Gusto ko rin pong ibahagi sa ating mga kababayan na para sa kanila po ang panukalang batas na ito,” said Go. “It is your experiences and stories that have driven us to create a healthcare system that is compassionate, accessible, and designed to meet the needs of every Filipino,” he added. With the passage of the measure, Go said that the voices of the people have been heard, and it serves as a reminder that their concerns and welfare are of utmost importance. “Ito pong regional specialty centers ay isang paraan para mailapit natin ang serbisyo medikal sa ating mga kababayan lalung-lalo na po yung mga mahihirap,” said Go. The proposed Regional Specialty Centers Act aims to bring medical services closer to the people, particularly those who are less fortunate. It seeks to bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility by establishing specialized centers that cater to specific medical needs in different regions. If the bill is enacted, the Department of Health shall be mandated to establish specialty centers within designated DOH-hospitals in every region within a span of five years. The primary emphasis will be placed on establishing centers dedicated to heart, lung, and kidney conditions, aiming to replicate the capabilities found in the National Specialty Centers located in Metro Manila. The factors to be considered when determining the establishment of these specialty centers will involve evaluating the health requirements and demands of the population, ensuring convenient geographical accessibility to the hospital, assessing the hospital's role as a referral center, ascertaining the availability of specialized healthcare professionals, and evaluating the hospital's operational and financial performance. The measure was also authored by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senate Majority Floor Leader Joel Villanueva, Senators Sonny Angara, JV Ejercito, Pia Cayetano, Jinggoy Estrada, Imee Marcos, Robin Padilla, Win Gatchalian, Francis Escudero, Ronald dela Rosa, Ramon Revilla Jr., Cynthia Villar, and Loren Legarda. It was also co-authored by Senators Francis Tolentino, Raffy Tulfo, Risa Hontiveros, Lito Lapid, Grace Poe, Mark Villar, Alan Cayetano, Nancy Binay, and Koko Pimentel. Go, an advocate for improved healthcare access in the country, is also the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. To date, 157 operational centers have helped more than seven million Filipinos nationwide, according to the DOH. Go has also consistently expressed his dedication to supporting the establishment of Super Health Centers throughout the country, acknowledging their potential to substantially alleviate hospital congestion and enhance accessibility to government healthcare services at the community level. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. DOH, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed. Services offered in Super Health Centers include 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, where remote diagnosis and treatment of patients will be done. The post Go: RSC passage signifies commitment to strong healthcare appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Go-sponsored regional center bill to bring gov’t closer to people
In a significant step toward enhancing the healthcare system in the country, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed his gratitude to his fellow lawmakers as his proposed Senate Bill No. 2212, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, passed the third and final reading in the Senate. In a manifestation on Monday, 29 May, Go, as sponsor of the measure, placed significant emphasis on the invaluable role of the Filipino people in shaping public policies especially on the healthcare system, stating, "It is your experiences and stories that have driven us to create a healthcare system that is compassionate, accessible, and designed to meet the needs of every Filipino." He further emphasized the impact of the people's voices, affirming, "Today, your voices have been heard. Let us continue to work hand in hand, united in our commitment for the well-being of our community." "Ito pong regional specialty centers ay isang paraan para mailapit natin ang serbisyo medikal sa ating mga kababayan lalung-lalo na po yung mga mahihirap," he added. The proposed bill mandates the Department of Health to establish specialty centers in DOH hospitals in every region within five years. This approach leverages the expertise and availability of healthcare professionals already working in these regional hospitals. The proposal also aligns with the Philippine Development Plan 2023 to 2028, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., which includes the establishment of specialty centers as part of the health-related legislative agenda. Particular emphasis will be placed on establishing heart, lung, and kidney centers that replicate the capabilities of the National Specialty Centers in Metro Manila. To ensure the effectiveness of the specialty centers, the DOH will collaborate with the National Specialty Centers to provide expert personnel, specialized training, and necessary equipment. The bill also outlines the authorization for specialty centers to contract medical specialists and experts to provide training and technical assistance. Moreover, if enacted into law, the DOH will be required to allocate capital outlay investments through the Health Facilities Enhancement Program and work closely with the Department of Budget and Management to develop staffing patterns and standards for the specialty centers, securing positions for healthcare workers serving in these facilities. In his speech, Go also acknowledged and thanked his colleagues for their unwavering support and dedicated efforts in bringing the bill to fruition. “This measure is a steadfast commitment, and a collective vision to improve our healthcare system. It demonstrates our dedication to delivering efficient specialized health care to every Filipino,” said Go. The senator likewise extended his appreciation to the DOH for their support and collaboration in ensuring the passage of this proposed