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Stop motorcycle taxi expansion, Marcos urged
Various transport groups yesterday appealed to President Marcos to stop the expansion of motorcycle taxis in Metro Manila amid the impending decision of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board o authorize several companies as players in the pilot study......»»
Employers’ group asks President Marcos: Veto P100 wage hike law
President Marcos should veto a proposed measure legislating a P100 daily across-the-board increase for the private sector as there is no way that small businesses can comply with the legislated wage hike, Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) chairman Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. said yesterday......»»
SMNI asks NTC to specify network’s violations
Sonshine Media Network International appealed their franchise violation cases before the National Telecommunications Commission and the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board on Thursday......»»
P1B for Marawi victims a cruel joke (1)
I beg my readers’ kind indulgence for using this column as a platform to air our grievances. This is something personal to us, and it is my moral obligation to add my voice to the public indignation sweeping a part of Morolandia. For transparency and disclosure, my family was a victim of the war and is seeking compensation for the damage to our precious possessions. Having said that, as the national budget deliberations for 2024 draw to a near conclusion, the public discourse in Morolandia on the compensation for the 2017 Marawi Siege victims heightened. It’s the issue much discussed in public fora, coffee shops, and social media platforms of Muslims. The Moro attention is largely riveted to the budget deliberations in the House of Representatives, where the budget bill originates by provision of the Constitution. Social media likewise reported the hearing conducted by the Oversight Committee for the Marawi Compensation Law jointly chaired by Senator Ronald dela Rosa and Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong. According to reports, P1 billion is proposed in the 2024 budget for compensation, which is the same amount appropriated in the current budget, alarmed resident victims. They have reason to fear that P1 billion is becoming the appropriation template for the ensuing years. The Marawi Compensation Board or MCB, created to process, approve and pay legitimate claims, will fold the tent and become a functus oficio in 2028 because the law provides for a five-year life span. Let’s do the math. If the budget is not increased, the aggregate appropriation for Marawi victims will only be P5 billion, which is ridiculously insufficient vis-a-vis the number of victims and the magnitude of their claims. From an unofficial report, we gathered that “as of 18 September 2023, there were 75 death claims, 74 structural claims, 1,858 other properties claims, and 4,041 multiple claims. Hence, there were 6,048 claims as of the latest report by the in-take team from July to September. (And) 362 claims have been evaluated or are ready for final deliberation.” The claims statistics are increasing exponentially by the day, with the list of claimants getting longer. The MCB asks for something like P10 billion or more as an aggregate ballpark figure to compensate all the victims. The sparse appropriation has triggered unkind comments from citizens calling the proposed amount outrageously deficient, cruel jokes and insulting the victims. While the public is amused by the stories in tri- and social media on funding for projects that are less urgent — like the millions needed for the confidential and intelligence funds of agencies to address “kuno” (allegedly) the threat of terrorism — here we have a situation where the threat of terrorism is real. Our security and intelligence authorities will tell you that the remnants of the ISIS-affiliated Maute Dawliyah Islamia group are just around the corner, engaged in sporadic hit-and-run guerrilla ambushes to make their presence known. Terrorist cells are confirmed to be existing in the hinterlands of Morolandia. The disgruntled victims of the Marawi war are easy prey for recruitment by the dissidents. There is no denying the depth and scale of the damage sustained by the Marawi victims of the war. The whole world was watching on their television sets for months the daily telenovela-like bombing of the city in what Confucious described as “burning the house to catch a rat.” We have written numerous published articles pleading for cessation of the bombing, but the thrashing by state authorities continued. We note with gratitude the public expression of support by Senator De la Rosa, chair of the Special Committee on Marawi Rehabilitation, who spent years studying at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, along with Muslim Senator Robinhood Padilla. Senator Risa Hontiveros, in her recent trip to Marawi, saw for herself the progress of the claims processing and has likewise committed support. The list of senators and House representatives joining the chorus of support is getting longer. (To be continued) amb_mac_lanto@yahoo.com The post P1B for Marawi victims a cruel joke (1) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US firms to dip fingers into MIF
