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‘Dapat maging mas handa tayo’ — Bong Go backs healthcare-related bills
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go expressed in an interview on Thursday, September 21, after attending the groundbreaking for the Super Health Center in San Mateo, Rizal, 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 (LEDAC) meeting. When asked about the progress of these initiatives, Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, responded, "As chair po ng Senate Committee on Health, full support po ako dito." “Nasa subcommittee ang mga bills na ito na pinangungunahan ni Senator Pia Cayetano. Nakapag-hearing na ito at isa ako sa mga nagfile ng bills. Hopefully, maipasa ito ngayong taon,” said Go. "Priority rin ang mga ito ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, nabanggit din ito sa LEDAC, so suportado ko ito," he added. Go clarified that the NDPMA is essentially the same as the previously named Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) bill. “Unang-una, napaloob po ito sa Philippine Development Plan po ng ating Pangulong Marcos. Itong paggagawa ng Center for Disease Control and Prevention, or ibahin man po, maging National Disease Management Prevention Authority ay suportado ko po ito," added Go. The senator emphasized the importance of being prepared for possible future pandemics, citing the country's experience with COVID-19. "Mas mabuti pong lagi tayong handa; meron tayong opisina na nakatutok po kung saka-sakaling may dumating na pandemya po sa buhay natin," he said. He recalled how the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) became a crucial office for COVID-19 testing, despite almost losing its funding during the 2019 budget deliberations. “Noong 2019 naman bago dumating ang pandemya ay muntik ding binawasan ang budget para sa Research Institute for Tropical Medicine. Hindi po tayo pumayag. In fact, dinagdagan pa natin sila noong budget deliberations. Tama nga ang kutob ko, sino ba ang mag-aakala na ang RITM ang magiging isa sa pinakaimportanteng opisina sa panahon ng pandemya? Ang RITM din ang may kakayahan na mag-test ng iba pang nakahahawang sakit bukod sa COVID-19,” Go shared. He concluded by saying that he supports these initiatives that will benefit Filipinos, the healthcare system, and the less fortunate. "Bagama't isang boto lang po ako, ay suportado ko po ang mga ito." The senator has filed his own versions of these measures in the Senate. Go has filed Senate Bill No. 195 or the creation of a Center for Disease Control (CDC). If passed into law, CDC will serve as the country's central hub for disease prevention, surveillance, and control, focusing on both infectious and non-communicable diseases. Another key legislative measure from Go is SBN 196, which seeks to establish a Virology Science and Technology Institute. The institute is envisioned as a center for virology that will enhance the country's capacity to study, detect, and combat emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. He also filed SBN 1180 which seeks to establish a Medical Reserve Corps composed of individuals who have degrees in health-related fields but have yet to obtain professional licenses. The Medical Reserve Corps may be called upon to assist the national government and the local government units in their functions related to addressing the medical needs of the public in times of national emergencies. The post ‘Dapat maging mas handa tayo’ — Bong Go backs healthcare-related bills appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
QC orders localized class suspension
The Quezon City government early morning Monday left the discretion of suspending classes due to continuous rain to barangay and school officials , Angelbert Apostol, the city information chief, announced. Those who immediately ordered the suspension of classes are Barangay Holy Spirit for its (Public Pre-school to Senior High School — Morning and Afternoon Class); Barangay Bagong Silangan (Public Pre-school to Senior High School) and Barangay Payatas (Public Pre-school to Senior High School). Apostol said the discretion is allowed through Memorandum Circular No. 10-A series of 2022 under the Department of Education Order 037 series of 2022. Suspension of classes in private schools, on the other hand, is left to the discretion of school officials. Apostol added that decision to suspend classes is left to the barangay for having their own “pre-disaster risk assessment” in consultation with school officials. Over a year ago exactly on 22 August 2022, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte issued a Memorandum Circular No. 10 instructing the local School Division Office and Public and Private Education Institutions to adhere to Localized Suspension of Classes due to typhoons, floodings and other weather disturbances and calamities. The circular noted an “automatic suspension classes” based on Department of Education 014 Series of 202, that dictated “classes shall automatically be suspended in case