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Kuya Bong backs medical specialty agencies’ establishment
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has recently expressed his full support for the establishment of the National Disease Prevention Management Authority, Medical Reserve Corps, and the Virology Institute of the Philippines. The measures were discussed during the Third Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council meeting after the senator attended the groundbreaking for the Super Health Center in San Mateo, Rizal. When asked about the progress of these initiatives, Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health stressed his full support and is optimistic that these will be approved this year. Go clarified that the NDPMA is essentially the same as the previously named Center for Disease Control and Prevention bill as he reiterated the importance of being prepared for possible future pandemics, citing the country’s experience with Covid-19. He recalled how the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine became a crucial office for Covid-19 testing, despite almost losing its funding during the 2019 budget deliberations. “In 2019, before the pandemic came, the budget for the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine was almost cut. We did not agree. In fact, we increased them during the budget deliberations,” Go said. “My hunch was right, who would have thought that RITM would be one of the most important offices during the pandemic? RITM is also capable of testing other infectious diseases besides Covid-19,” he added. He concluded by saying that he supports these initiatives that will benefit Filipinos, the healthcare system, and the less fortunate. To recall, the senator has filed his own versions of these measures in the Senate — Senate Bill 195 or the creation of a Center for Disease Control and if passed, the CDC will serve as the country’s central hub for disease prevention, surveillance and control, focusing on both infectious and non-communicable diseases. The post Kuya Bong backs medical specialty agencies’ establishment appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go urges more sports funding for grassroots dev’t, facilities, and athletes
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, underscored during a budget hearing on Tuesday, 12 September, the critical role of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) in promoting sports as a key factor in national development. He emphasized the necessity of adequate funding for both grassroots sports development and the country's participation in international competitions. “Noong nakaraan ay ipinaglaban natin sa deliberasyon ng ating 2023 budget ang karagdagang pondo para sa PSC. Sa katunayan, ang budget lang sana ng PSC ngayong taon ay nasa humigit-kumulang P200 million lamang. Tayo ang nagsulong ng dagdag sa pondo nila kaya nabigyan pa ito ng P1 billion, kasama na ang dagdag pondo sa pagdaraos ng FIBA 2023, budget para sa grassroots sports programs, at suporta sa mga lalahok sa iba pang international competitions,” he cited earlier. Go, in his opening statement, expressed his strong belief that sports can serve as a deterrent for the youth against engaging in illegal drugs and other harmful activities. He also mentioned that sports can be a way to continue the campaign against illegal drugs initiated by former president Rodrigo Duterte. “Sabi ko nga, get into sports, stay away from illegal drugs to keep us healthy and fit. At isa rin po ito sa paraan na ilayo natin ang mga kabataan sa iligal na droga. Isang paraan ito na maipagpatuloy ang kampanya ni dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na labanan ang iligal na droga dahil kapag bumalik po ang iligal na droga, babalik po ang kriminalidad, babalik po ang korapsyon sa gobyerno,” Go said. The senator also highlighted the recent achievements of the Philippines in the international sports community, including the successful hosting of the 2023 FIBA World Cup. He praised the event organizers and shared his experience participating in a dry-run before the opening, emphasizing that "’pag nandyan po ang disiplina, kaya natin, gugustuhin natin na maging well-organized po tayo." Go likewise underscored the international attention that the Philippines has garnered through its successful hosting of sports events, particularly the FIBA World Cup. "Malaking tulong po iyon sa pag-promote po ng kagandahan ng ating bansa. For 17 days, nakatutok po sa ating bayan ang buong mundo dahil napakaganda po ng ating bansa," he said. The senator then expressed his pride in Gilas Pilipinas for earning a spot in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. "Alam ko po na ibinigay ninyo ang lahat, ginawa ninyo po ang lahat para lumaban. Puso po ang ginamit ninyo at 'never say die' ang attitude ng ating Gilas Pilipinas," he said. Go also took the opportunity to commend the country’s performance in the Southeast Asian Games. He then extended his well wishes for the upcoming Asian Games scheduled from 25 September to 8 October. However, the senator also hinted at areas for improvement, suggesting that while the country has had successes, there is still work to be done. "Though mayroon mang dapat ayusin, may panahon pa kayong ayusin ang mga ito," Go added while stressing the importance of supporting both grassroots and elite sports development. "For this year’s budget, with the