An in-depth study by the Asian Central Journal or ACJ dated 20 July 2023 reveals that the Department of Finance forged a $1-million contract with a US PR firm, Weber Shandwick Philippines or WSP, that was signed in early January 2023, according to WSP sources. The ACJ study asks why the Maharlika Investment Fund or MIF bill was signed at the precise time Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri was in the US. “On 21 June, Senate President Zubiri reportedly signed an ‘enrolled’ copy of the MIF. Jose Manuel Romualdez, the Philippine ambassador to the US, was present for the signing. Ambassador Romualdez has long held the positions of chairman and CEO at WSP.” The ACJ study reports that, “The US was designated as the top campaign market in the PR strategy to draw US investment” and that “the MIF might be used by the US as a means of financial pressure on the (Philippines).” In other words, US funds for the MIF may be used as bait for the US to get major MIF projects in the future. The study says the WSP PR strategy aims (1) “to decrease misconceptions about the MIF, particularly those pertaining to abuse and corruption” (downplaying corruption helps fuel it); (2) “to raise awareness of it as an instrument for economic development” (sanctifying corruption as ‘economic development’); and (3) “MIF management and investment may be subject to US intervention. DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman stated on 19 April that several US corporate organizations and investors are eager to assist us in structuring the MIF.” This dangerous move towards achieving US corporate funds for the MIF will easily increase corruption tenfold, with the participation of US corporations. This was the strategy of US oil firms in Nigeria in partnership with a corrupt government to siphon the oil for the West. The US corporations turned a blind eye to the corruption. The strategy triggered the growth of terrorists in the Muslim-dominated deep north which did benefit from the “development” received by the Christian-dominated south. The ACJ report, citing the MIF, warns, “There looms a grave concern: the specter of corruption.” It cites two cases. “Norway’s sovereign wealth fund lost $174 billion (about P8.7 trillion) in the first half of 2022, while (the Singapore-based) Temasek Holdings, which is primarily regarded as a sovereign wealth fund, has seen a net loss of S$7.3 billion throughout the nearly 50 years since its founding.” If less corrupt-prone affluent nations like Norway and Singapore are unable to contain corruption in sovereign wealth funds, what more a Third World nation like the Philippines, which is noted for rampant unstoppable corruption? In its 2020-2022 survey, the Philippines ranked no. 116 out of 180 nations (the higher the ranking, the more corrupt) in the Corruption Perceptions Index published by Transparency International. Norway ranked No. 4 and Singapore No. 5 as least corrupt. (Source: Wikipedia). The MIF Act provides that a Maharlika Investment Corporation or MIC will be established to manage the MIF fund. The ACJ study is concerned that the MIC board of directors will consist of presidential appointees “based on favor rather than talent… in a nation where nepotism is rife.” (Ambassador Romualdez is the second cousin of Marcos Jr. It’s all in the family.) This will induce a “lack of transparency in regulation and a high risk of financial embezzlement.” The ACJ study argues that “the MIF could be a weapon for politicians to steal from the public coffers,” citing the case of Angola. In 2018, Jose Filomeno dos Santos, ex-sovereign fund chairman and son of ex-President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, was charged with the theft of $1.5 billion. In 2015, the Wall Street Journal reported that Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak transferred about $700 million from the 1Malaysia Development Berhad fund to his personal account. The ACJ study reports that Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised $6.5 billion in five years. In an investigation after the 1MDB scandal broke out, Goldman Sachs admitted stealing $1 billion from 1MDB “to bribe officials in Malaysia and other nations, including (payments) for the extravagant lifestyles of Malaysian officials and purchasing luxury yachts and hotels for them.” Goldman Sachs pocketed $4.6 billion in bribes and kickbacks. Ex-Goldman Sachs banker Roger Ng was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in the massive 1MDB heist. It will be easy for creative Filipino politicians to improve on this type of ‘Financial Terrorism’ with the help of equally corrupt Western corporations. They must be drooling in excitement. This evil partnership of government and multinationals is the biggest hindrance to the true development of Third World countries. Even as the MIF heist is yet to happen, the solons are cooking up a more sinister storm, the Overseas Filipino Workers Sovereign Wealth Fund, tapping the biggest dollar earner of the country. This is “stealing” the hard-earned money of our workers. The OFWs may rise in protest. *** eastwindreplyctr@gmail.com The post US firms to dip fingers into MIF appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Malacañang asks gov’t agencies to conserve water as El Niño looms