the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration has declared the following typhoon signal: Signal Number 1 — all public and private pre-school kindergarten classes; Signal Number 2 or higher — public and private pre-school kindergarten elementary and secondary classes. College and university level classes are suspended if the typhoon signal is raised to Number 3, pursuant to Commission on Higher Education Memorandum Order No. 15 Series of 2019 ordering an automatic suspension of classes on Higher Education Institutions when Signal Number 3 is raised by PAGASA. It also carries an order that suspension of work in public schools “shall be in accordance with DepEd Order No. 14 Series of 2021 and CHEd Memorandum Order No.15 Series of 2012 for HEIs.” Meanwhile, the cities of Parañaque and Pasay yesterday suspended classes in all levels in public and private schools due to inclement weather. Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez ordered the suspension in all levels both in public and private schools upon the recommendation of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. The mayor said the recommendation of suspension of classes by the DRRMO was due to the continuous southwest monsoon rains enhanced by typhoon “Hanna.” Residents were told, especially those living in low-lying areas, to immediately call the city government in case of emergencies through its hotline numbers. (For landline: 8820-PQUE (7783), for Smart : 0961-096-6341 and for Globe users at 0956-394-0176.) All residents were advised by the mayor to just stay home for their safety. Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano also suspended online and face-to-face classes in all levels both in public and private schools. The mayor advised residents living in flood-prone areas to be alert and vigilant as rains continue to pour. The post QC orders localized class suspension appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Return separation pay, viral ex-cop told
Brig. Gen. Niño David Rabaya, director of the Philippine National Police-Retirement and Benefits Administration Service, demanded from viral road rage ex-cop Wilfredo Gonzales the return of the money he received despite his dismissal from the police service. Gonzales was dismissed for grave misconduct in 2018, two years after he retired upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 where he got his separation pay. His dismissal which stemmed from a gun-toting incident he was involved in in 2006 led to the forfeiture of his benefits retroactively. In a press conference in Camp Crame on Monday, Rabaya, said Gonzales is required to bring back to the PNP around P588,000 sending him letters demanding the return of the money, since 2019 but they have yet to get any response from him. “It’s basically his terminal leave or leave credits as he also received ‘three’ year lump sum pension starting 2016 to 2019 but when the PRBS was able to receive the dismissal order, his monthly pension which was supposed to start in 2019 was not anymore activated. So basically he is not anymore receiving pension from us,” Rabaya told reporters. “As a matter of procedure, we are already preparing the demand letter for patrolman Gonzales to return the money. We will be taking civil action against him. We have already referred this to our legal then civil action will be taken against him if he refuses to return the amount,” he stressed. The QC People’s Law Enforcement Board started the conduct of a thorough investigation of the incident upon the order of Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte. The probe aims to identify the lapses committed by the police during the settlement of the case. Gonzales is currently in hot water after he was involved in a viral altercation with a cyclist in Quezon City on 28 August. He hit the cyclist on his head and even pulled out and cocked his gun. Gonzales said they had already settled the matter in a police station. It was reported that the cyclist paid Gonzales P500 for the damages to his vehicle during the settlement. Gonzales is now facing charges for alarm and scandal filed by the Quezon City Police District. The PNP Firearms and Explosives Office also revoked the License to Own and Possess Firearm, Firearm Registration and Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence of Gonzales. The Land Transportation Office also issued a 90-day preventive suspension on Gonzales’ driver’s license pending the conduct of an investigation on the matter. The post Return separation pay, viral ex-cop told appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gun-toting ex-cop in road rage incident should appear at Senate hearing – Ejercito