legislation. “(Salamat) sa kanilang suporta at pakikiisa upang maipasa ang panukalang ito sa Senado,” said Go. “Sana po magtulungan din po tayo na mapondohan ang specialty centers na ito, Mr. President, para masiguro natin na maging maayos po ang implementasyon nito,” he added. The measure was also authored by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senate Majority Floor Leader Joel Villanueva, Senators Sonny Angara, JV Ejercito, Pia Cayetano, Jinggoy Estrada, Imee Marcos, Robin Padilla, Win Gatchalian, Francis Escudero, Ronald dela Rosa, Ramon Revilla Jr., Cynthia Villar and Loren Legarda. It was also co-authored by Senators Francis Tolentino, Raffy Tulfo and all other members of the Senate. Go highlighted that the Regional Specialty Centers Act is a fulfillment of a campaign promise made by Senate President Zubiri, saying, “Congratulations din po at sana madagdagan ang pondo nito para maparami pa ang specialty centers sa lahat ng rehiyon. Nakasalalay sayo, Mr. President, ang mga karagdagan para dumami pa ang specialty centers sa buong Pilipinas.” The senator also expressed his gratitude to the senators who supported the bill, including Senators Grace Poe, Alan Peter Cayetano, Nancy Binay, Mark Villar, and Lito Lapid. He also acknowledged the invaluable inputs shared by Senate Minority Floor Leader Senator Aquilino Pimentel III and Senator Risa Hontiveros, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of the Senate in making healthcare services accessible to all Filipinos. The post Go-sponsored regional center bill to bring gov’t closer to people appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Canadian vlogger Kulas now a brand-new Filipino citizen
Senators on Monday unanimously granted Canadian vlogger Kyle Douglas “Kulas” Jennerman Filipino citizenship. During a plenary session, the Senate approved on third and final reading House Bill 7185, which seek the naturalization of Jennerman, with 24 affirmative votes, zero negative votes and no abstentions. Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa lauded Jennerman, saying the latter's wholehearted embrace of the Philippines was "clear from the beginning" by naming his social page "Becoming Filipino." “Perhaps, this is a pivotal moment in globalization, wherein we learn to love our identity even more as Filipinos, but we learn it also from the eyes of someone we would at first consider a foreigner,” Dela Rosa said. Dela Rosa thanked Jennerman for featuring the Filipino culture and traditions in his vlogs, and especially for bringing pride to “Bisayang Dako” or the native Visayan people. “Many of us have learned to love our country even more because of your example. Thank you for learning, thank you for staying,” the senator told Jennerman. Senator Joel Villanueva described Jennerman as an exceptional“, while Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri congratulated Jennerman for his successful application to become a Filipino citizen. “I trust that you will live up to this great gift given to you by the Filipino people. You have already done so much to promote our country, to Filipinos and nationals alike, and we look forward to your future contributions as you champion the country that you call now your home. Maybe you can change the name of your vlog from ‘Becoming a Filipino’ to ‘I am a Filipino.' Congratulations, my dear friend,” said Zubiri. Jennerman has been staying in the country for 10 years. Zubiri, Villanueva and Senator Sonny Angara had earlier filed bills for the naturalization of Jennerman. The post Canadian vlogger Kulas now a brand-new Filipino citizen appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
School-based mental health bill gains backing
Senate Bill 2200 or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act seeking to institutionalize a school-based mental health program in public and private basic education institutions nationwide reached the Senate plenary. “You are not weak for struggling with mental health issues,” Senator Win Gatchalian said. He stressed that every youth silently bearing the weight of their mental health struggles will benefit from the proposed measure he sponsored before the other senators on Wednesday. Gatchalian, who chairs the committee on basic education, said it will define the role of every stakeholder in the school community to appropriately respond to mental health concerns through prevention, intervention, postvention and recovery. Meantime, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, the co-author of the bill, said the well-being of students shouldn’t be overlooked as it is also among the prerequisite to children’s academic excellence. “We must acknowledge the inseparable connection between education and mental health, as a child cannot thrive academically if his or her mental well-being is compromised,” said Go, who also chairs the committee on health and demography. Go also stressed the need to establish available mental health care services not only in basic education but also within higher education, thus, filing Senate Bill 1786 which mandates Public Higher Education Institutions to also establish their own mental health offices. If passed into law, students can sufficiently acquire essential school-based mental health services, including screening, evaluation, assessment, and monitoring, mental health first aid, crisis response and referral system, mental health awareness and literacy, emotional, developmental, and preventive programs, and other support services such as strengthening the learners’ family bonds. Under the bill, the Department of Education shall implement complementary measures to eliminate the stigma of mental health counseling. This will be backed by mental health awareness programs and literacy and appropriate mental health-related referrals to teaching and non-teaching personnel. “The cornerstone of this legislation is the establishment of a Care Center in every public basic education school in the country, and ensuring their establishment and maintenance in private schools,” Gatchalian said. The lawmaker explained that the Center will be equipped with