support of our Chairman of the Committee on Finance, Senator Sonny Angara, we allocated funding for PSC’s grassroots program and the preparation, training, and participation of our national athletes in international sports competitions," he revealed. The PSC proposed a budget of P3.3 billion for 2024, but the DBM only approved P210 million. This is a reduction of more than 93 percent from the agency’s proposal. Go also touched on the need for proper training facilities for athletes. He mentioned the need for repairs at the Philippine Institute of Sports Multi-Purpose Arena (PhilSports Arena) and comfortable barracks for athletes. “Mahalaga na magkaroon ng tama at sapat na training ang ating mga manlalaro. Kaya naman gusto ko ring pagtuunan ng pansin na mayroon tayong sports facilities na maaaring maging training center ng ating mga atleta,” he said. “Ako po'y saksi mismo, napasyalan ko ang inyong matagal ng pasilidad, itong Phil Sports, nakapaglaro na kami doon, medyo tumutulo na rin ang gym. Kailangan na sigurong magkaroon ng repair, at yung mga barracks ng atleta, dapat komportable, dahil iba talaga kapag suportado sila, mula pagkain, yung kanilang tirahan at bago sila sumabak sa competition, dapat kumbaga lahat ng laban naman ay dapat alagang-alaga po ang ating mga atleta,” he shared. Go noticed that the facilities that were presented during the hearing are in bad condition and that they really need to be improved. He urged the government to allocate funds for the construction of comfortable housing for the athletes, instead of spending on flood control projects in areas where there are no people. “Napapansin ko ang mga pasilidad na pinakita kanina. Talagang kailangan po, the more we should invest sa mga sports facilities natin na sira,” he added. “Bigyan naman natin ng maayos at komportable na tirahan ang ating mga atleta. Nananawagan ako sa DPWH, instead of flood control projects sa mga lugar na walang tao, dito na lang sa ating mga atleta na kailangan nila ng komportableng tirahan man lang. Baka pwede ninyo mapaglaanan ng pondo,” said Go. Meanwhile, he also discussed the National Academy of Sports (NAS) at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, established under Republic Act No. 11470 that he authored and co-sponsored, which allows students to train while getting quality secondary education. The law provided for the establishment of the NAS System and Main Campus. The NAS also offers a secondary education program with an integrated special curriculum on sports which was developed in close coordination with PSC and the Department of Education. “Pwede silang mag-training, at the same time, mag-aral. Pwede silang mag-aral, at the same time, mag-training. Wala pong masasakripisyo. 'Yan po ang National Academy of Sports, batas na po at may sariling pasilidad,” he said. The senator then called on the PSC to maximize the facilities at New Clark City, initially used for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. He also reiterated his support for the establishment of the Philippine Sports Training Center and asked for updates on its status. Go urged his colleagues to fight for a sufficient budget for PSC’s programs to ensure continuous sports development in the country. “Kaya naman po hinihimok ko ang ating mga kasamahan na suportahan ang budget ng Philippine Sports Commission at GAB para tuluy-tuloy lang po ang sports development sa ating bansa,” concluded Go. The post Bong Go urges more sports funding for grassroots dev’t, facilities, and athletes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go inspects Siniloan isolation facility
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, personally inspected the isolation facility at the Siniloan Infirmary Hospital in Siniloan, Laguna on Friday, 25 August. Go, also the vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, has supported the said project during the Duterte administration. The senator, an adopted son of CALABARZON, was also joined by Vice Governor Karen Agapay, Mayor Patrick Go, Vice Mayor Carla Valderrama, and Councilors Carl Anthony Puño, Regie De Jesus, and Councilor Ronald Valeroso, among others. "Maraming salamat po Kuya Bong. Ang bayan po ng Siniloan ay taos-pusong nagpapasalamat sa inyong pagdalaw at kami po ay binibigyan niyo ng suporta. Ang sarili naming Infirmary Hospital ay parang Malasakit Center na rin dahil ang mga kapos nating kababayan na lumalapit doon ay nabibigyan natin ng direktang libreng pag-gagamot. Kaya Kuya Bong, maraming maraming salamat po. Talagang 'Go cares'," Mayor Go expressed. Go’s visit not only underscored his dedication to serving the Filipino people but also highlighted the critical need to bolster the nation's health sector, particularly in the wake of the devastating effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the inspection, the senator engaged in conversations with the local officials and even healthcare workers to gain firsthand insights into the challenges faced by the health sector. “Sinusuportahan naman natin ang inyong Infirmary Hospital dito po sa Siniloan at gaya ng sinabi ko kung ano po ang makakatulong sa Siniloan sa pag-unlad ng inyong bayan at makatulong po sa mga mahihirap nating kababayan dito po sa Siniloan ay handa po akong tumulong sa abot ng aking makakaya ay tutulong po ako dito po sa inyong bayan,” said Go in an interview after his visit. Go has consistently stressed the importance of continuous investments in healthcare