Gun-toting driver and dismissed policeman Wilfredo Gonzales should appear in the investigation of the Senate into the viral road rage incident in Quezon City, Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito said Friday. “He [Gonzales] is the principal character here; I think he should really appear,” Ejercito told reporters in a virtual interview. He said Gonzales’ appearance at the upper chamber’s scheduled hearing next week would shed light on the 8 August incident near Welcome Rotonda, Quezon City. “It would help us craft laws -- in aid of legislation. What we can do about it. Do we need to impose stiffer penalties for those who are involved in road rage incidents?” he said. Should Gonzales, who was caught in a now-deleted viral video physically assaulting and brandishing a gun at an unarmed cyclist, decide not to attend the hearing, the lawmaker said he could be summoned through a subpoena. The lawmaker, who is also a cyclist himself, also called on the cyclist who was physically assaulted by Gonzales to come forward. “He should not be scared because many people are willing to support him and provide protection for him,” Ejercito said. Earlier this week, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte urged the cyclist to come forward, saying she would protect and provide him with legal assistance. “We are appealing to the complainant to come forward so that Willy Gonzales, whom I consider a menace to society, is held accountable,” Belmonte said. “We want to assure the cyclist that we will extend legal assistance, as well as put him and his family in our protection so that justice is served,” she added. Following the incident, at least two resolutions have been filed in the upper chamber seeking to investigate the viral road rage incident. In Senate Resolution No. 763, Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri and Senator Pia Cayetano stressed that the “incident involves public order and safety, which is an important concern for everyone.” “This is a serious case involving public order and safety, which cannot simply be settled amicably and swept under the rug,” the resolution read. The two lawmakers also emphasized that the incident “highlights the safety of cyclists on the road, and the issue of road sharing, a concept that remains ignored by and alien to many Filipino motorists.” Meanwhile, Senator Raffy Tulfo filed a resolution seeking a Senate investigation into the rampant road rage incidents in the country that often involve the use of firearms and endanger innocent lives The post Gun-toting ex-cop in road rage incident should appear at Senate hearing – Ejercito appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
QCPD chief resignation accepted
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, in consultation with Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., and Interior secretary Benhur Abalos, on Wednesday, has accepted the resignation of Quezon City Police District chief Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III in connection with the road rage incident involving ex-cop Wilfredo Gonzales. The dismissed police officer figured in a confrontation with a bicycle rider in Quezon City last 8 August and faced a press conference later to the chagrin of critics who claimed special treatment for the embattled Gonzales. Torre, who presided over the conference and was slammed for “defending” Gonzales, resigned from his post to give way to the investigation into the road rage incident. Belmonte said she respects Torre’s decision resignation and expressed her gratitude for the time, effort, and dedication “that he devoted to his assignment throughout his tenure.” “I understand that missteps are a part of everyone’s journey, and it is the manner in which we address them that truly defines us. His willingness to take ownership of the situation is commendable,” Belmonte said in a statement. The Supreme Court on Wednesday confirmed that the gun-toting Gonzales was a coterminous employee under the Office of Associate Justice Ricardo Rosario. Justice Rosario’s office said the ex-cop was immediately fired on 27 August, or immediately after the video of the incident became viral on social media. Justice Rosario does not condone any form of violence or abusive behavior, a media advisory from the office of Justice Rosario, and signed by Judicial Staff Head Wilhelmina Aileen Mayuga, stated. Acorda said that he already talked to Torre who he said wanted to step down just to calm the clamor for his resignation . He lauded Torre for his delicadeza. “Torre explained to me his side and to some extent, there is merit in what he said. But of course, I respect his decision,” he stressed. Torre earlier dismissed allegations that the QCPD extended special treatment to Gonzales during his supposed settlement with the cyclist, saying his personnel “acted professionally.” “I submit my resignation to the Chief PNP, to the SILG and to my NCRPO Regional Director. I need to shield my organization especially QCPD from further brickbats and backlash because well there were several things I did na hindi maganda sa (which is not good ),” Torre told reporters in a phone interview. Senate resolution Meanwhile, a resolution has been introduced in the Senate to investigate the viral road rage video. In Senate Resolution No. 763, Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri and Senator Pia Cayetano stressed that the “incident involves public order and safety, which is an important concern for everyone.” “This is a serious case involving public order and safety, which cannot simply be settled amicably and swept under the rug,” the resolution read. With Pedring Labrador The post QCPD chief resignation accepted appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DFA’s Manalo off to Vietnam, Laos to strengthen bilateral ties