functional physical facilities, located within an adequate space -- where confidentiality is maintained and accessible to the learners, teachers, and non-teaching personnel. The law also urges DepEd to “hire and capacitate competent personnel” whose duties and responsibilities shall be geared towards promoting and ensuring the mental health and well-being of all learners. Senator Ronald dela Rosa, on the other hand, said the increasing number of mental health victims in basic education should gain attention. “We must take action. I am moved by this measure, and I support such a wonderful bill, as it aims to equip our children with the needed tools both to believe in themselves and to believe that their lives are worth living,” said Dela Rosa. Other co-authors of the bill are Senators Joel Villanueva, Nancy Binay, Ramon Revilla Jr., and Lito Lapid. Senators Risa Hontiveros, Dela Rosa, Sonny Angara, and Loren Legarda as well as Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri co-sponsored the measure during the plenary. The post School-based mental health bill gains backing appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PPP vital cog on Phl economy
A lawmaker on Wednesday is pushing for the approval of measures that promote the public-private partnership scheme which makes infrastructure projects for the Philippines become more possible, even if it is “too ambitious.” During a public inquiry by the Senate Committee on Public Works, Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. urged the swift passage of several bills seeking to boost PPP and amendments or the Build-Operate-Transfer Law. These are Senate Bill 765 introduced by Senator Sonny Angara; SB 1022 authored by Senator Jinggoy Estrada; SB 1251 filed by Senator Imee Marcos; SB 1344 authored by Senator Loren Legarda; SB 1613 filed by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Majority Leader Senator Joel Villanueva; SB 1974 authored by Senator JV Ejercito; and House Bill 6527 introduced by several House of Representative members. Revilla stressed that the measures are supporting the government’s flagship “Build Better More” program. “The measure is also included in the priority legislation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. after being mentioned during the President’s first State of the Nation Address and formalized in the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council meeting last 10 October 2022,” Revilla said. He also reiterated the President’s rationale behind the legislation such as addressing ambiguities in the existing BOT Law; resolving the bottlenecks and challenges affecting the implementation of the PPP program; and to foster a more competitive and enabling environment for PPPs. He said pushing for amendments to the BOT Law targets to strengthen and prosper the country’s benefits from the existing mechanism. “PPPs are said to be schemes that offer more benefits than risk to our development. With PPPs, projects may be completed sooner. It turns what seems to be too ambitious into reality. In fact, it is a promising route as we pursue the massive infrastructure development in the country under the Build Better More banner,” Revilla said. The post PPP vital cog on Phl economy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senate bill seeks tax exemption for vaccine donations
Sen. Sonny Angara wants to exempt products necessary to the mitigation of novel coronavirus, including vaccines, from donor's tax......»»
P245 M allocated for Judges-at-Large Act; Angara sees faster resolution of cases
Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara assured the Judiciary Sunday it would be able to expedite the adjudication of several pending court cases with the funds Congress provided for the appointment of judges-at-large under the 2021 national budget. Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara (Senator Sonny Angara Official Facebook Page / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) Angara, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, said a total of P244.988 million was included in the budget of the Judiciary for the implementation of Republic Act 11459 or the Judges-at-Large Act.Enacted on Aug. 13, 2019, the law mandates the creation of judges-at-large posts for the regional and municipal trial courts in order to decongest the courts of its dockets.These judges-at-large would have no permanent salas and may be assigned by the Supreme Court as acting or assisting judges to any Regional Trial Court (RTC) or Municipal Trial Court (MTC) in order to decongest the courts of its dockets.“For 2020, the first year of implementation of the law, we provided funding to cover for the creation of 50 judges-at-large posts,” Angara said in a statement.“For 2021, we will double the number of posts to 100 as requested by our Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta,” Angara said.The senator also said these judges-at-large are entitled to salaries, privileges, allowances, emoluments, benefits, rank, and title of regular RTC and MTC judges.Angara also said the Judiciary’s budget for 2021 also includes a P50-million augmentation to cover for the deployment of Judiciary marshals to secure the justices, judges, and other court officials.He said the inclusion of this funding was prompted by the appeals of the Judiciary for the creation of a judicial marshal service as the threats and attacks against judges and other court officials continue to take place in the country. The Senate is set to approve Senate Bill No. 1947 or the proposed Judiciary Marshals Act, of which Angara is one of the authors. Once approved, an office of the Judiciary marshals would be established under the Supreme Court and its continued funding will be ensured as part of the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA).“We want to sustain the implementation of the Judges-at-Large Act to help ensure the delivery of speedy justice in the country,” the lawmaker said.“With the appointment of more judges, we can expect to see the resolution of more cases and eventually free up the courts of its backlog,” Angara added. .....»»