infrastructure, personnel, and equipment especially in the community level. He pointed out that the pandemic had exposed vulnerabilities in the health sector and underscored the need for proactive measures to ensure that the country is better equipped to handle future health crises. Through a series of innovative initiatives, including Malasakit Centers, Super Health Centers (SHCs), and Regional Specialty Centers (RSCs), Go underscored his unwavering commitment to ensuring that all Filipinos have access to quality medical assistance and services. Malasakit Centers, a brainchild of Senator Go, act as one-stop shops that consolidate the available medical assistance programs of various government agencies, ensuring that poor and indigent patients can readily access the support they need. Since its inception in 2018, Malasakit Centers have provided invaluable assistance to more than seven million patients, alleviating the financial burdens that often accompany medical treatments. There are currently 158 operational centers nationwide, including those at Laguna Medical Center in Sta. Cruz and San Pablo City General Hospital in San Pablo City. Go is the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. Meanwhile, Go’s vision of a more improved healthcare sector extends to the establishment of SHCs, which aim to offer comprehensive healthcare services to communities, especially in underserved areas. Such centers are set to be established in cities such as Calamba, Cabuyao, Sta. Rosa, San Pedro, San Pablo, and Biñan, as well as in the towns of Alaminos, Mabitac, Calauan, Los Baños, and Sta. Maria. The SHCs will offer a wide range of 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 which remote diagnosis and treatment of patients are made possible. Through the concerted efforts of the Department of Health (DOH) and lawmakers, adequate funding has been allocated in the national budget for the establishment of 307 SHCs in 2022 and 322 more in 2023. “Ang maganda po diyan early detection, primary care, checkup, konsulta. Diyan ho kayo magpakonsulta sa Super Health Center na itinatayo sa inyong lugar. Early detection (para) hindi lumala ang sakit. It will help decongest sa hospitals, madi-decongest po ang mga hospitals dahil diyan na po gagamutin sa mga Super Health Center,’ Go said. Recognizing the need for specialized care, Go has also championed the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers. These centers focus on specific medical fields, ensuring that patients receive expert care without the need to travel long distances to urban centers. In the Senate, Go principally sponsored and is one of the authors of Senate Bill No. 2212, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which was recently approved and signed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. into law. “Pangatlong prayoridad ko po bilang chairman ng Committee on Health ito pong establishing regional specialty center. Maglalagay po ng mga specialty center sa mga DOH regional hospital sa buong Pilipinas. It’s a multiyear plan po. Halimbawa, (kung may problema sa) heart, kidney, lung, neonatal, mental, ito pong mga ortho sa mga may karamdaman sa buto, cancer. Ilalagay na po sa lahat ng DOH regional hospital sa buong Pilipinas para ilapit po natin ang serbisyo medikal sa ating mga kababayan,” explained Go. “Ako po ang (isa sa mga) author at (principal) sponsor niyan sa Senado at pasado na ‘yan, napirmahan na po ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos dahil priority po ito ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos. Establishing specialty center in every DOH regional hospital all over the country,” he added. On the same day, Go personally inspected the town’s Sports Complex and provided assistance to 500 struggling residents. The post Bong Go inspects Siniloan isolation facility appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go visits ‘egg basket of the Philippines’ to conduct relief ops
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go emphasized the paramount significance of stronger government interventions for supporting impoverished Filipinos adversely affected by various crises as he personally led a relief activity for struggling Batangueños in San Jose town on Thursday, 17 August. In 2022, former president Rodrigo Duterte approved a law declaring San Jose town in Batangas as the country's "egg basket” through Republic Act No. 11707, which recognizes the local and national "economic significance" of San Jose's egg industry. Recognizing the urgent need for support, Go for his part has tirelessly championed the cause of the most vulnerable members of society, ensuring that essential government aid reaches those who need it the most. In partnership with the local government of San Jose, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Go assisted 1,558 fellow Batanguenos at the Vanolato Realty basketball court. Go and his team provided grocery packs, masks, vitamins, and meals to each beneficiary. He likewise gave away bicycles, shoes, mobile phones, watches, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select recipients. A team from the DSWD extended financial assistance to 1,000 qualified Batangueños through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, while DOLE provided livelihood support to 558 individuals through its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program. “Mga kababayan ko nandirito po kami ngayong araw na ito (at) may dala lang po kaming kaunting tulong. Mayroon po akong dala mula sa aking opisina. (Bukod pa rito,) ang DSWD po mayroong programa na AICS. Kayo po ang napili na bibigyan po na mga beneficiaries ngayong araw na ito… Iba naman po ang TUPAD ng DOLE. Ito pong programang ito pansamantalang trabaho po ito,” Go said. “Ako po bilang senador ay nagsulong nito para maging benepisyaryo kayo ng mga programang ‘yan sa pakikipag-ugnayan po kay Mayor Ben Patron. Suportado ko po ang mga programa ng gobyerno tulad nito na nakakatulong sa mga mahihirap,” shared Go. Go, who is an adopted son of CALABARZON with familial roots in Batangas and Davao, likewise praised the collective efforts of all local officials, including Mayor Valentino “Ben” Patron and Vice Mayor Noel Virtucio. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel team captain Lewis Alfred "LA" Tenorio, a Batangueño, was also present during the visit. “Minsan ako ay pumunta sa kanyang opisina para hingan kayo ng tulong. Ang sagot niya sa akin, at napagalitan pa ako dahil sabi, Mayor, kahit hindi ka pumunta dito, ako ay Batangueño at bilang Batangueño, una sa puso ko ang mga taga-San Jose,” referring to Go, Mayor Patron recalled during his speech to the beneficiaries. Meanwhile, the senator, who chairs the Committee on Health and Demography in the Senate, reiterated his commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and medical services for the poor and reminded the public to take advantage of the services offered in Malasakit Centers. As a one-stop shop where poor and indigent patients can access government medical assistance, the Malasakit Center was initiated by Go in 2018 and institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463 in 2019, a piece of legislation he principally sponsored and authored in the Senate. As attested by the Department of Health (DOH), the program has already aided over seven million patients nationwide with 158 existing Malasakit Centers all around the country. The Malasakit Centers in the province are located at the Batangas Medical Center in Batangas City and at Batangas Provincial Hospital in Lemery. In addition to his commitment to the Malasakit Center program, Go has conveyed his support to establish more Super Health Centers (SHCs) throughout the country. Under the 2022 national budget, SHCs in Batangas were funded in Ibaan, San Pascual, Agoncillo, Calatagan, Lipa City, Malvar, and Taysan. In 2023, more centers were identified to be established in the towns of San Juan, Tingloy, Lian, and San Jose. In addition, two more SHCs were funded in Lipa City. The SHC is an improved version of a rural health center and offers basic health services such as 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 which remote diagnosis and treatment of patients are made possible. “Sa kakaikot ko po sa buong Pilipinas, marami pong lugar walang health facilities. Yung mga buntis nanganganak sa tricycle (o kaya) sa jeepney dahil napakalayo po ng ospital. Ngayon magkakaroon na ng Super Health Center at pwede po itong i-expand ni Mayor. Kaya yung mga buntis pwede nang manganak dyan,” Go cited. “Kapag meron na pong Super Health Center dito sa lugar ninyo, dyan na po pwede magpakonsulta, importante ang early detection ng diseases para hindi lumala ang sakit, at makakuha kayo ng primary care. This will help decongest the hospitals dahil dyan na po pwede na magpagamot. Malaking tulong po nun,” he continued. To help with the economic recovery of the town, Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, supported the construction of multipurpose buildings, road improvements, rehabilitation of drainage facilities and water systems, and a street lighting project. On the same day, Go attended the blessing and opening of the Malaquing Tubig Bridge and inspected the ongoing road construction in Barangay Palanca going to Barangay Natunuan. As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go was instrumental in securing funding for these projects. The post Bong Go visits ‘egg basket of the Philippines’ to conduct relief ops appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Time for the Philippines to go nuclear
With the scorching heat of the sun still going on and the looming dry spell as a result of the El Niño phenomenon, more Filipinos are using electricity to beat the soaring temperature. Unfortunately, the supply of power cannot cope with the demand, so power outages have also become common. [caption id="attachment_167841" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Many Filipinos are increasingly unable to afford power costs, with the cost of electricity in the country among the highest in Southeast Asia. | Photographs Courtesy Of The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute.[/caption] Many Filipinos are also increasingly unable to afford power costs. The cost of electricity in the country is among the highest in Southeast Asia, according to a paper penned for the Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development. In the Philippines, the kilowatt per hour is $0.16. Compare that to Thailand and Indonesia ($0.10/kWh) and Malaysia ($0.05/kWh). At $0.18/kWh, only Singapore surpasses the country’s Philippines rates. About 50 percent of the country’s power generation comes from coal, with natural gas and renewables accounting for just over 20 percent and the rest coming from oil-fired boilers. The country’s electricity consumption is expected to triple by 2040 — from the 90.2 TWh (Terawatt-hour) in 2018 — due to the rapidly growing economy. It’s time for the Philippines to transition away from its reliance on coal. The adoption of nuclear power is the fastest option and would make electricity costs more affordable, according to the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute. PNRI Director Carlo A. Arcilla said including nuclear power in the country’s energy mix would be beneficial to consumers as it would bring down expensive electricity rates and provide a stable source of power. Gayle Certeza, convenor of Alpas Pinas, a group that educates and advocates for nuclear energy, agrees. “We believe that nuclear energy will positively impact the lives of Filipinos because it will mean lower electricity rates that will better allow for more savings,” she said in a Daily Tribune feature. During the presidency of Rodrigo R. Duterte, Executive Order 164 was signed to include nuclear power in the country’s energy mix. Under the policy, the country “shall ensure the peaceful use of nuclear technology anchored on critical tenets of public safety, national security, energy self-sufficiency, and environmental sustainability.” Energy security The Department of Science and Technology supported EO 164, saying: “Nuclear power is envisioned to bring down the cost of electricity and to contribute to energy security considering the various limitations now being encountered in the other sources which includes natural gas, geothermal, hydro and coal.” The DoST is a member of the Nuclear Energy Program Interagency Committee, tasked to study the adoption of a national position on nuclear power. Nuclear power is one of two major alternatives to fossil fuels; the other is renewable energy (solar power, wind power, hydroelectric, geothermal energy and biomass energy). “Renewables and nuclear can complement each other,” said Arcilla in an interview. “Wind and solar depend on the status of the weather, and they only a 30-percent capacity factor unless you have an expensive battery.” Solar energy also requires one hectare of land to produce one megawatt. “This will become more challenging since the Philippines is an archipelagic country,” Arcilla said. Nuclear, on the other hand, “is more of a baseload energy, meaning it is more reliable due to its continuous production of energy. It could provide backup for wind and solar.” Threats and risks Groups such as the World Nuclear Association, the International Atomic Energy Agency and Environmentalists for Nuclear Energy contend that nuclear power is a sustainable energy source that reduces carbon emissions. But opponents, such as Greenpeace International and Nuclear Information and Resource Service, warn that nuclear power poses many threats to people and the environment, including the problems of processing, transport and storage of radioactive nuclear waste, the risk of nuclear weapons proliferation and terrorism, as well as health risks and environmental damage from uranium mining. Because of these risks, Dr. Art Romero, a geoscientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Berkeley, California, emphasizes the need to conduct due diligence, technical hazard studies and engineering and safety reviews. If the Philippines went nuclear, where would it put nuclear waste? “It is very challenging to manage nuclear waste as it will last up to 10,000 years,” acknowledged Arcilla. “We need to isolate them from the human environment.” Arcilla suggests deep borehole disposal. “In the Philippines, we have the capability to drill up to three kilometers. So what we can do is to go to an isolated island, drill up to one kilometer, then we plug in bentonite.” It’s not the first time the Philippines will go nuclear. The Bataan Nuclear Power Plant was built by Westinghouse during the time of Ferdinand Marcos at a cost of $2.2 billion, but it was mothballed in 1986 due to safety concerns and allegations of corruption, even before it could begin operations. During the administration of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, proponents wanted the BNPP rehabilitated. But the project was projected to cost a hefty $1 billion. In 2019, a public perception survey indicated that 79 percent of Filipinos supported the rehabilitation of the shelved BNPP. In addition, 65 percent approved the building of new nuclear power plants. Nuclear power is the second largest source of low-carbon electricity today. With almost 500 operating reactors globally, it provides 10 percent of global electricity supply. It’s time for a rapidly developing country like the Philippines to take a second look at this critical power supply option. The post Time for the Philippines to go nuclear appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Visayan growth