The Department of Foreign Affairs on Monday announced the visit of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo to Vietnam and Laos to review current relations and explore ways to strengthen bilateral ties with the two countries. In a statement, the DFA said Manalo will travel to Hanoi from 31 July to 3 August for the 10th Philippines-Vietnam Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation. Manalo and his Vietnamese counterparts are set to discuss areas of cooperation such as defense, maritime, economic and people-to-people ties. He is also slated to speak at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam with the theme, “Philippines-Vietnam Strategic Partnership in the Age of Change.” The 9th Philippines-Vietnam JCBC was held in Manila in 2019, attended by then-Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh. The DFA chief will then travel to Vientiane for the 2nd Philippines-Lao PDR JCBC on 3-5 August, where he will take stock of the current Philippines-Lao PDR relations and explore ways to expand cooperation. He will also engage with the diplomatic community through his talk at the Institute of Foreign Affairs, entitled “Closer Together: People at the Center of Philippines-Laos Relations.” The first Philippines-Lao PDR JCBC was also held in Manila last 2017, attended by then DFA Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith. According to the DFA, the JCBC is the primary mechanism that the Philippines has with both Vietnam and Laos that provides an opportunity to comprehensively discuss bilateral relations, as well as various regional and global issues. The post DFA’s Manalo off to Vietnam, Laos to strengthen bilateral ties appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
QC, DTI to integrate business name registrations
The local government of Quezon City and the Department of Trade and Industry announced Thursday that they have agreed to integrate the latter’s Business Name Registration System into the city’s Online Business Permit Application System to allow a seamless verification process and further boost ease of doing business. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual signed the memorandum of agreement for the integration which is expected to streamline business processes, detect fraudulent submission of requirements and effectively monitor compliance of QC-based businesses. “Since one of the requirements for processing the business permits of sole proprietors is the certificate of business name registration from DTI, we need to ensure compliance. Instead of manually verifying the authenticity of CBNRs, the integration will allow digital processing of data and documents thereby speeding up the process,” Belmonte said. Based on DTI’s data, business name applications processed online grew from 35 percent to 75 percent based on payment collections received since the development and launch of the BNRS Next Gen in 2019 while Quezon City is home to more than 65,000 businesses with almost half of them being DTI-registered. “So we deem it imperative to track growth, regularly monitor compliance, and gather necessary data for policies and programs,” said the QC mayor. With the integration of DTI’s BNRS into QC’s digital platform, Business Permits, and Licensing Department head Margarita Santos said concerns such as the submission of fake BNRS will be addressed. “This will also pave the way for faster evaluation of permit applications through an automated, system-to-system verification,” Belmonte said. The post QC, DTI to integrate business name registrations appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Prioritize the poor, bring gov’t services closer to needy
For many of our fellow Filipinos who can barely afford their daily expenses, getting treated in a hospital is oftentimes a burdensome choice that they resort to only if it is a matter of life and death. Usually, our struggling kababayans choose to endure their illness for fear of falling deeper into debt due to huge hospital bills, medicines and other expenses. And by this time, an ordinary disease has already become a serious medical condition. Their plight is what inspired us to initiate the Malasakit Centers program in 2018 which provides one-stop shops where our indigent patients may more conveniently access medical assistance from the government. By bringing together programs of various government agencies under one roof, such as the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, the centers streamline the process of availing medical assistance. I have been appealing to officials and workers in the health sector to prioritize the