Malacañang on Friday has directed all government agencies to strictly implement water conservation measures in light of the looming El Niño phenomenon or the long dry spell. In Memorandum Circular No. 22, dated 7 June 2023 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, the Palace orders the Water Resource Management Office (WRMO) and its network of agencies to take the lead in implementing water conservation measures to avert a possible water crisis amid the dry spell in the next months. The palace also directed all government agencies, including government-owned or -controlled corporations and state universities and colleges, to "identify and implement specific quantifiable and attainable water conservation measures that will result in ten percent (10%) water volume reduction of their respective first quarter (January to March 2023) water consumption." Malacañang also ordered the Local Water Utilities Administration, National Water Resources Board, and the Metropolitan Water and Sewerage System, while private water service providers (WSPs) are enjoined, to submit to the WRMO a monthly supply-demand projection to determine possible deficit in water supply in the near future. “National government-run WSPs are hereby directed, and local government-run WSPs are hereby encouraged, to immediately complete their projects to reduce non-revenue water and upgrade their distribution pipes,” the memorandum circular read. “Local government units are encouraged to process the requests of WSPs for waterworks within a reasonable period of time," it added. The Memorandum Circular mentioned that the WRMO "shall identify strategies towards water conservation measures and provide quarterly updates to the Office of the President, through the Office of the Executive Secretary, on the progress thereof." The post Malacañang asks gov’t agencies to conserve water as El Niño looms appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
156 Sudan OFWs repatriated soon
The Department of Foreign Affairs on Monday revealed that the government is now preparing for the repatriation of at least 156 overseas Filipino workers from war-torn Sudan. DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Affairs Eduardo Jose de Vega in a public briefing said that out of 300 Filipinos who sought assistance from the Philippine post in Sudan, 156 have completed their documents. De Vega said those who have complete documents can be evacuated “at any given moment,” adding that there are now a total of 696 registered Filipinos in Sudan, of which 300 have signified their intent to be rescued. The problem, however, is that not all Filipinos in Sudan have their important documents with them such as valid passports. “The number continues to increase, whenever the embassy asks them to let us know their whereabouts the number increases too,” De Vega said. “There are now a total of 696 registered Filipinos in Sudan, out of that, 156 are ready to be rescued at any given moment. They have their passports, other documents and just waiting for the call from the government,” he added. The DFA official also stressed that OFWs are not allowed to leave Sudan if they do not have proper documentations. “You are not allowed to leave Sudan if you do not have papers… Others don’t have valid passports while there are those whose passports are possessed by their company or employers,” De Vega said. “Not everybody wants to go home, but all of them want to be evacuated,” he added. Meanwhile, De Vega also shared that at least three Filipinos were rescued by the Saudi Arabian government. He said these OFWs were employees of Saudi Airlines. “They were brought along with other employees to Port Sudan by the Saudi government. From there, they were fetched by a military vessel from Saudi Arabia that took them to Jeddah,” De Vega said. He also expressed his gratitude to the Saudi Arabian government for rescuing the said Filipinos. “We are thankful for Saudi Arabia,” De Vega said. “We are also appealing to them if they could also bring other Filipinos to Port Sudan.” “If they have future repatriation, maybe they can board other Filipinos in their military vessel as it looks like they are open to the idea,” he added. The post 156 Sudan OFWs repatriated soon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NEA decision to remove Beneco board hailed
An umbrella organization of electric cooperatives in the country has lauded a bold initiative by the National Electrification Administration to recall the probational appointment of the general manager of the Benguet Electric Cooperative (Beneco) in a bid to save the privately owned utility firm from further regression......»»