This piece is being written as I traverse the Visayan region which is carrying greater prospects for future economic growth. For the past months, I’ve written on Mindanao and Central Luzon and how these regions have experienced rapid development thanks to the nationally elected political leaders who hail from their provinces, Vice President Sara Duterte and the former president now Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, respectively. At times neglected in the discussions is the Visayas region. This time around, I was able to spend time in Iloilo and Cebu – both highly urbanized regional growth areas outside of Metro Manila. Iloilo is a wonderful city as it exists harmoniously with its bodies of water. Esplanades and walkways allow everyone to enjoy the river, which serves as a leisure area, transportation hub, and entry for goods, which is quite uncommon in the Philippines. Usually, Philippine rivers are either for people or for goods, not both, since our rivers are easily polluted. But in Iloilo, as well as neighboring Guimaras, their rivers bring life to the province. The only eyesore in Iloilo would be the “sinking” Ungka flyover located in Pavia. This project cost the government P680 million but it was closed shortly after it opened because motorists experienced a “wavy” sensation while driving on it. It was later learned that some of its pillars were sinking at the rate of two centimeters per day. A study showed it would take an estimated P250 million to repair the flyover and make it safely usable to the public. One reason to be excited about Iloilo should be the proposed revival of the Panay Railway, which was mentioned by President Bongbong Marcos Jr. in his SoNA last year and included in the Infrastructure Flagship Projects approved by NEDA. On this trip, I learned that Panay used to have a working railway that connected Iloilo City to Roxas City, and that plans for its revival would further connect Iloilo to Caticlan thus, the resort island of Boracay. Imagine having tourists land in Boracay, spend a few days there, then take a train to Iloilo where they would further be immersed in Philippine culture in one of the oldest cities of the country. Cebu is an established gem of a city, with traffic nearing Manila levels. Walking around Cebu feels like being in Alabang or BGC. One thing missing in Cebu is tollways to connect its cities and municipalities. This may change soon with the inclusion of the Metro Cebu Expressway in the NEDA-approved IFPs. The 72-kilometer project, once completed, will connect Naga City to Danao City, cutting travel time from three hours to 50 minutes. The project was started years ago, but only a reported five kilometers of it have been finished so far due to lack of funding. At this rate of budget allocation, it will take 20 years to finish it. Now, the project will continue and be finished sooner via a PPP arrangement after Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. — the same company that built the iconic Cebu Cordova Link Expressway bridge — has expressed interest in it. Whenever I visit Cebu, it seems that a major development had taken place. This time was no different. Even in Iloilo, there are new buildings erected almost monthly. One notable building is the 14-story Stronghold Insurance Building in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, an area surrounded by Ayala, SM, Vista Land, and Megaworld developments. As this Administration has heralded, this time the purpose is to “Build, Better, More” for the benefit of all Filipinos nationwide. For comments, email him at darren.dejesus@gmail.com. The post Visayan growth appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fried in own lard
While the National Transmission Corp. or TransCo concessionaire National Grid Corp. of the Philippines has been awash with cash as reflected in its billions of pesos of early dividends, it has not paid the government P3 billion plus interest on transmission fees before 2009 when the private firm took over operations of the power grid. The amount represents collections from power plants to which TransCo is entitled but remains unremitted. Under a privatization program, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo approved a plan to privatize TransCo through a 25-year Operation and Management Concession Agreement. The bidding for the license to run the Philippine power grid was won by the NGCP in 2007, while Congress approved the bicameral resolution granting its franchise in 2008, and PGMA signed RA8511 into law, granting NGCP its franchise. On 15 January 2009, TransCo turned over the management of the country’s power grid to NGCP. TransCo, owner of the electricity network, and energy assets holding firm Power Sector and Liabilities Management Corp. have been demanding the payment of the amount. An energy official said the government can use the money to reduce power rates by deducting this from the monthly bills under the item universal charges. Universal charges include the so-called stranded costs or payables to Independent Power Producers that PSALM assumed from state firm National Power Corp. Instead, the energy official suspects NGCP used the withheld payments for its benefit to consistently pay fat dividends to its shareholders. In the recent Senate inquiry on the power industry, NGCP said of its P20.3 billion net income in 2019, P15 billion, or around 74 percent, went to dividends. In 2017, around 90 percent of its P20.6 billion net income went to dividends. For 2015, the NGCP distributed around 93 percent of its P22.5 billion profit as payouts to shareholders. The company particularly made its investors happy in 2014, when it said dividends exceeded its net income or P24 billion handed to stockholders against P22 billion in profit. Counting the potential interest, an energy source said the receivables from NGCP have now ballooned to more than P6 billion. NGCP’s rampant violation of the provisions of the concession agreement had resulted in a serious financial drain on the government. The provisions of the 2009 deal, which included the settling of