needs of the poor, especially in public health facilities since these patients have nowhere else to turn to but to seek the help of their government. I also appeal to all hospital staff to be patient and compassionate in guiding Filipinos, particularly the poor, so that they can properly have access to the services offered by our public hospitals and from the medical assistance programs available in any of our 158 Malasakit Centers nationwide. That is why as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and as the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, I make time to personally check on the operations of our Malasakit Centers across the country, in addition to attending the groundbreaking of Super Health Centers and leading our usual relief distributions for Filipinos in need. On 16 June, I conducted a monitoring visit to two Malasakit Centers in Leyte, where I was honored to be declared as an adopted son of the province through Resolution 2020-337 passed on 24 April 2020 and formally granted on 16 June by the provincial government. During the visit, I recognized the efforts of Governor Carlos Jericho “Icot” Petilla, Baybay City Mayor Jose Carlos “Boying” Cari and Vice Mayor Ernesto Butawan, Vice Governor Sandy Javier, Cong. Carl Cari, Cong. Karen Javier, Board Member Carlo Loreto, and other officials for their commitment to bringing government services closer to their constituents. I also visited the Malasakit Center at Baybay City Immaculate Conception Hospital where we assisted 30 out-patients, 140 in-patients, and 192 front liners, while the DSWD extended financial aid to qualified in-patients. We likewise inspected the Super Health Center and the new boardwalk in the city which I supported to help the community. I then checked on the operations of the Malasakit Center at Ormoc District Hospital in Ormoc City. We also assisted 283 patients and 211 front liners in the hospital, while 133 qualified inpatients received additional assistance from the DSWD. Following this, I led a relief operation for 1,065 struggling residents in the city and attended the ribbon-cutting of the newly constructed pentathlon facility with a dedicated fencing hall, among others — a project I supported as Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance and as Chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, together with the local government led by Cong. Richard Gomez and Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez. Earlier that week, I was in Davao del Norte to participate in the celebration of the first anniversary of an insurgency-free Davao del Norte led by Gov. Edwin Jubahib, held in Tagum City on 13 June. I also personally spearheaded a relief operation for 1,500 struggling residents in the city. Simultaneously, we provided more support to the community in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment which held an orientation for temporary employment to 721 individuals. Following this, I visited the town of Carmen with Mayor Leony Bahague to witness the groundbreaking of its Super Health Center and provide aid to 1,666 more indigents. On 15 June, I was in Quezon City with my team to witness the inauguration of two multipurpose buildings in Barangays Commonwealth and Payatas which I also supported for funding together with Councilor Mikey Belmonte. We likewise aided a thousand indigents in the city with Mayor Joy Belmonte. We then headed to Marikina City to assist 3,000 more struggling residents from Marikina City and the towns of San Mateo and Rodriguez, Rizal, together with Congresswoman Maan Teodoro and Mayor Marcy Teodoro; as well as the local officials from both towns in Rizal, such as Rodriguez Mayor Ronnie Evangelista and San Mateo Mayor Bartolome “Omie” Rivera Jr., among others. We also visited North Cotabato on 17 June, where we celebrated the 54th Araw ng Alamada led by Mayor Jesus Sacdalan and Cong. Joel Sacdalan and helped 840 farmers and 1,500 struggling residents in the town before going to Matalam to witness aspiring athletes in the Serbisyong Totoo Basketball Sports Clinic and to lead another distribution activity for 1,318 more residents from various sectors together with Gov. Lala Taliño-Mendoza. Across the country, my team aided indigent families and various sectors, including 136 in Samal, 33 in Balanga, and 82 in Limay, Bataan; 990 in Tagudin, Ilocos Sur; 150 in Damulog, Bukidnon; 350 in Iligan City; 100 in Tubod, Lanao del Norte; 550 in Malinao and Sto. Domingo, Albay; and two fire-hit households in Carcar City, Cebu. My team also attended the groundbreaking of the Super Health Center in Tiguma, Pagadian City. It is the fundamental right of every Filipino to receive proper medical care and social assistance from our government. I hope that with compassion for our struggling kababayans and the persistence to help uplift their lives, we can collectively ensure that the poor and most needy are not neglected as we continue our pursuit for progress and development. The post Prioritize the poor, bring gov’t services closer to needy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go aids indigents, inaugurate two new multipurpose buildings in QC