As LRT fare hikes looms, BAYAN asks: Where s the public consultation?
A militant multi-sectoral group is outraged after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) approved petitions to increase fares collected by two major railway systems in Metro Manila — this without mention of any public consultation......»»
NEA removes Beneco board due to irregularities
The National Electrification Administration has ordered the removal of the board of directors of the Benguet Electric Cooperative due to long-standing irregularities in the management of the electric cooperative......»»
Transport group asks gov’t to extend LTFRB’s service-contracting program
CEBU CITY, Philippines — A transport group is urging the government to extend the implementation of the service-contracting program of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). Service contracting is funded under Republic Act no. 11519 or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, also known as Bayanihan 2. Jaime Aguilar, secretary-general of the […] The post Transport group asks gov’t to extend LTFRB’s service-contracting program appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Solgen asks UP Board of Regents for Leonen’s SALNs
The Office of the Solicitor General has asked the University of the Philippines’ highest governing body to allow the release of Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen’s wealth declarations from his time as a faculty member of the state university......»»
Kuya Bong sends aid to boxers in Benguet
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go sent his team to Baguio City to distribute assistance to 77 boxers from Benguet province identified by the Games and Amusement Board on Thursday, 11 March. “Sa mga boksingero po diyan, ang aking opisina po ay patuloy na umiikot at makapagbigay ng kaunting tulong sa mga sektor na nawalan po ng […] The post Kuya Bong sends aid to boxers in Benguet appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BENGUET CORPORATION: Notice of Annual Stockholder s Meeting
Notice is hereby given that the Annual Stockholders' Meeting of Benguet Corporation will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at 3 o'clock p.m. at the Company's Board Room, 7th Floor Universal Re Building. 106 Paseo de Roxas, 1226 Makati City, Philippines. .....»»
LTFRB asks EDSA buses to switch to cashless fare collection by Oct. 1
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board said Monday it will implement a cashless transaction system using Beep cards on public utility buses using the EDSA Busway System starting Oct. 1......»»
Cebu Provincial Board asks lessors to extend deferment of rental for biz, residential spaces
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Amid the continuing economic challenge due to the quarantine restrictions, the Cebu Provincial Board has called owners of business and residential spaces to allow the deferment of the payment of their tenants’ rentals. In a resolution, Board Member Glenn Anthony Soco, who chairs the Committee on Commerce, Trade, and Industry, said […] The post Cebu Provincial Board asks lessors to extend deferment of rental for biz, residential spaces appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Benguet mulls regulation of veggie delivery clustering scheme
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Aug. 6 (PIA) - - The provincial board is mulling for the regulation and institutionalization of the clustering scheme for the scheduled delivery of vegetables in the governmen.....»»
Benguet mulls regulation of veggie delivery clustering scheme
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Aug. 6 (PIA) - - The provincial board is mulling for the regulation and institutionalization of the clustering scheme for the scheduled delivery of vegetables in the governmen.....»»
Cebu PB asks IATF to revisit need for ‘unsafe, impractical’ motorcycle barriers
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Citing experts’ insights on motorcycle barriers being unsafe, the Cebu Provincial Board has joined the appeals for the national Interagency Task Force (IATF) to reconsider the requirement for allowing backriding among couples. In a resolution adopted on Monday, July 27, 2020, the Provincial Board said while the intention of requiring motorcycle […] The post Cebu PB asks IATF to revisit need for ‘unsafe, impractical’ motorcycle barriers appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Cavite nagdeklara ng ‘state of calamity’ dahil sa ‘pertussis outbreak’
NASA ilalim na ng “state of calamity” ang probinsya ng Cavite. Ito ay dahil dumadami na ang mga nahahawa ng pertussis o whooping cough sa probinsya. Ayon sa provincial government, nakapagtala na sila ng 26 confirmed cases at kabaling na riyan ang anim na namatay dahil sa nasabing sakit. Narito ang datos ng Cavite kaugnay.....»»