Senators back Velasco’s proposal to hike calamity funds
Senators on Monday agreed with House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco’s suggestion to increase calamity funds under the 2021 General Appropriations Bill containing the P4.5 trillion national budget following the series of typhoons that devastated several provinces in the country. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Sonny Angara said hiking the calamity funds would not be a contentious […] The post Senators back Velasco’s proposal to hike calamity funds appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DOF seeks swift passage of 2021 budget, economic measures
The Department of Finance (DOF) has sought the swift enactment by Congress of the proposed national budget for next year along with the economic priority measures to rebuild the economy and decisively defeat coronavirus. Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III ( MB FILE, Albert Garcia) During a briefing for the Senate finance committee, Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said the timely enactment of the P4.506 trillion 2021 national budget is a key component of the government’s comprehensive program under its economic bounce-back plan. On top of the budget, Dominguez also said that a “timely and decisive” passage of several economic priority measures are needed to accelerate economic recovery. The priority measures, now pending in Congress, include the Financial Institutions’ Strategic Transfer (FIST) Act, and the Government Financial Institutions’ Unified Initiatives to Distressed Enterprises for Economic Recovery (GUIDE) bill. FIST allows banks to dispose of bad loans and non-performing assets through asset management companies, while GUIDE seeks to allow state-run banks to form a special holding company that will infuse equity, with strict conditions, into strategically important companies facing insolvency. Likewise, the finance chief urged the Senate to pass the proposed Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act (CREATE), which will immediately lower the corporate income tax (CIT) rate from 30 percent to 25 percent. “The swift enactment of CREATE, FIST, GUIDE and the 2021 budget will serve to accelerate our economic recovery. We should not delay providing urgent and necessary relief to our people,” Dominguez said during the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) briefing. The DBCC is composed of the heads of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), DOF, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP); and a senior representative from the Office of the President (OP). “We are committed to working closely with you on the recovery measures so that these can be enacted in a timely, decisive, and responsible manner,” Dominguez told members of the panel chaired by Senator Juan Edgardo Angara. He said the Duterte administration will continue to work with the legislature in passing the remaining packages of the comprehensive tax reform program (CTRP) that will, among others, institute reforms in property valuation and in the taxation of the financial sector. Dominguez said economic recovery also rests on sustaining President Duterte’s signature program “Build, Build, Build,” as sound infrastructure investments provide the largest multiplier effect on the economy in the form of more jobs creation, increased consumption, and the generation of additional productive activities......»»
Adoption of digital transactions pushed
Senator Sonny Angara has filed a bill that seeks to hasten the country’s shift to digital and cashless payments. Angara says there is also the need to establish an efficient and faster mode of transactions in the government as well in the private sector. Angara filed Senate Bill 1764 or the proposed Use of Digital […] The post Adoption of digital transactions pushed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Local Roundup: & bull; Senate ratifies & lsquo;Bayanihan 2& rsquo;
The Senate on Thursday ratified the reconciled version of the proposed P140 billion Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or the Bayanihan 2 bill, Senator Juan Edgardo Angara, chair of the senate Finance committee, said......»»
Emergency protocols in case of bridge collapse sought
Emergency protocols in case of bridge collapse sought.....»»
SPC grad No. 4 in MTLE
The San Pedro College (SPC) took to Facebook on March 27, 2024, congratulating Ai-Jay Vidal Cortez for placing fourth in the March 2024 Medical Technology Licensure Examination (MTLE)......»»
Cebu topnotcher shares secret to success: Strong support system of family, friends
CEBU CITY, Philippines — A good support system of family and friends is Elijah Cabase’s secret to his placing 5th in the March 2024 Medical Technologists Licensure Examinations (MTLE). This 23-year-old University of Cebu-Banilad alumnus said that he was not even expecting to pass because he described himself as a confessed procrastinator — or one.....»»
House leaves Quiboloy’s fate to Senate
The House of Representatives will no longer pursue and implement the warrant of arrest it issued against pastor Apollo Quiboloy after it approved on final reading the bill revoking the franchise of the evangelist’s alleged TV network......»»