Senator Bong Go personally extended aid to disadvantaged communities in Barangay Payatas, Quezon City on Thursday, 15 June. Held at Doña Aurora covered court, Go and his team distributed grocery packs, vitamins, snacks, and masks to 1,000 indigent residents. They also gave select individuals new pairs of shoes, cellular phones, bicycles, and balls for basketball and volleyball. Prior to the relief activity, Go also attended the inauguration of two multipurpose buildings in Brgys. Commonwealth and Payatas. As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, he was instrumental in securing the necessary funding for the construction of these projects. In his speech, Go reminded everyone to stay cautious following a recent earthquake, saying, “Bago ‘yan gusto ko lang pong ipaalala sa inyo mag-ingat tayo dahil bago lang po nag-earthquake.” Go also emphasized the importance of safety and urged citizens to heed the government’s instructions in times of emergencies. “Pero ingat tayo ha, kung ano ‘yung paalala ng ating gobyerno, ni Mayor. Kung lumabas kaagad sa ligtas na lugar sundin po natin ang paalala ng inyong mga local government officials ha, nakikiusap ako sa inyo para ligtas kayo,” he urged. On Thursday, Mindoro Island experienced an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 on the Richter scale. The impact of the seismic activity was felt in Metro Manila, as well as in the neighboring provinces. As the country is prone to various calamities such as typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, Go stressed that his proposed Senate Bill No. 188, which seeks to establish the Department of Disaster Resilience, would centralize efforts, streamline coordination, and ensure a more swift and effective response to emergencies. To complement the DDR, Go also filed SBN 193, or the Mandatory Evacuation Center Act, which aims to ensure the availability of safe and clean evacuation centers in every city, municipality, and province across the country. Meanwhile, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go then encouraged the public to avail of medical assistance from any of the 11 Malasakit Centers in the city. Malasakit Centers in Quezon City are located at the Lung Center of the Philippines, Novaliches District Hospital, Philippine Heart Center, Philippine Children’s Medical Center, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, East Avenue Medical Center, Veterans Memorial Medical Center, Philippine Orthopedic Center, National Children’s Hospital, Philippine National Police General Hospital, and Quirino Memorial Medical Center. Go is 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, 158 operational centers have helped more than seven million Filipinos nationwide, according to the DOH. “Sa mga pasyente, lapitan niyo lang ang Malasakit Center dahil para ‘to sa inyo. Kung may hospital bill kayo, nandiyan ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno na tutulong para mabayaran ito,” said Go. Go also continues to bring government medical services closer to the grassroots as he advocated for the establishment of Super Health Centers in various parts of the country. In Quezon City, necessary funds have been allocated for the DOH to construct Super Health Centers in six different barangays. The senator also sponsored in the Senate the passage of RA No. 11501 in 2020, increasing the QMMC’s bed capacity from 500 to 1,000 beds; and RA No. 11561 in 2021, increasing the EAMC’s bed capacity from 600 to 1,000 beds. He likewise supported the rehabilitation of the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center and VMMC road networks, road and drainage improvement works along the Quirino Highway and P. Dela Cruz Road, construction of an advanced cardiac catheterization laboratory and expansion of the new emergency room building at the EAMC, and construction of a five-story multipurpose building at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo. Ending his message, Go expressed his gratitude to local officials, including Mayor Joy Belmonte, Councilor Mikey Belmonte, Councilor Godie Liban, and others, for their unwavering dedication and service to the people they represent. “Bilang inyong senador, tutulong ako sa abot ng aking makakaya at isusulong ko ang mga proyekto, panukala at adhikain na makakatulong sa bawat Pilipino. To the best of my ability, aalalay ako sa pag-unlad ng inyong komunidad,” Go stressed. “Sa mga kababayan natin dito, alam kong mahirap pa rin ang panahon ngayon pero ipagpatuloy niyo lang ang inyong suporta sa gobyerno at tuloy lang din ang malasakit natin sa bawat isa. Tayo ay makakaahon din mula sa krisis na ito,” he encouraged. On the same day, Go also extended his assistance to indigent residents from Marikina City, and Rodriguez and San Mateo, Rizal. The post Bong Go aids indigents, inaugurate two new multipurpose buildings in QC 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......»»