all arrears such as the TransCo collectibles, also provided separate audited accounts for each related business and the need for NGCP to hold an initial public offering that it skirted through the back door listing of a holding company. TransCo’s financial claim from NGCP was upheld by an opinion on 18 April 2012 by the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel. “TransCo has already acquired immutable vested rights over the contested revenues,” the OGCC decision indicated. “Public policy considerations and the public nature of the receivables impose upon TransCo the obligation to recover the disputed amount for its benefit,” it added. NGCP holds a renewable 25-year concession contract and a 50-year franchise to operate the power transmission network in the country. Since the agreement was signed in 2009, the contract will run until 2034 and from then, the government has the option to renew it for another 25 years. An audit that has long been blocked by NGCP should happen and from there, the government should muster the will to take the necessary steps if abuse is found in the performance of the provisions of the concession agreement. The post Fried in own lard appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bañacia thanks Lapu City Council for approving P43M for city’s COVID-19 response
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines — Lapu-Lapu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) head Nagiel Bañacia has expressed gratitude to the members of the city council after they approved the P43,984,569 budget intended for the city’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) response. Bañacia said that the budget is intended for the opening of another isolation facility […] The post Bañacia thanks Lapu City Council for approving P43M for city’s COVID-19 response appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Cebu City Health needs supplemental approved to hire more doctors, nurses
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Cebu City Health Department (CHD) is banking on the approval of the P206 million budget they have proposed to the City Council’s committee on budget and finance to be able to hire more medical professionals. These medical professionals will be manning the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination sites that the […] The post Cebu City Health needs supplemental approved to hire more doctors, nurses appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
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. .....»»
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......»»
Senate concurrence needed to revoke SMNI franchise’
The revocation of the legislative franchise of Sonshine Media Network Inc. by the House of Representatives would have to be approved by the Senate first before it can take effect – in accordance with the usual legislative route, lawmakers said yesterday......»»
DBM: P175.9 million for DOST scholars, researchers OK’d
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of P175.902 million for the implementation of the Grants-in-Aid (GIA) program of the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD)......»»
Marcos approves release of P9.7 billion unprogrammed funds for DPWH projects
President Marcos has approved the release of P9.7 billion from the unprogrammed funds for public works and road repair whose original budget was slashed and included in the P60 billion in last-minute insertions in the 2024 national budget by some members of the House of Representatives......»»
Approved without thinking: P26.7-B ‘mysterious ayuda’
Another last-minute insertion in the 2024 national budget has been bared. The P26.7 billion was slipped in by the bicameral conference committee. Senators and representatives then ratified the bicam report. They are all thus answerable to the people for that hanky-panky......»»
House balks at ‘absurd’ Senate allegations about cash aid program
House Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales has also insisted that senators approved the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program during the budget legislation process, calling their line of questioning about its “sudden” appearance in the 2024 budget “absurd.”.....»»
Fund for indigent cancer patients reaches P1.25 billion
Senators and congressmen have approved a substantial increase in this year’s budget allocation for indigent cancer patients, or the Cancer Assistance Fund (CAF), in the hope of helping more Filipinos to be healed from the killer disease......»»
Council-approved 2024 annual budget ‘ready for implementation’
Council-approved 2024 annual budget ‘ready for implementation’.....»»
BARMM’s 2024 budget: nearly P100-B a year before transition gov’t steps down in favor of elected
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 26 December) – The Bangsamoro Parliament has approved the proposed P98.5 billion budget of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) for 2024, the last full-year budget that will be implemented by the 80-member Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) before the transition government steps down on June 30, 2025 and the first […].....»»
P450 billion unprogrammed funds has built-in safeguards, says DBM
The Department of Budget and Management maintained that the P450 billion in unprogrammed appropriations approved for next year has built-in safeguards to prevent unconstitutional spending......»»