‘Bistek’ pleads not guilty to graft case
This was the first words uttered by former Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista after pleading not guilty to graft charges he and his former City Administrator Aldrin Cuña are facing before the Sandiganbayan Seventh Division at their arraignment yesterday morning. The graft case was in connection with the alleged anomalous computerization project worth P32 million which the two former city officials awarded to Geodata Solutions for an Online Occupational Permitting and Tracking System despite the absence of a specific appropriation approved by the city council. “Not guilty po tayo. (This is) politically motivated. The case was filed against me by the Quezon City government,” Bautista said after coming out from their arraignment and faced the media. But he refused to drop names as to who is behind the filing of the supposed “politically motivated” case against him. “Kayo na bahala roon, (It’s up to you.),” he said. Bautista along with Cuña personally entered their non-guilty plea during their arraignment for the case filed by the Ombudsman, which accused them of exercising “partiality” in awarding the contract. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said it was the Office of the Ombudsman who elevated the case at the graft court Sandiganbayan. Enrico Mira Jr., counsel for Cuña, tried to defer the arraignment by telling the graft court that they have filed a Motion to Quash a day before, but the Sandiganbayan denied, since Cuña failed to serve the prosecution a copy of the said pleading ahead of the arraignment date in violation of Rules of Court. Associate Justice Theresa Gomez-Estoesta said the Division Chairperson immediately ruled that “Section 13 of the Rules of Court is clear. The motion is denied outright.” Bautista also told reporters that he had served his city well starting from then Kabatang Barangay, (now Sangguinang Kabataan or SK) and became an honorary council member as the youth representative, then became a vice mayor, and mayor until his term ended in 2019. “I devoted myself to Quezon City for 34 years, and then because of politics, we have this (case),” Bautista said. The post ‘Bistek’ pleads not guilty to graft case appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Herbert Bautista on graft case: ‘Not guilty, politically motivated’
Former Quezon City mayor Herbert Bautista pleaded not guilty to graft charges he and his former city administrator Aldrin Cuña are facing before the Sandiganbayan Seventh Division, at their arraignment yesterday morning. Bautista called the charges "politically motivated." “Not guilty po tayo. (This is) politically motivated. The case was filed against me by the Quezon City government,” Bautista said after the arraignment. But he refused to say who is behind the filing of the case against him. “Kayo na bahala roon (It's up to you.),” he said. The graft case was in connection with the alleged anomalous computerization project worth P32 million that the two former city officials awarded to Geodata Solutions for an Online Occupational Permitting and Tracking System, despite the absence of a specific appropriation approved by the city council. The case was filed by the Ombudsman, which accused them of exercising "partiality" in awarding the contract. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte reiterated this point to the Daily Tribune. “Ombudsman po ang nag-file ng case sa Sandiganbayan, hindi po QC government (It was the Ombudsman that filed the case with the Sandiganbayan, not the QC government),” Belmonte said. Enrico Mira, Jr., counsel for Cuña, tried to defer the arraignment by telling the graft court that they had filed a Motion to Quash a day before, but the Sandiganbayan denied the appeal, since Cuña failed to serve the prosecution a copy of the said pleading ahead of the arraignment date in violation of the Rules of Court. Associate Justice Theresa Gomez-Estoesta, the Division chairperson, immediately ruled that "Section 13 of the Rules of Court is clear. The motion is denied outright." She ordered that the pre-trial conference should commence, with both the prosecution and defense agreeing to the existence, due execution and authenticity of documents related to the Geodata contract such as Bids and Awards Committee Resolution, Notice of Award and delivery receipts, among others. Bautista also told reporters that he had served his city well, starting from the Kabatang Barangay (now Sangguinang Kabataan or SK) and becoming an honorary council member as youth representative, then vice mayor and finally mayor until his term ended in 2019. "I devoted myself to Quezon City for 34 years, and then because of politics, we have this (case),” Bautista said. The post Herbert Bautista on graft case: ‘Not guilty, politically motivated’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
11-M Pinoys lack clean water access
Around 11 million Filipinos are lacking access to clean water based on the estimation of the National Water Resources Board, according to Senator Pia Cayetano on Monday. The lawmaker — who presided the public inquiry on water sustainability — stressed that poor families are left to rely on water sources such as deep wells, springs, rivers, lakes and rainwater which are not necessarily potable and in many cases, not reliable. Cayetano, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, Innovation and Future, lamented that the lack of access to potable water had forced families to defecate in the open areas — increasing the tendency of water contamination which mainly causes the spread of diseases. Meantime, Senator Raffy Tulfo suggested that it is high time for the country to maximize modern technologies to ensure that Filipinos will intake safe drinking water within their homes. “We have to reduce our reliance on groundwater, deep wells... we have to explore other options for the people. We have to make use of modern technologies that are readily available like solar-powered systems… we can also explore the use of rainwater treatment facilities,” Tulfo said. The Philippine Statistics Authority previously reported that some 53,066 Filipinos died between 2010 and 2019 due to water-borne diseases, such as typhoid and para-typhoid fever, diarrhea and cholera. The post 11-M Pinoys lack clean water access appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
TEKA MUNA, CAYETANO
YES, bok, talakayin natin itong napipintong pagbabalik-Senado ni Alan Peter Cayetano. Marami ang diskumpyado. Karapat-dapat nga ba siyang manungkulan? E dangan naman kasi, hanggang ngayon, ‘di pa tapos ang liquidation sa ginamit niyang pondo para sa 2019 South East Asian Games. Sa pagbabalik-tanaw natin, ang Pilipinas ang host sa naturang palaro ng mga bansa sa […] The post TEKA MUNA, CAYETANO appeared first on REMATE ONLINE......»»
MGA KAKANDIDATONG SENADOR
NOONG 2016 Presidential Election, ang mga nanalong senador ay sina Franklin Drilon, Joel Villanueva, Tito Sotto, Ping Lacson, Richard Gordon, Migz Zubiri, Manny Pacquiao, Kiko Pangilinan, Risa Hontiveros, Win Gatchalian, Ralph Recto at Leila De Lima. Noon namang 2019 Mid-Term Election, ang mga nanalong senators ay sina Cynthia Villar, Grace Poe, Bong Go, Pia Cayetano, […] The post MGA KAKANDIDATONG SENADOR appeared first on REMATE ONLINE......»»
“Walang lockdown”: UK variant patient, ‘di umuwi sa Kamuning – Belmonte
QUEZON CITY – Walang basehan para ilagay sa lockdown ang Barangay Kamuning na pinagmulan ng 29-anyos na residenteng nagpositibo sa Uk variant ng Coronavirus Disease (2019), ayon sa alkalde ng lungsod, Huwebes. Miyerkoles nang gabi nang ianunsyon ng Department of Health na taga-Kamuning ang lalaking nakitaan ng UK variant ng COVID-19. Umalis at nagtunog siya […] The post “Walang lockdown”: UK variant patient, ‘di umuwi sa Kamuning – Belmonte appeared first on REMATE ONLINE......»»
QC gov t terminates convention center project, other improvident contracts
"When the Internal Audit Service was formed in 2019, its main purpose was to ensure that funds are allocated properly and efficiently, towards the best use of taxpayers,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said in a press release......»»
Covid-19 cases in Taguig down to 9
Taguig Mayor Lino Cayetano. (File photo) MANILA – The number of active coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases in Taguig has further declined to nine as of Nov. 11, Mayor Lino Cayetano said on Friday. With this development, Taguig has now the lowest number of active Covid-19 cases in the National Capital Region. In a statement, […].....»»
Cayetano welcomes SEAG probe
Cayetano welcomes SEAG probe Delon Porcalla (The Philippine Star) – November 13, 2020 – 12:00am MANILA, Philippines — Former Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano is ready to face any investigation with regard to alleged anomalies involving the country’s hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, which opposition Sen. Risa Hontiveros wanted to investigate. “All of these […].....»»
Cayetano welcomes SEAG probe
Former Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano is ready to face any investigation with regard to alleged anomalies involving the country’s hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, which opposition Sen. Risa Hontiveros wanted to investigate......»»